Almost A Thousand Miles Covered For A Friend In Need

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By William Coleman

A couple of weeks ago CaravanTimes reported on a staff member at Salop Leisure being diagnosed with terminal cancer and what the company is doing to lift his spirits and make his dreams come true. So here is an update on his bucket list progress and the efforts his workmates are putting in to help his bucket list become a reality.

Darren Lloyd’s colleagues at Salop leisure are putting in a momentous effort to help their friend in need and have covered a whopping 1,333 km to make Darren’s dreams come true. To read more about Darren’s story you can Click Here.

During a recent 24 hours duathlon the Salop team covered over 828 miles by peddling and running their hearts out to raise money for Darren who’s in the fight of his life and doing well.

Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover, Love2Stay joint general manager Chris Skitt and guest Lucy Wilde took on the marathon challenge hoping to raise £5,000 to help site maintenance engineer Darren Lloyd, 38, achieve his bucket list of wishes.

Around 20 work colleagues, members of Love2Live gym and friends of Darren joined in to support the trio during the marathon, held at Salop Leisure’s Emstrey headquarters. They pedaled and ran a combined the equivalent distance from Shrewsbury to Mont Blanc in France.

Customers, work colleagues and friends popped in during the day to bring food and drinks for the trio and to donate money in collection buckets, which amounted to more than £700.

Shrewsbury’s Mayor Councillor Phil Gillam was there to start the duathlon and even contributed a kilometer or two on one of the exercise bikes.

he said. “These guys are doing a fantastic thing for such a good cause. Having spoken to Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater, I get the sense that it’s a really good company that looks after its people.”

Darren, members of his family and Mr Bywater were there to congratulate the trio when they completed the exhausting duathlon to applause at noon on Sunday.

Mr Bywater thanked everyone who had supported the event and praised the trio for their fitness and endurance.

Ed Glover said: “It was an amazing achievement and probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but it’s for a great cause. There was a certain point through the night where I literally didn’t know where I was, but it definitely helped having people come in with food and drink to keep us going.

“Highlights for me were Lloydy doing the first 30 minutes on a bike at the start and people coming in throughout the day which ensured we were never alone. Lloydy was overwhelmed at the end and couldn’t believe we had done it for him.

“A couple of families staying at Love2Stay did a collection around the resort and brought in £220 for us, which was great. We would like to thank everyone who supported us over the 24 hours and continue to donate money through the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lloydy.”

To date, the Just Giving page has surpassed the £3,000 barrier, with money continuing to pour in. Salop Leisure is hoping to raise £5,000 to send Darren on a family holiday abroad, a break at Centre Parcs in the UK, a shark fishing adventure and to a top-class boxing promotion.

Darren was diagnosed with bowel cancer this time last year and underwent surgery on Christmas Eve at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Because the cancer has spread, he is now undergoing a second cycle of 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Summer Offers

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Delftse Hout, The Netherlands – 7 nights in July from £291.64

Set in a leafy park, the site at Delftse Hout is perfect for caravan, campervan or motorhome owners- looking to make the most of the Netherlands this summer. From the site it is a short walk into Delft and history-rich Rotterdam and The Hague are both within driving distance.

Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch and return DFDS ferry crossing. Crossing is based on Dover-Dunkirk travelling between 16:00 on Saturdays until 23:59 on Sundays and Dunkirk-Dover travelling between 20:00 Friday nights until 06:00 Sundays in a motorhome up to 7m long. For more information go to: www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/netherlands/delftse-hout or telephone 01342 316 101

Le Brévedent, Normandy – 7 nights in July from £283.84

Pitches at the laid-back Le Brévedent site are set in the old orchard of a former hunting lodge. From Le Brévedent, guests can drive to the coast to see the D-Day beaches and Honfleur.
Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch and return P&O Ferries crossing.

