Can your dog take to the wheel as good as these canines?

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by Dan Hughes

Ever feel like relaxing instead of towing a caravan, why not let your canine drive?

Have you ever been towing your caravan on a long road trip and looked over to see your dog with their head out the window enjoying the drive? Ever wished you could swap roles and have your dog step into your shoes (even though they probably won’t fit) to take the wheel? Well perhaps you can, if this video is anything to go by.

For three very special and very smart dogs, Monty, Ginny and Porter, this is just a walk in the park – no pun intended. The odd, dreamlike scenario is actually somewhat of a reality.

New Zealand dog adoption centre, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) took on the challenge to train three specially chosen furry friends to get behind the wheel of a Mini. The mini has been specially modified and fitted with a foot accelerator, brake and a specially made dog seatbelt.

If we have ever seen a good sales pitch to adopt a dog, this is it. Imagine putting your feet up and relaxing as your canine wraps his paws around the wheel. It may not even be long before your pets are even choosing their own caravan sites, as Planet of the Apes springs to mind – only this time with canines replacing primates. To see the world’s first driving dog, watch the video below and let us know what you think. Could your dog be up to the challenge?

COMPETITION: Win a pair of Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2015 tickets!

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by Joe Jeffrey

In our latest great competition, CaravanTimes is offering you the opportunity to win tickets for the spring show of the year this coming February

The 2015 caravan season is almost upon us and February sees the biggest show of spring arrive, with the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 descending upon Birmingham’s NEC Arena.

The event runs from 17 – 22 February and will see a host of exciting new products unveiled for the first time, with over 350 exhibitors offering everything you need to plan ahead for 2015.

It’s not just exhibitors that are getting in on the action though and the Learning Zone, Expert’s Theatre, cookery demonstrations, onsite campsite, towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons, as well as the popular Dog Agility feature, will ensure there are plenty of activities for both newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

The Show, which is also the UK’s largest camping exhibition and ten per cent bigger than last year’s show, is a great day out for the whole family and for anyone looking to compare and contrast all the latest caravans, motorhomes and camping gear, not to mention holiday destinations, all under one roof.

Everyone who’s anyone in the world of camping, caravanning and motorhomes will be there, and plenty of celebrity guests are coming along for the ride.

Advance tickets are on sale now, but as part of our latest competition we’re giving 10 lucky visitors to the site the opportunity to win a pair of tickets, either for you or for you to bestow upon a loved one this Christmas!

To enter, simply fill out the form below and like our Facebook page here before the deadline of midday on Friday 19 December. Don’t forget to include a valid e-mail address so we can let you know if you’ve won.

Good luck! We’ll see you there!

Tornado makes toast of caravan park

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by Dan Hughes

Tornado in Spain plays beach-volleyball with caravans at local caravan site

A devastating tornado struck through Malaga, Spain, yesterday morning destroying everything in its path, including caravans, with a caravan park reportedly ripped to shreds, leaving nothing but the ground on which they stood behind.

Although reports are unclear as to the extent of the total damage the tornado caused, it is reported that numerous trees were uprooted, roofs were blown off of houses, cars were damaged and caravans were air-lifted and tossed ten metres into the air like beach-balls as the force of Mother Nature did her best to wreak havoc.

The natural disaster occurred around 7am local time on Thursday morning (27 November) and was reported to be at its most fierce for approximately ten minutes. Tearing through the coastline of the Churriana district, the tornado narrowly missing Malaga airport before moving through Los Almos and Playamar in nearby Torremolinos.

CaravanTimes urges holidaymakers to research potential for natural harm before travelling to any caravan site in the UK or abroad and take head of warnings. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What would you do if you saw this tornado (shown in the video below) twirling towards your caravan? Watch the video below and let us know.

New Bailey Approach Advance set for April 2015 release

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by Joe Jeffrey
New Bailey Approach Advance 2015 motorhome due for release this April

Bailey of Bristol has unveiled a new entry-level coachbuilt motorhome range for 2015.

