[tl:gallery index=0 size=103×155]Our Gentleman Jack Bancroft is an irredeemable motorcaravaning enthusiast. His family have been camping, caravanning and motorcaravanning since 1928. Jack and his wife Flora are now on their tenth motorhome, a 2003 Auto-Sleeper Pollensa on a Ford Transit base. They have toured extensively at home and abroad, including a period of full-timing. Here, Jack answers your motorcaravanning queries:

 

Q: Which of the three national Clubs should we join?

 Sally Haig and Sarah Plèvait, Yorkshire

 

A: A short question which deserves a longer answer! There are two major clubs and one midi one, plus hundreds of smaller groups of folk who regularly get together.


The two major ones are the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Both have a large network of sites, most of which they own, together with a few they manage on behalf of the landowner. Members get a discount on site fees at those which are open to the public, plus exclusive use of ‘members only’ sites.

 

In addition, the country is divided into local groups called ‘Centres’ (Caravan Club) or DAs (District Associations) in the C&CC. These local groups arrange weekends away (frequently referred to as ‘rallies’) or longer holiday meets. All members of each club are entitled to attend arranged breaks in any area. In addition, both offer special insurance schemes and help with arranging European tours, as well as a free monthly magazine and a site directory listing ‘club’ sites, commercial sites and places where up to five motorcaravans can stay for a few nights.

 

The third option is the Motor Caravanners’ Club (MCC). It is smaller than the other two, but the only one run solely by motorcaravanners for motorcaravanners. All makes and ages of ’van are welcome including home-built DIY ones. They do not have a site network (apart from a number of five-’van sites, open to the public) but offer everything else that the other two do.

 

We are active members of all three, have been for yonks and consider it money well spent. If I had to be more selective, I’d join the MCC for rallies and either of the other two for sites and services. Those with friends who camp under canvas will obviously opt for the C&CC, so that everyone can go away together. Otherwise, there is nothing to choose between them.

 

We’ve had so many enjoyable times at events hosted by all three. Please be aware that all these clubs campaign tirelessly on our behalf against corrosive freedom-limiting legislation, and also lobby for improved safety standards in motorhome construction. Our subscriptions help to fund this.

 

 

CONTACTS

● Camping and Caravanning Club
Tel: 0845 130 7632
Web: www.thefriendlyclub.co.uk

 

● Caravan Club
Tel: 0800 328 6635
Web: www.thecaravanclub.co.uk

● Motor Caravanners’ Club
Tel: 020 8893 3883
Web: www.motorcaravanners.eu