Midlands caravan park set to celebrate 80th anniversary in true style

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by Joe Jeffrey

Host of activities schedule to mark caravan park’s 80th birthday

A Midland caravan park looks set to celebrate its 80th anniversary by marking the special milestone with an exciting array of on-site birthday activities including a number of fun events for caravanners and campers to enjoy to make it an unforgettable day.

Opened in 1936 as the Holding Memorial Site, after Camping and Caravanning Club founder Thomas Hiram Holding, Clent Hills Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the Midlands is one of the Club’s oldest existing sites.

Campers are invited to attend the event, due to take place on 29 May, dressed in 1930s clothing. There will also be lots of activities to enjoy, including a camp bake-off, children’s painting competition, a pavement art event and egg rolling. And for those with a four-legged friend, there’s even a dog show.

Two marquees will be installed to provide shelter from the elements, both rain and shine, and all the activities can be enjoyed free of charge by those camping on site.

Holiday site manager, Tina Bland, said: “It’s our first year here at Clent Hills, and we’re delighted to arrive at such an exciting time. The team here will all be in 1930s dress on the big day, and we’d love campers to join in the fun too. It’ll be unforgettable.”

Situated approximately 15 miles from Birmingham and offering panoramic views of the Cotswolds, Malvern Hills and Black Mountains of Wales, Clent Hills Club Site has 95 pitches, offering both hardstanding and grass only.

Bob Hill, Club sites director, said: “All members of our Holiday Site Team at Clent Hills Club Site are really looking forward to putting on a packed schedule of activities for campers to enjoy.

“Clent Hills is a popular Club Site with families and joins several others that have long been in Club hands – for example, Walton on Thames Club Site in Surrey celebrated its centenary in 2013.”

The Clent Hills party falls during this year’s Big Club Get Together, which will provide Camping and Caravanning Club members a chance to discover the benefits that social camping with Region, District and Special Interest Sections has to offer. It also falls ahead of this year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW), the Club’s major annual campaign to raise the profile of camping and caravanning.

To book a pitch for the 80th birthday celebrations at Clent Hills Club Site, click here.

Leisure vehicle owners sue Dometic for alleged dangerous refrigerator defect linked to fires and explosions

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by Joe Jeffrey

Dometic Corporation sued for ‘putting lives at risk’ over faulty fridges

A group of leisure vehicle owners have filed a class-action lawsuit against Dometic Corporation, stating that the company sold defective gas absorption refrigerators with cooling systems that can spontaneously ignite in leisure vehicles, putting consumers at risk of deadly fires, explosions, loss of property and loss of the value of their property. according to consumer-rights law firm Hagens Berman.

The lawsuit, filed by consumer-rights law firm, Hagens Berman, states that the defective refrigerators have caused or contributed to at least 3,000 fires since 1997 in the US alone, resulting in more than $100 million (£69.1 million) in property damage and personal injury claims, all of which Dometic tracked through multiple non-public, internal databases. Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit claims Dometic “failed and refused to eliminate the defects and/or provide consumers with adequate warnings.”

The lawsuit states that every gas absorption refrigerator manufactured by Dometic since 1997 shares common technology, common cooling unit design and common defects, including the propensity of the refrigerator’s cooling unit boiler tube to corrode, crack and expel hydrogen gas at high pressure, which can spontaneously combust, or reach other ignition sources, causing a fire.

The 80-page lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco seeks to force Dometic to repair or replace defective refrigerators and compensate consumers for the diminution of value of their RVs and boats as a result of these manufacturer defects.

Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman, said: “As millions of owners prep RVs and boats for summer activities, they’re completely unaware that the vehicles they will soon use to transport family and friends essentially contain a pressurized tank of hydrogen gas that can leak and ignite a fire. While Dometic promised consumers that its refrigerators were safe for use, it chose to overlook reports of fires and failures of its products and never publicly disclosed the true risk of this defect.”

