MotorHome & CamperVan Clubs

robototitico · 28-07-2009 12:49pm #1

How many clubs are in Ireland?

Perhaps there could be a sticky with links/phone numbers for all the clubs?

I found these ones on google. Are there any others?

Irish Motor Caravanners' Club - http://www.imcc.ie/index.aspx
Munster Motorhome Club - http://www.munstermotorhomeclub.ie/
The Motorcaravan Club Ireland - http://www.motorcaravanclub.net/
Irish Camping & Caravan Club - http://www.iccc.ie/
Caravan Club Leinster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/leinster_centre_15.html
Caravan CLub Munster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/munster_centre_16.html
Caravan Club Ulster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/ulster_centre_17.html

dowtchaboy · 29-07-2009 8:56am

robototitico wrote: »

How many clubs are in Ireland?

Perhaps there could be a sticky with links/phone numbers for all the clubs?

I would be interested in anyone's experiences of these clubs. From odd chats with other campers I hear mutterings about The Other Lot etc... seems to be some bad blood about between the various clubs. One club seems to want all members to socialise only with fellow members and insists on attendance at at least one Rally per year to maintain membership. Another seems to have serious attitude about "Foreigners". One Club I gave up on - a phone number that never answered - maybe they are "by invitation only"?

Pity - with various uninformed (oh all right - "ignorant") County Councillors and petty officials making certain counties almost "no-go" areas for campervans, and with the ferry companies not feeling any pressure to lower prices, we could do with a strong united voice to promote our right to spend our leisure time our way.

Macspower · 29-07-2009 11:31am

dowtchaboy wrote: »

Pity - with various uninformed (oh all right - "ignorant") County Councillors and petty officials making certain counties almost "no-go" areas for campervans, and with the ferry companies not feeling any pressure to lower prices, we could do with a strong united voice to promote our right to spend our leisure time our way.

Well spoken,

The difference between "tourist" areas and non tourist areas is amazing when it comes to attitude towards campers... In tourist areas there must be the GNP of a small african country spent on no camping signs.
Their efforts to make you use camp sites at B&B rates was disgraceful especially when I don't need their toilets/showers/electricity.. just somewhere to park..

away from tourist spots is the way to go IMO... just back from a trip from Donegal to Leitrim and home again... now thats what a motorhome was made for ..

globcar · 03-05-2011 1:25am

I was thinking of joining the Motorcaravan Club of Ireland, & would like to hear of peoples views of this club, benefits, rallies etc.

bo.jangles · 03-05-2011 10:14am

If you go on to the IMCC web site and click on rallies you may see one close to you or one you would like to attend , e-mail them and they will be happy to have you along as a visitor just pay the nightly fee and you can see for yourself.

Irishgoatman · 03-05-2011 12:16pm

A while ago I sent an email to one club telling them that I was thinking of joining a club and asking, as their fees were quite high, if there was any concession for a single pensioner with a small campervan. I was very polite in my wording even to the extent of saying that I might have missed something on their website.
The reply I received? One line saying " Try the ...........club".
No salutation, no thank you for your enquiry just as above.
No exactly friendly.
Perhaps my mistake was telling them what type of camper I have. Too down market for them!.

If anyone wants to P.M. me I'll tell you which one it was.

Old Timer · 03-05-2011 1:51pm

dowtchaboy wrote: »

I would be interested in anyone's experiences of these clubs. From odd chats with other campers I hear mutterings about The Other Lot etc... seems to be some bad blood about between the various clubs. One club seems to want all members to socialise only with fellow members and insists on attendance at at least one Rally per year to maintain membership. Another seems to have serious attitude about "Foreigners". One Club I gave up on - a phone number that never answered - maybe they are "by invitation only"?

Pity - with various uninformed (oh all right - "ignorant") County Councillors and petty officials making certain counties almost "no-go" areas for campervans, and with the ferry companies not feeling any pressure to lower prices, we could do with a strong united voice to promote our right to spend our leisure time our way.

