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.

Will you be attending The Lawns Weekend 2015 this September?

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by David Bates

The Camping and Caravanning Club host Lawns exhibition 2015

The Camping and Caravanning Club is encouraging all-comers to attend The Lawns leisure extravaganza in Cottingham, near Hull, on 5 and 6 September.

The Lawns will present the opportunity for caravan enthusiasts to see in the flesh new models from many of the major British companies, not to mention an extensive accessory store, in which even the most seasoned caravanner could pick up a handy gadget or two.

It’s not just new caravans though, and there will be plenty of attractions to keep the kids occupied, including face painters and balloon modellers who will, no doubt, be on hand to avert their attention whilst you spy your next home on wheels or even your next perfect country escape.

The eminently knowledgeable Camping and Caravanning Club team will be on hand to discuss any queries and share their vast reserves of experience. There will also be an unmissable opportunity to win a Nissan Qashqai with Club Care Insurance.

For existing members, it’s the perfect chance to take advantage of the ‘Member get Member’ scheme; simply refer a friend who then joins The Club, and you will receive either a £10 voucher for club sites, £10 to spend on a Camping in the Forest holiday, or a Club Care key protection policy.

If your non-member friends don’t fancy signing up then you can even buy discount tickets for them!

Tickets are priced at just £3 each, or £7 per family, with free parking, and are able to be purchased at the gate.

For more information on The Lawns event, click here.

Survey reveals 75 per cent of Brits take to the great outdoors at least once a year

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by Joe Jeffrey

Recent survey suggests the staycation is here to stay!

A recent poll has revealed that a staggering 75 per cent of the UK population take to the great outdoors to enjoy a camping or caravanning holiday at least once a year.

The survey, conducted by outdoor clothing and retailer chain, Go Outdoors, seems to show there is certainly no slowdown when it comes to people choosing to take to Great Britain’s roads to explore pastures new, whilst making the most of what the staycation has to offer.

And now, with the BBQ still being a firm favourite among caravanners and campers, The Great British BBQ has launched an exciting new competition to highlight the launch of it’s website’s new section dedicated to those looking to cook up a treat whilst on holiday in the UK’s outdoors.

The Great British BBQ’s new outdoors section is a one-stop-shop for all your grilling needs, featuring advice on the must have accessories for the perfect outdoor BBQ, reviews of the best BBQs on the market, a
countdown of the best BBQ-friendly camping and caravan sites, advice from To The Camping and Caravanning Club, plus lots lots more.

To celebrate the launch of it’s outdoor section, The Great British BBQ has teamed up with camping and caravanning dealers Broad Lane Leisure to offer a competition to win a pair of Isabella Comfort camping chairs worth £130.

To enter the competition, click here now and put your luck to the chance today.

VW T6 campervan conversions to be on display at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Daniella Almeida

A selection of VW T6 campervan conversions will all be available to view at the Motorhome & Caravan Show

The UK’s national leisure vehicle launch event, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, opens this autumn between 13 – 18 October 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham and, if VW camper conversions are your thing, you’re in for a treat!

A selection of Volkswagen sixth generation Transporter (VW T6) campervan conversions are set to be placed on display for the first time.

In a press release from the National Caravan Council, NCC, it was confirmed that four different exhibitors will have VW T6 conversions at the show.

The original VW campervan converter Westfalia GmbH will be present as well where it will debut its new T6 Club Joker City on UK shores. This comes with a pop-up roof and will go into production in autumn 2015. The design for the model was inspired by the hope that it could be used ‘365’ days a year as a go anywhere caravan.

Also launching at the event will be Concept Multi-Car Ltd‘s all new conversion for the VW T6, properly called the Reimo Free Van. The company also plans to have another T6 model on display.

Nomad Campervans will have its new ‘Ranger’ T6 conversion, unveiling an all new layout combination of comfort and functionality. The campervan looks to take advantage of the new T6 variable seating layout for the back passenger area that will allow seating for 5 people.

In attendance will also be Wingamm which will have the show’s only T6 coachbuilt conversion with the new T6 Micro on show in the entrances to Halls nine and 12.

