East Anglia Easton Farm Park plans caravan expansion

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by David Bates

Farm park wants to expand holiday business

Easton Farm Park has submitted plans for a 70-pitch caravan site to Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The popular park, which was the second farm park attraction within the UK, has remained open for over 30 years and recently requested planning permission to convert a paddock on the area’s west side, which is currently used for livestock and grazing.

The park’s management have named October as the earliest possible date for the redevelopment to begin, however, they could be forced to wait until November 1 for a decision.

The plans involve a significant overhaul of current facilities, presently able to allow for up to five caravans to be pitched, as well as new buildings to cater for the park’s prospective guests. These include a washroom, separate male, female and disabled toilets, a storeroom, a new reception area, shop and staff office – all of which would take between two and three years to complete.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s planning portal contains a statement from Easton Farm Park which reveals they are aware of the immediate implications for their popular attraction. It reads: “The business plan does accept that for much of the nine month period, the site will be at much less than capacity.

“A near to fully occupied site is forecast for the busiest summer months, with capacity at bank holiday periods.”

Is this an unnecessary expansion? Or a great addition to an already great day out?

Coachman unveils new Vision and Pastiche models within its 2016 lineup

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by Joe Jeffrey

Coachman reveals its caravan lineup for 2016, including two brand new, innovatively designed and lighter layouts

Coachman Caravans has unveiled two new models for 2016, featuring even more of a decrease in weight across the company’s quality ranges.

The first new model for 2016 is the Coachman Vision 570. The single axle five-berth caravan, which also comes with the option of six-berths, features an ultra versatile family layout with two spacious parallel seating lounge areas both at the front and rear. A luxury centre washroom, featuring opaque window, and spacious centre kitchen complete with fitted low level microwave divide each lounge area. The innovative layout provides for a number of options, suited to many families looking to hit the road and the possibilities are endless, including a separate sleeping area for two couples, a place for the kids to escape to and so much more.

From a design standpoint, soft furnishings come in ‘Zembla/Heely design complete with scatter cushions and bolster cushions, whilst a ‘Sand Ruster’ wood colour scheme, ‘Charcoal’ locker door design and chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles comes as standard.

One the outside, ten spoke, Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels add a touch of class and complement the Vision’s exterior graphics and colours a rear light bezel surrounds.

An additional seven layouts will be included within the Vision range for 2016, including the two-berth Vision 380 and Vision 450, fourth-berth Vision 520, Vision 560, Vision 565 and Vision 575, as well as the five-berth Vision 580.

Coachman’s Pastiche range also sees a new model introduced for 2016. The single axle Pastiche 470, featuring Alde central heating as standard, is a brand new two-berth offering, again with a unique layout, featuring a full domestic size fixed bed at the front of the caravan. The first of it’s kind in the UK, the front bed layout has proven to be a popular choice of layout across the rest of Europe and presents something new for UK caravanners looking to spend more time outdoors than in. Elsewhere inside, a luxury end washroom with domestic style square shower cubicle with pivot door and opaque window feature. Central to the layout is a spacious kitchen with low level microwave and, opposite, a central dinette which should make mealtimes complete. Ample storage comes by way of plenty of space under the bed, as well as plenty of storage space towards the rear.

Design for 2016 hasn’t be shirked upon either, with soft furnishings in ‘Dillon Dazzling/Amillo Balloon, design complete with scatter cushions and sculptured armrests for enhanced comfort, as well as a ‘Sand Ruster’ wood colour scheme, overhead locker profiles in ‘Charcoal’ design and chrome ‘Saffron Bow’ design furniture handles. A Midi Heki roof light over the fixed bed creates a more-than-ample feeling of light and space during the day.

As with the Vision range, ten spoke, Hyper silver ‘Falcon’ alloy wheels come as standard, as do Vision exterior graphics and colours and a rear light bezel surround.

Five more layouts complete the Pastiche range for 2015, including the two-berth Pastiche 460, four-berth Pastiche 520, Pastiche 560, Pastiche 565 and Pastiche 575.

