Holiday caravan sites bill causing controversy in Wales

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by Laura Hastings

The minister for housing and regeneration is sceptical that a problem exists with people using holiday caravans as full-time dwellings

The minister for housing and regeneration, Carl Sargeant, has said that the proposed holiday caravan sites bill is not a priority as far as he is concerned.

The bill was drafted as a response to the belief that some holiday caravans are being used as permanent residences, and the main aim is to modernise the licensing regime for holiday caravan sites.

The bill would also require caravan owners and long-term occupiers to demonstrate that their main residence is elsewhere, in order to end the permanent residential use of holiday caravans. It aims to give local authorities powers to deal with caravan occupiers who fail this test.

Mr Sargeant was giving evidence to the Communities Committee when he answered Labour member Leighton Andrews’ question as to whether there was a need for the bill with a simple “no”.

The minister stated “this bill is not a priority for me” and added “as it is, we just do not believe there is a need for legislation on the basis of the evidence provided.”

Conservative party member Janet Finch-Saunders said there was clear evidence in Denbigh and Conway that there is a “proven problem” in people using holiday caravans as full-time dwellings. The minister replied that she was talking about two out of 22 authorities, and this was not enough to convince him the scale of the problem merited the bill.

He added: “The tourism sector for Wales…is far too important to mess around with in terms of legislation that hasn’t been completely thought through.”

We want to hear from you, caravanners. Have you ever noticed people using holiday caravans as full-time residences on your travels?

COMPETITION: Win a meerkat!

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by Joe Jeffrey

Win your very own Sergei the meerkat in our latest CaravanTimes giveaway in association with Sergei’s Caravan Club

As much as we all like to think that we, as individuals, are the most knowledgeable individuals on the planet when it comes to everything there is to know about caravans, it looks like we could soon be on a collision course with a force to be reckoned with. Well, that’s if meerkat, Sergei Vladamanov, of Compare the Meerkat fame, has anything to do with it. It seems as though four-legged fluff balls are no exception to the rule.

With the recent launch of Sergei’s very own caravan club, the fluffy little mammal has taken it upon himself to travel from Meerkovo, Russia, to scurry on board a caravan and explore the length and breadth of the UK. We’re not sure about you, but having looked at Sergei’s recent ‘bloggings’ we reckon he’s going to need all the help he can get! That said, however, do keep checking back on the site, as the IT impresario has promised to send through some “interestings advisings” on caravanning throughout the course of his tour on UK soil.

To celebrate Sergei’s arrival on good ol’ Blighty’s shores, we’ve got an exclusive giveaway for our CaravanTimes members, courtesy of Compare the Market.

First up, three lucky winners will receive their very own Sergei meerkat plush toy. The toys, usually only given away when making the sensible choice of taking out insurance via the Compare the Market website, are a cracking collector’s item to say the least. It doesn’t stop there though; we’ve got two runners up prizes of Meerkat Tales, a box set of six books chronicling the adventures of the meerkats themselves.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is fill out the form below before the deadline of midday on Thursday, 3 July. It really is that “simples”!

Remember to include a valid e-mail address so we can let you know if you’ve won.

Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:
The lucky five winners will be picked at random on Thursday 3 July 2014 and the winners will be notified via the email supplied in the entry form
Competition open to members of CaravanTimes only
Only one entry per person
No purchase necessary
No cash or alternative will be offered
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

Bath holiday park unveils plans to remove caravans

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by Philip Lovegrove

Newton Mill Holiday Park to undergo transformation as owners unveil plans to remove caravans and tents from the site

