CaravanTimes reveals first ever Facebook LIVE competition winner

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by Tom Leaning

Following the completion of the first ever CaravanTimes Facebook LIVE Giveaway, we can finally reveal our lucky winner and their prize.

Margaret Musson of Leicestershire is our first winner of the CaravanTimes Facebook LIVE Giveaway, and received a brand spanking new Official CaravanTimes Mug – Congratulations, Margaret!

Ms. Musson correctly answered three multiple choice questions involving Bailey of Bristol’s #ArcticAdventure expedition, the Caravan and Motorhome’s 90th National Rally celebrations and Neil Greentree’s test of Swift’s Basecamp caravan in the Scottish wilderness.

We’ll be conducting more Facebook LIVE Giveaway events very soon, so please look out for them on our our official page: RIGHT HERE

Have a great weekend everybody!

Scottish camping: Flap-free glamping on the rise

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by Tom Leaning

More younger people than ever are visiting Scotland, thanks to the popularity of fresh-air holidays which don’t involve the flap of putting up a tent.

That’s the view of a long-established Scottish camping group which says it will this year be welcoming a record number of guests on glamping holidays.

Wood Leisure, which has five top-rated campsites in popular Scottish visitor locations, believes that young couples and families especially are helping to spearhead the boom.

The family-run business has made substantial investments this year in installing new glamping pods at most of its parks, and it reports that demand is strong.

Operations manager Bruce Thomson said that holiday trends have undergone significant changes since Wood Leisure first began in business 35 years ago:

“Camping holidays were very popular then and remain so today, but for some people the realities of erecting a tent and packing it away afterwards can take the edge off the experience,” he said.

“Glamping still provides that wonderful sense of being out there in nature and coming closer to the sights and sounds of the countryside, but without the drawbacks.

“For example, tents let in light which could mean your body telling you it’s time to get up rather too early in the morning – and, of course, that’s also time for the dawn chorus.

“Our glamping pods are lightproof and virtually soundproof, so guests can enjoy their richly deserved lie-ins without interruption!” added Bruce.

The group’s pods sleep between two and six people, depending on the model, and are equipped with various home-from-home comforts which visitors won’t have to pack.

At its Deeside Holiday Park in Aberdeenshire, stylish two-person pods come with a pull-down double sofa bed, en-suite shower, and kitchenette for preparing food and drinks.

For larger groups and families, Lomond Woods Holiday Park in the heart of the Trossachs area by Loch Lomond has glamping pods comfortably sleeping four people.

Or at Lomond Woods Holiday Park and Campsie Glen Holiday Park, both in Stirlingshire, up to four adults and two children can stay amid stunning scenery in a warm and well-equipped timber camping pod.

Wood Leisure, which has won a raft of awards for its quality standards and environmental care, also provides luxury holiday homes to rent and buy at its parks.

There is more information about the group’s glamping opportunities at www.woodleisure.co.uk

CCC: More and more Brits are turning to short breaks to spend quality time with family and friends

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by Tom Leaning

New research conducted by The Camping and Caravanning Club to support the recent National Camping and Caravanning Week has found that an increasing number of British people are relying on short breaks to spend quality time together with extended family and friends – and camping, caravanning and motorhoming are becoming more popular than ever.

We’re now going to serenade you with more statistics from this recent study, but please tell us what you think, and if you agree with any of these numbers…

64 per cent of campers look forward to their weekend escapes and short breaks to recharge their batteries and spend quality time with loved ones, and 55 per cent think camping is a great way to re-engage with old friends and wider family networks.

In comparison, fewer than 1 in 3 non-campers take short breaks, with 60 per cent taking one main annual holiday throughout the year. And more than 1 in 3 non-campers confess to spending quality time with loved ones less than once a week.

The research also shows that around a third of campers surveyed look to camping escapes as a way of carving out time to spend exclusively with friends.

One in three campers made lasting new friends when camping, of which 38 per cent became friends for life, and 41 per cent of campers agreed they rely on holidays to spend quality time with extended family and friends more than they used to.

67 per cent of campers said that its affordability makes camping a great way to spend quality time with people that matter most, while 64 per cent confirmed that taking children or grandchildren on camping holidays can help improve their social skills and mental wellbeing.

The survey, conducted by the Club as part of a campaign to “Share the Moment: Go Camping!” researched attitudes around the difficulties of making time to spend with family and friends, and the stresses and strains modern life places on us.