That’s not all that’s new for 2016, however, with huge weight reductions making each range lighter than ever before, dispelling the myths that Coachman are a weightier alternative. The Coachman Vision range sees an MTPLM of less than 1525 kg, whilst the Pastiche range benefits from all models weighing in at less than 1535 kg, with the new Pastiche 470 clocking in at just 1295 kg.

Make sure to check back on CaravanTimes over the coming weeks to read more about what Coachman has planned for the new season – we’re sure you’ll be impressed.

Have you won a Kilrock damp and mould blasting bundle?

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by Joe Jeffrey

Keep reading to find out if you’ve won one of five Kilrock cleaning bundles worth £50

CaravanTimes recently teamed up with Kilrock to offer you the opportunity to fix those pesky damp and mould problems faced by many, in one of our latest competitions where we offered five lucky readers monster damp and mould blasting bundles worth £50.

The bundles, which contain everything you could ever need to keep your precious caravan or motorhome clean, dry and damp free, including various items to enable effective and hassle-free solutions for the removal of excessive moisture and damp in your leisure vehicle, certainly proved popular to say the least. All CaravanTimes readers had to do to be in with a chance of winning was to simply like our Facebook page and complete a short form.

And now, we are pleased to announce the winners are:

Chris Bayless
Ian Blackwell
Tracey Denby
Emma Pollard
Kevin Tyler

Congratulations to those named above. We’ll be in touch soon to discuss sending your prizes to you.

Alas! There could only be five winners, but don’t despair. If you’re still feeling lucky, why not enter our competition to win one of 15 pairs of Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 tickets here now!

England Medieval Festival fast approaching

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by Daniella Almeida

Pack up your caravan and get ready for a weekend camping and glamping at the England Medieval Festival

Next weekend, from 29 August through 31 August, join fellow caravanners and medieval times enthusiasts at England’s Medieval Festival, overlooking the picturesque and aptly moated Herstmonceux Castle.

The festival, which is considered the most authentic medieval festival in the UK, will feature three outdoors and two indoor stage areas and performances throughout the day. But the performances don’t stop at night. Once the sun goes down, enjoy much more entertainment taking place indoors in the main marquee.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own camping tents. However, the festival provides you with the ability to “glamp” in weatherproof canvas Bell tents with beds, blankets, rugs, table and lights inside. To complete the aesthetics, a crackling fire and medieval torches will be lit outside.

Some of the fantastic activities England’s Medieval Festival provides include an enticing Knights Joust, twice daily Battle and Siege of the Castle, a grand parade, Falconry displays, and so much more. Entertain children with the Kid’s Kingdom, magicians, and jesters throughout the grounds.

Keep a look out for these incredible performers such as Portcullis, Bombus Lucorum, Pentacle Drummers, and so many more.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Kegs ‘n Casks’ Beer, Cider & Mead Festival will also be taking place during the weekend. Enjoy over 40 locally sourced real ales and ciders from the Sussex area, local lagers, and even international beers from France, Germany, and Hungary. If mead is more your fancy – an old medieval beverage consisting of main ingredients honey and water – you’re in luck. There will be more than 20 different varieties of mead from England, Scotland, Wales, and Europe.

Don’t worry about leaving the four-legged member of your family at home as dogs are welcome too, so long as they’re on leads.

Advance discount tickets are available online on the festival’s website from £15 adult, £6 child, £13 concession, and £34 for your entire family. So what are you waiting for? Start polishing off your armour and find out more, including how to book your tickets, here now!

What to expect at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 will offer thousands of people the opportunity to check out the latest leisure vehicles for 2016 and so much more

The UK’s most popular national leisure vehicle launch, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, takes place between 13 and 18 October this year at Birmingham’s NEC and looks set to be the best show ever.

Here, CaravanTimes highlights just some of the new and exciting products that will feature across the six days, all to browse and buy under one roof.

