|
Caravanners
Information
|
The
Site
The
site lies on a hillside overlooking the scenic Blackwater Estuary and
surrounding countryside. Although the setting is rural, it is not isolated;
Tiptree village, with its wide variety of shops for everyday needs, lies
only a mile away and there are good public transport links for those who
prefer a break from driving.
The site is close to a local bus route which connects with Tiptree and
the main East Coast railway line at Witham Station. There are also regular
services from the village to historic Colchester, the seaside at Clacton
and the ancient town of Maldon.
On the site, caravans and tents are located in two large meadows separated
by an apple orchard. The site is equipped with mains water and flush sanitation.
|
|
Caravanners
Information
|
How
to Get a
Free Place on the Site
Subject
to acceptance, we will offer you a free place on our site for your car/caravan/tent.
In return, you and each member of your party over the age of 16 is encouraged
to pick as much fruit as you can, for which you will paid.
|
|
Caravanners
Information
|
Rates
of Pay
The
fruit is picked entirely on piece work and the rate of pay is governed
by the amount of ripe fruit available at the time. Consequently we cannot
state now exactly how much you will earn, and your earnings will largely
depend upon your effort and ability. However, we do aim to pay a rate
which is considered normal and fair for the type of picking. The rate
which you receive will be exactly the same as that paid to local pickers
who also work on the farm.
Your work is expected to be of a standard in keeping with the high quality
of our products. Records will be kept of an individual's earnings over
the course of the season and these are submitted to the Inland Revenue
for inspection. Please note that under the Data Protection Act we are
obliged to advise you that your records will be held on our computer.
You and the other members of your party over the age of sixteen can choose
what days and hours you wish to work. While we would of course encourage
you to work as much as you can, at the end of any work day, there should
be no expectation on your part or ours, that you will return the next
day or on any future day.
|
|
Caravanners
Information
|
The
Picking Season
Strawberries
are the main crop grown and normally in this area they are picked over
a period of 3 to 4 weeks starting early to mid-June. This is the time
when the maximum amount of work is available. Other fruits follow on at
intervals right through until September but the quantities are small by
comparison and the amount of work is very limited. Because of this we
will not accept applications starting later than 7th June, although anyone
who arrives early and helps with strawberry picking is welcome to stay
on.
Occasionally
weather conditions alter the harvesting time for strawberries. We will
try to notify all those affected as soon as it becomes apparent that the
dates of the season differ significantly from normal to allow people the
opportunity of altering their date of arrival if they wish. Please check
this site for regular picking updates. Additionally, up-to-date information
may be obtained by telephoning the Farm Office during normal working hours
(Telephone 01621 815407).
The
site opens at 9am (no earlier) on June 1st and you are welcome to arrive
any time on or shortly after that date to be ready for the start of the
picking season.
|
|
Caravanners
Information
|
Working
Times
Weather
permitting, picking normally takes place all day from Monday to Friday.
It may occasionally take on Saturday and Sundays.
You
will be free to come and go from the fields as you please. Most of the
work will be on a farm 5 miles from the camp site.
You
will need your own transport to travel between the camp and the fields.
.
|
|
Caravanners
Information
|
Booking
Please
download and complete the following booking application form. Click on
whichever format suits you. The form will take a few moments to download.
Please print out the form, complete it, sign it and return it to us.
Booking form (Word format)
Booking form (RTF format)
Booking
form (PDF format)
Subject to you being allocated a place, you will receive a Pass for yourself
and each adult member of your party. These will be sent out during March.
This will permit you to enter our premises. It is NOT TRANSFERABLE and
must be produced on demand. We regret that we are unable to accept bookings
for less than two weeks.
Please
ensure that you fully read the "Conditions" printed on the Application
Form enclosed. Your application can only be accepted subject to these
conditions and on the express understanding that you and all the members
of your party fully accept them. An application may be declined without
assigning any reason.
|