Camping and Caravanning Club set to cycle for charity

Posted by

by Laura Hastings

The Camping and Caravanning Club have announced that a team of their employees is to undertake an extreme cycling challenge over National Camping and Caravanning Week (26 May to 1 June)

In celebration of the ‘Year of the Bike’, the cyclists will be embarking on a 6-day cycle challenge, covering over an incredible 600km in total.

Julia Bradbury, Club President, will lead the team over the finishing line at the club’s Scarborough site. Their route will mirror the Tour de France course, with stops at places such as Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Boroughbridge.

The gruelling challenge is in aid of charity Sustrans, which enables people to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys. As an added fun touch, the team will be wearing traditional cycling clothing, in honour of the club’s founder-Thomas Hiram-Holding- who established the Camping and Caravanning Club in 1901. Apparently tweed, bloomers, and breeches will feature prominently!

The team here at CaravanTimes would like to wish Julia & Co. all the best with their endeavours.

Ryan Wilby named new Caravan Guard managing director

Posted by

by Tom Walsh

Caravan Insurance company keep it in the family

Caravan Guard has announced the appointment of a new managing director

The company unveiled Ryan Wilby as the person to step into the role and he brings with him 12 years of experience for working in the caravan, motorhome and holiday home insurance sector.

Caravan Guard are keeping the position in the family with Mr Wilby taking over from his father Peter Wilby who will be moving to the role of chairman at the organisation.

Peter spoke of his pride at being able to hand the reins over to his son and is hopeful that Ryan will lead the company to “even greater success”.

He added: “Our family owned company which has approaching 80,000 policyholders and 100 staff continues to evolve and Ryan and his youthful team have solid plans for the future.”

Caravan Guard is a household name among the caravan sector and can offer customers a Defaqto 5 Star rated policy for their mobile home.

Bristol caravan site providing £1.25m to economy

Posted by

by Tom Walsh

Site earmarked for closure found to contribute £1.25 million per year

A Caravan site earmarked for closure in Bristol has been found to contribute £1.25 million to the city’s economy every year.

Research conducted by Bristol resident Matthew Gibbs found that members of the Caravan Club site spend an average of £230 each time they stay at the Baltic Wharf. He believes that this revenue can help support dozens of businesses across the city, Western Daily Press reports.

The caravan site has been subject to a potential closure but there has been much objection to this course of action.

A recent ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/features/clubs/caravan-club/e-petition-to-save-baltic-wharf-caravan-site-reaches-over-1-500-signatures-$21384247.htm">e-petition to save the Caravan Club site, led by Mr Gibbs, managed to collect 1,511 signatures and is set to close on August 31st, 2014.

Mr Gibbs explained to the news provider that 96 per cent of respondents to his survey would seek alternative accommodation to visit the city centre if the caravan park was closed which could impact on local commerce.

Incredible caravan design created by POW

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

Caravan manual made by former PoW found

Caravanning has been a part of British culture for decades, with countless fanatics loving the experiences and fascinating stories it brings. In a recent episode of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, a woman told a captivating story about her father – a prisoner of war – who expressed his passion for caravans in an incredible booklet – luckily for us that booklet survived.
During World War II the soldier was held by the Japanese Army, in Borneo for three and a half years, and throughout that time he secretly put together an amazing handbook on how to build ‘the lightweight caravan’.
The booklet, which was made using cardboard, envelopes and scrap paper shows detailed drawings, instructions and measurements on how to produce a cheap lightweight caravan, and also has a breakdown on costs with a final value of £45 and 18 shillings – what a bargain!
The daughter, who only discovered the antique four to five years ago, explained that her father probably produced the manual ‘to keep his sanity’ in what would have been difficult conditions for all the prisoners.
The antique expert, Graham Lay, valued the piece at an estimated £150-£200, but to the daughter it has ‘tremendous sentimental value’ and she hopes one day her family might even go on to build the caravan in honour of her father.
We here at CaravanTimes would certainly love to see his book published one day.
To see the clip of the fascinating caravan manual, click on the link below:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes

Wooler caravan park to host vintage fair

Posted by

by Tom Walsh

Take a trip down memory lane this weekend (May 10th and 11th) as a Wooler caravan park is set to host a 1970s themed open weekend

Riverside Leisure Park will be inviting visitors to compare vintage caravan chic with the modern day, state-of-the-art design mobile homes of 2014, Berwick Advertiser reports.