Caravans and motorhomes

Adria (Stand 20.77, 20.15)

To celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary this year, Adria will feature special edition Silver Collection versions of its UK best sellers at the NEC this autumn. This includes touring caravan models the Adora 613DT Isonzo and Altea 472DS Eden, as well as Matrix and Twin motorhome models. Adria will also showcase a new range of small coachbuilt motorhomes – the Compact range.
Auto Campers (Stand 11.110) continues to expand its model line-up with the launch of a Hybrid model. The new, MRV (Multi Recreational Vehicle) is based on the short wheel base Transit Custom and offers twin side doors, with fixed O/S furniture and a suspended bed system.
Auto-Sleepers Group (Stand 6.55, 6.49) will have a number of new models on display. These include award winning special edition products available from Marquis, such as the company’s exclusive Benimar Mileo Range, enhanced for 2016 with a host of added features and two new layouts. Then there’s the revised 2016 Lifestyle motorhome and caravan ranges in a choice of award-winning layouts. Also, the Majestic Motorhome range, exclusive to Marquis has been increased to 14 all powered by the 150bhp Peugeot engine. Auto-Sleepers Van Conversions will reveal its new ‘Fairford’ model based on the Peugeot XLWB chassis, taking centre stage for its official launch at the show.

Bailey (Stand 19.28, 19.29)

Bailey has launched its new, fourth generation Pegasus touring caravan with a choice of seven layouts. The five berth single axle Pegasus Ancona has a redesigned layout including a dedicated rear children’s bedroom and a full width transverse end washroom. It will make its public debut at the show this October.

Bürstner GmbH (Stand 8.40)

The leisure vehicle powerhouse will reveal the first layout from its new 2016 IXEO range at the show. Called the IXEO IT680G it features a longitudinal double bed which disappears into the ceiling when stored and lowers to the level of the main seating when in use.

Coachman (stand 19.39)

Coachman will bring its 2016 models to the NEC in October, in particular its two new caravan layouts. These include the 5-berth Vision 570 and the 2 berth Pastiche 470. The latter is a single axle caravan with a full domestic size, fixed bed, luxury end washroom at a weight of 1295kg. The former is a versatile, single axle caravan with two large lounge areas and an optional sixth berth making it attractive to the family market.

Elddis (Stand 20.19 & 20.39 & 20.43)

New touring caravan layouts to feature at the Show include the Avante 554 with transverse bed and Whale Expanse underslung heating system as well as the new Compass Corona 576 six-berth and a new Buccaneer too. There are also new developments in the Elddis motorhome offering with two new models in the Encore range making their debut at the show, the 254 and 285.

Jerba Campervans (Stand 11.55)

This specialist VW camper producer from Scotland has been working on a new elevating roof design that includes an easy zip-out canvas – removable in under five minutes, it’s ideal for cleaning as well as making the most of the warm weather. It uses YKK zips and Ventile material that’s fully breathable as well as being watertight.

Lowdham Leisureworld (Stand 8.20, 20.45)

Lowdham celebrates 50 years in business in 2016 so will reveal its all new Swift Hi-Style range including Alde heating plus a special 50th anniversary pack, the latter also featuring on the company’s Freestyle SE range. Its Bailey Pegasus and Unicorn caravans will also feature the Lowdhams 50th anniversary pack. On motorhomes there’s the launch of the Knaus Boxlife van conversions with innovative sleeping systems, the Lowdhams’ anniversary edition Knaus SKY TI – plus an exclusive special edition Bessacarr Hi-Style.

Lunar (Stand 17.39 & 18.13)

Lunar will showcase its Lunar and Venus touring caravans including three new additions to the Lexon range. The Lexon 560 is a four-berth with a popular transverse island bed. Also a four-berth is the new Lexon 570, which features fixed single beds and an end washroom and for large families there is the new Lexon 580, a five-berth caravan with fixed bunks. Also on view at the NEC will be the new Delta RI, a four-berth caravan, and a refined Venus range of value-for-money tourers, including the new Venus 570. The full Lunar Landstar motorhome range will be on display too.

Pilote (Stand 9.10)

Pilot will have as its star vehicle for the UK on show, the new G650L A-class motorhome. It has large front lounge which can comfortably accommodate up to eight people and sleep four. A completely fresh bathroom layout with separate shower and dressing area, extra-large wardrobe and plenty of storage are just some of its other features.

