The CaravanTimes guide to the oddest general election polling stations in the UK for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey
CaravanTimes takes a look at some of the quirkiest polling stations across the UK, including the trusty caravan

Following six weeks of frantic campaigning and kissing babies, it’s a fight to the finish in one of the closet general election calls ever. Will Cameron be calling in the removal men, or will Miliband be munching on bacon rolls and comfort eating in his second kitchen? Will we see another coalition government, or will one politician take home the prime ministerial prize? Those questions remain unanswered, although one thing is pretty certain – tomorrow morning we will wake up the possibility of a new government.

Millions of people across the UK will be heading out in their droves today to vote in the UK general election, but it’s not just town halls, schools and local council buildings that are serving their purpose and getting in on the act to enable UK constituents to cast their vote. For some, especially those living in more rural areas of the UK, makeshift polling stations of a more strange variety are providing a lifeline for local residents to allow their voice to be heard.

The rules surrounding the UK’s 50,000 polling stations are simple; they should be accessible, identifiable, be the right size to meet the needs of the local electorate and provide privacy for voters. In order to secure your vote this time around, polling stations have been set up across the land and will be open for those eligible to vote in the UK to do so until 10pm this evening. Here, CaravanTimes takes a look at some of the oddest polling stations we’ve seen this year so far.

Pubs
If ever you needed an excuse to go for a pint, now’s your chance. In what makes for a refreshing change – in every sense of the word – some pubs across the UK, including the Dolphin Inn in Gillingham, Kent, will be opening their doors early from 7am to enable punters to make their voice heard. We’re not entirely sure whether you’ll get served at this time, but planning is everything people, so make sure you turn up after 11am if you need to mull over a pint and quench your thirst before making that all important decision.

Sports venues
Supporting your local team, perhaps, goes hand in hand with supporting your local MP, which makes sporting venues across the country an ideal choice for the discerning voter in you. And many sports venues are getting in on the election frenzy in order to provide the perfect place to allow some to root for their choice of political party. One such place is Hallam Football Club’s Sandygate in Sheffield, home to the world’s oldest football ground. The ballot boxes aren’t just reserved for the game of two halves though, with the cricket club pavilion in Little Bardfield, Essex, playing their part too.

Places of worship
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.” And how right he was. We’re not saying he was referring to polling stations here, but many places of worship across the land will be opening up their doors to welcome all comers looking to place a cross on their ballot paper. Christianity is far from the only religion whose buildings will be put to use though, with many other places of worship opening up their doors to enable members of their local communities to vote, including Bradford’s Shree Hindu Temple and the Central Synagogue in Marylebone, London.

Launderette
We’ve lost count of the number of times MPs have had their dirty laundry aired in public, but now it looks as though the Ace Launderette in Oxford could work in their favour, having opened up once again to accept people’s votes for the general election 2015. Amidst the service washes, washing powder, spinning drums and random loose socks will be ballot boxes for locals to help decide the next prime minister. The only question that remains is will the Conservatives remain on a repeat cycle?

Caravans
We’ve certainly saved the best for last here folks. It goes without saying that we all know how caravans serve their purpose when it comes to getting out and about and exploring all the UK has to offer, but they’re not just used for leisure purposes. For many living in more remote and rural regions in the UK, caravans have provided an ideal opportunity to make their vote count for decades. Although it does pain us to say that instances of casting votes in caravans are on the decline, including in the remote region of Coulags in the Scottish Highlands, where its caravan polling station was deemed not fit for purpose last year following health and safety concerns after over 30 years. Never fear though, villages such as Kenton in Suffolk haven’t banned theirs and are still towing the caravan into action as can be seen below.

So there you have it – some of the country’s quirkiest poling stations. Wherever you’re located, it seems there’s certainly somewhere for everyone to cast their vote today. Let us know if you’ve done the deed and what your polling station is like in the comments below.

Jodie Kidd for BBC Top Gear presenter role?

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By Joe Jeffrey

BBC reportedly in talks with Kidd, according to reports

The BBC is reportedly in advanced talks to sign the next three co-presenters for its popular mainstay show, Top Gear.

According to the Sunday Express, Top Gear’s co-creator Andy Wilman, who has since quit the successful series, was allegedly overheard discussing a shortlist, consisting of Guy Martin, Philip Glenister and well-renowned caravan-hater, Kidd, stepping in to replace Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May following their departure earlier this year.