Crossing is based on Dover-Calais from 1 June-11 July and 18-31 August on sailings between 14:01-06:00 any day of the week and Calais-Dover from 1-18 July and 3 September-31 October on sailings between midnight-14:00 any day of the week (August sailings Mon-Fri) in, motorhome of any height/length. For more information go to: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/normandy/camping-le-brevedent or telephone 01342 316 101

Du Poulquer, Brittany – 7 nights in July from £384.61

Just 200m from the sandy beach of Bénodet, the campsite Du Poulquer CAMC site is excellently positioned for those after a beach-stay. There are plenty more beaches and coastal towns to explore in the region, including Concarneau.

Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch with 5 nights at the Du Poulquer site and 2 nights at the Le Pont du Jour site and return Brittany Ferries crossing. Crossing is based on Portsmouth-Caen from 1-17 July and 25 August-31 October on the 14:45 sailing (arrives Caen 21:30) any day and Caen-Portsmouth from 3 June-21 July and 1 September-31 October on the 08:30 sailing any day in a car (5m x 1.8m) & Caravan (6m x 2.6m) For more information go to: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/brittany/le-poulquer or telephone 01342 316 101.

Caravan Park Host Ex Armed Forces Reunion

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By William Coleman

Ex military personnel can sometimes have a little bit of a hard time once they leave the service and sticking together with former soldiers is a great way for them to keep grounded. To help this happen an award winning five-star Shropshaire touring caravan park hosted 30 members of the Light Infantry and Rifles Association who attended their annual reunion.

On June 1st around 2,000 ex-soldiers and their wives and family members attended the successful event at Shrewsbury Town Football Clubs’ Montgomery Waters Meadow stadium.

The Light Infantry Committee, which organises the annual reunion, was formed in 2007 after the Light Infantry, based at Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury, was merged with other regiments to form The Rifles.

The reunion was formerly held at Copthorne Barracks, which has now been demolished to make way for houses.

Thirty of the soldiers, who were members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Light Infantry, stayed at Oxon Hall Touring Park, which enjoys a parkland setting on the outskirts Shrewsbury.

Three of those were good friends, Phillip Johnson from Wakefield, Barry Sleightholme from Jarrow and Eddie Diamond from Kent who were accompanied by their wives, Helen, Jeanie and Jackie respectively.

Phillip, a former Light Infantry sergeant, said they had thoroughly enjoyed the reunion, meeting up with old friends and staying at Oxon Hall Touring Park again.

“The Light Infantry was formed from all parts of the country and we have lads that travel from as far away as Germany, Canada and Australia for the reunion,” he explained. “When you joined the Light Infantry, you joined a family.

“We all did our training at Copthorne Barracks and the reunion is a place where the three battalions all come together once a year and have a good chinwag and a good laugh.

“Many of the lads and their wives stay in hotels and other accommodation in the town but we have stayed at Oxon Hall Touring Park for the past five years. Barry and Eddie have stayed there for much longer.

“We had an absolutely great time at Oxon because it has all the facilities we need and the staff are exceptional. They make us feel part of the family there. Following the reunion, we go back to the park, have a barbecue and have a good chat.”

Next up for Phillip and Barry is a sponsored walk along Hadrian’s Wall on the weekend of September 21-22 to raise money for soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Oxon Hall Touring Park manager Clive Jones said he was delighted to welcome members of the Light Infantry and Rifles Association and their wives to the park for their annual reunion.

The park’s staff looked forward to seeing them every year and he confirmed that they had already fully rebooked for next year’s reunion.

Owned by Shrewsbury-based Morris Leisure, Oxon Hall Touring Park was named AA Heart of England Campsite of the Year for 2019. It is open all year round, has 100 all-weather pitches and is situated close to the town’s park and ride bus service, which is popular with people attending major events in Shrewsbury.

A Starter Kit For Beginners

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By William Coleman

The leisure vehicle industry is going through another golden age and we are seeing a lot of new blood enter the motorhome and caravan world. We all remember starting but did we remember to pack everything on our first trip away?

When I first starting going on caravan holidays on my own as a young adult I was pretty confident I knew what I was doing and did not need any help, being young will make you think that. So naturally I learnt the hard way by arriving on site and having about 20% of what I actually needed. A tough but great lesson.

If I could turn back the clock I would have listened to all the advice I was given, that way I could have saved myself a bit of an ear bashing from all of my travelling companions, lets just say the “banter” lasted for quite a while after.