Rapido (Stand 7.40)

On show this year, Rapido will have a 6 series version of its well-known 7065FF. The 665F will be a 7.4M vehicle with a rear bathroom and Alde heating systems as standard. To capitalise on British interest in twin-bed layouts, Rapido will also unveil a new 7m model, the 855F, with separate shower thanks to an innovative bathroom design. Not only this, but the company will launch two brand new ranges, the 80DF and a refurbished Distinction. Both will offer double floors and Al-Ko chassis. British special vans, 600FF, 9048DF and 9094DF will feature too.

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes (Stand 9.98)

The Halifax dealership will unveil its new and improved range of Special Editions, the Musketeer Range, featuring the D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos & Aramis. These will offer increased specification, new fabrics and new graphics.

Shire Conversions (Stand 11.50)

The conversion specialists will showcase its brand new van conversion, the FL Twin. Based on a Fiat chassis, it’s a 2 berth motorhome with twin bed, front lounge and a high specification.

Southdowns Motorhomes (Stand 8.16)

Southdowns Motorhomes, based in Portsmouth, will reveal two Concorde motorhomes seen on UK shores for the first time at the show, including the Concorde Liner Plus 990G and Concorde Credo 841L. The Laika Kreos 5 series range – with the Kreos 5009 – will also feature.

Swift (Stand 6.39, 6.34, 6.33, 6.31)

The company’s new Sprite Freedom range of caravans is sure to get plenty of interest at the NEC. These are positioned as entry-level caravans ideal for those looking to buy their first new tourer, featuring three popular 6 berth family models. There’s the Freedom 6, Freedom 6TD and Freedom FB. Swift will also feature a wide selection from its 2016 leisure vehicle portfolio, including new motorhome models. The sporty Rio range has expanded to feature two new models, the 310 and 325, with more traditional motorhome layouts and standard side entrance doors. The Bolero range also has two new models, the 612EK and 744PR. The former is a 2 seater, 2 berth vehicle with parallel front lounge and rear kitchen, with the latter a 4 seater, 4 berth model with U-shaped rear lounge, front travelling dinette and side seat plus side kitchen and washroom.

Webbs Motor Caravans (Stand 9.85)

Webbs will officially launch its exclusive partnership with French, hand-built, motorhome brand Fleurette at the show. For the last six years there have been no new Fleurette models stocked by UK dealers, so Webbs will be the only place to see the brand’s 2016 models, such as Mayflower, for the new season.

Wellhouse Leisure (Stand 12.85)

The popular dealership will have a host of new product launches at the show, including the Ford Terrier 2 M-Camper which features a full body-kit, alloy wheels and looks more like a racing van than a traditional campervan! It is part of the new Terrier 2 range with updated interior and furniture designed by Technoform, the Italian company that supplies many premium brands. It will be unveiled, by a special guest, on the second anniversary of the original Terrier’s launch at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2013. There’s also the Terrier Lux – a new entry-level Ford based model. Finally, there will be the new Moselle – based on the all-new Mercedes Vito van.

Trailer tents and folding caravans

OPUS Campers (Stand 12.105)

Opus will officially unveil an innovative folding camper with the ability to carry two motorcycles on its roof. The OPUS Moto is a brand new concept allowing motorcyclists to combine a family holiday, group getaway or romantic weekend with a biking break. Loading and unloading a motorcycle is simple, using the camper mounted crane, and takes just 20 seconds.

Trigano MDC (Stand 12.10, 12.05)

This year, Trigano will feature its Galleon model in a new brown colour and two new versions of its Odyssee model, one basic version and one “plus” with an easy access luggage system make opening the luggage compartment simpler.

Raclet (Stand 12.12)

Rclet’s Panama UP Xtrail product will be on view as well as its Solena, Safari, and Quickstop X-Trail models.

Holiday homes and lodges

Omar Park and Leisure Homes (Stand 9.120)

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Omar Park and Leisure Homes will be displaying the award-winning park home, the Anniversary along with its most long-standing signature home, the Colorado.

Swift

Swift will showcase holiday home models from its Bordeaux Escape, Burgundy, Chamonix, S-Pod, Loire, Biarritz, and Moselle Lodge ranges as well as two brand new models yet to be revealed.

Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes (Stand 9.120b)

Wessex will have its exciting new luxury lodge model, the Summerhouse, alongside the sleek and distinctive Contemporary luxury lodge.

