An ill caravanner has to wait in a foreign country before receiving proper medical care

Posted by

by Justine Iorga

A holiday turned into a nightmare proves to put one caravanner in a tough spot
Imagine the terrifying feeling of becoming ill in another country while you’re on holiday and you can’t go back home to be treated. This nightmare became a reality for a British man that was on a four-month caravan holiday in Spain with his wife.
Retired University IT worker, Chris Carr, 62, from Melksham, Wiltshire was on an extended holiday group trip with the Camping and Caravanning Club. The journey took a sad turn when, while visiting Benidorm, he began to feel unwell after a meal out. Carr then went to Hospital Marina Baixa, where he was diagnosed with food poisoning, but when he left and returned to his caravan his stomach swelled to four times its normal size.

Chris was immediately taken back to the hospital, where concerned Spanish doctors found he was suffering from a diaphragmatic hernia. Being a British citizen, the doctors advised him to go back to the UK – that has the best post-operative care – for the surgery and the consequential recovery, which could take weeks if not months.

Carr’s medical insurance company got right on the case phoning three hospitals near his home – Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bath’s Royal United Hospital and Swindon’s Great Western Hospital – but each hospital replied that they had no free beds available. This left Carr stranded in a Spanish hospital for 11 days waiting for a free room.
Sally Carr, 59, wife of Chris and a retired NHS midwife, spoke about the situation to the Mirror: “I feel extremely angry – I was furious when we were told about there being no beds. We’ve both worked hard all our lives and paid our taxes.

“Chris worked at the University for 35 years or more and I was a midwife for the NHS for 40 years. We’ve paid our taxes all this time and then for this to happen.”

She added: “The care here has been brilliant, it is back in the UK where there has been all the trouble.”

Concerned for Chris friends and family launched a campaign using social media to put pressure on the hospitals and even getting support from their local MP. The Get Chris Home campaign proved to do the trick, and Chris was given a bed, after an agonizing wait, at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Somerset where he was flown to by air ambulance last Thursday (26 March).

Undoubtedly a horrible situation, we are just glad to hear our fellow caravanner is back home receiving proper medical treatment.

What do you think of this insane situation? Let us know your thoughts below.

Brook House Farm campsite denied planning permission

Posted by

by Justine Iorga
Caravan park denied expansion by council

Brook House Farm Camping and Caravanning Site have been denied planning permission for their site, even though it’s been successfully up and running for the last three years – when they got licensed for their camping and caravan areas.

Powys County Council planning committee met last week to go over the site’s proposal to bring in five caravan pitches, five camping pods, ten bell tents and ten tents together with the building of a toilet block, shop with cafe, use of land for the storage of five caravans and the formation of a new vehicle access.
Angharad Richards, Powys planning officer, explained that the authority found many deficiencies in the plan, such as an inadequate visibility for the proposed entrance or the fact that the site partially lies within a designated flood plain of the River Severn and an ecological survey found two badger sets within a buffer zone of 30 metres of the site.
Richards may have also been influenced by Bausley Community Council, who brought up some points to Richards about the number of caravans exceeding the allowance and the fact that the access and the flood risk area were obstructed by tents.
Owner of the campsite, Julia Owen, discussed the refusal saying: “I am fuming at the planning decision made today as I would question each of these comments and plan to appeal the planning refusal.
“I have been running the site for the last three years after getting permission from the council through the caravan and camping club. It’s not like we have just opened and we already have the facilities up and running.”
The site has actually helped local employment during the years, but this recent setback could have certain jobs affected. Owen claimed: “If we close the pub across the road said they would also have to close due to the loss of trade they would suffer from our visitors over the summer months.
“We already have the shop which is open from Easter to September and have some lovely local residents who come down to have a drink or buy the locally made produce.”
The council’s decision will most likely create a rippling effect on the entire park, and put many jobs at risk. It’s unfortunate that the council can’t see the potential of the quaint caravan site, but county councillors voting in favour of the planning officer’s recommendation doesn’t leave much hope for this site.
Luckily Owen is not going to just let this go, and she has let it be known that she will ‘fight council to the end’ over planning permission.
Does this seem like an unfair judgement? Let us know your thoughts.