“We don’t think owners should risk their lives on every trip and have to wait for a potentially deadly hydrogen-fueled fire to get a safe refrigerator or receive payback for Dometic’s brazen misconduct,” Berman added.

“It’s an alarming issue, especially when you consider the layout of an RV,” Berman continued. “If a Dometic refrigerator were to suddenly release this pressurised, flammable gas and start a fire, occupants could easily become trapped inside.”

The suit also addresses two recalls issued by Dometic in which it is claimed Dometic “used and manipulated the recall process to conceal the true dangers and safety risks inherent in their Defective Gas Absorption Refrigerators from both federal regulators and consumers,” resulting, the claim says, in many caravan parks and camping grounds across the United States becoming flush with vehicles containing defective gas absorption refrigerators that may spontaneously burst into flames. The company continues to receive new fire claims “at an alarming rate,” the suit also states.

In addition, the suit states that Dometic resorted to “retaining a cadre of regionally based fire investigators, third-party claims administrators, attorneys and various engineering and metallurgical experts” upon each report of a refrigerator fire or explosion deployed “for the express purpose of diverting attention” from the refrigerators as the cause of the fire and to hide the issue from the public.

In a series of statements released by Dometic, the company said: “The company takes this accusation seriously but vehemently denies that the company would consciously have refrained from eliminating defects in the said product.

“Dometic conducts its operations in strongly regulated environment and it is a vital requirement that all products comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding safety. Dometic works proactively with product safety in an open and close cooperation with governmental authorities and strictly follows the applicable legislation and recommendations.

“Dometic’s opinion is that the allegations are without merits and intend to vigorously defend against them.”

Park Holidays up for sale at £250 million

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by Joe Jeffrey

PwC instructed by private equity firm as Park Holidays goes up for grabs

Caravan park company, Park Holidays, has been placed up for sale for a cool £250 million. The company, owned by private equity firm, Caledonia, has instructed PwC to help assess its options, with indications that the company will be sold to another private equity firm.

As Britain’s fourth largest caravan holiday operator, Park Holidays is set to see earnings rise to £35 million this year, as the current offer price reflects a significant increase on the £172 million the company sold for to Caledonia in 2013.

According to various sources, it is thought a deal will be struck within the next three months, with numerous companies already expressing an interest.

Park Holidays currently has 25 caravan parks in the south of England which has seen significant success over the past few years owing to the rising trend in staycationing on British soil. According to VisitEngland, £1.9 billion was spent on breaks at holiday and caravan parks during 2015.

The move comes following the merger of Parkdean Holidays and Park Resorts in a £960 million deal last year as previously reported on CaravanTimes.

Win tickets to see Golden Years with Bailey of Bristol

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bailey offers chance to win tickets to caravan heist movie featuring stellar UK cast

As reported previously on CaravanTimes, a Bailey caravan is set to play a central role in a new film, Golden Years, alongside an all-star cast featuring some of Britain’s best-loved actors, due to be released in Odeon cinemas across the UK from 29 April 2016.

The all-star cast includes the likes of Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Simon Callow, Una Stubbs, Phil Davis, Sue Johnston, Alun Armstrong and many more. Co-written by John Miller, Jeremy Sheldon and TV presenter Nick Knowles, the film follows the story of couple Arthur and Martha Goode, played by Bernard Hill and Virginia McKenna, who refuse to fade away into their declining years, or accept the injustice of old age, so after the loss of their pensions in the financial crisis, decide to fight back and are forced into a life of crime robbing banks to get their money back to help save their community and local bowls club.

Described as a heist film with a comedic core, Golden Years features the ‘Valencia Getaway’ caravan (in real life the best-selling Bailey Unicorn Valencia) prominently throughout as the base from which the leading couple commit their criminal activities across the country.

Now, Bailey of Bristol is offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets in their exclusive subscriber competition to watch the new Golden Years film at an Odeon cinema near you.

To be in with a chance to win, simply answer the following question and email your response, along with your name and email address to:

marketing@baileyofbristol.co.uk%26su%3DGolden%2520Years%2520Competition

Which Bailey caravan has a starring role in the new Golden Years film?

