Women set to cycle 150 miles for Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation

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By Claire Lawson

Over 100 women plan to cycle to raise money for a special caravan charity

106 women have signed up to take part in the annual On Yer Bike bicycle ride in the hope to raise money for the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation.

The ride, which will cover 150 miles in total, will travel through Portsmouth, Havart, Chichester and Brighton and will start this Friday (19 June), finishing off on Saturday (20 June) at the HMS Sultan Summer Show in a welcome ceremony for all particpants.

The Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation was set up following the tragic loss of Dave Waterman and wife Lorraine’s son, Oakley, to Rhabdomysarcoma – a rare form of cancer – at the age of six.
Oakley was first diagnosed with Rhabdomysarcoma in 2002 following the discovery of a tumor in his pelvis. The brave young kid went through extensive treatment therapy, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but unfortunately the tumor returned in 2005 and it was found to be inoperable.

The ride was set up by Gemma Glenton, who has worked for the charity for the past four years, and is aiming to raise £40,000 which will be used to buy a new caravan that will allow families with sick children to have a much-deserved holiday.

The ride, which has gained the support from the British Cycling Association, was a huge success last year, raising £20,000. This year looks set to be no different, with over 100 riders signing up for the ride within 24 hours of completing the previous ride last year.

Mr Waterman spoke of the support received so far, saying “The community – as well as people across the country who are now part of Oak’s Army – are getting behind us and it’s given us the drive to keep carrying on.”

To find out how you can help, visit the official Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation website here.

The miniature Gidget Retro Teardrop camper… is not so miniature!

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By Josh Budd

Gidget presents their latest caravanning triumph showcasing their unique folding design

Australian-based Gidget have released their newest camper, reinventing and reimagining the classic teardrop campers of the early twentieth century.

Gidget’s new design includes a rather spectacular twist; do not let your eyes fool you, as the seemingly small, cramped and uncomfortable camper is in fact much more spacious and lavish than you might think.

The Gidget Retro Teardrop camper comprises of all kinds of hidden compartments, proving to be an extremely space efficient and surprisingly spacious caravan indeed.

The queen-sized bed can be folded out in a matter of seconds, and the rear of the caravan lifts up, revealing a neatly concealed sink and bathroom counter, complete with an easy-access built in fridge.

This tiny treasure comes with pressurized running water and numerous electricity ports – the 2015 version throws in a rotatable television and incorporates a skylight into the roof, enabling you to gaze up to the stars.

If that is not enough to sway you, Gidget’s miniature marvel starts at only £10,000, a vastly cheaper price-tag than that of the average camper van.

If you’re looking to find out more about Gidget’s latest wonder, you can visit their website.

Check out the video below to see the Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper in action!

Auto-Trail set to expand business facilities by 50 per cent

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By Josh Budd

Award winning manufacturer planning to expand

Auto-trail is set for expansion, in a move set to expand its Grimsby headquarters by almost 50 per cent.

The expansion will see 5,000 square metres added to the company’s 11,000 square metre empire, proving stark contrast to previous company woes and solidifying the company’s bounce back from 2002’s economic tumult.

The French-owned company has certainly been put to the test in recent years, with a previous economic recession forcing Auto-Trail to reduce its staff to only 99 employees, as their luxury caravanning range took a huge hit due to a dramatic fall in demand.

The Grimsby-based caravanning enthusiasts are now back on track however, with the company now enjoying a £55 million turnover, and re-employing their previously relieved workforce whilst planning to create more job opportunities for local talent.

Auto-Trail attribute their success to the rapidly increasing demand for motorhomes worldwide. Joint managing director, Stuart Turpin, commented: “Last year it was up by 22 per cent, and the year before that 18 per cent. This year is tracking ahead of last year. As an industry we are putting 10,000 motorhomes a year out.”

“This factory is peaking with production, and looking to the future it is a case of peak and then stand still, relocate or expand. We’re looking to expand here, where we have a good team and a strong operation.”

Auto-Trail are even branching out to Australia and New Zealand, where their brand has enjoyed growing popularity.

The company’s new expansion will consequently require a rethinking of how their caravan’s will be manufactured – moving towards a clinical car-assembly model to accommodate a range of 24 different vehicles, 45 different layouts, as well as to specific customer needs.

The popular caravan brand, Trigano, manufacture their caravans with Auto-Trail, and boast wide success in the UK, making 30 per cent of all UK caravan sales.

Turpin is optimistic about the future of Auto-Trail, looking forward to growing the company even further. He said: “Long term we could double capacity, but it won’t be a flick of the switch, it will be gradual. As we grow there will be jobs.

