Police accused of bias over Warwick Davis caravan theft

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by Joe Jeffrey

Police treatment over theft of Warwck Davis’ caravan comes under spotlight

A police force has been accused of ‘favouritisim’ following helping Star Wars actor Warwick Davis find his stolen caravan.

Cambridgeshire police used social media to highlight the theft which took place on 8 October and the constabulary’s Facebook page has since received criticising comments, condemning the police for treating Davis’ case different to theirs.

Commenting on the social networking site, one user wrote: “This is the first caravan you have put [sic]. I’ve had my van broken into three times this year and have heard nothing.

“As soon as a celebrity gets something stolen you put it on here, unfair justice.”

Another user stated she didn’t even get a follow up call after having her caravan and barn torched, which involved the loss of many sentimental items.

Despite the great number of people remaining critical of Cambridgeshire Police’s actions, many leapt to their defence, with Lisa Blackman stating: “I had mine stolen and it wasn’t publicised. That doesn’t mean Warwick’s shouldn’t be.”

Jamie Fear wrote: “I can’t believe the attitude of some of the people on here. Just because you had your van stolen and you didn’t use social media to try and find it doesn’t mean that Warwick shouldn’t.”

In response to the mixed bag of comments left on Facebook, a police spokesperson said: “The crime was treated in the same way as any other.

“Where it is available and appropriate, we will publish CCTV to aid an investigation.”

What do you think? Does the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s actions seem a bit biased to you or do you think the theft of Warwick Davis’ caravan deserved to be brought to the attention of the police divison’s social media pages?

Matt Baker talks Tourer Explorer and the benefits of caravanning and cycling

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by Joe Jeffrey

One Show host, Matt Baker, speaks on the joys of exploring the great outdoors

Contributing to an already stellar line-up of special guests at this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, BBC One Show host Matt Baker has spoken in length to The Caravan Club regarding the benefits of exploring the great outdoors owing to two of The Club’s initiatives, namely the Tourer Explorer activity programme and The Club’s Pitch Up Saddle Up campaign.

Matt speaks in depth about the Tourer Explorer activity programme, the aim of which is to provide children with exciting challenges whilst staying at many of The Caravan Club’s sites, making the most of the great outdoors whilst partaking in numerous activities surrounding caravanning and camping.

Meanwhile, the Pitch Up Saddle Up initiative has seen The Caravan Club team up with pioneers of cycling’s ‘safe routes’ concept, Sustrans, in order to develop a total of 35 special cycling routes families are able to access directly from The Caravan Club‘s sites, with routes allowing the opportunity to cycle on beautiful coastline paths, through quaint villages and past historic attractions.

Take a look at the video above to see what Matt had to say.

The Caravan Club announces new European sites and worldwide tours for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club announce European and worldwide breaks for 2016

The Caravan Club is introducing an exciting array of new sites and tours to its 2016 Europe and worldwide offering, which are available to book now!

With over 250 sites overseas, including an impressive 36 new sites available to members and non-members alike, the expansion see a number of new sites ready for caravanners and motorhomers to explore, including the following:

San Marino, Italy – Centro Vacanze San Marino Caravan Club Site

This site provides panoramic countryside views and is close to the Adriatic coastline and the popular city of San Marino. There is also a mini zoo located onsite to keep the kids entertained.

Pays de la Loire, France – Le Domaine de la Brèche Caravan Club Site

Set in 50 acres of beautiful woodland, this site offers plenty of activities for all the family including a pool, golf and mini golf and bike hire as well as entertainment in high season. The only problem we foresee would be fitting it all in!

Aquitaine, France – Pomport Beach Caravan Club Site

This site, set in the historic south-western region of France, is perfectly located for exploring the surrounding countryside and beautiful coastal scenery. Aquitaine offers direct access to the onsite lake which has water sports facilities including pedal boats and canoes.

11 new European tours will also be introduced to The Club’s existing tour programme including these pretty impressive offers if we say so ourselves:

Picturesque Provence Tour (£1,065 for two people)

This French tour runs through the Gardens of Valsaintes Abbey, Pont d’Arc cave and the Grand Canyon of Verdon as well as all the famous lavender fields.

The Algarve and Andalucia Tour (£2,300 for two people)
A Spanish tour which includes excursions to Lagos and Cliff Richard’s vineyard as well as trips to traditional white washed towns and the vibrant hubs of Seville and Granada.

That’s not all though, and The Caravan Club also looks set to significantly boost its worldwide tour options including new tours in America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia in 2016. Some examples include:

Great Parks of Western Canada Self Drive (£2,695 per person)

A great tour for the adventurous which stops at the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park, Banff and Jasper National Parks.

