We stopped over at Tewkesbury site twice - once on the way up to the Lake District, then again on the way back. We didn’t read any of the Reviews until after we got home, so had formed our opinions indepdently. However, we did read the Club blurb about the site and were a bit surprised when the site didn’t come up to expectations. There are many good points about the site. Excellent facilities, friendly Wardens, and a great location. But, considering it’s recent refurb, we expected level ground rather than the lumpy and uneven grass pitches, attractive landscaping rather than the austere field-like appearance and worst of all, we expected space but got a site that reminded us of some of the poorer commercial sites that we haven’t returned to. Having said that, we will return to this site because Tewkesbury seems to be a lovely little town which deserves more than a flying visit. We will make sure we are out of season next time so it is hopefully less crowded on the site. It may well be that the Club has attractive landscaping plans for this site but have been stymied by the extreme weather, that would be completely understandable. I agree with the Reviewer who suggested more fencing was required to help overcome the temptation to walk over other members pitches. Mind you, if it wasn’t so crowded there would be more room to create legitimate short cuts!
Comment from the Club:
Thank you to those members who have posted reviews of Tewkesbury. Obviously the Club is keen to understand what members think of the site following its recent redevelopment; in view of some of the comments that have arisen we thought that the following background might help.
Firstly, we managed to secure a new long lease which enabled the site work to go ahead as we were extremely keen to keep this site available for members to use. Securing the lease was a long, protracted process requiring considerable determination on the part of the Estates team. The redevelopment was only achieved following the receipt of planning consent which was subject to a number of planning conditions, several of which are visible in the design of the site. The toilet block is a typical example, which we had to raise to counter the Environment Agency’s flood risk concerns.
As part of the upgrade and to reduce the number of occasions when pitches are closed due to flooding we have created 50 new all weather pitches of which 18 are serviced. In total there are still the same number of pitches on site as previously. Three service points and a new (grill style) motorhome waste point have been built.
We realise that the landscaping/planting is not yet as it should be. Clearly we could have waited for this to become more established but with this extremely dry weather this possibly could have pushed the site opening date back considerably and so we felt it best to get the site open for member use so that it could be enjoyed this season. Completing the landscaping/planting during the hot weather would have been a waste of members’ money as it would only have to be redone so the work will be scheduled later in the year. So we apologise if it remains somewhat unsightly and hope that members will understand.