Other exhibitors at the event include AutoHas, Danbury Motorcaravans, Hillside Leisure, Birchover, and Vanworx.

On the event, Marketing Campaign Director for NCC Events, James Bissett said: “Our event is the UK’s national leisure vehicle launch show and we are really excited to have a selection of VW T6 campervan conversion models making their UK debut as this will be the first place visitors will see them all in one place.

“It’s testament to the industry how fast the leading converters have acted to get hold of the very first VW T6s’ coming into the UK and burn the midnight oil to turn them into campervans. It shows the importance of our Motorhome & Caravan Show,” he finished.

The show will be opened by ex-superbike racer Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty (‘King of the Jungle’). Advance tickets for the event are already on sale and can be purchased from the Motorhome & Caravan Show website for as low as £7.50. However, tickets can also be purchased at the door for £11 (senior) and £12 (adult). For more information on the event and ticket prices, check out the website.

The event is sponsored by both The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravan Club. Book your tickets now for exclusive show only deals, new product demonstrations, and so much more!

Elddis announces fresh innovative layouts for the Avante for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Seven layouts including the new 554 announced for 2016

Elddis has unveiled its updated Avante caravan range for 2016.

A total of seven layouts will be available across the range for the new season, including a brand new, fresh layout for 2016 by way of the single-axle, four-berth Avante 554.

The award-winning lightweight range’s newest layout, with a recommended retail price of £18,294, features a retractable transverse fixed island bed and spacious rear bathroom/dressing area. A retractable bed also comes as standard on the Avante 550, providing for up to 400mm additional floor space.

Several enhancements have also been included for 2016 to the rest of the Avante range, which comes fully bonded in line with Elddis’ SoLiD construction process. These include a new panoramic Sky-Scape sunroof with internal LED ambient lighting and pleated night blind. More light has also been produced throughout thanks to a new front panel design with three opening double glazed windows adding to the feeling of an abundance of even more space.

‘Marone’ craftsman built cabinetry with handcrafted dovetailed drawers, as well as new overhead locker design with positive locking and removable shelves add a modern feel to the award-winning caravan, whilst new luxurious ‘Mayfair’ upholstery featuring high performance OZIO construction complements this.

The kitchens within the Avante range for 2016 benefit from an 800W Stainless Steel microwave, fully ventilated, with microwave isolation switch, with selected models fitted at an easy to access height, whilst a black gloss enamelled Aspire Mk2 oven, grill and dual fuel hob with spark ignition and 800W electric hotplate, three gas burners with smoked glass lid, as well as Domestic style fridge freezer with large storage capacity 110L (155L large fridge freezer on the Avante 636) also comes as standard.

An AL-KO galvanised steel chassis with AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC Trailer Control System for smooth towing performance and exceptional stability also comes along for the ride, shock absorbers and receiver for optional AL-KO wheel locks, plus AL-KO Euro over-run device with 2-way assisted handbrake.

Driving habits could make or break a first date

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by Daniella Almeida

The way to anyone’s heart is through proper driving skills, naturally

A new survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has revealed the UK’s biggest first date turn-offs and turn-ons and how a person drives is fundamentally important when trying to woo a date.

The number one turn-off reported was rudeness, as no one can remain interested in a boorish person for too long. 81 per cent of Brits reported that bad manners was definitely the worst thing a potential suitor could do on a first date. However, four out of 10 turn-offs were offences that happen in a car.

The beginning of many dates sometimes occur in a car, so it’s no surprise that how one presents themselves in this environment is crucial in creating a lasting impression. The issues cited that could ruin a date include road rage, texting whilst driving, talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and owning a dirty car. Nearly half the people (46 per cent) agreed that road rage was the worst first-date faux pas.

