VisitEngland Gold Award for Caravan Holiday Park of the Year announced

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by Laura Hastings

The tiny village of Seafield wins two gold awards, proving the Northumberland town is a centre of excellence for tourism

2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, and the Gold Award for Caravan Holiday Park of the Year has gone to… Seafield Caravan Park in Northumberland!

This is the second time the site has scooped the prize, they won previously in 2012. The caravan park was not the only Gold Award winner in the small Northumberland village, however, as St. Cuthbert’s House bed and breakfast also took home gold in the B&B/ Guest Accommodation category.

The village of Seafield is thrilled to win such acclaim for its tourist businesses. Seafield Caravan Park’s website expresses just how fantastic the win is: “The most pleasing aspect of the prestigious national VisitEngland awards process was that a small village called Seahouses can not only have two businesses shortlisted for the awards, but to achieve gold in two different categories, we would like to congratulate St. Cuthbert’s House on their success in the B&B/ Guest Accommodation category.

“Tourism is now the main industry supporting the village and this success can only bode well for the future as Seahouses is certainly a centre of tourism excellence,” the statement continued.

The businesses achievements have been recognised by Northumberland Tourism, with general manager, Jude Leitch, telling The Journal: “Their success in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence proves that visitors to Northumberland can expect a welcome that is second to none.”

With the summer season just around the corner, this is an especially fantastic accolade for Northumberland tourism.

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Exclusive: Hattie and Flora team up with Muddy Puddles for retro festival caravan

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by Norah Lindsay

CaravanTimes caught up with the creative twosome, Harriet Creedy and Jodie Gardner, and received some insider information about their latest creative venture, the Muddy Puddles festival retail caravan

Designers Hattie and Flora are back once again and this time round they’ve collaborated with children’s outdoor clothing company, Muddy Puddles, to create a mobile pop-up shop that they will be taking around to festivals.

The first time CaravanTimes came across Hattie and Flora was in March where the creative geniuses had renovated and styled an old, neglected caravan into a pride-worthy library-caravan .

The modern day fairy godmothers have been busy spreading their creative talents across various high profile events, including an event at The Royal Air Force Museum and a private Jamie Oliver party in Soho, London.

We were, therefore, delighted to hear that Hattie and Flora’s Harriet Creedy and Jodie Gardner had a few minutes to spare from their very busy schedule to talk about their brand new retail caravan.

Hattie and Flora were busy making large hessian carrots when we contacted them; we soon found out that the girls were preparing their creative bit and bobs, ready for Jamie Oliver’s live-broadcast International Food Day that is set to take place on 16 May.

Considering that Harriet and Jodie are from backgrounds in floristry and event design, the grey-shaded caravan came as somewhat of a surprise, being so used to seeing the girls projects emblazoned in colour.

The origins of the collaboration with children’s outwear company,Muddy Puddles came about last year when an ambassador for the online retail store spotted H&J’s bright teal creative caravan, ‘Junior’, at the Verulamium Fete in July.

And so forth the idea of a creative retail caravan was born. The duo teamed up with the design and branding team of Muddy Puddles to discuss the requirements of the caravan; the vehicle had to encompass enough room to accommodate all Muddy Puddles’ retail products required to be shown and they had to ensure the retailer’s logo was prominent. There was also the task of coming up with the theme for the caravan.

Harriet told CaravanTimes the reason behind the choice of dark grey as the main shade of the van was due to the clothes of Muddy Puddles being as vibrant as they are cute and because of the fact the retail van will be taken to festivals throughout summer – the colourful clothes and bright weather will contrast nicely against the caravan.

This meant the girls had to tone down their signature colourful design ethos, as the caravan needed to fit in with the practicality of a retail caravan. Although there are still some elements of playfulness, the caravan had to make sure it was able to appeal to adults as well as children.

The above said, touches of the creative geniuses signature design hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the interior of the caravan includes rain cloud coat hangers and a fun slogan on the side of the exterior proclaiming: “Here comes the fun”.

Jodie also let us in on the extra features the girls added to the caravan, making it somewhat of an interactive experience by adding colourful deckchairs and a frog throwing game.

