Elddis to support charity walk for Parkinsons

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by Alice Scarsi

Elddis Encore to provide comfort throughout Norman’s Conquest

Elddis has pledged its support to one man’s mission to raise money for a very worthy cause, by offering the use of an Elddis Encore motorhome to provide comfort during an epic journey.

Norman Yarrow, 55 from Gifford, East Lothian, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, following surgery to remove a tumour from his right lung. And now the resilient 55-year-old has vowed to fight the disease and raise money for Parkinson’s UK and The Cure Parkinson’s Trust by embarking on a 215-mile walk.

Entitled ‘Norman’s Conquest’, the challenge will see Norman and Scottish rugby and Lions legend Gavin Hastings embark upon the extreme challenge, which has just been made a whole lot better following Elddis’ offer of the use of an Elddis Encore that will allow Norman and Gavin to rest comfortably after each arduous day of the walk.

Speaking of the challenge that awaits, Norman explained: “I hope the funds I raise will make a real difference to people living with Parkinson’s. Support gives me hope for the future and is very much appreciated.”

Rachel Moncrieff, marketing & communications manager at Elddis said: “We were delighted to be in a position to support ‘Norman’s Conquest’ and help increase publicity for Parkinson’s UK and The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

“We are lending Norman and his team a top-of-the-range Elddis Motorhome – our new Elddis Encore – as a support vehicle and for much-needed comfort at the end of each gruelling day. We thought Norman would appreciate the Encore’s luxury, in addition to the obvious practicality!”

Norman’s lengthy journey will begin on 21 April at Portpatrick in the South West of Scotland and will continue to Cockburnspath, just south of Dunbar, and along the Southern Upland Way. He has estimated he will complete his walk on 4 May.

Denise McNiven, Scotland fundraising manager at Parkinson’s UK, commented ‘Norman’s Conquest’: “I’d like to say thank you to Elddis and good luck to Norman, and everyone embarking on Norman’s Conquest in support of Parkinson’s UK. It is only with the incredible support of amazing people like Norman that we can continue our work.”

The amazing resilience displayed by Norman deciding to challenge not only himself, but also the illness has already been rewarded, as Norman has so far raised nearly £125,000 – far exceeding his original target of £100,000. But it goes without saying that the more money raised essentially means the closer we get to making a change for those that suffer from the debilitating disease.

To sponsor him, click here. And to find out more about Norman’s Conquest and to follow his journey, click here.

Online scammers sees caravanners and holidaymakers lose over £2.2 million

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by Justine Iorga
Scam artists take advantage of those seeking holiday getaway
Imagine going to book a holiday, getting the caravan loaded up, and setting out with the family to your destination only to find that it was all just one big scam. How livid would you be? We can take a guess and say very, and for thousands of devastated UK folks this very thing happened to them when they tried to book what they thought was a legit holiday, but turned out to be a cold-hearted scam.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has compiled a report and found that people looking for UK caravan stays have been targeted (among many other holidaymakers) with adverts for non-existent accommodation posted on websites such as Facebook, Gumtree and Craigslist – earning con-artists a payday to the tune of £2.2 million.
The report reveals that fraudsters hacked into the accounts of owners on well-known accommodation sites or spoofed holiday websites with cunning imitations, leaving victims with nothing but a worthless fake booking and out hundreds of pounds. It was estimated each person on average lost £889, of the reported 1,569 victims according to the NFIB.
Apart from caravanners, other unwilling victims were getting scammed on flight bookings, timeshares, hotel accommodation, sporting tickets and more. Unfortunately for the victims, only a small portion of those scammed paid by credit cards, providing them with ultimate protection, meaning a lot of those conned were unable to be compensated for money lost.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Clark, head of economic crime at the City of London Police, spoke of the scam stating: “The nature and scale of holiday fraud means police action alone can only be part of the solution to this problem.
“Online shoppers must be vigilant and conduct all the necessary checks before booking a break to ensure the conmen are kept at bay.

“I would also urge anyone who has fallen victim to a holiday fraud to contact Action Fraud. Doing this will help the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to identify and target those most responsible for this harmful and upsetting crime.”
As sickening as it is that people can get away with crimes like this at the expense of others, it just goes to show that when booking your next holiday make sure you are extra vigilant – if it sounds too good to be true then it just might be!
Do you know anyone that was a victim to online scamming? Let us know in the comments below.

The Big Outdoor Show returns for 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Willen Lake in Milton Keynes will provide the back drop for exciting outdoor show in May

The Big Outdoor Show is back with a bang for 2015.

