Sunday, April 04, 2010

Bayview Caravan Park

Updates...

108 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for another thread

Anonymous said...

(Continued from last thread...)

Your speculation is wrong again, happy camper! Darwin have never suggested to BVOA that their objection (which was on behalf of well well over 51%) was not valid. Interesting to hear they tried to do so with your objection though! Either you weren't capable of wording it correctly (but how difficult is it to write 'I object', which is all you need to say?)or Darwin have a policy of rejecting any individual objection first time round, in the hope you will give up? I don't know. Anyway, look, instead of groping around in the dark, posting stuff on here which is just plain wrong, why don't you just ask a member of the BVOA what is going on. I'm sure they would tell you because there is nothing to hide. You don't even have to join. That would save you having to waste your time posting on here anonymously and worrying about what you don't know, or don't know you don't know. Then you can spend more time at the pub.
There's a new thread on, by the way. I'm posting this on the new one as well.

Anonymous said...

Or, assuming you are on speaking terms, ask your neighbours. The odds are they will be in BVOA.

Anonymous said...

A previous post stated that the BVOAs objection was accepted, happycamper. Ask them if you want the evidence, as I doubt BVOA would be interested in posting details on an anonymous blog.

Anonymous said...

A funny thing happened, since reading the last post, which I shared with three neighbours here at the park, while having a late lunch at a local hostelry together today.

I asked one neighbour, who is a member of BVOA, what he understood about all this. He said categorically that Darwin has not accepted - I REPEAT HAS NOT ACCEPTED - that a majority of owners have objected, and would be entering in discussions with BVOA - a sort of 'bad news/good news' situation. So I asked Jacqui, the site manager, about her take on this, and she said the same thing. An owner/member of BVOA, and the site manager, both agree with what you think Happycamper stated, and what you claim is wrong or unfounded speculation, and went on to attack him/her. Who would you believe, in our position: your unfortunate attack on another owner; or dual confirmation from a member of BVOA, and the site manager??

We agree that your rather unneighbourly rant against Happycamper seems unnecessary and isn't very positive. We agree that we would not want YOU as a neighbour if your rant is typical of your attitude. We are having a wonderful time here this Bank Holiday Monday. It seems Darwin and BVOA are in discussions. This is positive news. You must be unhappy to feel the need to attack an owner who hasn't attacked you. Cheer up! The sun is shining!! Enjoy Swanage!

Anonymous said...

4.31 = intelligent post.

No response to it? Then it is probably true. In which case, BVOA cannot even sort out truth from fiction.

Duck! Incoming!

Bring it on.

Anonymous said...

A quote from Darwin Solicitors.

“ In reliance on the latter set of documents as the most recent, our client acknowledges that you represent' 51 % of the total caravans owners “

WHO DOESN'T KNOW THE TRUTH?

Anonymous said...

“ In reliance on the latter set of documents as the most recent, our client acknowledges that you represent' 51 % of the total caravans owners “

This confirms that Darwin recognises BVOA as representing over half of owners. Fine and dandy. I'll even concede you might have over 75% of owners on your membership list (and your officer confirmed at the meeting that 30 or so of these chose not to be represented by Darwin).

But you entirely miss the point. The point is how many individual owners objected to the fee increase? Why is the site manager categorically stating that the fee increase objection has not succeeded?

Are you telling me that BVOA have had it confirmed in writing that the fee increase challenge by owners - BVOA members, and those who choose to represent themselves, has been accepted and that the fees issue will go to arbitration as required by the site licence? That is the question that is being asked - not whether BVOA represents over 51% of owners.

Do please answer. Has the fees challenge been accepted by Darwin, or not, and if so is it going to arbitration??

And, unlike your post, I will sign off with courtesy.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

And your point is?

This does not answer the primary and supplemental questions:

Has Darwin accepted, in writing, the fee increase challenge, and will it go to arbitration as per the license??

Anonymous said...

Darwin have accepted that 83% of owners objected to the fee's

Anonymous said...

