Police appeal after spate of caravan burglaries

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by Joe Jeffrey

Police warn caravanners to remain vigilant following series of caravan burglaries

Lancashire police are appealing to caravanners and urging them to remain on guard following a stark increase in caravan burglaries over the past few weeks, with two parks in the Clitheroe and Barnoldswick areas being targeted.

So far, police are investigating 19 caravan burglaries within the area, with similar incidents occurring in North Yorkshire.

Sgt Craig Leech of Lancashire Police said: “Since the darker nights have crept in, a number of caravan parks in the Ribble Valley and wider areas of rural Lancashire have been targeted by thieves.

“Many parks are quieter this time of year with residents moving out and the caravans being left unoccupied for longer periods of time.
“As such they are vulnerable with thieves forcing door and window locks, entering and stealing items such as televisions, laptops, other electric items and alcohol.

“Police are investigating these as a pattern of burglaries but urge owners of such caravans to be vigilant reporting any suspicious activity to the police, taking vehicle registration numbers, as criminals often visit caravan parks in the day-time prior to targeting them during the night.

“Owners could also consider checking on their caravans more often through winter months and removing valuable items from view in order to deter criminals.

“Caravans fitted with alarms will both deter and if activated disturb burglars and raise the alarm with occupied neighbouring properties. Caravan park owners may wish to consider additional security measures such as CCTV and security patrols,” Leech finished.

David Bellamy’s golden `thank you!` to Somerset park

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park scoops prestigious conservation award

Television botanist David Bellamy has praised the eco-friendly owners of a Somerset caravan park – and presented them with his prestigious Conservation Award.

The Betton family, which owns Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park in Bishop Sutton, was highlighted by Professor Bellamy in this year’s round of honours.

He said that they had pulled off the rare achievement of winning his Conservation Foundation’s award at its top gold level for 15 years in succession.

Keith Betton said that a concern for the natural world has always guided decision-making on the park which is a member of the prestigious Best of British holiday and touring parks group.

Over the years, hundreds of native trees and shrubs have been planted in the park’s four acres of grounds to create valuable food resources and breeding habitats for wildlife.

Almost a third of the park, said Keith, is maintained as natural woodland, and guests walking its trails can spot many of the park’s other initiatives to help sustain the natural world.

These include bee pots in which solitary bees, said to be under threat, can make nests for their larvae – plus “bug hotels” where pollinating insects can thrive.

These, says Keith, help ensure that the park’s wild flowers continue to proliferate, and provide valuable nectar which draws honey bees and a wide variety of butterfly species.

David Bellamy also praised the five-star park’s shower and facilities block where energy is supplied by high-efficiency solar panels which work even on overcast winter days.

He also commended Bath Chew’s decision to use shielded illumination to minimise light pollution and to ensure that park guests can enjoy the night sky.

Keith Betton said that everyone at the adults-only touring park was delighted to be celebrating 15 years of the gold David Bellamy Conservation Award:

“This is a very special part of Somerset, and it’s great to know that we have David Bellamy’s support in helping to preserve its unique character,” said Keith.

“Bath Chew attracts caravanners and campers who enjoy its sense of tranquillity and the amazing wildlife, including the 250 species of birds which can be spotted around our valley.

“Guests are very supportive of our projects to protect the park’s flora and fauna, and some say they have adopted our ideas, such as honey bee habitats, to use in their own gardens,” said Keith.
 

Charity sends touring caravans to Calais to care for refugees and migrants this winter

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by Joe Jeffrey

Non-profitable charity sends donated caravans to Calais to care for refugees and migrants

A UK non-profitable, grass-roots charity is sending caravans to help protect refugees stationed in Calais in time for winter.

Caravans for Calais collects donated caravans and sends them to an ungoverned, makeshift camp, currently housing around 6,000 refugees and migrants and nicknamed the “Jungle” according to charity organisers.

Since launching Caravans for Calais in September of this year, the orgainsation has managed to collect and deliver 45 caravans and has raised over £15,000 to continue its plight to help those less fortunate. The group’s Facebook has has over 1,200 members, whilst a team of 25 on the ground across Europe help coordinate the charity’s efforts.

A number of humanitarian agencies are working alongside Caravans for Calais in order to identify which refugees and migrants are in need of a caravan the most, whilst other caravans are currently being used to act as medical and dental units, as well as kitchens, in order to provide for urgent medical care and hot meals.