Kidd may seem like a bit of an odd choice for a testosterone-fuelled show such as Top Gear, but she has long been on the list of bookies’ favourites to take the reigns of the flagship BBC2 show since a rehash of the programme was announced.

Currently presenting Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show, the ‘model’ looks to have shown off one more credential which would place her in high esteem for taking over from Clarkson et al – her dislike of caravans. In a rant to the Express newspaper, the 36-year-old form Surrey described caravans as a “total pain” and called for them to be banned from single-track roads – a sentiment which caused outrange across the caravanning community.

The BBC has so far declined to comment, but here’s your opportunity to. What do you think about the possible decision for Jodie Kidd to co-present Top Gear?

Coachman Caravans invests in future of UK workforce

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by Alice Scarsi

Coachman bets on new generation ahead of general election, and is set to welcome a new apprentice onto its squad

One of the UK’s leading caravan manufacturers, Coachman Caravans, will reach a record number of apprentices employed this month following welcoming a new apprentice into its fold.

The new addition to Coachman’s apprenticeship programme comes amidst the 2015 general election campaign, bringing apprenticeships to the fore nationally, with all major parties pledging their commitment to create thousands more apprenticeships for young people. It also marks Coachman’s long-standing efforts to build upon its growing workforce, with the latest hiring meaning apprentices make up an impressive 3.5 per cent of Coachman’s 167-strong workforce in Hull, East Yorkshire.

Election aside, it seems as though Coachman is already working towards their own personal goal, investing in both the future of its business and the caravan industry, evidently demonstrating a growth in confidence within the sector.

The new trainee is set to be based in Coachman’s maintenance department, where he will learn his trade on the job, whilst continuing to undertake qualifications at Hull training provider, HETA.

Coachman’s HR manager, Diane McDermid, highlighted how important the apprenticeship programme is for the future of the manufacturer, having introduced the scheme back in 2008: “Since the scheme started, we have recruited twelve apprentices and supported them with in-house training and college courses, so that they can gain formal qualifications as well as practical skills.

“Three former apprentices have now gone on to full-time roles within the business. Two work on the production line, in the Furnishing and Exterior gangs, whilst the third works in the Laminating Department. So far, our apprenticeship programme has been a great success and we would definitely encourage other businesses throughout the region to offer these opportunities to young adults.”

Diesel vehicles facing ban in the UK

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by Justine Iorga
Diesel cars could be looking at being banished in an effort to reduce air pollution
Diesel cars could soon be getting the scrap in the UK following a Supreme Court ruling the government must take necessary steps to reduce high levels of air pollution.
The news comes as the UK is looking at millions of pounds in fines from the European Commission for failing to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as well as a hefty fine from the European Court of Justice for failing to reduce pollution levels.
As judges in Britain’s highest court met earlier this week, they demanded the Department of the Environment submit new air quality plans by the end of the year.
Over the past decade, the number of diesel cars on Britain’s roads has risen from 1.6 million to more than 11 million, meaning that diesel vehicles account for a third of cars. Environmental and motoring groups explained that diesel cars and trucks were being targeted because they emit the largest amount of nitrogen dioxide.
The ruling could provide a problem for caravanners that have a diesel tow car as they will be forced to essentially get rid of their vehicles.
President of the AA, Edmund King, believes that the 11 million motorists who were ‘misled’ into buying diesel cars during Gordon Brown’s ‘dash for diesel’ will feel betrayed if these vehicles get banished. King commented on the issue, saying: “There have been confusing messages and the goal now seems to have changed from encouragement to the demonising of diesel.
“This won’t just affect big polluting trucks, but taxi drivers and families with people-carriers as well. This could drive down the value of cars dramatically.
“We all want better air quality but knee-jerk reactions without considering the science will not help air quality, industry or drivers.”
Richard Gane, director and transport sector specialist at supply chain company Vendigital, spoke on this current issue saying: “If the Government decides to fast forward its plans to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, this would add weight to the growing environmental lobby against diesel-engine vehicles and potentially could lead to them being phased out, perhaps via an incentivised scrappage scheme.
“For businesses that rely on regular road transport deliveries, any movement away from diesel engine vehicles would have significant supply chain implications.”
As for Caroline Russell, Green Party Local Transport spokesperson, she believes that removing diesel cars is for the better stating: “Diesel vehicles, even the latest Euro 6 standard, are polluting and dangerous to our health. We must limit their use in towns and cities with ultra-low emission zones.”
The Department for the Environment declined to comment on this mixed debate due to the upcoming election, but they did manage to confirm that the government was committed to revising plans by the end of the year and complying with EU limits ‘in the shortest possible time.’
What do you think? Could this be a problem for caravanners and motorists all over the UK or would a potential change be for the better? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Entertainment under the microscope at Park Resorts

