Terrifying video of tornado heading towards caravan park

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

Two men capture extraordinary footage of twister heading towards their caravan park in North Dakota, USA

It is fair to say that the British weather tends to be very temperamental during the holiday season. Come rain or shine, we still manage to make the most out of our holiday , especially during our caravan park adventures.
One thing you wouldn’t expect to see out of your mobile home’s window though is a tornado, but that’s exactly what happened to two men who were homing at a caravan park – and before you start panicking, this tornado happened in North Dakota in America.
Filming through their camera, the duo look on in disbelief as a huge twister heads right towards their caravan.
Realising that the beast of a whirlwind is heading right for them, the men’s flits of laughter soon turn into a sense of panic as they flee towards their truck and quickly make a getaway.
Continuing to film the whole incident, the men capture the moment the tornado heads right across the park, and at one point it looks like it is directly above them – brave or stupid? We’ll let you decide.
It was reported that the tornado destroyed at least eight caravans, injuring nine people, but the two men filming narrowly escaped.
North Dakota is not historically known for its twisters, as it is not considered part of Tornado Alley (a central belt of the US where tornadoes occur most frequently).
The amazing footage can be found by searching YouTube and was originally broadcasted by Euro News. However owing to profanities used during the caravanner’s escape, we have decided not to feature it on our site. You just need to take a look at the image, however, to see how much of a close-call it was!

Newport caravan site expansion given green light

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

Newport caravan site has controversial plans approved by the council to almost double its size

Controversial plans to expand a Newport caravan site has been approved by Telford & Wrekin council this week.
The Kings Head Caravan Park currently holds 15 mobile homes, and it is expected a further 13 homes will be added to swap space for nine touring caravans on the four acres of park – almost doubling the size of the site.
In 2006 planning permission to include five extra mobile homes was rejected, after concerns about additional traffic on the nearby roads of Green Lane and Chetwynd End, and the recent proposals have received a number of objections from Newport Town Council and dozens of neighbours.
However, the final decision has delighted current residents of Kings Head and site owners Jean and Samuel Smith, saying that the new mobile homes will be perfect for older people wishing to live in Newport.
The extra homes will be put around the edge of the site so that the centre remains green for residents to use, and each one will have an on-site parking space, as well as a visitor parking area.
To make way for the caravans, seven small trees will be removed, but a whole new planting scheme will be initiated to preserve the attractive surroundings.
For more information on the Kings Head Caravan Park, visit www.kingsheadnewport.co.uk

Travelling the world in a self-built camper van

Posted by

by Laura Hastings

Mike Hudson left his job to fulfil a dream of travelling as far as his savings, and his homebuilt camper van, would carry him

All of us have dreamt at some point of chucking in our jobs and escaping the rat race for a life of travel and adventure. Well, one man from Hull is actually doing it… in a camper van.

25 year old Mike Hudson quit his job as a systems engineer on gas platforms in the North Sea in October 2013 to focus all of his energies on renovating a clapped-out LDV van, and equipping it for his travels.

It was a long process, one which Mike has documented on his blog Vandog traveller, a seriously interesting read.

After 5 months of hard work turning the LDV into a mini home, Mike set off on his travels. He has so far made it through France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Austria, and is loving every minute.

Mike spoke about his adventure with Hull Daily Mail, saying: “I don’t know where the dream came from, although an old school friend contacted me on Facebook and reminded me that I always used to talk about living in a van when I was older.”

His van is extremely well equipped for his travels, with 200W solar panels making it completely self-sufficient for electricity. An LPG gas cylinder which can be refilled at petrol stations means that Mike can use his two ring stove for as little as 7 euro (roughly £5.60) a month.

Mike remains humble about his journey, saying: “I am more on the side of naïve than brave, maybe reckless in some people’s eyes for ‘throwing away a good job’. But I think most people get it. I’m really lucky.”

Everyone at CaravanTimes would like to wish Mike the very best of luck!

Campervan chef to star at Scottish caravan show

Posted by

by Laura Hastings

The chef, TV personality, and author will be doing live cookery demonstrations, producing food that can easily be made in a smaller kitchen.

The Scottish Camping and Caravanning Show have announced Martin Dorey as a special guest for this year’s event, taking place Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.

The chef will be demonstrating food preparation in a similar way to the TV series he starred in, produced by the BBC in 2010, One Man and his Campervan.

