Bedford SB3 mobile cinema up for sale

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by Alice Scarsi

Unique mobile cinema is up for grabs on eBay

The last British 1960s mobile cinema is set to be sold on eBay for a starting price of £120,000.

The vehicle, a Bedford SB3 bus with a towed caravan, represents a piece of British history, as it is the last survivor of a fleet of seven mobile cinemas that the Ministry of Technology commissioned back in 1967 to move from factory to factory to promote through films the modern production techniques that the British industry was starting to adopt.

History, though, has not being kind with the bus as, after being dismissed by the government in 1990, it has been separated by the caravan it once towed and left tofend for itself in a field in Essex for 14 years. The condition in which the current owners, Emma Giffard, 36, and Ollie Halls, 37 of the Vintage Mobile Cinema Company, found it when they bought it for about £1,500 in 2005 was simply disastrous. “The engine was seized, the breaks were seized, so it was a mess,” remembers Ollie.

The vintage vehicle enthusiasts from Somerset spent five years and £35,000 in order to restore it completely and bring it back to its glorious splendour. Now this vehicle is in more than just roadworthy condition: thanks to the work done by the couple, it’s a piece of vintage art that mirrors its history – with 22 1930-style tiered cinema seats, a plastic Perspex bubble at the front and Tardis-like interiors which reflect the decade it was built in – but it’s also combined with the latest technological devices, such as a full HD digital projection unit with 7.1 Dolby surround sound, complemented by sound proofing fitted to limit external disturbances.

During the last five years the Bedford has become a real star. It has starred in different TV shows, including the second season of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and in the 20-part BBC2 series The Reel History of Britain, and has also been used as a touring cinema, shown in different exhibitions and event and even been on tours of France and Holland.

The fame gained by the bus also helped it to be reunited with the other original piece – the caravan it originally towed.

“We got a phone call out the blue,” Ollie told the Daily Mail. “Someone saw us on the news and realised that the trailer their friend had been using as a woodwork shop belonged with our cinema. It’s taken a few years but we’ve finally put them back together.”

Exactly this new, exciting restoration project brought the couple to the decision to sell the bus: “It’s a huge restoration which I don’t think I want to do because I have a number of other projects that I’m hoping to work on,” Ollie continued.

“We’ve just bought our first house in Somerset which is a restoration project and I’ve also got a 1940s caravan and another 1960s Bedford truck to work on. I’m the kind of guy who likes a challenge but I feel like the bus is done now and I want to work on something new – I’ve been doing it most of my adult life. They drive beautifully together but the trailer is another restoration project – maybe this time for someone else.”

Moreover, the couple has two children, and wants to spend more time with them. “We’ve got two children under three,” Emma said.

“Sometimes my mother-in-law comes along and looks after the kids on whatever event site we’re on but it’s getting to be too hard with the two of them getting bigger. I’ll miss being on the road and that diversity but if I didn’t give it up, I’d miss my children growing up and spending social time with them which is more important than the bus,” she added.

“It was never meant to be a career,” went on Ollie. “I just started doing it up as a hobby and it got out of control. I was working full time and spending all my spare time and spare money on the bus, lying in the mud in a freezing cold shed wondering if I’d gone mad.

“But people just loved everything about it, which made all the blood, sweat and tears worthwhile. They don’t make things like this anymore, and it speaks to people’s sense of nostalgia.”

“It was so popular that it absolutely and 100 per cent took over my life – and it’s been hard to give up to because so many people still want the bus,” he concluded.
Emma and Ollie are hoping that the next owner will keep sharing the bus with other Britons as they did during the years: “It could go any which way – a collector in this country or abroad, someone wanting to run the business, or a group putting together a bid to bring it into a trust.

“I really want it to continue to be out there for people to be able to carry on sharing the experience. But we have to decide what route is going to best secure its future, because it’s completely unique and owning it means that we’re custodians of that little bit of history,” said Ollie.