Awnings and porches
Vango (Stand 17.36) will exhibit key models from its new 2016 collection, including caravan awnings Rapide, Varkala II and Kalari, including new annex addition as well as Idris II, Kela Deluxe and Galli drive-away awnings.
Outwell (Stand 17.81) will have its latest inflatable and pole drive-away awnings on show, with the Country Road SA from the Smart Air Touring Collection taking pride of place. There’s also the brand new Daytona Air from the company’s Air Crusing Collection and the new Darlington.

With so much to see and do, we can’t think of a reason not to go. So what are you waiting for? To buy tickets to the show and for more information, click here. Alternatively, why not enter our competition to win tickets by clicking on this link.

COMPETITION: Win 15 pairs of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015!

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by Joe Jeffrey

Enter our competition today and you could be heading to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 for free

It’s pretty true to say the countdown has begun. Motorhomers and caravanners across the country – not to mention leisure vehicle manufacturers throughout the UK and further afield – are preparing to head to Birmingham’s NEC for the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015.

The show, taking place this year between 13 – 18 October, promises exactly what we’ve come to expect from organisers, NCC events, including a sneak peek at all of the new 2016 caravan and motorhome models from leading UK and European manufacturers – all under one roof.

The show, supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, will also feature every other type of leisure vehicle too, including campervans, trailer tents, innovative folding caravans, luxury lodges and holiday homes. There’ll even be a Guinness World Record attempt taking place, with show organisers planning on building the world’s largest LEGO caravan ever seen.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, undisputed World Superbike racing legend and current I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! king of the jungle, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty will be in attendance to open the show in true style.

And now, CaravanTimes has teamed up with Motorhome & Caravan Show organisers, the National Caravan Council (NCC) to offer fifteen lucky CaravanTimes members the chance to win a pair of tickets for the show of the year.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets is like our Facebook page here and complete the form below by midday on 11 September.

Good luck, we look forward to seeing you there!

Terms and Conditions:

Fifteen winners will be picked at random on Friday 11 September 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

Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges receive brand new profiles and more for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Changes aplenty for new season Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges

The Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges have been given a makeover for 2016 – and the results are impressive.

A sweeping new front profile with flush fitting windows and sunroof directly above will enhance the ranges and project each with a feel similar to more top of the range models. LED rear clusters will also add to the feel. Also included will be the addition of flush fitting side windows as well as new graphics, which complete the exterior transformation, providing both Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges a more up-to-date , modern feel.

Looking at each range in more detail, inside the Swift Challenger ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain with contemporary ashen brown hue will remain, which will complement the light ‘Zimba’ furnishings. Meanwhile, the Sterling Eccles models will keep their distinctive interior style with modern hessian effect furniture and white locker doors, but introduce a new ‘Guetta’ soft furnishing design featuring brown woven seat fabric.

Eight models will be available within each range for 2016. These include the two berth Challenger/Eccles 480, four-berth Challenger/Eccles 514, Challenger/Eccles 530, Challenger/Eccles 570, Challenger/Eccles 565 and Challenger/Eccles 584, as well as the six-berth Challenger/Eccles 586 and Challenger/Eccles 640. Each model, aside form the 640, will be single-axle.

Every model across the two ranges will feature new Swift AirWave foam bedding, providing for a sleeker silhouette to seat cushions, whilst providing comfort and support similar to which could be found if using a mattress topper. Fixed beds featured on the 510, 554 and 564 will also benefit from the addition of Duvalay Duvalite mattresses.

Truma heating will come as standard across both ranges, with the option to upgrade to an Alde wet heating system which features as standard in more premium ranges, whilst a new digital control panel has been fitted to control the heating and hot water. Kitchen upgrades from last year, including the Aspire MKII oven and Dometic 8 Series 100 litre fridge with removable freezer compartment remain.

Another noteworthy change is that both Sport and SE denotations have been dropped for the season ahead, with the ranges simply becoming Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles.

Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system has also seen enhancements for 2016, with the introduction of SMART Plus. SMART Plus will see three key enhancements, which consist of a new sandwich floor featuring GRP outer skin to provide better protection from the elements, an upgraded hail resistant roof, as well as a front window jig which is now full GRP with foam construction.