It was in my Fathers time that the first club for motor caravans was formed, (I remember him leaving home one Sunday in January 1984 for that puropse.he was one of the founding members) He came home all excited and told my Mother that a club was formed for motor caravan owners, for the simple reason of lobbying, Insurance Companies, Ferry Operators, Site Operators, Obtaining bits and pieces, our enjoyment and meeting new friends etc., as one voice. It was where like minded people could have some fun, share ideas on where to go, be it Ireland or Europe. One wasn't forced to attend rallies and it wasn't a stipulation on any member to do so. Unlike today there weren't computers or internet to share information. Over time, it was possible for others like you all on Board's to afford a camper because IMCC lobbied insurance companies for cheaper insurance, when people were paying £800 for same, next set of sights was road tax which was obtained and you all know what you are paying for it today. Remember in those days we had to get along together, they were VW's and the odd Bedford Travelhome, these were a coachbuilt camper with a rear door. Now if some haven't an A class with air conditioner, solar panels and satelite TV they are not in the inner circle. There are some of these people who say that they dont need a site as they have all the facilities, but there are others who do and we must think of these. I remember one family who purchased a secondhand Mercedes Home Conversion arriving at rally and now I believe they are one of the biggest dealers in Ireland. There was one voice and it saddens me when I hear people say that they dont need clubs, regretabley, I now live overseas and do my own thing here in USA The people who run these clubs appear to be in it for their own glory and not of their members. When you hear of members being on committees for 10 years plus, there is something wrong. When you see a thread where a club weren't interested in even replying to a potential member. One time a family with a panal van was as welcome as the guy with the new coachbuilt they both enjoyed the outdoor life, there werent even A class then, and everyone mixed together, class or creed didn't matter. We as children told our parents where we would like to go the next weekend we went out, because it was discussed amongst ourselves over the telephone during the week, we didn't have mobile phones, that followed the rally. Looking at the threads "where have you been" I wonder if those at Nagles knew that each other was a contributer to Boards or not. It would be nice if there was an amalgation of all clubs under one umbrella to lobby our cause. Yes we now have Boards and only for it we would have been railroaded with the DOE for campers. Yes Boards now keeps me in touch with the happenings of motor caravan owners in Ireland.
Long Live Motorcaravanning and those who fought for all that you have today.

SARZY · 03-05-2011 2:55pm

Old Timer wrote: »

It was in my Fathers time that the first club for motor caravans was formed, (I remember him leaving home one Sunday in January 1984 for that puropse.he was one of the founding members) He came home all excited and told my Mother that a club was formed for motor caravan owners, for the simple reason of lobbying, Insurance Companies, Ferry Operators, Site Operators, Obtaining bits and pieces, our enjoyment and meeting new friends etc., as one voice. It was where like minded people could have some fun, share ideas on where to go, be it Ireland or Europe. One wasn't forced to attend rallies and it wasn't a stipulation on any member to do so. Unlike today there weren't computers or internet to share information. Over time, it was possible for others like you all on Board's to afford a camper because IMCC lobbied insurance companies for cheaper insurance, when people were paying £800 for same, next set of sights was road tax which was obtained and you all know what you are paying for it today. Remember in those days we had to get along together, they were VW's and the odd Bedford Travelhome, these were a coachbuilt camper with a rear door. Now if some haven't an A class with air conditioner, solar panels and satelite TV they are not in the inner circle. There are some of these people who say that they dont need a site as they have all the facilities, but there are others who do and we must think of these. I remember one family who purchased a secondhand Mercedes Home Conversion arriving at rally and now I believe they are one of the biggest dealers in Ireland. There was one voice and it saddens me when I hear people say that they dont need clubs, regretabley, I now live overseas and do my own thing here in USA The people who run these clubs appear to be in it for their own glory and not of their members. When you hear of members being on committees for 10 years plus, there is something wrong. When you see a thread where a club weren't interested in even replying to a potential member. One time a family with a panal van was as welcome as the guy with the new coachbuilt they both enjoyed the outdoor life, there werent even A class then, and everyone mixed together, class or creed didn't matter. We as children told our parents where we would like to go the next weekend we went out, because it was discussed amongst ourselves over the telephone during the week, we didn't have mobile phones, that followed the rally. Looking at the threads "where have you been" I wonder if those at Nagles knew that each other was a contributer to Boards or not. It would be nice if there was an amalgation of all clubs under one umbrella to lobby our cause. Yes we now have Boards and only for it we would have been railroaded with the DOE for campers. Yes Boards now keeps me in touch with the happenings of motor caravan owners in Ireland.
Long Live Motorcaravanning and those who fought for all that you have today.

I have not joined a club. Have a Camper for about 6 years and love it. I really appreciate what the people like your Father achieved, and I am enjoying the benefit.
Saw an EGM taking place of one of the clubs a few years ago and there were little groups of disgruntled people all with an issue of their own. I decided there and then that it was not for me.
However, if my hobby was threatened in any way I would be quick to support.
Many thanks are due to the people who achieved those important breakthroughs.

Irishgoatman · 03-05-2011 4:42pm

Further to a remark that Old Timer made (Great posting), he's, (sorry,bit sexist assuming it's from a man) right in saying that we don't know who is a member of this site.

Anyone in the business of making bumper stickers?

Irishgoatman · 03-05-2011 6:57pm

peasant wrote: »

motorcaravanners anonymus 0o

Well done peasant:) that would do perfectly.
But we'll have to spell ANONYMOUS correctly:p.

Buford T Justice · 03-05-2011 9:12pm

Boards... Now Ye're Motoring.....

SARZY · 03-05-2011 10:43pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Further to a remark that Old Timer made (Great posting), he's, (sorry,bit sexist assuming it's from a man) right in saying that we don't know who is a member of this site.

Anyone in the business of making bumper stickers?

We dont know who the people are for sure but we must presume that people are genuine in their posts.
But we should be aware that agendas are being pursued here from time to time that are not intended to be of benefit to Motorhome & Campervan owners.
Remember the campsite owner looking for info.
At least with the 'clubs' you show up with your vehicle and then your position is clear to all.
This is a great forum and can be very helpful but in my experience, anybody would be well advised to check out alternatives to advice to purchase items given on this forum from time to time.

Buford T Justice · 03-05-2011 11:27pm

SARZY wrote: »

This is a great forum and can be very helpful but in my experience, anybody would be well advised to check out alternatives to advice to purchase items given on this forum from time to time.

True, but that's like advice from anyone about anything isn't it?

Not sure I get what you mean tbh..

Irishgoatman · 04-05-2011 1:58am

I'm with you on this one Fingers, I can't really follow what Sarzy is on about!.

My mention of anyone making bumper stickers was made in jest not trying to get work for anyone if that's his point.

waynegalway · 31-05-2021 6:35pm

robototitico wrote: »

How many clubs are in Ireland?

Perhaps there could be a sticky with links/phone numbers for all the clubs?

I found these ones on google. Are there any others?

Irish Motor Caravanners' Club - http://www.imcc.ie/index.aspx
Munster Motorhome Club - http://www.munstermotorhomeclub.ie/
The Motorcaravan Club Ireland - http://www.motorcaravanclub.net/
Irish Camping & Caravan Club - http://www.iccc.ie/
Caravan Club Leinster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/leinster_centre_15.html
Caravan CLub Munster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/munster_centre_16.html
Caravan Club Ulster Centre - http://www.thecaravanclub.ie/ulster_centre_17.html

Presume it's okay to resurrect this thread? Seems like it's been a while since this kind of thing was discussed.

What's the latest 'scoop' on the various clubs?

Just bought our first motorhome a couple of weeks ago, and trying to get my head around which club to join, or whether it's worth it at all? Looking at the various websites, it reminded me of the Peoples Front of Judaea and the Judaean People's Front, but maybe that's harsh? I'd love to know what people on here think.

Thanks.

Alkers · 31-05-2021 11:44pm

waynegalway wrote: »

Presume it's okay to resurrect this thread? Seems like it's been a while since this kind of thing was discussed.

What's the latest 'scoop' on the various clubs?

Just bought our first motorhome a couple of weeks ago, and trying to get my head around which club to join, or whether it's worth it at all? Looking at the various websites, it reminded me of the Peoples Front of Judaea and the Judaean People's Front, but maybe that's harsh? I'd love to know what people on here think.

Thanks.

Mcci are the only crowd I've dealt with and they guy I spoke to was a complete arsehole.

They also had (if not have) some borderline racist commentary on covid on their.website.

waynegalway · 01-06-2021 8:19am

Alkers wrote: »

Mcci are the only crowd I've dealt with and they guy I spoke to was a complete arsehole.

They also had (if not have) some borderline racist commentary on covid on their.website.

