Parkdean to invest huge sum following successful season
Holiday park operator Parkdean has announced a record cash injection of £13.2 million into its twenty-four company’s parks across the UK for 2015, it has been announced.
Half of the investment will be spent on accommodation throughout Parkdean’s sites scattered throughout Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Dorset and Hampshire.
Other improvements planned by the company, whose parks offer touring and camping facilities as well as holiday homes, include updating entertainment facilities, providing more activities for children and an upgrade of Wi-Fi facilities currently in place.
Parkdean’s chief executive John Waterworth said: “We had a very successful 2014 and this significant re-investment shows our confidence in our customer growth in 2015 and beyond.
“We are committed to providing the best holiday park accommodation in the UK market.
“Refurbishments mean we can keep holidaymakers comfortable in a home-from-home environment plus we have noted a growing market for luxury lodge holidays and sales across the UK – the British staycation is a trend here to stay, whatever your budget.”
If you’re in Birmingham for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show this week, make sure you check out Hymer’s own exhibition a short drive away in Telford
Heading to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 in Birmingham this week? Then why not also take in the 2015 Hymer Group Exhibition courtesy of TravelWorld?
Just 40 minutes away from the NEC, TravelWorld in Telford – in their capacity as official UK dealer to Erwin Hymer – houses the largest display of Hymer Group products anywhere in the UK and the exhibition will provide a great chance to see all the latest models and even have a test drive.
Kicking off today and running until Sunday (17 to 22 February), visitors will be able to get their hands on some of the very best leisure vehicles in the UK, all with some great show offers.
Choose from excellent ranges, including the Exsis and Starline, perfect for that next holiday whether it be in the British Isles or further afield.
So if you’re visiting the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show this week, head on down to Shropshire as well and see what deals can be picked up at TravelWorld.
NTTA celebrates its 15th anniversary in the industry
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) is celebrating 15 years promoting excellence in tow bar installation and trailer maintenance, through its Quality Secured (QS) accreditation scheme.
Since 2000, it is estimated that four million tow bars have been fitted in the UK alone, so towing is certainly big business – as is the NTTA which is recognised by over a million members of the towing public, and recommended and endorsed by the The AA, The Caravan Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club.
A fundamental element of QS is to ensure that members of the scheme are rigorously monitored and independently audited on an annual basis to retain their accreditation. The NTTA’s priority is to ensure the safety of the towing community and recommends people use qualified professionals who have the QS accreditation to provide this vital service.
Phil Holman, the chairman of the NTTA said of the scheme: “We are delighted with the success of the Quality Secured scheme over the last 15 years. It gives consumers 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.”
If you’re heading to the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 this week, make sure you visit the NTTA, one of over 350 exhibitors in attendance, who will be promoting the QS scheme and offering advice to new owners and seasoned caravanners alike.
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show finally arrives at Birmingham’s NEC tomorrow and CaravanTimes takes a look at some of the most innovative features on show
Leisure industry ideas evolve each and every year and 2015 is no different. Sometimes, with evolution comes surprise and, from tomorrow, the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 will be full of them.
So, if you are one of the lucky 80,000 visitors expected to attend the NEC this week, make sure you check out some of the most innovative ideas we’ve compiled below. It goes without saying, you’re in for a treat.
Eco-friendly
Hillside Leisure will be introducing two new electric campervans from tomorrow. The Dalsbury E, is based on the Nissan ENV200 and has zero emission. It comes with all the mod-cons you would expect, including cooking facilities, bed and pop-top roof. The second is the Birchover campervan, based on the VW T5 van and both will enable you to explore the great outdoors in comfort, whilst having zero impact on the environment.
Customisation
Do you like to add a personal touch when it comes to your caravan? Well, the new Adria Altea 4 might just be for you. Adria are offering you the chance to choose your own paint job from a kaleidoscope of colours and design using their interactive website, enabling you to stand out from the crowd like never before.
