Botanist David Bellamy invites caravanners to tweet about their discoveries

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by Alice Scarsi

If you’re planning to spend your holidays surrounded by nature and have a twitter account, you may be the person David Bellamy’s looking for

The David Bellamy Conservation Awards Scheme has launched a new initiative that aims to discover and deepen the knowledge of different species of wildlife – and David Bellamy needs you.

In a era where internet users take to Instagram and Twitter to report about everything the stumble across, the British botanist has decided to take advantage of the power of social media and has invited holidaymakers to share news, info and pictures about their wildlife sightings on a new Twitter account, in the hope that a large number of followers could possibly bring to light new species’ or information about those discovered that we don’t know much about.

So if you’re planning to spend your holidays at one of the 530 sites that have been honoured with the David Bellamy Conservation Award to recognise work done to protect the environment, you could become an important contributor of the studies of famous botanist David Bellamy.

“Thousands of families will be staying on awarded parks this year,” said Rufus Bellamy, son of the world-famous botanist and a wildlife adviser to parks taking part in the scheme.

“We hope that many will act as our unofficial nature wardens in spotting both animals and plants which they come across, and taking a quick photograph. Some pictures may be of familiar species, whilst other users of the Twitter account may be able to help put a name to less common flora or fauna.

“We hope park managers and staff will also take part, and it would be great if this helped to create an interactive platform for sharing experiences and making new discoveries,” Bellamy jr. continued.

“At the same time, it will also help us as scheme organisers to get a broad snapshot of park-based wildlife activity to be seen across the country,” Rufus added.

The initiative shows a smart use of social media and also how important your role in protecting and preserving the wilderness that surrounds us when we go on holiday is. What do you think of the new initiative? Will you tweet about your discoveries in the wilderness?

Weekend caravan show announced for Northam Farm

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Claire Lawson

Northam Farm Caravan Sales Ltd to host weekend show in March

Northam Farm dealership will host a weekend show at their site in Somerset next month.

Those in attendance at the show, which takes place between 6 – 8 March, are set to stumble across a number of big deals on offer for new 2015 models from brands such as Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore, all of which will be on display. And considering they are all sold with SoLiD Construction and free ten year body integrity and water ingress warranty, you’ll be guaranteed to drive away with no worries at all.

If you’re after something a bit different, many pre-owned caravans will also be for sale, and with over 100 vans on offer for you to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Not only is Northam Farm offering great prices on the caravans, but they will also be offering a complimentary free short stay on the holiday park site with each caravan purchased.

Children will be catered for too, with activities such as face painting and glitter tattoos thrown inf or good measure. A Northam Farm hog roast will also be available during the weekend so no one will go home unhappy, plus all the proceeds made from acitivities on the day will go to local charities.

For more information on the show, visit Northam Farm’s website by clicking here.

Caravan Gallery exhibition hosted by Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale to be held in Sunderland next month

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by Justine Iorga

Caravan Gallery exhibition set to provide locals the opportunity to combine their love of caravans with their creative side

For all you quirky caravan lovers out there we have an event for you that might be worth getting involved in.

Artists and photographers Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale will be touring Sunderland next month for a six-week residency where they will be hosting an exhibition and competition all from the inside of a 1969 mustard-coloured caravan. What’s more, the photographer and artist in residence will also be inviting ,members of the public to break out their cameras to feature their work in The Caravan Gallery exhibition.

Now Jan and Chris aren’t just looking for any photographs to feature inside their caravan, they want to see the parts of Sunderland that makes the people proud to live there. So anything from hidden spots, little-known locations, the secrets of the town, photos that capture how the people feel about living there, their favourite place to go, or even just a simple sign that brings joy.
Jan gave a bit of advice to those that want to enter, saying: “Show us what’s special, unusual or perhaps typical of everyday life in this part of the world.
“We want to encourage the people of Sunderland to view their city with fresh eyes, to astonish and surprise us with their observations from a local and personal perspective.
The caravan will be moving throughout the area throughout the six-week residency displaying the Pride Of Place project, with some of the confirmed locations including Arts Centre Washington on 7 March and outside the Bridges shopping centre on 21 March. For those that enter into the competition, the lucky ones chosen will actually have their image along with other winners’ images displayed in their own exhibition.