Just had a look at that website again. I missed the Covid comment because I stopped reading it after the first few paragraphs the last time I looked. It comes across a bit ranty and impatient; not something that would attract a noobie like me with lots of questions! Thanks for highlighting, I’ll cross that one off my list.

Jaden · 01-06-2021 11:31am

I read the mcci site just there, I wished I hadn't. It's scatter-gun ranting.

If Trump ran a caravan club...

Shoog · 01-06-2021 8:45pm

I can confirm that the MCCI is run by an arsehole dictator. Asked a simple question and was banned for life. Has been like this for years and this man was single handedly responsible for inflating the VRT value of campers which we all have to pay to the revenue. Its a shame that the largest national club is such a no go area and I doubt it will change until said dictator passes away.

Shoog

mikelan · 04-09-2021 9:33am

I too can confirm that the guy who runs the MCCI is a complete arse. I rang enquiring about insurance and within 30secs he was already cursing and swearing and being about as rude as anyone I've ever met. On the membership "rules" it says rudeness will not be tolerated which is a bit ironic after getting off the phone with him. He's over protective of his corner of the market which is low roof campers, and rants and raves about how crucial he was to the camper scene back in the day wrt politicians and lobbying. Maybe that's true but I really don't care and it doesn't take much to be polite and in the long run he'll go out of business. I took my business someplace else after that who were professional and decent. Stay away !

colm_mcm · 03-11-2021 8:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117324152#Comment_117324152

Bit late quoting this, but how is Bill single handed lay responsible for inflating VRT?

Shoog · 03-11-2021 6:14pm

Be

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118110904#Comment_118110904

Because he was used as a reference for valuations by the Department. He deals in Motrorhomes.

colm_mcm · 03-11-2021 6:35pm

That doesn’t make him responsible for Revenue overvaluing campers. If anything they undervalue them.

A lot of people can’t see the difference between the cost of a self build and it’s open market value. Not saying you can’t, but a lot of people don’t understand VRT.

I would add that the VRT process is far from ideal.

niloc1951 · 03-11-2021 9:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118114121#Comment_118114121

VRT is an illegal con job and against all the rules of taxation and human rights, particularly where campers are concerned. It's the only tax where liability is not determinable during the purchase transaction.

Imagine buying a house and not knowing the stamp duty liability before signing off on the purchase and handing over the cheque to the seller.

colm_mcm · 03-11-2021 11:40pm

VRT isn’t illegal, but I wouldn’t say there’s any point discussing this any further.

niloc1951 · 04-11-2021 9:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118115793#Comment_118115793

Illegal or not, that ultimately is for a court of law to decide.

However, a European Court of Justice ruling found it constituted a form of double taxation and was therefore illegal under the European Union Treaty.

And, apart from that, as said before, it's probably against a person's human right to know the amount of tax a transaction is liable to when entering into that transaction. If it was based on the value of the invoiced price of the goods, as is normal, then it would be ok

Shoog · 12-11-2021 8:38pm

I believe that VRT is so lucrative for the exchequer that the government decided to pay the fines because they were less than the revenue.

niloc1951 · 15-11-2021 11:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118157814#Comment_118157814

It's not that VRT is not a legitimate domestic tax, it's the method of its determination and application that is opaque and illegal.

Shoog · 15-11-2021 11:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118168362#Comment_118168362

Its anti-competitive to levy it on vehicles imported second hand from other EU states, this is the issue with the EU. Once the vehicle is registered in any state in the union there should be no more tax on import.

Its a tax intended to protect the domestic second hand car dealerships from cheap imports - that hurts everyone and keeps Irish car prices high.

niloc1951 · 22-11-2021 3:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118172304#Comment_118172304

VRT is not an import tax or tax on imports. VRT is a Registration Tax, that's what the R represents.

Other countries have similar taxes. What's illegal and against all taxation rules is the fact that a VRT liability is an unknown amount that is not determinable before a purchase contract is completed.

If it was based on the invoice price for the vehicle there could be no argument or challenge to it.

As VRT is currently assessed it is calculated, not on the actual cost (invoice price) of the vehicle, but on an opinion of what the vehicle is worth inclusive of the tax. Therefore, VRT is a form of double taxation because the tax is calculated on a VRT included value.

MotorHome & CamperVan Clubs

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