A cold caravan can stop anyone from touring, luckily Alde has the answer

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by Dan Hughes

Alde, turning up the heat this winter

There is nothing better than the wave of warmth in a heated home or office after being battered by the harsh winds and rain outside. So why does your caravan have to be any different? If you need to blast your hot-air conditioner to heat up the smallest area of your caravan, only to walk down the other end and be cold, then Alde has the answer.

With over 60 years of heating expertise, Alde launched an app for smartphones at this year’s NCC Caravan and Camping show to give you control of your heating units whilst moving around the caravan or motorhome; and now they have gone one step further.

Alde is now offering those who already have the 3010 Compact heating system, an option to upgrade to the latest touchscreen technology. One of the latest revolutions for controlled heating in rolling homes, colour touch-control panels make it easier to get more out of the heating system in your motorhome or caravan.

The Alde 3010 614 control panel is a step up from its previous models, allowing for easier operation, quick reaction to button presses, flexible functions for those who demand consistent heating in the vehicle and it also has navigable menus for information, settings and tools. Alde representative Ken Elwell explained the heating upgrade, commenting: “With an Alde control panel 3010 614 you get more out of your heating system. We think that this could be a perfect gift to somebody, who already loves mobile living, but does not have the latest technology.”

For further information on how you can stay warm and keep your adventures going this winter,click here.

Nearly half of British drivers unprepared for winter conditions

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by Jo Subramaniam

Highways Agency reveals high number of unprepared drivers

British motorists are unprepared for winter, according to a recent survey published by the Highways Agency.

The results of the survey, conducted by Fleetworld, has revealed that 45 per cent of British drivers fail to perform checks on their vehicles, with a further 63 per cent not checking their oil, water or anti-freeze. The list isn’t exhausted yet though, with 41 per cent failing to check that they have working lights, and 42 per cent driving without de-icer.

Breakdowns could also become a major issue, as more than half of the drivers surveyed reported not taking spare warm clothing, potable water or food, despite their vehicles being more prone to breaking down in more adverse weather conditions.

John McTaggart, the Highways Agency’s Head of On-Road Services, stressed the need for motorists to be more prepared for any eventuality, commenting: “In particularly severe weather, drivers need to consider whether their journey is truly necessary.” He added: “If you really must travel, be sure to check weather and traffic conditions and plan your journey before setting out. It may be a case of leaving earlier, or leaving a little later, or simply planning the best places for rest stops along the way.”

Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC, also voiced his concerns, stating that drivers need to check tyre tread and pressure, fuel, screenwash levels and lights to cover all bases before hitting the road. There’s no better time than the present, so get on it folks!

Zero tolerance approach to drink driving

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by Jo Subramaniam

Government should be tougher on drink driving, says Britain

Imagine you’ve gone round your mate’s for a drink, or headed down to the local watering hole. You’ve had a lot of laughs and just a few drinks, but not enough to go over the 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood limit. Think it’s alright to hop into your car and drive home, since it’s perfectly legal?

You might want to give that a second thought, as a majority of British motorists would disagree with you. According to a recent survey of 1,700 people conducted by Motorpoint, 66.7 per cent would approve of a tougher approach to drink driving. These results are emerging at a critical time when police forces are launching their annual drink drive awareness campaigns, and new legislation about drink drive limits have been passed in the UK.

According to road safety charity Brake, drivers who have had a drink or two but are still under the limit are more likely to cause casualties and three times more likely to have accidents in a crash than those who are over the limit. More than 1,000 people are injured every year as a result of drink driving, and an increasing percentage of organisations and motorists are citing the fact that the UK currently has the highest drink drive limits in Europe.

Mark Carpenter, Managing Director of Motorpoint, shared his thoughts on the issue, commenting: “There is widespread confusion among motorists with regards to drink drive limits and what’s safe and what’s not. The results of the Motorpoint poll clearly show motorists feel the Government needs to act and make it clear to everyone that drinking and driving don’t mix and that the best way forward for all concerned in the UK is simply to adopt a zero tolerance approach.”