Good luck!

Toyota Prius gets new tow package for UK

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by Joe Jeffrey

Toyota Prius gains ability to tow caravans following introduction of new discreet accessories

Toyota Prius owners in the UK will now be able to haul a caravan behind their eco-friendly hybrid.

Proving that it isn’t just the big innovations in technology and performance that matter, Toyota has engineered the new Prius to be able to tow a trailer or lightweight caravan for the first time in its 19-year history. The fact the world’s best-selling hybrid car can now sport a tow hook and pull a trailer or light caravan, Toyota says, adds another dimension to its practicality and extends its appeal to a wider range of customers.

The Prius’s new-found ability is thanks to heat management measures that have been introduced in the hybrid system’s main electric motor-generator and the differential. As a result, the car has a maximum towing capacity of 725kg – ideal for trailers or smaller, lightweight caravans.

Attaching the hitch seems simple enough, and the accessory will come complete with clear green and red indicators to show when a secure connection is in place. And, for when you aren’t towing something, the company has afforded drivers the option to simply unhook the hitch and store it in the boot.

Toyota claims that thanks to improved head management of the hybrid system’s generator and differential all hardware required is concealed underneath the number so as to not spoil the Prius’s defined shape. A spokesperson for Toyota said: “Most of the connecting hardware is concealed behind the lower lip of the rear bumper, so the clean lines of the rear of the car are preserved.”

The all-new Toyota Prius has also recently secured the top five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP safety testing, so if you’re looking for something different and safe to tow your trailer or caravan with next time around, this could be a wise choice.

What do you think? Might a Toyota Prius be the next car to be added to your wish list?

Striking highlight of Cumbria park’s £1m leisure makeover

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by Joe Jeffrey

Cumbria caravan park features new high-tech blowing alley and more

Holiday guests and local residents are having ball after the opening this month of a new £1m makeover and extension to the leisure centre at a top South Cumbria holiday park.

Among the extra facilities at Silverdale Holiday Park near Arnside is now a US-style ten-pin bowling alley with electronic scoring and computerised stats such as ball speed.

But bowling is not the only striking new attraction at the park. A new kids’ soft-play zone, function rooms, bar extension and extra restaurant seating have also been served up.

In addition, the leisure centre now includes an enlarged supermarket with an emphasis on locally sourced food and drink, from Lakeland artisan bread and cured meats to Cumbrian craft beers.

According to park owner Michael Holgate, its latest investment is already receiving the thumbs-up from both holidaymakers and local people belonging to its leisure club.

The new features join the leisure centre’s swimming pool complex with spa and sauna, and a professional gymnasium with state-of-the art exercising equipment

In 2016, Silverdale Holiday Park is marking its sixtieth year under the Holgate family’s ownership – and Holgate says all the signs are that this could be its busiest season ever:

“We finalised plans for our new developments before Cumbria’s flooding problems arose, but were determined to press ahead so they would be ready for the new season,” he said.

“In the event, the initial fall-off in enquiries in December was quickly replaced by a strong upswing as the year got underway – and business levels are now higher than this time last spring.

“Cumbria will always remain a dream holiday destination for many people, and I think visitors have been given extra confidence by the resilience shown by our tourism industry,” Holgate continued.

Silverdale Holiday Park provides caravan holiday homes to buy and to let, pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, and luxury timber-built camping pods.

Its many accolades include Cumbria Tourism’s overall holiday park of the year award two years ago, and a top gold award in 2016 from botanist David Bellamy for its environmental care.

However, believes Michael, it is the verdict of guests which counts above all else – and says he is delighted that the park’s latest developments appear to have bowled another winner.

There is more information about Silverdale Holiday Park, and the five other Cumbria and North Lancashire parks belonging to the Holgates group, at www.holgates.co.uk
 

Over 80 per cent of people have a pet name for their caravan

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by Joe Jeffrey

Poll shows caravans are named by many for many a reason

UK caravanners love their caravans so much that over 80 per cent of owners have given them a special name, according to Caravan Guard.