Caravans for Calais’ charity leader, Lea Beven, said of the initiative: “The caravans are sent as crisis shelter so that people don’t have to endure flooding, snow, wind and cold. I hope that people are less uncomfortable in a horrific situation.”

“Shelters and caravans are much better than tents,” she continued.

The Jungle has been inhabited since the early 2000s by people hoping to seek asylum in the UK. Located approximately nine miles from the Channel Tunnel, hundreds of migrants attempt to cross into Britain illegally each night, often climbing fences and jumping onto moving trucks or trains. At least 15 migrants have died in their attempt to illegally enter the UK since summer.

To find out more about the charity, click here.

What do you think of this initiative? Would you donate your old caravan to those currently residing in the “Jungle”?

Couple travel 80,000 miles around Europe in campervan

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by Joe Jeffrey

Couple write book following epic 80,000-mile journey in order to continue their journey

A couple who have travelled more than 80,000 miles in their campervan have written a book in an attempt to fund further adventures.

Lauren Smith and partner Callum from Milton Keynes purchased a beaten up 1996 Volkswagen T4 in 2010 and immediately took to fixing it up to create their very own dream home on wheels. Since that time, Lauren and Callum have travelled more than 80,000 miles across Europe, taking in country after country and site after site.

And now, in an attempt to continue their dream of living a free-spirited, nomadic lifestyle, Lauren and Callum have written a book, entitled The Rolling Home, documenting their adventures as they continued to travel in their new to wherever they decided to pitch up.

The concept for the book came to the couple a few years ago when, upon sorting through a compilation of photos, words and illustrations both Lauren and Callum had made, they decided to share the memories of their epic journey in order to inspire others to take the plunge and do the same.

The hardbound book features 208 pages brimming with photos, words and illustrations and looks like the ideal accompanying piece for anyone’s coffee table. It is available to purchase from Lauren and Callum’s Kickstarter page here.

Popular five-star Kent caravan park acquired by Park Holidays

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by Joe Jeffrey

Two Chimneys to become Birchington Vale Holiday Park following acquisition by holiday park company

Park Holidays UK has announced its acquisition of Two Chimneys Holiday Park in the seaside village of Birchington-on-Sea near Margate in Kent.

Two Chimneys is one of the largest holiday parks on the Kent coast with 230 touring pitches and around 300 privately caravan holiday homes.

The acquisition brings the number of holiday parks within the Park Holidays Group to 25, all located in Southern England from Devon in the west to Suffolk in the east.

Already boasting a top five-star tourist board grading, Two Chimneys will now benefit from further substantial investment by the company in its holiday facilities.

It will also be re-christened Birchington Vale Holiday Park to reflect its location in 100 acres of tranquil North Kent countryside.

The village of Birchington is set alongside four picturesque sandy bays, all easily accessed from the park and providing activities such as sailing and windsurfing.

Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK, said that the park was a strategic and important addition to the company’s existing parks portfolio: “This has been an extremely successful year for our group with an unprecedented number of holiday home sales and lettings.”

“Birchington Vale will now allow us to widen even further in 2016 the options available to holidaymakers and holiday home buyers, as well as to touring guests.

“The park has an excellent reputation, and has been very sympathetically developed by its previous owners, the Godden family, to appeal to a quality-conscious family market.

“It will now benefit from the management and marketing input of Park Holidays UK, and from our exciting investment plans to raise the quality bar even higher,” added Clish.

The acquisition is the second for Park Holidays UK since the company was acquired by Caledonia Investments in November 2013, and is a continuation of its plans to expand the business further afield. 
 

Team Sky’s motorhome used by Sir Bradley Wiggins up for sale on eBay

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by Joe Jeffrey

Is Team Sky acting on motorhome ban or simply upgrading?

Looking to venture into the world of motorhoming and are on the hunt for a motorhome with a difference? Team Sky might just have the answer.

The British WorldTour cycling squad’s motorhome, previously used by Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, has been placed up for sale on eBay.

The six-berth, 2009 8.65-metre long Eura Mobile Activa 820HS 3-litre tag axle motorhome comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, large U-shaped lounge area, air conditioning and heating, washroom and separate shower, awning and reversing camera and comes with 102,000 miles on the clock.

At time of writing, the vehicle, with registration plate F20 SKY, has attracted 20 bids reaching £30,001. The auction ends on 16 November.

Although the motorhome is laden with Team Sky logos, it is thought these will be removed immediately after sale is confirmed, although – if desired – Team Sky will arrange for photos to be taken with the successful bidder beforehand should this be requested.

