TTF meetup - 2nd / 3rd July
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Dagan
- Member
- Posts: 741
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2004 11:55 pm
- Location: Not here
- Contact:
Wish I'd been able to come purely to see this camp site character. Sounds like a tip top bloke.
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Dobbo
- New Member
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:26 pm
Weekend trip report by Wayne
To be fair, Kaycee has covered many of the main points so i won't bore you with repeats of the same. What i will say is that i had a very enjoyable weekend with so many nice, honest, friendly and decent people- new faces and old ones kept me entertained and company! After a very amusing night one at the star caravan park, night two was much more relaxed and enjoyable (except for the 2hour (fish and chips order!). Really enjoyed relaxing on the camp site with my friends! On arriving back from the chippy i arrived back finding a drunken ray, on a bicardi breezer and a red bull - he's a light weight! I tried my best to keep Sammie and Ray sober and sensible for the next few hours, this involved offering him Alton Towers related favours in return for him sitting in a tent, quiet for 10mins. It seemed to do the trick.
After walking Sammie and Ant back to their car, the rest of the group went off into their tents and left me, crofty and vik as the only ones awake. We had a little laugh about Ray and then Vik left us to his tent. Me and crofty heard a disco on the other side of camp so decided to go look for it...... this was a very late and drunk walk accross camp- and we never did find that disco, we did however enjoy dancing to the music and spending the night drinking and whispering to eachother until about 3am- we may have been drunk but we still was very quiet and respected peoples privacy - despite the loud disco music echoing over the valley.
We woke up in the morning and i had to rush off because i was working at Alton Towers for the second day of the meetup- saw the guys on oblivion a couple of times throughout the day and that was about it.
I look forward to the next camping trip which me and craig have already started discussing dates for- any suggested dates please forward to me or him so we can confirm it.
Now for my Star rant, which i saved till the end because i thought it was worth it!
As a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree student i have spent the last 7 years learning how to manage and run a successful business. In particular i have learnt the marketing and customer care side of thing, as i specialise in Marketing Customer services. After visiting the Star Caravan site i can safely say that this is the worst business i have ever seen in terms of operational performance. The staff were rude and threatening to ALL of the guests i spoke to, they were insulting and had a very negative attitude towards everyone on camp.
I cam to the conclusion that this business does not survive on repeat custom, but more survives on new customers who only manage to stay one night, but pay for multiple nights. After speaking to other people at the other camp sites it was quite clear that it is a regular practise- people stay one night at the Star and then have to move onto another site for their second night.
By no means were any of the campers on my stay breaking any rules or threatening the enjoyment of other guests on the site. The campers were polite and genuinely could not understand why camp wardens were patrolling the camp site as if we were prisoners.
It shocked me that a camp warden could instruct a 50 year old what time to go to bed, to tell another guy that he was snoring too loud and to tell a family who were on a weeks holiday there that "they were too noise and would be leaving in the morning" despite paying for 7 nights would get no refund.
All i can conclude with is that i had a fabulous weekend and would NOT recommend the Star Caravan and camping park to ANYONE. It makes me sick to think that they can operate such a business and utterly disgusted that this is a site which has been recommended in an AT where to stay guide. Anyone who goes to Alton Towers wants a laugh and from what i could see - a simple smile was banned on this site!
To be fair, Kaycee has covered many of the main points so i won't bore you with repeats of the same. What i will say is that i had a very enjoyable weekend with so many nice, honest, friendly and decent people- new faces and old ones kept me entertained and company! After a very amusing night one at the star caravan park, night two was much more relaxed and enjoyable (except for the 2hour (fish and chips order!). Really enjoyed relaxing on the camp site with my friends! On arriving back from the chippy i arrived back finding a drunken ray, on a bicardi breezer and a red bull - he's a light weight! I tried my best to keep Sammie and Ray sober and sensible for the next few hours, this involved offering him Alton Towers related favours in return for him sitting in a tent, quiet for 10mins. It seemed to do the trick.