In a recent poll conducted by the caravan and motorhome insurance specialist, a massive 81 per cent revealed they had a special pet name for their tourer.

Girls’ names came out top in the naming poll but there are also caravans on the road who are named after lost loved ones, favourite places to visit or a fun name as described by their owner.

Children and grandchildren often get involved in the naming ritual too, with caravans being named the likes of ‘Nanna-van’, ‘Connie’, the Sterling Continental and ‘Pistachio’, the Coachman Pastiche.

Names beginning with B seemed to be a favourite, with ‘Bertha – the 5-berther’, ‘Betty’, ‘Bessie’, ‘Betty Boop’, ‘Bailey’, ‘Bella’, ‘Big Bertha’ and the Bean family’s ‘Beanpod’ all making it onto the list.

Other caravan names are just a bit of fun, like ‘Stalker’ because, according to the caravan’s owners, “she follows us all the time,” and ‘Eva’ as “that’s what we do” (heave-her).

Meanwhile, girls’ names which all got a shout out were April, Anna, Claudette, Charley, Caroline, Daisy, Davina, Daniele, Fergie, Helga, Isobel, Jennie, Libby, Louisa, Louise, Miranda, Mary, Maggie, Mabel, Peggy, Patsy, Rosie, Rene, Ruby, Sue, Sophy, Tilly, Taylor, Vanessa, Wendy, and Wilma.

Others choose to use their name to describe their tourer, like Caravan Guard customers, Doug and Sara, who named their Compass Corona ‘The Burrow’, and Mike Potter naming his Lunar ‘Augustina’ because she was bought in August, whilst continuing to remain “a dream to tow and brings sunshine into our lives every time we use her.”

All-in-all, we were quite disappointed not to have seen a mention of a ‘Caravanny McCaravanface’ but oh well. Does your caravan have a name? If we were to tell you some of the names we here at CaravanTimes have chosen for ours, you might just view us in a different light, so we’ll remain shtum for now.

Saga Insurance reveals unusual caravan insurance claims for the over 50s

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by Joe Jeffrey

Saga unveils crazy caravan claims made by the over 50s

It’s true to say that caravanning appeals to more people now than, perhaps, ever before. But, as the next generation of caravanners, motorhomers, and recreational vehicle users spend more and more time in the great outdoors, those over 50 are still up there with the best of them, so much so in fact that around 347,000 people over the age of 50 embarked upon this type of holiday last year. It’s not always plain sailing though, as Saga Insurance has found, and it’s also not always as simple as claiming for a broken window latch or door handle either as the insurance company can attest. So read on below to find out more about some of Saga’s more usual caravan claims.

Loo looter

One policyholder kept his caravan in storage over winter. However, when he got a call from the storage unit manager saying someone had broken into his caravan he dashed over to assess the damage. At first sight it appeared the thief had just stolen the usual items but on closer inspection the customer noticed that the robber had made off with the fridge and toilet.  While it only cost £500 to replace the loo, the thief caused more than £7,000 worth of damage ripping out the various fixtures and fittings.

Blooming blowtorch

A customer liked to park his caravan on his drive so he could keep a close eye on it. However, he got a bit of a shock when he spotted a neighbour using a blowtorch to kill some stubborn weeds. The overzealous gardener got too close to a bush causing it to catch fire and blister the caravan’s paintwork. It cost more than £2,000 to repair the damage and it’s safe to say this Saga customer probably won’t be visiting their neighbour for a cup of tea any time soon. 

Runaway wheelie bins

A customer parked his caravan on his drive for the evening so he could clean it the following day. However, when he woke up he discovered a runaway wheelie bin had crashed into his motorhome multiple times causing more than £4,000 worth of damage. 

Tipping point

A policyholder popped to the shops and while he was out the weather took a turn for the worse. When he got home he got a nasty surprise as he discovered his caravan lying on its side. The strong winds had tipped his caravan over causing almost £2,000 worth of damage. 