Martin’s recent book, The Camper Van Cookbook- Life on 4 Wheels, Cooking on 2 Rings, will definitely influence the sessions, which are due to take place on Friday at 12 Noon, 2pm, and 7pm, and on Saturday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

On the subject of his cooking style, Martin said in conversation with The Ellon Times: “If I can make it, so can you. What I’ll be showing you in June, you’ll be able to recreate in your own kitchens, caravans or at the camp fire.”

Martin also mentioned that he will be embracing a Scottish style of cookery for the occasion: “I love Scotland, I’ve had some great times all over the country. I have a great cookery method, inspired by my experience of cooking Arbroath Smokies, which I’d love to show you all.”

Tickets for the event are currently for sale online, at a discounted price of £5 until Wednesday 18 June. Click here for more information.

Chrissie Wellington MBE has done it again with the help of Bailey of Bristol

Posted by

by Laura Diaz

With the aid of Bailey of Bristol, four-time world triathlon champion Chrissie Wellington MBE and three other adventurous athletes have recently completed the 4-3-2-1 Challenge in support of The Rainbow Trust and Jole Rider children’s charities

Along with her team and a trusty Bailey caravan, Chrissie Wellington MBE was able to complete the extreme physical endurance test that is the 4-3-2-1 Challenge. The team’s dependable Bailey Approach Autograph 765 motorhome support vehicle was fundamental in their success.

The demanding course, selected by the team members themselves, consisted of two excruciating tasks. The first was running up and down the UK’s three highest mountains, which is a distance of 29 miles. The second, and particularly torturous, consisted of cycling from one mountain to the other, a further 420 miles. Both challenges were to be completed in under 48 hours!

The 4-3-2-1 Challenge stands for four people, three peaks, two wheels and one challenge. As the name of the challenge suggests, the support provided by their Bailey Approach Autograph 765 was instrumental to their victory. The vehicle gave the team a comfortable place in which to re-fuel, refresh and rest en route. The motorhome’s interior allowed the team to travel on the lap of luxury as they strived to complete their charity-directed challenge.

Bailey of Bristol created a 4-3-2-1 Challenge Pinterest Board documenting the champions’ journey. No doubt The Rainbow Trust and Jole Rider children’s charities are thrilled at the completion of this challenge. The entire team at CaravanTimes wishes to congratulate the athletes, as well as Bailey of Bristol, on their completion of the excruciating challenge for such a noble cause!

Lucky motorhome winner takes home Roller Team

Posted by

by Laura Diaz

Showgoer at the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show was the lucky winner, among thousands of entries, of a Roller Team motorhome for a year

Showgoer, John Seeds, from Collin in Dumfries, defied magnificent odds by becoming the winner of a Roller Team motorhome for a year among thousands of other participants.

In February 2014, BC Motorhomes and Roller Team joined forces to give showgoers at the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, held at the SECC, the opportunity to win a motorhome for a year. The motorhome in question was the popular 4 berth Roller Team Autoroller 685. The name of the lucky winner was pulled out of the hat at random.

Seeds picked the motorhome up from BC Motorhomes in Ayr at the beginning of May, delighted at the sight of his prize. The awestruck winner is already planning his first adventure this summer. Part of his plans include taking plenty of photos and keeping a diary of everywhere he visits so he can look back on his first, but hopefully not last, Roller Team adventure.

The fortunate winner declared, “I can’t believe I’ve won – I never win anything! I used to go on motorhome holidays with my parents many years ago and I’ve always wanted to have my own. I’d been thinking of buying one, but I wasn’t sure and this gives me the perfect chance to get used to driving a motorhome again. I’m going to spend the year touring Scotland – I’ve got a great opportunity to see as much of the country as I can.”

Calum Watson, General Manager at BC Motorhomes, joined in Seeds’ joy, “It was great to be able to team up with Roller Team to put forward this prize. We are delighted it has gone to John who is looking to get back into motorhoming and we hope he has a great year in it.”

More good news follow as the dates for the 2015 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show have already been set. The show will run from Thursday 5 until Sunday 8 February 2015 at the SECC, Glasgow. Event organisers are already planning the show, which will feature free parking for all visitors to the show. Next year’s event promises to be the best yet! Visit the website for further information, fellow caravanners!

UK Summer Motorhome & Caravan Show coming to Kent

Posted by

by Laura Diaz

The UK Summer Motorhome & Caravan Show is going to Kent Showground, Detling, on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June

Event Developments Ltd will address the shortage of Kent events catering to motorhome and caravan owners by taking the UK Summer Motorhome & Caravan Show to the area this upcoming weekend.

Responsible for some of the UK’s largest outdoor motorhome and caravan events, Event Developments Ltd decided to take the event to Kent amid local dealership approval. It was noted that the South East of England lacked substantial motorhome and caravan events, which was quite unfortunate for those interested in these vehicles. The company hopes the show will prove beneficial to motorhome and caravan owners in the area.

Organiser Russ Harman of Event Development claimed, “This really is a fantastic opportunity for motorhome and caravan enthusiasts from the South East to view a huge range of the latest vehicles and accessories all in one place, making a great day out.”

The caravan-themed weekend does seem promising indeed. A wide range of new and used motorhomes will be up for sale at the event. Also, the selection of caravans and outdoor leisure accessories available will be vast. The show’s particular appeal lies in its applicability to experienced and first-time owners and buyers alike, a feat which will be fundamental to its success by targeting two audiences who differ in caravan and motorhome experience.

One of the most exciting aspects of this event is that visitors will have the opportunity to either be day visitors or to camp at the show. Campers can begin arriving from 9am on Friday and stay until Monday morning if they need to. Camping pitches will be available for tents, caravans, and motorhomes of all sizes, including American RV’s. To enhance the experience, campers will be personally escorted to their pitch upon arrival.

Those who decide to camp will be in for a real treat. They will enjoy a wonderful line-up of exclusive evening entertainment. Music from the UK’s best Rockabilly band ‘The HounDogs’ and ‘The Shades Show Band’ will get the party started at the show. Furthermore, stand-up comedian Bobby Dazzler and illusionist Steve Price will also make appearances at the show.

Day tickets for the UK Summer Motorhome & Caravan Show cost £7, and pre-booked weekend camping is only £45 per pitch. Accompanied kids under 14 receive free entry and will be able to find their own entertainment at the designated Kids Corner. To book weekend camping for the show, please call 01775 723723.

Make sure you do not miss this spectacular event! For further details visit the website and register for the free email newsletter.

VIDEO: The Wanderer Returns… to the Broadway Caravan Club

Posted by

by Joe Jeffrey

The world’s first made-for-leisure caravan retires to take pride of place at The Broadway Caravan Club Site, Worcestershire

To any caravan connoisseur, the name Dr. William Gordon Stables, should ring a bell. If it wasn’t for this adventurer of yesteryear, perhaps you wouldn’t be getting ready to pack your things and begin your own adventure in your home-from-home on wheels; perhaps your favourite pastime of getting away for the weekend, to newfound territories, would be a complete figment of your imagination; perhaps you wouldn’t even be visiting this website or be reading this article. For it was William Stables who first set off in 1885, in his touring caravan (The Wanderer), to embark upon a journey that would lead the way for many more journeys, travelled by many more outdoor-loving caravanners for scores of years to come.

Upon contracting an illness in his thirties, Stables retired from the Navy and – perhaps owing to his sense of adventure and eccentric nature – purchased a caravan, deciding to travel the length and breadth of the UK. Being the adventurous spirit that Stables was, his journey wasn’t a quick jaunt; instead he traversed from his home in Twyford, Berkshire to Inverness, Scotland – a journey aided by two horses, taking two months, at an average speed of two-miles an hour. Speed may have not been on the plus side, however, innovation was. In fact The Wanderer was the first ever made-for-leisure caravan.

Built in 1885 by the Bristol Wagon Company – makers of the Pullman train carriage – The Wanderer was described at the time as “a fantasy” and the “marriage of a Pullman car and magic carpet.” And, for its time, it was. Made out of rich mahogany, lined with maple, the caravan weighed a hefty two-tons and featured most of the mod cons one would find in caravans of today.

In 1910, following the death of Stables, The Wanderer was auctioned off. The deceased’s family bought it back and under their ownership it stayed until his daughter’s death in 1961. It was then bequeathed to The Caravan Club – an organisation stooped in history itself, as well as remaining somewhat significant, considering Stables was one of its 11 founders.

Following a long period of restoration, in 2007 The Wanderer resurfaced to celebrate The Caravan Club’s centenary, making special appearances at prestigious locations including Blenheim Palace and Buckingham Palace, respectively. Following the fanfare, it was then placed back into storage. Until now.

The Wanderer is now on display at The Broadway Caravan Club Site in Worcestershire, taking pride of place in the engine shed. Now truly reformed to its previous glory, The Wanderer is a sight to behold and if you haven’t yet seen it we’d certainly recommend the trip. After all, if Stables was able to travel in his caravan from one end of the country to another with the help of his two trusty horses, we’re sure you’ll be able to tow your very own Wanderer with the help of your car. Besides, The Broadway is a lovely site after all! Whatever you do though, check out the video and get ready to be awestruck.

FEATURE: The Year of the luxury crossover

Posted by

by Damien Sharkov
With the season for new car releases still a long way away, and rumours in full swing, CaravanTimes looks at the five SUVs fronting the trend of luxury crossovers. There was a time when you wouldn’t consider towing with a Chelsea tractor. Perhaps these five cars can help you make up your mind
There is a sense of irony when a carmaker announces its foray into the manufacture of utility vehicles, yet introduces the car almost always exclusively with reference to its slick look, its luxurious interior and not so much on the bread and butter of its practicality.
Kurb weight is rarely announced, genuine off road ability seems to come as no priority and prices, including running costs are all too often inflated by a plethora of unnecessary knick-knacks.
Regardless of the oxymorons put on the market under the banner of SUVs by luxury brands, more seem to be on the way. While some are barely past the concept stage, we decided it was time to look at the five, most exciting cars in the segment and put them through their paces.
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan’s release earlier this month turned enough heads to make it worth looking at, despite being a more compact version of the Cayenne. Its kerbweight is in the range of 1,865kg and 2, 105kg. This is a slightly higher minimum kerbweight than the the rumoured specs for the toe-ready Nissan X-Trail, due for release this July and a maximum kerbweight that well exceeds the Porsche Macan’s direct competitor – the BM3 X3.
The real standout word when it comes to the Macan, however, is ‘handling’. Its maximum torque of 1,450 rpm makes the new Porsche essentially immune to harsh cornering and dodgier roads, as its ride remains impressively smooth.
The pleasure of owning one will set you back between £43,300 and £59,000.
While the Macan is by no means without its faults, it looks like a very promising crossover vehicle for towing and regular road use in the city.

Lamborghini Urus
The Italian sports car giant has been developing its SUV, the Urus, for close to two years now. After its concept was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, it took the company until September 2013 to confirm the Urus will go into production.
In as far as possible, Lamborghini have kept the Urus as sporty as an SUV can be. Measuring in at 1.70m in height and boasting a top speed of 205mph the Lamborghini Urus may be an SUV, but it is a Lamborghini SUV.
Its use of the Audi Q7 platform means it is likely to share some of the German tow car’s measurements, however the extensive use of carbon fibre in the Urus’s body means it is likely to be some way lighter. Estimates show it is likely the Urus will boast a kerb weight of about 2,245 kg, though this is yet unconfirmed.

Audi Q8
When it comes to competition between luxury manufacturers Audi and BMW have a history of competing across many segments. As far as SUVs go, Audi’s Q7 has long been seen as an alternative to BMW’s X5. BMW’s X6 model, however, has so far gone unchallenged from the company’s Inglostadt neighbours. With the rumoured Q8 model, Audi hopes to change that.
The Audi Q8 is likely to be heavier than the current Q7 which weighs in at 3, 125kg, but not by much as unlike its junior model the Q8’s body will consist of approximately 40-50% light materials.
The new Q8 will be based on the new generation MLB (modular longitudinal architecture) platform and is due for a 2017 release, though we expect more details to be confirmed soon as the car looks to become a landmark model in Audi’s current line-up.

Jaguar CX17
Imagine towing your caravan with a Jaguar! Wouldn’t that be a sight? Does it sound too good to be true? It is.
Let us clarify! The Jaguar CX17 has impressive statistics. The CX17 will keep close to the blueprint of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and consequently to the two’s kerb weight.
Jaguar may make an effort towards keeping the car lighter as most of its architecture is made from aluminium, but the fact it is slightly more spacious than its counterparts may foil such attempts.
This is a pretty car and one that may be able to hold its own with your small home away from home in tow. However its main market is not caravanners or really anybody looking for anything but a very pricey city car.

Citroen C – XR
If the Citroen Cactus ever wished for a luxurious, more conventional sister car in the crossover segment, 2015 should see those wishes answered. The Citroen CXR has been developed with that intention in mind.
The new SUV, if developed, is planned as front wheel drive only and in terms of size, it is slightly smaller than the Nissan Qashqai. Citroen have boasted that their new grip control will eliminate the need for all wheel drive.
The CXR will be considerably heavier than the Citroen DS4 (1,360-1,496 kg kerb weight range) with bigger ground clearance from its 17-inch aluminium wheels. There is yet no word on how much the CXR will cost, but we would be quietly excited to see it on the UK market.

Montrose caravan park in line for major business boost

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

South Links Holiday Park in Montrose has plans accepted for 57 additional caravans

The South Links Holiday Park in Montrose has received a major business boost after plans were approved to include 57 new caravans last Friday (May 16).
The popular holiday resort – situated on the beautiful scenic east coast of Scotland on Traill Drive – has attracted a huge number of tourists over the past four years, and the owners felt it was only right to increase the size of the park.
Proprietor, Bill McDonald, expressed how the extra caravans will have a positive knock-on effect for the town. Speaking to the Montrose Review publication, Bill said: “By increasing the number of tourists we can take in here, there will be a ripple effect on the rest of the town and the buoyancy of the place.
“We have people coming from all over the world to stay with us,” he continued.
Set across 11 acres, the caravan site currently accommodates 75 touring caravans, 28 tent pitches and 27 season pitches. With bookings coming in thick and fast, and the summer season fast approaching, the change in licence couldn’t have come at a better time for the owners.
For more information on this exquisite holiday park, visit www.southlinkspark.com.

Caravanning back in trend in Ireland

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

People choosing camping and caravanning holidays in Ireland rises by more than 30 per cent in last two years

The tradition of a good old-fashioned caravanning holiday is something we Brits have been affectionate about for decades. But just across our shores, in the Emerald Isle, the trend of camping and caravanning is making a bit of a comeback.
With summer on the horizon, and the caravan and camping season kicking in, latest figures suggest that caravan holiday numbers in Ireland are up by 30 per cent in the last two years.
After a number of difficult years, caravan and campsite operators are reporting a return to growth in the sector – it seems the nation is enjoying the great outdoors and fine weather.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner publication, Con Quill, chairperson of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council (ICC) said: “Sixty-seven percent of caravan and campsite operators reported increased visitor levels with all citing the fine weather experienced in 2013 as a driving factor.”
As many as 84 Ireland-registered caravan and camping park operators make up the ICC, and they recently discovered that those who holidayed at caravan and camping parks last year would stay between one to seven nights, stopping off at two or three sites during their journey.
It is suggested that that the most popular reasons why figures have risen are the family-orientated nature of the holiday, to get the outdoor experience, the freedom to choose what to do, and value for money.
The ICC pointed out that the stunning locations, surroundings of the parks, friendliness of the staff and well-maintained facilities were also key factors that enticed holiday makers.
Mr Quill also raised the fact that a majority of people camped in Ireland through recommendation of friends and family, saying “We’re experiencing a lot of repeat business this year, especially from families and our long-term seasoned camping couples.”
With numbers rising and popularity increasing for caravan holidays in Ireland, we here at CaravanTimes say long may it continue.
For more information on caravan and camping holidays in Ireland visit www.camping-ireland.ie.

Bailey renew sponsorship of Mini racing team for 2014 season

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

Bailey announces renewal of its sponsorship of Mini racing team who will compete in classic Mini championships across the UK and Europe

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/Bailey/">Bailey has announced its renewal of its sponsorship of the Team Bailey Racing team for 2014.
The group of drivers will once again compete in classic Mini racing championships across the UK and Europe with the Bailey Unicorn Madrid in tow with the team as base during race meetings.
Covering over 6,000 miles, the Bailey caravan will be following the drivers over the next few months to 11 race meetings across the UK and three in Europe (Belgium, Holland and Southern Spain).
During a special appearance on the Bailey stand at The Camping and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham, the driving team featured one of their Mini cars, signed autographs, and gave away Bailey balloons.
Managing Director of Bailey of Bristol, Nick Howard, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Team Bailey Racing again this year, and wish them the best of luck for their trips around the UK and Europe. We can’t guarantee the results of their races, but we do know the caravan is a real winner.”
With this year’s team having its first ever female driver, Ella Blue, 18, as well as racing alongside Charlie Budd, 21, and Justin Cooper, 33, team leader, Jonathan Lewis, is looking forward to the year ahead.
The team leader of Team Bailey Racing was delighted with the support from Bailey of Bristol, saying: “This is a very exciting time for me and the team, and I wish to thank Bailey of Bristol for loaning us such a fantastic caravan which means we have a comfortable place to eat, sleep and relax in between races.
“Some circuits are quite remote, so having the caravan means we can stay on site, work on the cars all evening if required, and then enjoy a nice hot shower, a cool drink or a cup of tea. The caravan is a vital support for the team, and means we will be fighting for the race wins from the off,” he added.
For more information on the latest Bailey caravan and motorhomes, visit www.baileyofbristol.co.uk or follow them on twitter @BaileyofBristol.