Hattie and Flora are known to encourage creative learning with children. Their website states that Hattie and Flora believe ‘dynamic and interactive learning is key to success and just changing your surroundings can really inspire learning and creativity.’ We couldn’t help but agree.

The caravan that the girls used was a 70s style Thomson Mini Glen vintage caravan and they revealed that Muddy Puddles are looking to attend festivals including Jamie Oliver’s Big Festival – the same festival that Hattie and Flora style for.

The official Muddy Puddles website has also undergone a recent revamp and if you look closely, you’ll be able to identify a snippet of the retail caravan shown on the site.

For more pictures of Hattie and Flora’s delightful retro retail caravan, scroll through the sideshow below:


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes

Proposed Highlands caravan site stirs up controversy

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by Laura Hastings

Environmental impact is a concern in the Highlands

CaravanTimes recently reported on a proposed Highlands caravan site, which could boost the economy by £150,000.

The application for planning permission in the Brora area is ongoing, and has been stirring up quite a bit of controversy. Nine out of 11 public responses to the proposal on the local council’s website are against it.

One objector commented that it would be “aesthetically appalling”. Another described the idea of static caravans at the site as “criminal”, despite planning permission applicants, Neil Morrison and Sandy Skene branding such claims as “scaremongering”

Neil Morrison spoke to The Northern Times, in response to the objection, that Brora Coummunity Council and BaDAG (Brora and District Action Group) have given their support to the proposal. He addressed some of the concerns that have been raised and said: “Suggestions that a holiday caravan site would increase poaching, have screaming kids throwing rocks in the river or cause litter problems are completely false – just scaremongering.

“If our application was rejected, the land would remain in council ownership and the opportunity to develop a vacant brownfield site and bring additional visitors to the area will have been missed,” he continued.

Peter Voy, representative for Sutherland Estates, which owns salmon rights on the south bank of the River Brora said of the proposed development: “While we recognise the economic benefits which this proposed development may bring, we have concerns that these may come partially at the expense of the river and fishing.
“Our concerns include waste water treatment and the potential release of pollution into the river, particularly at times of flooding. We also have concerns about a concentrated increase in legitimate leisure activity affecting both the river bank and river in this vicinity.”
Concerns raised via the consultation process will be addressed in due course, and Neil and Sandy are hopeful of a decision by the summer, with a view to opening in spring of 2015.

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One-of-a-kind caravan to go up for auction

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by Tom Walsh

A mini caravan is certain to get a big reaction

Looking to get your hands on a one-of-a-kind mini caravan? Then head to Derbyshire next week.

On Saturday, May 24th a unique Jordan Airstream trailer will go under the hammer at Hanson Auctioneers in Etwall, Derby Telegraph reports.

Built by former Rolls-Royce worker Barry Jordan, this caravan is unlike any other currently available on the market. It has taken inspiration from the classic American Airstream trailers that were prominent in the 1950s.

Speaking to the news provider about the model, Mr Jordan said: “The finish is of aircraft quality with 1,400 positioned rivets. It opens up like a Tardis with an imaginative use of space.”

Despite its diminutive size it could be an ideal option for a single person or couple looking to have a relaxing getaway either in the UK or hopping across the English Channel to enjoy a holiday in mainland Europe.

The auction will commence at 12:00 BST on the day.

Operation Osprey use caravan as base of operations

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by Laura Hastings

Operation Osprey are dedicated to protecting these rare birds

The CaravanTimes knows that a caravan makes a terrific home away from home, so it’s no wonder that a team of nature lovers dubbed “Operation Osprey” have chosen a caravan as their base of operations.

A team of 45 volunteers have been working in shifts to monitor a pair of ospreys which have nested in Porthmadog, Wales. The birds are incredibly rare; so much so that they were, at one point, extinct in the UK, which is why their presence has commanded such attention from the volunteers.

Victorian egg and skin collectors hunted the osprey to extinction and the species was officially confirmed as extinct throughout the UK between 1916 and 1954. It is not known what caused them to return in the 1950s, but return they did, to Abernathy Forest Reserve in the Scottish Highlands – an area that has since been re-named Loch Garten Osprey Centre.

