by Justine Iorga
Caravanners accused of smuggling in killer Asian hornets to UK
Chairwoman of the Norfolk Beekeepers’ Association, Carolyn Liston, has blamed caravanners over concerns that millions of killer hornets could be heading to the UK.
Rumoured to have managed to buzz their way into France by hiding away in a consignment of pottery originating from the Far East, these vicious creatures have already killed six people in France after the sting caused them to go into anaphylactic shock. Their sting is filled with eight toxic chemicals that cause an allergic shock in humans which then can result in deadly consequences.
Now, chairwoman of the Norfolk Beekeepers’ Association, Carolyne Liston, has weighed in on the issue, blaming any possible sighting of Asian hornets on UK soil on caravannners.
She said: “We are concerned they are going to come into Britain on someone’s caravan who has been travelling in France.
“They are a very, very aggressive predator. They wait by the entrance and grab foraging bees as they come back into the hive. They can absolutely decimate bee colonies.”
Caravanners have been blamed for quite a bit over the years – from causing traffic jams to putting a blot on the UK’s landscape – but hornets? Seriously?
Meanwhile, the Animal Veterinary Laboratories Agency is on standby to kill the hornets should they cross the Channel with or without the help of those with caravans and the National Bee Unit of the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will meet in Suffolk next month for a seminar where they will discuss ways to deal with these predators that can devour as many as 50 honey bees in a day. Defra has sent email alerts to beekeepers across the country, urging them to be on guard for this menace.
We at CaravanTimes are totally for protecting ourselves and others from danger, but for Liston to assume these killer insects are on a one way ticket courtesy of our caravans is, perhaps stretching things a tad too far. What about the huge number of heavy goods vehicles en route from France too? Or, for that matter, regular passengers on ferry crossings or other forms of transportation from across the Channel? The issue certainly shouldn’t be contained to those with caravans.
The above said, it pays to be on the look out for these killer hornets, which could possibly be attracted to the warm spring we are currently experiencing across the UK. So, if you’re unsure about how to tell these Asian hornets apart from European hornets, we’ve included some facts about them below:
– Asian hornets are generally active between April and November.
– Queens can grow up to 3cm in length, with her workers measuring in at around 2.5cm.
– Asian hornets have an entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band. It has a black head with orange-yellow face
– It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground
– The Asian Hornet is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, returns to its nest at dusk.
Make sure you’re on the look out for the killer hornets wherever you are in the UK and let us know what you think about Carolyne Liston’s comments below? Should caravanners be singled out or should this be a message to all those who make a Channel crossing? One thing’s for sure – she’s certainly put bee in our bonnet.
Caravan to steal the show on BBC Panorama election special
Caravan helps predict who’s going to be the next prime minister on BBC show
Move over Cameron, Miliband and Farage, there’s a new contender in town as an Airstream International 684 is scheduled to appear on BBC show, Panorama on 27 April as part of a report on statistics concerning the general election. Okay, so maybe it’s not a contender, but the 684 will certainly be a lot easier on the eye, that’s for sure.
American statistician, Nate Silver, borrowed the 684 from it’s owner Tom Jones, who also accompanied him, and travelled with it around the UK in an effort to poll opinions about the fast-approaching general election.
Silver has had great success in the past after rightly predicting the outcome of the past two U.S presidential elections, so it will certainly be interesting to see what he has to say for himself.
Presenter Richard Bacon joined Silver as he toured the length and breadth of Britain in the Airstream in a bid to estimate the outcome of one of the most highly anticipated elections in years.
Jones spoke of their travels, saying: “It was great fun going round the country with the team – we went everywhere from Skegness to Scotland and at one point we parked up in the middle of Bury Market. As for the election result, I think it’ll be a close call but I’ve an idea where I’ll be putting my money.”
The anticipation is killing us! To find out about Silver’s prediction, tune into BBC Panorama at 8:30pm on 27 April. Whilst you wait, do you dare to display your political allegiances below?
National Trailer and Towing Association competition winner receives star treatment
by Alice Scarsi
Winner of NTTA Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2015 receives star quality treatment from Association
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA), one of the leading associations of the UK light trailer and towing industry, is celebrating its 15th year of activity and excellence in tow bar installation and trailer maintenance through its Quality Secured (QS) accreditation scheme, and to celebrate in style offered visitors to this year’s Caravan, Camping & motorhome Show the opportunity for extra special star treatment..
The prize? A fitting of a free tow bar, courtesy of Westfalia-Automotive UK in Bristol, to the car of the lucky winner’s car; the winner? Richard Hickton from Kirkby, in Ashfield.
An overwhelmed Richard said of hearing the news he’d won: “My wife and I were absolutely flabbergasted when we were contacted by the NTTA to say we had won their competition. We attended the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC to look for a new caravan, and we had recently changed our car, so we needed a new tow bar fitting very soon any way – it was perfect timing!
“We found out all about the NTTA at the show and have now experienced first-hand what a Quality Secured member can do – we wouldn’t go anywhere else to have one fitted as we know that it’s done to a high quality standard. Thanks to Kieren and the team for their hard work.”
Phil Holman, chairman of the NTTA, commented on the competition organised: “We were delighted with the response for our competition at the CCM Show 2015, and we were very pleased to contact Richard to let him know we would fit a FREE tow bar to his car by our first ever Quality Secured member – Towbar and Trailers in Chesterfield.”
Of the Quality Secured accreditation scheme the NTTA offer, which sets a benchmark for the industry, Hollman went on: “We are delighted with the success of the Quality Secured scheme over the last 15 years. It gives consumers across the UK confidence when using any of our services and purchasing goods; and the knowledge of doing business with an accredited company that will always give the best service possible with a warranty.”
Congratulations to the lucky winner.
Loving dog owners save their pet from drowning with the kiss of life
by Joe Jeffrey
Dog on brink of death saved by quick-thinking owners
A West Highland Terrier who was feared drowned following being pulled underwater by strong currents at sea has lived to bark another day, thanks to a passing fisherman and her owners’ quick-thinking which saw the pooch being administered with the kiss of life.
Dave and Brenda Rickard, along with their daughter and two grandchildren, were out crabbing when their beloved dog, Daisy, four, lost her footing and slipped off of a quay, falling ten feet into the sea.
Despite Daisy’s resilience to return to shore, the strong current was too much for her, as Dave, 72, told the Mirror: “She was swimming okay but the current was taking her away and eventually she got so weak and gave up.
“Her head went under the water, it was a horrendous scene.”
As luck would have it, a passing fishing boat was alerted to the situation and a fisherman aboard managed to hook a limp Daisy out of the water and deliver the motionless canine back to her owner, Dave, who instinctively gave his four-legged friend Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Dave and wife Brenda, 67, took turns breathing into Daisy’s mouth and rubbing her chest until she came round, at which point the poorly pooch was rushed to a local veterinary surgery for emergency care. Vets warned Daisy’s owners that their pet might be brain damaged due to lack of oxygen, but fortunately for Daisy she made a full recovery and was discharged the following day to enjoy the rest of her caravan holiday.
Dave and Brenda’s daughter, Karen, 36, who witnessed the incident expressed her surprise at Daisy making a full recovery.
“Daisy’s alive and none of us can believe it but good things do happen to good people and my parents are that,” Karen began.
“We are still in shock but miracles do happen. It truly was the most horrific experience of my life. Someone was watching over us, I totally believe that.”
Bedford SB3 mobile cinema up for sale
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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.
Bailey brand becomes a permanent presence Down Under
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”
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