by Chris Jefferies
If you prefer your caravans motorised rather than towable, then you can’t afford to miss the Caravan and Camping Show, which kicks off this February half term.
This huge event at the Birmingham NEC runs from 18-23 February and will feature all the biggest names from the UK and overseas showing off their complete 2014 ranges, from compact campervans to mammoth motorhomes.
In this video, we head to the NEC to find out some of the things that you can look forward to at this year’s show, including free motorhome manoeuvring lessons, plenty of handy accessories, and tonnes of travel ideas for your next grand touring adventure.
We also speak to some motorhome owners who explain why they consider this show to be simply unmissable.
To get a taste of what organisers NCC Events have in store for motorhome lovers at this year’s spring touring extravaganza, click on the video and enjoy.
Wellhouse Leisure launches home visit scheme for campervan fans
by Tom Walsh
Wellhouse Leisure is offering an innovative service to its customers with the launch of a new home visits scheme.
The company, which recently launched a Ford Terrier campervan conversion, is reaching out to consumers who live outside of the reach of its dealership network through its Homeview service.
Customers will be able to book a travelling member of staff who will visit a number of homes during one journey and see the products in action.
There is an extra incentive as for those who use the Homeview service and then purchase a campervan worth over £25,000 they will be eligible for free delivery.
David Elliott, managing director of the company, said: “We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service possible, so although we have about half a dozen dealers around the UK, we are conscious that some people would still have to travel a distance to see the vehicle, so we’ve decided to take it to them instead.”
Thieves target caravans in Trusthorpe and Mablethorpe
by Tom Walsh
Thieves have targeted caravans in the coastal resorts of Trusthorpe and Mablethorpe.
Police are warning owners to be extremely vigilant and report any suspicious activity as criminals have been known to break into mobile homes especially during the holiday season, Louth Leader reports.
PC Paul French, from Mablethorpe Police Station, explains that the police have launched an awareness campaign for the autumn months which encourages owners to remove all valuable items if they do not plan on staying in their mobile homes over this period.
“Although we are working closely with everyone in the caravan industry to improve security, incidents will inevitably still occur and we are encouraging anyone who see suspicious activity, people or vehicles to contact police straight away,” PC French told the news provider.
Both Mablethorpe and Trusthorpe are big favourites with campers and caravanners due to their close proximity to the North Sea. The latter even boasts an area known as Miami Beach complete with a Sunset Strip.
VIDEO: Swift teases Smart HT caravan launch with behind-the-scenes clip
by Chris Jefferies
First there was ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/smart-construction.htm">Smart Construction and now, it seems, the ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/swift/">Swift Group is planning to treat us all to Smart HT.
This new moniker emerged this week as part of a cryptic teaser video in which resident reporter Blair Jacobs sneaks into the company’s East Yorkshire headquarters after dark.
In scenes reminiscent of the Blair Witch Project or perhaps an early James Bond movie, Blair gets inside a secret bunker, where he discovers two caravans, concealed by a tantalisingly thin cover sheet.
However, Swift designer Chris Millburn is on hand to foil his sneaky plans before we can all get a proper look at what is presumably a pair of Smart HT cararavans.
Details of these ranges are a closely-guarded secret, but the tongue-in-cheek video promises us that Blair, and more importantly these elusive caravans, will return on 18 February.
This date coincides with the beginning of the NCC Caravan and Camping Show, so the smart money is on a big caravan range reveal from Swift on that day.
To whet your appetite, click on the video to the right, and keep checking back with CaravanTimes for all the latest on Smart HT.
Harrow residents sign petition against caravan site
by Tom Walsh
Residents in Harrow have signed a petition to stop the creation of a caravan site on a set of local playing fields.
Harrow Community Sport, which owns the Broadfields site, has submitted plans to Harrow Borough Council’s planning department and to build space for caravans and campers, This Is London reports.
The owners want to create 75 pitches and associated buildings which will be able to bring in revenue for the local economy.
However, residents have rallied against the plans and have launched a petition which has gained over 2,000 signatures so far.
The Save Broadfields campaign group is opposed to losing a valuable piece of greenspace that provides amenities for local residents.
Harrow Community Sports lodged the plans in April 2013 which were unpopular from the start with a petition signed by 4,000 already being lodged in opposition to the proposals.
The plans were withdrawn in May by landowner Richard Gabriel but now they have been resubmitted.
VIDEO: Caravan and Camping Showing 2014 highlights for caravan lovers
by Jake Polden
From 18-23 February, the NEC Birmingham will have its doors wide open welcoming the nation’s caravan, motorhome, tent and holiday home enthusiasts.
