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.

Welsh families find caravan campervan holidays most rewarding

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By Claire Lawson

Campervanning voted most desirable holidays for Welsh families

New research has found that more Welsh families are choosing campervan and caravan holidays over package holidays.

A survey conducted with 2,000 people, carried out by Comfort-Insurance, established the two main reasons for families opting for caravan holidays was to avoid airport stress and experiencing the freedom caravan and campervan holidays have to offer.

Statistics showed that one-fifth of parents from Wales polled felt package holidays required too much planning and 36 per cent felt that airport experiences were too stressful. 36 per cent also said that taking luggage was the biggest drag on a package holiday.

The freedom from luggage restrictions proved to be a big factor for holiday makers as 38 per cent report they take up to six bags away with them, while 16 per cent say they take as many as ten bags away filled with the family’s belongings. Being free from luggage creates a calmer holiday experience for everyone – something which caravan and campervan holidays allow.

Up to 41 per cent of parents claimed that ‘home from home’ comforts are what they miss most on holiday breaks, and one-fifth of parents say it is their family pet that their children want to take with them on their getaway.

Not only do leisure vehicle holidays provide the chance to bring along pets in a ‘home from home’ environment, the financial savings compared to holiday packages are outstanding.

A family of four can save up to £10,000 over an 18 year period with campervan holidays in comparison to an annual one-week package holiday.

“It’s no surprise that leisure vehicle holidays have become more popular with British families, especially campervans and caravans. They give you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and take what you want.” says Pete Cue, founder and director of Comfort-Insurance.

It would be no surprise if leisure vehicle holidays became even more popular over the rest of the UK.

TravelWorld sets the bar for handover and safety on new and used motorhomes

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CaravanTimes visits TravelWorld in Shropshire to find out more about the dealership’s stringent gas and electricity safety checks, handover processes and much more
by Joe Jeffrey
When it comes to driving off in a new or used motorhome, getting out and enjoying everything motorhome ownership has to offer should be the main thought on your mind. With an extensive handover process and stringent safety checks in place, providing peace of mind for all, that’s certainly the case from what we saw when we visited TravelWorld in Shropshire.
Having served the motorhome community for over 30 years, the UK’s largest Hymer Group dealership, TravelWorld, hardly scrimp when it comes to safety. In fact safety sits firmly at the top of the tree when it comes to any new or used motorhome leaving their forecourt in search of the open road and what adventures lie ahead.
From pre-delivery inspections, consisting of a more-than-thorough check of each and every motorhome before each customer is passed the keys, to gas and electrical safety testing by fully qualified staff in TravelWorld’s National Caravan Council Approved Workshop Scheme onsite premises, it seems no stone is left unturned.
Also high on the agenda is TravelWorld’s stringent handover process. Before any customer is passed the keys to their new purchase, the dealership’s friendly staff ensure that each and every customer is provided with all necessary information to ensure the best experience possible.
CaravanTimes went along to TravelWorld to find out more.

Hundreds of people protest caravan park plans

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by Alice Scarsi

Caravan park next to the Mere in Cheshire would “litter” the beautiful landscape according to residents against plans

Hundreds of local residents have joined forces to fight plans for the introduction of a caravan park built next to the Mere in Cheshire.

Following an application submitted by company Euro Source and Find Ltd to transform a local car park into a touring and static caravan park, Ellesmere resident Cathy Andrew has decided to set up an action group – unoriginally named “No to Castlefields caravan park, Ellesmere” – in order to oppose to plans proposed, and has since attracted nearly 500 members in just one week.

Andrews explained her decision by saying: “People feel so strongly about this because of its proximity to the Mere. The land connects the Mere to the canal and people come from all over the world to enjoy the rolling landscape.”

The proposed development would house 30 touring caravans, 24 static caravans and a reception area with staff accommodation. Whereas it looks pretty clear to us that these proposals will boost the tourism and the economy in the area, that provides popular views of the Mere, Andrews believes that hosting more visitors in the area will have the opposite effect.

“The plans limit the views to just a few select people and it would spoil the general landscape for everyone else,” she said. “People come to enjoy a walk around the Mere and look back at the beautiful rolling landscape, not littered with big mobile homes. The Mere has got to be protected.”

On the same page is tree hunter, Rob McBride, another Ellesmere resident, who told the Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer: “The Mere goes further back than the Oswestry Hillfort and everyone knows it defines Ellesmere.

“Tourism is virtually all we have left and the Mere is too special to ruin. People who were thinking of coming to Ellesmere will choose to go somewhere unspoilt, it’s very annoying.”

Apparently, according to residents existing caravan parks in the area are more than enough to satisfy the needs of tourists wishing to visit the area. However, not all citizens of Ellesmere are on Andrews’ and McBride’s side. with some residents in favour of a new caravan park believing that the plans will bring more business into the area.

So far, the application has received 44 official objections, with just one comment of support, so things aren’t exactly looking good.

Let us know what you think. Are we as much of a littering pain than those in Ellesmere make out, or have they been listening to Ray Mears too much?

Garmin releases app that finds your car and much more

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by Justine Iorga
Smartphone Link app compatible with Garmin sat nav products to make for an easier travel
Fed up of forgetting where you parked the car? Left the comfort of your caravan or motorhome to venture into the wilderness to search pastures new and want to find the quickest route back? Well Garmin may just have the perfect answer upon the release of a very handy little smartphone app.
Garmin’s new Smartphone Link app looks set to keep even the most lacking in sense of direction at ease thanks to integrated technology which will see your smartphone interact with your Garmin nüvi sat nav to pinpoint exactly where you’ve pitched up, all at the press of a button, really taking sat nav technology to the next level.
That’s not all though. Additional features courtesy of the Smartphone Link include:
– Access to advanced weather conditions which is sure to help avoid bad driving conditions, especially when travelling long distance
– Dynamic parking information such as pricing and availability so you don’t have to spend 20 minutes circling up and down the multi-storey car park only to find you don’t have the right change
– Live traffic feeds to help you navigate in and around congestion. With updates every two minutes you’ll get details of traffic incidents, road conditions and delays on motorways, and more
– Speedwatch safety camera updates and locations, including fixed, temporary, average speed and mobile zones which can lower insurance premiums and avoid penalty points and fines
Not only do you get all of the above, but you can also allow your smartphone to interact with your sat nav to send addresses, contacts and other destinations to your sat nav – all at the press of a button. And, perhaps the best thing is, it’s absolutely free!
So if you already own a Garmin navigation system it might just be in your best interest to try out this app. Oh, and if you haven’t got a sat nav or are looking to upgrade, make sure you check back on CaravanTimes from Monday onwards for details on a great new competition. Hmmm. we wonder what’s up for grabs.
For more information and to download the app, click here.

Motor-racing driver Oliver Webb supports Freedom to Go campaign

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by Alice Scarsi

Another important name joins the campaign

British motor racing driver Oliver Webb has pledged his support to the Freedom to Go campaign, and will play an active role in it throughout the whole 2015 racing season.

As new ambassador of the NCC‘s campaign, in conjunction with The Caravan Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club, the talented SardMorand‘s driver Oliver Webb will be blogging on the official site of the initiative, talking about his racing season and his experience with leisure vehicles.

With the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) kicking off this weekend (10-12 April) and a Bailey Approach Advance 615 motorhome to assist his racing in the prestigious 6 hours of Silversone, Webb will have plenty to share with fellow leisure vehicle enthusiasts about how the motorhome helps him achieving his goals, enhancing his time spent at the track and having fun.

Rachel Piggot from Freedom to Go is enthusiastic of Webb joining the campaign, saying: “It’s fantastic to have Oliver on board as an ambassador. He’s a young up and coming sportsman who is an inspiration to people both young and old.

“He’s not only interested in fast cars, but the importance of a healthy lifestyle and enjoying the great outdoors. Freedom to Go will be following his progress and run exclusive blogs from Oliver throughout the year. Stay tuned!”

Webb, being a young leisure vehicle enthusiast, is surely the perfect person to spread around the campaign. He enjoys the positive aspects of owning a motorhome, as he explained: “I’m delighted to be working alongside Freedom to Go as an ambassador. Within endurance racing us drivers know far too well the discomforts of sleeping and living at the racetrack, a stressful, noisy and loud environment.

“Getting away from it all into the comforts of a motorhome walking distance from my garage is a saving grace, somewhere to relax, chat to family and team members and rest in peace between the heavy night stints at races like Le Mans. No more sleeping in the crates that the cars came in like we do in the Dubai 24hours,” he continued.

Rachel Lockyer, Bailey marketing manager, said: “Everyone at Bailey of Bristol would like to wish Oliver the best of luck for this racing season, and we are delighted that our new Approach Advance motorhome is being the perfect support vehicle at a sporting event like the opening round of the WEC. It will provide him with plenty of seating areas to relax in, plus facilities to freshen up and provide hot or cold nourishment and drinks whenever he needs them.”

We here at CaravanTimes think Webb is a perfect choice for Freedom to Go; do you agree with us? Let us know who else you think would also make a perfect choice for the next ambassador for this campaign in the comments below.

Caravanners in protest against new caravan legislation due to be enforced

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by Alice Scarsi

Concern raised against new legislation, as caravanners start petition

Caravan enthusiasts have started a petition requesting the government put a stop to new strict regulations of caravan use on the Isle of Man, with fears control measures in place could undermine tourism in the area.

Stricter control measures, including a new registration permit system are due to be implemented from November 2015, enraging both caravanners and Manx residents alike – so much so a petition has been set up to thwart plans due to take effect.

Legislation set to be enforced will require users of leisure vehicles to display a special permit if visiting the island for special events including the TT Festival, Classic TT or Southern 100 or even if they are staying at approved campsites. Moreover, drivers towing caravans may have to follow designated routes to and from their respective campsites, with restricted travel on the Island’s roads.

Both caravanners and Manx residents have been lamenting the fact that there was no public consultation on this matter, even though it may possibly affect the economy on the island by deterring tourists from visiting.

Comments left on the Facebook page of local Isle of Man radio station, Energy FM have picked up pace, with some expressing their disdain at new legislation planned.

Local resident, Karen Inston, said: “the IOM Government are just making a mockery of the tourist industry, let alone how IOM residents choose to spend their leisure time,” whilst Tony Harmer accused the Isle of Man government of living in the past. “The government/civil servants still living in the dark ages! The more people we can encourage to visit the better for all of us. The price of travel will put off most tourist visitors with a caravan so it is only the better off we are rejecting,” he said.

Over 160 people have already signed the petition, in protest against any changes to legislation. To sign it, click here.

What do you think of the decision made? Will it discourage you from visiting the beautiful Isle of Man?

Kip Caravan makes a deal to bring their product to the UK

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by Justine Iorga
Kip Shelter makes its way to UK just in time for caravan season
Dutch caravan manufacturer, Kip Caravans is coming to the UK just in time for summer, courtesy of the Kip pop-top Shelter range.
Based in Hoogeveen, in the Netherlands, Kip has been a forerunner in innovation within the caravan market for over 80 years and have certainly made a name for themselves, especially on the European continent. And now, having introduced the Shelter model to countries including China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Israel and Germany in 2012, the company has finally decided to open up the market to the UK care of a distribution deal with Hercberg International.
If it’s customisation you’re looking for in a compact caravan, the pop-top Shelter just might be for you. Coming in 99 different colours, the range even offers the option to design and customise it to your needs, making this quirky little number appropriate for a number of uses, owing to the crossover design encompassing the comfort of a caravan with the outdoor feeling of a tent.
The Shelter has a maximum laden mass of 750kg (which can be increased to 900 kg) and an empty weight of 595 kg. With this low weight and a width of only 1.85 meters, it can be parked easily on the drive and towed by almost any car with a tow bar, also making it ideal for a number of uses.
UK distributor, Hercberg International, hopes to appoint a small handful of UK dealers for the Shelter throughout the UK.
Mike Lake, Sales Director for Hercberg International, said: “The Shelter is a product without comparison in the UK at this moment. It offers a crossover between the comfort of a caravan and the outdoor feeling of a tent. It therefore is an ideal product to add to our product portfolio.
“Together with our knowledge of the UK market and the quality that Kip Caravan offers, I think that the Shelter will be a success among the British camper. This quirky and hip model is also good for the market in general and can attract new and young customers to experiencing camping”.
As for the target audience the Kip Shelter is intended for, Kip Export Manager, Ivar van der Leij, explained: “Tent and folding caravan campers who would like to have a bit more comfort, but do not want to camp in a ‘white box’ caravan, are the main target group. The Shelter offers them that little bit of extra comfort, while it keeps giving them that outdoor tent feeling. Especially when combined with the specially designed awning, the Shelter is a perfect camping accommodation.”
If you’re looking for a new caravan with a difference, the compact and quirky Shelter model may just be the one for you. For more information, click here. The starting price for the basic model is £8,995.
What do you think? Is this something you could see trading your caravan in for?