Humongous hailstones

One policyholder was on holiday in their caravan when bad weather woke them up. When they peeked out of the window to see the storm in action they noticed golf ball sized hailstones hitting the caravan. The hailstones dented the caravan so much that it cost almost £5,000 to fix.

Un-pheasant experience

A customer’s holiday ended rather unpleasantly when a pheasant tried to make a dash across the road. As well as damaging the customer’s car, the colourful bird bounced off the caravan causing almost £2,000 worth of damage.

Roger Ramsden, chief executive of Saga Services, said: “Last year we were clearing up after Kamikaze pigeons, this year we’ve been fixing damage caused by runaway wheelie bins. It’s fair to say that owning a caravan and holidaying in one is more adventurous for some than others. A caravan calamity can be made worse if you don’t have the right insurance.”

Have you ever had reason to claim on your caravan insurance under unusual circumstances? If so let us know in the comments below.

The Caravan Club highlights spring time adventures for all the family

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by Joe Jeffrey

Spring into action with some inspiration from The Caravan Club

Despite some intermittent rainfall as would be expected for April in the UK, the sun has started to shine, and flowers are finally in full bloom. And now, just in time for the season of new beginnings, The Caravan Club has announced some brilliant spring time adventures for the whole family. Whether spending a day in brightly blooming gardens, watching lambing season on a farm, or simply getting out and about in the elements, check out some of The Caravan Club’s ideas below to gauge a little bit of inspiration for your next adventure.

Explore life on the Farm

Spring is the best time of year to be on a farm, take the whole family on a trip to the Dorset countryside and spot new born lambs in the fields. Stay at East Fleet Farm Touring Park, the perfect location to be in the heart of all the farming action. The 22-acre site sits on 200 acres of working farmland located on the stunning coastline of Chesil Beach allowing for beautiful walks, cycling and taking in the fresh air.

A pitch at The East Fleet Farm Touring Park costs from £22.00 for two adults and two children per pitch, per night.

Discover the gardens at Blickling Estates

Set in the tranquil heartland of the Norfolk Broads the Norfolk Broads Caravan Club Site is a short drive to Blickling Estate and is a National Trust heritage site boasting some of the best gardens in Europe making for a lovely day out. There is nothing quite like the first signs of spring and throughout the gardens guests will see plenty of signs of new beginnings whilst discovering the spring colours of the blooming flowers. Nearby the site, guests will have a variety of walks to choose from such as the miles of waterways, as well as a trip into Norfolk, to see the daily farmers market, castle and Norman cathedral.

A pitch at the Norfolk Broads Caravan Club Site costs from £23.80 for two adults and two children, per pitch per night.

Outdoor breaks with the whole family

Families can take to the great outdoors at New England Bay Caravan Club Site which is set on the landscaped grounds on the edge of Luce Bay. The site offers guests access to the beaches where they are invited to partake in watersports, sailing and sea fishing. Close by visitors can walk along the miles of wild flower lined paths in the unspoilt forest of Galloway.

A pitch at New England Caravan Club Site costs from £17.80 based on two adults and two children per pitch, per night.

For more information, visit The Caravan Club’s official website here or call 01342 326 944. Where will your next adventure take you?

Hadrian’s Wall caravan park up for sale at £800,000

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by Joe Jeffrey

‘Heritage Site of the Year’ up for grabs in once-in-a-lifetime sale

A unique opportunity to take over a popular caravan site near one of England’s greatest landmarks is set to be made available available – if you’ve got a spare £799,000 laying around.

Hadrian’s Wall Camping and Caravan Site is situated in a tranquil beauty spot on the edge of the Northumberland National Park amidst magnificent unspoilt landscapes.  Some of the most dramatic stretches of the spectacular 75 mile Hadrian’s Wall are located less than half a mile from the site.

Hadrian’s Wall has recently been awarded BBC Countryfile Magazine‘s ‘Heritage Site of the Year’ and Northumberland National Park also won ‘National Park of the Year’ by the same publication. Thousands of tourists, walkers and cyclists flock to the area each year.