The show, which takes place over the second May bank holiday weekend for three days will offer thousands upon thousands of outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to partake in and view an array of outdoor activities and demonstrations on the water, in the air and on land, as well as enable those wishing to stay for the duration the option of pitching up or camping for the entire weekend in the beautiful lakeside location of the prestigious Willen Lake in Milton Keynes.

Aiming to be both educational and interesting The Big Outdoor Show 2015 will also play host to a number of key speakers and industry experts on a range of subjects from children’s water safety to polar expeditions. Key speakers will include John Sullivan from Elite Survival Training, as well as Sir Ranulph Fiennnes.

Former Royal Marines Commando John has operated in some of the world’s most challenging jungle, desert and arctic environments and, since leaving the Marines, has concentrated on acting as adviser on a number of programmes including Last Man Standing, Extreme Dreams and Unbreakables. More recently, the survivalist has been instrumental in setting up from scratch National Geographic’s documentary Eating with Cannibals.

Needing no further introduction, Sir Ranulph Fiennes will also be on hand as a seminar guest on bank holiday Monday (25 May). Sir Ranulph has been described by The Guinness Book of Records as the “world’s greatest living explorer” and perhaps for good reason, having been the first person to reach both North and South poles by foot, amongst other spectacular exploration feats.

The fun doesn’t stop there though, and The Big Outdoor Show will ensure there’s something for everyone. From mountain bike time trials to demonstration sails on Willen Lake and even an exotic animal display which will enable you to get up close with animals including raccoons, meerkats and more, the show sounds like it will certainly be unforgettable.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and children under the age of eight are free. To find out more about ticket options for The Big Outdoor Show, click here.

Annual Experience Day at Fifth Wheel factory confirmed for May

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By Claire Lawson

Annual Experience Day at Fifth Wheel factory confirmed for May

Since humble beginnings in 2002, the Fifth Wheel company has won many accolades over the years including the Caravan Club Design Award five times and has been highly regarded as ‘the biggest thing to hit the UK market in 20 years’. Now the company is ready to welcome guests at the Fifth Wheel Experience Day on 16 May.

The gates will be opening to anyone interested in taking up the opportunity to have a guided tour of the factory in Wales and see how Fifth Wheel and Inos caravans are made. While viewing the construction process, visitors will also get the chance to see the unique space, luxurious features and superior build quality of their models.

The tour will show products being hand built to meet customer requirements and Fifth Wheel’s designers will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Fifth Wheel is also providing the option of test driving some of their tourers while being accompanied by an expert driver. Guests will learn how to safely tow a caravan and navigate dual carriageways and tricky country roads with confidence.

On Saturday evening, a BBQ will be held with quality local food and entertainment in Fifth Wheel’s White House, sure to provide the perfect opportunity to get to know many other Fifth Wheel enthusiasts in atendance.

Visitors may bring their own motorhomes or caravans to stay in over night at the touring park in the area near the factory and then enjoy free coffee provided by Fifth Wheel before journeying back home on Sunday.

Be sure to book here quickly as spaces are limited and on a ‘first-in-first-serve’ basis.

AA launches motorists’ manifesto ahead of election

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By Claire Lawson

AA manifesto highlights interesting points raised by way of populous survey

It’s pretty safe to say that the 2015 election campaign has touched very little upon the country’s roads and the motorists who use them on a daily basis. Now, as a result, the AA has drawn up a motorists’ manifesto to encourage motorists to question parliamentary candidates on driving issues.

Over the past 12 months, an AA-Populus Panel has been busy finding out what the biggest concerns for British motorists are in the lead up to the big election and the results are pretty interesting.

From the AA members surveyed, the three main issues that are of main concern were road maintenance, the costs of motoring and driver behaviour.

Road conditions are of most concern for motorists with annoyances such as potholes, puddles and ponds proving to be of concern when it comes to road safety. Poorly maintained roads cause damage to wheels, rims, shock absorbers and suspensions and the AA, in its manifesto has suggested more funding ring-fenced to improve the state of the roads.

Not surprisingly, fuel costs are another big factor for driver-unrest, despite the recent announcement of a fuel duty freeze. The AA is also calling for full fuel price transparency with published wholesale and retail prices along with the abolition of tolls in England and Wales. Voters with vehicles spend £26.9bn on fuel duty each year, more than what UK firms pay and what is received from council tax.

Though the government can’t be held accountable for drivers’ behaviours, MPs do have an influence on the content of all driving tests and how the roads are policed. The AA claims more police are needed to clamp down on dangerous driving behaviours such as tailgating. Better road safety education in schools is also thought to help.