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by Joe Jeffrey
CaravanTimes takes a look at the influx of entertainment that can be found at park Resorts this summer
When it comes to idyllic settings, plenty of rest and relaxation and a holiday to remember, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find somewhere that can top the Isle of Wight. From exploring quirky little towns, to discovering the beautiful wildlife this little island just off of mainland UK has to offer, there’s so much to see and do. But when it comes to winding down for the evening, what do you do?

Well, Park Resorts has certainly got it covered with their jam-packed entertainment schedule.
From daytime and evening entertainment and activities for the kids, including Balloonatics, water polo and the Madness and Mayhem disco, to a fun-filled nighttime schedule for the grownups including game shows, cabaret and lots more, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be scrambling to fit it all in.

The fun and entertainment doesn’t stop there though, and with some big names having already graced Park Resorts’ stage and plenty more scheduled to do so, you’ll be getting west end quality entertainment from the comfort of your very own resort.
And for when you’re exhausted from all your resort has to offer, Park Resorts also offers a number of more relaxing choices, including Movie Under the Stars – a perfect opportunity to enjoy a movie under the moonlight sky whilst cozied up to your loved ones in the great outdoors.
Watch our video here to find out more.

Lotus releases Mini Grill just in time for summer

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by Joe Jeffrey

Grab your discount on a new Lotus Mini Grill now!

The company behind the award-winning Lotus Grill is set to launch a new compact mini grill just in time for the summer.

The new Lotus Mini Grill is smaller, lighter and more compact than its predecessor and comes with a grill plate for that authentic barbeque flavor, with the ability to convert into a handy little camping stove able to boil 1.5 litres of water in just a few minutes. What’s more, weighing just 2kgs and measuring in at just 225mm in height and 240mm in diameter, it’s not exactly going to clutter up your caravan when not in use.

Perhaps the most impressive thing we found about the Lotus Mini Grill is its ability to fire up fast. Achieved by Lotus’ patented, ‘bellows’ system, which sees an adjustable fan blow air directly onto charcoal to create rapid high heat, you’ll be ready to throw your bangers onto the grill in under four minutes from the time you light up.

Another good thing about the German-designed and engineered Mini Grill is that it uses around 90 per cent less charcoal than other barbeques, whilst the built-in battery-operated fan will cut down on fumes and smoke. For those of us who are health conscious, a additional bonus is that any excess oil and fat ends up in a removable drip tray and not in your tummy.

The Lotus Mini Grill is available now, priced at £99.95. We don’t want you to pay that price though, so CaravanTimes has teamed up with Lotus to offer of our readers ten per cent off of ALL Lotus products until 30 May.

All you need to do is click here to reveal the code and then visit Cuckoo Land to order yours in time for summer now.

National Caravan Council comments on BBC Richard Bacon Panorama caravan drama

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by Joe Jeffrey

Footage showing Panorama presenter and interviewee inside moving caravan ‘unlawful and unsafe’ according to consultant to the NCC and NaVCIS

The National Caravan Council (NCC) has commented on the controversy surrounding an episode of Panorama in which a series of interviews were conducted inside a caravan while it was being towed.

On Monday, the BBC flagship current affairs programme, entitled ‘Who Will Win the Election?’, featured presenter Richard Bacon conducting a series of interviews with renowned US statistician, Nate Silver, inside an Airstream caravan while it was being towed on busy highways and even, it seems, hogging the middle lane of a motorway travelling from Lincolnshire to Scotland.

Additionally, programme makers also failed to ensure towing mirrors were attached to the tow vehicle, despite the fact it is a legal requirement to have mirrors that allow drivers to see clearly an area that is four metres wide from the side of a caravan at a distance of 20 metres behind the driver.

And now, Tim Booth, consultant to trade association for the caravan industry, the NCC, has expressed concern over the BBC’s potentially dangerous decision to feature such irresponsible footage.