The re-colonisation process was slow, due to the contamination of the osprey’s food chain by organochlorine pesticides – chlorinated hydrocarbons used extensively from the 1940s through the 1960s in agriculture. It was because of the precarious survival of the birds that ‘Operation Osprey’ was first set up by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), whereby volunteers would monitor the birds from their arrival from Africa in spring, until their departure in autumn.

Wales became the latest osprey location in 2004, and a local ‘Operation Osprey’ team soon sprang up to monitor them. The same pair of birds have returned each year for the past decade and the locals have been more than welcoming, with one volunteer, Gwen, stating: “We’re privileged to have them here,” in conversation with the BBC.

Gwen is one of the 45 volunteers who look after the two birds. David Archer, Chairman of Glaslyn Wildlife, explained that conditions in Wales are not as hospitable to the birds as those in Scotland, due to higher human population density, hence why members of the community have rallied to their support.

The small caravan acting as the Operation Osprey central hub is well kitted out to make the bird-watching shifts as comfortable as possible. A TV screen provides a live feed of the bird’s nest, powered by a generator supplying electricity to the remote spot.

The group’s dedication to the birds is truly admirable, Gwen rationalised: “If we have three chicks again this year, it’s worth the eight hours that we’re going to do tonight.”

Hopefully their dedication will be rewarded with the increase in population of the osprey across the UK.

Controversial Sheffield caravan park gets go-ahead to build on greenbelt

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by Laura Hastings

Greenbelt site gets green light

Last week, CaravanTimes reported on an application for planning permission for a touring caravan park which would infringe on the greenbelt in Sheffield.

City councillors met this week to make their decision, and have granted approval for the business to go ahead. The decision was not easily made however, with many who opposed the decision making their feelings known at the meeting.

The land in question is at Little Intake Farm on Woodhead Road, Grenoside. From an environmental perspective, there are fears for the wildlife within the area. Councillor Trevor Bagshaw also expressed concerns over ‘noise issues’.

Many were interested in the idea of increasing tourism, however, with Councillor Bryan Lodge stating: “I think Sheffield has been lacking campsites for many years. We lack a lot of these facilities and we don’t shout about our city enough or attract people to come in.”

Over 100 representations were made for and against the proposal. The support of local businesses was, no doubt, an important factor in the decision to grant permission for implementation of the site. A maximum of 31 caravans will be allowed to use the site at any one time and it is expected to open in time for the Tour de France in July.

Derby Caravan Centre hosts sizzling Sale weekend

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by Norah Lindsay

The Derby Caravan Centre will be hosting a sizzling summer sale this weekend with great deals on the latest award-winning Elddis caravans and motorhomes

The event will start on Saturday 17 May and continue until Sunday 18 May at their Alvaston dealership.

Big discounts are to be had on the latest 2014 season Elddis caravan models, including the multi-award-winning Elddis motorhome and caravan range and the new industry-leading Xplore range.

Other exclusive offers on the day will consist of massive savings on quality used caravans, a clearance on the remaining 2013 caravans, and enviable deals on customer’s trade-in models.

While visitors are busy browsing through the sales, they’ll also be able to treat themselves to the free refreshments on offer.

Sizzling sausages seem to be the main tasty attraction along with other great treats.

The weekend summer show will also include a free entry Prize draw, with the chance of winning 2 Brunner chairs worth over £100.

For more information on the sizzling summer event this weekend contact 01332 572207 or visit Derby Caravan Centre.

Caravan Project up for award

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by Laura Hastings

A charity turned co-operative which provides holidays to families in need in Glasgow has been short-listed at the Scottish Charity Awards.

The Caravan Project has been offering subsidised one week respite holidays to disadvantaged families in north-west Glasgow since 1985. The holidays provide a much-needed break for those less advantaged.

North-west Glasgow is a particularly disadvantaged area, with a high concentration of poverty, alcoholism and social issues, and the charity co-op – made up of 12 member organisations – aims to target these problems before they begin by promoting a happy family life.