It is not unusual for many cycling squads to sell of their team bikes and equipment at the end of season, but it is not often such large vehicles are placed up for sale. Could this possibly have something to do with the controversy surrounding Team Sky’s use of their motorhomes as previously highlighted on CaravanTimes earlier this summer? Or is the team simply looking for a new model?

Caravan Club highlights top sites to visit to see in the New Year

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan Club reveals top site picks for seeing in 2016

The Caravan Club has announced their top site locations in a bid to attract more people to see in the New Year in style at major cities across the UK.

Sites highlighted by The Club include those located in Edinburgh, London and Manchester – providing the ideal setting for those looking to see in the New Year with the crowds.

So if you’re looking to join in the the festivities the following sites might just be for you.

Edinburgh Caravan Club Site

The Caravan Club’s north of the border offering is within easy reach of the city centre, perfect for the world renowned Hogmanay celebrations. Highlights of the three-day festival include the street party where live bands and DJs fill the streets with music, the torchlight procession lighting up the city and ‘The Old Town Ceilidh’ to enjoy non-stop dancing to traditional Scottish music. The site also has easy access to coastal paths for walks in the fresh air after on New Year’s Day.

A caravan pitch at Edinburgh Caravan Club Site costs £31.20 based on two adults and two children per pitch, per night.

Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site

If you fancy joining the crowds along the Thames to ring in 2016, the Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site is the perfect place to enjoy the capital’s famous New Year’s Eve party atmosphere. Take in the iconic firework display, an evening of jazz at Ronnie Scott’s or head up one of London’s skyscrapers for a view of the city’s spectacular display. The site is only a short distance from the capital for a quick journey home at the end of the night and is also rural enough for relaxing on New Year’s Day.

A caravan pitch at Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site costs £35.20 based on two adults and two children per pitch, per night.

Burrs Country Park Caravan Club Site

For those looking to escape slightly north, Burrs Country Park Caravan Club Site might just be the site for you. Conveniently situated only half an hour from the city of Manchester for those keen to see in the New Year in style, a number of options will be within easy reach including fireworks displays to a night of laughs at The Comedy Store or dinner at the Hilton’s Cloud 23 with views across Manchester. Meanwhile, the site has plenty to do after the big night from relaxing walks in the countryside to discovering the historic mill.

A caravan pitch at Burrs Country Park Caravan Club Site costs £31.10 based on two adults and two children per pitch, per night.

To book any of these offers contact The Caravan Club here or alternatively call 01342 326 944.

Online petition started to extend coastal caravan parks’ opening times

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by Joe Jeffrey

Petition urges Lincolnshire caravan parks to think again about opening hours

A petition has been started in an attempt to extend opening times for caravan parks on the Lincolnshire coast.

Avid caravanner, Neville Allen, who owns a caravan in the coastal village of Ingoldmells started the petition because he claims he and other caravanners are losing out due to the restricted times they are allowed entry to the sites, including winter months when many parks are closed, often up to five months of the year.

Allen also highlighted the fact that many Lincolnshire towns were becoming deserted and like ghost towns over the winter months, with a greater risk of crime owing to the closure of many of the parks.

He said: “Many of these caravans have cost a small fortune to purchase and establish, with the majority of this money spent within the local economy.

“Year on year the site fees increase yet the owners of these caravans are forced to abandon their investment at some time between mid-October and mid-January until sometime in early March. This is no longer acceptable in today’s society.”

Since the petition was introduced, East Lindsey District Council has said it has held talks with the Environment Agency and did not want to encourage people staying at facilities which presented flood risks during the winter months.

Cllr Richard Fry, portfolio holder for planning at the council, said: “Historically, a small number of caravan sites have been granted planning approval for all year round occupation, however, in recent years, given the issue the coast faces around flood risk the council no longer allows sites to have all year occupation licences.

“Whilst the council supports growth in the tourism industry, particularly outside the main holiday season, it has to be done in such a way that it is safe and doesn’t put more people into the area of the flood risk at the time of the year when flood surges will occur on our stretch of the coast,” Fry continued.

To sign the petition, which has already attracted over 600 signatures, click here.

COMPETITION: Win a Sylvanian Families Campervan

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by Joe Jeffrey

Just in time for Christmas, our Sylvanian Families campervan is sure to go down a storm with little caravanners everywhere

It’s not every day CaravanTimes gets to play with toys, but when we do we get excited – especially when they are leisure-related ones like in our latest great giveaway, where you can get your hands on a brilliant campervan from Sylvanian Families.