Booth, who is also a member of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), an organisation which trains and supports police officers across the UK and Europe, told CaravanTimes: “It is unfortunate that the BBC have chosen to interview in this way – in unlawful and unsafe, and potentially dangerous circumstances. The vehicle combination would have failed a number of routine checks if stopped by police.”

It’s not just those inside that were endangered by the BBC’s decision to film inside a moving caravan though, but also other road users, according to Booth.

“A vehicle lit for filming is potentially a great distraction to other drivers. The film shows serious offences – passengers not wearing seat belts, no towing mirrors to safely see around the towed vehicle (£50 fine per mirror), hogging the centre lane of a motorway. that alone is potentially 3 penalty points and £100 fine.”

When questioned as to whether BBC programme makers may have possibly edited footage in order to make it seem as though occupants were inside the caravan travelling any length of distance when they were not, Booth said: “Even if it was the case, it is dangerous because viewers could assume this was a lawful and acceptable way to travel.

“Such reporting could be considered irresponsible – not at all what would be expected from a well-informed, factual based programme such as Panorama,” the expert added.

As previously mentioned, CaravanTimes has reached out to the BBC but the corporation has so far declined to comment. Keep checking back on CaravanTimes for more news on this story as and when it develops.

Phallic images used to highlight pothole problems on roads

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by Joe Jeffrey

Anonymous artist takes to the road to highlight pothole problem with phallic results

An artist in Manchester has started his very own one-man crusade to deal with potholes on Manchester’s roads – by spray-painting phallic images of penises around them.

The anonymous artist, known only as ‘Wanksy’, in homage to elusive street artist, Banksy, is certainly achieving results, with many potholes highlighted having been repaired within hours of the makeshift appendage art appearing.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the mystery man, seemingly with a penchant for all things phallic, said of his plight: “The roads of Manchester are in an appalling state, especially around Bury.

“They damage vehicles. Sometimes it’s hard to know which pothole caused the damage because there are so many. When I’ve finished in Ramsbottom, I’ll move on to the rest of Manchester.”

Wanksy went on: “I wanted to attract attention to the pothole and make it memorable. Nothing seemed to do this better than a giant comedy phallus. It’s also speedy, I don’t want to be in the road for a long time. It seems to have become my signature.”

The artist, who uses non-permanent paint for each phallus has already attracted over 16,000 ‘likes’ on his Facebook page and the figure is growing impressively as his plight continues to build from press attention garnered.

“I just want to make people smile and draw attention to the problem. It seems to be working, judging from the Facebook fan page,” Wanksy added.

Not everyone is smiling, however, according to a spokesperson for Bury council who said: “The actions of this individual are not only stupid but incredibly insulting to local residents.

“Has this person, for just one second, considered how families with young children must feel when they are confronted with these obscene symbols as they walk to school? Not only is this vandalism, but it’s also counter-productive.

“Painting obscenities around potholes will not get them repaired any quicker, but simply waste valuable time and resources.”

What do you think about this rather original way of highlighting pothole problems on Britain’s roads?

Technology becoming hazardous for drivers says Institute of Advanced Motorists

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By Claire Lawson

IAM claims high-tech cars create more distractions for motorists

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has hit out at car manufacturers that are building new vehicles with such advanced technology that they have become distractions for people whilst driving.

IAM chief executive, Sarah Sillars, says efforts to reduce driver distractions is being undone as new cars are being built by manufacturers who are eager to pack more gadgets into their vehicles.

Sillars claims main concerns are for the highly sophisticated satellite navigation and GPS systems, and the smartphones that have easy connectivity to the Internet and social media. The IAM are keen to implement the same guidelines that the US Department of Transportation and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) follow.

The NHSTA want to restrict drivers from non-essential forms of technology when vehicles are moving. They also state that no technology should be introduced to cars that take drivers’ attention away from the road for longer than two seconds.

Official data from the US has found in 2011, over 3,000 drivers were killed and another 387,000 were injured by motorists being distracted. A more worrying figure found that more than a quarter of teen-driving crashes in the US are because of distracted drivers.

Sillars said, “We cannot allow the same trends in the USA to happen here. While car makers work constantly to incorporate active and passive safety features into vehicles, making us safer than ever before, they are also guilty of making us too comfortable and making us feel more cosseted.”

With technology constantly changing, the IAM also wants education campaigns to continue to reinforce and update current laws.