Of the upgrades set to be seen on both Challenger and Eccles models for 2016, Swift commercial director, Nick Page, said: “Replacing the existing Sport ranges the new Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges have the look and feel of more premium ranges and with the new Alde heating option and other great features, customers can have all this at a very competitive price.”

Millions unaware of Dart Charge

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by David Bates

Vague road sign confuses countless drivers

An AA-Populus poll has revealed that a significant proportion of drivers are unaware of the Dart Charge scheme at the Dartford crossing.

The Dartford crossing, which traverses the Thames on the eastern side of the M25, is marked by a white C within a red circle which is identical to central London’s congestion charge emblem.

The results of an AA-Populus poll undertaken in June have revealed 87 per cent of London drivers and 70 per cent of those in the South East are confused by the signage around Dartford.

The ‘C’ sign used to notify drivers of Dart Charge is not officially recognised as a symbol for tolls, which is only amplifying drivers’ bewilderment. Only six per cent of the 25,810 AA members questioned recognised the ‘C’ as a general sign for charging schemes.

A different survey in May demonstrated a similar predicament. 28 per cent of Londoners, 27 per cent of those in the South East and an astonishing 53 per cent of drivers in the East Midlands were unaware of the charge. The area of highest awareness was in Essex and East Anglia, where 82 per cent knew about Dart Charge.

Paul Watters, AA’s of road policy, warned against the confusion created by the vague ‘C’ sign, saying: “presenting drivers who are unfamiliar with the Dartford stretch of the M25 with a puzzle, while they are supposed to be concentrating on a busy road, is very poor.”

Have you used the Dart Charge system? What do you think of it?

Outrage as thoughtless caravan fraudster spared jail

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by David Bates

Caravan criminal avoids jail despite guilt on 15 counts

A conman who falsely advertised caravan holidays online has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence and been ordered to repay his victims.

Samuel Brazil, 22, was sentenced for 15 counts of fraud at Lewes Crown Court, 12 of which centred around false advertisements placed for caravan holidays. Two additional counts related to non-existent sofas for which he elicited partial payment, whilst the other involved someone paying for both a sofa and caravan trip which never materialised.

Brazil pled guilty to all charges.

The con man from Crawley posted adverts on Facebook, as well as the site FaceBay, for breaks at genuine sites, including Camber Sands in Rye and Bunn Leisure in Selsey amongst other popular destinations.

Some of the victims, who lost between £50 and £300 each, arrived to commence their holidays at one of the leisure parks, only to find out that they had no booking.

Brazil used a Ms. Cara Coates’ pseudonym in order to set up bank accounts into which he received payment; George Hepburne-Scott, his defence lawyer, said she was merely “someone he had met”, but the prosecutor Dale Sullivan expressed his confusion that she was facing no charges.

Hepburne-Scott also pointed out the financial and medical difficulties, which he believed mitigated Brazil’s crimes, producing documentation which verified Brazil’s clinical depression. He also insisted that there was little chance of Brazil reoffending.

Nevertheless, Judge Michael Lawson QC asked: “What about the victims?”

He went on to point out: “These are wretched offences – thoroughly dishonest on your part – conducting sales over a couple of months which no doubt caused huge distress.

“Nothing can be said about it, save that it’s thoroughly deliberate and thoroughly mean,” he continued.

Both Judge and defence agreed, however, that jail was not the best option. Brazil intends to repay the £1,960 he owes through a prospective garden business.

What do you think the best course of punishment would have been?

Chichester caravan park going static

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by David Bates

Upmarket push leaves touring caravans and loyal residents stranded

A Chichester caravan park has decided to abandon its touring section in a bid to target the ‘high-end’ static market.

Park Holidays UK, who manage Lakeside Caravan Park, has lodged an application with the Chichester District Council to replace their touring section with an area housing 37 static ‘lodge-style’ caravans.

Lakeside’s management believe this will allow it to “better compete with the holiday caravan market and thereby offer a higher quality of caravan and facilities for holidaymakers.”

Their decision, however, has ruffled a few feathers, with a number of extremely disgruntled residents and undoubtedly, there will be frequent visitors deprived of a pitch for their touring caravans.

