Hi Frothy,
Dispite Christchurch having Somerley I would still join Ringwood. Ok I am bias but Ringwood has some supreb waters for all species.
On the Avon, North End farm has the Avon record barbel. Throop and the Royalty are worth the ticket price alone but add to that the lakes of the half pit, everton grange (tench water supreme
), Longham, Hatchet pond, Hightown plus little gems like the river at Parley/Bounds farm, Christchurch harbour, Tuckton, the avon at shallows farm or fordingbridge. Big roach at Longham waterworks anyone? Ringwood offers just about everything INCLUDING lots of water for the close season.
Indeed the only thing we are missing is decent grayling stream and a proper trout lake
Our complex at Northfield is brilliant with a bit of everything for everyone (including dare I say it - carp/cat fishing). The bream fishing in the main lake is little short of amazing. Yes it gets busy but so do a lot of the Christchurch venues.
As Fishface says Somerley is the only reason I would join Christchurch, when I joined 8 years ago I was in a similar situation
but now its a no brainer. Ringwood just has more scope for me.
That's my personal opinion anyway. What I would say is ask at a few of the tackle shops (Richie in Ringwood tackle, Neil at BFL or Nigel at Davis). Get some day tickets or guest tickets and have a look around, see what suits you and join the one that inspires you the most.
Good luck.
P.S. Ringwood is the friendliest club I have ever been a part of, there is a core of chaps on the website who will go out of their way to help you out. Can't speak for Christchurch but I do know if you joined Ringwood you would be made to feel very welcome.