A mainstay in the toy chests of many for over 30 years, it could be true to say that the Sylvanian Families range of toys from Epoch have seen somewhat of a resurgence over the past few years, and what better way to be the kids’ favourite gift giver this Christmas than by presenting them with a wonderful campervan, complete with over 30 pieces including campervan with lift-up roof, van furniture, sleeping bags, food, cutlery and lots more to keep the little ones entertained for ages.

Suitable for children three years up, the Sylvanian Families campervan (RRP £39.99) is a must-have for kids of all ages and is sure to go down a treat – plus, you never know, by giving one of these to your child, niece, nephew of grandkid this Christmas could see you doing your part in inspiring the next generation of caravanner!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning, is like our Facebook page here and complete your details below.

One lucky winner will be contacted once the competition closes on 4 December and the campervan will be delivered in time for Christmas.

Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

One winner will be picked at random on Friday 4 December and will be notified via the email supplied in the entry form

Competition open to members of CaravanTimes only

Only one entry per person

No purchase necessary

No cash or alternative will be offered

The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

Bailey of Bristol supports The One Show Rickshaw Challenge 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bailey Approach Autograph 765 to act as basecamp for epic 470-mile journey

Bailey of Bristol has provided one of its top-of-the-range Approach Autograph motorhomes in a sign of support for The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge in a bid to raise funds for BBC Children In Need.

The fully-equipped Bailey Approach Autograph 765 is currently acting as a basecamp to provide refreshments and a place for the six young Rickshaw Challenge participants to rest; it will also serve as a haven for The One Show presenters, Matt Baker and Alex Jones, to conduct media interviews throughout the course of the challenge, which will see 470-miles covered by Rickshaw over the course of just eight days.

The One Show Rickshaw Challenge kicked off on Friday (6 November) at Land’s End and is due to arrive in London this coming Friday to coincide with the BBC Children In Need Appeal show.

Since the annual Rickshaw Challenge began in 2011, over £7.9 million has been raised for good causes and this year looks set to continue to raise money for a number of charities.

A map of the route can be found by clicking here and those interested can donate £5 by texting the word TEAM to 70705, or £10 by texting the word TEAM to 70710.

Everyone here at CaravanTimes wishes all those involved in the challenge a safe and successful journey.

Isle of Wight Caravan Park goes on sale for £3 million

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by Joe Jeffrey

£2.98m price tag for 134 touring park set in beautiful surroundings

A caravan park on the Isle of Wight has gone on the market for £3 million.

Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park in Wroxel comprises of 12 acres set with an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’ and features 134 touring caravan and camping pitches, 40 caravan plots, two apartments and a lodge, entertainment complex with bar, swimming pool, shop and café.

The sale of the park, described by estate agents, Savills, as presenting a great opportunity to those with a spare £2.98 million sitting around, comes following nearby Appuldurcombe House being placed up on the market earlier this year – at an asking price of £6 million. The Grade 1 listed mansion, featuring a surrounding estate with landscaped gardens, has attracted interest from all over the world.

Of the sale of the holiday park, Savills’ Ian Simpson said: “We expect to receive significant interest from potential purchasers.”

What do you think? If you had a spare £3 million in the bank, would you be interested in owning your own holiday park, or are you just as content visiting one without the hassle associated of running one too

Have you won 1 of 20 Holts Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repairs in our latest competition?

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by Joe Jeffrey

Read on to see if you’ve been randomly selected in our latest giveaway

A few short weeks ago, CaravanTimes ran a competition for you to win one of 20 bottles of Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair from leading UK aftermarket manufacturer, Holts. Quick and easy to use in an emergency, this handy puncture repair kit in a can instantly re-inflates and repairs tyres so your vehicle can be driven home safely before being taken to a garage for a full repair. 

All you needed to do to win was to like our Facebook page, complete a short form and cross your fingers. And the results are in!

We’ve selected 20 random entrants and we are pleased to announce the winners are:

John Bell, Bob Bruckshaw, Mary Percival, Reg Salthouse, Jess Woods, Sharon Smith, Chris Burnett, Derek Myatt, Babs Chapman, Rod Webb, Bob Cuthill, David Dodds, John Lindsay, Matt Holt, Jay Punshon, Nigel Welsh, William Quinn, Helen Rees, Jane Wathan and Richard Pryde.

Congratulations to the above named. We’ll be in touch shortly to arrange delivery.