A creative hub where all artists can meet locals will also be set up, as well as an information centre where residents can tell visitors about their area or show off the great things about where they live, happening throughout the month of April.

If you choose to enter make sure you look with fresh eyes, find the weird and wonderful, take notice of those unnoticed aspects of life, and most importantly have fun with it. The age limit is nonexistent; everyone in Sunderland and its surrounding areas are encouraged to enter. You never know if your photograph could be featured.
Entries should be emailed before 5pm on March 21; you will be able to find more information along with the email here.

Airstream Rally 2015 Coming This April

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Airstream to host annual rally during April in the Cotsowlds

Following the success of previous years’ shindigs, Airstream‘s annual rally weekend is set to return to the UK on 24 – 26 April.

This year’s venue, the Cotswold View Touring Park in Oxfordshire, looks set to provide a tranquil setting where scores of Airstreamers (and pets!) will descend with their Airstreams in tow to enjoy a weekend of great food, drinks and music with plenty of time for
relaxing and soaking up all the rally has to offer.

A host of activities will be offered during this spring getaway, including opportunity to mix with other Airstreamers over drinks and nibbles and live entertainment during the evening. There will also be time to explore all the beautiful setting that is the Cotswolds has to offer.

The Airstream tech support guys will also be on hand to help you with any troubles you have with your very own Airstream, so, all-in-all, what else could you ask for?

For more information and to find out how you can get involved, click here.

Auto Trail takes a big win at The Caravan Club Motor Caravan Awards for 2015

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by Justine Iorga

Auto-Trail sweeps the board at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015

If you attended the NEC Caravan Camping and Motorhome show that took place in Birmingham last week then you probably saw well-known motorhome manufacturers Auto-Trail displaying their latest offerings within the leisure vehicle industry.

It wasn’t all about sales at the NEC last week though – it was also about awards. And Auto Trail managed to pick up quite a few, by way of The Caravan Club Motor Caravan Awards 2015.

In fact, Auto Trail managed to scoop 12 awards in total, over nine different categories, as well as receiving recognition inthree major brands: Auto-Trail, Tribute and Rollerteam.

The Auto-Trail seemed to be very popular taking away 5 awards in 4 different categories:

  • Van conversion over £50,000 Joint Winner – V-Line 610
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes £45,000 – £50,000 Runner up – Imala 715
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes £50,000 – £60,000 Winner – Tracker EKS
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes over £60,000 Winner – Delaware
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes over £60,000 third place – Comanche

    • The Tribute took away a total of 5 awards in 3 different categories:

  • Van Conversions up to £40,000 Winner – Tribute 670
  • Van Conversions up to £40,000 Runner up – Tribute 669
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes up to £40,000 Runner up – Tribute 615
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes up to £40,000 third place – Tribute 625
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes £40,000 – £45,000 Running up – Tribute 715

    • Roller Team was also able to see some success taking away 2 awards including:

  • Coachbuilt Motorhome £40,000 – £50,000 Winner – T-Line 590
  • Overall Winner of the Caravan Club Motor Caravan Awards 2015 – T-Line 590

    • Auto-Trail, grateful for the recognition received, said: “We’re extremely proud and honoured to receive these awards and would like to thank everyone who worked hard in achieving this.”

    Oscar A-List celebrities set out to go on luxurious glamping trip in the US

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    by Justine Iorga

    This year’s Oscar goodie bags filled with a few little surprises including a high expense glamour camping trip

    As most of you out there already know, the 2015 Oscars were held this past weekend. Every year some of the most prominent people in the world attend the most prestigious award show there is, and every year they receive a swag bag filled with over-the-top gifts. As if they can’t afford it already?