In contrast, good driving skills and owning a nice car made it to the list of first date turn-ons. The rest of the list, as follows:

Top 10 first date turn-offs:

Rudeness (81 per cent)
Bad personal hygiene (80 per cent)
No sense of humour (70 per cent)
Being self-obsessed (69 per cent)
Road rage (46 per cent)
Texting whilst driving (45 per cent)
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving (44 per cent)
Bad dress sense (40 per cent)
Sweaty palms (25 per cent)
Dirty car (23 per cent)

Top 10 first date turn-ons:

Sense of humour (81 per cent)
Politeness (77 per cent)
Good personal hygiene (69 per cent)
Good dress sense (50 per cent)
Looks (44 per cent)
Confidence (44 per cent)
Generosity (29 per cent)
Good driving skills (11 per cent)
Great shoes (9 per cent)
Nice car (7 per cent)

Although not listed, one in 10 (11 per cent) of those surveyed are irritated by someone who takes 15 minutes to park. Being overly cautious can harm your date as well as one in eight Brits (13 per cent) reported that drivers who go under the speed limit can be off-putting.

Chief executive of IAM, Sarah Sillars said: “Bad driving not only has an impact on the safety of our roads, but can also affect your chances of romance. Being able to manoeuvre properly and drive carefully should be much higher up on people’s dating priorities.”

The survey revealed that Brits will pick up on a date’s driving skills within the first 65 seconds of getting in the car, with half of them picking up on these quirks within 20 seconds.

It might be imperative for your love life to maintain proper driving skills.

Black Edition Kon-Tiki range enhanced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements drive the Black Edition Kon-Tiki motorhome into a new season

Following on from a successful sales record over the past two years, Swift has further enhanced the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016.

The Kon-Tiki cab will remain in black metallic with colour keyed bumpers, whilst being updated with new graphics which sweep into the white sides – now comprised of GRP on the outside.

Concentrating more on the cab, steering wheel controls have been added back for use with the DAB radio and Bluetooth hands free phone connection. A new 12V socket and USB socket – ideal for the new dash mounted tablet holder – also comes as standard across the range.

Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system has been enhanced for 2016 to SMART Plus, including three key enhancements: 1. A new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin providing greater durability from the elements. 2. An upgraded roof which is now hail resistant, and 3. The front window jig is now a full GRP and foam construction, reducing the amount of parts used in the panel and providing a flatter panel and stiffer surface for the front GRP panel and windows to fix to.

Moving further back into the living quarters of the Kon-Tiki, the new ‘Carabu’ part SwiftShield soft furnishing scheme provides for a more opulent feel, feauring oyster and dusk tones. The kitchen has also been given a bit of a makeover, with a new Hi-Mac acrylic stone solid worktop with underslung stainless steel sink. A new Dometic oven, which is exclusive to Swift, offers a sleeker and more efficient performance along with noise reduction.

Meanwhile, in the washroom, all ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki models will come with a new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with on/off button, a new shower bi-fold door and much more to allow for a refreshing break.

The range maintains many features from last season, including Alde central heating, AL-KO double floor chassis, cab air-conditioning, comprehensive lighting and power system, Duvalay mattresses, full-length awninig, BBQ point, 120W solar panel, external shower point, reversing camera and TRACKER Retrieve (Thatcham Category 7). Phew.

The addition of the all-new Swift Command control system featuring an intelligent power supply unit and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control panel functions makes monitoring everything that little bit easier and – thanks to a handy little app – can be accessed wherever you are in the world.

Five models comprise of the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016, namely the single-axle low-line Kon-Tiki 625 and Kon-Tiki 635 – both four seater, four berthers – as well as two TAG-axle low-line models by way of the four seater, four-berth 669 and 679, and also the high-line six seater six-berth Kon-Tiki 649.

Swift’s commercial director, Nick Page, said: “For the past two years, Kon-Tiki models have offered the best specification for price in the luxury market sector and this has been reflected in outstanding demand. The formula continues for 2016, all models have an even more opulent feel and provide fantastic value for money.”

Benevolent caravanner wants to give away free holiday

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by David Bates

Woman touched by scam victims offers caravan for free

A Derby-woman who jumped to the aid of a family caught by a Facebook holiday scam remains enthusiastic to give away a free holiday, even though the initial victims have already been saved.

Bev Davison, 50, was touched this past Friday (14 August) by the plight of Hannah Stone-Sherratt, 23, her 27-year-old husband and their three children, three-year-old-twins Jack and Olivia, and one-year-old Harry.

The Stone-Sherratts had been taken in by the offer of a two-day caravan holiday to Skegness advertised on facebook, which she thought would be perfect for her young family.

