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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think Center Parcs really isn’t middle class

381 replies

GodAgainstAll · 30/12/2023 16:04

Just spent a few days there for the first time. It’s expensive and the people there seem to be v affluent in terms of clothes/cars, but middle class? I was surprised.

OP posts:
Chilbolton · 30/12/2023 20:41

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:08

It’s when they stop fishing them out that it’s no longer MC.

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I understand you are new to MN, @Calliopespa ...but damn, you're good at it! Please don't leave when you're back on your feet and busy again....

Chubbywubba · 30/12/2023 20:42

the amount of exterior Christmas lights is inversely proportional to income?

Yes, the amount of exterior lights you have on your house is directly related to class - not income. The more you festoon your house, the lower down the social class bracket you fall. It is particularly not done amongst the middle classes to set up vulgar light-up figures on the lawn, or to have lit up candy canes in the front garden, which are sore on the eyes and should in all reality be discontinued

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:42

Gallowayan · 30/12/2023 20:39

The middle class signifiers used in mumsnet (NT car stickers AGA etc ) are ridiculously stereotyped.

MC people are just as likely to appreciate end of pier commedy (with plenty of nob gags thrown in)

This sort of entertainment would certainly bring in more "solidly middle class" punters to Centre Parks IMO.

It has DEFINITELY been said on here that NT is true MC. At least I hope so because they don’t peel off too easily. ( We just layer them up. )

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:42

Turkey teeth. Nobody's mentioned if Turkey teeth are in evidence at CP? I think we should be told.

Ukholidaysaregreat · 30/12/2023 20:43

Try Pontins. Your eyes will pop.

belgiumchocolates · 30/12/2023 20:43

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:39

Not even the Range Rover?!! 😳😶

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Oh Gosh now I'm confused 😬Does RR trump NT sticker ?

Outofmydepthnow · 30/12/2023 20:44

Centre parts to my experience is a waste of money for those of ALL classes with no imagination... rent a home in the lakes for a third of the cost and pay for riding, archery, and Ming blowing zip rides..

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:44

Chilbolton · 30/12/2023 20:41

I understand you are new to MN, @Calliopespa ...but damn, you're good at it! Please don't leave when you're back on your feet and busy again....

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I’m actually going to have to leave any minute. I’m supposed to be on bed rest but am almost rupturing internally. This thread just keeps on giving.

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:44

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:42

Turkey teeth. Nobody's mentioned if Turkey teeth are in evidence at CP? I think we should be told.

The earlier posts mentioned missing teeth?!?

Calliopespa · 30/12/2023 20:44

belgiumchocolates · 30/12/2023 20:43

Oh Gosh now I'm confused 😬Does RR trump NT sticker ?

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I’m just throwning everything at it really…

belgiumchocolates · 30/12/2023 20:45

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:42

Turkey teeth. Nobody's mentioned if Turkey teeth are in evidence at CP? I think we should be told.

😂

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:46

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:44

The earlier posts mentioned missing teeth?!?

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Yes, but the flip side is Turkey teeth, isn't it?
A strange dental contradiction for social class C3.

WhatsTheUseOfWorrying · 30/12/2023 20:46

Outofmydepthnow · 30/12/2023 20:44

Centre parts to my experience is a waste of money for those of ALL classes with no imagination... rent a home in the lakes for a third of the cost and pay for riding, archery, and Ming blowing zip rides..

‘Ming blowing’? Now that really is posh. Ancient Chinese ceramics making classes. Top, top MN.

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:47

@Calliopespa i’m guessing you’re on bed rest due to recent buttock implants in Prague?

AgeingDoc · 30/12/2023 20:47

Outofmydepthnow · 30/12/2023 20:44

Centre parts to my experience is a waste of money for those of ALL classes with no imagination... rent a home in the lakes for a third of the cost and pay for riding, archery, and Ming blowing zip rides..

No chance.
I won't take anything more expensive than Royal Doulton on a zip wire. The Ming stays safely at home.

Usernamen · 30/12/2023 20:48

Muthaofcats · 30/12/2023 19:39

Most of the doctors, barristers, professionals we know do not send their kids to private school now - preferring to spend their money on living in a nice area close to outstanding state schools where most of the kids are from the same sorts of backgrounds. The people we know paying for the private schools are pretty much all in the ‘money’ jobs, mum doesn’t work, dad in finance. The occasional celebrity family. It put us off as I’d rather my kids were surrounded by the former.

(yes I appreciate the absolute privilege of the former and how incredibly unfair it is)

Edited
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Saying that the majority of people who are in the private system are from traditional middle class professions is not the same as saying everyone in those professions sends their children to private school.

It’s still the case that most of the parents in private school are not celebrities and new money types, they’re MC/UMC professionals.

Maireas · 30/12/2023 20:49

AgeingDoc · 30/12/2023 20:47

No chance.
I won't take anything more expensive than Royal Doulton on a zip wire. The Ming stays safely at home.

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Perhaps not Ming, but another Dynasty? I think Doulton is a bit.....lower MC...

Abbimae · 30/12/2023 20:50

Benefits chav and middle class who didn’t get the memo

Catslovenip · 30/12/2023 20:50

It is chavvy yes OP. Expensive, but most definitely chavvy.

NearlyMonday · 30/12/2023 20:51

I won't take anything more expensive than Royal Doulton on a zip wire. The Ming stays safely at home.

I keep an Asda dinner service available for zip wires @AgeingDoc

Gallowayan · 30/12/2023 20:54

@NearlyMonday . Close. I understand it was an asshole transplant...

Seymour5 · 30/12/2023 20:55

Bigcoatweather · 30/12/2023 19:32

I agree. Middle classes of old were the aspirational classes who worked/aspired towards higher social standing. Upper middle classes or upper classes would have the country property.

It is outdated because at that point, not much immigration had taken place. Today we’re in a very different place.
I think that now ‘class’ represents behaviour and education rather than income.

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I agree, behaviour, education, and quite often speech. We went to CP for the first time in the early 90s, and we’ve been a few times since. I think society has changed, and some people really do think money is all that matters. Unfortunately it can make them feel entitled. Self awareness and considering others isn’t on their radar.

Those changes are everywhere in society, no different at CP. We’re going later this year, it suits us because our family is fairly scattered. A big family group, from young children to 75+, in several villas, and we’ll have a lovely time.

FeetupTvon · 30/12/2023 20:56

CP- been once, never again.
Boring, overpriced and couldn’t wait to leave.
Didn't like the fact that you’re not even allowed to leave the premises during your stay.

willstarttomorrow · 30/12/2023 20:56

@Mikimoto you forgot to add overweight and being followed by children called Mason (crew cut) and Esmay (in a bikini).

Cobot · 30/12/2023 20:58

Always thought it was known to be aspirational working class.