After walking Sammie and Ant back to their car, the rest of the group went off into their tents and left me, crofty and vik as the only ones awake. We had a little laugh about Ray and then Vik left us to his tent. Me and crofty heard a disco on the other side of camp so decided to go look for it...... this was a very late and drunk walk accross camp- and we never did find that disco, we did however enjoy dancing to the music and spending the night drinking and whispering to eachother until about 3am- we may have been drunk but we still was very quiet and respected peoples privacy - despite the loud disco music echoing over the valley.
We woke up in the morning and i had to rush off because i was working at Alton Towers for the second day of the meetup- saw the guys on oblivion a couple of times throughout the day and that was about it.
I look forward to the next camping trip which me and craig have already started discussing dates for- any suggested dates please forward to me or him so we can confirm it.
Now for my Star rant, which i saved till the end because i thought it was worth it!
As a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree student i have spent the last 7 years learning how to manage and run a successful business. In particular i have learnt the marketing and customer care side of thing, as i specialise in Marketing Customer services. After visiting the Star Caravan site i can safely say that this is the worst business i have ever seen in terms of operational performance. The staff were rude and threatening to ALL of the guests i spoke to, they were insulting and had a very negative attitude towards everyone on camp.
I cam to the conclusion that this business does not survive on repeat custom, but more survives on new customers who only manage to stay one night, but pay for multiple nights. After speaking to other people at the other camp sites it was quite clear that it is a regular practise- people stay one night at the Star and then have to move onto another site for their second night.
By no means were any of the campers on my stay breaking any rules or threatening the enjoyment of other guests on the site. The campers were polite and genuinely could not understand why camp wardens were patrolling the camp site as if we were prisoners.
It shocked me that a camp warden could instruct a 50 year old what time to go to bed, to tell another guy that he was snoring too loud and to tell a family who were on a weeks holiday there that "they were too noise and would be leaving in the morning" despite paying for 7 nights would get no refund.
All i can conclude with is that i had a fabulous weekend and would NOT recommend the Star Caravan and camping park to ANYONE. It makes me sick to think that they can operate such a business and utterly disgusted that this is a site which has been recommended in an AT where to stay guide. Anyone who goes to Alton Towers wants a laugh and from what i could see - a simple smile was banned on this site!
TowersTimes founder and owner 2000-2003
Please do not contact me regarding this site as I no longer own it!
Please do not contact me regarding this site as I no longer own it!
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Vik
- Member
- Posts: 2978
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:37 pm
- Location: Ellesmere Port
- Contact:
Ok, well heres my trip report from the weekend, minus whats already been discused about the Star Caravan & Camping Park.
Set out at around 2.30, and had a nice pleasant drive down the A51 instead of taking the motorway. Had a text of craig asking me where I was, and informing me he was at Tescos in Uttoxeter. I was just passing J16 of the M6, and judging by the slow moving traffic over the flyover, taking the A51 was a good idea.
Arrived at the Star campsite around 4.30, and texted Craig to say I had arrived, and he texted back informing me that he & Kaycee had almost got turned away. Checked in, and then met up with the them & Wayne.
Craig & Kaycee were attempting to put up their tent, and had a couple of poles in the ground, and when I had finished putting my tent up, they still had, well, a couple of poles in the ground.
The rest of the Star campsite experience has been mentioned so will not go over old ground again.
Anyway once Craig and Kaycees tent was finally put up, we all walked down to the nearby pub and had a nice meal.
We were joined later by Matttttttttt, Ade, Jnewcombe & nuke. Had a good time lots of alchohol flowing, and generally had a good time.
Then made our way back to site after closing, all of this has been explained once already, so straight to Saturdays trip to the towers.
Arrived shortly before 9, after being ordered off the campsite. Took the monorail to the entrance, and made our way to FV for some rides on Nemmy & Air. Met up with D_Stone in the Nemesis Queue.
Cant really remember the exact order things happened in, and who,where when we met up with other members of the group such as Ray, Sammy, Ant, Dave & Sue, Crofty, and anyone else if I forgot to mention them.
But all in all we had a great day, weather was warm but a bit overcast.
During our day there, Wayne & Dave tried to sort out a campsite for the night, but everywhere was booked up, and one site said they will get back to us after speaking to Star. Dave got back to them & managed to sort something out, and we had to be there for 6pm.
We didnt leave the park until 5.30 though, and it was a quick dash to the car park, in to the cars and out, quick stop off to pick up d_stone from pickup point, who was collecting his camping gear from his mother.
We all followed wayne, who shot off in to the distance, followed closely behind by Craig, I managed to keep them in my sights just, but Ade, who was following behind me got stuck behind a slower car.
On a right turn in Alton Village, I waited for Ade to catch up, then turned right, but he went straight on, closely followed by jnewcombe I think.
By this time I'd lost Wayne and craig, but eventually found them.
Got to the new site for 5.55, and met up with the owner who was nice and polite, and pointed us in the right direction.
Again we pitched our tents, and the beer started flowing, though I didnt partake straight away as I had a bagnging headache.
After eating (thanks to Wayne & crofty for the long treck to get the food) there was more beer, and everyone in a jovial mood, and having a good time, much more relaxed site.
At some piont, we decided to turn d_stones tent around, as his was the only one without guide ropes, and was an easy target.
Around 11.30 wayne walked Ant & Sammy to the main entrance to meet their parents. During this time someone (mentioning no names!!), got stuck up a steep hill, and needed some help in getting down.
Next morning I set off, with D-stone following Wayne to AT, on arrival we went straight to Nemesis and had a front row seat. The queue for air was already on the long side so gave it a miss.
d_stone went to meet up with Bicko, while I headed over to Ugland very quickly to meet up with Craig, Kaycee & Stokey who had now arrived. Had a front row ride on Rita then met up with the others.
Again another great day, with a few goes on Nemesis via single rider, which goes down very quickly.
Everyone went to the tavern early afternoon, so me D-stone & Ant headed over to Oblivion, and joined single rider, and we were on within 5 minutes, though the queuing system here really needs sorting out, its a bit of a mess. Met wayne again, who was just taking his tea break, and walked with us to the exit to x-sector.
Here we met Sammie, who informed us everone else had gone, didnt get chance to say goodbye to everyone, but I'm sure I'll catch you all again soon.
The 4 of us then headed to Hex for a ride, in which Ant & Dstone recited (sp!!!) the story word for word, much to Sammies embarasement.
The to ugland, ahd a go on corkscrew, then said our goodbyes to Sammie & Ant. Me & Dstone then joined the Rita queue line. Boy what a queue line its so boring & claustrophobic. Our boredom was reduced somwhat by a ball game involving a huge inflatable football, which ended up the netting a few times, and was a bit of a laugh watching as some people fell off the fence trying to knock it off the net.
After a ride on RITA went to the exit, at about 6.30, and left dstone to meet his mother, and wait for me to get my car and meet him so he can get all his stuff which was in my car. Went for the monorail but the queue was huge, so walked it quickly.
On getting to the exit barriers, using the one nearest the cabin, took me an age to get the attention of the attendant, who seemed to be in a world of his own. The traffic getting to the main exit was awfull, and took me another 15 minutes to get to the drop off point so dstone could get his stuff out of my car.
Upon leaving, I took the unoficcial, non signposted route for M6 north which took me past the Star caravan park, but at least I avoided being stuck behind a lot of slow moving traffic, and avoided Cheadle as well.
Arrived home at 8.30 and knackered, in bed for 11pm and slept like a baby until 10 this morning.
Good points.......
Meeting Ade for the first time, great bloke, and also jnewcombe & nuke also great guys. And meeting everyone else again, couldnt ask for a better bunch.
Good weather, overcast saturday, but sunday was really sunny, and I'm really burnt.
Having 2 days in the towers.
Bad points.......