Edmund King, president of the AA has stated “We will endeavour to do our bit by sounding out all the main political parties on their motoring and transport polices, reminding them that motorists can vote with their wheels. The AA does have influence.

“The AA is apolitical and we understand that elections are not won or lost on motoring issues alone. Health, education and the economy tend to sway the results. However, transport and motoring are key to economic growth in the UK and shouldn’t be side-lined.”

Let us know what you think of what AA research has found. Do you think the AA will be successful in their endeavours this year?

Britains Got Talent teams up with Horizon Multi-Concept Vehicles for competition

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by Justine Iorga
Horizon Multi-Concept Vehicles offering BGT viewers the chance to win
If you tuned into Britain’s Got Talent this past Saturday (11 April) then you saw a show packed with loads of quirky and interesting acts including Marc Métral and his ‘talking’ dog Wendy, golden boy Calum Scott, roller skating duo Billy and Emily, the Ruby Reds, the ever so flexible Magdalena, and heaps more, but it wasn’t just the acts that grabbed our attention.
British luxury automotive company Horizon Multi-Concept Vehicles (MCV) Limited has teamed up with ITV for a competition that will be featured throughout the hit ITV show this season. The competition debuted this past weekend offering viewers across the country the chance to win an all-new, luxury Mercedes-Benz Vito model with a starting price of £49,995.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with Horizon MCV they design campervans that essentially act both as a stylish solution for day-to-day transportation, such as taking children to school, visiting the supermarket or commuting to work, whilst also providing the high-end, comprehensive living area needed to complement weekends away and long-distance tours, and, according to Horizon MCV, the new Vito reflects just the level of popularity for luxury, flexible-living solutions.
The vehicle, with slick, streamlined exterior design, including a more pronounced grill and greater dimensions, features an electronically controlled bench-to-bed facility and elevating roof and provides accommodation for up to four adults and one child.
Horizon MCV’s Sales Director James Burt said: “We are thrilled that our New Vito model will be featuring on Britain’s favourite Saturday night show. The launch of our New Vito model, the second multi-concept vehicle launched since our start up last year, has been a very exciting period for us.
Being the first company to have converted this particular luxury vehicle, we have experienced a vast amount of interest from customer’s right across the UK and it shows that, when it comes to our manufacturing industry, Britain certainly does have talent.”
Be sure to tune into BGT this Saturday night to check out the Vito featuring in the competition element of the show just before the break.
What are your thoughts on this high end campervan? Let us know in the comments below.

Faulty tyre pressure monitoring systems could result in MOT fail

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by Justine Iorga
Faulty TPMS is resulting in motorists failing their MOT
If you have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) then you might want to check it’s in full working order – otherwise you could be subject to failing your MOT.
With built-in pressure monitoring technology providing extra peace of mind for millions of UK motorists across the UK with TPMS now built into their wheels, it’s certainly an added advantage. But, as of 1 January this year, if your car has a fault with its TPMS when going in for an MOT then your test will result in a fail.
To ensure your TPMS system continues to operate properly and reduce the likelihood of an MOT failure, it may be necessary to have the system serviced occasionally. TPMS sensors are designed to last for many years and miles, however, after a certain period, the sensor’s internal battery will run out meaning a replacement is needed. Furthermore, your sensors can become faulty for any number of reasons including weather damage or being involved in a car accident, which is one of the reasons why manufacturers recommend that you replace the valve cap and core components every time a tyre is changed.
It’s also important to remember that just like with any technology it’s key to never rely too heavily on it. You should still regularly check your tyres manually to avoid any problems that your TPMS might not be alerting you of. The last thing you want is to have tyre issues with a caravan in tow causing a delay to your whole trip, as well as the possibility of a blow out, when it could have been easily avoided by checking the tyres beforehand.
To save you from a future MOT fail, check out the video below from UK tyre safety association, TyreSafe. They’ve produced a simple video to help you understand the safety features of TPMS allowing you to avoid any problems and ensure that the next time you take your car in for an MOT it will pass with flying colours.

UK set to embrace the sunshine as three-month heatwave predicted

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bookies slash odds on 2015 being hottest year on record as three-month heatwave predicted

Get your sunscreen at the ready caravanners, as Britain is on course for a three-month heatwave.

A five-day sizzler this week will see temperatures reach 23C according to Met Office experts – that’s hotter than Bondi Beach – with further good weather predicted for most parts of the country, ensuring perfect conditions for getting out and about and making the most of those cloudless skies in the comfort of your leisure vehicle.

