Whiteacres and Touring

[blanked_againParticipant]

Recently went to book Whiteacres for our touring caravan next year only to be told that they’re not accepting bookings for caravans or camping.

Don’t know what you guys think but since Parkdean have taken over, they seem to be cramming more and more accomodation in at the detriment of the family playing field etc. Very money orientated now.

If there were enough people that wanted to voice an opinion, I’m happy to co-ordinate something as i know there are along of tourers who go to whiteacres every year – we’ve done about 7 years in a row.

[TF_slippery]

I agree with you,i for one will never go there again.Go to Stafford Moor instead.You can stay at the camp-site in Dolton(5 mins away) from the fishery with a nice pub 2 mins away from your pitch.

[TF_folk in hail]

If you did voice your opinion, they wouldn’t care anyway.

You don’t holiday with Parkdean, you get processed by them, the whole thing is designed to extract as much cash from you as possible.I’ve camped, at White acres, as well as booking lodges, and if I didn’t like the fishing there I would tell them to poke it.When you look at what you pay for what little, tired accomodation you get its pretty poor value.The entertainment is crap. I go year after year, 4 or 5 times a year and I’m yet to see any of the tackle shop smile, or take an interest>They should be told they are part of a holiday park, and to get into the ”spirit” more.

Still could be worse, it could be Warmwell, and the accomodation there is really dated.

Clearly just my opinion, but I view Parkdean as a necessary evil, they give me ok fishing, for my hard earned.There’s no loyalty either way, just I can’t find an alternative.

[S-Max]

Sorry Guys,
Totally disagree with you.
My father was taken seriosly ill last year a week before going away and the team wether it be in the fishing lodge or the Ladies in reception were fantastic. As for the cant get smile from anybody in the fishing lodge i suggest you approach people differently.

Clint, Adam, Ben, Kirsty, Carl and Jamie are full of info and tips.

Back there next week for my third visit of the year

Spot on

[blanked_againParticipant]

have to agree slightly with S-Max – the regular crew at the shop are okay and i’ve found them very helpful. The staff are reception are okay and it’s not their fault – just a thought but if we notice the Parkdean effect whilst on holiday, perhaps they notice it more in their job and through the same issues being raised…………

[TF_folk in hail]

Very true BA. I hadn’t thought of it like that.

My third visit of the year in a few weeks, I shall try to view things differently.I suppose it’s a lot easier to be more customer friendly on a smaller site.

[TF_JohnH]

Been going for years since Andy Seerys time and love the place.I am sure Stafford Moor will be excellent as well. There is no doubt that tourers are being squeezed out as lodges and centrally heated caravans are installed. The objective is to extend the season as long as possible and touring is realistically confined to Summer months.
Its a pity, as I have met up with the same crowd year in year out and some of those are in tourers and are resigned not to return next year which is a shame.
The fishing, which is all I go for just gets better, thanks to Clint and his team. The area of Cornwall around the site is wonderfull with some fantastic walks and great eating places beaches etc.
I dont go in the club now but when mine were small they had lots of fun there and always wanted to return, I have spent many happy evenings in the club.
Things however move on and profit is what its all about not just at W/A but almost everywhere.

[TF_mike strutter]

s-max had a similar experience to folk in the tacklelodge, dont think it had anything to do with the way i approached them, not a cheerful bunch, generally enjoyed my time there anyway ,might go backone day but usually like to try somewhere different hopefully loch ken next year
cheersmike

[TF_TonyCurd]

Must admit it’s becoming a bit of a joke with the amount of caravans/lodges onsite now. However I have never had any bad experience with any of the staff in the tackle shop they have all helped me whenever I have needed anything. Looking forward to the Milo Festival in April now!

[TF_JohnH]

Tony the issue is if we want the fishing to keep improving it needs funds. The funds can only come from punters booking holidays and fishing. Shame about tourers though, I would have thought the site is big enough for all, tents, tourers, statics, lodges and self owned statics.

[TF_folk in hail]

What cheeses me off is the way in which, I believe it has been done.

When I first went to WA I stayed in a Penrose on the front row. The thing that made me return as a camper was how spotless the top wash block was.Over the last years, the campers/vanners lost focus, and as a result that top block wasn’t opened as long, meaning the use of the lower block, which by its nature, would never have the same standards.The grass seemed to be cut less often etc.How did Parkdean reflect this, they put the prices up. The top touring pitches were prime sites, so obviously they moved the statics into those.

[S-Max]

There must be 2 WA’s as the bottom block was immaculate in July.
Must agree John H the funds dont come from now where and after all it is a business.