New Zealand Explorer Motorhome Tour (£4,990 per person)

A 38-day tour which takes in the entire length of New Zealand. The tour includes tastings of fine wines and gourmet food that the country has to offer as well as the chance to experience the Maori culture.

To find out more about what The Caravan Club is offering for 2016 and to hear about more exclusive developments, check out the video above. It certainly looks like next year is going to be a memorable one.

NCC reports high levels of interest and investment in UK caravan industry

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by Joe Jeffrey

Future looking bright for caravan industry

Trade body for the caravan, motorhome, caravan holiday home and park home industries in the UK, the National Caravan Council (NCC), is reporting high levels of activity and investment in the caravan industry.

This is clearly demonstrated by the approaching merger of park operators Parkdean and Park Resorts which will result in the largest park operator in the UK, with 73 parks and 1.8m customers, estimated to be valued in the region of £92 million.

Domestic tour operator Hoseasons has reported its fifth record summer in a row, with its lodges and parks products up ten per cent during the summer holidays, compared to the same period last year.  Recently, Bourne Leisure, owners of Haven, reported pre-tax profits rising from £82.3 million to £101.9 million for the year to 31 December 2014.

Examples of the buoyancy of the sector are not limited to park operations. The latest NCC member production statistics show that caravan holiday home manufacturers’ invoiced sales in the last 12 months to the end of August 2015 had risen 17 percent to 17,970. New registrations for motorhomes are running at an even healthier +25 per cent up to 10,461. The market for campervan conversions is particularly buoyant with demand often outstripping supply.  Just shy of 20,000 touring caravans were despatched to dealers in the same period, an increase of five per cent over the previous year.

This upsurge is fuelling investment in manufacturing facilities. One example is motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail increasing its Europarc factory on the outskirts of Grimsby by, potentially, 5,000 m² and moving towards a car assembly model.  Hull, centre of touring caravan and holiday home manufacturing in the UK, has seen a number of local businesses increase production, expand factories and hire additional staff.  Some companies have also expanded their export operations, with Swift Group, for example, seeing a 34 per cent increase in international sales over the last two years.

NCC Director General John Lally said: “While it is fantastic to see interest from venture capitalists to grow the industry, investment in production methods and in product development, this remains a highly competitive market place. Competition for the leisure pound has never been stronger – with countries around the globe wooing holidaymakers. 

“Nevertheless, the MAT at the half-year-point showed production across all caravan types up 12.5 per cent (43,761 units -v- 49,176 units). The caravan market – from small manufacturers to huge park groups – has emerged from the recession invigorated, with a terrific product offering and a bright future, as demonstrated at our Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.”

Win 1 of 20 cans of Holts Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair now!

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by Joe Jeffrey

Banish those puncture blues by winning a can of Holts Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair in our latest competition

Punctures – you’ve gotta hate ’em. Some of us have been there and, to those who haven’t, it’s pretty inevitable that you will. If not, you’re either very lucky, or obviously don’t get out enough.

Okay, perhaps that last assumption was harsh, but so too is being stuck on the side of the road in the pouring rain, caravan in tow, as you attempt to change a tyre in the dark of winter.

It doesn’t have to be like that though. And that’s all thanks to an emergency puncture repair in a can which has been proven to get UK motorists back on the road in 90 seconds, without having to change the wheel. 

Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair, from leading UK aftermarket manufacturer, Holts, is quick and easy to use in an emergency; instantly re-inflating and repairing a tyre so it can be driven home safely before being taken to a garage for a full repair. 

According to a survey by Girls Guide to Motoring, a whopping 59 per cent of women confess to not being able to change a tyre compared to just 23 per cent of men. Whilst the RAC reports that it attends more than 340,000 puncture-related incidents a year. 

Removing the need to undo wheel nuts, use a jack or take the wheel off, Tyreweld provides the perfect solution for those people who’ve experienced a puncture but do not have the confidence to change the tyre. 

Always putting safety first, a unique twist and go valve on Tyreweld means drivers can simply attach the nozzle to the tyre valve and then move to a safe place away from passing traffic. 

Tyreweld contains a water-based foam that acts as a car tyre sealant; the solution reinflates the tyre and, when the vehicle is driven, it finds the puncture and repairs it. 

The water-based formula does not damage the tyre and can be easily wiped out by a mechanic, ensuring that the full tyre repair is a hassle free job. 