73 per cent of campers confessed to checking work emails once a day or more at weekends when they should be spending time with family and friends, and 33 per cent admitted to spending more than two hours catching up or preparing for upcoming work tasks at weekends. 49 per cent find it easier to disconnect from work when they’re on a camping break than when at home.
TV presenter and Camping and Caravanning Club President, Julia Bradbury, attended the recent 2017 National Camping and Caravanning Week, and said: “In previous research pieces, we’ve revealed that children who camp in the great outdoors go on to do better at school, as well as being happier and healthier.

“This [year’s event] is about encouraging people to give camping a go, and to share the experience with friends and family who maybe haven’t camped before. Campers seem to really connect with loved ones and friends on a camping trip, engaging in different activities that pull them together.”

With camping and caravanning being more popular than ever, the Club is enjoying a period of strong growth right now. It reached its highest ever membership in April last year since it was founded in 1901, and continues to grow. The Club now reaches 300,000 UK households, or nearly 600,000 campers, caravanners and motorhomers.

Robert Louden MBE, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club said: “We’re calling on all campers to share their love of camping with wider family and friends, to introduce them to this fabulous pastime during the National Camping and Caravanning Week roadshow, and to find out for themselves what it’s like to experience unforgettable moments with loved ones while enjoying the great British outdoors. Camping brings people closer together, so we’re asking all campers, caravanners and motorhomers to help us ‘Share the Moment’ by bringing non-campers to our roadshow locations, or simply share your own unforgettable camping memories using the hashtag #MemorableMoments.”

For more information on National Camping and Caravanning Week 2017, and to see details of the roadshow locations, visit: www.nccw.co.uk

Bailey appoints Jon Aisbitt as Non-Executive Chairman

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by Tom Leaning

Bailey of Bristol has unveiled Jon Aisbitt as its new Non-Executive Chairman on its Board of Directors. This move follows the announcement that Stephen Howard is stepping down as Chairman after 40 years with the company to begin his retirement.

In spite of this change in personnel Bailey will remain in Howard family ownership with Nick Howard (Managing Director) and Simon Howard (Marketing Director) continuing to play key roles in the Senior Management Team.

Mr Aisbitt has over 30 years’ experience in international corporate finance and brings a extensive knowledge and expertise to the role. He is currently Chairman of the Pension Insurance Corporation, a fast growing UK based regulated insurance company specialising in securing pension scheme liabilities, and Deputy Chairman of New Forests Holdings – a sustainable forestry management and timber processing business operating in East Africa. Prior to that, he was Chairman of Man Group plc, a large London-listed investment management company, and was previously one of the first European partners of Goldman Sachs & Co. Mr Aisbitt has been a member of the extended Howard family since his marriage to Stephen Howard’s youngest sister Julia in 1979.

The new Non-Executive Chairman takes up his position during a dynamic period in the company’s history as the changes from the recently introduced five-year business development programme (code named Aurora) begin to take effect. The aim of Aurora is to implement a modern business approach across the 70-year-old family owned leisure vehicle manufacturing company, whilst at the same time maintaining the key cultural characteristics that have made it such an enduring success.

Initiatives already implemented include the creation of a new Bailey Parts and Accessory supply operation in North Bristol and developing it into a fully-fledged e-commerce business (at a total cost £0.5 million).

This was then followed by the re-location of the company’s state-of-the-art Large Panel Laminating Plant to new premises in Clevedon, North Somerset (at a total cost of £4.5 million) and the construction of a new Replenishment Centre building to house all component stock on the main Bailey site in South Bristol (at a cost of £2.5 million).

In addition to these headline projects, there has also been significant investment in staff training and recruitment across the business, including the recent appointment of both Roy Carter (Managing Director Bailey Parts & Accessories) and Steve Trossell (Non-Executive Director) to the Bailey Board of Directors.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Aisbitt, said: “I am delighted to be joining such a well-established and yet forward-thinking British manufacturing company. I am looking forward to playing my part in helping to shape its future.”

Bailey Managing Director, Nick Howard, added: “To have somebody of Jon’s pedigree joining the Bailey Board will be a huge asset to our company going forward. With his appointment, we will look to galvanise the inherent enthusiasm and expertise within the business to strengthen our position in the marketplace and re-affirm Bailey as the UK’s number one leisure vehicle brand.”

The 90th National BLOG DAY 3: The National gets on its bike for CycleFest

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by Daniel Cartwright

Day 3 started early at The Sandringham Estate to capture Experience Freedom’s premier event: CycleFest. Experience Freedom is the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s initiative to bring what makes motorhoming and caravanning great to everyone: that ability to get outdoors, experience nature and really enjoy it with good people.