Didnt take much notice of the length of the grass to busy fishing……

[TF_cockney blanker]

More owners vans are going on the camping triangle behind the tackle shop next year, seems to be the way Parkdean are going they want a certain percentage private owners and own rental fleet.

[TF_folk in hail]

Great place, but like anywhere, always room for improvement.What makes it for me is the free lessons I get when I’m battered either side in the rover!

Only a few weeks to my next lacklustre showing in the rover, can’t wait.

[TomW]

i think when you look at it from the way that 2 weeks at WA in the cheapest accomodation in july will cost you the same as 2 weeks in the caribean in 5 star accomodation it puts it into perspective!

I paid just over 900 notes for my 2 weeks in july!

I only wanted a holiday not bloody shares in the place!

I think that parkdean are on a gold mine and shouldnt the excuse of having to fund the fishing is a useless one, i mean once them caravans are hired out for a year they would have EASILY paid for itself and any maintenance on it nedded durin the season tehn the season after its all done and dusted all they have to cover is maintenance.

My opinion, its pure greed on parkdeans behalf, if there are any sad faces working on the site its probably because they ent getting there fair cut!

[TF_slippery]

TomW,The sad faces could always cut the grass?.lol

[TF_JohnH]

Tom, go and talk to your bank and make Parkdean an offer for the place. If you think they are overcharging by that much the profits will soon cover your interest charges on the £15 million or so you will have to borrow.
When did you last book a 5 star Caribbean holiday? Mine has just cost me £12k for next year.
W/A by comparison cost me £2K this year for an 8 berth lodge in July/August.
I still think its a shame the tourers are being taken out as in business I dont think it is wise to price out any potential profitable customer.
It is, after all, first and foremost a camp site.
If the fishing keeps improving and prices keep rising I think the site will continue to be busy.
Happy Parkdean me thinks and why not?

[TF_graz]

Unfortunately this seems to be a trend in the holiday park industry. All over the country tourers are being squeezed out as more owner occupier caravans go onto sites. Think about it, they get commision on caravan sales, then commission if you finance thro’ them, site rent of 2K a year, then commision of i believe 50% if they rent it out for you. Pure economics of maximising profit out of the land on site. Having tourers on site just does not add up in their eyes, even though sales of tourers and tents are booming at the moment. Sad but true. Now what about the rumour that the caravan side of white acres is being sold to an American company ?

[Kingsway Allstar]

I was down there in August for 2 weeks and there were alot of unhappy tourers. Parkdean are creating a monster of what was a great family holiday park. As for the staff they are all really friendly but the entertaintment in the club is crap.

[TF_cockney blanker]

if only the entertainment was as good as crap!!

This year there putting on the odd good night but most nights its the in house mob, karaoke god its bad, some nights you fancy a good old drink and the bar shuts at midnight!!

There are some real nice people working on site, paid a pittance some of them, working long hours.

GRAZ if you see the cost of the finance on a van you would not belive it, 25% they take if you rent ya van out through them.

[TF_JohnH]

Over the next 5 years I predict;
No tourers.
Improved fishing.
More lakes.
Many privately owned caravans.
Some privately owned lodges.
Less people overall visiting.
Site profits will increase as the people who do go will pay more.
Season extended to 52 week pa.

Many people have disposable income from house price rises inheritance etc dont think the money men are not aware and are just waiting out there to capitalise.
Keith has a thing just now about day ticket waters moving to annual permits to curb litter, louts etc I think this is part and parcel of the way things will go in the future.W/A will go the same way in my opinion.

[TF_folk in hail]

I see my grass comment has caused some mirth.However, if you do camp a lot, dried uncollected grass is a real pain, it gets everywhere, in the tent, in your bag etc.

Be interesting what will happen if the country goes into recession.

Having looked at getting a van, the internet has some real horror stories around flogging it on inside five years.The depreciation can be as much as 50% in year one.

[TF_spotter1707]

Will this mean that the “local” anglers won’t be able to fish the festivals?

[TF_folk in hail]

Are there any locals left anywhere in Kernow?

[RubbaDub]

I would have to agree with the original comment. This year I wanted to camp for a week on site as I could not afford to rent a caravan between 2 people. They said that there was no pitches available.

Not to be deterred on my weeks ‘fishing’ break I looked for other places I could stay to fish the Gwineer and Mawgan Porth matches.

