PCGB Main Event - Ragley Hall - Camping

[JayKayEm]

Hello All,

Scary stuff this topic creation lark!

I have decided to raise this issue here (in my "˜home' 944 forum) rather than the unfrequented "˜Events' section as I would like some support from like-minded members.

Last year, and many years before, I have always camped at PCGB main events. I have always sat round a mahoosive bonfire, drank beer and talked Porsches. I have met some brilliant people by camping alone, and to me, that is what these events are all about. That, and man's basic needs of Porsches, beer and burning stuff.

Ironically too, not so long ago, we were all greeted to the PCGB site by a 70's 911 in a camping shot. Remember?

So imagine my horror when at the base of the A4 ticket ordering sheet (with PP) there is a disclaimer saying camping, fires and BBQ's are not permitted anywhere on the Ragley Estate.

This worries me on many levels :

a) That a venue is so posh it frowns upon camping.

b) I have not got 50+ quid for a Travelodge, let alone hotel.

c) That camping is not allowed at a venue surrounded by fields.

I would like my car "˜upfront' this year, so the ideal situation is drive up and clean Saturday ready for an early start Sunday.

I spoke to PCGB reception and received an answer not too dissimilar to "˜computer says no' i.e. its Ragley's Estate, so Ragleys rules, sorry.

There is a suggested "˜other' campsite on the sheet, of which I have telephoned, called Island Meadow. They too did not want black squares from instant BBQs and presumably any engine to go above 2,500rpm.

All I need is a field!

Primarily, if someone higher up the PCGB food chain than myself can raise this as an issue, with the support of others on this forum, then that would be great.

If not, then tell me to shut up and I will accept it. [&o]

My thanks and regards,

Jay.

 

[Diver944]

Well spotted Jay.

That's the first that I have heard of no camping at Ragley and I think its a big mistake to have booked an event there. The 944 Register and my local Region have always camped at the years major event and despite my hatred for camping it's always been one of the joys to sit around outside in the evening chewing the cud with fellow anoraks (errr enthusiasts).

I believe there is camping at the Silverstone Historic weekend which was originally planned to be the years major event so maybe that would provide a good alternative. There will be a good 944 presence there (especially for the birthday Parade laps), but annoyingly I can't go due to a previously booked family holiday []

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Thread started in the members section.....[][][]

 

[John Sims]

Hi Jay,

Don't worry about starting threads here, we will look after you.

I agree with you 110% on the camping. To my mind the best thing about previous National events has been the camping, the beers, laughter and legendary deforestation. I see little point in mooching about at a Stately home looking at the cars you looked at last year and the year before that. These events should be fun and camping is all part of the holiday experience. And if you want more than a Shandy at the event, without on site accommodation, you are pretty well up a gum tree.

I'm sure you will remember that many join the camp site fun without even having a tent....it's that good.

I'm at Silverstone for three days and haven't decided what to do yet - sort out accommodation or commute. Silverstone doesn't have a camp site but there is camping available at the adjacent golf course and leisure centre - I've got to say this doesn't appeal to me.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: John Sims

I'm sure you will remember that many join the camp site fun without even having a tent....it's that good.

Yup []

It's always fun joining in with "Firestarter" Sims and co [8D]

 

[John Sims]

I don't start them ......always. []

 

[biker]

Dear Campers

Give Ragley a chance, they just can't do camping and BBQ, fire hazards etc.... please do try the campsite nearby shown on the booking form. I'm sure if enough of you book and 'charm' the owners they will respond.

We need to try new venues for our events, and Ragley is stunning, and about having a really good one day national event that appeals to all. We do try exceptionally hard to please every member, which is nigh impossible.

Lou

 

[JayKayEm]

Paul,

My apologies. Me bad. Actual plans, rather than just camping support, can be posted here :

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=292413

 

[944Turbo]

the campsite was the best bit,
Tony

 

[r24]

camp site down the road not quite the same as on site hope next year we can have a two day event as i know there is a lot of members that enjoy the night out with out haveing to worry about drink driving. No drinking at this one then [8D]

 

[944Turbo]

Oh and the only reason I booked in advance previously was to get a camping spot,
Tony

 

[John Sims]

While I appreciate that the midlands is central it is quite a haul for those of us in the corners of the country - particularly if you have young children (and puppies) to contend with.

To be on site early to enjoy the full day will mean leaving at silly o'clock in the morning and, no doubt, getting home at well past "night night" time. I can see many who would go for the full event, and camp, in the past not going at all. I'm pretty certain I will be the only member of Team Sims in attendance.

 

[944Turbo]

eynsham 05

 

[944Turbo]

big log - hot fire

 

[944Turbo]

without flash

 

[944Turbo]

2006 with flash

 

[944Turbo]

and in the dark,

 

[John Sims]

Nice pictures.

And, from someone who appreciates such things, that is a nice looking, tidy, well controlled fire.

 

[944Turbo]

thanks, amazingly steady hand considering the beer consumed
and look at the quality of that sawing - a true profesional in action.
Tony

 

[John Sims]

"and look at the quality of that sawing - a true profesional in action"

Well if you look at the two styles being employed in the sawing pictures you will note that the craft trained sawer does have his index finger pointing down the handle of the saw. I'll say no more. []