    Well, much to our surprise, one of the gifts this year was a $12,500 (approximately £8,100) glamping trip for two. The trip, in conjunction with TerraVelo Tours, offers a seven-day stay in Northern America, taking in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as southern Utah.

    The glamping trip will include three gourmet meals a day, canvas tents that include memory foam beds with high-end linens, as well as a masseuse and astronomer on hand to cater to film stars’ every whim, as well as wine and juice on tap courtesy of their very own private bar. If that wasn’t spectacular enough, the itinerary also includes hot air ballooning, surfing, horseback riding and more. At the end of the day they’ll be able to step into a nice hot shower in the ‘transportable luxury bathroom’ that will come stocked with top-of-the-line toiletries and towels.

    Talk about glamping to the extreme – this is one trip most would want to partake in. But how many of you out there think some of these A-listers will actually attend the trip? It’s probably a bit too much nature for some of them.

    Let us know what you think of the whole ‘glamping’ thing and if you think these A-list celebrities will be willing to get their hands a little dirty in the outdoors.

    Caravan site set to be improved at Normanby Park

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    by Alice Scarsi

    Plans underway to improve caravan site near Normanby Hall with £100,000 cash injection from council

    Plans to improve an existing caravan touring site at Normanby Country Park in North Lincolnshire are in motion.

    The caravan site, originally established in 2001 and consisting of just five pitches, looks set to be extended to allow for ten pitches, as well as the introduction of electricity in order to improve the overall caravanning experience on the site close to historic Normanby Hall.

    The move to add pitches and extend the park would require a licence as well as a number of improvements, including upgrading the shower and toilet facilities at the golf clubhouse within the park grounds and installing a controlled entry system.

    A North Lincolnshire Council report concerning the proposed plans states: “Officers and members believe that the new facilities would prove popular with visitors, potentially leading to a boost in visitor numbers to the country park, including by visitors from outside the North Lincolnshire area.”

    Moreover, the report adds that the £100,000 cost for expansion has not yet being approved, but could be taken from a budget underspend and therefore be accepted by the council.

    Normanby Country Park is set amongst three hundred acres of parkland and woodland and is also home to herds of red and fallow deer and a well stocked fishing lake.

    The renewed site would be ready for the public for the 2015/16 season.

    Derby Caravan Centre hosting Spring Show weekend

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    by Justine Iorga

    For one weekend only, Derby Caravan Centre is set to host annual spring show

    Worried you missed out on a bargain or two at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show last week? Well, worry no more, as Derby Caravan Centre is set to offer some amazing deals too, following the announcement of the company’s annual spring show.

    The family business, based in Derbyshire, is holding its spring show weekend during 7 – 8 March and is set to offer some of the best deals out there on a variety of 2015 Elddis and Xplore caravan ranges.

    It’s not just caravans and motorhomes that will be on offer though. Derby Caravan Centre will also be offering something for all the family, courtesy of lots of foodstuff, including homemade soup, grandma’s original chocolate chip cookies (nom nom nom), and even a colouring area for the kids so that everyone remains happy and entertained.

    What’s more, Derby Caravans will be showcasing a whole load of new season furniture and accessories, including a wide selection of awnings and other new products; there will also be some excellent deals on used awnings, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to stock up in order to prepare for the Easter holidays, which are just right around the corner.

    Will you be heading along to see what bargains are on offer come March? Let us know in the comments section below.

    Campaign to halt closure of caravan storage facility

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    Claire Lawson

    Caravanners campaign to prevent closure of ‘unlawful’ caravan storage facility

    A caravan storage facility in South Gloucestershire is due to be closed next month amidst claims it is operating unlawfully.

    The facility, at Beech Hill Farm in Yate, South Gloucestershire, has been allocated to storing caravans for the past 11 years. However, the local council has now stepped in to state it should never have been operating owing to the site being situated on greenbelt land intended for agricultural use, as well as the fact that planning permission has never been granted.