Ricky Deadman, whose grandmother is a permanent inhabitant of Lakeside Caravan Park, told the Chichester Observer that the upmarket push was forcing out loyal residents, who have been forbidden from having ‘garden sheds, fences, brick or stone objects, gnomes or garden plant or flower pots of any kind, shrubs or flower beds, washing lines of any kind, or any commercial works vehicles on site.’

Deadman’s grandmother had, over the past year, erected a fence to allow a safe area for her puppy and planted vegetables to save money; improvements which will now be redundant.

The angry resident’s grandson asked: “As regards to the no-washing lines rule, how are the residents expected to dry laundry? If they can’t dry it outside, they will need a tumble dryer”. He continued to point out that with no sheds allowed either, there would be scant space for a tumble dryer.

A Park Holidays UK representative said that the “constraints on the erection of washing lines” was “to ensure the park maintains its attractive appearance.”

Yet with people like Mrs. Deadman facing difficult decisions over her future and touring caravans no longer permitted, are they taking it too far?

New Compass Corona 576 unveiled for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Five Compass Corona models announced for 2016, including new six-berth Corona 576

Five Compass Corona models have been announced for 2016, including a brand new six-berth layout set to appeal to families or those looking for an abundance of space.

The Corona 576 is Compass’ latest single-axle model to join the Compass Corona stable. The six-berth layout features front parallel seating, centre kitchen and full rear end washroom.

Meanwhile, additional models within the range will be the two-berth 462, four-berth 554, six-berth 566 and four-berth 574.

In order to create the feeling of more light and space, all Compass Corona models within the range will feature a new large Heki Lux ‘Stargazer’ roof light with integrated downlights – new for 2016.

A luxurious-looking ‘Loire’ upholstery will feature throughout, made with OZIO Hi-Performance technology, which complements the ‘Montalcino Elm’ craftsman built cabinetry with contrasting cream leather effect feature rail, handcrafted dove-tailed drawers, overhead lockers with positive locking and classic flush-fit kitchen units.

All models under the 2016 range, starting at an OTR price of £17,594 and weight of 1,234kgs, will also benefit from the addition of a new Teleco Teleplus X2/39U directional aerial, high flow submersible pump with Whale IC Controller, as well as new bathroom accessories set to make you feel refreshed. The Corona 554 also benefits from the addition of a new retractable bed creating 400mm of extra floor space for when the bed is not in use.

Caravanner crushed by cow in bovine bludgeoning

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by David Bates

Holidaygoer charged and trampled by mooooo-dy Peak District cow

For those seeking rural serenity and an escape from urban dangers, be careful; a caravan retreat isn’t all milk and honey, as one Derbyshire man found out on Saturday (15 August) following being trampled by an over-protective cow.

Richard Wayne, 47, from Mackworth, Derbyshire, had been enjoying the Peak District countryside and it was during a walk with his wife and 14-year-old cocker spaniel on the lead, that he was confronted by the cow, who blocked Wayne’s path before charging him and crushing him under her considerable weight. It is thought that the cow, who was with her calf at the time, felt threatened by Wayne’s presence.

The development manager, who works in Chesterfield, was thankfully able to drag himself under a barbed wire fence, with help from his wife Tracey.

Now, Richard is urging caution for urbanites taking to the great outdoors, having experienced the full force of the maternal instinct of cows.

Richard said: “I want to highlight to people the dangers. We know that route well, have walked it many times and have always kept our dog on a lead, but this still happened,” he warned.

Though Wayne’s injuries were not fatal, he feels grateful to have escaped intact, continuing: “It was absolutely terrifying. I feel lucky to have got away with my life and other people I’ve spoken to since have said the same. I could feel the cow on top of me. I was being crushed. I curled into a ball, but I thought that was it. I thought I was going to die.”

A nearby resident helped to administer first aid to the victim, but for Wayne, the event has not been easy to forget; he has been struggling with flashbacks and residual pain since Saturday.

Richard Wayne’s life flashed in a bovine blur before his eyes; make sure you avoid the same fate, or worse, and be careful when enjoying the countryside from your caravan.