Caravan Club launches new online tent booking service

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by Norah Lindsay

From Wednesday 9 April, guests of the Caravan Club will have the opportunity to make their bookings online.

The Caravan Club has 41 sites that offer camping areas for pitching tents and always welcomes guests who wish to stay in tents.

Unlike with the Caravanning and Camping Club, you don’t need to be a member of the Caravan Club in order to use the new online tent booking service.

And there is no requirement to register or login even if you are a member.

The Caravan Club has a new online booking site, offering a complete picture of what tent camping options are available.

Bookings that are outside the online booking capabilities, like larger tent bookings, can be discussed with the site staff by calling the site directly.

Any amendments or cancellations will need to be made in person at the site.

Existing members registered to the website are advised to keep their booking confirmations safe as any tent bookings made online may not display in ‘My Profile’ area.

This news comes just one week after rival club, The Camping and Caravanning Club launched an online-only membership service.

New and existing members can save 10% off their annual renewal free by signing-up to the online-only option for the reduced price of £37 per a year.

Herefordshire C&CC site and lake sold for £1.4m

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by David Weston

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Millpond site, situated in Little Tarrington, Herefordshire, has been sold to a private individual, according to agents Charles F Jones & Son Ltd.

The 24-acre site has been developed to accommodate 102 touring caravans and 12 bays for caravan storage. The park also includes a fishing lake and woodland walk. The freehold contract was offered at a guide price of £1,395,000.

The Millpond is a popular site for caravanners as it is located a short walk from Hereford town centre, which boasts a cathedral and a cider museum.

The Goodrich Castle is also nearby, as are several driving, walking and cycling routes through the West Midlands countryside.

Richard Prestwich is the associate director of leisure and trading services at Savills – parent company of Charles F Jones & Son.

He said: “The Millpond offered a rare opportunity to acquire a successful franchise of a Camping and Caravanning Club Site boasting 5-star amenities and exceptional countryside surroundings, which made it a strong investment and, as a result, we are pleased with the price achieved on behalf of our client”.

The purchaser remains unknown.

Bristol primary school to replace of Caravan Club Baltic Wharf site

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by Tom Walsh

A popular Caravan Club site in Bristol is set to be relocated to make way for a new primary school.

Baltic Wharf Caravan Club Site has occupied the area near to Bristol’s Floating Harbour since 1978 but it will be moving following lengthy discussion with Bristol City Council, the Bristol Post reports.

The site was able to accommodate 55 pitches on prime land off Cumberland Road and attracted visitors from all over the country but it will be relocated as part of the new plans.

Nikki Nichol, Head of Publicity and Industry Relations at The Caravan Club, told the new provider: “The club is disappointed about the prospect of leaving Baltic Wharf, but it welcomes the council’s acknowledgement of the considerable benefits it brings to the local community.

“The club is actively working with the council to find an alternative site in the area.”

Pupils attending the primary school will be the envy of their contemporaries due to the excellent location but it will also help to solve the demand for primary school places in the Hotwells, Cliftonwood and Southville areas.

Glenariff Forest Park to receive £4m caravan site investment

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by Tom Walsh

Glenariff Forest Park is set for a major facelift thanks to “substantial investment” from The Forestry Fund.

The organisation will provide a £4 million investment package over the next two years under its Economy and Jobs Initiative which aims to support the local labour market and give employment opportunities a real shot in the arm.

Forestry minister Michelle O’Neill explained that the main focus of the spending will be to develop caravan and camping facilities at Glenariff. An initial £750,000 has already been set aside for the planning and procurement phase.

Ms O’Neill added: “The development of this high quality caravan and camping facility in the Forest Park will play an important role in catering for and encouraging recreation and tourism within the Antrim coast and Glens area.”

Glenariff Forest Park is a major tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, bringing in visitors from all over the country and further afield.

Jurassic Park motorhome sold on eBay for less than £10k

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by David Weston

The RV and matching trailer used in classic 1997 dinosaur sci-fi action film The Lost World: Jurassic Park has been sold on eBay.

The unknown buyer parted with $15,100 ($9,126.58) for the RV-turned-mobile science laboratory, which was sold by Theme Park Connection – a specialist in buying and selling Disney movie props and memorabilia.

Based on a 1997 Fleetwood Southwind Storm, the motorhome and trailer was customised in to mobile lab for Ian Malcom, played by Jeff Goldblum, Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore) and Nick Van Owen (Vince Vaughn).

The trio used the RV to conduct field experiments in on the fictional Isla Sorna island in the Pacific Ocean – a land inhabited by dinosaurs that had been brought back from extinction by scientists.

According to the eBay advert, the motorhome is “an authentic, original prop which was designed and constructed for the film”.

It is one of several RVs made for the movie and is heavily featured throughout up until it the scene when it is pushed over a cliff by two Tyrannosaurus Rex – one of the film’s most classic scenes.

