Thoughts on "saving spaces"

[Restimar]

So my friend and I are rocking up to the site around 6am on Wednesday (got a horrendously early bus), ahead of our other four friends arriving around midday. From what we've heard, we'll be pretty close to the front of the queues to get in as a result. We're aiming to head straight for Pennard Hill and get a suitable spot for us, but I'm wondering - how do people feel about others "saving" space? Is it frowned upon? Are we likely to run into problems trying to reserve a suitable spot for our friends?

[JGP]

I think it's fine so long as it's not a stupid amount or for more than a few hours. Also I don't think it's in good spirit if the field's rammed and you're hogging enough room for a couple of tents. I reckon you'll be alright though.

You could always take their tent down and pitch it next to yours though, that way it doesn't look like you're saving them space.

[PabloCoke]

take their tent or at least a ground sheet to put down. It'll be annoying for you and other people otherwise.

[Neville Street]

Take their tents, and if necessary get them to carry your booze, etc. nobody minds if there is a tent, but people do get stressy about tape/chairs/ground sheets, so I would definitely recommend taking their tent, or if not poss a spare tent that you can pitch badly and then swap for theirs when they get there.

[pie_and_a_pint]

Saving space with tents / ground sheets is fine for a few hours. Without those you're not saving space - you're waving your arms about pretending, and others can and will camp there.

[frostypaw]

Take their tents if you want to try for Pennards, it gets very crowded and you'll have difficulty keeping the space. Get your mates to bring a comparable weight of your stuff...

Edited June 21, 2014 by frostypaw

[blackred]

If you're not pitching tents you're not saving space...

[Hello... I'm Johnny Cash]

Tbh I think it's a choice between taking their tents or camping somewhere less crowded than Pennards.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

If you don't bring their tents and pitch them then I can see you getting right into stress mode continually trying to defend this space from the waves of marauding punters that come after you. I'd hate to be in that position.

[ivan]

I remember back in 2010 there was a large woman sat in a chair in the middle of a taped off area

that would have taken 20 tents or so down the bottom of big ground I think

This was early Weds just after gates opened and I did think about shouting inappropriate to her

or cutting down the tape.

[stardustjunkie]

I think you're going to struggle in Pennards. It's too popular and you're going to have a lot of trouble claiming a piece of land without someone else thinking they have just as much right to put their tent (that they have on them and that they arrived early to pitch) in the space that you want.

I would recommend a quieter camping field or taking your mates tents. If there's four of them I'm guessing you're going to need a pretty decent size saved.

[pie_and_a_pint]

I remember back in 2010 there was a large woman sat in a chair in the middle of a taped off area

that would have taken 20 tents or so down the bottom of big ground I think

This was early Weds just after gates opened and I did think about shouting inappropriate to her

or cutting down the tape.

[Mr Splodge]

At the end of the day it's a public camping area and no one has the right to space, it's a first come first served area, not worth the stress either camp somewhere less busy or bring their tents with you.