Expanding motorhome
Do you remember the Markies we talked about a couple weeks ago? Well now comes Moto-Trek’s Xcite G. This camper van with expandable sides provides room for a large bed, kitchen and enough storage space to store bikes or scooters inside – all whilst remaining compact enough to park in a garage or driveway when not extended making it the ideal choice for those with limited space, but a love for the outdoors.
Luxury
We are used to luxurious models, but this is truly one of a kind. The Rapido 890FF motorhome, in fact, offers more than you can imagine, including a solid marble kitchen, a large fridge, a stove and a large living room. It will be unveiled at the NEC, and it promises to turn some heads.
Car-like driving experience
Well House Leisure will launch two versions of the Ford Terrier, a versatile campervan promising a car-like driving experience and many customisation options at the NEC this week, including a large solar panel on the roof, a forward facing clam-opening roof, all-leather intern, a twin-burner hob, a 42-litre fridge, recessed lighting and smart storage solutions.
Small and versatile
If you don’t see yourself as one to tow around a heavy caravan or simply don’t have enough space to store one, we think that Mogo Freedom could be the perfect choice for you. It is a light, two-wheeled caravan that fits into a garage and can be used to carry bikes, kites, skis and any other equipment to your camping destination whilst also having the ability to be adapted into a place to sleep, a kitchen or whatever suits better your needs. This is innovation at its best.
Towing tent
The Campmaster Air is an inflatable trailer tent that expands out from your trailer. What makes the Campmaster Air even more innovative is that it is so light that even a motorbike can tow it. Who said that caravanning is only for car drivers?
Home office
The Swift S-Pod is not a caravan, nor a motorhome, but a fresh new innovative take on the holiday home that can be situated wherever it best suits your needs. This compact, yet spacious new addition to the Swift family comes equipped with washroom, kitchen and spacious living quarters all featuring modern interiors and comes in two layouts: a two-berth where a double bed folds down above the sofa and a five-berth that also has a corner searing area with bunk. The public we spoke to seems to love it already. The versatility of the S-Pod means that it can be put to a number of uses, including a holiday home, office or even a granny flat at the end of a well-sized garden.
Helicopter
Hopping on board a helicopter is probably something most people would love to do at least once in their lives. At the NEC this week you will be able to do exactly that. A converted Lynx helicopter with funky interior with will be on display courtesy of Reams Hill caravan park, who offer overnight stay in the Lynx at their park.
So there’s our take on just a small handful of innovative products on show at the NEC this week. Let us know what you’re looking forward to seeing.
Reckless driver who made sparks fly from caravan receives suspended sentence
A reckless unlicensed van driver who stole a caravan and drove at dangerous speeds to evade the law has avoided a prison sentence following appearing in court.
Scott Vice, 24, from Cardiff, literally made sparks fly during a police chase in September last year, following an eagle-eyed driver noticing the erratic speed at which Vice was travelling.
Police took action to avoid serious injury to other road users when in pursuit of Vice, who drove carelessly throughout the pursuit, including around a roundabout the wrong way and was only stopped when armed police formed a barricade, putting an end to Vice’s escape plan.
Judge Thomas Crowther QC, sitting at Merthyr Crown Court in Wales, sentenced Vice to six months imprisonment, suspended the sentence for two years with twelve months supervision.
Additionally, Vice will have to complete 120 hours unpaid work and has been disqualified from driving for 18 months and, of course, until he passes the extended retest.
Judge Crowther told Vice: “There was a large deployment of officers at a great deal of public expense. You were plainly enjoying yourself.
“You told the probation officer that you were not the brightest spark in the fire and I’m afraid you proved it on what you did on that night”.
What do you think of this sentence? Was the judge’s decision fair or do you think the sentence should have been heavier?
CaravanTimes takes a closer look at what makes the new Approach Advance both comfortable, practical and so much more
It goes without saying that the motorhome industry in 2015 is a competitive, thriving marketplace. As this industry continues to prosper, more and more manufacturers are seeking new and innovative ways to attract buyers and Bailey of Bristol is no exception.
