Caravan dealership, Salop Leisure, backs Ladder for Shropshire apprenticeship campaign

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by Joe Jeffrey

Salop Leisure embraces local apprenticeship scheme

Award winning caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure has announced its support for the Ladder for Shropshire, a multi-organisation campaign to promote apprenticeships.

The Shrewsbury-based company, which also has sales centres in Stourport-on-Severn and Machynlleth, employs six apprentice caravan engineers, including recently recruited Connor Hodnett, 16, from Wolverhampton.

He joins Connor Sale, 19, from Pontesbury and Josh Roberts, 20, from Shrewsbury in taking a level two apprenticeship while Jack Clarke, 21, Tom Hancock, 21, Daniel Taylor, 20 and Ashley Lutwyche, 19, have progressed to a level three apprenticeship.

The man guiding them is experienced after sales manager Viv Jones, who began his career as an apprentice mechanic in Shrewsbury in March 1960.

A perfect example of the value of apprenticeships, Jones went on to become workshop manager, service manager, general manager and franchise director of Jaguar dealerships in Shrewsbury and Bristol.

Persuaded to come out of retirement to join Salop Leisure, he has overseen the huge growth of the company’s workshops, which has included a recent five-bay extension. Workshop staff have increased from five to 25 during his time with the business, which is now recognised as one of the leading servicing and accident repair centres in the UK.

“Salop Leisure is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to join the business because they represent the future,” said Mr Jones. “The company believes in growing its own people and I am particularly interested in developing qualified engineers because there is a shortage of people with the skills we need.

“Investment in training is definitely worthwhile; it’s an investment in the future of your business.”

Connor Hodnett said: “I think apprenticeships are better than going to college because you earn while I learn. My aim is to go as far as I can in the company.”

Josh, who has been with the company for a year, said he dropped out of college to join the company and looked forward to becoming a fully qualified engineer.

Connor Sales, who joined the company in July last year, said the apprenticeship was much better than he had expected and saw his future career working in the bodyshop on repairs.

Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater pledged his support for the Ladder for Shropshire campaign. “It has always been the company’s policy to bring young people into the business when they leave school and to offer them apprenticeship opportunities,” he said.

“Many of the young people we have employed over the years have progressed into very responsible positions to take our business forward and we are proud that they have also developed into good citizens.”

Runaway caravan careers towards motorcyclist in near miss

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan’s near miss with biker almost proves fatal

A motorcyclist has revealed how he had a near miss with a runaway caravan in Stirling, Scotland.

Motorcyclist, Martin Hutchinson, was riding his Ducati towards the Causewayhead roundabout when a caravan which wasn’t properly attached to the towbar of a car came loose and careered across the carriageway in front of him.

The 59-year-old chartered surveyor said: “I was on a leisure ride on my bike and, luckily, I noticed the car coming towards me on the opposite side of the road had its caravan coming loose.

“I managed to stop, and the caravan crossed the carriageway right in front of me, before hitting a lamp post and coming to a stop on the kerb.

“If anyone had been walking along that path, they could’ve been killed.”

Martin, from Torbrex, said the couple who owned the caravan apologised for his close encounter with their vehicle.

Marti continued: “It had missed me by just a couple of yards. They did come over and said sorry, but then they seemed more concerned about the damage to their caravan.”

One witness, cafe owner Peter Corrieri, said: “The caravan came off the tow hitch and went across the road.

“The owners were from the Stirling area and said they were just coming home from a holiday.

“There was some damage to a traffic post, as well as the caravan itself.

“The police were called, but luckily no one was hurt.”

It just goes to show the importance of ensuring your caravan is attached to your tow bar correctly. Otherwise, who knows what could happen?

One Direction’s Niall Horan discusses post-breakup caravan plans

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by Joe Jeffrey

Niall Horan discusses caravanning and life after One Direction

One Direction have spoken about life after the band, with Niall Horan expressing an interest in hitting the road in a caravan.

Whereas bandmate Louis Tomlinson has expressed getting straight to work on forming his own record label and working with a new girl band, Horan, originally from Ireland, has spoken about adopting a more relaxed lifestyle following a number of years in the studio and on tour.