The Approach Advance, which sees Bailey expand their choice of entry-level motorhomes for the new year, sees the same design as the award-winning Approach Autograph range, but at a lesser price and narrower body width (2.35 metres). Bailey has also kept weight to a minimum as well, with a maximum weight of 3.500kg – making the range an ideal choice for anyone with a full UK driving licence, with no B and E entitlement required.

As always with the manufacturer’s product offering, the Advance will come with Bailey’s lighter bodyshell and GRP outerskin as well as Alu-Tech construction system, set to protect the motorhome from the worst the UK weather has to throw at it thanks to its grade III insulation properties.

Better driving characteristics come by way of an “ultra-low profile” AL-KO AMC chassis and lower entry step, set to improve driving control owing to a lower centre of gravity.

A Peugeot Boxer 2.2 Hdi, 130bhp, Euro 5 engine and six-speed manual gearbox with a new-look cab in Bianco White with colour-coded bumpers will provide performance for the Advance and standard specifications include ABS braking, premium Michelin branded tyres with TPMS, driver airbag and fully upholstered driver and passenger seats. Peugeot’s three-year warranty is also thrown in for good measure.

Safety seems to have been the order of the day when it came to designing the new Advance for 2015, with extensive testing taking place at the world renowned Millbrook Proving Ground where the new motorhome was put through its paces during a crash-test simulation programme.

The Advance will also have the extra support of chassis outriggers to strengthened floors, stronger fittings for items such as ovens and fridges, plus steel-framed seat base supports for all designated travel seats and a steel-framed structural bulkhead to support rear-facing designated travel seats.

The interior looks set to provide the Advance with a more premium look and feel than usually seen in entry-level models, including ‘Mendip Ash’ furniture, Italian design overhead locker doors with a dual-finish and push-button catches, low-level courtesy lighting and premium ‘Pimlico’ upholstery fabric.

The motorhome range also comes with a Whalerapid heat hot water system and 4kw blown air heating system and in the kitchen there’s a Thetford three-burner gas hob and Duplex anti-rattle combination oven and grill, and 103 litre Dometic fridge (80 litre for the 615 model). The bathroom is comprised of a fully lined shower with Ecocamel showerhead.

For personal customisation, each Advance model will come with fixing points for an exterior ladder, roof rack and bike rack, and are also pre-wired for the fitting of a rear view camera, satellite dish or aerial. An optional premium pack will offer the added benefit of cab air conditioning, a passenger air bag, concertina windscreen blind, removable cab carpets and a DAB Radio with Bluetooth connectivity is bound to appeal to everybody.

As mentioned previously, the Approach Advance will come in four contrasting layouts, which are:

Approach Advance 615 –  2 berth, compact, low-line, end lounge
Approach Advance 635 –  2 berth, low-line, end washroom
Approach Advance 640 –  4 berth, low-line, end bedroom with fixed double bed
Approach Advance 665 – 6 berth, low-line, end lounge with drop down double bed & designated travelling seats

One innovative feature on the 665 model is Bailey’s longitudinal drop-down bed over the side dinette towards the front – last seen on the Autograph 765.

The new Approach Advance will be on sale from April 2015, but you don’t have to wait that long until you see it. Check out our exclusive pictures below and make sure you check it out at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 at the NEC in February.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Caravans provide £700million to Scottish economy

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by Dan Hughes

Caravan and Camping sites gives the Scottish economy a fighting chance as true worth is revealed

The true worth of caravanning to the economy has been revealed, following research conducted by the Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum (SCCF), revealing that holiday parks are bringing in more than £700million to the country each year.

The figure was based upon expenditure by holidaymakers and park owners over a 12 month span to October this year and, for what can be considered an often fragile Scottish economy, caravan and camping sites are a key sector to its survival according to National Caravan Council and chairman of the SCCF, David Key:

“Caravan parks are important to the rural economy because of the jobs they provide and the money spent by their visitors,” he said.

Key also went on to state the report will provide sizeable data, which can be used by different sectors of government and other organisations to expand the Scottish tourism industry.

The survey – the first type of its kind carried out – also revealed that the sector provides almost 5,700 full-time equivalent jobs within the estimated revenue according to research conducted.

It is clear from this report that the Scottish tourism industry will be going in one direction in the future, and that’s forward.

Where’s your favourite place to holiday on Scotland with the caravan or motorhome?

Chester Fairoaks takes first prize in The Caravan Club Sites in Bloom awards

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by Dan Hughes

Cheshire caravan site takes the top stop in Sites in Bloom awards

The Chester Fairoaks Caravan Club Site in Cheshire was in full bloom when the judges of Sites in Bloom came around earlier this year.

Although the site wardens, Becky and Simon Allen, were previously aware of their win, they were recognised on Tuesday night earlier this week at the official award ceremony which took place in the House of Commons, Parliament House.

The beautiful estate is surrounded by a border of oak trees and just a short drive from the peaceful walled city of Chester. It also features a bright floral presentation that according to judges:
“Makes the reception area look like a country cottage garden, including traditional rose bushes, ornamental grasses and the friendly faces of pansies,” they commented.

The Sites in Bloom Awards date back to 2003 where Executive Member and Caravan Club Life Member, the late Alan Payne OBE, wanted to recognise sites around the UK for their elegance, beauty and horticultural skills. Site wardens and volunteers work all year round to create new concepts of flowers and breath-taking presentation for their estate every year.

Caravan Club Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain presented site wardens, Simon and Becky with the Alan Payne Trophy for their fantastic horticultural achievement.

“We knew we would have a good chance because everybody commented throughout the year how nice we were and when we found out we won the award it really just confirmed what everybody had been saying, it was very nice,” Simon told CaravanTimes.

Wife, Becky continued: “You can’t say that you’re going to win it and we’re still shocked,” commented Becky, still surprised.
By working with the community, the couple hope to continue to grow their site and hopefully win the award two years in a row, admittedly, they are feeling the pressure:

“Where we are we try to work with the local community to get offers for members when they stay at our site,” Simon went on. “We have to make more hard work for next year, we’ve got more to live up to now, the expectations are there now so we just have to carry it on.”

Secretary of state for culture, media and sport and MP for Bromsgrove, the Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid was also on hand to preside over proceedings at Westminster Palace on Tuesday and recognised the invaluable contribution caravans and motorhomes made to the UK economy.

“It’s a really serious industry and one that deserves recognition and gratitude. The Caravan Club has almost one million members – almost twice as many as all the major political parties put together,” Javid said.

“Britain spent some 16million nights in tents, caravans and motorhomes last year, spending almost £2.5billion and almost a fifth of that was by members of The Caravan Club,” the MP continued.

He went on: “The rise in the popularity of caravans is very good news; It’s good news for CL and site owners and it’s great news for the British economy and, indeed, for the whole country – unless of course you’re Jeremy Clarkson.”

CaravanTimes congratulates Simon and Becky Allen for their award winning Caravan Club Site and look forward to seeing what they have in store for next season.

Becky and Simon weren’t the only winners on the night, however, with the award for The Caravan Club’s CL location of the year award being presented too. To read more about that, click here.

Nominate your favourite caravan site for a Tourism Award

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by Dan Hughes

2015 East Yorkshire Tourism Awards presents a golden opportunity for caravan sites

In March next year, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire will host the 2015 REYTAs as they search for the very best visitor attractions and events. They search among hotels and accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs, cafés, food retailers and producers for the award winning businesses. Is the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards going to see a caravan site featured as one of the remarkable tourist attractions?

The show is currently in its sixth year, and with a total of 14 categories it is all set to be one of the biggest award nights on the tourist attractions calendar. Winners will also be eligible to enter a shortlist for the Visit England Excellence Awards. For all caravan enthusiasts, there is something you can to do put your favourite spots on the map.

The REYTAs are now open to all tourism businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire, large and small. You could submit your own nominations here.

The categories for the 2015 REYTA awards that could feature caravan sites include: the Remarkable Self-Catering Provider, Remarkable Visitor Attraction/Experience, Remarkable Small Tourism Event, and many more potential awards within the tourism industry.

If you know of a caravan or motorhome businesses in the area, don’t forget to inform them to enter!

Auto-Sleepers opening motorhome assembly plant in Thailand

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by Dan Hughes

UK manufacturer opens assembly plant in Thailand, could we see others follow behind? Luxury motorhome manufacturers, Auto-Sleepershave announced they will be moving into a virtually untouched market for motoring holidays, Thailand. The manufacturer has plans to set up an assembly plant in Thailand, which is scheduled to become operational mid-way next year.

The plant, situated at Nonthaburi, will cost an initial THB50 million (approximately £950,000). Auto-Sleepers will be working closely with the city’s regional distributor Motorhomes & Caravans Thailand to ensure the assembly plant is up and running by its estimated time operations begin.

The motorhome market inThailand is estimated to produce around 100 – 200 units per year, according to Auto-Sleepers. The manufacturer is hoping that a local assembly line could lead to decreased prices and a steady increase in overall for demand for the vehicles.

Could this move out of the UK provoke a wave of competitive brands to do the same?

Winners of The Caravan Club CL of the Year Awards announced

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by Dan Hughes

Caravan Club is proud to present this year’s CL of the Year Award

The Poole Farm Certified Location (CL) in Devon has taken The Caravan Club‘s most prestigious award for certified locations.

Last night CaravanTimes was delighted to be in attendance to see owners David Hunter and Diana Smith receive their award in the House of Commons from Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid.

The CL is defined by The Caravan Club as privately-owned, maximum five-van sites. They can be found scattered across the UK and are mainly set in idyllic and remote locations including farms, country estates and beside inns.

The CL s are extremely valuable to the surrounding community as they provide important additional income for local communities. The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) enable The Caravan Club to grant certificates to landowners to operate CLs and each year, they recognise the top sites across the UK at their annual Parliamentary Reception.

This year’s winners Diana and David were ecstatic with winning the award after once upon a time when they themselves had their hand in the honey jar of sweet sites around to The Caravan Club’s CLs in their motorhome ‘Winnie’:

“Before buying the Poole Farm we had a motorhome called ‘Winnie’ and we loved visiting The Caravan Club’s CLs, dreaming of one day owning and running our own. So when the opportunity arose we designed it to our own tastes and preferences, thankfully our visitors seem to share these with us,” they commented.

Diana and David continue to take pride in their site and have always taken on advice from those who visit, not concerned about the competition as much as just creating a friendly environment to suit guests – is this the key to their winning ways?

“Over the three seasons that we have been open we have welcomed comments and suggestions, many of which we have implemented. It is so rewarding to receive positive comments and see returning visitors, many of whom have become friends,” they continued.

Long existing Carrs Hill CL owners Grant and Gillian Turnbull enjoyed a runner’s up position, followed by the third place and last year’s runners up Brunette Cottage Caravan Park CL in Ty Broughton, owned by Paul and Helen Clarke.

Diana and David weren’t the only winners on the night, however, with the award for The Caravan Club’s Sites in Bloom category being presented too. To read more about that, click here.

Lincolnshire caravan site scrapped due to safety concerns

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by Jo Subramaniam

Plans rejected due to issues regarding access and road safety

In what has turned out to be another blow to caravanners in Lincolnshire, plans to create a 30-pitch caravan site in the region have been rejected. The proposed site is located in Laceby and currently has a licence for five touring caravans.

John Chapman, from the site at The Willows, requested permission from the North East Lincolnshire Council to accommodate more caravans. Planning officer Mark Cawood explained the reasons for rejecting John’s application, telling the committee: “In principle we would be supportive of this use of the land. The issue here is the access and the safety of that access and there are very strong concerns from highways engineers.”

The planning report also stated that the nearby A18 had a poor safety record, despite the speed limit being lowered to 50 mph more recently. Planning officers also mentioned that three years worth of data would be needed before a realistic assessment of the safety levels could be made.

John and his agent Andy Hey have stated that three years is an unreasonable amount of time to wait, adding that The Willows had never had an accident involving a caravan.

Three years for more caravans? We here at CaravanTimes reckon that’s a bit harsh, and hope that caravanners in Lincolnshire will have better luck in the future. What do you think, considering this is the second blow for Lincolnshire in as many weeks?

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The Camping and Caravanning Club to host Christmas celebrations

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by Jo Subramaniam

Christmas campsites to hold seasonal activities

In the mood for mince pies and mulled wine yet? The Christmas songs have already started on the radio, so we’re definitely heading in the right direction. Another place to head on down to is one of the 31 Christmas campsites hosted by The Camping and Caravanning Club, all of which are sure to put you in the festive spirit with their seasonal activities, ranging from fireworks and cake to quiz nights and New Year’s Eve celebration. So get your comfiest Christmas jumpers on and get ready for your merriest Yuletide yet with these fun filled campsites! Be warned, no grinches allowed.

Mulled wine and mince pies are going to be on offer across 29 campsites on Christmas Eve, in popular areas including the Lake District and in Scotland, but that’s just the beginning. The Loch Ness Shores Site will have sparkling wine and mince pies for Christmas Eve, mulled wine and Christmas cake on Boxing Day and a New Year’s Eve celebration with a traditional Scottish Ceilidh and fireworks.

If you’re in Bellingham, Northumberland, head down to the Club Site for a games and quiz night on 27 December and a New Year’s Eve event. Meanwhile, Bingo enthusiasts can drive over to Oswestry in Shropshire, where The Camping and Caravanning Club has bingo and quiz nights planned from 28-30 December. And if these activities haven’t cheered you up yet, you could enter the ‘best dressed unit’ competition at Ravenglass in the Lake District.

Bob Hill, the Club’s Sites Director, commented on the events, stating: “Camping during the festive period is truly magical and unsurprisingly has proved to be really popular with campers. Camping provides an emotional richness and there’s no better opportunity to spend time with loved ones than by pitching up this Christmas.” He added: “Whether you want to get away from it all and keep cosy in your unit or join in the celebrations, there’s something for everyone.”

To book your campsite with The Camping and Caravanning Club, or for more information on operating hours, click here. Get your slice of festive fun now!

Introducing the twagon

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by Joe Jeffrey

West Dorset craftsman invents wagon/caravan hybrid which can be towed without the need for a horse!

A West Yorkshire craftsman has unveiled the latest entry into the caravan market – and it come with a twist.

Mixing a bit of old with a bit of new, former boat builder, Chris Ward, has invented the ‘twagon’, combining elements of a traditional Romany gypsy caravan with the caravans of today – and the results are impressive.

The twagon – meaning towable wagon – was invented by Chris by mounting a traditional bowtop wagon onto a caravan chassis, enabling budding traditionalists to tow their twagon and pitch up wherever they feel like.

Each twagon takes Chris approximately eight weeks to build from scratch and is modelled on a traditional horse-drawn wagon. But it’s the detail that goes into each one that impresses us here at CaravanTimes.

Using as many local products as possible, the twagon is made out of local ash and Pine from Devon, whilst the glass painting is done by Chris and his friend, Sarah Harvey, who has extensive experience in painting gypsy wagons.

Interest in twagons has increased immensely since Chris started building them and a recent fair where former boat builder, Chris, showed off his creation attracted quite a long line of intrigued visitors itching to look inside, as he told the Bournemouth Echo.

“I couldn’t believe that people were queuing up waiting to go in. I probably could have charged them £1!”

Chris thinks the twagon will sppeal to a wide range of people, continuing: “I think the twagon has an appeal for many different people. A lot of retired people are interested in taking it on their cars and being mobile.

“It’s just a very authentic thing.”

We second that Chris and can’t wait to see how much the twagon catches on.

To find out more about the Twagon, visit Chris’ website here.