Half-Term Halloween fun at Gullivers Site

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by Daniella Almeida

Get ready for a full week of Halloween related fun at a Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Caravanners and Halloween enthusiasts alike get ready to pitch up at the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Gullivers Site at Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire for a full week of Halloween fun.

Throughout the week, there will be daily events held which include a competition for the Spookiest Pitch as well as a treasure hunt.

For those wishing to take a break from the caravan site for a bit, Gulliver’s Land Theme Park nearby will also be hosting a Trick and Treat Week between 24 – 31 October. Get the family together at the theme park for an array of spooky activities.

Those looking to purchase tickets to the park can do so by visiting their website here or purchase them at the ticket office for special rates.

The last day of the week-long event will see Gulliver’s Land’s Fantastic Fireworks Display, bookending what is sure to be a perfect holiday.

All events at the site are free for the whole family. For more information, visit Gullivers Milton Keynes Camping and Caravanning Club Site website here.

Get the family ready, decorate your caravan as spooky and creepy as possible, and head out for a full week of excitement and fun!

Pitch up for some autumn fun at Teversal this month

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by Daniella Almeida

Two upcoming events at Teversal promise a load of autumn fun

Autumn has been rolling in bringing with it brisk air and cool winds as well as a number of events perfect for some family fun. Get the family together and pitch up at Camping and Caravanning Club’s Teversal Site later this month for a photography and local history week as well as a halloween spent at the site.

The Teversal site is known for its abundance of nature walks and cycle trails that are sure to be even lovelier with the changing leaves and scenery of the season.

Kick things off with a week of escorted walks around these picturesque trails as well as engaging in tours of the local town of Teversal in Nottinghamshire. The primary focus of these walks will be placed on photography and the rich history of the town.

The photography and local history week event is a collaboration between Teversal and local residents who hope to educate the many visitors on the town’s past.

Visitors can also take in the many nearby attractions such as Chatsworth House and Gardens, Bolsover Castle, and the former home of the poet Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey.

The event takes place between 12 – 16 October 2015. Price for adults is £40 which includes four nights camping on a hardstanding pitch with electric and three guided walks.

Afterwards, on 31 October, pitch up at Teversal over Halloween for some spooky goings on. During the event, there will be a number of activities including fancy dress, pumpkin competitions, and the infamous spooky night hike.

For younger children, there is an option for a walk on the trails in the dark before the spooky hike commences.

Activities at the event, which takes place on Saturday 31 October between 3pm-8pm, are free for adults and children.

For more information on the Teversal site, visit the website here.

VIDEO: How to fix your new filter cup on your Truma gas filter

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by Joe Jeffrey

Important video released shows how to exchange your faulty Truma filter cup following emergence of Truma filter cup gas issue

Following an urgent announcement from Truma pertaining to a material fault in windows of filter cups which could result in gas escaping freely into the atmosphere via the cylinder box, an important video has released explaining exactly how to remedy the issue by replacing your current filter cap with a new one.

The issue relates to all filter cups produced since January 2012, and the following safety advice has been issued by Truma:

1) Shut down the gas system immediately
2) Contact your dealer or Truma and order new filter cups free-of-charge
3) Old filter cups are to be replaced with new ones

Customers affected have also been advised to contact Truma online or at their nearest dealership or Truma service partner in order to replace affected cups free-of-charge.

To request a replacement filter cup online, click here.

To find your nearest dealer or service provider, click here.

How to choose the right caravan mover with Powrwheel

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by Joe Jeffrey

Choosing the right caravan mover for your caravan isn’t as easy as it seems, as CaravanTimes found out when we spoke to Powrwheel. Find out why in our latest video here

The number of caravan movers on the market today is certainly a positive step in the right direction when it comes to making caravanning that much easier when hitting the road, but choosing the right one with such an abundance of choice can be pretty problematic.

Making clear from the start what benefits you want to get from your caravan mover is the first integral step in choosing the right caravan mover for you, but many other factors come into play including whether your caravan is single-axle or double-axle, as well as weight, all the while concentrating on the amount of money you want to spend. It’s not just simply a choice of picking one off the shelf and expecting it to work to its full capability.

With the amount of confusion choosing the right caravan mover can present, CaravanTimes met up with caravan mover experts, Powrwheel, to find out more about how to select the right one for your caravan. And with a generous seven caravan movers to choose from, all offering something completely different, Powrwheel certainly seem to know what they’re talking about.

Check out our video above to find out more.

Compass Corona 554 unveiled in all its glory in new video

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by Joe Jeffrey

New Compass video shows Corona 554 in full detail

Following the reintroduction of Compass three years ago, the popular brand has bounded back into the spotlight to offer a number of exciting caravans, ideal for couples and families alike. For 2016, the Compass Corona 554 is one such offering that is set to be added to that list.

The four-berth, lightweight single-axle 554 comes with a popular retractable transverse bed towards the rear allowing for more space, large living area which also transforms into a bedroom with comfortable double bed, and LED lighting throughout.

Additional features include dual-fuel hob, domestic style fridge, and stainless steel microwave in the kitchen, fully heated towel rail, fully-lined shower cubicle with domestic style shower screen in the bathroom, as well as craftsman-built cabinetry throughout.

For 2016, the Corona 554 has the additional benefit of Alde central heating, truly making it a caravan for all seasons and is guaranteed to provide ample light thanks to its all-new Stargazer rooflight, which also allows for you to sleep under the stars.

Take a look at the Compass Corona 554 in the video above and let us know what you think.

Taking a look at the brand new Sprite Freedom range from Swift

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by Joe Jeffrey

The new Sprite Freedom was unveiled earlier this summer and looks set to appeal to families and more

It’s true to say that Swift are certainly raising the bar for 2016, with the introduction of not only updated and enhanced ranges and models, but also an entire new range – the Swift Freedom.

Unveiled for the first time at Swift’s 2016 launch earlier on this summer, the new Sprite Freedom range will offer three well thought out six berth family-based models with everything you need to hit the road – ideal for first time buyers or those looking to buy their first new caravan alike.

Inside the Sprite Freedom, a number of exceptional features have been added, including a Mali Acacia wood grain and French oak effect, as well as high impact scratch-resistant vinyl throughout. In the kitchen area, a granite effect sink, Thetford 112lt electronic refrigerator and a Thetford 3 burner hob and grill come as standard, along with chrome effect kitchen tap, all of which provide for a stunning, high quality appearance. Meanwhile, LED lighting is featured throughout, including adjustable spotlights in the lounge/sleeping area, kitchen locker header and ceiling and washroom lighting.

CaravanTimes caught up with Swift to find out more about the new Freedom Range, so watch our video to find out more. We think you’ll be pleasantly impressed.

TyreSafe offering a chance to win £300 tyres every week

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by Daniella Almeida

TyreSafe is offering a chance for people to win tyres worth £300 every week during Tyre Safety Month

Tyre Safety Month kicked off yesterday with TyreSafe begging the question to drivers throughout Britain: When did you last do it? referencing when motorists last checked their tyres. If motorists can prove they’ve checked their tyres properly, they’ll be in with a chance of winning a set of tyres worth up to £300.

The ideal response to the question posed by TyreSafe would be that motorists have checked their tyres at least once a month before long journeys. A complete check would include reviewing air pressure, condition, and tread depth of the tyres.

This question, ‘When did you last do it?’, is a major part of October’s Tyre Safety Month as more and more accidents are being caused because of faulty tyres, as previously covered here by CaravanTimes.

TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson, said: “This Tyre Safety Month, we are hoping our tongue-in-cheek campaign will encourage local people to tell us when they last did it and where, and to think about how often they check their tyres.

“Research shows there is still much to be done in changing motorists’ attitudes to tyre safety- with one in five drivers having never checked their tyres and nearly 10 million dangerous and illegal tyres likely to be driven on Britain’s roads this year.

“We are asking local people to do their bit to raise awareness of the dangers of defective tyres. Whether they Facebook or tweet us, the campaign is a bit of fun but it is raising awareness of a very serious issue facing us on all roads,” he concluded.

This month sees a series of events to raise awareness of the importance of tyre safety to road users both locally and nationwide. It is supported by the fire and police services, Highways England, road safety organisations, and retailers.

This campaign also offers motorists with a range of free resources which includes leaflets, posters, and digital campaign materials.

For a chance to win the tyres, motorists are being encouraged to post a photo of where they last did it on TyreSafe’s FaceBook channel along with a caption.

Motorists can also tweet their photo via Twitter using the hashtag #SafeTyreChecks. The prize will be awarded in each of the full four weeks of Tyre Safety Month throughout October.

For more information on the campaign and for a chance to register to support, visit TyreSafe’s website here or call 01787 226995.

Swift group deputy MD Amy Archer wins ‘Rising Star of the Year’ Women in Business Award

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by Joe Jeffrey

Deputy MD, Archer, to head to finals in November

Outstanding business women in Yorkshire and the North East have been recognised at the prestigious Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards (WIBA).

Amy Archer, Swift Group‘s deputy MD, has received the accolade of ‘Rising Star’ of the Year at the glittering awards for the Yorkshire and North-East heat hosted by ITV news presenter Charlene White in Newcastle earlier this week. 77 entrepreneurial female business leaders from across the region competed in 11 categories to be crowned the winner.

Winners will now compete in the National Final taking place on 20 November in Leeds at the Queens Hotel. But first each of the winners will be put through their paces at a live session with the judges on November 4, held at headline sponsor of the awards HSBC’s offices in Leeds.

The WIBAs, now in its sixth year, has become one of the most high profile and respected accolades for women recognising their enormous contribution to the economy and acknowledges start-ups to multi-million pound companies.

Griselda Togobo, managing director at Forward Ladies said: “This year we received a number of outstanding entries from right across Yorkshire and the North East and the awards really did showcase some of the best talent and businesses from across the region.

“The awards have attracted women from all ages, all professions and all walks of life and we are delighted to welcome the winners to the eagerly anticipated National finals in Leeds in November.”

Amy Archer commented “I am absolutely delighted to have won the ‘Rising Star’ of the year at these highly respected awards. For my work to be recognised in this way is proof that women who aspire to succeed in business can achieve their goals through commitment and hard work.”

Discover everything you need all under one roof at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Take a look at all the new caravans, motorhomes and much more at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

The biggest leisure vehicle show for 2015 is just under two weeks away and, if you’re anything like us here at CaravanTimes, you’ll certainly be counting down the days until the Motorhome & Caravan Show opens its doors at the Birmingham NEC.

The show, which takes place between 13 – 18 October, promises to be the best yet, featuring all of the 2016 season’s products under one roof, including all the latest caravans, motorhomes, static caravans, holiday homes, trailers and so much more, including a sea of accessories to boot.

That’s not all though. A whole host of household names will be on hand to join in with the festivities, including I’m a Celebrity’s King of the Jungle and avid caravanner, Carl Fogarty who will be opening the show, television’s Matt Baker, Julia Bradbury and many more, all of whom will be on hand to discuss their passion for all things outdoors.

So what are you waiting for? To book your tickets, head on over to the official Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 website now, or if you’re feeling lucky enter our competition to win tickets to the show here.

The Caravan Club extends its thanks to Bailey for participation in Towcar of the Year Awards 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bailey provides caravans for 18th consecutive year in row for Towcar of the Year testing

The Caravan Club has thanked Bailey of Bristol for providing a selection of ten Bailey Pursuit, Pegasus GT65 and Unicorn caravans as part of the testing process for the Club’s annual Towcar of the Year Awards 2016.

Testing for the 33rd Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Competition took place during August at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, where a wide cross section of vehicles from leading car manufacturers were put rigorously through their paces by an independent panel of driving judges over a four-day period.

All of Bailey’s caravans chosen for the testing process provided each of the 43 competition entrants with a suitable tow match, whilst each caravan was ballasted to 85 per cent of the towcar’s kerb weight, or its maximum towing limit, if lower, and had any stability aids disabled to ensure each car’s reactions to the demanding series of tests could be fully assessed.

Whilst the purpose of the testing is to assess the performance of the individual tow vehicles, this competition also provides a thorough examination of the participating caravans in terms of product durability and stability.

During the evaluation period, it wasn’t just the towcars which were put through their paces, though, as each Bailey caravan used was subjected to over 200 circuits of the Millbrook track, featuring a lap of the high speed circular track and a demanding hill route (equating to over 1,100 test miles) and each one of the tests were successfully completed by the test units without incident.

Simon Howard, marketing director of Bailey of Bristol attended the judging and said: “It is really incredible to see how arduous and thorough the testing is for this important competition, and we are really proud to have been invited to supply caravans for 18 years running.”

Nikki Nichol, external communications and sponsorship manager at The Caravan Club added: “This is an incredibly important competition to help our members choose the best cars to tow with, and be as safe as possible, so we are hugely grateful to Bailey of Bristol for supporting it for so long.”

The full results of the competition were announced at The RAC Club in London on 24th September, details of which can be found here.

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Truma releases video explaining how to exchange filter cup following Truma gas issue

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by Joe Jeffrey

Watch on to see how to exchange your faulty Truma filter cup

Truma has released a video showing how to exchange the filter cup on your gas filter following an important safety announcement pertaining to a material fault in windows of filter cups as reported earlier this week.

The issue, which could allow gas to escape freely into the atmosphere via the cylinder box, a result of which could cause gas deflagration and injury, is said to affect all filter cups produced since January 2012, and led Truma to issue the following safety advice to those who have a Truma gas filter fitted in their vehicle:

1) Shut down the gas system immediately
2) Contact your dealer or Truma and order new filter cups free-of-charge
3) Old filter cups are to be replaced with new ones

Customers affected have also been advised to contact Truma online or at their nearest dealership or Truma service partner in order to replace affected cups free-of-charge.

To request a replacement filter cup online, click here.

To find your nearest dealer or service provider, click here.

If this issue affects you, watch the video below to see how to exchange your filter cup.

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Dramatic footage of caravans and cars swallowed by caravan park sinkhole released

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by Joe Jeffrey

Underwater footage reveals devastation left in wake of ‘sinkhole’

Extraordinary underwater footage showing the inside of a sinkhole which swallowed cars and caravans on the Queensland coast has been released.

The sinkhole, which occurred late Saturday night at MV Beagle Campground at Inskip Point, as reported on CaravanTimes, saw around 150 caravanners evacuated from the site.

Following the incident, a team from Wolf Rock Dive has entered the depths of the sinkhole to record the devastation the natural disaster left in its wake, revealing the debris taken with it, including caravans, cars and intertwined trees which were ripped up and forced underwater by the force of nature.

A spokesperson for Wolf Rock Dive described the underwater scene as “an absolute maze of trees” explaining conditions as “very fluid, it’s real loose soupy sandy fluid, you can stick your whole arm into it and pull it back out.”

Queensland authorities have since warned local residents and visitors to remain vigilant should the hole decide to slowly expand in coming weeks.

Check out footage of the video below and watch on in awe.