The event was bigger than ever, with over 350 registered riders and at least 100 registering on the day. The Sandringham Estate soon filled up with cyclists of every ability and agility.

The sponsors of the event included Specialized, Cube, Simplon and Hargroves, who displayed a plethora of the latest biking and racing equipment for spectators and participants alike.

The CaravanTimes spent the morning talking to everyone from the lycra clad, to the dog-in-rucksack cyclists. The start was right by the castle entrance so the whole event got a huge spectator interest. The start was staggered because “it’s not a race” and almost as soon as the last group set off some started arriving at the finish line.

Everyone we spoke to said how lovely and peaceful the ride was.

Nick Lomas, of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, however, had a less than peaceful ride: after stopping to help a fellow rider with their bike chain, then had a puncture himself and had to wheel his bike the last 3 miles.

Day 1’s Blog

Day 2’s Blog

The 90th National BLOG DAY 2: The CAMC announces The 2018 National

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by Tom Leaning

It was another day of relentless heat at The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, on Day 2 of The 90th National, where the CaravanTimes team were invited to spend the day with members of the management team of The Caravan and Motorhome Club.

We spent the morning with Nick Lomas, the Club’s Director General, who was interacting with members and non-members, as well as conducting on-the-spot ‘vox-pop’ interviews with them, to get their opinion of this year’s National Rally and how they were settling in.

Director of Marketing, Harvey Alexander, then arrived with his wife and three children to discuss how important integrating family into the annual event is and what they’re were all planning to get up to over the bank holiday weekend – Harvey’s two sons were most looking forward to this year’s CycleFest.

Finally, the Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club since 2007, Grenville Chamberlain, handed over the keys to a brand new Adria motorhome to some lucky competition winners before spending some time in one of the restaurant tents, chatting with fellow caravanners and motorhomers.

Mr Chamberlain later announced, in front of a packed and sun-drenched crowd, that the 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club’s National Rally would be held at Sledmere House in East Riding of Yorkshire. We already can’t wait for the 91st National – but we completely understand if it’s slightly cooler up North than it has been this year!

Day 1’s Blog

Day 3’s Blog

Go full steam ahead with the Caravan and Motorhome Club

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by Tom Leaning

As the summer hots up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore the UK countryside and what better way to do it than by steam train? From taking a journey back in time on the great central railway in Leicestershire, to reaching the peak with ease on the Snowdon railway, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has a range of sites located near popular steam railway lines all over the UK.

The East Lancashire Railway chugs through the Irwell valley with beautiful scenery and charming villages along the way. Complete your journey with a stay the Burrs Country Park Club Site in Lancashire, which is perfect for all the family with a river, countryside walks and plenty of outdoor activities including canoeing and abseiling.

A stay at the Burrs Club Site costs from £22.10 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

Stay on the right track this summer with a visit to the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire which passes through scenic countryside and sweeps visitors back to the days of classical rail travel. Stay at the Springhill Club Site which is located between Stoke on Trent and Uttoxeter with outstanding views over the nearby countryside. The site is located close to several National Trust sites including Sudbury Hall, or for the more creative, why not try your hand at pottery making at the Gladstone Pottery Museum in Stoke on Trent?

A stay at the Springhill Certified Location is priced from £11.50 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

Go full steam ahead this summer on the Great Central Railway in Loughborough which is the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway. The railway is on the old route that linked key cities including Manchester, Sheffield and London. Stay at the Littleover Farm Club Site in Loughborough which is a relaxing site perfect for walking and near to the towns of Kegworth and East Leake.

A stay at the Littleover Farm Certified Location is priced from £15.00 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

Reach the peak in style on the Snowden Mountain Railway which is the country’s highest mountain reaching a massive 1,085m and towering over the Snowdonia National Park. Stay at the Coed-T-Llwyn Club Site located in the stunning Snowdonian National Park with a range of water sports available at nearby Lake Bala and sandy beaches at the Lleyn Peninsula.

A stay at the Coed-y-Llwyn Site is priced from £21.00 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

South Devon Railway is a seven mile stretch on the former Great Western Railway which dates back to 1872 where enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the valley of the River Dart. The railway is located 19 miles from Dartmouth and is a great day out for all ages. Stay at the Start Bay Club Site which is less than a mile from the seaside making it the perfect summer destination.
A stay at the Start Bay Club Site is priced from £17.80 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

Don’t miss a display of British steam train excellence as the Flying Scotsman, the Tornado and the Rocket take to the tracks in September 2017 as part of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse Steam Gala. Enjoy all this by staying at the Norwood Farm Site in Nottinghamshire which is close to Sherwood Forest and has good walking and cycling paths nearby.