The owners of Newton Mill Holiday Park in Bath have unveiled plans to undergo a major transformation of their 42 acre site.
Located off Whiteway Road, the Bath site is set to remove its 167 pitches for caravans and tents and replace them with 64 holiday lodges.
As part of the renovation, Darwin Ltd – owner of Newton Mill and 13 other holiday sites across the UK – will also take out a shower block and update the park’s restaurant and bar.
The popular holiday park has already undergone changes over the past couple of years when the owners were given permission to replace 28 caravan pitches with 16 static caravans, and in a recent application to Bath and North East Somerset Council it was mentioned that the park needed to further improve its facilities.
Jones Lang LaSalle, acting as agents for Darwin Ltd, said in the application: “This is a response to the current macro-economic climate and increasing cost of air travel, with more UK residents choosing to spend holiday and leisure time in the UK. This has led to an increased demand and wider customer base for caravan parks, with a particular shift from touring caravans to lodge accommodation. This shift has various economic and environmental benefits. Customers staying in lodges tend to spend more money locally, particularly on food shopping, but also on attractions, than the traditional touring caravan customer base. In addition, lodge development has a reduced impact on the local highway network by removing slow moving touring traffic and will deliver better employment opportunities, staff retention and thus quality.”
Newton Mill Holiday Park is open all year round to holiday makers, providing the most tranquil of settings. Situated in a hidden sheltered valley bordered by grassy banks and the beautiful mill stream which runs through the entire length of the park, it really is an outstanding holiday destination for any type of visitor. It’ll just be a shame to lose the caravan and tent plots.
To see the application in full and make any comments, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk.
For more information on the holiday park, visit www.newtonmillpark.co.uk.

Colliers sells Hawkswick Cote Park to Park Leisure

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by Laura Diaz

Hawkswick Cote Park was sold to Park Leisure following the invitation for offers in the region of £1.5 million

Colliers International has sold Hawkswick Cote Park, a quality static and touring camping park located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The sale was conducted on behalf of Bridge Leisure Management Ltd following inviting offers in the region of £1.5 million.

The purchaser, Park Leisure, continues to expand its portfolio to ten parks after its purchase of Malvern View earlier this year.

Hawkswick Cote Park is located in a tranquil rural area. It features 92 static caravan pitches, 61 touring caravan pitches, a separate camping field and a traditional stone owner’s house. The 37-acre park also has an excellent selection of facilities. Caravanners can enjoy this beauty year-round since it has a 12-month holiday licence.

Richard Moss, director of Colliers International, said, “Interest came from a variety of sources due to the park’s good location.”

He continued, “Hawkswick Cote Park offers an excellent opportunity for its new owner, Park Leisure, to take advantage of the highly popular location; by conducting holiday home sales in addition to the drive touring caravan business, it intends to return the park to its optimum trading level.”

Managing director of Park Leisure, Miles Dewhurst, added, “Hawkswick Cote will become an asset to Park Leisure; it matches very well indeed with the 5-star Owners Only policy we provide our Holiday Home Owners.” Dewhurst continued, “The location of the park is stunning and we will endeavor, with a considerate investment program, to enhance it further into its natural landscape. We are delighted to have succeeded in this tenth acquisition for Park Leisure and enjoyed once again a seamless transaction with the transfer of ownership. Our thanks go to all who were involved in the transaction and look forward to owning the park for the future.”

What do you think, caravanners? Fancy a holiday to this beautiful park?

Caravan Guard hoping to raise £7,000 in charity bike ride

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by Laura Hastings

The Great Yorkshire Bike Ride is taking place on Saturday 21 June, and Caravan Guard are along for the ride

A team of 12 Caravan Guard representatives will be cycling the 70 miles of the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride in a couple of weeks time, hoping to raise £7,000 for charity in the process.

The route, stretching from Wetherby in West Yorkshire to Filey on the North Yorkshire coast, will no doubt be quite challenging, but will benefit some extremely good causes. Yorkshire based charities such as Martin House Children’s Hospice, Heart Research UK, Yorkshire Cancer Research and St. John’s Ambulance have received around £2.3 million over the 31 years that the Bike Ride has been running.

Caravan Guard have raised over £12,000 with their participation in the ride over the last two years, but chairman Peter Wilby has been involved for quite some time longer, as his son, Ryan, Caravan Guard’s managing director, recalls: “We have supported the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride for many years. My father, Peter, has completed the ride for over 20 years, and since 2012 we have entered a team of our own. Despite doing phenomenally last year we didn’t quite reach our £7,000 target but we hope that with the help of generous sponsorship we’ll be able to do it this year.”