So for all of the newcomers to the caravan and motorhome world welcome and let us try and help with some advice and tips I totally ignored when I first started out.

Lists Save Lives

This may seem simple, if not painfully obvious, but a lot of people neglect how important the preparation list is. Fail to plan, plan to fail. It’s a cliche because it’s true and really does work.

I would start with separating the van into sections, this way you do not double pack or confuse what is needed and where.

The best way for this is as follows:

  • Living Room/Day Living
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom/Night Living
  • Eating/Cooking/Food Prep
  • Outdoor Living
  • Tools and Set Up
  • Spares & Repairs
  • Entertainment
  • Cleaning

Once you have a list it will become a lot clearer what you actually need. This way you can then share who sorts out the kit for what space. If that leads to an argument then please feel free to blame me for that one.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')he Bare Essentials

The is a set list of must have items, not to be confused with the decorative items and bedding etc. These are more to do with what is needed to get set up and actually start you trip.

You need to sit down and try to think what you;d use at home if you were in for the weekend. As you’ll be away for the weekend in a home away from home.

So here is a list that should never change and always be stored within the van:

  • Corner steady tool
  • Power cable
  • Waste water container
  • Aqua roll
  • Spirit level
  • Wheel clamps

The Finer Details

There are a ton of items that can go under the radar when packing and its these small details that can make a world of difference to your trip.

Some of these may sound really silly but they are the most commonly forgotten items that people really wish they’d stowed away on board.

  • Clothesline
  • Cups, plates and bowls
  • Washing up bowl
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Drying cloth
  • Cutlery
  • Pots and pans
  • Folding chairs and table
  • Steps (for getting in and out of the van)

One thing that I would suggest to anyone starting out is to take it easy with the purchases. I have seen some people spend a small fortune on their start up kit and what they bought never saw the light of day.

When I first started I used most of the things I had indoors and just took them with me. Once I got into the rhythm of things I slowly built up my caravan kit. Start slow with the essentials and then work your way up item by item. Before you know it you’ll have awnings, BBQs and all the plastic kitchenware imaginable.

Children’s Author Opens New Chapter Of Park Visits

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By William Coleman

Holiday parks with the David Bellamy Conservation Award are once again being invited to give their younger guests an entertaining new take on the environment.

International author Claire Culliford last year visited a number of DBCA parks by arrangement to provide readings from her popular children’s books.

Now she hopes to be asked to attend even more parks over this summer and autumn, especially those located in the West Country and South Wales.

Claire’s books are designed to inspire youngsters to become involved with the natural world, and to show how children can help the environment in fun and creative ways.

Her readings, which also include lighthearted discussions, drawing and singing, usually last around 90-minutes, and are perfectly pitched for 3 to 6-year-old audience.

Claire’s books support the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and in 2019 she will be attending a series of European environmental and literary events by invitation.

Claire says that feedback from the parks she visited last year was extremely positive, and that parents have been delighted with how their children respond to the sessions.

DBCA holiday parks, believes Claire, are ideal locations because they are already committed to environmental care, and tend to attract families who take pleasure in the countryside.

School holidays and weekends, she suggests, are an ideal time for parks to host a visit.

Claire lives in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and there is no cost involved for parks located within a 50-mile radius of the area.

She is also happy to travel further afield, and would ask for a small contribution to her travelling expenses, and perhaps an overnight stay if a day-return trip isn’t practical.

You can view some of her children’s books at the Waterstones or on Amazon. If you would like to find more out about Claire’s work you can visit her website, www.claireculliford.com

National Caravan And Camping Week Celebrations

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By William Coleman

The National Caravan And Camping Week is almost here and the Camping and Caravan Club are hosting campsite events to help celebrate everything camping, caravanning and outdoor living.

We are now celebrating the 100th annual National Camping and Caravan Week all across the UK and Camping and Caravanning Club were encouraging members to get involved and help share the festivities from coffee morning to colouring competitions.

As we all know, the UK is a nation of caravan lovers and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who has not been on a caravan holiday. So it really is no surprise that the country would jump at the chance to celebrate the century long milestone.