    Those opposed against the council’s decision say it will cause up to as many as 70 caravans to be displaced into residential areas as new storage facilities are very difficult to find. Some caravans may even have to be sold as a result.

    Protesters have also claimed that keeping their caravans on contaminated land is ideal, as the land cannot be used for very much else, whilst at the same time remaining an exceptionally safe place for caravan owners, as Deborah Martin, owner of Beech Hill Farm Storage claimed: “I think it is very unfair of South Gloucestershire council forcing the closure of this service. There have never been accidents, incidents, thefts or burglaries and some customers have stored their caravans here for many years.

    “Without this service many of my customers would not have anywhere to store their caravans, and may have to sell them, missing out on their family breaks as a result.”

    What do you think of the council decision? Should this land continue to be put to better use or simply handed over to the authorities to do as they please? Let us know in the comments section below.

    Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer prices frozen for 2015

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    by Alice Scarsi

    Elddis caravans prices to be held for 2015

    Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer prices are to remain frozen for the whole 2015 season it has been announced.

    If you have just got back from the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2015 you would have seen a great number of deals on a huge wave of manufacturers’ offerings and Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer were no different.

    Now, to incentivise customers that didn’t manage to close a deal on caravans and motorhomes during the show, Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore have decided not to increase their prices for the whole of the 2015 season. The move looks to have been made in order to remain even more competitive on the market at a time when oil prices have fallen considerably and the GBP/Euro exchange rate is proving to be convenient for British tourists.

    So if you are still undecided on whether to upgrade, even after the show in Birmingham, a second glance at the Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore ranges could help you make up your mind. To find your nearest dealership, click here.

    Oyster and Avtex team up to create an integrated satellite TV system with a difference

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    by Joe Jeffrey

    Oyster and Avtex have joined forces to offer you a clutter-free solution for all your television needs and CaravanTimes went to take a look

    We all know how, when getting out and about in our caravan or motorhome, it’s nice to feel at home irrespective of where we decide to pitch up. Essentially, part of this feeling is made up by enjoying our home comforts – including watching a bit of television to pass the time, cosying up with our friends and family and relaxing in front of the box after a long day.

    Now, Oyster and Avtex have joined forces to introduce one of the most integrated and hi-tech pieces of kit to enable us to do so.

    Touted as being the most easy to use satellite system on the market, whilst doing away with multiple remote controls, the system can be used at the touch of a single button without the need for messy cables and multiple devices – all in HD quality.

    CaravanTimes caught up with Oyster to find out more about their collaboration with Avtex and the results are rather impressive. Watch our video here to find out more and let us know what you think.

    Yorkshire Caravans hits a five-year high with expected turnover of £9 million

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    by Alice Scarsi

    Caravan sales company achieves impressive results after conversion of a warehouse into new showroom

    A caravan sales company has hit a five-year high with an expected annual turnover of £9 million following refurbishment.

    The news comes following Yorkshire Caravans, in Bawtry – the oldest and one of the largest independent retailers of caravans and leisure vehicles in the UK – recent conversion of an empty warehouse into a showroom and the launch of a new website which has seen an increase in sales.

    Managing director Jon Goulden commented: “We’ve weathered the recession and we’re hoping for a continuation of the staycation trend.
    “Barclays funding has enabled us to transform an empty warehouse into the North’s largest caravan showroom and we’ve hit record sales for the first time in over five years.”
    The history of Yorkshire Caravans dates back to 1931, when Percy Smith, owner of a petrol filling station, started to sell caravans after noticing how much attention the one temporarily parked in his station was attracting. From that moment, the newly born family industry started to expand, buying acres of land and becoming a leader in the sector.
    Today, the company sells more than 3,500 a year and employs over 50 people. Yorkshire Caravans’ example seems to confirm that the leisure vehicle industry is a solid and growing business that, as has recently been reported, contributes to more than £6 billion a year to the UK economy.