Best British music festivals of 2015: when and where you can go partying with your leisure vehicle

Posted by

by Alice Scarsi

Glastonbury, Reading, Donington and many other festivals will be providing enough space for you and your leisure vehicle in 2015. The question is, which festival will your choose?

Summer is finally approaching, and with summer comes the festival season, filled with weekends of music, fun, wellington boots and, inevitably, muddy and plenty of it. Rock or pop, funk or indie, whatever your favourite music genre is, it won’t be hard to find the right festival that tickles your pickle.

Not all of us, though, are cut out to live for three days with public toilets and soggy sleeping bags under a tent, irrespective of how appealing it sounds after a glass of wine. And even the most pumped festival goer could be turned off by the ever-present high possibility of rain. Yes, there are certainly more luxurious options available such as the glamping to enable you to avoid the discomforts of slumming it in a canvas carbuncle, but now that almost all of the festivals are “caravan-friendly”, there really is no reason for you to leave at home your home from home on wheels.

Free from the fear of a shared shower, whether you decide to hire a leisure vehicle or travel in your own, there are some great opportunities to jump on board and enjoy some of the best festivities the Uk has to offer for 2015. So read on to check out CaravanTimes‘ definitive guide to leisure vehicle-friendly festivals for 2015.

Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling or – as it has been called – Glastonbury at its best has received countless amount of praise and accolades since its inception in 2006. In 2010 Kendal was bestowed the honour of being named Best Small Festival and, in 2013, scooped the prize for Best Medium festival at the UK Festival Awards. Characterised by its eclectic line-ups, this year’s edition will host Snoop Dogg, The Vaccines and Kodaline amongst other important names on the alternative scene. Not only this, but there will also be designated areas for the disco lovers, Jazz enthusiasts and loads more.

Caravans and motorhomes are welcome to Kendal, and they have a whole area reserved, with 7×7 metres pitches, compost toilets, water and chemical disposal points as well as food shops if you get the munchies. Tents are allowed, as long as they stay within the space provided for each leisure vehicle.

Date: 30 July to 2 August 2015
Tickets prices: from £119, with the opportunity to pay in monthly instalments.
More information here

Y Not? Festival

If you want to see the best of the worldwide alternative scene all in one place, you have to head to Pikehall in Derbyshire from 31 July to 2 August for Y Not?. Snoop Dogg seems to be keeping himself rather busy on the second mention in our feature already. He’ll be joined by the likes of Primal Scream and Basement Jaxx who will be joining the Dogg Father to headline the three-day feast of indie, rap and electro music, that this year sees Y Not? celebrate its tenth birthday. In order to start the festivities early, why not check out the festival organisers’ playlist) on Spotify here.

The Y Not? Festival also has a designated family area which should provide for a more,serene experience, allowing you to join in with the fun as and when nappy-changing duties will alow and ensure the little ones get a good night’s rest.

Date: 31 July to 2 August 2015
Tickets prices: from £85, pitch fees £40.
More information here

Secret Garden Party

The festival to attend for those wanting to discover the latest indie artists, the Secret Garden Party offers a setting that is arguably the most beautiful you’ll ever see and is widely considered one of the biggest and coolest party of the UK. Launched in 2004, each year receives more than 26,000 people ready to listen to musicians such as The Cat Empire, Caravan Palace or Kate Tempest, to take part to the paint fight and to be amused by poets, artists and comedians. Don’t miss the party, head to Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire on 23 to 26 July.

Alongside with the main entrance ticket, which costs £185, you have to purchase the Live-in Vehicle pass if you want to enjoy the party in your leisure vehicle. If you prefer camping in a tent and you are coming with your family, you can buy the family camping pass, which entitles you to some privileges such as priority parking. For those restless who want to bring the party in the party, instead, there is also the option of hiring a gazebo where up to 24 people can spend their days of the festival sleeping and hanging out between one break and the other. Check out all the options available to you here.