The Approach Advance – Bailey’s new entry-level motorhome – offers a great deal to entry-level and seasoned motorhomers alike, including safety, innovation and, ultimately, comfort and practicality.
Ideal for families and couples, an abundance of storage space comes as standard on the new Approach Advance across the range so inside remains clutter-free. It’s not just space that sets the Approach Advance apart though, it’s comfort and practicality too as previously mentioned.
CaravanTimes visited Bailey or Bristol to find out more about the new Approach Advance and what Bailey has done to set the new range apart from the competition for 2015. Watch our video above to find out more.
With so much to see and do at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, CaravanTimes has pieced together a quick guide to help make sure you don’t miss a thing
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 has finally arrived and, over the next week, tens of thousands of people will descend upon the NEC in Birmingham to be a part of one of the shows of the year.
The show will be packed to the rafters with all the latest caravans, motorhomes, camping equipment, accessories and so much more, including loads of celebrities, guest speakers and oodles of entertainment for the whole family. But where do you start first? Well, never fear, CaravanTimes is here to help you decide.
Check out our guide below to make sure you don’t miss out on everything the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show has to offer.
Caravans and Motorhomes
With over 350 exhibitors on show, you won’t be hardpressed to find something to drool over by way of caravans and motorhomes. Whether it’s a two-berth motorhome to a six-berth caravan – or anything else in-between, the NEC will be housing some of the latest, most innovative caravans and motorhomes for your viewing pleasure. And with a number of great show-only deals on offer you might even find yourself reaching for the chequebook.
So whether you’re a caravan or motorhoming newbie, looking to upgrade, or simply just window-shopping, you couldn’t be coming to a better place.
Exhibitors at the show include Adria, who will be showing off their range of award-winning caravans, including the new style Altea for 2015.
Bailey will also be on hand with the new Bailey Unicorn, Bailey Pegasus GT65 and the latest addition to the Bailey motorhome family – the Approach Advance. Bailey have also organised a whole list of activities to keep you and the whole family entertained – from face painting to massages all round, so make sure you swing by there.
Coachman Caravans are offering a treat this year too; not only are their latest 2015 Pastiche, Laser, VIP and Vision caravans on display, but Coachman will also be offering you the chance to walk away with your very own Powrtouch motor mover with any new 2015 caravan purchased.
Elddis are readying their display too, with their latest range of caravans and motorhomes set to go on display, including the newly designed Affinity with Sky-Scape panoramic window, top-selling Avante, best-selling Autoquest and loads more, including Xplores, Compasses and Buccaneers, so make sure you check those out.
Meanwhile Swift will also be in attendance, with their latest 2015 ranges, including the Swift Challenger, Swift Elegance and their Sterling ranges ready to tempt you. And when it comes to motorhomes, Swift will have that covered too, with the Swift Bolero, Swift Kon-Tiki and a whole load more.
Attractions
We told you there was more to see than caravans and this is where you find out what else there is.
Firstly, The Caravan Club will be on hand to cast those motor manoeuvering doubts far aside. The Club will be offering free tuition at the show where you will be able to improve your manoeuvering skills and put what you know to the test alongside a fully qualified Caravan Club instructor. Just don’t forget to bring your driving licence!
Don’t miss your opportunity to learn how to hitch up and tow a caravan either. The Camping & Caravanning Club along with Volvo will be there to guide you every step of the way with specially trained tutors, allowing you to get the most out of your vehicle. So whether you’re new to towing, or simply want to put your skills to the test in front of the experts, this is the activity for you. So make sure you bring your driving licence and book your slot here now.
The Presentation Theatre is the place to be if you want to listen to the experts do their thing. Covering various subjects throughout the week, representatives from the leisure industry – as well as a few celebs thrown in for good measure – will be on hand to give interesting talks and answer any questions you might have.
It’s not all about humans though, and nothing says that more than the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show’s dog agility displays, featuring a number of amazingly trained dogs displaying their tricks and skills. This is definitely not to be missed.