I surgest that if you want more infomation you join the association. Members are kept well informed by newsletters, meetings, notes and phone. This way you will know what is happening and when. You can also voice your opinions on the web site.

Happycamper said...

Thats probably a good suggestion anonymous - if you want a view of the world according to the associations interpretation, which we have already established is not necessarily accurate or reliable! Ive had a busy week, so only just had chance to catch up on here - clearly we will have to wait for time to provide an answer to the fees question. What it has proved to me is that the association has at least a few members who I would cross the road to avoid (not all of them Im sure, it would be unfair to tar a whole group of people with the same brush) which is the impression I had formed earlier. (first impressions count!)No wonder Darwin are so reluctant to enter into dialogue with them. At least some owners have the right idea, enjoying the sun in Swanage, supporting local businesses and not spending their time fretting overmuch on things of minor importance in the grand scheme of things. I intend to do just that this weekend - fingers crossed, summer is here!!!!

Anonymous said...

"I surgest that if you want more infomation you join the association. Members are kept well informed by newsletters, meetings, notes and phone. This way you will know what is happening and when. You can also voice your opinions on the web site.

11:16 AM"

I have tried (3 times!) to join via the Yahoo email address provided in an earlier post on this blog and my requests have not been answered. At the meeting I asked for a membership form but was not given one; I was told to apply via email!!!

Just how is an owner expected to join this rather mysterious association? Is it too hard to post the physical address here, once and for all? Why not publish the first page of its website for all to read and give joining information there? What is the URL of that website?? I asked reception for the contact address but they were not permitted to issue it to owners. I really think it should be posted on the notice board in the Vista.

It's a two way street, 11.16 PM. Give new owners a bit of help, please, particularly if we have, in good faith, repeatedly tried to do this ourselves.

Anonymous said...

3.32pm
Give me your e mail address and I will get the forms to you.

Anonymous said...

No you haven't established it is not acurate or reliable. We have already established the manager gave duff infomation. (See quote from Darwins solicitor.) But the BVO gave the correct info.

Anonymous said...

Are Darwin reluctant to talk to the BVOA? Why have they met and why have theysurgested another meeting?

Anonymous said...

HappyCamper - thanks for your post. I agree with your comments about some - but not all - of the association antics. I am also sure it has a very useful role. I recognise that a lot of time, effort and very likely personal expense is donated by the committee. Would you agree that the association would be more productive if all owners were offered membership as a right of ownership, and then decide whether to be an active or inactive member, and choose whether or not to have the association speak for them? This way, those such as your good self, who take exception to certain things, will have a chance to moderate the tenor of what goes on. I agree with 11.16 that it would be good to have the association's communications reach all owners (though this could be achieved by being posted in the Vista) while I agree with you that these communications have to be interpreted with a certain degree of scepticism. At least at the moment.

I noticed, at the last meeting, that the committee seemed driven by its own momentum and that the owners were being 'instructed' on what had been 'decided on their behalf' by the committee. A rather paternalistic approach, I thought. I can assure you that not everyone around me agreed with everything that was said, and I felt that there was just a little bit of intimidation in the air; a sort of 'we know what's best for you' flavour. I am not saying this was intentional, but it was palpable, and I was not the only one to comment on it, not by a long shot.

By opening up membership to all would, I think, lead to a leadership more in synch with the feelings of most members. It is not a trades union; it does not need militancy to win the argument. I would like to join, but only if my voice would be heard. Until then, I think I have a right to be able to see what is being said or done for the majority of owners, whether or not I am a member.

In fairness, I also believe that Darwin has been appalling in communicating with non-association owners; failing to reply to letters and emails in a timely manner; giving out information in conflict with what reception is told to tell us. One wonders if this is because Darwin is reluctant to say much because of the ongoing deliberations with BVOA, leaving non-members out of the informational loop??

Anonymous said...

'Give me your e mail address and I will get the forms to you.

3:37 PM'


I would never publish my email address in an open forum such as this.