I managed to find a lovely place called Rettorick mill (a 60 second walk from Mawgan Porth – instead of turning left into the lakes carry on straight to the end)link: http://www.retorrickmill.com/tariff.php . The chap that runs the place was brilliant and really friendly and asked us if we could help him catch a few trout out of the stream on the premises. We managed to get a really great deal at almost camping prices because he had not managed to fill all his lodges(it’s a fairly new site). The area around Mawgan Porth is brilliant and the beach is one of the best in Cornwall (8 min walk) so we really enjoyed our stay. The Falcon Inn (5 min) is also reccommended for great food and a wide selection of foods.

I understand that this isn’t a complete out and out match fishing break as many of you want that you get at WA, but if you want some enjoyable fun days fishing in a relaxed atmosphere I highly reccomend this place(it is also a place the other half would enjoy).

I understand what a few people mean about the staff at WA. There are a couple that appear to not want to be there, a couple who will only be interested in people they know and there are a couple that are very friendly and appoachable namely – Ben.

Coincidently, we took a visit to the tackle lodge on our visit and could see that there was numerous pitches available – it was literally 25% full! Never mind I think this all turned out for the best.

[maggot_drowner]

It’s a shame about tourers, there should be room there for them.
Outlaws have a van on a site in North Yorks, just undergone a massive improvement program. The touring site is spotless and the pitches are probably the best I’ve seen (my parents tow ther home round!). You have to pay for these facilities but at least you have a choice. There should be room for tourers and tents IMHO but it’s about making money and making it fast.

As for the staff, I only use them to fetch the bits of tackle I need. Had a couple this year that looked and acted like I was scum. Asked for advice on Gwinear as I’d only fished it once, the previous year, and got back “depends on where u draw”! Loads of help that!
Also one of the others had a face like a slapped arse and I wasn’t the only one to notice, a few people in the bar commented.
Got on really well with a couple of the girls in the cafe, even tho’ they were rushed they still had time for a smile and a chat, same with one of the girls in the bar. They aren’t all that bad.

I basically go down there for a laugh, some good fishing and to get away from the missus for a week! I take all the gear I’m likely to need (and more!) and I also take all my bait as I get it in bulk before I go to save me a few quid. Maybe that’s why they think I’m scum, I only bought 2 packets of hooks this year!

[Anonymous]

My daughter works both in the cafe and behind the bar, but she never smiles at me lol.

Pop into the tackle shop when its not so busy, and Im sure you will find them more upfront with imfo.

[maggot_drowner]

She’s your daughter skip, she’s not supposed to smile at you when she grows up!

As for my experience with the happy folk in the tackle shop, both times I went in it was quiet, I approached them politely and I was still scum!
Maybe it’s just me, plus half the other people on the site, maybe it was just that time of month for them. I’ll know for next year and take loads of hooks as well then I don’t have to go in the place.

[TF_folk in hail]

That’s what I do.I’ve learnt its far too much hassle for them to bother serving me.In fact in June I went into Newquay to buy some stuff, purely to save them the effort of having to talk to me.

Agreed, Ben is the most helpful.

here’s another thing that puzzles me, how come the method, and hook lengths under 12” are banned, yet if I use a 3lb TC rod, I can clip a dirty great lead up, and use 6” hooklengths?

[B.RolyParticipant]

Hi Folk, you can use a big lead you are right, however it must be on a lead clip or it must be free running for fish safety, hence why all types of the method is banned and only normal free running feeder tactics are permitted.

[blanked_againParticipant]

I’ve heard that the previous owners now have a site in Devon – does anyone have details ?

[TF_graz]

It’s a not very well known place called Stafford Moor 🙂
http://www.staffordmoor.co.uk/

[alfieParticipant]

Been to Cornwall 4-5 times now we go every june,stayed at WA the first year and never again.
I really liked Clint but there are 1 or 2 in the tackle shop that seem as if they have a rod stuck up there arse,breakfast was the best part about the place and good service as well as good food in the cafe.
Going for a drink at night was like Butlins…..kids running around like blue arsed flys and also quite a few pissheads were there along with their “Do you wanna piece of me cos I am pissed attitude”.
We now go to lakeview country club and run our own matches there and also MP as well as Bake lakes,fishing is as good or better than WA,accomodation is magnificent,food is great and the lack of pissheads is refreshing……oh btw it’s a LOT chaper as well 🙂

[teddybear1963]

asked about bringing my tourer, and was told no room, went to have a look round and over the 2 weeks at least 20 pitches were free, ????
met a chap from lincs that had a lodge on site, bought in 04, the ground rent had nearly doubled, so he sold back to WA, got just above 40% the asking price, lost 30k in under 3 years, ,,but what the heck, he caught loads,,,and so did they,,,,,lol

[TF_folk in hail]

so it now seems level pegging on the tackle shop, most people don’t want the camping area taken away, and some agree with me that owning your own there just doesn’t stack up.Its about them increasing capacity, and being financed by the caravan owners, at their risk.