Date: 23 to 26 July 2015
Tickets prices: from £185, £60 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Wychwood Festival

The Wychwood Festival is an annual event taking place in Cheltenham, Glouchestershire on 29 to 31 May. Beginning in 2005, Wychwood features mostly indie, folk and world music, but it also includes workshops, comedy, family-friendly activities and a silent disco. 2015’s festival will also feature a roller disco for both adults and children. The Undertones, Fickle Friends, Dreadzone and Folk On are just few of the bands that will step on the stage of this year’s festival.

The campsite is situated between the beautiful Prestbury Hills, and there will be four different areas with different pitching options available, including Pillow Camping or Tipis and Yurts – and one for caravans and campervans, where each caravanner will be provided with 9×6 metres of space for a vehicle and tent. The main campsites are located a short walk from the main area and will provide numerous facilities, including hot showers, a campsite shop, a café and lockers.

Date: 29 to 31 May 2015
Tickets prices: from £129, £72 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Camp Bestival

Camp Bestival is the British festival for those who have small children but don’t want to renounce to the vibes of a summer festival. Annually held at Lulworth Castle in Dorset, this year from 30 July to 2 August, it doesn’t focus merely on music, but it also offers a rich line up of theatre shows and activities for children (including a surprise appearance by the Gruffalo). This year’s live music stage will see no less than Bob Geldof, amongst other artists including Underworld, Clean Bandit, the Kaiser Chiefs and George the Poet.

As the name would suggest, Camp Bestival welcomes guests who wish to pitch up with either their tents or leisure vehicles and there will be both campervan caravan and trailer tent areas. Wat makes this festival pretty good is that when you book, unlike with other festivals, you have the opportunity to choose a specific pitch, overcoming the stressful first come first served rule. Glamping is another option available, and you can choose between a whole range of different, fancy accommodations.

Date: 30 July to 2 August 2015
Tickets prices: from £195, £72 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Download Festival

The 2015 edition of the biggest rock festival in Britain will take place on 12 to 14 June at Donington Castle (or, as described by the organisers, the spiritual home of rock), in Derby. Originally set up as a follow-up to the Monsters of Rock festival, 2015’s line-up will include artists that have certainly contributed to the history of hard rock and metal and include Kiss, Muse, Slash, Billy Idol, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Motley Crue to name a few.

Each leisure vehicle ticket holder will be assigned a 9×7 metres pitch, and will have access to portable toilets and showers, fresh water and waste disposal points, but, alas, no electric and water hook-up. You can purchase tickets for a single day, for three days or for five days of camping, or you can head to the RIP Campsite at Park Farm for a more luxurious experience.

Date: 12 to 14 June 2015
Tickets prices: from £190, £109 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Isle of Wight Festival

The Prodigy, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini and Billy Idol are only a handful of the names that, from 11 to 14 June, will hit the three stages at this year’s Isle of Wight festival. Set on the beautiful island just off mainland UK, this event has a long history, enriched by the big names that have taken part in the past, including Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker and The Who. Originally started as a counterculture event, in 1970 it became the festival par excellence. Revived in 2002 after a long break, it has proven a roaring success ever since.

By purchasing an Isle of Wight Festival camping ticket you’ll be able to camp all weekend in the 180-acre campsite that runs alongside the River Medina. Sadly, caravans aren’t allowed to the festival, so if you are a proud caravan or leisure vehicle owner that wants to participate to this festival, why not consider alternative accommodation here. The event allows the use of an additional tent or awning, as long as it fits within the 7×7 metres plot allocated for each camper.

Date: 11 to 14 June 2015
Tickets prices: from £145. Campervan ticket are currently sold out, but keep an eye on the website for any last minute offers
More information here

Reading and Leeds Festival

This festival is slightly different than the others mentioned as it will be taking place simultaneously in two different cities, for those who enjoy indie, rock and alternative music fans. The Leeds concertis held in Bramham Park, near Wetherby, on the ground of an historic house, while the Reading event – the original and senior of the two as well as the oldest music festival still in existence of the world – is held at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue. This year’s visitors will enjoy big names of the alternative scene as Metallica, Bastille, Mumford & Sons and The Libertines. The event will take place on 28-30 August.