“I am extremely pleased with the growing popularity of all Trigano products within the UK. Looking forward, I, together with my team are very positive about the future. For that reason, I feel now is the right time to invest further and expand our UK production facilities in Grimsby,” Turpin continued.

The recent high demand for motorhomes isn’t the only contributing factor towards Auto-Trail’s thriving success; The Caravan Club have noticed Auto-Trail’s passion for manufacturing quality caravans, and has recently flooded their latest range with the highest praise.

It is good to see that the growing popularity in caravanning is having such a positive impact on the industry, helping create jobs and, more importantly, more caravans!

Petition started to prevent closure of popular Kent caravan park

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By Claire Lawson

Group bids to save caravanners from eviction from popular Whitstable site

A group of caravan owners have started a petition to prevent eviction from a popular caravan park in Whitstable, Kent.

The petition for the prevention of closure of the site, situated behind The Sportsman Pub, which has already received over 450 signatures, comes after the site’s landowner and brewery, Shepherd Neame, made the decision to close the site after 50 years, giving caravanners until 31 August to leave.

News surrounding closure of the site has come as a great shock to frequent visitors to the site who include teachers, nurses, and war veterans, who have utilised the site’s location and facilities for over 50 years, referring to the site as their ‘haven’ and ‘getaway’.

Caravanner and facilitator of the petition, Patrick O’Neill, explained: “This is people’s lives down here; it’s safe and the young and old respect each other and you don’t often see that in today’s society.

“We are like one big family and it’s devastating. There have been endless tears over the past few weeks and some of the elderly residents have not been able to sleep with worry as we don’t know what the future holds for our special community.

“It’s especially heart-breaking for the older people who have had invaluable support from each other here. I’m not sure how they will get on without that,” O’Neill continued.

A statement on behalf of Neame and Harris has since been released saying: “Following a joint review of the existing site, an exciting future is envisaged for the site.

“Representation has been received from the occupants of the caravans, so the brewery is now investigating all the relevant facts in order to establish the positions of all those involved,” it finished.

What do you think of Shepherd Neame’s decision to close the If you would like to sign the petition, click here.

Increase in festival leisure vehicle hire for 2015

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By Emily Boneham

Comfort over canvas is the order of the day for festival-goers in 2015

This summer, festival-goers could be more likely to get lost in a mass of campervans than tents, according to new research.

The increase in hire leisure vehicles getting ready to joing in with this summer’s festivities comes as campervan hire company, Unbeatable Hire, have announced bookings for Glastonbury have increased by 60 per cent compared to three years ago, whilst bookings for V Festival, Chelmsford are up 113 per cent since 2012.

Headlining the sudden surge for 2015, however, is the Latitude festival, with bookings up by an astronomical 433 per cent.

Unbeatable spokesman Renford Nelson said: “Our customers have said that staying in a motorhome at music festivals is not only a lot more fun than a hotel, but also cost-effective.

“Festivals generally make up ten per cent or more of our overall annual bookings, and 2015 looking even stronger with 15 per cent or more of the annual bookings.”

Motorhomes can be hired for around £100 a day during the summer, proving rather costly, but could you be tempted away from tradition in favour of comfort? Let us know whether you’ll be taking your four wheeled friend to a festival this year.

Majority of motorists oppose decision to discard paper counterpart driving licence

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By Josh Budd

New poll reveals that motorists do not want the paper counterpart to be abandoned

A new poll, carried out by Motorpoint, has revealed that the majority of British motorists are against the recent removal of the paper counterpart driving licence, implemented earlier last week.

Almost a thousand people took part in Motorpoint’s poll, with the results showing that 53.1 per cent of those surveyed stand in opposition to the recent changes.

The sudden changes have evidently left people confused, as those who are less IT savvy will be forced to grapple with the new online service that has now replaced the paper counterpart.

The government has since assured the public that the new changes made will save people the unnecessary fee of £20 that covers the cost of a new paper counterpart, and, with 445,000 paper counterparts going missing last year, it seems that the new online system will surely save our wallets.

Managing director of Motorpoint, Mark Carpenter, expressed his confidence in the government’s new scheme, saying: “Although the changes announced by the Government have caused some initial confusion over the medium to long term the new system once it has settled down should prove to be more efficient as well as cost effective for drivers.”

What are your thoughts? Have the new changes left you confused about where you stand with your driving licence? Are you sceptical about whether the replacement online system will save you time? Let us know!