Aside from its 50 touring/motor home pitches, the 4.5 acre caravan site offers top quality amenities including centrally heated WCs and shower rooms equipped with free hairdryers and shaver sockets, a laundry room, BBQs for rent, secure accommodation for bikes, motorbikes and horses, shop and cafe, reception, free Wi-Fi, fridge freezer, wild camping meadow and a centrally heated bunk barn which sleeps up to 10 people.  There is also a substantial stone-built four bedroom detached house with a private garden.

To add further appeal to the area, The Sill, a £11.2m initiative located in Northumberland National Park is set to install a Landscape Discovery Centre as well as other learning and participation activities for the general public. This development is expected to complete in 2017 and presents a great opportunity for the business to capitalise on the increase in footfall.

Andrew Birnie, director in the Newcastle office of Christie & Co, who is handling the sale said: “This is a beautiful and rare freehold site in one of Britain’s most picturesque spots. The superbly maintained site has long been a favourite with campers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, many of whom return year after year to enjoy the site’s relaxed atmosphere.

“The current owners have developed the park over the years from meadow land into an established site with extensive facilities. There remains considerable scope for growth however, with increased marketing and further expansion of the popular and underdeveloped wild camping meadow.”

Graham Reid, current owner of the business, said: “We have lived here for 45 years and are very proud of the fact that over the last 25 of those, we have managed to develop the site into a great lifestyle business with wonderful accommodation.

“Sadly, it is now time for us to hand over the reins to younger people to develop the site in their own way. It’s been a pleasure to watch the site grow and see happy holiday-makers return year on year.”

Five-star Solihull caravan park to offer 1990s prices for 20th anniversary

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by Joe Jeffrey

Somers Wood Caravan Park celebrating in style to mark 20th anniversary

A caravan park is set to offer caravanners the opportunity to pitch up at 1990s prices to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. Somers Wood Caravan Park will also hold a series of birthday events to mark the occasion at the adult only park located in the village of Meriden, in Solihull, West Midlands.

Festivities for the anniversary, set to take place between 17 to 23 October – immediately following the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016 at Birmingham’s NEC – will see pitches made available for £20 for a two-night midweek stay, whilst a series of surprise specials for returning guests has also been planned. Special commemorative mugs will also be given to the first 20 guests booking midweek breaks between 9 and 26 May before the main celebrations begin.

Owners, Angela and Marc Fowler, acquired Somers Wood at the end of 1994 and, since that time, a number of eco-friendly facilities have been introduced to the site which has since gone on to be five-star graded by VisitEngland.

Somers Wood for is ideally situated for visitors to Birmingham’s NEC, so the celebration seems perfect timing for those looking to book a break in conjunction with the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016.

Con woman given suspended sentence after conning caravan holidaymakers out of thousands

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by Joe Jeffrey

Criminal con woman given 100 community service for duping caravanners out of thousands

A 24-year-old woman from Wiltshire has been given a 40-week prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud in which she duped people into paying money for caravan holidays that did not exist.

Carpenter pleaded guilty at Chippenham Magistrates Court to a series of frauds involving coercing people into paying money for a caravan holiday rental which did not exist, as well as fraudulently using a bank card and completing credit applications.

Carpenter was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £5,235 in compensation to her 23 victims.

DC Melissa Carr, from Wiltshire Police, said: “Carpenter took advantage of innocent members of the public who were simply trying to book a holiday.

“On numerous occasions she persuaded people to transfer hundreds of pounds to her on the promise of securing a booking for a caravan holiday, which did not exist.

“We would like to use this opportunity to encourage people to be cautious when booking holidays online and always use a reputable agency or website to reduce the chance of fraud.”

With an influx of UK holidaymakers planning their summer holidays around this time, it certainly pays to ensure you book through a reputable booking agency of holiday park; and remember, if a deal looks too good to be true it usually is. What do you think of sentence handed out by the judge? Let us know in the comments below.