The Caravan Project believes holidays help to create healthier, happier and stronger families, which, in turn, create a healthier society. Unfortunately 7 million people in the UK cannot afford to take such a holiday, and 1.5 million cannot even afford a day trip. Every year the charity provides 60 families with an opportunity they would otherwise miss out on.

The organisation owns two caravans, located in the Berwick-Upon-Tweed holiday park in Northumberland. The price to rent the caravan for a week is £200, and includes passes to the local leisure centre and transport to and from the holiday resort.

Alongside this work, The Caravan Project is also establishing a saving scheme with their local credit union, with the aim of getting families into the habit of saving for holidays.

The awards ceremony will take place on the 5 June at The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, and we here at CaravanTimes would like to wish The Caravan Project the very best of luck.

Looking to find the best view from your caravan?

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by Philip Lovegrove
Finding the right spot to park your caravan or motorhome can be a headache for any owner -especially if you want a spectacular view. Across the UK there are endless stunning backdrops to leave your vehicle overnight, or on a longer vacation. However, one particular caravan resort in Australia is offering visitors a quite amazing setting at unbelievable prices.
Merry Beach Caravan Resort located between Ulladulla and Bateman’s Bay on the New South Wales south coast, rests right beside the beachfront – and visitors can enjoy the amazing sights from as little as AUD $40 a night (£22).
Beautifully nestled amongst native wildlife and the most stunning scenery, the resort offers a wide range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs, and it is of little surprise the budget site has been attracting record numbers of holiday-makers.
Speaking to the Australian Daily Telegraph, Merry Beach Caravan Resort employee Judy Queenan said: “Families have been coming here for 35 years, and when the kids grow up they bring their own families.
The resort gives guests the chance to experience everything in an old-fashioned way. With no Wi-Fi or phone signal, families can unwind by taking part in numerous activities, including swimming, fishing, boating and exploring, while leaving technology behind at home and embracing all that nature has to offer.
If you’re really lucky, you might even get the opportunity to see migrating humpback whales relaxing for a day in the bay with their calves.
Over the past two decades, tourists have been flocking to Australian caravan parks with turnover growing at a faster rate than hotels and serviced apartments – it’s not just us Brits that love a good caravan holiday.
With growing numbers of people looking to secure their prime camping spot at Merry Beach during peak seasons, families are booking their place as early as a year ahead. We here at CaravanTimes would love to hear stories from any of our readers who might have visited this resort or any other Australian caravan park.

To find out more information about the resort visit www.merrybeach.com

Southern Motorcaravan Show travels to Newbury

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by Joe Jeffrey

This weekend promises to provide a blast from the past, as vintage show heads south

It’s time to dust off those bellbottoms, turn down that turtle neck and find the freshest flower to slide through your hair; and while you’re at it, swing on down to The Southern Motorcaravan Show this weekend (16 – 18 May) so you don’t look completely out of place in all that garb.

Fresh from the National Motorhome Show in April, this year’s southern version of the event is coming to Newbury.

Comprising of a 60s theme – if you hadn’t already guessed from the intro above – the show, open for caravannners, motorhomers and campers to pitch up for the duration, or just simply for day visitors who seek the comfort of their four brick walls at the end of a groovy, fun-filled day, looks set to be an eye-opener in every sense of the phrase.

With over 200 specialist outdoor exhibitors showing off a wide variety of new and pre-owned motorhomes from many of the UK’s leading dealers with British, European and American models, it promises to be a weekend not to forget, providing a little something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, there will be live entertainment throughout the evening, with the likes of Dream Supreme, The Gillettes, The Fortunes and The Ivy League – all purveyors of smooth, sixties songs, guaranteed to get your foot tapping and allow your memories of the classic 60s era to come flooding back. It will also provide a whole new experience for those not able to celebrate the era of all things flower power the first time round.

If, after all that, you’re left feeling hungry, you can also check out the vast array of food items on offer, including some vintage surprises for all ages courtesy of the themed catering services planned for on the day.

So what are you waiting for? Click here to find out more.