Activities ranged from building a replica of a caravan from 1919, to charity coffee mornings, colouring competitions, and designing caravan-themed bunting.

Members also submitted photos on social media with the hashtag #lovemycaravan for a chance to win a caravan awning package worth over £1,100.

It really is astonishing to think that the first ever commercially produced caravan was built right here in the UK way back in 1919. Since then there has been no stopping the mighty caravan. It has become a major part of British culture, almost as much as fish and chips if you ask me. And what about the wonders the caravan industry does for the UK economy.

Another fantastic display put on by the Camping Club was the first ever floating campsite right here on the River Thames in the heart of London last month.

Julia Bradbury, the Camping and Caravanning Cub’s newest President, actually spent a night on the floating club site and hosted and a party she hosted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of caravan manufacturing in the UK.

The most creative activity was by the staff at the ‘Alton, the Star’ Camping and Caravanning Club site in Staffordshire who made a replica Eccles caravan from 1919 – the year commercial production of caravans started in the UK. They also hosted a party with caravan-themed bunting decorated by families staying on the site during half-term.

In Crowborough, East Sussex, the managers at the Club site organised a children’s colouring competition. Each child completed an outline drawing of a caravan holiday scene, and the best six from different age categories won a WHSmith voucher.

These, and many other activities at other Club sites across the UK, show how caravans have become such an important part of so many people’s lives, and the UK’s economy, and why The Camping and Caravanning Club celebrates National Camping and Caravanning Week each year.

“National Camping and Caravanning Week is all about inspiring the nation to get outdoors whether that’s through caravanning, motorhoming or traditional tent camping. And we’re all more aware than ever that getting into the great outdoors is good for our mental health and well as being great fun,” said Julia Bradbury, TV presenter and President of The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Paul Jones, the Marketing and Communications Director at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “It is brilliant that so many of our Club sites joined the celebration of 100 years of the caravan during this year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week. We’re really grateful that our President, Julia Bradbury, launched National Camping and Caravanning Week 2019 in such a fun way and brought the 100th anniversary of the caravan to the attention of the whole country.”

What will you be doing to celebrate 100 years of amazing holidays?

To Cover Or Not To Cover

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By William Coleman

For some reason this is still a question we see being raised by people all over the country- “why do people bother with caravan covers?”. I feel that the answer to this question is clear but there are still a lot of people who simply do not see the point. So I will list a few “pros and cons” so you can see both sides of the coin and decide for yourself. If you haven’t already

So let me start off by saying that I can see the ‘for and against’ of both sides of the argument and that each individual situation has different needs. Where some people may use a cover others simply may not have that same need, so I will try to be as impartial as possible.

A cover provides great protection, right?

For- A cover offers protection in a lot of different ways, certainly more than just shielding the van from the elements.

The old saying, “out of sight out of mind” pretty much sums up one major positive that the caravan cover brings to the table.

A cover hides the van in plain sight and acts as a fantastic deterrent for would be thieves and vandals. Plus they know that taking a cover off in the middle of the street outside someone’s house is not the most inconspicuous of activities.

When it comes to the weather, of which we can have all 4 seasons in 1 day at the moment, the cover can be worth its weight in gold. Provided you buy a good quality one.

Come wind, rain or shine the cover does provide a warm cosy shield and also can really help against water ingress for those little drinks and dents that are not visible to the eye. I have known some vans that were pretty much new but still leak due to heavy rains. So if you had a cover you could really limit the vans exposure to adverse weather.

Against- Having a cover does protect against outside elements but it can also create a situation where the cover can actually damage the chassis, windows and other panels of the van.

If any kind of dirt or grit is on the van before you cover it the cover itself then turns into a large surface to drag the dirt and result in a lot of unwanted scuffs and scratches. Not something you want when you are trying to protect against such things. But clean before covering should help reduce this risk entirely.

There are some instances where using a cheaper cover ends up being a lot more expensive than spending out on a top end one. The cheaper ones can just fall to bits after 1-2 uses and then you’re back at square one in a situation where you need to keep spending.