From the pictures, you can see that the Fleetwood is in decent condition, considering it has been attacked by two prehistoric reptiles, but the advert says it could do with some TLC:

“This Mobile Lab RV & Trailer would make for an amazing restoration project. It still contains many original prop components from the production and filming of the movie. But the RV and Trailer do show significant signs of wear.

“The RV is not currently drivable (has not been started/driven in two years). The original Super Swamper tires had to be removed from the vehicle for transport, but they are included (currently inside the vehicle) and appear to be in good condition.

“Signs of wear, deterioration, and damage due to age are present throughout; sold as pictured and as is.”

You can watch the RV in action in a ‘cliff-hanger’ of a YouTube clip below:

Beijing to host 80th FICC camping and caravanning show

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by David Weston

The 80th Federation Internationale de Camping et de Caravanning (FICC) rally will be held at the Badaling Longwan International Motor-caravanning Campsite, Yanqing County, Beijing for nine days kicking off on 30 May.

It will be the first time the rally will be held in China, which the FICC says is the start of a new era for the industry in the country, and is being organised jointly by Yanqing County People’s Government and the Beijing Tourism Group.

The International FICC Rally is commonly known as the Olympic Games of international camping and is the largest event of this type in the industry, providing the attendees from around the world with the opportunity to network and talk about the latest happenings in caravans and motorhomes.

The European market will be represented by German brand Fendt, while American firm RV International are also exhibiting.

It will see a host of attractions including a Chinese Dragon Boat festival, a parade of motorhomes and caravans, a family music festival, and tours of the local area by water, land and even air.

The Badaling Logwan campsite lies just an hour away from Beijing’s international airport and is situated in a national park. It will provide 30 motorcaravans or trailers from Europe and North America for rental or purchase.

The campsite is well-equipped with showers, laundry facilities, free WiFi and emergency medical services.

As if that wasn’t enough, the show offers free electromobile bike and bicycle rental services to help you get around the campsite and enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area.

For more information, go to www.ficc80.com.

Coleraine Borough Council aiming for five-star caravan parks after new investment

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by Norah Lindsay
In a meeting last week, members of Coleraine Council’s Leisure and Development Committee agreed to press on with a development programme regarding the local caravan sites, Juniper Hill and Carrick Dhu.
Altogether the sites can house over 800 static caravans and more than 120 touring caravans, and the waiting lists for both sites are currently full.
Richard Baker, Corporate Director of Leisure and Development, told the meeting that the caravan sites benefit the wider economy in the borough and generate income which benefits the ratepayer.

Richard also reminded the meeting that since 2006, around £2million has been spent on the sites.

Improvement put forward by the director for the sites include better electricity, water supply and drainage, and improving infrastructure with the overall aim of making the sites “a home from home” for users.

SDLP Alderman Maura Hickey welcomed the investment describing the sites as “the jewel in the crown”.

DUP councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan welcomed the upgrade but added: “It has taken a long time for us to catch on that we need to look after our best assets.”

YAS invests over £100k on new Harrogate caravan park for Tour de Yorkshire

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by Norah Lindsay

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has invested more than £100,000 on a new caravan park in Harrogate.

The new park will open on 27 March.

The Harrogate Caravan Park is situated in the Crimple Valley, adjacent to the Harrogate Showground.

It has been created to help meet the demand of visitors to the Great Yorkshire Show and this year’s Grand Départ stage of the Tour de France.

The caravan park will include wifi, new roads, drainage, electrics and new heated washroom facilities have been installed as part of the investment. There are a total of 66 pitches, which are a mix of hard standing and grass.

Bookings have already been made and the site is full on the Tour de France opening weekend (5-6 July) and for the 156th Great Yorkshire Show (8-10 July).

Heather Parry, deputy chief executive of the society said:

“We have a beautiful site on the outskirts of Harrogate and it is wonderful to be able to offer visitors an additional accommodation choice.

“We believe we have a unique venue, with high-quality facilities, in a great location and look forward to becoming a popular choice for business and holiday guests.”

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Caravan sites reach York Tourism Awards finals

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by Tom Walsh

Three caravan sites are vying for the title of Caravan Park of the Year in the upcoming York Tourism Awards 2014.

Cawood Holiday Park, Naburn Lock Caravan Park and Robin Hood Caravan Park have all reached the final of the award ceremony which honours all the very best that the York region has to offer.

The awards ceremony, which will take place in May, aims to recognise businesses, hotels and restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions that have been a huge hit throughout the course of the year.

Kate McMullen, head of Visit York, said: “The Visit York Tourism Awards are a great opportunity for York’s tourism businesses to showcase the high standards being achieved in our world-class city.”

Cawood Holiday Park sits on the outskirts of York while both Naburn Lock and Robin Hood sit just within a short drive of the city centre and provide the perfect location for visiting the historic city.

Welsh Government in ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ over proposed bypass

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by David Weston

The owners of Glandulas Caravan Park has accused the Welsh Government of “living in Cloud Cuckoo Land” for thinking the business will survive being cut in two by a proposed bypass.