There are two campervan areas in each site, where both motorhomes and caravans are allowed. One is for the general public, whilst the other has been specifically thought for disabled festival goers and is situated next to the disabled campsite. You must display the Campervan Ticket inside your vehicle during the whole weekend (which costs £75 plus £213 of the weekend ticket) and you can’t use tents inside the parking. Look at the tickets options here (identical for both venues) or consider the colourful luxury camping options if you prefer having your accommodation ready and waiting for you at your arrival.

Date: 10 to 12 July 2015

Tickets prices: from £213, £75 per leisure vehicle

More information here

T in the Park

The most important music festival in Scotland can pride itself not only with a long history that goes all the way back to 1994, but also record figures of visitors: last year the event attracted 85,000 people each day, including 70,000 campers. This year’s T in the Park will take place in Strathallan Castle, Perthshire, from 10 to 12 July. Headliners for 2015’s include, amongst others, Kasabian, David Guetta, Avicii, Stereophonics and Noel Gallagher’s the High Flying Birds.

Due to lack of space at the festival, only campervans are accommodated, There is also a strict ‘no tent’ policy, that allows only the use of awnings as an extension of the campervans and forbids the use of any tents. The option of glamping is also available however, providing a more luxurious alternatives to your bog-standard tent.

Date: 10 to 12 July 2015
Tickets prices: from £194, £150 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Glastonbury

Of course Glasto, being the largest greenfield festival in the world, had to be the the one we saved until last. Set in one of the most beautiful valleys in England, the legendary Avalon in Somerset, this year the event will take place from 24 to 28 June. The full line-up has yet to be unveiled, but the few artists revealed – Foo Fighters, Kanye West and Lionel Richie – already promise to set the stage in fire.

There are some strict rules to follow if you want to live the Glastonbury experience with your caravan. Only leisure vehicles with fitted sleeping and washing or cooking facilities are allowed into the leisure vehicle field, and only professionally manufacturered annex or inner tents are acceptable to sleep in. There is no electricity, and generators can’t be brought on site so prepare to rough it all the same. Also, since it isn’t possible to book a specific position of the pitch, a first come first served rule reigns.

Date: 24 to 28 June 2015
Tickets prices: from £220, £150 per leisure vehicle
More information here

Will you be attending one of the festivals listed above? Let us know which one and maybe we’ll see you there.

An open letter to Jeremy Clarkson from CaravanTimes

Posted by

by Joe Jeffrey

Hereon follows an open letter to Jeremy Clarkson, following the BBC’s disposal of his services from Top Gear earlier this week

Dear Jeremy,

We feel a bit sorry for you here at CaravanTimes. Following recent events, you must be short of a few quid and the weekly visits to the Job Centre will, no doubt, be tough. That’s the reason for me writing this open letter to you.

I’ve decided to cut to the chase and – subject to references – hereby offer you a position as resident TV presenter here at CaravanTimes.

I’ve got to admit, the job is pretty fun and will see you tour around the country reviewing a wide range of leisure vehicles – similar to your previous Top Gear presenting role.

You obviously have more experience with caravans than most broadcasters, having been involved in the odd caravan “fracas” or two over the years, but now we are offering you the opportunity to do something a little more constructive within the leisure industry.

Day to day duties will include

  • Presenting video pieces on the latest caravans and motorhome products
  • Helping with the prep – including washing and polishing the vehicles
  • Our camera crews do appreciate a good cup of coffee before they get going
  • Plenty of time behind the wheel of the tow-car and/or leisure vehicles that you’ll be putting to the test

    • Sure, you’ve not always been the most popular among our readership in the past, but we’re keen to give you the chance to change their opinion of you, some of which have included:

    “I cannot stand the bloke, he’s an overpaid w****er”
    “Ugly people keep saying ugly things, and will continue to do so”
    “Typical Top Gear s**t, as expected from Clarkson”
    “…I think he is the most arrogant t**t on TV today”

    Please note

  • When out on shoots we do provide lunch, but cold only
  • We have a strict anti-discrimination policy

    • Should you wish to accept our offer, we will require four weeks’ notice in order for our production team to complete self-defence training.