I repeat, with respect: kindly publish the association's email address, or any other means of contact, through which I can request membership forms.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I would never publish my email address in an open forum such as this.
4.07
Why then do you expect BVO to publish theirs?

Ask any member on site. It is on the top of Newsletters and all other comunication to owners

Anonymous said...

I can help you, 4.07.

E mail address:

admin@bayviewowners.co.uk

You will find the membership forms here:

http://www.bayviewowners.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1

I hope this helps you!

Anonymous said...

4.24 You have to be a member to access the site. Forms are there for members to print off for owners who want to join.

Anonymous said...

4.07 What is your van number. I will arrange for the forms to be delivered.

Anonymous said...

4.07 What is your van number. I will arrange for the forms to be delivered.

Um, no thanks. What is your van number - I will come up and collect them.

Anonymous said...

"4.24 You have to be a member to access the site. Forms are there for members to print off for owners who want to join."

How fascinating. How full of rubbish.

Do you mean this form, which I just downloaded from your website forum that you say I have to be a member to access, but is open to anyone with little or no computing expertise?:
...................................................

Bay View Caravan Owners’ Association
PO Box 5534
Swanage
Dorset BH19 2ZN
Email: bayviewcaravanownersassociation@yahoo.co.uk
Website: bayviewowners.co.uk

Association Aims
To represent the shared views of Owners and to work with Management to aid the running and development of the Holiday park to the mutual benefit of Caravan Owners and Swanage Town.

I/we wish to become Members of the above Association.
1. Full Name(s)
2. Home Address
3. Postcode
4. Telephone Numbers: Home: Mobile:
5. Email Address (Please include if you would prefer communication by this means)
6. Caravan Number(s): Year of Manufacture:
7. I have the skills and experience to help with the following roles:-
8. Normally, I visit the site every for daysduring the open season.
9. I would be prepared to act as representative for my area of the Park. Yes/No
10. Membership Fee (£10) enclosed Yes/No
If you wish to use technology to do this, our account is at (deleted) - but remember to quote your Caravan Number as the reference.

I agree that my/our details may be held on the Association’s Database which is used to facilitate communications.

Signed Date

Note. This information will not be used for any purpose other than direct communication by the Association.
Please Return by hand to Caravan 66, or by post to:

(Names and contact details deleted as I respect your privacy.)
...................................

I must respectfully conclude, Sir or Madam, that you have no idea what you have been talking about.

Would you like me to post the dates of your meetings?

Oops, they are two years out of date. What efficiency! I wonder if this form is up to date??

Anonymous said...

Oh, let's read the Model Constitution while we are at it:

BAY VIEW CARAVAN OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION


CONSTITUTION
Association Aims

To represent the shared views of Owners and to work with Management to aid the running and development of the Holiday park to the mutual benefit of Caravan Owners and Swanage Town.


Modus Operandi.

The committee should work to meet the Aims of the Association within the Rules by whatever means they consider to be most effective, but these should include:

• surgeries for Members to share their concerns and ideas
• meetings with the Park Management and Town Councillors to share concerns and discuss future policies
• communicate with Members
• maintaining Members’ website



ASSOCIATION RULES
1. Rules to be agreed at first AGM and any amendments to be made by vote at an AGM or EGM
2. Association members' problems will only to be considered for action after the matter has been pursued through the appropriate site management channels.

Membership
1. Membership to be limited to owners/joint owners of caravans on the site park and their family
members.
2. The Membership Secretary to seek renewals each January.
3. The Membership year to run from 1st March.
4. Membership subscription per caravan to be levied at the discretion of the Committee. This
amount may be varied as needs dictate but the organisation must be run on a “not for profit”
basis.
5. Members to be issued with a subscription receipt to be used for voting for each paid-up caravan bearing the year date.

Meetings
6. One Annual General Meeting (AGM) per year to be arranged during Carnival Week.
7. The Annual General Meeting is open to all Caravan Owners and their family members but only paid-up Members may vote. One vote per paid-up Caravan.
8. Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) can be called by a quorum of Committee Members or by
not less than twenty voting Members regarding any urgent items.
9. Not less than twenty voting Members will constitute a quorum at AGMs or EGMs.
10. Proxy votes, and Postal Votes to be accepted at AGMs and EGM meetings.