Having transferred £150 to the seller’s account, there was a suspicious lack of communication. The mother-of-three eventually contacted the resort, representatives of which confirmed they had never heard of the supposed seller.

Understandably distraught, the Stone-Sherratts spoke to the Derby Telegraph and, once their story appeared, were inundated with offers from generous caravanners, one of whom was Davison, offering replacement holiday spots.

“It’s not what I expected. I just wanted to get the news out there to warn other people. It’s good to know there are nice people out there”, Hannah said after the flood of offers.
Davison said of the scam: “It was a dirty trick. I don’t like to see things like that happen to people.

“If the family can go and enjoy themselves, I don’t mind them borrowing our caravan.”
Hannah and her family had already accepted the incredible kindness of Byron, 83, and Audrey Davis, 79, who gave a free week-long stay in their eight-berth static caravan to the family of five, before Davison’s equally heart-warming offer.

However, Davison is still feeling generous and wants the public to choose a fitting benefactor for a free caravan holiday.

Nominations for the holiday can be made by calling the Derby Telegraph’s Isaac Crowson on 01332 411999 or e-mailing isaac.crowson@derby telegraph.co.uk.

Family set to tour Europe in their caravan

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by Daniella Almeida

Veteran caravan tourists, the Meek family, set out to conquer Europe

After one year of touring through Britain as a family, the Meek family has their sights set on another year-long trip, this time throughout Europe.

This is neither the first, nor the second time that the Meek family has made headlines. The family first came onto the scene two years ago when parents Tim and Kerry Meek challenged their daughters Amy, 12, and Ella, 10, to ditch their television screens and complete 100 outdoor activities.

With that challenge accomplished, in September 2014, the couple, who are originally from Arnold, Nottingham, quit their jobs, sold their home, and took their daughters out of school with one radical notion in mind. The couple embarked on a 12 month adventure throughout the UK, citing that nothing would be more educational for their daughters than to experience history and life firsthand.

Since beginning their adventure, the Meek family have covered 13,000 miles, visiting historical sites, natural habitats, museums and exhibitions, etc. all the while packing in dozens of daily learning activities.

As the couple travelled from Nottingham up to the North of England and the Scottish borders, back down to London and across to Norfolk, the family of four saw some incredible things.

Among the many locations seen by the family are the Wind Farms in Derbyshire, a dormant volcano in Scotland, and Bletchley Park which is home of the Second World War codebreakers. Meanwhile, they’ve enjoyed paddle boarding, sand yachting, and cycling.

Since the first trip was such a success, they are extending their plans for another year and taking their caravan across Europe. Tim and Kerry hope that the continuation in their ‘ed-venture’ will allow the girls to hone their French and learn much more about the Second World War.

Mr. Meek, 46, a primary school teacher, said: “It has been a brilliant year – and we have got more from it than we even thought we would. It has encouraged the girls to not just have a love of learning, but a love of life.”

The family hopes to begin in Northern Ireland and the Republic, moving to France, Scotland, the Netherlands, and finally through Germany

Find out more about their adventures on the Meek family’s website where you can also read about the daughters’ experience on their blog! If that isn’t enough, the Meek family have also documented their adventures in their book “Learning Outdoors with the Meek Family.”

Caravans the focal point of new film

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by Daniella Almeida

Family caravan becomes focus of new film by budding Lancaster producer

24 year-old, Edward Rastelli-Lewis, releases the aptly titled “The Caravan” after working on the independent film for the past couple of years.

Rastelli-Lewis attended Ripley St. Thomas School in Lancaster before receiving his Degree in Film Production from The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 2012.

It’s no secret that caravanning is the leading holiday choice for Brits, so a film centering itself on a family caravan seems fitting.

“The Caravan” was inspired by Rastelli-Lewis’ discovery of a script penned by two actors.

Rastelli-Lewis told lancasterguardian.co.uk: “The film came about through two actors I met who had a script and wanted to move it forward.

“I helped with finance and funding, and we were able to move it on. It was filmed in Caernarfon, North Wales and Manchester.

“I love good storytelling, drama and narrative, things that influence people and change their way of thinking. I’m very proud of the film, it’s a good story,” he added.