A lot of people are put off by how much time you’d need to spend taking off and putting it back on. With today’s tech you should be able to get a cover on quite quickly without much fuss. That being said there are some covers that take age and require multiple sets of hands. It’s these latter ones that really put people off the whole idea as its just too much of a chore to deal with.

Another argument for not using a cover is the van should be used enough to not need to cover. A lot of owners who use their vans all year round feel that it is a pointless exercise and that the time and effort outweigh the actual need for one. One person once said to me that “a van cover shows you do not go away very often, which begs the question of do you even need a caravan”. Not an opinion I agree with but everyone is entitled to one.

There are some, not a lot, who want to actually show off their vans to the world. A sort of keeping up with the Jones’ mentality I guess. These are the folks who think a cover is ridiculous and clean the van once a week even if they have not used it for 2 months. My argument to that is you raise the chances of undesirables seeing and potentially damaging the van.

For me it really does boil down to what needs you have and what suits you the best. If you are fortunate enough to be able to get away in the van quite a lot and think you do not need a cover then more power to you.

But in reality the van tends to be on the drive or in storage more than it does pitched up on site. So having a cover is probably a good idea. Better to have one and not need it than need it and not have it

UK Summer Breaks For Just £15 Per Night

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By William Coleman

The Great British Summertime is almost upon us, not that you would notice with the storms and flooding that we’ve been having recently. This does seem to be coming to an end and the weatherman has said that we should be heading into a heatwave very soon. With the great weather on its way, why not book a few nights on site.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club are also looking forward to the warmer months and are doing their best to get more people on site for summer. You can have a relaxing break or an outdoor adventure for just £15 per night for up to two adults and four children.

From North Devon to the northern Highlands, there is a Caravan and Motorhome Club site to suit all tastes. Here are the Club’s top picks for the summer season:

Ilfracombe Club Site, North Devon

With award-winning beaches and the wild moorland of Exmoor National Park, Devon has a wealth of natural beauty and activities to suit all.

The rugged coastline of Woolacombe Bay is the perfect setting for adventure seekers learning to surf, and Croyde Beach is great for kids. Exmoor is recognised as one of the leading locations in the UK for keen walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

When tired of exploring, the historic villages of Clovelly or Mortehoe are perfect spots for taking a quiet break and enjoying an iconic Devonshire cream tea.

Stay at the Ilfracombe Club Site for £15 per night for a standard (electric and grass) touring pitch for two adults and up to four children.

Conveniently nestled three miles inland from Ilfracombe, this spacious site has panoramic views across both coastline and the stunning inland scenery. An on-site play area makes it a great spot for kids, and little ones will also love rock-pooling at the nearby Hele Bay.

Aberbran Club Site, Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons are home to an array of outdoor challenges for all ages. Thrill-seekers can try canyoning in the south Beacons, whilst other activities include pony trekking, mountain biking, and of course, trail walking.

Not just a destination for hikers, the Beacons are home to a number of cultural events throughout the year too, including the Brecon Jazz festival and Green Man music festival, which both take place during the summer.

Stay at the Aberbran Club Site, a former railway station, for just £15 per night based on two adults and four children sharing a standard pitch.

Set within the Brecon Beacons, there are ample walking trails just a stone’s throw away. Brecon town is close by too, giving guests easy access to shops and restaurants.

Altnaharra Club Site, The Highlands

The unspoilt beauty of the northern Highlands makes it the perfect spot for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. With rolling green hills and rugged mountains, the region is easily explored on foot and by bike, with a broad range of trails and hikes on offer. For adventure-seekers after a challenge, the Munros are begging to be explored.

Stay at the Altnaharra Club Site for just £15 a night based on two adults sharing a campervan or motorhome.

Resting on the shores Loch Naver, the site is perfect for those with dinghies or rowing boats, as those who stay on site get non-motorised boating rights. Keen fishermen are also able to fly fish for free from the shore, and there are a number of surrounding mountains to explore on foot.

With the nearest shops 20 miles away, Altnaharra is the ideal location for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness of the Highlands.