Committee
11. 15 Committee Members to be voted for and appointed at Annual General Meetings.
12. Committee Members should normally be appointed for three years, with five retiring and seeking re-election, if they so wish, each year.
13. The Committee to elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer.
14. The Committee can co-opt new members to serve on the committee between AGMs, however,
these Members will submit themselves, for election at the next AGM.
15. Six Committee Members will constitute a quorum for a formal meeting.
16. Committee and other Members may not commit the Association to any expense/decision without
Committee approval.
17. The Officers and Committee Members are not authorised to take action of any kind that would
commit the Association in legal expenses without a majority vote of the Committee Members.
18. Voting will be by majority vote, with the Chairman (or his substitute) having the casting vote.

Documentation
19. Minutes to be recorded at all meetings, presented, proposed and seconded at following meetings.
Minute book to be kept.
20. A Bank account to be maintained in the name of the Association.
21. A minimum of two signatories are required for operation of the bank account. All other signatories to be advised of all transactions.
22. In the event of the Association being wound up, any residual funds are to be donated to a local Swanage Charity, such as the Carnival Committee.

Anonymous said...

Yes they are out of date

Anonymous said...

I would give you our number but I'm not there.

Anonymous said...

I have just received an email response to my request for the result of the site fee objection.

The answer is no answer, but they hope to give me an answer within a week.

Anonymous said...

If these documents are out of date, why are they still posted on that website?

Is that email address still valid? This is getting ridiculous that I cannot obtain a valid application form.

Let's grow up, BVOA Association, and post the contact email or address here. You are beginning to look silly.

Anonymous said...

This is an anonymous blog so the validity of posts is always in doubt. I very much doubt the BVOA wants to start using it for official communications.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps BVOA could ensure that all owners. expecially new ones like we are, are made aware how it can be contacted, then. How it does this is up to them. I think there should be a simple notice up in the Vista. Something I am sure they can negotiate with Darwin.

Next time I am there I will knock on doors until somebody can answer my very simple question.

Anonymous said...

My wife just asked me to add that she is NOT impressed with BVOA for not helping us through this blog!!!

I can assure you, you do not want to be at the receiving end of her wrath!!!

Anonymous said...

You are asking for personal info. I have asked you to give your van number and I will contact members who have forms and who are on site and ask them to deliver them.

Happycamper said...

Personal information??? How is contact information for an association which claims to be open to +/- 300 people be personal information???? The contact address posted earlier was a PO Box No for goodness sake!!!! As said previously, the BVOA is beginning to look very silly indeed - or suspiciously like it has something to hide. I have always maintained that there is a small group of BVOA members, at least some of whom are committee members, who have their own agenda. Hence the paternalistic apprach and "we know what is good for you" attitude mentioned a while back in this blog. I strongly suspect that these people have a fairly free hand at the moment and are seldom challenged. That is just the way they like it. That is why they want to meet you alone in your caravan to sound you out before parting with membership forms. They dont want to let in people whe may disagree with them and may say so very loudly. Freely published information would expose them to scrutiny, which is the last thing they want. Call me paranoid, but why else do they wriggle and hide, withold information and boom and bluster when anyone asks reasonable questions?????????????

Anonymous said...

And you accuse the association of being hysterical, happy camper?! Pot kettle and black spring to mind!! I've never read anything so riddled with paranoia. Perhaps you shouldn't read this blog so much - it looks like you are beginning to believe your own propaganda!!!!

Anonymous said...

HappyCamper, you are spot on. Spot on.

I could go on, at length, listing incident after incident that support your statement, but to do so here will serve only to attract ugly opprobrium from certain quarters.