Swift launches the Swift Experience

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By Claire Lawson

Swift Group launches new initiative to report on the experiences of fellow outdoor explorers

UK leisure vehicle manufacturer, Swift , has launched a new initiative to provide caravanners, motorhomers and outdoor enthusiasts with up-to-date, real life documented experiences of enthusiastic caravanners.

The Swift Group has teamed up with expert individuals to promote the new venture, including keen caravanner Lee Davey, motorhome enthusiast David Hurst and extreme sportsman Neil Greentree, all of whom will be joining Swift to impart advice, hints and tips and lots more with the aim to expland and enhance people’s touring experiences.

Lee Davey and the Davey family, who have previously been featured in CaravanTimes before, enjoy focusing on family time whilst exploring all the great outdoors has to offer in their Sprite tourer, with their choice of caravan enabling them to see the sights across the UK and throughout Europe at their own pace. Dad, Lee, said “As it’s such a flexible way of getting away, our Sprite fits-in with whatever we want to do whether it’s action-packed, sit back & relax or hopping from one country to another. I’m thrilled to be asked to be a Swift ambassador and look forward to imparting my knowledge and experience.”

Meanwhile, David Hurst and his family like to use their Swift Escape 696 motorhome to get away during the year. Following purchasing their motorhome in 2014, the Hursts began the Face2Facebook project where, with every person they visit on their travels, they donate £2 to a cancer charity.

2015 has seen the Hursts embark on their latest exciting adventure, ‘Education by Astonishment’, in which they have taken the decision to remove their eldest son from school whilst sticking to a home schooling regime. They donate to UNICEF for every astonishing person, place or thing they set out to see. This incorporates the valuable life lesson that thinking of and giving to others is the best way of happy living.

Owner and boss of UK Windsurf Race and Demo Team QSW, Neil Greentree, has a passion the outdoors and getting as much out of life as possible making him a great choice to test and write about the Swift Group products in extreme conditions.

Neil said: “I grew up with caravans and motorhomes and they have always been the most natural and organic way to travel and holiday. My experience in Freecamping (due to the location of sailing spots I sail) meant teaming up with Swift was a perfect vocation for me. To now be able to test and advise Swift with what works and what doesn’t ‘out in the field’ just seems the right thing to do.”

Swift’s Group Commercial Director Nick Page said of Swift’s new intiative: “Our ambassadors demonstrate very different ways of enjoying the freedom a leisure vehicle can provide whether that is visiting foreign countries, education, sport, health or just having fun. The Swift Experience not only allows you to follow the lives of families with a passion for enjoying the freedom the tourer and motorhome lifestyle can offer, but we also hope to encourage more people to explore and appreciate the outdoors.”

What do you think of this new venture? Let us know in the comments below why you started touring in your leisure vehicle – we’d love to read why.

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Why you should never overtake when towing your caravan

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By Claire Lawson

Dash cam catches the horrifying moment an overtaking manoeuvre goes wrong

The shocking moment a driver towing a caravan attempts to overtake a slow-moving vehicle and loses control has been caught on camera.

The stupid driver, and – we’re ashamed to say – caravanner, was attempting to get in front of a lorry on the A39 between Street and Glastonbury in Somerset, but seemed to have run out of space following two lanes merging into one.

The video shows the back of the caravan hitting a road sign as the driver of the car loses control and swerves into the road.

The caravan was completely destroyed, leaving debris scattered up and down the road near Wirral Park roundabout in Glastonbury.
The road was subsequently closed following the crash but, CaravanTimes is pleased to report nobody was hurt in the accident caused by the irresponsible driver’s actions.

Be sure to see the footage below recorded from the lorry’s dash cam and let us know what you think? Would you consider overtaking a slow vehicle with your caravan?