Alfie, I’ve seen your pi55heads in action, and agree there can be a load of kids running about, but that’s holiday parks.WA is run to make money, and if you think its mission is to provide you with quality fishing, then you are a bit misguided I think.I reckon Parkdean will invest in more sites with lakes, and WA is being developed to become the means of stocking.

[TF_folk in hail]

Alfie, Just re read my comment above, It doesn’t read correctly.What I meant to say is thet if people believe WA is there to serve up quality fishing, then they aren’t considering all the facts.

No offence intended.

[TF_Johnny Mac]

Last time I was there i spoke to a number of people that didn’t fish and had no interest in fishing….

Years ago it was a fishing site where you could have a holiday. Now it’s a holiday park where you can fish.

[B.RolyParticipant]

Folk are you saying that WA are stocking there other sites lakes with fish from there lakes??

There are more non fishing people down there when the school holidays are on, however go down there May, June and September and its still rammed with anglers, just look at the size of the thursday rover matches.

[TF_folk in hail]

No, I’m not saying they are.

However, They do have other sites, Warmwell, Ruda etc.Warmwell had 4000 carp put in when they took it over, they may or may not be from WA.

From a business perspective it would make a lot of sense to have an end to end offering, reduced disease, cost, known history etc.

[TF_folk in hail]

Just been on Bourne leisure’s site.I was at Burnham over the weekend, they wanted 4-5K a year for site fees.Cheapest van 21K with a years fees in the bargain.

On the same site they have a vacancy for caravan sales, OTE 40K for a sales person, and 80-100K for a site sales manager.

I now see why sites aren’t worried about 30quid a night for tourers, or my tent.

[gazza.bParticipant]

hi all, i have read through the posts and i think it is a case of expectancy, in this i mean that is everyone who walks the earth happy and helpful every day, i have been going to whiteacres for 5 years now and have never had any bad attitude from the tackle shop or any kind of grevance, i until last year tokk my four children with me for a week and they enjoyed it as well as the wife,,,, perhaps my kids treated it like butlins. at the end of the day if anglers that take their families and anglers go with just their partners or a fishing pal all should be getting along and enjoying. alfie, i and loits of friends have never seen or experienced the pisshead attitude you said, i mean this even during festival season and i like a drink the same as thge next man.

cheers gazza.

[preston.pete]

Back to the original point, good riddance to the tourers i say! I’ve been going to WA for the last 8 years even before parkdean took over. The camping lot pay next to nothing to fish all week and hog the pegs. I paid around £2000 for my last holiday and they pay barely £200!! This isn’t on. I’ve heard their building a golf course, does anyone know anythin about this?? Thats wasted lake space!!!

Also kids should be banned from the club in the evenings. And as for the staff at the tackle shop, i’ve never had a bad experience, all very friendly and have given me some good advice. Good work guys keep it up. I’ll be back there soon and can’t wait

[TF_folk in hail]

I think you’ll find the cost to fish is the same regardless of your chosen holiday.Is it any different if 6 lads take a lodge, or a van?

Why on earth should kids be banned, its a holiday park!You have the choice to stay in the pub, or go into the clubhouse if you wish.

[preston.pete]

The price for fishing maybe the same but if thats the case, why aren’t campers allowed to fish the specimen lakes?? It’s because they don’t pay enough to on the park.

Maybe kids shouldn’t be banned but there is a time and place for them, especially after 10pm when there should be decent adult entertainment on.

[TF_folk in hail]

Two very good points,I would imagine the first is hard to police.I’ve never even been asked to show my ticket.

[blanked_againParticipant]

Thanks for the support re: touring. The specimen lakes are not allowed to be fished by tourers due to the number of pegs available on the lakes – this has been historical and has always been the case since I’ve been to WA.

Kids should be banned – it’s a family holiday park. At the rate Parkdean are going, all WA will become is a fishing venue.

The fishing and park are now effectively separate as I understand it and therefore the cost of the holiday is irrelevant as the price does not go towards the fishing – it’s the permits etc. which do.

All in all why shouldn’t WA be available to all – families, fisherman, tourers etc. ?

[gazza.bParticipant]

blanked again,,, it should be open to all that want to go there and have the break they desire. preston pete, i have 4 kids aged 15, 12, 7 and 4, the 4 and 7 enjoy the kids bit early and the older 2 sit and enjoy the entertainment whether it be comedy or a band. i think some peoples expectancies are different from others. i know for a fact that if i was to say to the family we are going home at ten they would not be pleased and therefore it reduces the mans angling time cops you have to find alternative entertainment during the day to counteract this. on the whole i and my family have never had a complaint with the place and hope in 3 weeks when i go back for the maver i dont experience one.

cheers gazza.

[TF_graz]

Been going for 5 years now and the wife and son have no complaints about the place at all. In fact they are dying to get back down there at the end of the week. Every year they make sure they get to know the entertainments and security team well and have a whale of a time. They have the attitude that they are going to enjoy themselves no matter what. As with any holiday its what you make of it !

[gazza.bParticipant]

graz, you couldnt have said it better mate.

cheers gazza.

[TF_folk in hail]

I see both sides here, but tend to agree with BA.

Tourers are a key part of a holiday park.Tourers have a fantastic attitude, all that I have come across have been friendly, and helpful.It seems an unwritten rule that you become welcomed when you pitch, and any assistance you look as if you need is volunteered.

Would be a shame not to be able to camp at WA, despite what I see as its faults(all of which I believe are easily to resolve given focus), its a wonderful place.

Tourers will always be in the market, whether the same can be said of owners who may be exposed to growing ground rents, and interest rates, remains to be seen.

[Anonymous]

I am surprised that the fields along the side of Trelawney are not being used for the tourers. Those fields are not being used for anything and would only need hooking up with electic and maybe a new shower block. Loads of room still at that end of the park.

[TF_JohnH]

I think you will find TB that these fields in the future will have owner lodges at £100k plus on them.
I have repeatedly asked Clint to establish a roadway around here to save all the off site travelling around to Twin Oaks etc. They use this track for the quad so with minimal expense it could be opened up for cars.
I agree its a shame about tourers there does seem to be plenty of room.
As for slagging off the owner vans I think we all need to consider that just because the numbers dont add up for you that they dont add up for others. If I was semi retired and could spend 6 summer months down there I would seriously consider it.

[TF_folk in hail]

I don’t see any slagging off.I see a concern that a second home will always be the first to go in a downturn in the economy.The question is; if that occurs do van prices fall through the floor.The example given above of a 60% reduction in less than 3 years, and increased site fees appears all too common within the caravan holiday home industry.

I could buy a van there tomorrow if I chose to, however, I don’t believe its a valuable use of cash.

[TF_JohnH]

Sorry, yes “slagging off” was probably a bit strong but the site owners have been critisised on this thread for alleged profiteering in relation to kicking off the tourers to make way for private sales.
The small point I was trying to establish is that everyones circumstances are different and we would all place a different value on having our own private home at W/A.
Unless you can use your holiday home, IMO, for months every year as against the average few weeks the maths of ownership do not appear to stack up to me.
For me too I dont see it as a valuable use of cash but lots of things are not, a new car for example as against an older model. But once again it depends on the value you percieve of having a new car.
The owners of the site clearly believe that enough people will buy, and so far they appear to be correct. Future years will see IMO private sales expanding despite whatever financial logic you use. Hence the strategic decision to remove tourers now. I dont agree with it but I dont own the site.

[TF_cockney blanker]

some of your facts and figures dont add up, as far as i know no lodges have been sold YET, and wont be, some lodges will go and the new double width units will replace them. If you need finance to buy a van then its very expensive with the interest rates as they are personally i wouldnt. We purchased one this year and have no regrets, the site fees will go up over the years as will all the other costs thats for sure, but the figures over 12yrs added up for us, maybe not for some.

I hope in a few years time the site will be open for 10 months of the year, a couple more lakes, there is talk of a mini site over the back with a golf course, but please parkdean sort out the Entertainment!!

[TF_JohnH]

cb, the general thrust of the thread was critical of W/A for removing tourers. My observations, whilst having some sympathy for the tourers, was to point out that in future I expect the owner concept will be extended to include log cabins. I am not aware right now of any for sale but there is plenty of land undeveloped.
It might take 10 years before it happens but I believe thats the way its going.
I agree with you about other lakes, the cost of financing a purchase and the entertainment.
The compensation is that this area of Cornwall is so nice to be in in summer, not sure about winter though.

[TF_folk in hail]

Sad day for me.Half way through our week here, and we realise we won’t be coming back, in fact we plan to go after the rover.I fish because I enjoy it, and like peace and quiet.I don’t want to be asked if I’m catching every five minutes.Nor do I want a procession of light blue clad shaven headed pseudo hard nuts peering into my bait, tackle etc on their daily patrol of all the lakes.You normally get this sort of carry on here, but for some reason, this week seems really bad.Its not a festival week, we avoid those for this very reason, anyway, rant over, end of an era, was good whilst it lasted.

[Author]

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