Monday mayhem as British roads see two caravan crashes in one day

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By Josh Budd

Closures on British motorways as two devastating caravan crashes grind roads to a standstill

Monday saw caravan destruction on British roads with two major crashes causing road closures and severe delays, as rescue crews rushed to each scene.

The first accident occurred at 10:50am yesterday morning on the M6 motorway, after a dangerous collision between a lorry and a caravan that was occupying the middle lane.

It appears that the accident arose when the driver of the saloon car towing the caravan, suddenly spotted a tyre lying discarded in the road, and, in a last-second attempt to evade it, swerved into the middle lane and into the path of an approaching HGV lorry.

Closing junction 13 near Stratford, rescue teams quickly responded arriving just seven minutes later and soon discovered with a sigh of relief that, miraculously, no one was injured.

The crash certainly took its toll on the caravan, however, with shocking and unsettling images of the resulting wreckage, revealing the caravan in question, almost torn in half, with the rear doors being completely decimated in the collision.

Later that afternoon, more chaos occurred as a caravan was overturned on the M40 heading southbound between junctions 5 and 6. The caravan owner’s family, who were passengers in the car towing the caravan, remained unscathed, managing to vacate the vehicle following the incident.

The scene was secured by two fire crews from High Wycombe and one from Thame, closing a single lane on the motorway.

Thankfully, no one was injured in Monday’s caravan fiascos, but the roads are bound to get busier this summer, as people all over Britain head off on their summer holidays.

Make sure you are extra vigilant and take regular breaks when hitting the road, to ensure you remain safe and your caravan remains intact.

Be a Happier Camper with a retro style campervan

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By Emily Boneham

New campervan brings the 50s style into the modern day

Think caravanning is not very rock and roll? Think again.

The new Happier Camper takes vintage style, VW features and modern day appliances and rolls them into one beautifully compact 4m by 2.1m bundle of loveliness.

The ‘Adaptiv’ system allows six basic components – a bench, kitchenette, table, cushion, floor panel and lid – and enables you to mix and match as you wish.

Fit the Happier Camper with up to five beds and simply leave the camper empty for as much space as possible. The possibilities are endless.

Such versatility almost takes us back to the 1976 Bailey’s Maestro C with it’s changeable seating.

You can also opt in for modern additions, like a Bose audio system or a heated shower.

You’ll have to hold on to your money just a little longer. In the US, the Happier Campers are currently on sale for around $13,950 (approximately £8950).

Unfortunately the UK will have to wait until at least next year. Until then, enjoy your Happier dreams!

Carl Fogarty supports Freedom to Go in Airstream caravan

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By Claire Lawson

Fogarty boosts Freedom to Go campaign in his own Airstream caravan

Former World Superbike racing champion, Carl Fogarty MBE is the latest celebrity to become ambassador for the Freedom to Go campaign.

The former motorcycle champion and winner of 2014’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here has chosen to enjoy his leisure time in his own Airstream caravan, providing him with a relaxing alternative to the high speed lifestyle he became famous for following retirement in 2000 due to injury.

Describing why he chooses to spend his time travelling around in his caravan, Foggy appreciates the quality with which the Airstream is built, along with the freedom he gains come rain or shine.

In an interview with Airstream, Foggy stated, “Just to go somewhere on the coast with a caravan, you set it all up with a barbecue outside. Or you get the push bikes out, or get the dogs out. It just makes you feel alive.”

Foggy has also become an ambassador for the Freedom to Go campaign in an effort to get people out into the UK countryside and to enjoy the leisurely lifestyle caravans allow.

“The UK boasts a wealth of natural beauty and culture, and leisure vehicles are a great way to make the most of this,” Foggy continued, whilst explaining how leisure vehicles played an important role during his racing days. “When I was on the Superbikes circuit, motorhomes played a huge role in letting me do what I loved best and I’m all for encouraging people to enjoy the freedom of going where they like, when they like and I’m delighted to be getting behind the campaign.”

Rachel Piggott, from Freedom to Go said: “Foggy embodies everything that the Freedom to Go campaign stands for and we want to inspire people to give leisure vehicles a go, and explore the best that the Great British Isles have to offer.”

Foggy joins the campaign with other sporting personalities including British racing driver Oli Webb and rising surf star Melodie King.

See the video below to find out why Foggy enjoys going out in his Airstream.

Acorn Wood wins The Camping & Caravanning Club Best Certified Site Award

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Claire Lawson

Small Lincolnshire campsite wins prestigious award based on customer reviews

Proving big isn’t always best, Acorn Wood caravan site has scooped the prestigious title of Best Certificated Site (CS) 2014.