No fountains on ripsaw, some of the paths in FV look tired and worn, really need resurfacing during the closed season. Litter, though there were regular litter patrols and Alton were doing there best. If only people would use bins..
Having to go home
Oh and the star caravan & camping park, but I'm sure we'll have a good laugh at it at the next meet up.
Sorry for waffling on, I know this post is huge so thanks for reading.
Till next time
Set out at around 2.30, and had a nice pleasant drive down the A51 instead of taking the motorway. Had a text of craig asking me where I was, and informing me he was at Tescos in Uttoxeter. I was just passing J16 of the M6, and judging by the slow moving traffic over the flyover, taking the A51 was a good idea.
Arrived at the Star campsite around 4.30, and texted Craig to say I had arrived, and he texted back informing me that he & Kaycee had almost got turned away. Checked in, and then met up with the them & Wayne.
Craig & Kaycee were attempting to put up their tent, and had a couple of poles in the ground, and when I had finished putting my tent up, they still had, well, a couple of poles in the ground.
The rest of the Star campsite experience has been mentioned so will not go over old ground again.
Anyway once Craig and Kaycees tent was finally put up, we all walked down to the nearby pub and had a nice meal.
We were joined later by Matttttttttt, Ade, Jnewcombe & nuke. Had a good time lots of alchohol flowing, and generally had a good time.
Then made our way back to site after closing, all of this has been explained once already, so straight to Saturdays trip to the towers.
Arrived shortly before 9, after being ordered off the campsite. Took the monorail to the entrance, and made our way to FV for some rides on Nemmy & Air. Met up with D_Stone in the Nemesis Queue.
Cant really remember the exact order things happened in, and who,where when we met up with other members of the group such as Ray, Sammy, Ant, Dave & Sue, Crofty, and anyone else if I forgot to mention them.
But all in all we had a great day, weather was warm but a bit overcast.
During our day there, Wayne & Dave tried to sort out a campsite for the night, but everywhere was booked up, and one site said they will get back to us after speaking to Star. Dave got back to them & managed to sort something out, and we had to be there for 6pm.
We didnt leave the park until 5.30 though, and it was a quick dash to the car park, in to the cars and out, quick stop off to pick up d_stone from pickup point, who was collecting his camping gear from his mother.
We all followed wayne, who shot off in to the distance, followed closely behind by Craig, I managed to keep them in my sights just, but Ade, who was following behind me got stuck behind a slower car.
On a right turn in Alton Village, I waited for Ade to catch up, then turned right, but he went straight on, closely followed by jnewcombe I think.
By this time I'd lost Wayne and craig, but eventually found them.
Got to the new site for 5.55, and met up with the owner who was nice and polite, and pointed us in the right direction.
Again we pitched our tents, and the beer started flowing, though I didnt partake straight away as I had a bagnging headache.
After eating (thanks to Wayne & crofty for the long treck to get the food) there was more beer, and everyone in a jovial mood, and having a good time, much more relaxed site.
At some piont, we decided to turn d_stones tent around, as his was the only one without guide ropes, and was an easy target.
Around 11.30 wayne walked Ant & Sammy to the main entrance to meet their parents. During this time someone (mentioning no names!!), got stuck up a steep hill, and needed some help in getting down.
Next morning I set off, with D-stone following Wayne to AT, on arrival we went straight to Nemesis and had a front row seat. The queue for air was already on the long side so gave it a miss.
d_stone went to meet up with Bicko, while I headed over to Ugland very quickly to meet up with Craig, Kaycee & Stokey who had now arrived. Had a front row ride on Rita then met up with the others.
Again another great day, with a few goes on Nemesis via single rider, which goes down very quickly.
Everyone went to the tavern early afternoon, so me D-stone & Ant headed over to Oblivion, and joined single rider, and we were on within 5 minutes, though the queuing system here really needs sorting out, its a bit of a mess. Met wayne again, who was just taking his tea break, and walked with us to the exit to x-sector.
Here we met Sammie, who informed us everone else had gone, didnt get chance to say goodbye to everyone, but I'm sure I'll catch you all again soon.
The 4 of us then headed to Hex for a ride, in which Ant & Dstone recited (sp!!!) the story word for word, much to Sammies embarasement.
The to ugland, ahd a go on corkscrew, then said our goodbyes to Sammie & Ant. Me & Dstone then joined the Rita queue line. Boy what a queue line its so boring & claustrophobic. Our boredom was reduced somwhat by a ball game involving a huge inflatable football, which ended up the netting a few times, and was a bit of a laugh watching as some people fell off the fence trying to knock it off the net.
After a ride on RITA went to the exit, at about 6.30, and left dstone to meet his mother, and wait for me to get my car and meet him so he can get all his stuff which was in my car. Went for the monorail but the queue was huge, so walked it quickly.
On getting to the exit barriers, using the one nearest the cabin, took me an age to get the attention of the attendant, who seemed to be in a world of his own. The traffic getting to the main exit was awfull, and took me another 15 minutes to get to the drop off point so dstone could get his stuff out of my car.
Upon leaving, I took the unoficcial, non signposted route for M6 north which took me past the Star caravan park, but at least I avoided being stuck behind a lot of slow moving traffic, and avoided Cheadle as well.
Arrived home at 8.30 and knackered, in bed for 11pm and slept like a baby until 10 this morning.
Good points.......
Meeting Ade for the first time, great bloke, and also jnewcombe & nuke also great guys. And meeting everyone else again, couldnt ask for a better bunch.
Good weather, overcast saturday, but sunday was really sunny, and I'm really burnt.
Having 2 days in the towers.
Bad points.......
No fountains on ripsaw, some of the paths in FV look tired and worn, really need resurfacing during the closed season. Litter, though there were regular litter patrols and Alton were doing there best. If only people would use bins..
Having to go home
Oh and the star caravan & camping park, but I'm sure we'll have a good laugh at it at the next meet up.
Sorry for waffling on, I know this post is huge so thanks for reading.
Till next time
Sent from my ZX81 via Time Travel
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Anonymous
by the way great news guys...
Ive got a job near alton towers, i work at the star campsite as a ranger at night - its a great use of my moaning skills! Had my first shifts last weekend it was great, I managed to kick a group out and piss off loads of customers - i left happy.
Ive got a job near alton towers, i work at the star campsite as a ranger at night - its a great use of my moaning skills! Had my first shifts last weekend it was great, I managed to kick a group out and piss off loads of customers - i left happy.
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buggy
- Member
- Posts: 104
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:47 pm
- Contact:
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Anonymous
I will post more about the above mentioned STAR CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK and there will be something on the front page of the main TT site soon and an e mail winding its way to the STAR CARAVAN & CAMPING SITE showing them exactly what damage we can do to there 'lovely' camp site!
will post more about the weekend in general later in the week but for now.
Nuke thanks for the loan much appreciated!
And
Get them legs RIGHT back!
not just back but RIGHT back!
And
Hello sue (said in a high pitched voice)
will post more about the weekend in general later in the week but for now.
Nuke thanks for the loan much appreciated!
And
Get them legs RIGHT back!
not just back but RIGHT back!And
Hello sue (said in a high pitched voice)
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Anonymous
[quote=""abbylei""]Is there nothing that can be done about this camp site? Its a disgrace what they have done to you all and you, along with everyone else on that campsite, are entitled to a refund![/quote]
It's a bit ambiguous as to whether we ARE actually entitled to a refund, one of 'The Rules' we were made to read on checking in was that The Star Campsite 'DO NOT give refunds' (notice the caps lock - have they had to reiterate that to a few people?). Basically, Craig and I had to agree to those Rules before entering the site - sort of like a verbal contract.
I did demand our money back in the height of anger when we were being kicked off, but ReceptionPrick was adamant we 'WILL NOT get your money back'. It's robbery, that's how they make their money - take bookings for multiple nights, make you pay on arrival, then kick you off for not following their impossible rules after the first night. Is there anything that can be done?
Did anybody else have to read those Rules as sort of like a condition of checking in? Or were you just given the yellow card to tie to your tent?
:P
It's a bit ambiguous as to whether we ARE actually entitled to a refund, one of 'The Rules' we were made to read on checking in was that The Star Campsite 'DO NOT give refunds' (notice the caps lock - have they had to reiterate that to a few people?). Basically, Craig and I had to agree to those Rules before entering the site - sort of like a verbal contract.
I did demand our money back in the height of anger when we were being kicked off, but ReceptionPrick was adamant we 'WILL NOT get your money back'. It's robbery, that's how they make their money - take bookings for multiple nights, make you pay on arrival, then kick you off for not following their impossible rules after the first night. Is there anything that can be done?
Did anybody else have to read those Rules as sort of like a condition of checking in? Or were you just given the yellow card to tie to your tent?
:P-
Anonymous
Sounds like you lot had a fun day, I am not blaming dave but its just a shame his phone f*cked up during the day. We were going to come and meet up after dinner if dave rang, but he didnt so what else can i say.
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Nuke
No Problem Ade, was a good weekend.... Hope we can all get together again soon
Thanks for making it fun everyone .....And get those legs RIGHT Back
Thanks for making it fun everyone .....And get those legs RIGHT Back
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Gashead
- Member
- Posts: 3946
- Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2003 9:51 pm
- Location: Bristol
Yup perhaps we should have put that old cunts neck right back and riped it off 
I had a really good weekend, nice to get to no people such as jon and ian abit better....there top blokes!aswell as the usally crew who make these meet ups what they are!Nice to meet adz too, hes cool too, very shy though!
I had a really good weekend, nice to get to no people such as jon and ian abit better....there top blokes!aswell as the usally crew who make these meet ups what they are!Nice to meet adz too, hes cool too, very shy though!
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Jnewcombe
- Member
- Posts: 338
- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:27 pm
- Location: Warwickshire
thanks buddyI had a really good weekend, nice to get to no people such as jon and ian abit better....there top blokes!aswell
, It was nice to put some faces to the names too had such a good time meeting all the TTF people , And when people ask in years to come "where were you when live 8 was on" i will say " at the Towerstimes meetup at alton towers"Jon
42% of Statistics are made up on the spot!
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Satch
From doing Business Studies a few years ago now, I seem to remember that it is in everybodies right to receive a full refund if they are not satisfied, regardless of the companies personal policy. Its your statutory rights. Im not sure if it applies in this case, but verbally agreeing to those rules does not say you cant get a refund. Of course, I may be talking craphola here
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stokywolf
- Member
- Posts: 1933
- Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:38 pm
- Location: Liverpool
- Contact:
Me Business teracher was telling me today that if its a verbal contract you can have a refund no matter what they say, if it was agreed during the booking about the no refund then your not entitald to it.
Tavern hall of famer - rockerz my sockerz
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Martin1
- Member
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2004 4:56 pm
- Location: Costa del Leeds
Thing is, it seems there wasnt verbel agreement, as no one seemed to know. When i asked for a refund a week back, when me tent leaked, they said they dont give refunds, if i knew, i wouldnt have asked. I hope im making sense or il just shut the fcuk up.
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Anonymous
Here is the meet up video!
Get them legs right back!
http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/meetup/ttf ... ly2005.wmv
Enjoy!
Get them legs right back!
http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/meetup/ttf ... ly2005.wmv
Enjoy!
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Anonymous
Cool video...
I'm not even going to ask Ade about the 'get them legs right back' thing...
As for Star Caravan & Camping Site, order as many taxi's, pizzas, chinese takeaways etc as you can to arrive at the same time. That should wipe the grimace off his face... :P
I'm not even going to ask Ade about the 'get them legs right back' thing...
As for Star Caravan & Camping Site, order as many taxi's, pizzas, chinese takeaways etc as you can to arrive at the same time. That should wipe the grimace off his face... :P