So how many drinks are too many? That depends on a lot of factors including your gender, your metabolic rate, stress levels, whether you’ve eaten recently or not, and unfortunately, your age. But there are a few things you can do to ensure your safety on the road. Independent charity Drinkaware has a number of handy tips, including measuring drinks instead of pouring them, using smaller glasses and not filling them to the rim, pouring your own drinks so its easier to keep track of your alcohol intake, and going for a shandy or spritzer instead of wine or other drinks with a high alcohol content.

We here at CaravanTimes wish all our readers happy and safe nights out, and hope that you’ll keep an eye out on the number of empty glasses piling up at the table before you pick up your keys.

Motor Insurance Bureau issues warnings

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by Jo Subramaniam

Two million warnings issued to date

Is your vehicle properly insured? It’s worth having a second look, as the Motor Insurers’ Bureau has revealed that more than 60,000 letters are sent out to motorists every month, warning them about insuring their cars.

Changes to car insurance regulations were first implemented in 2011, before which motorists could keep uninsured vehicles off the road without having to declare them. More recently, however, increasing casualties by uninsured drivers have prompted a change in regulations, meaning that motorists who don’t insure their cars or declare them as off the road could face a penalty of £100, a fine of up to £1,000, legal charges and even risk having their vehicles clamped, seized or destroyed. That’s a list of pretty good reasons to get your car onto the Motor Insurance Database, wouldn’t you say? Other wise you might not be towing anything soon.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill commented on the issue, stating: “I am really pleased to see that Continuous Insurance Enforcement is working well and urge motorists to make sure their vehicle is insured at all times unless they have told DVLA that it is off the road.”

Uninsured drivers injure around 26,500 people every year, and cause increases in other drivers’ insurance premiums. To make sure you don’t become part of the two million people who have been issued warnings so far, check your vehicle’s details here

The Caravan & Motorhome Show launches live towing experience

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by Dan Hughes

Learn to tow like a pro

In January The Caravan & Motorhome Show will feature a free hands on practical advice and maneuvering skills section for drivers to hone their towing skills.

The Camping and Caravanning Club are offering a free 15 minute caravan towing session. For those who are new to touring, this session can be the best kickstarter to boost your safe and efficient driving skills. For those amongst the throng who are experienced tourers, the expert tuition can help your take your driving to the next level.

The Caravan & Motorhome Show will take place from 15 – 18 January at Manchester’s EventCity. This year is looking to be one of the biggest shows yet with numbers from last year skyrocketing from the previous.
Sam North, Show Director, said of the event: “We’re hoping to building on the success of last year’s show and deliver the best show to date.”

Book your towing experience here, don’t put it off, spaces are limited! For exclusive advance ticket discounts (by quoting offer code: RMA15) book your
tickets here.

Motorhome manufacturers set to have a record year

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by Dan Hughes

Positive signs for motorhome industry as sales hit the roof

New Motorhome registrations within the UK have hit a high for the first time in five years; with provisional figures revealing sales for 2014 should reach 8,500 according to research.

The figure, which is the highest since 2008, sees a sharp spike in motorhome sales, but with sales made at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC in October not yet accounted for, early indications show that this number could be driven out of the park.

In 2007, sales figures for motorhomes reached a record 11,646 according to UK registration figures, but a slow decline in sales saw UK registration numbers plummet to approximately 7,000. Thankfully for Motorhome manufacturers, the market is predicted to perform an upturn once again.

Over 96,000 people attended this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in October, sparking Britain’s largest motorhome manufacturer, Swift, to gladly report its highest single-event sales ever in the event. And, although the luxurious Kon-Tiki range performed well, it was the Esprit 424, Rio 340 and the Bessacarr 496 coachbuilts which led the sales with an incredible order tally of over £17million.

Bailey of Bristol also saw a 25 per cent increase in retail with a refreshed Peugeot cab for 2015 making a sales boost. On top of this, Bailey reported that the show also produced its best-ever results at an exhibition and, as a result, the company has added the Approach Advance to its list of entry-level motorhomes. The range is slated for an April release.