The event has been put together by the site’s operator Verdant Leisure which will be showcasing a range of vintage models as well as launching of holiday home manufacturer ABI’s new model – The Hartfield.

Speaking to the news provider, Stacey Gibson, Verdant Leisure marketing manager, said: “We are looking forward to having a lot of fun over the weekend and have competitions and surprises lined up to keep everyone entertained. Wear flares if you dare.”

The Northumberland event is the perfect prelude to National Camping and Caravanning Week (May 26th to June 1st) which will see another nostalgia show taking place in Scarborough.

Marquis Motorhomes and Caravans purchases Sheffield firm

Posted by

by Tom Walsh

Marquis Motorhomes and Caravans has purchased a Sheffield motorhome company saving 16 jobs in the process

One of the biggest UK dealerships has snapped up South Yorkshire Motorhomes and Caravans in a deal that includes the firm’s 13-acre site in Dinnington and an extra 50 vehicles.

Marquis has described the purchase as “the latest jewel in the crown” and the new agreement heralded in the dawning of a new era for both organisations.

The occasion was marked by The Mayor of Rotherham councillor John Foden and his wife Mayoress Kath Foden cutting the ribbon on the South Yorkshire site.

Mr Foden said: “Congratulations to Marquis on their decision to come to Rotherham, it is good for their customers and the local community with regards to much needed job prospects. The Mayoress and myself wish them every success in their venture.”

Marquis has a presence across the UK with premises in Devon, Hampshire and Lancashire among others.

Nicholas Soames MP visits The Caravan Club’s new offices

Posted by

by Joe Jeffrey

Conservative MP, Nicholas Soames, today visited The Caravan Club’s brand spanking newly-renovated offices in East Grinstead, Mid-Sussex, this afternoon and the CaravanTimes had the pleasure to be there to witness everything.

Nicholas, MP for Mid-Sussex where The Caravan Club’s office are located, said of today’s visit: “I’m delighted to say The Caravan Club is part of East Grinstead’s infrastructure and am glad they decided to stay and renovate, rather than relocate.”

The former defence minister, who visits The Caravan Club HQ once a year within an official capacity, continued: “I’m deeply impressed with the work carried out; The Caravan Club is very skilled at using the resources made available to them. They employ a number of very good, talented people here and, frankly, the improvements made to the office today are an improvement for good.”

“The Caravan Club is a very prestigious organisation and is a great addition to East Grinstead,” he said. “One of the great things they’ve done is open up a whole new world to landowners and people who wish to utilise their land in a creative way, who would like to give access to people with caravans. Frankly, there is only one organisation in the world that can deliver that,” he continued, referring to certificated locations, where landowners are able to offer their grounds out for up to five caravans a pop.

As futuristic as the refurbishment looks, it didn’t stop Nicholas reminiscing about his childhood joy of caravanning, prior to being given a personal tour of the building by Nick Lomas, The Caravan Club’s Director General, and meeting some of the staff that help make what the Caravan Club is today.

“My parents and I used to drive past a site on Loch Naver in Scotland when I would holiday as a child. Every day we drove the length of the river, past the caravan site, and I remember saying to my father, ‘Please can we have a holiday in one of those caravans?’. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. It was a view of unparalleled beauty, which is what The Caravan Club is all about. They make use of these wonderful places and do it in an orderly way and – if it was done in a disorderly way, it would be of great disadvantage to the countryside and the people that live there.”

The Caravan Club’s offices, which moved from Central London to East Grinstead House in 1975, have had a major overhaul and remains to be the town’s largest private sector employer, with around 300 staff, 200 of whom live within the immediate vicinity.