The synopsis of the film, as described by Rastelli-Lewis: “When Georgina Langley succumbs to cancer, she leaves behind a will asking warring husband Keith and son James to restore the family caravan that has lapsed into a state of disrepair on a bleak Welsh coast Caravan Park. For two men who can’t stand to be in the same room together, it’s going to be a tough job and when a new woman comes into Keith’s life, James reacts badly, leading to a showdown that unearths a long buried secret.”

The film stars Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones/Trainspotting), Mark Sheals (Sherlock Holmes), and Darren Connolloy (Hector). The film can be purchased from iTunes, Google, Amazon, or Blinkbox.

Wiltshire Police crack down on caravans

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by Daniella Almeida

More than 100 vehicles stopped in an effort to maintain road safety

A representative from the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) joined the Wiltshire Police in a four day operation this week, targeting caravans and trailers. More than 100 vehicles were stopped during the event.

The team spent three days covering the north of the county along the M4 east and west carriageways and the A419. The final day was spent patrolling the south of the county on the A303 and the A36.

13 of the 100 vehicles stopped were charged with offences including being overweight or in a dangerous condition. Fixed penalty notices were also given to 19 drivers, one of which was charged for not having any insurance.

Minor traffic offences went unpunished, but the police made an effort to give advice to these drivers to avoid any future problems. The operation is part of an effort to ensure that motorists remain safe on the roads.

The week was chosen specifically for the surge of summer caravan holidayers on UK roads.

Police Chief Adrian Giles said: “It was an ideal time to carry out this kind of operation as so many people are out and about on their holidays, with caravans in tow.

“We weren’t aiming to cause disruption to people’s holidays however, and one of the main aims of the operation was simply to educate drivers and occupants about safer towing and ensure vehicles are road-worthy.

“We had a really positive reaction from nearly all the motorists we stopped who were happy to see that police treat caravan thefts as a very serious issue,” he concluded.

CRiS was on hand to focus on the crackdown of caravan thefts. Chief Giles said: “The CRiS were able to assist us during the operation with their equipment which enables us to identify any stolen caravans by the use of special scanner.

“During the operation, we were also able to check the general condition of the caravans and ensure drivers had the relevant licence entitlement.”

Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental enhancements announced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements with a luxurious twist added to Elegance and Continental ranges for 2016

The award-winning Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental will be optimized with new features and enhancements for 2016.

The new caravan season will see the popular ranges continue with five single axle and two twin axle models across each range and, inside, the soft furnishings will be more luxurious than ever before.

The new Elegance scheme for 2016 is called ‘Winchester Stone’, which comes with in oyster and dusk tones, featuring leather used for the top of the back rests and front of the base seat cushions. The Continental’s scheme, meanwhile, is called ‘Winchester Black’ and concentrates on a monochrome theme, featuring bedding with black leather accents to the top of the backrest and front of the base cushions.

The schemes described above are sure to fit in with the the off white locker doors with smoked oak effect, gloss woodgrain insert and matt black kitchen doors across the ranges.

Also within the kitchen area, a carpet boundary spit should ensure easier removal of the carpet should an inevitable spillage occur.

Perhaps the piece de resistance, however, it the new Swift Command control system which features as standard and includes an intelligent power supply until and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control pane; functions. A Swift Command app which can be downloaded to your tablet or smartphone also works well alongside Swift Command, enabling you to control and/or monitor many of your vehicle’s systems from the comfort of your seat – or even anywhere in the world.

Additional smaller enhancements include an on/off button for the new Ecocamel Orbit shower head, an increase in solar panel size to 80W, a travel lock for the TV bracket, swivel spout on vanity taps for ease of use and an upgraded hail resistant GRP roof thanks to Swift’s SMART HT construction. Fixing bars have also been added to the back of the panel, allowing the option to attach a Thule rear mounted cycle rack. LED side lights will also come as standard.

Swift commercial director, Nick Page, commented: “The Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental are still unmistakably our flagship ranges. Subtle finishing touches, a very high level of specification and the overall luxury interior design set them apart. They remain the ranges to aspire to an continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.”