The 22-year-old said: “It’ll be the simple things like going home a bit more, seeing everyone I hadn’t seen in a while. I’d like to do a bit of travelling, the places I haven’t seen properly. I’d love to rent a cottage somewhere in Ireland, or get a caravan.”

Whether Horan follows through with the said plans remains to be seen, but it’s true to say One Direction are no strangers to leisure vehicles, with a classic VW campervan featuring prominently in the music video to their smash hit song, What Makes You Beautiful.

In August it was announced that One Direction are set to part companies in March next year following the release of their fifth album in order to pursue their own projects.

Check out the video below to see the boys making the most of life on the road, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Horan at a caravan site near you soon!

Coachman scoops four awards at The Caravan Club Design Awards

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman Vision, Pastiche and VIP all win big at prestigious awards

Coachman has taken the top prize in four categories at The Caravan Club Caravan Design Awards.

The manufacturer’s innovative 2016 ranges scooped Best Large Family Caravan within the £19,000 – £22,000 category with the 2016 Coachman Vision 580 and Best Two-berth Caravan in the £19,000 – £22,000 range with the Coachman Pastiche 460. Meanwhile, the prize in the Any Caravan £22,000 – £27,000 category was awarded to the Coachman VIP 575, whilst the Coachman Laser 620 won the Any Caravan £27,000 – £33,000 went to the Coachman Laser 620.

Coachman also scooped an award in the Two-berth Dealer Special category, for Glossop Caravans‘ Coachman Festival 450, featuring a range of extra specifications, exclusive soft furnishings and graphics.

Martin Henderson, Coachman’s managing director, said: “We believe our 2016 collection is our best yet, and it seems others agree. We invest a lot of time and research in perfecting our caravans, so for this to be recognised by experts at one of the caravanning calendar’s biggest events was a real honour.”

Record sales and record firsts announced for Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Daniella Almeida

The caravanning industry is soaring to new heights following announcement of a new Guinness World Record and record sales

Last week, the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 took place and saw one of the largest attendances in history, but that’s not all. The show also took home a new Guinness World Record for the largest ever caravan made from interlocking plastic LEGO bricks, as well as saw an exceptional growth in sales.

The record breaking LEGO caravan was on display at the show, as previously covered here by CaravanTimes. Laying the final bricks on the masterpiece and declaring the event open was ex-World Superbike Champion Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty and TV presenter Matt Baker who was there as a guest of The Caravan Club.

The LEGO caravan has proven so popular that a video of the vehicle has managed to rack up more than 325,000 views on YouTube and has been featured on big names including the likes of Yahoo! and the BBC.

Aside from the new world record, many UK manufacturers also saw record breaking sales too, with the NEC’s 400 exhibitors reporting impressive figures. Some examples of growth was extended to the UK’s largest dealer network, Marquis, which enjoyed its most successful indoor exhibition on record with orders that topped £10 million.

Shattering records as well was Lowdhams which exceeded its own expectations with a 50 per cent growth in sales.

Around 94,514 people visited the event during the week, with the biggest crowd coming in on 17 October with 25,308 people in attendance. Showing how popular caravanning is becoming amongst the population, 48 per cent of all tickets booked in advance were by people new to the show.

Further demonstrating the rise in caravanning is the fact that new registrations for motorhomes are up 25 per cent to 10,461 and new caravans dispatched to dealers is up five per cent.

The event, organised by NCC Events is supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Speaking on the show, chairman of NCC events, Anthony Trevelyan, said: “The outstanding number of caravans and motorhomes sold at the show and the high visitor attendance underline the success of the industry and the benefit of providing people with an enjoyable, low cost day out.

“The key is in delivering a top quality show at a super-competitive price, which we will continue to do at the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show in February 2016.”

Did you go to the show? If so, what were your highlights?

Elddis scoops Caravan Club Design Awards hat-trick

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by Daniella Almeida

Elddis takes home three awards at the prestigious Caravan Club Design Awards

Three Elddis layouts have taken home awards from the distinguished Caravan Club Caravan Design Awards.

The first winner, the Elddis Affinity 554, won in the category of ‘Small Family Caravan £19,000 – £22,000’. The team of judges described the 554 as a “space-efficient transverse island bed with easy-to-use, pull-out mechanism,” as well as being “well-executed with a quality finish and traditional feel.” It was also praised for its good use of space and comfortable living space.

Winning in the ‘Caravan with Dedicated Beds £19,000 – £22,000’ was the Elddis Affinity 550. The team of judges explained that the his and hers wardrobes in the bedroom were both “desirable and practical,” and that the caravan had a “fab central washroom” and that the retractable rear bed maximised space.

Lastly, winning the ‘Over 4-Berth Dealer Special Caravan’ was the Glossop Chatsworth 636 by Elddis and was described as having a “good lounge and dinette,” “great family layout,” and a “good looking caravan.”

The Chatsworth 636 special edition, which essentially secured the hat-trick, was built by Elddis for leading retailer, Glossop Caravans and features additional specification and styling unique to the dealership.

The awards were presented during The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 at Birmingham’s NEC.

Chairman of The Caravan Club, Grenville Chamberlain, announced the results and said: “The Caravan Club is always keen to encourage a wide range of people – from all walks of life – to enjoy caravanning holidays and to entice new generations of people into becoming caravanners and campers.

“The information gathered in this competition enables people to make an informed choice regarding their choice of vehicle. Our thanks are extended to the manufacturers and dealers who entered and supported these competitions and our congratulations to the winners,” he concluded.

Visit the Elddis website here for more information on these award winners.

Caravanning on the rise represented by growth in sales for caravan manufacturers

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by Daniella Almeida

After acquiring £10 million in sales at Motorhome & Caravan Show, caravan manufacturers celebrate growth and show that caravanning is here to stay

The Motorhome & Caravan Show at NEC Birmingham last week proved one thing for certain: Caravanning is definitely here to stay. Caravan manufacturers saw an exceptional growth after achieving £10 million in sales.

To begin, Coachman Caravans sold more than 450 caravans at the show and the retail value of sales from the event topped the £10 million mark. Coachman is now working tirelessly to meet demand as orders continue to flow in from dealerships across the UK.

A Coachman spokesperson, speaking about the growth, said: “People are investing in their leisure time again. When they go caravanning, they want to do it properly, with comfortable beds, luxury bathrooms, beautiful interior design and high-end fixtures and fittings.

“We’ve thrown all our efforts into innovation and improvements, while keeping prices down at the same time, and we’re now seeing the results of that investment and dedication,” they concluded.

Looking at the history of the brand, sales of their motorhomes were the second strongest in history, followed by touring caravans which itself achieved the third best sales figures on record.

Another manufacturer that saw growth was Swift. The Swift Sprite range increased ten per cent in sales compared to last year. Speaking on the record, commercial director Nick Page said: “We are delighted with the result from this year’s show.

“It is clear that, with confidence back in the market and a strong product lineup for the 2016 season, customers are continuing to choose Swift Group as the company of choice in our key markets.

“The results show a positive sign of continuing resurgence in the leisure vehicle market, right from entry level to the top of the range. It has put the Swift Group in a strong position, early in the season, with sales from the show being so good our order book is almost full for the year,” he finished.

This wasn’t the first show in which these companies saw growth. This is just an extension of what was already achieved at September’s Caravan Extravaganza Weekend and the Cottingham Parks Lodge and Caravan Show.

Hull-based firm, Atlas Leisure Homes, said that the amount of inquiries from the Cottingham event surpassed those of previous years.

Also based in Hull, Arronbrook Leisure Homes, saw a great year as well by securing orders totalling six-figure sums. Director of the company, Paul Coombs, was noted as saying: “Our order book is now looking full for the winter months, which is an excellent position to be in.”

These facts and figures really serve to prove one thing and one thing only. That is that caravanning is not only continuously on the rise but also that it’s here to stay for good.