Manufacturer, Auto-Sleepers, has also reported a total sales growth of 35 per cent over the past two years, owing partly to sales made at the NEC show. Auto-Sleepers Sales Director, Dave Williams commented: “The last two years have seen Auto-Sleeper sales enjoy double digit growth of 13 per cent and 17 per cent respectively, and we are optimistic that the next two to three years will yield additional growth opportunities on both new and used, with dealers keen to tempt existing owners to upgrade their motorhomes to new models as used becomes increasingly difficult for dealers to acquire.”

CaravanTimes is excited to see the motorhome market have such great sales numbers. Who knows? Maybe, if you haven’t already, a motorhome will be placed on your wish list for 2015. Don’t forget to enter our competition to win a pair of Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 tickets if you want to see a whole host of them under one roof this coming February.

Proposals for touring caravan site in rural Yorkshire scrapped

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by Dan Hughes

Local council scuppers plans for picturesque touring site
An appeal has been launched by locals following proposals for a “high quality” touring caravan site in the Calderdale district of Yorkshire, being rejected by the local council.

The site proposed, which was set to include 39 pitches and office/washroom facilities, would have been the first of its kind in the local area – sure to provide much needed tourism as well as a whole new channel of revenue for the surrounding areas.

The rejection of proposals submitted was said to be based upon concern surrounding the green belt in which the caravan site would be built upon. Issues pertaining to access, visual impact and adequacy of provision for campers were also raised.

Appealing against the decision made, town planning consultant, Marilyn Brichard said: “This type of facility is not available around here and we hope to be able to attract visitors who can stay for a few days rather than just pass through this lovely and historic part of Calderdale.”

Councillor Janet Battye, opposed to the plans submitted, fought back, stating: “I will be putting my objections in for the appeal. It is on the hilltop and on green belt land. It would cause a significant rise in traffic.”

“I cannot imagine another 40 cars on that road, which ever way they came,” she continued. “Tourism is very important to us and we know that people like coming to the area of Heptonstall but the volume of this and location is just not worth it. It is in the wrong area.”

Who’s barking up the wrong tree here? Should the site go ahead? What’s your opinion on this?

£15 billion for road schemes given the green light

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by Jo Subramaniam

George Osborne to announce new schemes across Britain

More than 80 road schemes are due to be announced as part of chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday. The initiatives are worth around £15 billion, and two thirds are in Coalition constituencies.

The schemes will be spread out across the country, with Liverpool, Birmingham, and routes connecting London and Norwich set to see improvements. Other areas due to benefit include Ellingham, south of the Scottish border, Norfolk, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and Worthing in the south east. A total of 65 of these schemes have been given the go ahead, with bigger projects such as a smart motorway also expected to kick off.

The south west of England is set to benefit from seven new schemes, which will generate more than 1,000 jobs in the region. Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, commented on the huge scheme, stating: “This government has a long term plan to secure the country’s future and this £15 billion roads programme is demonstration of that. It will directly benefit hardworking families across London and the south west.”

A detailed plan of the schemes will be set out by George Osborne and Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The Chancellor stated that investing in roads is vital, commenting: “For years our roads like the A303 have been neglected. Now that this government is fixing the economy, we can afford to invest properly in our roads – unlocking jobs and local growth by creating a road network that is fit for the 21st century.”

Do you live in any of the areas due to get road upgrades? What do you think of the proposed schemes? Will the improvements lead to a smoother ride for caravanners and motorhomers, or
do you think the suggested improvements will cause chaos?

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Design your own Elddis caravan

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by Jo Subramaniam

Elddis 2015 calendars up for grabs in exchange for your ideas

There is no dearth of good caravans or motorhomes out there, but how often have you wanted to pass your ideas on or voice your opinion as to what you’d like to see in your next own home on wheels?

In a move which sees great initiative on the part of Elddis, the manufacturer is calling all you caravan connoisseurs and motorhome mavericks to submit your own ideas prior to its 2016 production season, so it’s time to get your notepads out and sharpen your pencils. From lavish new layouts to ingenious new items, the choice as to what Elddis build into their new 2016 ranges could be yours.

There are no limits to creativity with this new Elddis project, so whether it’s a built in kennel for your dogs or the next big idea that reduces a motorhome or caravan’s weight, bring it on. The team want to hear it all, and what’s more, every person that submits a genuine and constructive idea will receive a 2015 50th anniversary calendar from Elddis.

So submit your ideas here and you could soon be the brains behind the next revolution in caravans and motorhomes. Let the good times begin!

The Camping and Caravanning Club appoints Anne Dearling as new Chairman

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by Jo Subramaniam

Club elects female chairman and creates history in process

The National Council at the Camping and Caravanning Club has elected to have former vice-chairman Anne Dearling as their new chairman, alongside year-old Club president Julia Bradbury who took over fro David Bellamy a little over a year ago. Anne’s promotion means that for the first time in its 113-year history, The Camping and Caravanning Club has a female chairman and a female president at the same time.

Roubert Louden MBE, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club expressed faith in the new chairman, commenting: “I’m delighted to welcome Anne as the new chairman. Her energy and enthusiasm for the Club, and for all things camping, shine through in everything she says and does. We look forward to the Club growing and continuing to deliver great experiences for its members during Anne’s term of office.”

The role of chairman involves overseeing The Club’s various committees, and Anne commented that she would love to meet members on her own travels, stating: “Becoming the Club’s chairman means the world to me – it’s the ultimate accolade! We have two children who’ve long since flown the nest, and we love being on the road and camping. We’re really looking forward to meeting as many members as we can on our travels.”

We here at CaravanTimes congratulate Anne Dearling and are eager to see what The Camping and Caravanning Club will do next.

New caravan to boost mental health facilities

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by Jo Subramaniam

Northumberland charity receives new caravan courtesy of Big Lottery Fund

It’s official now, caravans do actually make you happier. In what we can only describe as a generous helping of that feel good factor bright and early this Monday morning, a Northumberland based mental health charity has received £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

What’s more, the big winnings will be used for a new caravan that will provide therapeutic breaks for those who need it most. The current caravan at Contact Morpeth Mental Health Group has been in use for about seven years, and its replacement could provide important mental health breaks for those suffering from anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

Contact’s centre manager, Audrey Anderson, told the Morpeth Herald that the funds would also be used for site fees and annual maintenance. She added: “This caravan has been well-used and it needed to be replaced, so we’re delighted that we will be able to get a new one in place in early 2015. As with the one at the moment, it will have features like central heating and double glazed windows and it will be big enough to accommodate a family group.”

The site has a range of facilities available, including visits to the nearby towns of Berwick, Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. There are also a number of activities such as tennis, bingo, quizzes, cycling and swimming.

The new caravan is sure to boost the facilities at Contact Morpeth Mental Health Group, while keeping costs low enough for everyone to afford a much-needed break. Spending time outdoors has been proven to improve mental health and raise concentration levels, so the next time you take off on a caravan holiday, remember that you’re doing yourself a huge favour.

The Scottish Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015

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by Jo Subramaniam

Scotland’s biggest motorhome show returns in February

The year hasn’t even ended, but the calendar for 2015 is looking pretty full already. There’s the Manchester Caravan & Motorhome Show in January, and the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in Birmingham in late February. And now Scotland’s biggest motorhome show is all set to return to the Scottish Conference and Exhibition Centre (SECC) in Glasgow from 5-8 February,.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show 2015 will give visitors the chance to see all the latest models, accessories and will even have a Park Village area, providing you with ideas on the next big caravan and motorhome trips. Free parking has also been thrown in, along with exclusive offers and deals only available at the show, so there’s really no better time to be at the SECC.

Tickets are now on sale, and are available until 3 February 2015. Get yours here before its too late!