If you would like to support Team CG, you can do so by clicking here to donate online.

Lunar to launch motorhome ranges into Europe

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by Philip Lovegrove

Lunar’s award winning motorhome range to sweep campsites across Europe later this year

After last week’s news about ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/dealers/brands-stocked/lunar-partners-with-scottish-dealer-dicksons-of-perth-$21384332.htm">Lunar partnering with a new Scottish main dealer, the award winning caravan firm has announced more good news by launching its motorhome ranges into Europe.
Following the decision to exhibit at the prestigious Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/Lunar/">Lunar will be unveiling its recently awarded Landstar (crowned ‘Best in Class and ‘Overall Winner’ in the motor caravan of the year category at The Caravan Club Design and Drive Awards), developed specifically for the European market.
As well as the luxurious Landstar, Lunar will also reveal its micro-camper named the ‘Lunar Camper Car’. Awarded ‘Best in Class’ at The Caravan Club’s awards, the little camper is tailored to European audiences, as it is a fuel efficient and easy to manoeuvre everyday family car.
Speaking about the company’s venture into Europe, Brian Mellor, Lunar CEO and Chairman, said: “Back in 1990’s under the European brand ‘Cristall’, Lunar motorhome products enjoyed significant success in Europe. We’ve undertaken in depth research into the market and are confident our Camper Car and Landstar ranges will be well received.”

Caravan Salon (30 August – 7 September) is held at the Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre and is regarded as one of the biggest caravan and motorhome shows in Europe, welcoming over 175,000 visitors annually, including 25,000 from outside Europe.
For more information on the event, visit www.caravan-salon.com.

Bailey Towing Simulator shows how to load your caravan correctly

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by Laura Hastings

Bailey of Bristol are using innovative research techniques to discover optimum caravan loading techniques

Correctly loading your caravan should be the starting point for any trip. We all know the basics, such as distributing the heaviest items over the axles, but there is definitely more that can be done to ensure the safest towing experience possible.

Bailey of Bristol have teamed up with the University of Bath to conduct some research on the optimum techniques for loading a caravan, with some very effective results.

Dr. Joss Starling of the university has built a towing simulator of a car and caravan in scale 1:10 which allows him to test the stability of differently loaded vehicles, it is astonishing to see the difference in handling between a well-loaded vehicle, and one which is done incorrectly.

Bailey have been working with the University of Bath for about 15 years now, doing research into aerodynamics, suspension design, and the structural strength of the vehicle.

Snaking is a huge concern for every caravan tower, and something experts like Dr. Starling are trying to combat. For all the best advice, check out the video for CaravanTimes interview with the towing expert.

Whale move into the future with 3D printing

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by Laura Hastings

3D printing is still a relatively new piece of technology, which has greatly benefitted research and design processes for the Northern Irish caravan heating and water specialist

Leading caravan heating and water specialist, Whale, has embraced 3D printing techniques which have cut their product lead-time by 97 per cent, enabling them to produce 3D print injection mold tools in less than 24 hours – all at a fraction of the cost of producing metal tools.

The research and design process in developing new products can often be laborious, time consuming, and expensive. In order to allay this, Whale teamed up with Stratasys, a leading 3D printing company that has also worked with the likes of the London Science museum.

Patrick Hurst, Managing Director of Whale, is extremely pleased with the process: “This is hugely revolutionary for our business. We have already seen the technology take months off of our product development process and that in turn minimises risk. In fact, I estimate that we’ve shortened our R&D [research and development] process by up to 35% with Stratasys 3D printing.

“Add that on top of the 20% we’re already saving in terms of our design work – well for me, it’s fantastic,” he continued.
Previously, lead times for metal tools were in the region of four to five weeks, and came at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds.

When testing functional prototype parts prior to utilising 3D printing, Whale had outsourced its prototype components to service bureaus, often ordering the parts from China. The company now manages an impressive in-house injection molding operation, including 10 state-of-the-art Demag and Sandretto machines.

All of this must means that we, as consumers, will be reaping the benefits of lower prices and better quality merchandise. Well, we like to think so at least!

Bailey show support for mountain bike racers

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by Laura Hastings

Bailey have provided support vehicles to three SCOTT mountain bike racing teams

Bailey have added another sport to the catalogue which they currently support. The company is providing vehicles to three mountain bike racing teams which are participating in five events throughout remote parts of the UK, with the next event on 29 June in Church Stretton, Shropshire.

The SCOTT teams have already completed two events, and are extremely pleased with their Bailey caravans and motorhomes. They are using a selection of Bailey Pursuit, Pegasus GT65/a>, and Unicorn caravans, as well as from Bailey’s Autograph Approach range.

Phil Stephenson, SCOTT Sports MTB bike team manger said: “We’re extremely grateful to Bailey of Bristol for these amazing leisure vehicles as having the comfort of a caravan or motorhome as a base is perfect when we’re competing at remote locations in all weathers. With our own facilities we can shower, relax and refresh wherever we are.”

Bailey, as always, are extremely enthusiastic about promoting an active lifestyle, and this year alone they have supported Chrissie Wellington MBE and her teammates on her 4321 Challenge, as well as Team Bailey Racing who are competing at a series of motorsport events around the UK and Europe.

Check out the MTB marathon website for full details on the upcoming events, and to see how you can participate.

Tickets now on sale for the UK’s National Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014

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by Laura Diaz

Tickets are officially on sale for the UK’s National Motorhome & Caravan Show. The event will be held between 14-19 October at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham

Get ready, caravanners! The UK’s National Motorhome & Caravan Show is coming back for the fourth consecutive year. Tickets are officially available to the public, so get yours before they sell out!

The National Motorhome & Caravan Show is the largest of its kind in the country. Furthermore, it’s the only place in which visitors will have the opportunity to speak to all the major UK manufacturers. They will be available to answer any questions visitors may have and to showcase their new 2015 models fresh off the production lines. In fact, more than 450 exhibitors will attend and showcase a varied range of products. These will include caravans, motorhomes, campers, trailer tents, folding caravans, caravan holiday homes and lodges, campsites and destinations, tow cars, 4X4’s and a plethora of accessories.

The benefit of having all major UK manufacturers under the same roof is that visitors will be able to compare all the latest motorhome and caravan layouts, which will allow them to make informed decisions about which one works best for them. Also, purchasing at the show makes possible delivery in time for the new 2015 holiday season.

Another wonderful feature of the show is the Expert’s Theatre, which will offer hints and tips on everything dealing with motorhoming and caravanning. These tips will include free towing and manoeuvring tuition, a free show guide and free car parking.

John Lally, CEO of NCC Events, commented, “We achieved a record number of visitors to the Motorhome & Caravan Show in 2013; in fact, more than 100,000 people visited the event. With tickets now on sale for the 2014 show, I am confident that we will see even more attendees this year as no other show offers so much to see under one roof. We’ve also kept ticket prices unchanged since launching in 2011, with a standard advance ticket at £8 for adults, £7 for seniors and kids under 16 go free.”

The event will once again take place at the National Exhibition Centre NEC, Birmingham. The show is organised by NCC Events, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Caravan Council, and supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club. These entities have promised a great value family day out to see what’s new and get inspiration for the perfect holiday. Make sure you get your tickets, caravanners!

Carapods putting Yorkshire craftsmanship on the map

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by Laura Hastings

Cousins Leigh Hardy and James Spooner are designing beautifully crafted caravans from their base in East Riding, Yorkshire

What happens when you bring together two cousins with a love for caravanning holidays, and a wealth of engineering experience between them? A business like Carapods is born.

CaravanTimes had a chat with Leigh Hardy and James Spooner of Carapods to find out where their inspiration comes from, and how they’re revolutionising the concept of the teardrop caravan.

Prior to starting their own caravan business Leigh and James held very different careers, with Leigh working offshore on oilrigs and James working nationally as a contractor. Both were always actively involved in the caravanning world however. “We have each owned touring caravans in the past and enjoyed ‘outdoors’ type of holidays,” Leigh begins. “We both have a strong interest in the Volkswagen scene, as I own a VW 1978 late bay Westfalia camper which I restored and James is more new school with a VW T5 van which is tricked up.”

“It had always been a pipe dream in the past to create our own unique escape pod. With both of us coming from engineering backgrounds, we knew we had the knowledge and skills to produce a well made product. Then it finally became the right time for us to begin,” he continues.

There is a craze for all things retro in the caravanning world at the minute, and it doesn’t get much more retro than a teardrop caravan. Extremely popular in the 1930s, they fell out of fashion when roomier, more modern designs became available in the ’60s. Their compact size makes them ideal for towing however, and James and Leigh’s designs make the most of the space available.

What makes Carapods so unique is the ethos behind the business, along with the stunning designs. The business partners are adamant that they will not lose their core business values: “We would like the business to be successful, however we do not want to lose the ‘personal touch’ and would like to keep all our pods individual, bespoke, with fine attention to detail and work with our customers to ensure they get the Carapod they want.”

An intricate process goes into each Carapod, which starts with Leigh and James sitting down with the customers to discuss exactly what is required: “Initially we discuss their expectations and add their own personal designs to the pod. We then begin the build ensuring we keep the customers involved along the way.” Each pod takes roughly five to six weeks to complete, depending on the customer’s specifications.

Another important part of Carapod’s business is their commitment to ensuring everything is done locally: “We try to keep all our suppliers local. The whole build is performed by us, everything from the chassis to the pressing of the aluminium composite panels to the bespoke furniture and interior design.”

The cousins have received fantastic encouragement from their local council in East Riding, as well as the local Business Services Team, undertaking a range of courses with them, including a Chartered Institute of Marketing seminar providing them with the knowhow to write a marketing plan, as well as workshops looking at marketing and selling, financial forecasting and business planning. The future for Carapods is looking bright for the innovative entrepreneurs – almost as bright as some of their amazing designs pictured below.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Kids of Heroes Charity strives to purchase holiday caravans for children of military parents

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by Laura Diaz

Loughborough charity create ‘Kids of Heroes,’ – an organization focusing on providing assistance to children of military personnel. One of their aims is to provide these children with quality caravan holidays!

Dave Johnson and former military man Andy Tinley have joined forces to create Kids of Heroes, a charity focused on helping the children of former and current military personnel. The two friends began working on their idea in December, and are now striving to raise the £5,000 minimum required to gain charitable status.

“There are charities out there that already do great jobs but we wanted to have one that was solely dedicated to helping the children of those who have served their country,” Dave told the Loughborough Echo.

“It’s about being able to fund things like personal development, family recreation, business grants and help with getting into work.”

His partner, Andy, added: “We also want to create links with a range of counselling not just for bereavement but also for children of those who come home with combat stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Dave and Andy predict they can raise £200,000 in their first year. However, they must first raise the £5,000 required to solidify charitable status. One of their aims for the charity is to provide quality caravan holidays to the beneficiary families free of charge.

“Why should the families of those who have put their lives on the line for their country not be able to enjoy a holiday like other people do?” Dave asked.

‘Kids of Heroes’ is committed to their purpose of providing holidays to military families. The charity is holding The Kids of Heroes Torquay Holiday Competition, which will offer participants a chance to win a four-night caravan holiday at the Parkdean Resort in Torquay, South Devon, for up to six people. The prize includes leisure passes. To enter, participants must be children of military personnel between the ages of four and 14. The stipulations require entrants to design the logo for the charity’s Family Recreation Project. The logo will be used on the charity’s website; therefore, they are looking for a colourful logo which depicts the fun of a family holiday. The winners must be available for four nights starting on 14 July, and will be notified by phone and email on 22 June. To learn more about the contest, please visit the website.

If you would like more information on this noble cause, or if you would like to make a donation, please visit the website.