GCT releases first interior pictures of carbon-fibre caravan

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by Norah Lindsay

Last month, CaravanTimes reported on the world’s first ever carbon-fibre caravan, produced by American company Global Caravan Technologies.

And now, GCT has released the first photos showing the interior of the revolutionary CR-1 Carbon travel trailer.

The exquisite 35-foot long twin-axle RV’s interior contains first-class features, with a custom leather wrapped ceiling, private-jet type leather soft touch walls and top-end luxury residential furnishings.

The interior of the RV has been designed with an endless range of entertainment in mind with modular surface solid tables and mobile marine pedestals.

These state-of-the-art designs allow for multiple dining, entertainment and workstation configurations, or outdoor entertaining.

The GCT’s first floorplan can comfortably sit eight in the rear entertainment lounge.

A relaxing atmosphere is created by the custom leather 88″ sofa and 82″ by 59″ L-shape lounge, with a beautiful end table and styled overhead cabinets.

Extending the CR-1 Carbon’s custom lounges transforms the rear into a theatre for an unmatched entertaining experience.

One of the most attractive features of the carbon-fibre RV has to be the walk-through master bath suite that divides the kitchen from the master bedroom.

“In the bath suite, we wanted to take designs even further, and GCT’s CR-1 Carbon feels more like a luxury New York apartment than an RV,” remarked CEO Charles Hoefer.

The caravan is equipped with a private toilet enclosed by a residential door, and this area features a porcelain stool and large linen cabinet.

The 36″ custom shower beautifully blends solid surface, designer tile and of course, carbon fibre.

An interchangeable, stackable washer and dryer is fitted as standard, but can be substituted for added closet and storage space.

A master bedroom suite is also included with two dressers, three wardrobes and an optional glass ceiling.

The bedroom also includes residential carpeting and is surrounded by hand-crafted leather upholstery, with multiple reading lights and a carbon fibre bed frame.

GCT recruited a veteran team of IndyCar and aerospace technicians to build the state-of-the-art models.

The CR-1 Carbon was first revealed on 6 March during a private gala at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in the town of Speedway next to GCT’s R&D headquarters.

GCT is making plans to market its products globally, so they will avaliable to markets in Europe, China and Austraila as well as North America.

Most excitingly of all, we are informed that they will be “coming soon to the UK”, although the overall weight of more two tonnes would put it out of reach for all but the heftiest towcars.

For more photos of the GCT CR-1 Carbon, click on the slideshow below:


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Camping in the Forest to celebrate 15 years of The Gruffalo

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by Tom Walsh

The Gruffalo is turning 15 this year and is celebrating by returning to the deep, dark wood in the New Forest.

A series of events are being set up by the Forestry Commission to commemorate the 15th anniversary of this childhood favourite and will take it on tour to numerous forests over the coming months.

The Gruffalo activity trails will be set up at the likes of Ashurst, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Ocknell & Longbeech and Roundhill Camping in the Forest sites, along with an additional 23 locations.

Events kick off in April and will build up to The Gruffalo’s big birthday bash on 7 June involving a forest picnic inspired by the tales of the award-winning book.

Bob Hill, Camping in the Forest’s sites director, added: “The Gruffalo is a national treasure and so are our forests and this partnership will really help to bring the story to life and celebrate the anniversary in true Gruffalo style.”

Originally created as a children’s book, The Gruffalo was made into a 30-minute film broadcast by the BBC on Christmas Day 2009.

Stars such as James Corden, Robbie Coltrane and Helena Bonham Carter lent their voices to the characters.

Pierce Brosnan: ‘I want to live in a caravan’

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by Tom Walsh

It sounds like a line straight out of GoldenEye or Tomorrow Never Dies: “let’s move out of the house and live in a caravan.” Well, maybe not.

Pierce Brosnan has opened up about his love of caravans and joked during an interview with German magazine Meins that he often asks his wife if they can sell up and live in a mobile home.

Brosnan, who played James Bond between 1995 and 2005, told the publication: “I say to Keely [Shaye Smith]: ‘Let’s sell the house and live in a caravan.’ A new start like that would be amazing!”

Despite being a famous movie star, Brosnan still yearns for the simpler things in life and explains that this is partly to do with his traditional upbringing.

The former 007 was raised a Catholic and attended Catholic school and he told the news provider that he still prays and goes to mass on a regular basis.

Philip’s and Camping & Caravanning Club launch caravan atlas of Britain

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by Tom Walsh

As the clocks went forward on Sunday morning (30 March), many people will have started to turn their attentions to the summer.

Millions of Brits will be planning their annual break and this will be the same for campers and caravanners across the nation.

In preparation for the busy season Philip’s, the Map and Atlas Publisher, has released a caravan-specific map.

Published in conjunction with The Camping and Caravanning Club, the first edition of the Navigator Camping and Caravanning Atlas of Britain highlights all the suitable routes for touring motorists.

This highly detailed map includes directions to 3,000 sites either owned or recommended by the Club and gives information on the width, height and weight limit of over 6,000 bridges.

Robert Louden MBE, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We are delighted to be working with Philip’s to bring this ground-breaking atlas to our members – in fact to all caravanners and campers.”

Walsall caravan arsonist jailed for 32 months

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by Tom Walsh

A Walsall man who set fire to a caravan next to his estranged wife’s home has been jailed for 32 months.

Stephen Hevican, 55, told police after his arrest that he had been going through a “turbulent” marriage with his wife and “snapped” after she moved in with another man, the Walsall Advertiser reports.

Despite assuring his children he “would not do anything drastic” he set fire to a caravan outside his wife’s house, putting lives at risk.

Appearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Mr Hevican admitted arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered and was told by judge Nicholas Webb that he and his partner would be “better off apart”.

The judge added: “You simply took the risk that no-one’s life would be endangered. But there was a risk because this was deliberate and targeted arson.”

Arsonists also recently targeted a caravan in Maltby, again just metres away from a family home. The Star reported that police have launched an investigation to find the perpetrators.

Whale to invest £3m into caravan water systems

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by Tom Walsh

To celebrate the opening of its new Bangor site, engineering firm Whale has announced a £3 million investment package.

The money is set to be used for the research and development (R&D) water systems that will be aimed at the caravan and boat markets.

Officials at Whale are hoping to design a new range of water and space heaters that can be used in mobile homes and boats alongside revamping its pump and water system technology.

Patrick Hurst, managing director of Whale, said: “Our new head office will enable us to bring our innovative products to market faster, provide the much needed extra production space, to ensure the output keeps up with the ever-increasing demand.”

The investment package has been made possible thanks to £1 million being provided by Invest Northern Ireland, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Whale water heaters are currently fitted in Bailey, Elddis and Autosleepers models.

Auto-Trail Frontier motorhome to star in Coronation Street

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by David Weston

Auto-Trail will provide a brand new motorhome to one of the country’s most popular TV soaps.

The top of the range Frontier Scout will feature on Coronation Street as character Mary Taylor’s new motorhome.

It is the second time Cheshire dealer Spinney Motorhomes has provided the soap with a motorhome after first supplying a model in 2011.

Spinney Motorhomes are the largest independent motorhome retailer in the North West, with an extensive range of over 100 new and used motorhomes and caravans on site.

Geoff from GTR Group, who bought the motorhome on behalf of the soap, said: “After initially dealing and being pleased with Spinney’s Service Centre, I found no job was too big or too small.

“In my job I sometimes require a very quick turnaround as the vehicle can be used around the clock in any part of the country.

“This spurred me on to consult the sales department for my next motorhome, who I found to be more than reasonable, which has led me to many more dealings with Spinney.

“On the whole, this a company that is competitive and truly values their customers’ needs and requirements.”

Mary’s new motorhome will be on screen in April.

COMPETITION: Win a Sunncamp Ultima Air inflatable awning

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UPDATE: Thanks for all your entries, this competition is now closed.
by Chris Jefferies
The latest technology to take the world of caravans by storm is inflatable awnings, with many companies offering this smart new solution, which makes pitching up a breeze.
With this in mind, CaravanTimes has teamed up with Simple Caravan Insurance for our latest competition in which you could win a Sunncamp Ultima Air 390 Plus.
This award-winning pole-free awning comes complete with a pump, storm straps, removable side panels and roll-up front panels, so you can add a Ultima Air Plus Annexe on either side or a canopy at the front.
Worth more than £600, this porch awning can fit any caravan that is between 235cm and 250cm tall.
And you can be sure it’s built to last as Sunncamp has used 150D ripstop oxford fabric with a hydrostatic head of 5000mm.

As if that wasn’t enough to get you clicking, we’ve got 25 Combilux torches to give away as runners up prizes. These handy LED flashlights come with a built-in carabiner hook and bottle opener.
All of this comes courtesy of the generous folks at Simple Caravan Insurance. Simple offers comprehensive cover for static and touring caravans that’s easy to tailor to your needs, so you can get the right cover for your caravan and your budget.
To get a quote and see how much you can save on your caravan insurance visit simplecaravaninsurance.co.uk .

But first, to be in with a chance of winning the Sunncamp awning, simply fill out the form below before the deadline of midday on Tuesday 22 April.
Don’t forget to include a valid e-mail address so we can let you know if you’ve won. Best of luck to all those who enter and happy caravanning.
UPDATE: Thanks for all your entries, this competition is now closed.
Terms and Conditions:
The lucky 26 winners will be picked at random on Tuesday 22 April and the winner will be notified via the email supplied in the entry form
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
This competition is offered by Simple Caravan and Landlords Insurance, which is a business name of Millennium Insurance Brokers Limited. Millennium Insurance Brokers Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA registered number is 308310).Millennium Insurance Brokers Limited is registered in England and Wales Company No. 2103848. Registered Office: Quay Point, Lakeside Boulevard, Doncaster, DN4 5PL.