The site, situated in Burton-upon-Stather in Lincolnshire and able to accommodate a maximum of five caravans, was awarded with the title based upon having received the most positive reviews and nominations by Camping and Carvanning Club members.

Various factors contributed to the win, including the site’s popular fishing lake as well as location, with Acorn Wood being situated very close to the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding National Beauty and Peak District National Park.

The site was bought by Heather and Martin Thompson in the 1990s who then opened the site in 2008 to share their very own little slice of heaven.

“Martin and I are absolutely over the moon to have been given this award. It’s a huge recognition for all our efforts over the years, and we cannot thank everyone enough for all their support,” said Heather.

Acorn Wood also won the Best Facilities award 2014, and members love the spotless facilities and peaceful setting.

Darren Whittington, the Club’s membership services director, said: “Winning Best CS and being nominated for two other categories is testament to Acorn Wood’s popularity and appeal among Club members.

“Offering a beautiful fishing lake on Site, a nature reserve nearby and all within an hour’s drive of both Leeds and Hull, Acorn Wood is a great example of the diverse and unique nature of our Certificated Sites network,” he finished.

Caravan Club virtual Twitter tour with world’s first caravan, The Wanderer, will inspire `spirit of adventure`

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By Emily Boneham

The Wanderer celebrates 130 years since its first tour

This June marks the 130th anniversary of the The Wanderer’s maiden voyage. Owned by popular Victorian author, Dr William Gordon Stables, the world’s first purpose-built leisure touring caravan travelled 1,400 miles during the summer of 1885.

Twitter followers of The Caravan Club Collection, based at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, will be able to retrace the steps of The Wanderer online over the summer months.

It was towed by two horses from Twyford in Berkshire to Inverness, from where the caravan returned to London by rail before continuing its journey along the South Coast, reaching as far as Lymington in the New Forest.

Highlights of this pioneering journey will be shared on The Caravan Club Collection’s Twitter account along with accompanying blogs.

Details of the tour will be taken from Dr Gordon Stables’ account of his travels in his book The Cruise of the Land Yacht Wanderer, with photographs and illustrations of the caravan placed on public display for the first time.

In the 1960s, the caravan was bequeathed to The Caravan Club by Dr Stables’ daughter and has since been situated permanently at the Club Site at Broadway, Worcestershire.

“William Gordon Stables was a true adventurer, with a pioneering spirit and a genuine appreciation of the great outdoors and the benefits the natural world brings to mind and body,” explained Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club.

“For many Club members this is still the essence of touring caravanning and the freedom that goes with it, so we are delighted to mark this anniversary and inspire others with that same spirit of adventure.”

To keep up to date with this celebration of The Wanderer’s first journey, follow The Caravan Club Collection on Twitter or through the hashtag #Wanderer130.

Followers will also be invited to share their own pictures of the towns, villages and landmarks which Gordon Stables visited en route.

Make Holidays Greener Month starts this July: Play your part!

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By Josh Budd

The Big Holiday Beach Clean starts this July

This July, Make Holidays Greener Month returns, encouraging holiday-goers to think about how they can contribute towards making our beaches cleaner, less polluted and more eco-friendly.

With this year’s theme concentrating on ‘cleaner, greener beaches’, Make Holidays Greener are set to launch a worldwide project with ambitions to clean over 100 beaches in 22 countries, by seeking the assistance of communities all over the world to participate in their large-scale beach clean-ups.

Along with hosting organised beach clean-ups, Make Holidays Greener will be offering handy tips and advice to help holidaymakers do their bit this summer, helping to reduce pollution and litter across beaches all over the world.

To make sure we can all enjoy pristine and beautiful beaches for years to come, some of the things Make Holidays Greener advise are:

  • Reduce the amount of excess packaging you plan to carry before you travel. Leave your plastic bags at home, as turtles can mistake them for jellyfish and eat them, causing them fatal harm.
  • Take an ashtray with you, to help limit the amount of pollution from cigarette butts that can severely damage our oceans.
  • Bring reusable drinking bottles instead of plastic ones, to reduce the chance of them making their way into the ocean.

According to research carried out, plastic particles from pollution and litter have significantly affected the wellbeing of our oceans, with 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic currently endangering the lives of our ocean’s inhabitants.

This new beach-cleaning initiative of helping to tidy up litter as well as protect the natural habitats of the ocean, endeavors to make us think about how we can often directly affect the environment without realising it, giving us the opportunity to play our part in keeping our holidays enjoyable for everyone.

To muck in and play your part for the environment this summer, visit the Make Holidays Greener website to find out how you can join in the next beach clean-up near you.