Nunnykirk Club Site, Northumberland

History-rich Northumberland has something for everyone. Home to more castles than any other county in the UK, including Alnwick Castle which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films – a delight for film buffs! UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall is also one not to miss, visitors can immerse themselves in Roman history whilst exploring the dramatic landscape along one of the Wall’s many walking trails.

Stay at the Nunnykirk Club Site for just £15 a night based on two adults sharing a campervan or motorhome.

This peaceful site is superb for nature lovers, with a huge range of birds and other wildlife calling the surrounding Simonside Hills their home. Excellently located for both inland and coastal trips, why not drive to nearby Seahouses and take a boat across to the Farne Islands? Puffins can be spotted breeding in the summertime, and seals can be seen basking on the rocks.

The UK Is The Biggest Nation Of Caravan Lovers

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By William Coleman

Caravan holidays are on the rise and we have seen some major numbers over the past 3 years, and despite the traditional British weather giving us a soggy summer so far, the UK is the number one destination for caravanners in Europe according to a new study.

Safeguard Insurance analysed data looking at the number of caravan/camping sites, total number of nights spent, number of trips taken, amount spent on renting sites and the number of new caravan registrations to create a hot spot index, with the UK championing over Sweden and France.

The Countries In Europe Most Passionate About Caravans

1- UK
2- Sweden
3- France
4- Switzerland
5- Denmark
6-Germany
7-Slovenia
8- Netherlands
9- Belgium
10- Ireland

With around 1500 camping and caravanning sites in the UK (compared to over 8000 in France), the camping and caravan industry here is ever-growing. UK caravan fans spent over £4.3 million in 2017 on renting sites for a break.

The UK takes the most domestic trips with over 11 million taken in 2017 – showing that the lack of camping sites in comparison to other countries in Europe does not deter devoted caravanners from spending time on home turf, enjoying a staycation.

The UK also spent the most nights in caravan or camping sites both home and away, indicating that whilst Brits like to spend time enjoying the countryside and seaside landscapes, they also enjoy heading overseas for a holiday – perhaps in search of better weather or experiencing a different culture.

Brits are so invested in caravans that they are choosing to own one. Over 24,000 new touring caravans and 14,062 motor caravan registrations were registered in the UK in 2017.

What other destinations in Europe are popular?

The second-biggest nation of caravan fans in Europe is Sweden. There are 550 camping and caravan sites in Sweden with a mixture of lakeside locations and coastal spots. France rounds out the top three – unsurprisingly, given that it has more caravan sites than anyone else in the top 10.

The CaravanTimes team spent 3 weeks caravanning around Europe and Asia with Bailey and we can strongly recommend Slovenia! From the foos to the people the whole place is amazing.

Look up Camping Bled and you may never ever want to return.

What is your favourite thing about caravanning in the UK?

Lake District Holidays Go Green

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By William Coleman

The family owners of a Lake District holiday park are helping visitors to enjoy even greener stays in Cumbria following a new series of environmental initiatives.

Park Foot Caravan and Camping Park on the shores of Ullswater near Penrith says its latest steps will help further ensure that guests can enjoy their holidays with a clear conscience.

Measures taken include the construction from local stone of a new amenity building for campers which is kept warm with underfloor heating from the park’s biomass boiler.

Park Foot has also increased its reliance on green energy with new solar panels on its recycling centre which will feed excess electricity into the national grid.

A super-efficient new heating system has additionally been installed to minimise energy usage.

Park Foot, which employs around 80 locally-recruited staff in high season, has also decided that from this year to ban single-use plastics in its clubhouse.

The club’s restaurant has been re-equipped with energy-saving catering equipment, and will continue to feature Cumbria-sourced ingredients in its dishes to minimise food miles.

Park Foot has also expanded its trekking centre which allows guests to leave their cars parked-up and to explore the area on horseback.

More children’s activities have also been introduced, including a newly built adventure play area.

Founded over 60 years ago by the Allen family on their farm, Park Foot has around 140 caravan holiday homes spread throughout the 40-acre grounds, and 400 touring pitches.