Celebrities
Who needs Ray Mears when you’ve got a whole load of other celebrities on hand to see?
TV and radio presenter Matt Baker will be on The Caravan Club stand on opening day (17 February). The two-time BAFTA winner, who shares a love of the great outdoors will be on hand to welcome you and we’re sure he’ll have some interesting stories too!
Opening the show with Matt will be Ben Fogle, representing The Camping & Caravanning Club and helping them to launch an exciting new product. The traveller and adventurer will then take part in a Q&A session in the Experts’ Theatre, so make sure you head along to find out more about his intrepid travels.
Adventurer, TV presenter and New York Times bestselling author, Simon Reeve will be opening the Experts’ Theatre on opening day at 11:30am. Presenter of BBC TV series Indian Ocean, Simon has been around the world three times and visited over 100 countries, so should certainly have a story or two up his sleeve.
Olympic hero Sally Gunnell will be appearing at the show too, speaking in the Experts’ Theatre as well as showing off her dog Diggy’s skills in the dog agility arena. As the only woman ever to hold four major track titles concurrently whilst remaining true to her love of the great outdoors, make sure you pay Sally a visit as well.
Daredevil TV presenter Helen Skelton will also be in attendance in the Experts’ Theatre and with the amount of achievements on this sassy lady’s resumé, including kayaking down the Amazon, Antarctic hike and lots more, it would be silly to miss her speak.
Celebrities don’t stop there though and lots more will be on hand to make your day one you won’t forget. See below for a list of celebrity appearance dates:
Matt Baker – Tuesday 17th February Ben Fogle – Tuesday 17th February Sally Gunnell – Wednesday 18th February Helen Skelton – Thursday 19th February Ben Tish – Friday 20th February Kate Lawler – Daily in the Experts’ Theatre at 4.15pm
Rising surf star, Melodie King – 17th to 22nd February
There you have it. But with still loads more to see and do, if the above still hasn’t convinced you to head along to the NEC from Tuesday 17 February, we’re not sure what will. Check out the show video below and let us know which day you’re going.
New family-focused initiative set for show with help from Matt Baker and two mini-explorers
The Caravan Club will launch a brand new family-focused initiative at this year’s Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show alongside TV and radio presenter Matt Baker and two extra special mini-explorers.
The Club’s new initiative will see 65 Club sites designated as ‘Tourer Explorer’ family-focused sites and offer free activity booklets, a series of ‘Play Day’ events, plus children’s pocket money items. Two very important mascots have been assigned to oversee it all.
But who are these mascots? Well, all will be revealed by Matt on the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show’s opening day, including the names of the ‘Tourer Explorer’ mascots, as decided by competition winner, 10-year-old Kayleigh Wright from Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, who entered a children’s competition run by The Club.
Director General of The Caravan Club, Nick Lomas said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Baker to the show to announce the names of our two new ‘Tourer Explorer’ mascots. Matt is a great role model for the outdoor life and is well known for his love of the British countryside.
“The Club wants to spread the word about touring, not only as a great holiday experience but as a fantastic way to pursue outdoor interests, such as cycling, walking, wildlife watching or surfing. A caravan or motorhome can help your family explore the UK and have great adventures that are fun and flexible,” Nick continued.
Make sure you don’t miss out on all the action, which takes place from 10am in the Experts Theatre, where Matt will officially open the show. This will be followed by Matt helping to launch The Club’s ‘Tourer Explorer’ intiative at The Caravan Club’s stand in hall 2 at 11:15.
If you’re looking for somewhere different to holiday this year, why not try Park Resorts on the Isle of Wight? CaravanTimes went to check out what’s on offer on the stunning little island just off of mainland UK
Whether it’s a quiet, relaxing break you’re looking for, or simply fun for all the family, Park Resorts‘ four locations on the Isle of Wight have got the lot.