Work on renovating the club’s offices, which started in October 2012, has seen 11 departments moved – that’s 362 members of staff. A gazumping 4,237 gallons of paint were used during the process (not exactly a slap of paint) and 460 power sockets were installed to ensure The Caravan Club is always on hand to answer your queries and remain at the forefront of the caravanning industry.

The Caravan Club’s Maxine Soghmanian said of today’s visit: “We have several thousand Caravan Club members in our constituency, as well as several sites and the club brings in money to the local community – the average spend for visitors is £40 per person, per day, visiting local attractions and giving back to our community and also provides for landowners to boost their income which is great.”

We second that, Maxine! Not only are caravan holidays an integral part of UK tradition, but they also give something back to the community. Who could ask for much more?

Have you registered your touring caravan with CRiS yet? Here’s why you should…

Posted by

by Laura Hastings

If you are looking to buy or sell a caravan, if you wish to travel around Europe, or if you need definitive proof of ownership, then you need CRiS documentation.

CRiS, or Central Registration and Identification Scheme, have recently updated their documentation to make it tamper-proof, and they are encouraging all caravan owners to ensure that they have the correct documents.

A registration certificate is the official record of who owns what, and is vital to have should any questions arise over ownership. If, for example, you are buying a second-hand caravan, always look for appropriate CRiS documentation to ensure that the caravan has not been stolen.

In this video, Claire Pearce of CRiS talks about the updated documentation and how it works. Also, Tim Booth of AVCIS (Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service) talks about the importance of having CRiS documentation when travelling further afield in Europe, where it is a legal requirement to have proof of ownership for all vehicles.

You can register with CRiS today at www.cris.co.uk

Top towing tips for the bank holiday weekend

Posted by

by Joe Jeffrey
With the bank holiday weekend upon us, many of us will embark upon a mission to escape the normality of our bricked abodes in an attempt to reach for sunnier, less gloomy climes. So, if you’re thinking of making the most of what the holiday has to offer, and escaping with the caravan in tow, we’ve provided you with our top towing tips to see you on your way.

  • Know the weight of your caravan – your caravan’s weight should not exceed 85 per cent of the car’s kerb weight. We’re sure you know this, along with the other tips to follow, but excess weight will cause instability and instability will cause problems!
  • Check that your caravan is secure before pulling away, and also check again during any rest stops. Look for anything loose, disconnected, or broken – yes again, we know you’re not stupid, but it’s better to be safe than sorry right?!
  • Make sure your extra rear lights are in working order and connected properly. Get someone to have a look while you test them out. Oh, and remember to secure your illuminated number plate too – bank holidays are known for being grey and dull after all.
  • Under pressure to reach your bank holiday destination of choice? Let’s hope your tyres are too. Make sure you check the pressure of them, bearing in mind the tyres on your caravan too!
  • Remember, reduced speed limits apply when towing caravans so take it easy out there, and also remember to respect vehicles following you by allowing them to pass.
  • Stopping distances and the space between you and other vehicles should be increased appropriately, allowing for the extra weight you’re carrying. You should also allow more time for overtaking, positioning yourself for turns, parking, pulling into traffic streams, and joining and leaving motorways… Oh, you know the rest!
  • Use your mirrors frequently – the fact you’ve lost the use of your rear view mirror makes extended door mirrors very useful. Extended towing mirrors aren’t a legal requirement, but they are handy when reversing or overtaking.

Everyone here at CaravanTimes wishes you a safe bank holiday. Happy caravanning folks!

10 things to do on your caravanning trip this bank holiday weekend

Posted by

by Laura Hastings

With thousands of people escaping from the hustle and bustle of home life to take the caravan out on the road, this bank holiday is sure to be a special one. We, at CaravanTimes, however, feel that the bank holiday also offers time to take a break from the norm to unwind and relax in the glorious British countryside or wherever you decide to roam. So, take a read through our suggestions below and let us know what you think.

Go for a walk

The weather forecast is looking good, with temperatures reaching 19C on Sunday and Monday. Take advantage of it, step outside the caravan and hit those country lanes.

Pick some flowers

It’s the simple things in life. You’ll have fun doing it, and they’ll brighten up the caravan afterwards. Plus, remember, fresh air is good for you!