The warm weather is expected to rebuff chillier air generated by cool ocean temperatures off the coast of the USA, whilst providing a boost to the usual rained-off UK bank holidays in May, as well as pending spring music festivals and sporting events such as Wimbledon from 29 June to 12 July.

William Hill has slashed weather record odds of 2015 seeing record temperatures to just 2/1, with odds on temperatures topping 100F currently at 8/1, perhaps giving bookmakers across the country good reason to sweat.

Met Office forecaster Helen Roberts said: “The hottest days of the year look very possible in the first days of the week ahead. It will become rather warm for many and perhaps very warm in places.

“Temperatures will climb in a southerly feed of air, with the South-East hottest and Tuesday at 22C and up to 23C, followed by Wednesday at up to 24C, dependent on cloud as a front moves south.

“The best of the sunshine will be in the south – although Tuesday will see quite widespread sunshine across England and Wales.

So what do you reckon? Are we in for record temperatures this year, or is this just a load of hot air over nothing?

Pension spending to boost UK holidays

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by Alice Scarsi

Freedom to Go survey finds over 55s prefer to spend their holiday breaks in the UK

More than half of over 55s will spend their savings by taking breaks in the UK, a poll has found.

The news comes by way of a survey conducted by Freedom to Go, which revealed people over the age 55 look to benefit from pension reforms that came into effect last week (6 April), allowing them to take a tax-free sum out of their pension pots.

Out of 1,000 respondents surveyed, 56 per cent would prefer to spend their savings going on holiday in the UK rather than abroad, with the UK allowing them the freedom to plan their own trips which, for 68 per cent of the interviewed, is a key benefit over taking a prescription package holiday or going on a cruise.

Rachel Piggot from Freedom to Go said of the findings: “It’s great to see that the over 55s with disposable cash and time are looking for adventure in the UK, a real shot in the arm for UK tourism – which is not surprising considering the natural beauty we have on our doorstep.”

Piggot continued, highlighting why taking a break in the UK is an ideal choice for many.

“With fuel duty freezes and lower tax on alcohol, pre-election budget announcements have made UK staycations more appealing than ever and holiday makers love the freedom a holiday in a campervan, caravan or motorhome offers, allowing you to make decisions for yourself and be the master of your adventure.”

Freedom to Go’s poll also revealed that 24 per cent of people over the age of 55 would consider buying a campervan, caravan or motorhome with their pension, to enhance their available leisure time and take small and long journeys on their doorstep more often.

“For those considering buying a consider buying a campervan, caravan or motorhome the continued low price of fuel compared with recent years mean that you can fill up and flock to the beach, countryside and coast knowing that you will have more money to treat yourself when you get there.

“With tax cuts on alcohol too, it means that a cheeky shandy after a lengthy stroll along canal paths will be a penny cheaper, saving the average ‘vanner even more cash!” Piggot said.

Sales of new touring caravans and new motorhome registrations surely demonstrate that more Brits are embracing the caravanning way of life. Amongst them, there are not only those of retirement age, but also young groups of friends and family that, in accordance with the spirit of the Freedom to Go campaign, are enjoying the benefits of exploring the great outdoors with the use of a leisure vehicle.

Piggot went on: “In recent years it’s not just the over 55’s that are buying into the lifestyle that owning a caravan or motorhome enables. Anecdotal evidence suggests that more, younger buyers with families have also entered the market too.”

Where will you be spending your next break? Let us know below.

Jodie Kidd expresses caravan angst amidst rumours of joining BBC Top Gear

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by Alice Scarsi

Kidd jumps on Clarkson bandwagon with caravan diatribe

Model and broadcaster Jodie Kidd has spoken out of her disdain for caravans and called for a rather unusual ban on caravans using single-track roads.

During an odd rant to the Express newspaper Kidd, 36, from Guildford in Surrey, described caravans as a “total pain” – a sentiment that may earn her some brownie points in what seems like her quest to fill the boots of Jeremy Clarkson as presenter of BBC flagship programme, Top Gear.

The show has, over the years, taken pleasure in destroying countless numbers of caravans for fun – something Clarkson reveled in during his stint as co-presenter with sidekicks Richard Hammond and James May – all of whom have since joined the dole queue following Clarkson’s alleged attack on a member of production staff whilst filming an episode of Top Gear last month.

Of Kidd’s latest revelation regarding her strange resentment towards caravans, editor of CaravanTimes, Joe Jeffrey, told BBC Radio Suffolk: “Not only does caravanning provide the perfect opportunity for families to explore all the UK has to offer, but it also provides for those less fortunate than Jodie – who was able to holiday in Barbados every year when growing up.”

It goes without saying that dogs are welcome at many caravan parks across the United Kingdom, so instead of swanning off to warmer climes and facing the prospect of leaving her three dogs in kennels for weeks on end (after all, she is ambassador for Ceaser’s Paws in Places campaign), Joe presented the opportunity for Jodie to embrace the UK caravanning scene, continuing: “An offer is there for us to put her in touch with some caravan manufacturers and for her to give caravanning a go to let her see what he’s missing out on.” So far, calls to Jodie’s agent remain unanswered.

What do you think of this latest ‘celebrity’ rant? Firstly, how would one be able to tow their caravan without accessing a single lane road, unless all caravans reside by dual carriageways, and secondly, why the hate?

Let us know in the comments section below whether you think it’s just a poor attempt to win brownie points by filling the gap left by Clarkson and to secure a presenting job on Top Gear, or whether her opinion actually has any merit. We here at CaravanTimes would rather think the former.

Champion surfer and Freedom To Go ambassador, Melodie King, to kick off 2015 competitive season in style

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By Claire Lawson

Surfing star and ambassador to Freedom To Go initiative enlisting help of Elddis Autoquest motorhome to blog on the go

Rising surfing star, Melodie King, is kicking off surfing season and the Freedom to Go campaign in style with the help of an Elddis Autoquest 180.

Freedom to Go, the new venture from the NCC, The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club recently enlisted the help of King to serve as one of the new ambassadors to promote the lifestyle benefits of leisure vehicles as previously reported on CaravanTimes.

Being a part of the campaign means that King will be blogging about her sporting adventures as she travels around in an Elddis Autoquest 180 motorhome.

She aims to prove how easy it is to move from place to place in a motorhome through her blog as her first competition of the year begins on 25 April in Cornwall. She will continue to blog her experiences in the Autoquest for the entirety of the 2015 season.

Spokesperson for Freedom To Go, Rachel Piggot said of King: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Melodie as she is a fantastic competitor on an upward trajectory and lover of the great outdoors. She understands perfectly how a leisure vehicle can help facilitate her career, having been around campervans and motorhomes for years, and we’re excited to see how well she does this year. Freedom To Go will be telling her surfing story throughout the summer and beyond!”

King is very excited to get back on the road in the Elddis, saying: “After a long winter training I can’t wait to get back in competitive action and having an Elddis motorhome to help me compete is amazing. We have to travel to loads of different locations and often finding accommodation can be tricky, especially when you have five surfboards, wetsuits and other kit to think about. Having a motorhome makes things much easier. I’m also stoked to be working with Freedom to Go as I share the ethos behind the campaign to get more people active and into the great outdoors.”

King is a fantastic representative for the purpose of the campaign, which ultimately aims to provide guidance and advice for visitors to discover and plan a new adventure. Leisure vehicles provide the freedom to explore the great outdoors, the intent at the heart of Freedom To Go, and we look forward to seeing how the initiative takes off.

Bailey of Bristol heads to Hollywood for Golden Years

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by Alice Scarsi

Bailey Unicorn to star in a new film alongside Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs and Simon Callow

A Bailey caravan is starring as the centre point of a new British heist movie alongside a stellar cast, including some of the UK’s most loved and respected actors, it has been announced.

A Bailey Unicorn Valencia ‘Getaway’ is set to star alongside actors including Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs and Simon Callow, in Golden Years, a story described as a “heist film with a comedic core” which sees Arthur and Martha Goode (played by Virginia McKenna and Bernard Hill) forced into a life of crime, robbing banks to help save their community and local bowls club rather than accepting their retirement gracefully. The Unicorn Valencia Getaway will feature prominently as the couple use it as base for their activity.

The movie, currently being filmed in Bailey’s hometown of Bristol and nearby Gloucestershire, will be utilising not just one Bailey caravan, but also two others – another Unicorn with part of its roof removed in order to film some of the interior shots and Approach Autograph motorhome for the film crew to use while on location.

Golden Years is sure to be a success, with a cast of household names and some pretty impressive writers on hand, as well as producer, Mark Foligno, of Moli Films Entertainment. Foligno previously worked on other films including Oscar Academy Award-winning The King’s Speech.

To see a selection of behind-the-scenes photos of the movie, check out Bailey’s Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram profiles and make sure you let us know what you think.