Getting from mainland UK to one a Park Resorts location on the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier. A short ferry trip of just 40 minutes with the caravan or motorhome onboard will see you on the island in no time, and an even shorter journey thereafter should have you pitching up at one of Park Resorts’ premier locations ready to explore all that’s on offer both on and off site.
Each Park Resorts park is ideally located on the Isle of Wight and, despite offering a host of activities within the confines of each Park Resorts location, there’s lots to see and do outside too, including spectacular sea views, visiting the Needles, long blissful walks throughout the island’s many natural trails, or even the thrills and spills of adventure park, Black Gang Chine. The list, considering the small size of the island that awaits, is endless.
CaravanTimes visited Park Resorts on the Isle of Wight to find out exactly how easy it is to visit and check out what you can do once you’re there. So check out our video above and let us know what you think.
TRACKER technology leads police to stolen vehicle location within five hours
Police have been able to track down a stolen caravan in Clifton, near Preston, thanks to TRACKER technology.
Opportunist thieves managed to escape with a caravan from established dealership, Preston Caravans and Motorhomes last week, but got more than they bargained for thanks to tracking technology.
Using false number plates attached to their vehicle, the thieves managed to tow away a Twin-Axle Swift, worth £18,500, but what the dimwits didn’t realise was that the Swift was in fact fitted with a TRACKER unit that, upon movement, was promptly activated, which enabled the Lancashire and Greater Manchester police to tracing it and leading its officers to a location 36 miles far from Clifton, where the thieves were in hiding. The case was closed and the caravan was returned within in five hours.
Glen Campbell, Director of Preston Caravans and Motorhomes, commented: “It was a huge relief when the caravan was found and back at the dealership within five hours. If it wasn’t for the TRACKER unit, that caravan could have been lost for good. This incident has underlined the value of TRACKER’s technology and we’d recommend it to all of our customers, as a security solution that increases the chance of police recovering a stolen caravan.”
Andy Barrs Police Liaison Officer for TRACKER added, “TRACKER is the only SVR product that is used by the UK’s police forces and once again, this has proved valuable to helping police locate and return a stolen vehicle. This case highlights the value of TRACKER for dealerships, such as Preston Caravan and Motorhomes.”
Another great story which laughs in the face of thieving skulduggery – and a good lesson learned. With so much technology available to us these days, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Let us know what you think about tracking devices. Are these a necessity in this day and age?
Where else could you find everything you could possibly think of all under one roof?
With just days to go until the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show pitches up at Birmingham’s NEC, if you’re anything like us you’ll be planning what to see, what to do and where to go once the doors open.
With over 350 exhibitors displaying all things caravan, camping and motorhome-related though – all under one roof – you’ll be spoilt for choice. From six-berth caravans to two berth-motorhomes, tents to glamping pods, holiday homes to luxury lodges the sow’s got the lot. Next throw in an astronomical amount of accessories, plus an enormous offering of entertainment and we still don’t think we’ve touched the sides.
This year’s show promises to be one of the best yet and we here at Caravanimes can’t wait. We’re sure you can’t either.
In our latest competition, CaravanTimes offered you the opportunity to win tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show taking place at the NEC in Birmingham next week. Read on to find out if you’re a winner!
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 looks set to be the biggest and best yet. From special guest speakers, to activities for the whole family to enjoy, the show, taking place next week from 17 – 22 February, promises to be an experience like no other.
In our most recent competition, CaravanTimes offered you the opportunity to get in on the action that awaits next week, by taking part in our latest competition.
To be in with a chance of winning we asked you to like our Facebook page – it really was that simple. And the winners are in! The lucky recipients of a pair of tickets for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 are:
Steve Ibell, Peter Rollins, Antony Cutts, Kevin Blood, Alan Thomas, Roy Henson, Alison Barker, Sarah Wilkins, Cheryl Billau, Ian Rees, Simon Oakley, Maureen Skinner, Gerald Easton, Sue Hawkins, Julian Grenfell.
Congratulations to you all – we’ll be in touch shortly.
Don’t worry if you didn’t win – tickets are still on sale, so Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 today.