Trevor and Patricia Bebb, the park’s owners, described trying to reason with Welsh Government officials as like “banging your head against a brick wall” and have accused them of a string of broken promises.

The plans for the new bypass in Newtown cut the caravan park in two leaving some caravans stranded.

The couple strongly contests a statement by Andrew Falleyn, the Welsh Government’s Infrastructure Projects Division deputy director, that the caravan park will be able to continue after the bypass is constructed. It has even been suggested that a bridge over the bypass would connect both parts of the park.

“We fully support the need for a bypass and don’t wish to delay it being built, but on the other hand we also don’t want to close a very successful business that is extremely popular with the 80 families who live here whilst on holiday and bring so much money into Newtown,” Mr Bebb said.

“It is considered that the holiday park business will be able to trade following completion of the scheme albeit at a lower volume and income than before the bypass is constructed,” Mr Falleyn states in a letter to the Bebb family.

He rejected an alternative route suggested by Mr Bebb, which would have avoided the caravan park completely, because the cost was estimated at an extra £7 million.

The bypass route revisions will be on display at public exhibition to be held at the Elephant and Castle Hotel, Newtown on April 8.

Based on the latest research by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, a park of this size generates nearly £500,000 a year for the local economy.

The consultation continues.

Arthur Bostrom ‘hooked’ after six-month caravan tour

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by David Weston

Actor Arthur Bostrom, better known as Officer Crabtree from classic British sitcom ‘Allo! ‘Allo!, has spoken about his experiences of living in a caravan for six months in 2013.

Arthur had never been in a caravan before last year, but stayed in a Bailey Of Bristol Orion 430-4 for six months while touring with ‘Birdsong’ at 28 venues across the UK.

He has now become a convert to the caravanning lifestyle and plans to write a book about his travels and experiences.

In an article for the Caravan Club Magazine, Arthur recalls his nerves ahead of starting out on the adventure:

“I’m relieved and happy to be in the Bailey at last, but at the same time I’ve already realised I’ve brought far too much clothing and other stuff.

“On top of that, my head’s a jumble of worries about noseweights, gas connections, awnings (I don’t possess one but I worry about it anyway), how to empty a chemical toilet and the looming prospect of my first real tow: all the way to Tredegar House Country Park, Newport,” he wrote.

After the tour, Arthur reflected: “It’s been a fantastic six months, and I’ve met nothing but kindness and friendliness wherever I’ve been.

“The theatre tour has finished but I still have the caravan and am planning some wonderful autumn breaks. I admit it folks, I’m hooked.”

Arthur is determined continue living the caravanner’s lifestyle and has spoken about his experiences in the video below. See what he has to say and keep an eye out for him on your travels this year.

Colleen the teapot caravan lifts community spirits in Adelaide’s suburbs

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by Norah Lindsay

Caravans aren’t only used for holiday homes on wheels for families or trendy, vintage business ventures; after some serious digging around, CaravanTimes has come across yet another unusual caravan named Colleen, which has been modified to look like a giant teapot.

Colleen was built in the suburbs of Adelaide in Australia and this ‘travelling teapot’ has helped bring communities closer together.

Uniting Communities and Campbelltown Council launched Colleen, a 1950s caravan converted to look like a teapot, as the focus for their ‘In Your Street Programme’.

The programme tells us that Colleen’s main purpose was to create a self-sustaining connection between the young and old in the society, creating opportunities for the residents to meet and engage and lift the community’s spirit.

Back to life

After being neglected for 35 years, Colleen the caravan was dug out from underneath an old tarpaulin and fell into the hands of Kevin Jacka and his teamt Morialta Community Shed, who set about bringing her back to life.

Kevin talks us through the extensive work required to restore Colleen in the video below:

The spout was said to be a main vocal point for conversation within the community, so extra tender loving care was applied in order to create this recognisable feature.

Australian artist Ky Alecto carved both the spout and handle to complete the teapot.

Magical makeover

Colleen’s refurbishment had come to an end by November last year and so her journey began to change the face of her local community by hosting a number of successful tea parties.

Take a look at the video below to see just how much fun the residents had while enjoying the company of the largest teapot on wheels:

Program co-ordinator Ali Ayliffe says holding neighbourhood tea parties is proving a valuable way to help people get to know their neighbours in a busy world.

Ali said the sense of community had vanished over recent years for many people and in order to effectively build community spirit, the street parties needed a focus.

“Things like [having] a corner store or… I mean how long is it since you borrowed half a cup of sugar over the back fence?” she said.

The iconic ‘travelling teapot’ has definitely met its number one aim by bringing the community together and lifting the spirits of all those within the community.

Colleen is on the road on Sunday (23 March) for yet another tea party and she’ll be receiving a giant tea cosy created by the residents of Campbelltown.

We at CaravanTimes think this is a great idea and with the Big Lunch 2014 coming up in June, we’d love to see someone make a British version of Colleen.


Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes