Code of Conduct
Revised Aug 2024 ATTENDANCE
- Rallies being conducted under our Paragraph 6 Certificate of Exemption are open only to full members of Wessex Winter Caravanners. This certificate authorizes the Club to hold rallies limited to a maximum of 5 days. To ensure that the rally does not exceed this permitted time, the rally field will not be open to attendees before 12:00 on the first day, unless the Rally Organiser decrees otherwise. On commercial sites where we are using the site’s licence, the Rally Organiser will advise ‘no arrival before’ and ‘must depart by’ times.
- All members of WWC are required to be familiar with, and comply with, the Wessex Winter Caravanners Code of Conduct, which is posted on the WWC website. Copies of the WWC Code of Conduct and the WWC Constitution (also on the website) will be made available to the Rally Organiser in a folder which will also contain copies of the Certificate of Exemption, the WWC Insurance Certificate, and the Rally Plan for the current year.
- WWC should take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the site proposed for an exempted rally is not subject to an order under Paragraph 13 of Schedule 1, or an Article 4 direction or one for which planning permission has been refused or where enforcement action has been taken.
- WWC should not meet on sites adjacent to certified locations/sites unless the proposed site is clearly differentiated and the risk of interference with local people and other users is minimal.
- WWC should ensure that the siting of caravans does not unduly interfere with the activities of local people, their privacy or their enjoyment of their property. They should also ensure that the siting of caravans does not interfere with the enjoyment by others of the landscape, natural beauty or nature conservation value of the area and particularly in areas designated for their landscape or wildlife qualities.
- WWC undertake not to overuse any venue and will consider carefully before holding successive meetings on the same land.
- The Organiser of each rally should arrange to signpost the approaches to the rally field with due regard to road safety and courtesy to local residents. If they are unable to be present at the start of the rally they should nominate a deputy to take charge until their arrival.
- The Organiser of a rally is responsible for the collection of any site or other fees due from the attendees and the payment of these fees to the owner of the site (or their nominee).
- Organisers of WWC rallies are to take on the responsibility for the safety, public health and general behaviour of the attendees at their rallies. All members of WWC should support them in this.
- When organising a rally the Organiser must agree with the site owner (or their nominee) the procedures to be followed with regard to provision of fresh water and the disposal of all waste water, the contents of chemical toilets, recycling and rubbish. Full account must be taken of the need to safeguard water supplies and prevent the pollution of rivers and streams. All rally-goers must be informed of these procedures on arrival.
- The locations of the fresh water and chemical disposal points must be well separated and should be signed appropriately. Neither of these should be allowed to foul the ground. If there is any doubt about the disposal of waste, it may be necessary to contact the Local Authority for clarification.
- Refuse will be disposed of in accordance with on-site arrangements or taken away by rally-goers when they depart. The Rally Organiser must ensure appropriate arrangements are in place and those attending the rally are advised to carry black rubbish bags. The Organiser should also ensure the site is clear of litter at the end of the rally.
- The Rally Organiser and the Rally Secretary should take steps to ensure that travel from major roads to aproposed site is not likely to cause undue disruption or difficulties for other road users. Access to the rally site must be suitable for the number and likely size of units attending the meeting. The arrival and departure of caravans should be arranged to minimise disruption to other road users.
- Units must be spaced with minimum of 6 metres (20 feet) between facing walls of adjacent caravans and sited so that they do not restrict access to or exit from any unit. The entrance to the site must be kept clear and ample room should be allowed for emergency vehicles to enter the site in the event of an emergency.
- Local people should be able to carry on their normal activities when meetings are in progress and disturbance should be minimised. Complaints should be treated seriously and steps taken to investigate and deal with any cause of complaint.
- Care should be taken not to damage the site or surrounding locality. Trees, fences, buildings, equipment and stock should be respected.
- If permitted by the site owner, barbecues must be sited safely away from caravans, awnings etc. No open fires are permitted on a WWC rally site. A suitable British Standards Institute and/or Fire Officers Certificate approved fire extinguisher will be available on site.
- All vehicles must moderate their speed on the rally field; 5mph is appropriate and 1st Gear is safest.
- Noise should be kept to a minimum for the comfort of other caravanners on the site as well as people who live or work nearby. Any use of generators must not impinge on other people’s enjoyment of the rally.
- All animals must be kept on leads when required and under control at all times. They should not be allowed to run loose on the site or cause disturbance to local people or animals. They should be exercised away from caravans or any part of the site used for communal activity, and any mess should be picked up.
- Any rally-goers who are expecting day visitors should advise the Rally Organiser accordingly. Visitors should be reminded to introduce themselves to the Rally Organiser on arrival.