I am neither intimidated by the owners' association leaders, nor by certain decisions or actions they take; I simply refuse to have anything to do with them. I have found it possible to get everything done between myself and Darwin in an efficient and positive manner. Let them do what they want in whatever way that they want, HappyCamper; we have elected to be independent of them and I see no need to concern ourselves with them here. They are a subset of owners; a majority, I concede, but not all owners. I believe all owners are in a stronger position viz a viz Darwin, if there is an association, and a group of independents, seeking the best for all parties. That way, more may be accomplished for the good of all. I do not believe that one association, following one set of goals, marching lockstep with individual viewpoints quashed, is necessarily more effective than several bodies of voices speaking on behalf of all owners. We are not alone, about a quarter of owners are not members of the association, and about 30 owners in the association have chosen not to have it represent them. No doubt I will be corrected on these figures!

Still up for that pint at the Square and Compass?? I think we could have a lot to chat about. We could create our own association, dedicated to enjoying Swanage, the park, a proper pint, and life in general!

Happycamper said...

Mmmmm - more boom and bluster!
Need I say more..................

Anonymous said...

HappyCamper - so it appears! The penultimate post, timestamped 7.13 speaks volumes, does it not? Methinks a member of the committee is going off the reservation a tad??

Happycamper said...

Thanks anonymous 7.42. I like the sound of your mission statement! I am indeed still up for that pint at the Square and Compass- we will be in Swanage the next 2 weekends so perhaps we can meet up - if I am not ambushed on the way!!!
Anonymous 7.48 I think you are right - I can see the smoke coming out of their ears from here!

Anonymous said...

Glad you two have now got it all sorted. As you see no need to concern yourselves with BVOA on the blog this would appear to be the end of the debate on this thread. Happy days.

Anonymous said...

11.09

There is more than just the two of us. Just to let you know.

There is much, much more to be said.

Anonymous said...

I agree. THE TRUTH

Anonymous said...

Ooh, scary! Why, might I ask, does the truth hide behind anonymous blogs? Anything you have to say has no merit, as this thread is nothing to do with either BVAO or Darwin. Enjoy wasting your time speaking in a vacuum (both of you).

Happycamper said...

Anonymous 11.09 - in your dreams!! BVOA presents itself as speaking for the owners at Swanage Bay View. As an owner I consider I have every right to hold it accountable for its actions and expect honest, open replys to resonable enquiries. I will continue to challenge its interpretation of the situation and beleive that I have every right to do so. It seems I am not alone.
An owners association should be visible, approachable and easy for owners to communitcate with. The past few days on this blog have appeared to show that BVOA is anything but.
I hope the attitudes displayed on this blog are not the ones of the vast majority of owners who are also members of BVOA. I beleive most of the owners want to enjoy their time in Swanage and dont want to become bogged down with site politics, so are inactive members of BVOA. I fear they are being used by a small group for their own ends. I have said time and time again, if there is nothing to hide why the secrecy and bluster????
Sorry anonymous, I am not going to shut up and go away just because you would like me to!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

This thread has now become hilarious. We actually have happycamper criticising BVOA for not being open and saying he/she is calling them to account and challenging them. Where? On this blog? Which BVOA has nothing to do with! And doing it all anonymously! Just what planet are you living on? Can you not see how silly it looks?

Anonymous said...

http://www.wikio.co.uk/video/what-have-the-romans-ever-done-2922033

Anonymous said...

Am I alone in missing the relevance of the last post, or is it just the end of a very long day??

Anonymous said...

The thread became effing hilarious a long time ago, 8.49, because you rose to the bait that happy camper cast, and made your case look laughable. HaHa! I have nothing to do with the muni except I am glad the Swanage got rid of the lot of you and really don't care if a group of puffed up 'owners' fight each other. There are a lot of people reading this in Swanage and we are having a lot of fun laughing at you lot. Just don't bring your misery to our town. Keep it up the hill, got it? OK? Happy camper can come down for a pint - he sounds reasonable enough.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately the "muni joke" is at the expense of the Swanage ratepayer.

Anonymous said...

8.49 I am an owner and member of the owners association and I hope that you are not connected with the committee because I find your post offensive and immature. If you have anything to do with the association, please keep your childish comments to your self. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

8.49 has got a point though. If you think you have a contribution to make what is the point of saying it on here?

ethel said...

How do you know who is who on here - Anonymous's all the same to me.

Anonymous said...

Who is Ethel??

The mystery deepens.........

Anonymous said...

Ethel, happycamper, anon, might all be the same person for all we know...

Anonymous said...

....and all really are Darwin, trying to split up the owners and discomfort them so much that they sell up cheap and go away....

Happycamper said...

Am I a figment of your imagination or are you one of mine????
I look on this blog as the eqivilant of having a lively discussion in the pub (or the school gates, or the bridge club). Its interesting to get other peoples opinion and occaisionally you learn something. You dont necessarily know if someone is who they say they are, but that isnt really the point. They have an opinion that they are prepared to debate and that braodens the mind.How important an issue is to someone determines whether or not they take it to a more formal level ie their MP, a tribunal or indeed an owners association meeting. Personally, I am too busy either working in London or enjoying myself in Swanage to want to get too involved in SBV politics. Nothing has happened so far which has caused me enough angst to inspire me to go beyond this blog. However, it does seem that comments on here have caused ripples in the association which can only be to the good.
Of course it could be that I am talking to myself - who knows..........................

ethel said...

i am one, on my own, and nobody else. a caravan owner and regular visitor to Swanage. I love Swanage and would like to live here.
I look on this site as i am really interested in what everyone says re SBV. I would like to know who is who regards, caravan owner, local Swanage resident, pendantic person, anti SBVOA? I suspect Darwin, SBV do post on here as i believe STC/Local councillors did in the past. I look at other Swanage Blogs also, to see what the locals have to say. I do believe they have the wrong impression of us caravan owners at SBV - a drain on the council coffers, no, an asset that has now disappeared.

Thats who I am.

Anonymous said...

TEMPER, TEMPER !!!!!!!!!

Happycamper said...

There wasnt any sign of anyone selling up cheap when I had a look at the list of caravans for sale in reception over the weekend. The general opinion of the staff seem to be that most of them are overpriced and I would tend to agree. There is one on the list that I have seen over and over again for sale for at least 18months if not longer. The price hasnt changed dispite us having been in recession and the fact that caravans (like cars) depreciate very quickly , especially as they get older. My feeling around the site is that most of the owners (like me) seem happy to be there and certainly dont seem discomforted or dispirited.

Anonymous said...

Not only do caravans depreciate like cars, but every year that passes reduces the tenure of the site license, a double whammy effect that quickly depreciates the resale value of a used caravan.

One wonders how STC ever imagined it could justify site premium surcharges???? Oh, wait, it is STC. No real mystery, then.

Anonymous said...

It is glorious here on the park and it is so refreshing to hear nothing about issues and fights!

But the muzak in the Vista is.......not quite my cup of tea!! The fire is lovely.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if they remembered to get a PRS licence for that musak??

Anonymous said...

Does anybody else have to book an appointment with the site manager a week ahead? She is soooo stressed.

ethel said...

No problem, had a discussion over the fence,made a date for meeting end of May (my preference)

ethel said...

No problem, had a discussion over the fence,made a date for meeting end of May (my preference)
i think the Muzack lovely Bach

Anonymous said...

Ethel - your cover is blown!!

Anonymous said...

cant you thick,os spell??????

Anonymous said...

'cant you thick,os spell??????

12:50 PM'

Oops, looks like you had one too many when you posted this snappy bit of wisdom................

I suggest next time when you feel the inspiration to post your pearls of wisdom, you press Ctrl/Alt/Del instead.

Anonymous said...

'Ethel' drives a blue car often parked in the employees' parking space at SBV.

Work out who it is yourself. She is really quite nice.

Oh, the PRS has been informed about the muzak in the Vista. They will investigate the licence issue.

Anonymous said...

ETHEL = swanage inbreed.

Anonymous said...