VIDEO: Designer flourishes inside the all-new Sterling Continental

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by Chris Jefferies
‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/sterling/">Sterling has always stood apart from its sister range Swift as something a little bit different, with some truly eye-catching designs over the years.
And the new ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/sterling/sterling-continental/">Sterling Continental is perhaps the best example of this, with a sleek modern interior mirroring many of the trends seen in executive saloon cars.
In this video, CaravanTimes catches up with Chris Millburn, Design Director at the Swift Group, who explains his vision for this new range.
We hear how the Continental evolved from the Colour Concept design, via the 2013 redesign of the Sterling Eccles Sport, Eccles SE and Elite ranges.
Chris talks us through the sumptuous interior, from the high-gloss lockers to the chrome handles and leather upholstery options.
In the kitchen, we learn all about the new Hi-MACS solid work surface, which adds an important practical element to this highly aesthetic design.
Finally we take a closer look at the nifty soft-close drawers that have been fitted to all Sterling Continental models to increase the domestic feel.

Savills to sell Suffolk caravan park for £795k

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by Tom Walsh

A Norfolk caravan park is set to be put on the market with a price tag of £795,000.

Broadview Caravans in Lowestoft is up for sale after international real estate advisor Savills was instructed to seek a buyer for the site.

It could be an attractive proposition for any prospective buyer as it is situated in the heart of the Oulton Broads and can be a big favourite with visitors. It can accommodate up to 55 static caravans and a further 15 touring caravans.

Richard Prestwich, associate director of leisure and trading services at Savills, said: “The Oulton Broads is renowned for inland waterway boating whilst also offering proximity to the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline, making it a popular tourist destination in the summer.”

The site is in an excellent location for any holidaymakers that want to tour the Norfolk Broads when they visit the region and is just a short drive from the likes of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.

IAM urges tired caravanners to share the driving

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by Tom Walsh

As Easter approaches many people will be planning a little getaway over the extended weekend.

For caravanners and motorhome owners it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a short break, but the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is urging people to stay alert while on the roads.

With this time of year throwing various weather conditions and particularly bad light at us, the IAM wants people to carefully plan their journey to ensure that we all stay concentrated on the road.

The organisation recommends sharing the driving with another person and scheduling a break at least once every two hours.

To stay alert people should drink plenty of fluids and if they feel weary pull off at the nearest service station.

If at all possible people should also try to avoid driving at night to avoid tiredness setting in early.

Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner, said: “If you’re embarking on a long journey, get a good rest and use this advice to help make sure you’re alert throughout.”

Google revamps Amsterdam office with 1960s caravan meeting room

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by Norah Lindsay

Google Office Headquarters around the world are best known for their outstanding and often quirky office features.

From slides to massage chairs and aquarium relaxation rooms, Google’s office spaces are definitely some of the most coveted workplaces from around the world.

But the new revamp of Google’s Amsterdam offices made ustwice as interested when we realised that they have a retro caravan, just for office meetings.

Are the CaravanTimes team jealous did you ask?

Why, of course we are.

The renovations were completed in January and Google’s revamped Amsterdam office now includes a quirky mix of Dutch elements and garage-inspired flair.

The garage inspiration stems from the garage where Larry Page and Sergey Brin started Google.

The exposed brick, graffiti and cardboard boxes are all representative elements of that era.

Let’s skip to the good bit

And the main attraction?

A 1960s caravan, sitting in the middle of the office, complete with cushions and vintage furniture, it is said to serve as an unconventional but comfortable room.

Is there any other better way to hold office meetings?

The Dutch-inspired office also includes a desk that resembles a courier bicycle, Dutch waffle ceiling panels and a gingerbread wall.

But the quirky Google office perks don’t stop there.

The Google office in Tel Aviv, Israel will blow your mind.

Apart from having a slide, as most other Google offices do, the Tel Aviv office also has a fireman’s pole providing employees with a fun way to get from one floor to the next.

Important conference meetings are held in egg-shaped conference rooms located all over the office.

Also, one of our favourite features of the office has to be the relaxation rooms, which are dimly lit, including bathtubs filled with foam for employees to relax in, but wait for it…are located in front of built-in fish tanks.

Have you ever heard of anything more absurd?

Another amazing Google office feature is the Youtube office slide – a large, wiggly, three lane slide, which is undoubtedly the best Google office slide in the world right now.

But for all that excitement, we’d still rather have the Amsterdam caravan meeting room in our office.


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