Have a picnic/ BBQ

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to get creative with some caravan-cooking. Midweek meals turn into a chore to prepare when you’re tired after work, so take your time, buy some lovely, fresh ingredients and have fun with it. See what you can rustle up in your kitchen away from home.

Read a book

Our recommendations include Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl’; a gripping thriller, and George R. R. Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’ series for the fantasy lovers. But whatever tickles your fancy, grab a deckchair and sit outside and watch nature pass you by.

Enjoy a good bottle of wine

We’re talking savouring it, not getting drunk! Unless you want to, that is. Just remember not to drive and ensure your caravan is secure if looking for a close-by country pub.

Watch an old film classic

After you’ve gotten your fill of the great outdoors during the day, curl up on the couch and watch a classic film such as Casablanca if you can afford the pleasure. There are some great films on TV this weekend.

Play a board game

Not just for rained-out afternoons, a board game is a great way to get everyone involved and talking. Anyone for Monopoly?

Explore a local attraction

Find a local museum/historical attraction nearby to visit. Why not broaden your horizons, learn something new and make the most of whatever your weekend destination has to offer.

Create a roadtrip playlist

You will be driving to your chosen location for the weekend after all, so why not use the trip to chose your favourite playlist.

Take some photographs

Even if you don’t have a top-of-the-line camera, you can still use your phone, or buy a disposable camera, to help you remember a great weekend.

CaravanTimes spoke to Paul Watters, head of roads policy with the AA, to get the best advice for caravanners just in time for the weekend. Paul said: “For some readers the May Bank Holiday may be their first caravan trip of the year and for others just another trip. Either way, a few minutes spent checking your caravan and tow car over could save a lot of frustration at the roadside with a broken down car or caravan.

“Serious roadside trouble can of course mean an early end to weekend plans and an abandoned trip. Simple things like checking oil and water levels, tyres and their pressures, plus lights can help reduce risk,” he continued.

“The caravan should also be checked, particularly wheel nut torque, tyres and their pressures, but lights too. If the caravan has not been used over winter it’s important to also have a good check around looking at the coupling, security of windows, gas bottles, doors and hatches.”

The AA also advises caravanners to ensure their caravan is loaded correctly, stick to towing weight and speed limits, and ensure they have appropriate mirrors.

And with that said, we hope you have a great bank holiday – just make sure you make the most of it!

The AA has plenty of general advice on its website

No Comments

filed under: News

Win an Elddis 2015 season caravan!

Posted by

by Philip Lovegrove

Have you ever wanted to own a top of the range caravan? Looking to trade in your older model for a snazzy new number? Well now you can!

To mark their 50th anniversary, ‘<' . strtolower('Array')href="/Elddis/">Elddis are giving one lucky customer the chance to win one of their brand new caravan models.

The award winning company are looking for that special someone who is deserving of the prize, and will go on to enjoy the caravan for many years to come.

The winner will get to choose their favourite model from the exclusive 2015 season Elddis Avante, Affinity and Crusader ranges, and will also be presented as a guest of honour with their caravan at the Elddis 50th Anniversary Factory Weekend (20-21 September).

For your chance to win this amazing prize, click on the link below and explain in no more than 500 words, what a brand new Elddis caravan would mean to you.

For further information please email competition.entry@elddis.co.uk.
Good luck everyone!

Click here to enter

Huge caravan stolen in Northamptonshire

Posted by

by Tom Walsh

Police in Northamptonshire are investigating the theft of a 21ft caravan from a driveway in Irthlingborough.

The cream Bailey Pageant 6 Bretagne caravan was taken from outside a house in Diamond Drive on Monday (April 28th) between 08:15 BST and when the owner returned home at 18:00 BST, Northampton Chronicle reports.

Police explained that thieves were able to remove a hitch lock and then towed the mobile home away and officers are now appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.

Inside the caravan was a blue, yellow and silver Zip Lightning Go-Kart which had a steering wheel and the number 17 on both sides.
Witnesses are urged to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It is yet another reminder to caravan owners to ensure that their mobile home is safely secured to help deter thieves and give themselves peace of mind that it will not be targeted.