Not very nice. Go sit in the corner on the naughty chair.

ethel said...

I know and understand the terms local, newcomer, outsider, incomer, grockle- but not inbreed. Sounds quite derogatory to me.
I do not park in the employers spot, well have done once.
So I am an 'inbreed' mmmmmmmmmm

ethel said...

Before I get any comments regarding spelling - I did, of course, mean employees not employers. I do apologise for my error.

Anonymous said...

By the way-

'cant you thick,os spell???'

should be

can't you thickos' spell???

Anonymous said...

The last poster thinks he/she is clever, but is indeed an idiot.

The plural of 'thicko', like most plurals, is formed by adding the 's' to the end of the word without an apostrophe.

Hence it is 'thickos', you thicko!

You must be a teacher!

Anonymous said...

Roll up, boys and girls........the sales office is open but it's not clear what is being sold there.

There's no news about a shop on site. And whatever happened to the newsletter we are promised? There are absolutely no plans for a gym or sauna, though these are listed on the flash new colour brochures. I just checked Darwin's website for us and it still won't let you book online, nor does it list caravans for sale.

With the holiday season nearly upon us, the park seems to be asleep.

I am glad I don't rely on letting. This isn't being promoted.

Ethel had better get to work!!

ethel said...

5.16 you are so rude, so rude you must have a problem with most other sensible people. I would love to know who you are.

5.24 I should get to work??? Doing what??

Anonymous said...

5.24 you not looking in right place, vans for sale been on here a couple of months.
http://www.darwinholidays.co.uk/sales_units.html

Anonymous said...

4.01 Thanks for that link. Why oh why can't Darwin link it to the principle Swanage Bay View Site, however? If you click the caravan sales link there, it comes up 'Page not found'. I could link it for them in 30 seconds. It is yet another example of the lack of joined-up thinking going on at the moment.

I have it on good authority that the used/new caravan shop at SBV has been farmed out to outside agents, not SBV management, much to the latter's puzzlement. I wonder when/if we will be told anything about this - especially those of us with caravans for sale??

ethel said...

Met the new 'sales person'.They are using the old sales office, so no shop there.
Newsletter from Darwin/SBV manager along with questionnaires re shop, and other things people may want on site, sent earlier this month to all owners.
Still dont know what a Swanage inbreed is!

Anonymous said...

Ethel, don't fret over that comment. It speaks more about the individual who wrote it than anyone else - not complimentary, I might add!

It's a pity a copy of the newsletter cannot be posted in the Vista so those at the park can read it.

Any idea whether there will be a shop this summer?

ethel said...

Good idea- placing Newsletter in Vista, i'll suggest next time I'm there, if no-one else has. Or the manager may think of it herself!

'Inbreed' I understand what inbreeding is, not in connection with me though. I have never knowingly in bred.
Wander if they mean a person who is local to Swanage. Please enlighten me - anyone?

ethel said...

Ethel cant spell wonder!

Anonymous said...

Nevermind, Ethel!

Anonymous said...

So what's the progress on the site fee challenge? Has it gone to arbitration? We cannot possibly take it to the High Court.

July 1st looms!

Anonymous said...

There is no progress. Darwin is waiting them out. Time is on Darwin's side.

Meanwhile there is a ruumour flying about that the pool may be enlarged in the future. That makes sense insofar as Darwin isn't upgrading the gym/sauna or Quarryman. Before you laugh at this, I got it from several employees. Looking at my license, Darwin will be able to pass on at least part of this development to us through site fees, even if we never use it. But even if the Association maintains that owners don't want new pool facilities, these would probably be considered justifiable capital improvements to the park. So we will be stuck with an increase.

Anonymous said...

New caravans arrive! Over the weekend at least 4 - perhaps 6 - new caravans have arrived and are 'For Sale'. They have been sited in the lower car park, leaving few if any parking spaces for visitors. Will they remain there as a sales venue? Time will tell. The new sales chap - very experienced, I have heard - is on site training up an assistant and the shop building is now up and running for new and used caravan sales. At last Darwin is coming to life!!

Anonymous said...

I hear that a lot of tradesmen from Town have not been paid by Darwins for work done, also an owner who sold his van end of March is still waiting for the money.

Anonymous said...

I am sure Darwin is totally above board. Be careful the rumours you repeat. Traders with a claim have legal recourse to follow. Spreading rumours is poor business.

Anonymous said...

I haven't heard business or tradesperson say anything bad about Darwin. Where do you pick up this nonsense??

Anonymous said...

Re 7.00pm

From the trades people and the owner of the caravan who is still waiting for their money

Anonymous said...

Let them post their grievance then. Until they do, or until you identify them, your comment is mere rumour.

Anonymous said...

Untill you post under your name what you say is pure conjecture. I at least have spoken to the owner and a local trader

Anonymous said...

"I at least have spoken to the owner and a local trader"

The 11.27 PM post is pure conjecture.

Anonymous said...

I know who 11.27 is. He always resorts to the 'who are you' defense. He has no idea of argument or debate. The lack of grammatical knowledge gives him away.

He is spouting rubbish. Ignore him. He is nothing.

nb: 'He' can be 'She'!

Fred said...

Coming for the meeting this weekend? Watch out for all the caravans in the car park! It's a big for sale site! They are trying to get you to 'upgrade' to a new caravan, too!!

I wonder if the Vista has been booked and paid for this time??

Weather looks pretty dismal Saturday - but it is glorious now! Come down early if you can and avoid the Bank Holiday rush!!

ethel said...

Looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Fred,what do you mean about the Vista being booked and paid for, SBVCO meeting is not there!

Fred said...

5.00 p.m. Swanage Royal Legion (where the beer is cheaper and better)!!!

Come one come all and support our fantastic committee!!!

ethel said...

British Legion. Not Royal. But never mind. The meeting went very well, lots of info from new owners and how they have been geven misinformation from Darwin representatives.

Fred Mertz said...

Hold yer horses, Ethel! It's the Royal British Legion, so we're both right (or wrong, I suppose!).

But the beer is better, don't you think, than at the Vista or Quarryman? Too bad a lot of owners are getting wrong info from Darwin. I guess investment companies aren't good at good customer relations!

ethel said...

I dont drink beer, but I know a man who does, he wont go to the Vista complex because of the awful beer.They are trying though, I see they are offering breakfasts over the bank holiday. I didnt see anyone having one sat morning.

FredMertz said...

The breakfast looks like a good idea but I wonder how many come to their caravan and plan to eat out for breakfast? But maybe a good idea would be an 'all day breakfast' that extends into lunch. Or call it brunch. That might be a goer!

I agree they are trying. It is a difficult 'market' to gauge - others have tried before and failed to run the restaurant. I wonder how caravan sales will progress now that they seem to be actively marketing? Again, it is a difficult economic climate. Darwin won't help itself if word gets around that new owners are being misled. That issue should be addressed.

ethel said...

i remember when camping, breakfast is very popular on a camping/touring site, we are different.

Anonymous said...

I used to camp at Lookout in Stoborough; one summer a French girl at the shop there baked fresh croissants every morning - the highpoint of the day was walking back to my caravan with warm, proper French croissants with Dorset jam!

DellBoy said...

My neighbour just bought a new caravan (getting rid of the old one) and apparently Darwin has dropped the 15 year lease to one with no date.

How does this affect existing leases?

Is it just a fast ploy to encourage turnover of new caravans? Apparently they ship old ones off site - resales are not encouraged.

Sharp practice, eh wot?? Second-hand car dealership??

Anonymous said...

FREE HAY!!

Do you have a horse to feed? Then come up to the hayfields now growing at Swanage Bay View Hay Farm and help yourself - we've got a bumper crop!

Swanage local said...

I see there are new security gates at the complex now and all owners will get a card to access the site.

Anonymous said...

SBV Owners Association Annual General Meeting at the Royal British Legion this Saturday (31st. July) at 5pm. All caravan owners welcome.