Help Bailey create the next generation of caravans

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by Daniella Almeida

Bailey looking for feedback in order to create next generation of caravans and motorhomes

If you have ever dreamed of assisting in the development of the next generation of leisure vehicle, then now is your chance. Bailey of Bristol have released a questionnaire looking for customer feedback to learn exactly what it is you want to see in future caraan and motorhome offerings.

Bailey has created a short, online product design questionnaire in an effort to better understand what people are looking for in a new leisure vehicle.

If the opportunity to help this big name brand isn’t enough to reel you in, everybody who submits a completed survey will be in the running for the chance to win one of two iPads in a free prize draw.

While Bailey isn’t looking for much more than this, you can even take your participation one step further as the company is also inviting those interested to apply to join the new Bailey Customer Focus Groups.

Should you be selected for this, you will be invited to join the company in Bristol, along with a number of other leisure vehicle owners, to share your thoughts and ideas with the Product Development Team.

The chance to join is given after you complete the online questionnaire right here. All of this will help shape the next generation of Bailey caravans and motorhomes so don’t hold back! Help make the caravan of your dreams with Bailey.

AA issues advice on travelling abroad this October half-term

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by Daniella Almeida

FCO and AA have partnered up to offer motorists advice before they hit the road and travel abroad

With the October half-term looming, many families will be venturing out into Europe for an autumn holiday and, as a result, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has partnered with the AA to help create a checklist to remind motorists to do their research before they journey forward.

Driving rules, road conditions, and standards in other countries are often different from what we are familiar with, therefore the checklist is loaded with a plethora of useful advice for motorists intending to drive abroad.

The checklist has come about after research conducted by the AA revealed that more than two-fifths (43 per cent) of drivers say they drive outside the UK at least occasionally, with almost a quarter of those doing so at least once per year or more (12 per cent overall).

This research conducted further showed the top worries for British drivers on European roads. The major concern is suffering an accident on foreign soil (19 per cent). This is closely followed by not knowing the rules of the road (13 per cent), breaking down (10 per cent), and dealing with the language barrier (7 per cent).

With many British riders on foreign roads harbouring these concerns, it has become increasingly important to ensure that drivers remain well educated on the matter.

FCO head of consular campaigns, John Heppenstall, said: “A driving holiday overseas can be an incredible experience. But as the AA’s research shows, it can also be daunting for drivers, particularly for those driving abroad for the first time.

“Adequate preparation can go a long way to helping ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Simple steps like checking what documents you need to take with you and researching the local driving laws, along with ensuring you have the proper car, travel and breakdown cover, can help you stay on course,” he concluded.

Also expressing the importance of being well informed, Rosie Sanderson, head of international motoring at the AA said: “There are many things a savvy driver should consider – for instance, check that your comprehensive car insurance will go with you when you cross the Channel, as not all do.

“Ensure you have the compulsory equipment for each country you’re driving through and if hiring a car, check with the hire company before you go to find out if you need a ‘license check code’ available from the DVLA.

“If you’ve familiarised yourself with local rules there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the freedom of the often less-congested roads of Europe,” she concluded.

Be sure to click here for the checklist. Travellers can also consult the FCO’s advice on driving abroad here and explore the handy little driving abroad widget included.

Hero dog saves caravanners from suspected arson attack

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by Joe Jeffrey

Chow chow alerts owners to caravan fire which could have proved fatal

A heroic dog has saved his family from a suspected arson attack after their caravan was set on fire whilst parked on their driveway.

Simba the chow chow alerted owner Paul Licence, 48, from Alvaston in Derbyshire, by barking at him upon realising the family caravan was up in flames, following which Paul grabbed wife Sue, 56, and their grandchildren before heading to the back garden and calling the emergency services.

Firefighters arrived at the scene within fifteen minutes and managed to disperse the fire which, by this time, had began to cause structural damage to the Licence’s house.

One of the many traits of the chow chow is its fierce protectiveness of their owners and property – something which certainly paid off.

Of Simba’s quick response, Paul said: “If it wasn’t for that dog we might not be alive. He started barking, going really mad. 

“It was really lucky that Simba was so lively and woke us up. It could have been fatal for us and for the family next door. I’m so grateful to that little dog.”

Forensics teams from Derbyshire Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services are currently investigating the incident.

A police spokesperson said: “We are treating it as arson and will continue with the investigation.”

Get ready for the end of BST with these tips from IAM

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by Daniella Almeida

This week’s tips from IAM ensure that you remain safe on the road as the days and nights get darker

British Summer Time (BST) is coming to a close and the days are going to start getting darker quicker. To ensure your safety on the road, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) have revealed their weekly tips to stay as safe as possible in the dark.

First, with the end of BST comes more fog to be expected in the mornings and evenings. To combat the fog, it is imperative that you keep your windows clear of ice and frost throughout your journey. In order to do so, use a quality windscreen washer fluid to keep them clean. Also, be sure to always keep the reservoir topped up.

As it gets darker, motorists will begin to use their dipped headlights more often so make sure that they are always working properly. Be sure that all other car lights, indicators and tyres are fully functional as well and check the tread depth regularly.

Should any of these need to replaced, it’s imperative that you do so as soon as possible. Keep a separate set of light bulbs with you in the case of emergencies.

Some automatic headlamp systems don’t put dipped headlights on in foggy weather conditions so you may have to switch them from an auto to manual setting. Don’t wait until it’s completely dark to switch on your dipped headlights because you may need to use them in reduced daylight as well.

Further, some roads will not have street lights and in the cases of driving on an empty stretch of road with reduced visibility, you’ll want to switch to full beam to see further ahead. Just remember not to use the full beam during the day at all costs as it could poorly affect other motorists.

In keeping with the tradition of being aware of other road users, you should always keep a look out for vulnerable motorists in the dark, especially motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Be extra vigilent near schools in the late afternoon as children will be travelling home.

When pedestrians, and children especially, are wearing darker clothes, it’s much more difficult to see them so keep a lookout and avoid speeding when your vision is reduced in any condition.

Road signs and motorway studs assist motorists and riders in driving in poor light so keep an eye out for them and use them to guide you with your travels.

Finally, be sure to increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. While this is always a good rule of thumb, it’s especially important when driving in the dark as it is more difficult to judge the speed of vehicles. If you’re having difficulties looking ahead, slow down! You want to have as much time as necessary to react to any hazard.

Head of driving standards, Peter Rodger, has said: “It might sound obvious but you cannot drive the same way in the dark as you would in the daylight – but that’s what a lot of people do.

“Make allowances for your own abilities in darkness; your eyes take time to get used to the dark. And be aware others might not be as careful as you, and might not be wearing reflective or bright clothing as they should do.

“Take on the responsibility of looking out for others, and your journey will give you a warm glow inside – even if it’s chilly outside,” Rodger concluded.

What are some of your tips on remaining safe on the road in the dark? Let us know in the comments below and be safe out there!

The Caravan Club announces skiing fun for all the family this winter

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by Joe Jeffrey

Affordable skiing holiday near Glenshee offered to all Caravan Club members

Thinking of doing something different this winter? Feel like getting away from it all and venturing out in your caravan once again before next summers sun? Then The Caravan Club may just have the ideal solution for you.

The Club has announced an affordable ski trip to the Scottish Highlands, including a pitch at the Braemar Caravan Park for a week in December from just £161 per family.

The Braemar Caravan Park is just a short distance from Glenshee, the biggest Scottish skiing resort and is ideal for skiers of all abilities. The terrain provides the chance for all to enjoy, with short trails for beginners and steeper sections for the more experienced skier. The site is also a great base for walkers and mountain bikers as it is located close to the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms, the mountainous national park.

The Caravan Club site is also perfectly located for nature lovers to spot herds of red deer roaming around the area as well as capercaillie, red squirrels and golden eagles. There are also a number of scenic routes to enjoy, including the iconic landscape of the highlands and high roads of Tomintoul which will offer the perfect opportunity to take in great views of the countryside out towards the coastline.