Are you interested in owning a piece of British history? With the two vehicles also come the logo, image rights, goodwill of the business and all website, social media accounts and anything related to the Vintage Mobile Cinema business.

If you fancy trying your luck and placing a bid on the mobile cinema, click here.

New Dartford Crossing restrictions to be implemented from May

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by Justine Iorga
Dart Charge set to redirect some leisure vehicles owing to height?
The Highways Agency will be implementing a new safety system at the Dartford Crossing from next month, which could mean some issues for those with particular leisure vehicles travelling en route if the animation provided by the powers that be is anything to go by.
New safety measures due to be implemented will see oversized vehicles and those containing hazardous materials travelling northbound on the A282 before Junction 1A prevented from going into the tunnels.
The new system follows recent changes to the tunnel’s Dart Charge system which has seen barriers and pay booths replaced with an online charge scheme in a bid to help reduce congestion and speed. It is said that journey times will be further reduced by using such restrictions as a guide to motorists on which lane they should be entering.
The northbound carriageway will divide just after the junction 1a exit slip road, with the two inside lanes (left-hand lanes) dedicated to the west tunnel with a height restriction of 4.8m and two outside lanes (right-hand lanes) dedicated to the east tunnel with a height restriction of 5.0m, as well as dedicated lanes for vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
If you at all happen to fail to use the correct lane then you could face the consequences of a fine or points to your driving licence.
Will these new restrictions mean that some leisure vehicles will also be subject to this rule for one reason or the other?
To check out what changes to the Dart Charge are set to be implemented, watch the short animation below and let us know your thoughts on it.

Suffolk touring park plans hit by Breckland wildlife welfare concerns

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by Joe Jeffrey
Concerns raised over impact on wildlife following plans for 180 pitch caravan and camping site in Breckland
Plans to introduce a 180-pitch caravan and camping site at a Suffolk country park have raised cause for concern amongst conservationists at Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
The introduction of the park, due to be nestled in-between the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Breckland Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has been brought into question by conservation planner for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, James Meyer, who described the detrimental effect the introduction of the park would have on wildlife.

“The campsite would be close to a part of the (Lackford Lakes) SSSI which is currently relatively undisturbed and therefore increased levels of disturbance would have the potential to significantly impact on the designated features,” Meyer said.

Natural England and horticultural charity, Perennial – owners of nearby Fullers Mill Garden – have since weighed in on plans to introduce the park, disputing the council’s initial ecological appraisal of the area, which stated the park ‘would not have a significant effect on Breckland SPA.’
Bernard Tickner, responsible for creating Fullers Mill Garden, said: “Should the proposed caravan site take place I fear for this unusual collection of wildlife. I fear the noise generated by it will drive away the occupants of this peaceful community.”
A spokesperson for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, responsible for introducing plans for the park, said it would be reviewing concerns raised to establish whether an Environmental Impact Assessment would be required. No date has been set for a decision to be made on plans proposed.

Tabby cat sneaks into caravan to travel 128 miles

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by Justine Iorga
Feline finally found weeks after stowing away in a caravan
It pretty much goes without saying that we as caravanners like exploring places new, but we never knew cats held the same opinion until we heard about 18-year-old tabby cat, George, from Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley who managed to travel 128 miles away from home by stowing in none other than a caravan.
After five weeks of searching for their missing cat, owners Steven Davison, 71, and his wife Susan, 68, were growing weary that their cat was gone for good, so imagine their surprise when daughter Gemma Davison-Lemalle, 30, saw a picture of her childhood pet on a facebook page for lost and found cats.
The cat had last been seen running towards a caravan site near the home and, unsure of how he would have travelled so far, Steven and Susan can only assume that he hitched a ride in someone’s caravan. George’s ‘holiday’ seemed to take its toll on him though as his condition was not the greatest when he was finally reunited with his owners.
George is now resting up and receiving appropriate treatment for the cat flu that he acquired during his trip – perhaps due to too much raucous caravanning fun. Despite this, however, his family is overjoyed to have him back and safe at home. Gemma told the Daily Mail: “It’s absolutely bonkers to think he travelled so far. We won’t be letting him out of our sight ever again.”
Hopefully George the caravanning cat is doing well. And make sure to be on the lookout caravanners – you might just have an extra furry passenger on your next holiday.