“Technology could be a great way of helping to cut the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. It would be a tragedy if technology became a reason why more, rather than less, people lose their lives,” Sillars added.

Keith Harris of Keith Harris and Orville fame passes away

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by Joe Jeffrey
Harris revealed he was cancer-free just a year ago at North Wales caravan park
The entertainment world woke to sad news today, following the announcement that ventriloquist Keith Harris, famous for his act with sidekick Orville the Duck, had died in hospital in Blackpool following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 67-years-old.
A mainstay on Saturday night television between 1982 and 1990, Harris later took to performing at caravan and holiday parks across the country in various residences.
Harris’ most notable accolade was his hit single, featuring Orville the Duck, ‘I Wish I Could Fly’, which reached number four in the UK charts in 1983, selling 400,000 copies.
First diagnosed with cancer of the spleen in 2013, Harris underwent four months of chemotherapy before being given the all-clear and allowing the entertainer to return to the stage, during which he revealed to the audience at a caravan park in Prestatyn, North Wales that he had beaten the horrible disease.
Unfortunately Harris became ill again in January this year, and the cancer returned to claim his life this time around.
Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry yesterday following news reaching showbiz circles of the entertainer’s demise, including singer and broadcaster Aled Jones, who wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of Keith Harris – sending best wishes to his family and friends.”
Keith Chegwin tweeted: “So Sad. A great entertainer and all round nice man Keith Harris has passed away. Best wishes to his family at this sad time. RIP x.”
Harris is survived by his fourth wife Sarah, and their two children, Kitty and Shenton, as well as a daughter, Skye, from his first marriage to singer Jacqui Scott.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.

BBC Panorama election special with Richard Bacon promotes illegal caravan activity

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by Joe Jeffrey

BBC under fire as Richard Bacon and election expert flout law and conduct interview inside moving Airstream

BBC flagship current affairs programme, Panorama, has been caught up in a storm of controversy following Monday night’s episode in which a series of interviews were unsafely conducted inside a caravan whilst being towed.

The ‘Who Will Win the Election’ Panorama special saw presenter, Richard Bacon, and renowned US statistician, Nate Silver, embark upon a whistle-stop tour of the UK inside an Airstream caravan, stopping off at various locations to gauge the general public’s opinion on who would be successful in next month’s general election.

During the 30-minute programme, both presenter, Bacon, and statistician, Silver, remained sat in the Airstream as it was towed by a BMW X5 through traffic on busy public highways and even, it seems, hogging the middle lane of a motorway travelling from Lincolnshire to Scotland, despite very little traffic in the slow lane. A camera and sound crew was also on board.

Furthermore, programme makers also failed to ensure towing mirrors were attached to the tow vehicle, despite the fact it is a legal requirement to have mirrors that allow drivers to see clearly an area that is four metres wide from the side of a caravan at a distance of 20 metres behind the driver.

The series of dangerous mistakes highlighted in the programme comes shortly after expert survivalist Ray Mears was lambasted by the National Caravan Council (NCC) following his appearance on the BBC’s primetime show, Room 101, in which he unleashed a scathing attack on the caravanning community just three weeks before being scheduled to speak at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Brimingham’s NEC. Mears was subsequently fired by show organisers following his tirade.

CaravanTimes has reached out to Panorama producers for comment, but is yet to receive a response.

What do you think about this latest controversy?

Dramatic dashcam caravan crash footage shows why timing is everything when towing your caravan

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by Joe Jeffrey
HGV dashcam footage shows caravanner crash pride and joy in act of idiocy
We at CaravanTimes are strong advocates of caravan safety, and with safety comes the belief that it pays to plan ahead. If only someone had told that to the caravanner you’re about to see.
In what can only be described – we are ashamed to say – as an act of sheer stupidity, watch on as a fellow caravanner attempts to push in front of a long queue of traffic merging into a lane on the M6.
Yes, it could be said that the HGV driver could have seen some leniency and allowed for the caravanner to move into the correct lane by slowing down, but when you decide to take on a 44 ton lorry in your Renault estate whilst towing your caravan, prepare for the worst. Either that or drive to the next junction where you will have more time to manoeuver and position yourself safely.
Footage of the incident has already caused somewhat of a furore on YouTube, with a mixed bag of comments defending both lorry driver and caravanner, but what do you think of the footage below? It will be interesting to know your thoughts.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING FOOTAGE CONTAINS LANGUAGE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED