Caravan Guard nominated in three categories at UK Broker Awards 2014

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan and motorhome insurance specialists, CaravanGuard, go for the treble at awards

Caravan and motorhome insurance specialist, Caravan Guard, has been named finalist in three categories at this year’s UK Broker Awards.

The triple nomination at the annual event, which rewards outstanding performance an innovation in the insurance broking sector, follows last year’s Investment in People award win.

This year, Caravan Guard is nominated once again in the Investment in People category, as well as Personal Lines Broker of the Year and Schemes Broker of the Year categories.

Caravan Guard Managing Director, Ryan Wilby, is delighted with the news, “It’s a great honour to be nominated at such a prestigious event. Collectively these nominations are testament to our efforts in delivering brilliant customer experiences through highly-skilled advisers and a growing range of specially designed products. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Caravan Guard and myself and the team now look forward to bringing the silverware home this year!”

Over 500 leading industry figures are expected to attend the event, taking place on 5 September at the Brewery in Central London.

Swift unveils the all-new 2015 sporty compact Rio

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By Ingeborg Holba

Swift reveals its new sporty compact Rio, and it’s everything you ever hoped for with Transformer-like abilities and a very SMART construction system

The all-new sporty compact Rio motorhome from Swift defies all expectations. With a length of 6.4m, and a width of 2.26m, the Rio is the size of a panel van in the body of a coach built motorhome, and it’s built on a special low line chassis from Fiat with their new Ducato cab, incorporating Swift Group‘s SMART intelligent construction system.

It will be launched across the coachbuilt motorhome range for the 2015 season.

The home on wheels comes in two models; the 320 two-berth model, and the 340 four-berth model. Both models come with a rear parallel lounge providing plenty of space for anything you may wish to take on board with you. Although the latter model has a shorter parallel lounge, it makes room for a travelling dinette – ideal for families wishing to get away from it all together.

One of the motorhome’s most exciting features is the 340’s electronically operated drop down bed at the rear. It has three positions and offers the exclusive, ultra-comfortable Duvalay Duvalite mattress – a memory foam technology laden mattress, guaranteed to send you off to sleep in no time. The highest position of the bed can be used for when more storage is required, while the mid position allows people to sleep underneath and, finally, the low-level position is for easy access sleeping. Thus transforming your motorhome from an easy living area, to the perfect bedroom, all at the press of a button.

The GRP pod features an opening roof window, and the GRP full opening rear tailgate has a steel frame structured real panel, which supports a gas strut elevating rear door – it really needs to be seen to be believed and the abundance of space created by this feature is taken to the nth degree. This is another highly impressive feature, and a first for the UK, perfect for a multi-purpose use. The rear door also has a large window, bathing the Rio in light.

The Swift Group’s aforementioned SMART Construction launched to popularity last year, and stands for a Strong timber-less body with Modern looks, an Aerodynamic shape that is Resilitent to moisture, and it’s all included in a motorhome that has undergone extensive Testing.

The new timberless body frame uses PURe, which is a strong polyurethane waterproof material, preventing moisture from coming into the hardwood ply wallboard. Going even more technical, everything is computer numerically controlled (CNC). This innovative piece of engineering provides accuracy and consistency to Swift’s customers.

So what’s the interior like? The furniture is in contemporary-style Aralie Sen woodgrain and a Loxley soft furnishing scheme. The great contrast between the chocolate base cushions and the grey/silver backrests is definitely easy on the eyes and definitely not the type of design your eyes would tire of. The seats have an integrated headrest, a wider backrest, better side support and even better seat comfort and, to make the journey even better, the radio comes with a Bluetooth connection, and a mirror mounted aerial for better reception. There is also a USB port designed for mobile devices. Moreover, the gearshift indicator shows you when to change gear for optimum economy – we certainly wouldn’t mind that.

Lighting is LED with a dimmable spotlights and over-locker lights in the rear lounge, improving safety too and Swift has even thrown in some low-level night lights and swan neck reading lights for good measure.

The bathroom has everything you could possible need in addition to mini LED downlights. With Truma Combi 4 heating and a winter pack that includes fresh and waste water heaters, drain insulation and fridge vent, the new compact Rio’s washrooms are perfect all year round.

All models come with a TRACKER Retrieve Thatcham already approved tracking system, and if this isn’t enough, you also have Swift’s ten-year body integrity warranty.

Swift Group’s Commercial Director, Nick Page, said of their new production: “The new Rio by Swift is aimed at those wanting a compact flexible model like a panel van, but with the style and extra features of a coachbuilt motorhome.”

Sounds about right, Nick. And with an abundance of features throughout comprising of what comes with a top motorhome, all encompassed within the size of a panel van, with the quality we’ve all come to expect from Swift, what’s there not to love?

Fundraiser at Elms Touring Caravan Site provides Skegness Hospital with lifesaving equipment

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by Joe Jeffrey

Charity event to raise money for hospital monitor proves caravanners can fundraise with the best of ’em
A fundraising event held at a caravan site in Addlethorpe, Lincolnshire, has raised more than £2,000 needed to provide lifesaving equipment for Skegness hospital.

The purchase of a new 24-hour heart monitoring machine, which looks set to save people having to undertake the journey from home to Boston Pilgrim Hospital has now been made possible, thanks to the charity fundraiser held at The Elms Touring Caravan Site, comprising of a fundraising fishing match and scrumptious hog roast.

Organised in conjunction with Skegness Hospital Watch, the money raised will go towards lifesaving equipment as part of a wider initiative to purchase machinery in order to help with pre-detection of illnesses including heart attacks and Alzheimers – both conditions can be treated to be made more manageable if detected early.

Campaign manager for Skegness Hospital Watch, Geoff Poulter, said of the event held at The Elms: “I’m elated. We’ve been waiting a long time to purchase these machines and recently money collected as totalled to £3,000. It’s amazing what people are donating to improve our services. These sorts of things are an asset to our town.”

It certainly is amazing, Geoff – and for such a great cause. The whiff of a hog on a spit is certainly a sure-fire way to drag in the punters, so let’s hope for many more fundraisers sticking to that formula.

Caravan racing mayhem

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By Ingeborg Holba

Buxton Raceway has seen a lot of crash racing on its track, but these vehicles racing with towed caravans make for a bit more of a messy event

We know, we know. we’re always banging on about towing, but this caravan race doesn’t exactly display the art of it.

These guys take things a step further this time at Buxton Raceway – as far as caravan racing is concerned – courtesy of a minibus and an ice cream truck making a special guest appearance. But alas, with lots of caravan debris flying around as the caravans are destroyed – all in the name of entertainment – we can’t help but (almost) shed a tear, thinking of the history behind these forsaken caravans, bashed and beaten to a pulp.

Take a look for yourself as these mentalist drivers compete to see who will finish the race first, although it doesn’t really seem to matter whether the vehicle you started towing with is still by your side when you cross the finish line or ready for the scrap heap.

Local businesses benefit from staycationners

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By Ingeborg Holba

Staycations are becoming more and more popular in the UK, heralding great news for caravan and motorhome parks, as well as local businesses

‘Staycationning’ became popular during the credit crunch when families, in need of escaping the recession, but couldn’t afford to travel long-distance, chose to take their holidays closer to home..

Being a less costly option which also leaves out the soaring costs of hotels, flights and booking fees,in addition to the great weather Britain has had this summer, we have seen this trend make a huge impact on the British tourism industry.

According to the 2014 annual Travelodge holiday index, almost three quarters of Brits have decided to holiday at home, rising from 65 per cent last year and 33 per cent in 2010.

This is not only great news for local camping and caravan sites, but local businesses have continued to benefit greatly.

Jackie Moore, assistant manager at Osea Leisure Park in Heybridge, Essex, said: “In the entirety of last year we had 1,100 bookings and this year we have had almost 1,100 bookings already,” adding that staycations are perfect for families with young children.

It finally looks like Britain is bouncing back from the financial crisis and is well on its way to becoming a ‘staycation nation’, and we don’t see anyone complaining.

New Hi5 initiative by The Caravan Club shows how to have fun the safe way

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By Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club introduces the Hi5 Wave and a safety video featuring youngsters who could certainly teach us adults a thing or two

We all know that caravanning and motorhoming provides an ideal opportunity to escape with the whole family to relax and have fun; it also enables us to make the most of what the great outdoors has to offer. But playing it safe, wherever that may be, is a must. And, surprisingly, no one seems to know that better than kids – at least if this Hi5 video is anything to go by.

This spring, The Caravan Club ran a competition for its member’s children to design a poster reinforcing the importance of the on-site 5mph speed limit, which is imposed throughout all of The Caravan Club’s sites throughout the UK, and hundreds of entries were received with winners announced in three age-group categories. There could only be one winner, however, and that was eight-year-old Dani May who won the honour of having her design featured on signage across The Caravan Club’s 200-plus network of sites throughout the UK.

Also, as part of the Hi5 initiative, a safety video was filmed at Hillhead Caravan Club Site, in Devon, starring none other than The Caravan Club’s members’ children. Oscar winning performances aside, the film focuses on five key safety areas, including the 5mph speed limit and how to play safely.

Natasha MacDonald, head of product development for The Caravan Club, said of the Hi5 scheme, “We have been working on a new family initiative to help parent and grandparent members with entertaining their children and grandchildren while away in their vans. However, the theme of safety is an important aspect which underpins the project. The Club is keen to do whatever it can to ensure that adults and children alike are safe while they enjoy their holidays.”

CaravanTimes certainly seconds that – safety is paramount wherever we decide to pitch up. So check out the video above; if you’re not inclined to give the next person you see a ‘Hi5’ after watching it, we’ll eat our awning.

New Bailey Unicorn makes it easier and safer to tow

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by Joe Jeffrey

Find out how increased stability and lower weight design in the new Bailey Unicorn makes all 2015 Unicorn models easier and safer to tow in our new video here

We’ll admit it; towing is one of our biggest bugbears. It’s the bane of our lives as far as caravanning is concerned and, unfortunately, once you’ve grasped the whole logic behind towing, the annoyance doesn’t stop there. Ensuring everything is balanced out appropriately when loading up our caravans for the weekend is one of the issues we are continuously faced with and Bailey of Bristol seems to understand this – even when it comes to the construction.

Bailey has decided to do something about enhancing the towing process with updates made to all of their new caravans, including the third generation Unicorn, and they truly seem to have developed them all to be as tow-friendly as possible.

Working closely with the University of Bath, incorporating the findings of research carried out in relation to trailer stability and towing dynamics, Bailey has made the new Unicorn as light as physically possible, as well as ensuring the design is more stable than ever before.

The process initially began six years ago with the introduction of Bailey’s exclusive Alu-Tech construction system. Now the company’s focus seems to be on ensuring less weight is used at the front and back of each caravan and more concentrated on the axle in the centre. From the battery to the gas cylinder – as much as possible has been fitted strategically around the axel to allow for more stability throughout.

Looking set to be Bailey’s best model to date, the new Bailey Unicorn for 2015 appears to be a bit of a game changer when it comes to towability. To find out why we think this, check out our video and let us know your thoughts.

Coast Insurance take on mud, water and ice in Major Series to give underprivileged families a much needed break

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by Hayley McCrystal

Coast Insurance have taken on the challenge of the Major Series to raise money for the Family Holiday Association

A brave bunch from Coast Insurance, the specialist caravan and motorhome insurer, will take on the Major Series – an course filled with hills, mud and water plus not such inviting obstacles including stench trenches, ice crawlers and electrical jumps – not exactly something you’d want to do every day. But this charitable group have one thing on their mind – raising as much money as possible for the Family Holiday Association.

The Association works to give underprivileged children living in difficult conditions the chance to get away for a much-needed family break, usually at the British seaside. We’ve got to admit, a trip to the seaside always makes us forget our troubles – for a little time at least.

In 2014 over 2,000 families across the UK will benefit from a break thanks to charity fundraisers such as Coast, and we can certainly vouch for the healing power of a quick getaway. Mmmm. warm donuts. Seaside delicacies aside, one Glasgow family seems to agree, describing their time away as “amazing” and saying, “It allowed us to relax and spend time together for just us. The children still talk about it and look at the photos. It has left us with many happy memories that have got us through difficult times since coming home.”

Coast’s hardy team are already training for what’s in store and are also busy planning other ways to raise money such as bake sales, barbeques and three-course dinners.

Michelle Barnes, from Family Holiday Association, expressed her gratitude for the work Coast is doing saying: “We really appreciate the team at Coast taking on this fantastic challenge, and the money they raise will help us to help more families in need. A few days away matter to these families and their children more than you can ever imagine”

To donate to this worthy cause, visit their JustGiving Page or show your support on the big day on 4 October at Eridge Park in East Sussex .

Take a look at what’s in store for the Coast team by checking out the video below.

NEC Birmingham’s Caravan and Camping show name change

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by Hayley McCrystal

The name of the game has changed for February’s Caravan and Camping Show

What’s in a name? That which we call the ‘Caravan and Camping Show’ by any other name would mean as much to visitors as the alternative. Perhaps not – or at least not according to NCC Events. Okay, we’ll stop quoting Shakespeare now and continue with the story.

The much anticipated event, which will showcase hundreds of exhibitors, will now be called the ‘Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show’ in an effort to increase consumer response.

The decision to change the name of the event comes after consumer research was carried out and – it is hoped – the new name will provide visitors with more information regarding what will be at the show. NCC Events CEO, John Lally, has said: “By incorporating motorhomes into the Show name consumers will better understand what this event offers from a product perspective.”

“This change is especially relevant for new entrants to the market, as we know they would not necessarily appreciate that a caravan show encompasses motorhomes. So by including motorhomes into the Show name visitors understand that they will have the opportunity to see across the entire spectrum of our industry.”

The show is set to have a very clear layout to reflect the distinct focus on all three elements, as has been highlighted by the name change, by having separate zones for caravans, camping and motorhomes.

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is set to take place from 17 – 22 February, 2015, at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets will be available for purchase from this site later this year so be sure to check back with us. We’ll see you there!

Club Care Insurance introduce new service station infographic

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By Ingeborg Holba

Thinking of going on a long journey soon? You can now plan ahead with the new Club Care Insurance infographic, offering information on service stations throughout England

One of the most important parts of any long trip is stopping to refresh your batteries, have a stretch and unwind for a while, before continuing with your journey. It seems Club Care Insurance also realise this if their new infographic for caravanners is anything to go by.

Offering a whole host of information on all service stations in England, the new infographic also details information on where designated caravan parking areas can be found, and how long caravans can stay for free at each stop.

Club Care Insurance has always been top of the pile when it comes to detailed knowledge of our caravanning lifestyles and the issues it can present, so they know how problematic and annoying it can be to plan ahead. That’s exactly why, it seems, they’ve done the planning for us, as far as service stations are concerned.

The new infographic, which can be seen here, provides details and information on:

  • Which service stations offer parking bays
  • How long you can park at each service station free of charge
  • The cost of parking subsequent to any free period
  • Whether you can park your caravan overnight
  • If the caravan bays are visible from the service station building
  • Whether other vehicles will be moved if parked in designated caravan bays
  • If there is a chance a caravan could be hidden behind an HGW when parked, making it more vulnerable to theft

Nigel Coppen, client director of Club Care Insurance, said of the new service’s perks: “Whenever you are going on a long journey it is important to take regular breaks. Unfortunately theft of caravans or contents within the caravan can happen at motorway service stations, so knowing you can plan your journey with stops at caravan-friendly service stations provides added peace of mind.”

We personally think it’s a great addition to any trip and will help caravanners to no end. If only they could devise something next that would help us to remember where we’ve actually parked our caravans, we’d be in seventh heaven.

The VW Transporter celebrates their big, British 60th anniversary

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by Hayley McCrystal

A big, British Happy Birthday to the VW Transporter which first hit our shores 60 years ago this September

When thinking of a camper van, the image of an old-school VW van immediately comes to mind. Although this series has evolved greatly in the 60 years since its introduction to the British market, it remains a popular choice for many, being a timeless symbol of freedom and fun.

The initial model, the T1, or as it was first known, the Type 2, was first introduced at the Earls Court Commercial Motor Show in 1954. With its revolutionary design for commercial vehicles, the T1 was both stylish and practical, fast becoming the template for light commercial panel vans, pick-ups and microbuses. After being tested on the domestic German market, Volkswagen brought it to England. Considering its high popularity, it is surprising to hear that the hippie-van only sold 786 units in that first year.

The transporter’s popularity skyrocketed in the following 60 years selling 18,350 by 2013 in the UK alone. On the worldwide scale, the Transporter production stands at 11.5 million units, highlighting the fact that you just can’t beat a good old VW.

The roots of the iconic camper van can be traced back to senior British Army Officer, Major Ivan Hirst, who was charged with re-commissioning the post-war Volkswagen factory and ordered the creation of a flatbed truck. This idea was later picked up by Dutch importer, Ben Pon Sr, in the mid-1940s, who sketched the van’s first design. It was then enthusiastically picked up by Volkswagen.

Production began in the late-1940s and took a total of 13 months to transfer from the drawing board to the production line.

In the past 60 years, only four updated models have replaced the original T1 indicating great popularity this line of vehicles has.

Type 2 (T1)

Instantly recognisable by its smooth curves and split-screen, the first Type 2 model used air-cooled engines mounted in the rear. More of a test model, Volkswagen made a few key changes to its initial design before the creation of the T1’s successor.

Type 2 – second generation (T2)

The second generation of the iconic van lost its much loved split front windshield – a feature which earned the first generation the nickname, the ‘splitscreen’. Often associated with peace symbols, flowers and surfers, the T2 became symbolic of the psychedelic swinging sixties, a golden age in British history, and came to represent the free spirited, hippy counter culture that was so popular at the time. It was affectionately nicknamed, the ‘hippie van’.

Type 2 (T3) aka the Vanagon

The Third Generation Type 2, retroactively known as the T3, saw a significant style change from its predecessor. The T3 was a lot squarer than the T2 but kept the rear engine feature of the previous models.

Returning to its military roots, the T3 was used by the US Army and German Air force in the 1980s as administrative vehicles. On the other side of the coin, VW began working with German conversion company, Westfalia, who added features such as pop-up roofs, fridges, sinks and stoves to the T3, cementing it as the ultimate road trip vehicle. If the models alone didn’t secure the VW Transporter’s reputation as the ultimate road-trip vehicle, Volkswagen’s collaboration with Westfalia certainly did.

The T3 saw technical upgrades as well as visual ones. The new model featured power steering, air conditioning, power door locks, electrically controlled and heated mirrors, lighted vanity mirrors and a light above the glove box.

Transporter T4

The T4 was the first model to lose the Type 2 tag and adopt that of the ‘Transporter.’ Now using a front mounted, front wheel drive, water-cooled engine, the T4 saw significant changes from the previous model.

This model was produced in five basic types:

  • Panel van – no windows behind b pillar
  • Kombi van/ Half panel – windows between B and C pillars
  • Multivan – windows all round
  • Westfalia
  • Single or double cab

The variation of available designs highlights the significant demand that existed for the much loved series of vans as well as its multiple purposes.

Transporter T5

Launched in 2002, the T5 model failed to hold the same cultural connotations of its ancestors, but remains an ever-popular choice as a practical and trustworthy option. Available in over 100 design combinations, the T5 like the T4 is clearly a popular choice for a wide-ranging demographic and the long list of awards that it has received suggests that its performance is still top-notch.

Even now, 60 years on, the original curvaceous design still resonates as iconic – it even makes an appearance in Disney Pixar’s Cars – if that doesn’t prove it to be of legendary status, we don’t know what will.

Take a look at the VW Transporter through the years in this video…

Shaken not stirred: the innovative cocktail caravan for parties

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By Ingeborg Holba

Serve your guests in style at your next party with Norman the Cocktail Caravan

From birthdays to weddings, a party should never be dull. Nevertheless, as the years pass by the thought of going to yet another wedding is no longer quite as appealing as it was once was. You’ve seen the dresses, if you’re stuck on the ‘single’s table’, things can get awkward, and, if you’re married, you’re only comparing it to your own wedding.

So when it comes to planning your next big shindig, why not think of something completely unique that will leave your guests happy they came and, perhaps, a little more happy upon their departure? Look no further folks, the Cocktail Caravan is here.

The quirky, red polka-dot caravan, quite blandly named Norman, is the brainchild of best friends Bee Watson and Justine Bock, who met while working at a vintage cocktail bar where they spent most nights learning to balance, stir and shake up flavourful drinks from a renowned mixologist.

Bee and Justine were doodling on a napkin when the idea of a cocktail caravan came to them (this is beginning to sound very J.K. Rowling-like). Thereafter, they spent the winter transforming Norman, who had previously spent his long life thinking he was only capable of driving
families around, into an eccentric cocktail bar full of alcohol as well as character.

The cocktail caravan provides everything from pre-dinnner welcome drinks, to an all out riotous affair, and a custom designed menu means Norman can cater to an event completely tailored to your requirements.

With a range of cocktails, mocktails, spirits and mixers on offer, the sky is the limit as far as old Norman is concerned. Also given is the option of hiring a bottle bar to provide a selection of beer, lager, wine, cider, champagne and soft drinks, providing a full bar service – in a caravan.

Adding even more charm and originality to their business acumen, Bee, Justine and Norman don’t exactly play by the rules when it comes to glassware. All of their drinks and are typically served in an array of mismatching vintage glassware. And jam jars. They also serve their liquid delights in teapots and punch bowls. However, if this sounds a little too ‘retro’ for you, more traditional glassware is also available.

To find out more you can visit The Cocktail Caravan’s Facebook page, Twitter, or their Intstagram profile.