Park Resorts buys Summerfields Holiday Park with plans to improve site facilities

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by Justine Iorga
Summerfields Holiday Park will see all new upgrades in time for summer
Park Resorts has bumped up their portfolio to 49 Holiday Parks and acquired Summerfields Holiday Park from Richardson’s Holiday Group.
The sale, which was officially made on 14 April, is designed to see Park Resorts achieve its main goal of improving and upgrading Summerfields, based near Great Yarmouth and situated near Park Resorts’ existing California Cliffs Holiday Park.
Park Resorts claims that as early as 22 May, owners and guests will be able to enjoy all new activities and facilities including: new kids’ clubs, water and sports resorts programmes, as well as live entertainment to boot.
David Boden, CEO Park Resorts, spoke on the sale saying: “The Summerfields Park has great potential, is in a wonderful location and has a lot to offer our customers.
“The park will be our third in the popular Great Yarmouth region where we already operate California Cliffs and Breydon Water Holiday Parks. We plan to further invest in Summerfields to enhance the holidaymaker experience and boost the entertainment offering to a new level.”
Richardson’s CEO Greg Munford also commented telling the Eastern Daily Press: “We are pleased to have completed on the sale of Summerfields to Park Resorts, who we believe are the best company to take it to the next level.
“This will allow us start the long awaited caravan development at our Hemsby Beach holiday park and continue our improvements at our Seacroft Holiday Village.”
Summerfields new makeover seems like it’ll be worth a visit! For booking information on the park, click here.

Caravan window nearly decapitates police officers

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By Claire Lawson

Police officers claim narrowly miss being beheaded by open caravan window

Gloucestershire Road Police were counting their blessings this past weekend, following nearly “being beheaded” as a window of a passing caravan on the motorway swung open.

The police, who had stopped a speeding car on the side of the road on the M5, noticed the caravan, which passed in close proximity, had a loose window.

Upon speaking to the stopped driver, the boys in blue followed the caravan and discovered that the window had unfastened itself and made itself insecure. The driver of the car towing the caravan did not know that the window was open.

Gloucestershire Road Police updated its followers on twitter with photos of the caravan stating they were “Seconds away from being beheaded on M5”.

They also reported that a workman was nearly hit by the open window between junctions 11 towards Cheltenham and 11a towards Brockworth.

Before setting off on a journey with your caravan, it’s pretty imperative that all windows are fastened shut securely as we’re sure you all know. What else do you look out for before setting off on a trip? It will be interesting to read your comments below.

Have you won a Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner?

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by Joe Jeffrey

In our latest competition, CaravanTimes offered you the chance to win a Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner. Keep reading to find out if you’ve cleaned up

A few weeks ago, we ran a competition giving you the chance to win a Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner worth £154.99.

Designed to meet consumer demand for a portable and compact carpet and fabrics spot cleaning machine, Rug Doctor’s Portable Spot Cleaner, combines powerful stain removal with ease of use, meaning you’ll never have to suffer muddy carpets or unnecessary stains in your leisure vehicle or anywhere else ever again.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you needed to do was like our Facebook page by clicking here and provide us with your details. To say the competition was popular would be an understatement, but unfortunately there could only be one winner and we are pleased to announce it is:

David Attfield

Congratulations, David. We’ll be in touch soon.

Don’t despair if you didn’t win this time round. Why not try your luck Make sure you try your luck in our new competition here to win a Garmin nüvi 2599LMT-D.

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filed under: News

Bailey brand becomes a permanent presence Down Under

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By Claire Lawson

Bailey opens new base in Southern Hemisphere

You’ve seen how resilient Bailey’s caravans can be when put to the test in the Australian Outback and now the Bristolian manufacturer has decided to set up permanent residency in the land down under.

High demand for Bailey caravans in the Southern Hemisphere has lead to a new wholly owned local subsidiary based in Melbourne, Victoria – Bailey Leisure Proprietary Limited.

Previously sold through a local distributor for the past five years, Bailey Leisure in Melbourne will handle all sales, marketing and distribution activities as well as supplying aftersales support and servicing. Retail outlets will be opened in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania with more places to be announced.

Bailey has certainly created a niche in the Australian market with the Bailey Pursuit, Bailey Pegasus GT65 and Bailey Unicorn ranges, whilst offering a lighter alternative Australian offerings, whilst still meeting the specific requirements of the market and complying with the Australian approval standards. Furthermore, technical modifications have been applied to all vehicle designs and the models have been tailored to include large on-board water tanks, air conditioning units and pull out sun canopies as standard.

Bailey (UK) Managing Director, Nick Howard, commented, “We are very excited about the opportunities available in the rapidly growing Australian Caravan Market. We feel that our Alu-Tech ranges are ideally suited to the particular needs of the Australian caravanner and that we can offer them something completely different to what is currently available.”

Adrian van Geelen Managing Director of Bailey Leisure shared Page’s sentiments, saying:
“The quality and performance of the vans is testament to the strength and adaptability of the unique Alu-Tech body shell system. Bailey has thoroughly proven the suitability of its vans for the Australian market taking ‘real life’ testing to a new level”

Plans for extensions at Langcliffe Caravan Park rejected

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By Claire Lawson

Proposals to redevelop Yorkshire park denied

The plans for the extension and redevelopment of the Langcliffe Holiday Park have been refused permission by the Craven District Council.

Owner, John Smith, set forward proposals for the park which is situated besides the protected Settle to Carlisle Railway and surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including plans to expand the site into a field where 34 touring pitches would be set up, as well as a camping area, a new facilities block and car parking spaces. The addition of 59 static caravans was also part of the requested rehaul.

The national park authority has objected to the above plans, stating they would impact negatively on the landscape and the peacefulness of the park, with
members refusing the application due to its “unacceptable damaging impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside and landscape, and adjacent heritage assets, the Settle Carlisle Conservation Area and Langcliffe Conservation Area”.

With the increase in popularity of caravanning, it does beg the question whether this helps or hinders the countryside. More people are getting out into the country but it seems, to accommodate such numbers, the countryside needs to be utilised. It’s a bit of a double-edges sword though, as an increase in pitches would ultimately provide an increase in revenue to the area- clearly something the local council has failed to understand. Do you think the council made the right decision to deny the plans?

COMPETITION: Win a Garmin nüvi 2599LMT-D sat nav

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by Justine Iorga
Make travelling to your holiday destination easier with the nüvi 2599LMT-D up for grabs in our latest competition
The caravan season has arrived, which means it’s time to start getting ready to load up the caravan and navigate around the UK – or possibly Europe – for the holidays. Getting from place to place with a sat nav that misguides you can be the last thing you need when you’re trying to get to your destination and it’s even more difficult if you don’t have a sat nav or your smartphone’s map app won’t find your point of interest.
Well worry no more because the five inch nüvi 2599LMT-D from Garmin is one of the best sat navs on the market at the moment and you might just have the chance to win one in our latest competition.
The nüvi 2599LMT-D arrives loaded with detailed maps of Europe with free lifetime map updates, digital traffic to guide and assist you with any traffic jams you might meet on the road, driving directions that guide like a friend, using recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights and loads more including active lane guidance with voice prompts to prepare you to drive through exits or interchanges.
Not only do you get those amazing features with the nüvi 2599LMT-D, but it’s also very compatible with your smartphone. You can sync your phone with the Bluetooth from the sat nav allowing you to take hands-free calls through its integrated microphone and speaker.
And speaking of your phone, if you can recall a few days ago, we told you about the brand new free Smartphone Link app from Garmin that interacts with your phone to deliver exact pinpoints to where you’ve pitched up, detailed information about points of interests, weather updates, life traffic feeds, speed watch safety camera updates, as well as check-ins through social media to keep your friends and family up to date with your journey – all from the palm of your hand.
This sat nav really offers everything you could possibly need and more in a navigation system and just think – it could be yours in our latest competition. Enter today and in just a few weeks time you could be tapping your details into the nüvi 2599LMT-D as you prepare to head out with your caravan.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is like our Facebook page by clicking here and complete the form below before midday on 8 May.
Good luck!

Competition rules:
The lucky winner will be picked at random at midday on 8 May 2015 and will be notified via the email address supplied in the entry form
Only one entry per person
No purchase necessary
No cash or alternative will be offered
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members and Facebook fans only
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

New invention for gas cylinders could save lives

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By Claire Lawson

Brand new measuring gadget set to make gas cylinder use safer

A new scale has been developed to provide information about your gas levels and any leakage from LPG gas cylinders.

The Gas Scale will also bring added value and safety to your caravan or motorhome by letting you know the amount of gas remaining, whilst also working to alert you to any leaks coming from the cylinder which will inevitably help to prevent accidents.

But how does it work? Well, the scale, which sits strategically underneath the gas cylinder, has an in-built leakage detector that will automatically turn on an audio signal to alert you to any leakage via your smartphone. The app, which will be able to be downloaded for both Android and iOS, displays various items of information including your gas consumption history, as well as how much gas is still in the cylinder in either percentage, kilograms or pounds. The scale can be attached to cylinders up to 40 kilos in size.

Other features include adjustable sizes, Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 40 meters. The battery to the scale can be recharged via a USB cord.

The small gadget is made from high quality plastics, is weather resistant and has three magnetic legs so it needs no extra space.

The Gas Smart is available for pre-order on Kickstarter now, for a special price of $79 (approximately £53) for early adopters. With not much else like it on the market, the Gas Smart may just be what you need to rest assured this caravan season.

Check out the video below to see how it works.

Revived Atlas Leisure Homes achieves milestone

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By Claire Lawson

Atlas Leisure Homes buys back caravan factory

The 2008 recession, it is safe to say, took no prisoners. A number of industries were affected by the knock-on effect the dip in the economy inevitably presented – and the leisure industry was certainly one of these.

Struck by the recession, Atlas Holiday Homes collapsed in December of 2008. 340 jobs were lost and unit sales dramatically plummeted from 32,000 to 20,000. Atlas Leisure Homes then started renting the factory that was passed onto administrator BDO.

Shortly afterwards, however, the company was revived as Atlas Leisure Homes with its sights set on ‘eventual recovery’. And the revival has finally come to fruition with the announcement that

Atlas Leisure Homes has now bought the premises back for an undisclosed six-figure sum and is investing £200,000 into new equipment and systems.

Commercial director, Andrew Innes, knows this is a huge step forward for everyone after difficult times. “It’s a significant milestone, but it’s also a great weight off our minds.

“From an employee’s point of view, it gives them confidence the business is moving forward.”

Buying out BDO means the site is no longer at risk of being sold to another occupier – an aim Atlas has worked to achieve since the revival of the company.

Further major investments are currently planned to match the output of increasing demands. Almost £200,000 is being used to improve machinery and factory efficiency. Atlas is now centring their efforts on sustaining the company with quality stock.

“What we’re focused on is providing good-quality products and service to ensure the customers come back year after year. It’s about sustainability rather than chasing growth” continued Innes.

Currently, 1,250 caravans are being produced which is more than double the number of caravan production in its first year after the recovery.

“We’ve grown every single year from the very first year. There will be growth this year, there’s no doubt.” says Innes.

With signs like this indicating that we are truly out of the doldrums, it seems pretty evident that the leisure industry remains vigilant in times of financial hardship and that the pastime of getting out and about in our beloved homes on wheels looks set to continue for a very long time to come.