The business is today run by Fiona Bell and Barbara Allen, the daughters of founder Jimmy Allen, along with Fiona’s husband Malcolm.

According to Fiona, advance bookings for this year are stronger than ever before:

“We’re seeing many more people choosing staycations in Britain, and families especially often find it a far more relaxing experience than travelling overseas,” she said.

“But as a farming family, we know how important it is to help safeguard Cumbria’s beautiful but fragile countryside for future generations to enjoy.

“Our policy has always been to run the park along sustainable lines, and we’re pleased that our latest developments are making greener holidays even more possible,”<'i> added Fiona.

There is more information about Park Foot on its website at www.parkfootullswater.co.uk

Go Worldwide For Less With The Club

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William Coleman

Going further for less is the ultimate goal for any leisure vehicle owner. So, if there is a chance to take a motorhome tour in a different part of the world for less money you’d be crazy not to go.

When thinking about sites in the US, Australia or even South Africa your mind may not go straight to the Caravan and Motorhome Club. They are perhaps best known for their UK network and sites throughout European destinations. Well now you can use their services to go around the world and save money too. Oh and did I mention that this offer is for everyone, not just Club members!

If you are thinking about taking a trip to the USA, Canada or Southern Africa can currently take advantage of the following deals:

USA and Canada

Book by 30 June to receive up to £500 off motorhome holidays (per booking, not per person) to America and Canada for travel between 1 January and 31 December 2020.

Prices start from £2,745 per person for a 20-day independent ‘America’s Canyonlands’ motorhome tour, which takes in all the delights of Arizona and Utah. The price includes return flights to Las Vegas, transfers, motorhome hire and 18 nights’ accommodation.

Southern Africa
Book by 31 July to save £200 per person on the following escorted motorhome tours – A Tale of Three Countries, departing 7 November 2019 and 7 January 2020, or Roads of the Rainbow Nation, departing 29 September 2019 and 9 June 2020.

A Tale of Three Counties is a 33-day escorted tour that normally costs from £4,999 per person. Venturing off the beaten track, it showcases everything from the deserts and sand dunes of Namibia to the majestic Victoria Falls.

Roads of the Rainbow Nation is a 38-day escorted tour that normally costs from £3,999 per person. Visiting the heart of the rainbow nation, it takes in capital cities, national parks and the famous Garden Route.

Both trips include flights, transfers, motorhome hire, all nights’ accommodation (on both campsites and hotels) a guide and technician, plus some excursions and meals.

Help Caravan Guard Meet Their Charity Goal

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By William Coleman

Caravan Guard have always done their bit to give back and help those who are in need. They sponsor athletes to help them reach the Olympics as well as a whole other raft of different charitable efforts and donations. Now they are getting fully stuck in and taking part in a 70 mile bike journey to help push for charity milestone.

The countdown to the great Yorkshire Bike Ride has begun and Caravan Guard have answered the call by sending 11 of their staff to take part and raise money for charity.

The team of 11 are saddling up to cycle a knee trembling 70 miles tomorrow, June 15th, and are making one final please for help to get the overall donation target of £3 million.

Caravan Guard is a family run business and the Wilby family are not shying away from the challenge and leading by example. Their Chairman Pete Wilby is gearing up for his 25th entry into this epic bike ride. He will have his son, Guard’s MD, Ryan, as well as another 9 team members peddling alongside him.

The annual sponsored cycle ride starts in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, and finishes on the North Yorkshire coast in Filey.

Now in its 36th year, the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride has raised an incredible £2.8 million so far.
“It would be fantastic if the event could break the £3 million fundraising barrier this year with everyone’s support,” said Peter. “We’ve got another great team of cyclists who care passionately about charitable causes. We hope you can dig deep to make those sore legs and bums worth it!”

There’s still time to sponsor the team and Caravan Guard will double any donation over £50!

Ways You Can Donate

You can also donate by cheque. Please make payable to “Caravan GuardCharity Account” and send to us at New Road, Halifax, HX1 2JZ.

You can also go directly to the charity page to add a donation by clicking this link- Donate Here.

The company will Tweet and tag all business donations received as an appreciation of your support.