Claire Fenton, at Holts, said: “Flat tyres can come at the worst times – when you’ve got a car full of children, are running late to a special occasion or on the way to work – and can be inconvenient, time-consuming and stressful. 
“Tyreweld is the perfect solution for punctures and has been designed and fully tested by our in-house lab team to be as quick and easy to use as possible, helping get drivers safely on their way again without the need for a wheel change at the side of a busy road. 

“With many new cars now being sold without a spare tyre, in a bid to make vehicles as fuel efficient as possible, we like to describe Tyreweld as ‘peace of mind, in a can, in your boot’.” 

Tyreweld has also been given the seal of approval by professional mechanics, with many recommending the product to their customers. 

Ian Dodsworth, Lyles of Newcastle, said: “We have some elderly customers who are not able to change a spare wheel. This provides a quick answer to their problem.” 

Jonathan Fry, Hull-based Jonathan Fry Automotive, said: “I have recommended customers carry a can of Tyreweld for years and never had a complaint from a customer. It’s the only brand I’ll carry in my own car.” 

Tyreweld is available nationwide in Halfords, Tesco stores, DIY retailers and petrol stations. Tried and tested to exceed all British industry standards, Tyreweld comes in 300ml, 400ml and 500ml sizes which are suitable for tyre diameters of 13-14″, 15-16″ and 17″ respectively. However, CaravanTimes is giving 20 lucky readers the chance to win a 500ml can of Holts Tyreweld Emergency Puncture Repair by entering our latest competition here.

All you need to do to get winning is like our Facebook page here and complete the form below. It really is that simple.

We’ll announce the winners on 6 November, so make sure you check our newsletter to see if you’ve won!

Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

Fifteen winners will be picked at random on Friday 6 November and the winners 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

Fun for all the family at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 with The Caravan Club’s ‘Tourer Explorer’ programme

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club aim to keep families entertained courtesy of Tourer Explorer

Families keen to learn more about family focused activities on offer from The Caravan Club have the opportunity to do so this week at this year’s NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show, taking place until Sunday (18 October), thanks the The Club’s new ‘Tourer Explorer’ activity booklets and Cache trails.

Exciting activities including colouring competitions, goodie bags and Tourer Explorer gifts to purchase will all be on offer at the show. Little ones will also enjoy meeting Holly Day and Andy Venture, the two mascots, who encourage children to complete the many challenges involved in becoming a ‘Tourer Explorer’. It is also possible to buy the popular cuddly toy characters at the show for families planning a caravanning or camping getaway in 2016.

Kids can become a ‘Tourer Explorer’ by having great fun outdoors and completing a number of outdoor themed challenges. The activity booklets encourage children to get involved in every aspect of a camping or caravanning holiday and can benefit by earning stamps on a reward card, leading to fun gifts to keep them entertained during all types of UK weather. Once the aspiring ‘Tourer Explorers’ have visited six sites and received a stamp from the warden they will be rewarded with a ‘Tourer Explorer’ bag.

‘Mini Explorer’ activity booklets are for those aged three to six years old and include car journey games, find the odd one out and explore and find. ‘Epic Explorer’ activity booklets are also available for older children aged between seven and 12. These activities are slightly more challenging and include wordsearches, cryptic messages and outdoor family activities.

Neil Windeatt, head of site operations commented “The introduction of child-focussed outdoor activities in 2015 under the Tourer Explorer brand have been really well received by not only the children themselves but by their parents and grandparents too. We look forward to many more families getting involved with the outdoor activities at our sites up and down the UK in 2016.”

To find out more, visit The Caravan Club’s official website here and make sure you check out the video above.

CCTV pair identified as ‘witnesses’ in Warwick Davis’ caravan theft

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by Daniella Almeida

A pair spotted by CCTV have been added to the search for Davis’ stolen caravan

Cambridgeshire police have identified two ‘witnesses’ whom they believe could be instrumental in locating Warwick Davis’ Swift caravan, which was stolen last week.

Star Wars actor Davis’ Swift Cranfield was stolen on the evening of 8 October between 9pm and 9:30pm from Short Drove in Holme, as previously reported here by CaravanTimes.

Police have now released an image of two men that are connected to the theft, highlighting that the pair were not suspects but rather witnesses, saying: ‘They are helping with the investigation.’

PC Mat Belfitt said: “Many appeals have been made on social media using #FindWarwicksCaravan please do help spread the word and call us on 101 if you have any information. I am particularly keen to speak to two men in the CCTV image as I believe they may have important information which could assist our investigation.

“Warwick and his family have been left really upset by the theft as their caravan contained a lot of sentimental items,” Belfitt concluded.

Following the theft, Davis took to twitter to express his frustration, telling his 534,000 followers: ‘My touring caravan was stolen in Cambridgeshire last night even though it was locked up with hitch & wheel lock! I want to swear. #rotters.’

Afterwards, the actor who also starred in several Harry Potter films as Charms professor Flitwick, enlisted the help of his followers and friends as well the Cambridgeshire police.

The actor has since pleaded with the unknown thief by tweeting: ‘If you stole our caravan or know who did, please can we have the sentimental items back that are of no use to you? Special holiday memories.’

Many have responded to Davis’ tweets by offering up any information that may be of use, but some have found humour in the situation as well.

One twitter user posted a photo of a miniature caravan with the caption, ‘New security photo released of the theft!’

In response, Davis said: “Not funny. but they didn’t steal my sense of humour so I’ll give you that one. Nicely played!”

The actor will be appearing in the seventh installment in the Star Wars series, The Force Awakens, later this year.

At the time of writing, Davis’ caravan has still not been recovered. If you or anyone you know has any information, contact Cambridgeshire police.

Check out the record breaking life-size LEGO caravan at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out the Guinness World Record-breaking LEGO caravan at the NEC

Amongst the throng of caravans, motorhomes, and various other new and innovative leisure vehicles on display at this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, one caravan in particular is almost certainly guaranteed to prove popular to adults and kids alike – because it is made entirely out of LEGO.

Now officially the world’s largest caravan built with interlocking plastic bricks, the LEGO caravan – made up of over 150,000 single LEGO bricks – will sit proudly in the feature area of hall 12 and is based on a ‘teardrop’ style caravan, whilst featuring a full interior with working electric lights, sink with running water, fridge, simulated cooking facilities, a bed and seating. What’s more, a number of additional features have been thrown in for good measure to add to the authenticity, including everyday objects found in many a caravan across the land, including a chess set, toothbrushes, frying pan, and even some milk in the fridge – all of the LEGO variety of course!

Built by a dedicated team of 12 in a painstaking process which took over 1,000 man-hours to complete, the LEGO caravan should definitely be on your must-see list during your time spent at the Motorhome & Caravan Show this year.

To purchase your tickets, visit the official Motorhome & Caravan Show website here.

The Caravan Club announces 2016 motorhome and caravan training courses

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club announces training courses to suit you

The Caravan Club has announced the dates of its motorhome and caravan training courses for 2016. The courses will be available at 16 venues across the UK and are open to both beginners and experienced caravanners keen to refresh their skills and build their confidence ahead of their UK or European getaways.

The courses are designed to help drivers to feel secure in their abilities and include manoeuvring practice as well as advice on how to maintain and check your motorhome and caravan. All courses are led by friendly professional instructors at locations approved by The Caravan Club.

With three types of courses available, caravan and motorhome owners can choose from course locations up and down the country, including a new venue for 2016 at RSM Driver Training in Basildon, Essex where members can take advantage of the motorhome courses on offer.

To tailor its training The Caravan Club requires motorhome owners to use their own vehicles. Caravan owners are required to bring their own car with The Club providing 50 purpose built Adria Altea 32 LH Fourth Style caravans.

Course types available include the Practical Caravanning Course, featuring a full day and half day courses available for beginners from £165, a Caravanning Manoeuvring Course available from £140, and a Motorhome Manoeuvring Course starting from £165 (available at 13 locations).

Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club commented: “Providing training courses for new and experienced members is key to us ensuring that British holidaymakers are well-equipped with safety tips and manoeuvring advice to ensure that they feel confident and prepared ahead of UK and European getaways. We continue to offer courses at locations across the UK and are delighted to add the Basildon training centre for members in the Essex area.”

For more information, check out the video above.

The Caravan Club now taking bookings for 2016

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by Daniella Almeida

You can start booking now for 2016 holidays abroad with the introduction of three new brochures from the Club

Get ready for the 2016 holidays abroad by booking your trips now. The Caravan Club is now officially taking all bookings for 2016 and have also launched three exciting travel brochures with new European Club approved campsites.

The first of the brochures is Venture Abroad, which used to be known as the Continental Caravanning brochure, and has a choice of over 250 campsites across 16 countries.

New for this year is 36 sites from the Caravan Club which includes the Centro Vacanze San Marino site in San Marino Italy providing holidayers with a plethora of countryside views on the Adriatic coastline. Also included in the site is a mini zoo for children.

Another new oversea campsite is the Le Domaine de la Breche in Pays de la Loire, France. The site is located within 50 acres of woodlands and includes a pool, golf and mini golf, bike hire, and so much more.

When in France, holidayers can also visit the new Pomport Beach site in Aquitaine, France which is set in the historic south-west region of France. The site provides direct access to the onsite lake complete with pedal boats and canoes.

Next up for brochures is the new European Tours brochure which includes the popular Dutch Bulb Fields and Best of Brittany tours as well as 11 new ones.

Some new tours include the Picturesque Provence and Alpine Austria Tours but holidayers can choose from any of 24 tours that visit 15 countries.

All European tours are fully escorted and include free time to enjoy the places that are visited at your own leisure.

For those of you who are new to touring abroad, the Caravan Club is also offering the First Time tours that have been created with new tourers in mind.

The club is also offering worldwide tours that take you out of the comfort of the UK and Europe and allow you to travel the globe.

The Great Parks of Western Canada Self Drive is a tour for those of you seeking a little more adventure in your lives. The tour stops at the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park, Banff and Jasper National Parks, all of which allow holidayers to experience the great outdoors in a whole new way.

Another worldwide tour is the New Zealand Explorer Motorhome Tour which is a 38 day tour that takes you along the entirety of New Zealand. This is definitely one of those tours that you have to commit to, however, but the payoff is worth the time. Tourers get the opportunity to taste local wines and gourmet food while also learning about the indigenous Maori culture.

All of these tours and oversea sites and are available now to book for 2016. Click through for more options on Overseas Sites, European Tours, and Worldwide Tours.

Be sure to book your holidays now for an unforgettable upcoming year!

Discounted new and used cars for Caravan Club members announced

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by Joe Jeffrey

New and exclusive discounts announced for Caravan Club members

The Caravan Club has announced a number of exclusive discounts on new and used vehicles for their members in conjunction with Car Select. 

Utilising the buying power of Lex Autolease, Car Select offers Caravan Club members up to 25 per cent discount on over 6,000 new car models from over 29 manufacturers. In addition, members receive special discounts on Car Select’s stock of 1,000 used cars.

An experienced sales team member will be on hand to answer any questions and ensure members drive away with the right vehicle for them.

Those looking to purchase a new car for towing purposes can click here to see The Caravan Club’s top tips for safe towing.

Visitors to the Motorhome & Caravan Show taking place this week can also enter The Caravan Club’s competition to be in with a chance to win a Nissan Qashqai courtesy of Lex Autolease. Simply visit the stand (20.15 and 20.17) for a form to be entered into the prize draw.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented “As part of our membership offering we endeavour to secure competitive discounts and exclusive deals. Caravanners are well aware of the importance of having the right vehicle for towing and with a Lex Autolease car they can be reassured that they are getting the right vehicle to suit their specific requirements. We look forward to meeting visitors at this year’s NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show and of course encourage them to visit our stand for the chance to win a Nissan Qashqai.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Carl Fogarty talks caravans, motorhomes and his love for the great outdoors

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes caught up with Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 has kicked off with a bang, with none other than Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty opening the show.

In-between first day festivities, CaravanTimes managed to catch up with Foggy to find out more about his love for the great outdoors.

Of his passion for caravanning and the importance of caravans and motorhomes within the racing profession, Foggy said: “That’s where it comes from really. I spent around 20 years in a motorhome or caravan when racing.”

“Ducati were by far the best for providing motorhomes,” he continued. “Certainly for the food anyway. They always had the best hospitality and the coolest vehicle,” Foggy said, laughing.

Speaking on his time spent out of the spotlight, Foggy went on: “I really wanna get a motorhome now. My next-door-neighbour’s just got one and I’ve had a log cabin in Anglesey for quite a few years and sold it last year, so now I’ve got the bug to grab a caravan or motorhome and go different places.

“I borrowed an Airstream and went to Anglesey near the beach for three or four days, but I think I’m more of a motorhome person than caravans to be honest – I think it links back to racing.”

No stranger to exploring the great outdoors, as was seen during Foggy’s successful stint in the jungle on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the former motorsports world champion and King of the Jungle said: “I just love being outdoors really, mountain bikes, fishing, that sort of thing – and we’ve got a great coastline for doing all that sort of stuff.”

As for anything Foggy has his eye on during the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, which takes place this week between 13 – 18 October, he certainly seems to have his mind made up. “My mate’s just got a Hymer and I’m definitely going to try and check out their stand while I’m here.”

“Winning the jungle thing reminded me how much I love being outdoors. My wife, Michaela loves it just the same as me, so now the kids are grown up it just makes sense.”