Decision to be made on caravanning site that would infringe on green belt

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by Laura Hastings

Controversial plans have been announced for a camping and caravan site that would infringe on the green belt in the north of Sheffield

City planners have recommended that permission be granted to a site that would house 31 touring caravans and a small campsite. Existing agricultural buildings would be converted into a reception, play area, and toilet and shower block.

This is a downsized idea from the original proposal, which sought permission for 70 touring caravans. The city planners have stated there are “exceptional circumstances” to justify using part of the green belt now that the site has been scaled back.

City councillors are expected to be under pressure to grant permission when they meet this week. Benefits for rural tourism would be huge, and landlords from the Old Red Lion, Old Harrow and Angel pubs have already voiced their support for the site.

Two petitions, and 59 submissions in support of the proposal – with a total of 163 names- have been received by the council. Tourism agency, Welcome to Yorkshire, as well as the Country Land and Business Association, have expressed their support. Applicant Mark Boulby has stated that there is currently only one other campsite in Sheffield, in the Rivelin Valley. He was backed by council tourism managers who say most sites are in the Peak District or outside the city boundary.

Opposition has sprung up also, mainly from environmental groups who are concerned about buildings encroaching on the green belt and surrounding woodland.

Council planners say however, that the revised scheme is “significantly reduced”, and a buffer strip “would prevent encroachment into the adjoining woodland and create openness within the site. The seasonal characteristics of camping would mean that there would be periods of very low activity on the site and during times of no camping, that part of the site would revert back to grazing.”

City councillors are due to meet on Tuesday 12 May to make their decision.

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Community rallies to support KIDS charity and renovate holiday caravan

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by Laura Hastings

Children’s charity provides support to those less fortunate by offering holidays to remember

A Birmingham community has joined together to raise funds for charity, KIDS, in order to renovate a caravan which will be used to provide memorable holidays to families with children that need extra support.

KIDS was established in 1970 by teacher John Mulcahy, who recognised the need for extra support for the disabled children in his school, and focuses on working in partnership with parents and carers, to ensure that the children can fulfill their potential, hopes and aspirations.

The charity threw an Irish variety night fund-raiser – held in the Sheldon Heath Social Club on 3 May – complete with Irish dancing from the Carey Dance Academy, and story-telling, in order to raise funds for the renovations to the caravan, which KIDS have had for ten years. A raffle was also held, with prizes donated from local businesses.

Local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), Anne Cunningham, lent her support to the fund-raising process and spoke about her contribution with Sutton Coldfield Local: “During a recent visit [KIDS] staff told me they were seeking support to refurbish and repair their caravan. Our team has great links with businesses throughout the local community, so I approached Wickes who were equally happy to help out.”

The proceeds raised went towards sprucing up the caravan, which is situated in the picturesque Cotswolds. On top of cleaning the caravan inside and out, all-new mattresses, crockery, kitchen equipment and carpet have been bought or donated and new radiators have been installed courtesy of Wickes. The caravan – now gleaming – is ready to provide a fantastic holiday experience to many children and their families who would not usually be able to afford the pleasure.

The CaravanTimes spoke to Liz Cunningham, senior administrator with KIDS, who told us just how important a resource the caravan is: “Some children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need quiet time and a holiday at the KIDS caravan provides a relaxing and calm environment in a peaceful location in the beautiful Cotswold countryside.

“Families can take a short stroll into Broadway, visit other local attractions or make use of the on-site picnic area. The site has modern indoor facilities such as a swimming pool and games room so activities can be enjoyed virtually all year round,” she continued.

Liz also revealed how thrilled KIDS were with the success of their fund-raising night: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the artistes who gave freely of their time, energy and resources to make the evening such a fantastic event. Local businesses have pulled together to donate great raffle prizes, monetary donations as well as items for the caravan.

Liz continued: “The whole evening had a real community feel about it and it was so successful that we were inundated with requests for the next one- which we are already working on!”

KIDS have kindly sent us some before and after pictures which show the amount of work that has been put in to the caravan, so check them out and let us know what you think.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

If you would like to donate to KIDS to help them continue their fantastic work click here

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