    In closing, we’d love for you to become a member of the CaravanTimes team and are sure our legion of readers would too, so what do you say Jezza?

    Yours sincerely,

    Joe Jeffrey

    COMPETITION: Win a Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

    Posted by

    by Joe Jeffrey

    Banish those stains with a portable Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner in our latest giveaway

    It goes without saying that spillages and newly acquired stains can certainly put a temporary downer on your holiday – trust us, we know. From tea stains to muddy footprints, we’ve pretty much experienced the lot when it comes making the fresh, clean interiors of our caravans and motorhomes resemble something more like a disaster zone.

    Fear not, however, as CaravanTimes‘ latest competition could see you walk away with the all-new Portable Spot Cleaner from Rug Doctor 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.

    What else is good about this great prize is the Portable Spot Cleaner’s versatility. Thanks to the machine’s retractable ‘luggage style’ handle and carpet friendly wheels, not only is it suitable for use in your leisure vehicle but also your home, car, or anywhere else you’ve got some carpet or upholstery you want to spruce up and leave looking like new. It’s compact size also means you’ll be able to store it away wherever you are.

    The Portable Spot Cleaner has twice the vacuum power of comparable leading spot cleaning machines too, and can be used to remove a whole load of unwanted mess, including trodden in dirt, stains and odours from deep within the carpet pile.

    Refilling couldn’t be easier either, with fast and simple removable tanks to make refilling and emptying wastewater less of a chore.

    Enter our competition today and those friendly people over at Rug Doctor will also throw in a sample bottle of pet friendly and wool safe Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner for carpets & Fabrics meaning the machine is ready to go as soon as it arrives.

    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 17 April.

    All that remains to say is good luck!

    Competition rules:
    The lucky winner will be picked at random at midday on 17 April 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

    AA announce winners for 2015 Caravan and Camping Awards

    Posted by

    By Claire Lawson

    Was your favourite site a winner? Read on to find out

    The AA has announced the winners of the annual Caravan and Camping Awards for 2015.

    With caravanning and camping growing in popularity all over the United Kingdom, the AA visited campsites across the length and breadth of the UK to find the best of the best destinations for Brits planning camping trips and holidays this year.

    Winners announced today will feature in the best selling AA Caravan and Camping Guide, featuring 900 caravan and campsites, all of which have been fully inspected by AA qualified campsite inspectors and given a rating based on touring pitches, facilities and hospitality. The parks are also provided a grading of Pennants from one to five with the best sites receiving a prestigious Gold Pennant.

    Without further ado, the winners are:

    AA Campsite Of The Year 2015
    England and Overall Winner – Oakdown Country Holiday Park, Sidmouth, Devon
    Scotland– Witches Craig Caravan and Camping Park, Blairlogie, Stirling
    Wales– Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park, Llanrwst, Conwy

    AA Regional Campsite Of The Year 2015
    South West – Fauxquets Valley Campsite, Castle, Guernsey
    South East – The Orchards Holiday Caravan Park, Newbridge, Isle of Wight
    Heart of England – Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, Staffordshire
    North West – Manor Wood Caravan Park, Coddington, Cheshire
    North East – Golden Square Caravan and Camping Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire

    Holiday Centre Of The Year
    Park Foot Caravan and Camping Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria

    Most Improved Campsite Of The Year (Roger Almond Award)
    Wells Holiday Park, Wells, Somerset

    Small Campsite Of The Year
    Churchill Farm Campsite, Buckfastleigh, Devon

    Congratulations to all the winners. Let us know if your favourite took a place this year.

    Caravan Guard set to participate in Great Yorkshire Bike Ride 2015 for charity

    Posted by

    by Alice Scarsi

    Caravan Guard aims to raise £10,000 for charity on 70-mile bike challenge

    Top Yorkshire insurance company, Caravan Guard, is to compete in the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride (GYBR) 2015 to raise money for charity.

    This June, eight Caravan Guard representatives join forces under the moniker of ‘Team CG’ to look to complete the GYBR, riding through the arduous one-way 70-mile route that goes from Wetherby in West Yorkshire to Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. Headed up by Caravan Guard’s founder, Peter Wilby, the team look to raise at least £10,000 for a number of charities, including the Yorkshire Cancer Research and MENCAP.

