Quarterbridge TT Campsite Grading Report

Department of Economic Development CAMPSITE QUALITY GRADING REPORT Isle of Man Campsite Grading Report Name of property : Quarterbridge TT Campsite Location : Douglas Rugby Club, Douglas Assessor name : Margaret McLellan Visit date : 29th May 2011 MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMPSITES To be recognised within the Isle of Man Campsite Scheme a property must meet all the minimum entry requirements. As a result of this visit a Listed (No Wording) rating has been awarded. Most requirements well provided however important to ensure that all tents are pitched not less than 20ft in every direction from any other tents.

Quarterbridge TT Campsite OVERALL Very much as noted at the time of the last assessment visit, basic camping provision provided for the TT period. The Quarterbridge campsite is very well located and as a result, a very busy site however greater staff presence and regular checking of the facilities is encouraged. At the time of the visit, cleanliness much in need of attention to detail in the clubhouse and visitors found to be uncertain as to where to pitch or how to pay etc. ENVIRONMENT A very open and spacious sports ground. Ample parking space to the rear of the clubhouse though this and the access road could be rather better surfaced. Good clear signage from the road for ease of identification on arrival. RECEPTION & MANAGEMENT The site is relatively unmanned and therefore little in the way of welcome for campers or instruction as to what to do, where to pitch. Although emergency numbers are displayed by the telephone, suggest it would be useful to have more prominent signs elsewhere too. Good fire extinguishers though might be rather better distributed throughout the site and action notices beside each point advising what to do in an emergency would be encouraged. Important to ensure that sand buckets are filled up. Very limited tourist or local information on display though noted that this was still to come at the time of the visit. Suggest collecting a varied selection from the information centre prior to opening and ensuring that it is well displayed would be most useful. MAINTENANCE Grass quite well cut and lifted in the area used by “Isle of Man” tents though not in other areas which would be useful particularly in terms of avoiding it walking into the clubhouse and other amenities as well as tents. Refuse disposal bins could be better distributed throughout the site. Telephone well provided and well located for ease of access and to allow a degree of privacy though little more restricted space. Good to note that useful numbers are on display and telephone directory provided. Water appeared to be being collected from the kitchen and toilets. Standpipes with good drainage under the taps could be better distributed throughout the site. Amenities are quite centrally located but rather further from some pitches such as the pre erected “Isle of Man Camping” tents. Good to note that fire breaks are well marked out. Effective lighting to the outside of the buildings and flood lighting can presumably be used if needed. Many, more conventional campsites would have good low level lighting to allow for ease of access and egress to the amenities during the hours of darkness. A few picnic tables provided on the patio area in front of the clubhouse though further distribution would surely be appreciated.

TOILET & WASHING FACILITIES Décor showing wear and ladies much in need of painting at the time of the assessment visit. Good to note that this was planned. Extraction did not appear to be operating efficiently in the toilets and cleanliness much in need of attention. Suggest consider the addition of hooks by the washbasins, soap and check that there are no smoking reminders throughout. Paper towel holder empty as were the soap holders. Shower facilities in the portokabin which were temporarily out of order and had been locked at the time of the visit in slightly better order though some marking of the ceiling. Gents toilets again would benefit from improvement. Good wall boarding round the fittings but ceiling looking quite marked. Most campsites now have plugs in the washbasins, shaver points, hand drying facilities and soap as well as hooks by the washbasins and no smoking signs. Good to note that shower curtains are now provided to allow for a degree of privacy but at the time of the visit the floor was looking dirty with much grass walking in. Shower changing facilities would benefit from improvement too including the flooring. Notices displayed to advise guests not to leave valuables in the changing area but no indication as to where there might be a safe keeping facility? Again important to ensure that there is soap and hand drying facilities. Suggest consider better provision of refuse disposal bins. As noted above, suggest that additional staff are needed throughout the TT and practice period to ensure that the site including the facilities and amenities are maintained in clean and tidy condition, well supervised. SHOP / LAUNDRY / OTHER FACILITIES New children’s play area well provided with very good sound, sturdy equipment including climbing frame and rope swings etc. Ground round and under the equipment could be better finished including consideration to safety surfaces under the equipment. A bin here might help to encourage tidy disposal of sweet papers etc. Club house practically decorated with lots of rugby photographs and memorabilia to add to the appearance and ambience. Well upholstered comfortable seating in the lounge area of the bar and ample space. Comfortable levels of heating and well lit. Very good provision of TV showing motor sport was obviously appreciated by campers at the time of the visit. As throughout the building, at the time of the visit, cleanliness much in need of attention. The remnants of a 40th birthday party two days earlier still much in evidence. Small kitchen area in the clubhouse well provided with kettle and cooker though showing considerable wear. More limited provision for any who wish to self cater in terms of washing up etc. Suggest for safety a cover could be added to the strip light. All looking rather grubby. Older barbecues, tables and chairs under the lean-to roof at the end of the building also showing wear and quite rusty.

Quarterbridge TT Campsite Grading Report

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