A stay at the Norwood Farm Club Site is priced from £10.00 based on two adults per pitch, per night in a caravan or motorhome.

For more information, please visit www.camc.com

Bailey completes first phase of site redevelopment

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by Tom Leaning

Bailey of Bristol has completed the initial phase of the redevelopment programme of its 14.5 acre South Liberty Lane premises with a complete upgrade of its on-site component handling facility.

As a UK leisure vehicle manufacturer, Bailey currently holds approximately 1,200 different components in stock at any one time, equating to on average £2.5 million in value. The new purpose-built 1,600metre-squared Replenishment Centre generates 300 per cent more storage space than previously and allows for all component stock to be held inside under a single roof for the first time. The total cost of this phase of the programme was £2.5 million.

The inside of the building has been fitted out with the latest racking systems, including gravity feed storage for batched components to maximise the available internal space, whilst investment in new materials handling equipment and a computer controlled inventory system will improve logistical efficiency and the component flow to the production line.

Currently, Bailey turns over its stock inventory on average every 8 working days, putting the company into the top 5 per cent of manufacturers worldwide in terms of turnover ratios. In order to maintain this impressive level of performance, Bailey requires the additional investment to cope with increases in both production volumes and component variety as the company looks to expand its range of leisure vehicles.

As the first phase of the new South Liberty Lane regeneration programme, the new Replenishment Centre also sets the tone in terms of the site architecture and landscaping. The modern industrial scheme proposed will help to create a better working environment for new and existing employees as well as improving the company’s physical presence in the local area. In addition, the opening of a second site entrance adjacent to the new building for goods inwards deliveries will improve traffic flow both on and off site.

Commenting on this new investment, Managing Director Nick Howard said;

“The complexity of modern caravans and motorhomes means we are having to control the supply of an ever-increasing number of vehicle parts. Our new £2.5 million Replenishment Centre facility will provide us capability to handle this volume of components in a more efficient manner to help improve productivity and reduce business overheads.”

“The completion of the Replenishment Centre is the first phase of the company’s five year investment plan to develop Europe’s most advanced caravan production plant here in South Bristol.” he added.

For more information about Bailey Leisure Vehicles, please visit www.baileyofbristol.co.uk, call 0117 966 5967, or email marketing@baileyofbristol.co.uk.

Lunar Caravans offer a paw-fect day out

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by Tom Leaning

Lunar Caravans are big fans of man’s four-legged best friend, that’s why they’ve signed up as the official camping sponsor of Dogfest North; the fun festival for dogs and their owners hosted by the ‘Supervet’, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.

Dogfest will be held at Arley Hall in Cheshire on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June 2017 and at Knebworth in Hertfordshire on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June. The shows are a paw-fect day out for all dog lovers with loads for both you and your favourite four-legged friend to see, do and learn.

Get first hand advice from the experts on all aspects of your dog’s health and well-being through talks and interactive demonstrations, pick up top training tips in ‘School 4 Dogs’ and receive a free healthy weight check with tips on eating and exercise from Royal Canin (dogs only!).

Amazing displays, including dog agility, doggy dancing and working dogs, will be taking place throughout each day and, if you’re feeling inspired, have a go at Dog Diving, Flyball, a fun obstacle course and the Hay Bale Race. You can stock up on every possible doggy essential in the festival village shopping area and treat your pampered pooch to a grooming session.

There’s even the chance to see the ‘Supervet’ himself! Noel Fitzpatrick will be presenting his popular ‘Noel Fitzpatrick Live’ show, sharing the moving stories behind the filming of The Supervet TV show and share the highs and lows of his clinical work helping the animals we all care about as family.

Twice a day (11am and 3pm) The Big Tick Great Dog Walk will take place, giving you and your dog the chance to join thousands of others on a 2km or 4km walk and explore the beautiful grounds of Arley Hall or Knebworth House.

The Lunar team will be at Dogfest North showcasing some of their latest luxurious caravan and motorhome models; the perfect getaway vehicle for families who don’t want to leave their canine companion at home when they holiday.

Book in advance* and save £3 off the on-the-door ticket price; advance day tickets cost £15 for adults, £11 for seniors and £9 for children (under 16s). A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £40 in advance.

A two-day ticket is priced at £26 for adults, £20 for seniors, £14 for children (aged 16 years or over) or £60 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). All tickets include free parking and a free show guide.

Better still, grab 20 per cent off all adult and child tickets with a special discount code; simply quote ‘LUNAR’ when booking. To book, visit www.dog-fest.co.uk or call 0844 581 4917.

*All tickets will be subject to admin fees, and a £1.95 fulfillment fee will be added per order.

ELDDIS COMPETITION: Could you be the next Avante Adventurer?

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by Tom Leaning

Are you recently retired? Are you thinking of taking a Gap Year? Have you got travel plans you’re just itching to put into motion?

Elddis and The Caravan and Motorhome Club are looking for an adventurous person – or couple – to live 2018 Season to the MAX with an all new Elddis touring caravan.

From Summer 2017 to Summer 2018, you could have a brand new and exclusive Elddis Avante 462 2-berth to go on the trip of a lifetime.

Complete the application form (below) and tell Elddis (in no more than 200 words) how the Elddis Avante 462 could enable your adventure – plus Elddis would like you to make a 1 minute video telling them about you!

The deadline for applications is 12:00am Sunday 2nd July 2017 and the Winner will be announced Monday 17 July 2017.

ENTER HERE NOW!

BLOG DAY 1: The 90th National hots up at Sandringham

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by Tom Leaning

The CaravanTimes team are catching the rays here in Norfolk, at The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s biggest caravan event of the year: The National, which is celebrating its 90th year no less, here at The Sandringham Estate.

We’ve already been very busy, interviewing regulars and newcomers, and meeting members and non-members alike, as well as eating as much ice-cream as possible before it melts in this baking heat!

We first met Jackie of Truma Radio, The National’s dedicated radio station (87.7 FM), that broadcasts 24 hours-a-day throughout the annual event.

We then caught up with Andrew J. Ditton, a dedicated caravan correspondent, who’s making his National debut here at Sandringham. Andrew introduced us to his delightful dog, Dougal, his very cool Triumph motorbike and his equally stylish Airstream caravan – a very interesting individual!

Finally, Rob Finney – of Steve Finney Caravans – showed us his exquisite 1933 Car Cruiser caravan (see photo), complete with indoor and outdoor living accessories, china plates and tea-cups and silver cutlery, neatly accessible through its innovative design – they certainly knew their caravans back in the 1930s!

We’ve got a whole weekend of fun activities, vintage caravans and dripping ice-cream to get through, and of course we’ll let you know how it all goes. Don’t forget to tell us what you’re up to at this year’s National and send us a photo or three. Enjoy the bank holiday weekend everybody!

Day 2’s Blog

Day 3’s Blog

Caravan and Motorhome Club prepare for a long, hot summer

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by Tom Leaning

As well as hosting The 90th National at The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk this weekend, The Caravan and Motorhome Club have been busy accommodating their members as well as possible before we dive into the Great British summer.

As part of The Club’s new identity, they’ve been updating their signage across their sites to reflect the new brand. Certified Locations (CLs) have updated their signage too (see main photo), so make sure you look out for the new logo on your travels.

The Club realise that some sites are harder to find than others and have repeatedly said they are always looking at what we can do to improve signage across the network. As always The Club are welcoming feedback to help them make improvements where possible. You can get in contact with them here.

The Club have also announced that they are investing nearly £300,000 into an improved Wi-Fi service, giving their members greater access to the web across their sites network.

Remember, by simply connecting to the Caravan and Motorhome Club Wi-Fi on site, you’ll have free access to our website.

Wi-Fi hotspots

Of course, some of The Club’s sites aren’t able to provide a Wi-Fi connection across the whole site, due to physical limitations of the location. In these cases The Club will be installing Wi-Fi hotspots, which means you will have somewhere to go, should you need to connect.

A Wi-Fi hotspot is an area that can enable connectivity for a Wi-Fi equipped device. For example, if you are in the pre-determined hot spot area with a laptop or mobile device equipped for Wi-Fi, you can search for the Caravan and Motorhome Club connection and get connected.

Find a hotspot

Wi-Fi hotspots will usually be in communal areas on site such as the information hut, but the hotspot location will differ from site to site.

You will be able find a hotspot map in the site’s reception area which will tell you where the hotspot is located on site, and where it is strongest. If in doubt, speak to Site Staff and they will be happy to help you.

Get connected

For further information about The Club’s Wi-Fi service and how you can get connected, visit their Wi-Fi page.

Enjoy the summer!