    The GYBR is an annual cycling event that aims to raise money for various charity organisations, originally launched in 1983 to finance the Tockwith Youth Club, it has grown so popular that during the years has raised a total amount that is close to £2.5 million.

    Moreover, this year’s event is particularly special for Caravan Guard, since will see Peter Wilby embark on his 21st ride. When asked what made him enter this year’s competition Peter said: “After doing the ride for so many years I can’t not enter! It’s a great day hosted by a fantastic organisation with superb scenery and a great festival atmosphere.”

    CaravanTimes praise this initiative, and wishes Team CG every success.

    Swift provides 2016 Olympic Games’ Team Wiggins cycling team with Escape

    Posted by

    by Justine Iorga

    Team Wiggins given Swift motorhome as support for their efforts
    Swift Group has announced that they will be supporting a cycling team called Team Wiggins by providing them with a motorhome.

    The team has been founded by Sir Bradley Wiggins, 34, with the ultimate goal to win gold at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which is the world governing body for the sport of cycling recognised by the International Olympic Committee, has recently approved and issued a licence to the world time trial champion’s new squad.
    While Wiggins is still with his current team, Team Sky, he will officially leave on 30 April in order to join his team consisting of Mark Christian, Andy Tennant, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull, Dan Patten, and Chris Lawless in early May.
    In recognition of the elite British riders’ dedication, Swift Group decided to join in the support by providing them with a Swift Escape 696. The Swift Escape will be decked out in Team Wiggins colours and the team’s sponsor logos.
    The super light motorhome has the perfect layout for the team to relax in before a big race, an ideal environment for private team meetings, and after an exhausting day of cycling the Escape‘s bunks at the rear can become a space for recovery or physiotherapy.
    Nick Page, Commercial Director of Swift Group, stated: “It is absolutely brilliant what Sir Bradley Wiggins is setting out to achieve with Team WIGGINS this year leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics and we are very pleased to support the team, by providing a motorhome.”
    “Cycling is a great activity and many of our customers either take bikes with them or spectate at many of the Tours throughout Europe.”
    Team Wiggins will be competing in their first race at the Tour of Normandy, which started on 23 March and will go on until 29 March. To stay posted on the team’s results, click here.

    Caravan renovation helps owner escape the rent noose

    Posted by

    By Claire Lawson

    Young New Zealand woman finds alternative to high cost living in a caravan

    To rent or own your own property is something the younger generation has always strived for, but with sky rocketing rent and mortgage prices the goal is slowly becoming harder and harder for many young adults to achieve as well.

    It’s not just the UK that’s suffering from the post-recession blues though and New Zealand is no different. However, one savvy resident decided to act on impulse when she decided to buy a used caravan online.

    Parked in the backyard behind a shared flat, Lily Kemp now only pays a grand total of $40 NZD per month (approximately £20) for her caravan residence – a quarter of what her house mates inside the property pay.

    After making the decision to downsize from her Auckland apartment, Kemp bought her caravan for a mere $1,000 NZD (approximately £500) and spent another $496 NZD (approximately £250) to replace the rotting floorboards.

    Despite the close-quarters, Kemp is able to make her new living accommodation come alive with vibrant colours, decorations and even houseplants.

    Her mobile living arrangements come with a galley kitchen, an upholstered banquette (with storage underneath) and a big bed that transforms into a seated dining area. The electronics are provided their energy from a solar panel bought for approximately £30 and the stove and fridge are both powered by gas.

    She still has to use the bathroom inside the property, however her pop-up caravan allows the freedom to move around, visit family and get away for the summer, essentially enabling her to live a full life free of the rent trap. Check out a video of the quirky home below.

    It’s wonderful to find a young person thinking outside the square and finding cost-effective alternatives to the mainstream expectations of workaholism, mortgage, major property and zombie consumerism. What do you think? Would you do, or have done, something like this given half the chance?

    Man ordered to pay £10,000 for stealing caravans

    Posted by

    by Justine Iorga
    Man convicted of selling stolen luxury caravans to unsuspecting eBayers fined, but is sentence too lenient?
    A man caught and convicted of selling stolen caravans to unsuspecting buyers has been fined £10,000 or face six month’s prison time.
    Joseph Cochrane, 47, from Stretford, Greater Manchester, was convicted of handling luxury caravans stolen in Holland and Germany worth a total of £34,000 and selling them to unbeknownst eBayers.
    Luckily, police managed to catch Cochrane before he could scam too many buyers. When officers from Greater Manchester Police raided his home they seized £2,680 in cash. Cochrane disputed ownership of the money and stated he had no other assets. He also claimed that he had sold the caravans on behalf of another man who had taken all the money.
    At a confiscation hearing in Manchester Crown Court on 19 March, Cochrane was ordered to pay £10,000 within the next six months or face six months imprisonment. If Cochrane were to serve the six months that would not change the fact that he would still have to pay the fine.
    Detective Constable John Townsend, from GMP’s Asset Attack Team, said: “Both members of the public who lost out should now get back all the money they lost back.
    “While fraud is a growing problem, I would like to reassure both members of the public and criminals engaged in fraud that Greater Manchester Police is determined not only to bring criminals to justice but also to leave no stone unturned in making sure that we strip criminals of their assets and compensate their victims who have lost their hard earned money through fraud,” he continued.
    Townsend went on: “It may take a while to complete the process but Greater Manchester Police do not forget, and we are fully aware of the impact fraud can have on members of the public.
    “It is one of the best parts of my job to contact victims and tell them the good news when we succeed in retrieving their money.”
    What do you think of Cochrane’s punishment? Was he let off too easily of his offence? Let us know your thoughts.

    Book your trip to the 2015 Le Mans race with The Caravan Club and grab a prize

    Posted by

    by Alice Scarsi

    Book your trip to the Le Mans race with the Caravan Club to have the chance to win a very special prize

    If you are thinking of heading to the exciting Le Mans 24 race with your caravan this year (13-14 June), The Caravan Club have just made things even more exciting with the announcement of a great new competition.

    The 24-hour race of Le Mans is one of the most thrilling events of the season for those who love the thrill of an amazing race. And, to make the most of this year’s event, The Caravan Club is offering those who book a ferry crossing along with a stay at The Club’s nearby Château de Chanteloup, the opportunity to win a whole host of Le Mans 24-Hour Race prizes. The long list of prizes available includes:

    • Lunch with the Jota Sport team on the Friday
    • Private tour of the Jota Sport pit and a chance to see the car and team up close after lunch on Friday
    • Guided tour of the pit lane
    • Visit the Jota Sport team pit during the race at a designated time and watch the team perform at least one pit stop
    • Goody bag

    The winner will be drawn on 5 June 2015 and notified by 10 June 2015. There will be a maximum of six winners drawn.

    Attending the race and participating in the prize draw already looks like a win/win situation that shouldn’t be missed. To book, call the Caravan Club’s Travel team on 01342 488108 now to stand a chance of winning.

    The National evening tickets on sale now

    Posted by

    by Justine Iorga
    Tickets on sale now for The National 2015’s evening show at Cornbury Park
    The Caravan Club shop is now selling tickets to The National evening show in Cornbury Park in Charlbury, Oxfordshire. The Club is welcoming all to come and join the festivities of the night that will include great music and a guaranteed good time.
    The event, held each bank holiday in May, invites both members and non-members to come and stay for the whole weekend, day or even just the evening to sample the entertainment available for guests of all ages.
    The fantastic entertainment will include music from The Magic of the Bee Gees, Beyond the Barricade, who will be on hand to sing well-known West End songs, a Buddy Holly tribute act featuring the ‘Everly Brothers’ and special guest star Jess Conrad, as well as ‘A Great Night Out’ – a swing band that will take you straight back to the vintage era.
    If you decide to stay the night there are many Club Sites nearby to the event, including: Bladon Chains, Broadway, Burford, and Moreton-in-the-Marsh.
    Tickets are now available to buy from the Club shop online, so buying is an easy few clicks. To purchase tickets, click here now.