In this video, our editor Chris Jefferies, armed with a microphone, finds out what’s on offer to guests at this year show and why it is so appealing to the general caravanning public.
With around 83,000 people in attendance last year, this year’s show looks set to be just as popular, with all of the UK’s major caravanning manufacturers on hand to provide, advice and information on their latest releases.
Free towing lessons will also be provided to those who wish to brush up on their caravan manoeuvring skills, while travel advisers will be manning the stands to provide you with unmatched information on the best ways to go about planning an unforgettable tour.
Speaking to the show-going public, we found that the show provides a convenient, accessible day out, where accessories, advice and the chance to ogle at lots of caravans are all under one roof.
The challenges and joys of caravanning with blind and disabled children
by Jake Polden
Every now and again CaravanTimes gets the opportunity to provide its readers with a truly unique and inspirational story – a story that may well change the way you think about caravanning.
This week we caught up with the Hardisty family from Lancashire who explained to us how their love of touring holidays ultimately benefited children Matthew and Becky, who were both born blind.
Our story begins in 1984, the year that Brian and Sue Hardisty bought their first caravan together, a ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/sprite/">Sprite Alpine – a tourer they hoped to take on many happy family holidays.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, as in 1986 the couple were forced to reconsider their future after their first child Matthew was born blind, autistic and epileptic.
Matthew’s complex needs meant he required full-time care and when Becky was born partially blind in 1989, the family made the tough decision to sell their beloved caravan.
But our story doesn’t end here, as five years later they had a change of heart.
Back in the saddle
Brian had been looking into the advancements of modern caravans, and made the bold decision to get back into caravanning.
Confident that their new, more advanced caravan, equipped with modern amenities such as 240v electricity and a hot shower, would make their holidays and their life easier, the couple took Matthew and Becky on their first touring holiday to France.
But with young children and a long journey to-and-from their destination, Brian explained how their first trip brought a few hiccups:
“Our first holiday was a bit of a hassle, unfortunately. Matthew didn’t like the cold swimming pool and we found the long-distance drive to be too much for the children.”
Undeterred, but perhaps more cautious, the family stuck at their hobby and were delighted when they discovered Troutbeck Head Caravan Park, a little closer to home in the Lake District.
Recalling their many trips to the site, Brian said, “The wardens there were always fantastic,” and the couple could rest assured that Becky was safe, should she decide to do a bit of exploring on her own.
In fact, Brian spoke fondly of his experiences with nearly everyone they have been in contact with while caravanning.
From the staff on the P&O ferry to France, (once the kids had grown a little older) who made sure they received an appropriate cabin, to the staff at Union Lido Park and Resort, who would always provide them with a pitch close to the shower and toilet facilities, it would seem the family has experienced some truly professional service.
Brian also heaped praise on the caravan community for going “above and beyond”, helping the family in any way they could.
Recalling happy memories from a holiday at the Playa Montroig Camping Resort in Spain, Brian told us about Matthew’s experiences with a jetski:
“Matthew loves the sound of the jetskis so some friends we met on the site took Matthew and me on a slow ride on a three-seater jetski”.
After helping Matthew on board, Brian explains, the trio took off to the reassuring words “keep hold Matt, don’t let go”.
Similar experiences on a dinghy (again instigated by a fellow holidaymaker) brought more joy to Matthew’s holiday – so much so that in 2005, the couple bought Matthew his very own dinghy.
Inspired by the sounds of the “owls, birds and sheep”, Matthew and Becky find caravanning to be a truly stimulating experience.
“Matthew loves the movement of boats and the sounds of its engine”, Brian added. And with a passion for trains as well, Brain exclaims, “You’ll probably detect a theme, Matthew likes anything with an engine!”
Despite the fact the couple have to consider their children on every trip, Brian states that the smile on Matthew’s face brought on by a caravanning holiday is, for him and Sue, “the real experience”.
And when asked what he would say to someone in a similar position, toying with the idea of getting into caravanning despite the obvious difficulties, Brian answered:
“Just go ahead and do it. A caravan is such a lovely environment for a family and you will have a wonderful holiday with your children.
“Matthew absolutely loves being away in the caravan to the point where we have to count the nights between coming home and the next time we go away.”
He even went on to say how family friends whose child also has autism have recently been inspired to take a caravanning holiday and have, like the Hardistys, had a truly unique and memorable time.
Jöbl Design launches first campervan with VW conversion
by Damien Sharkov
Designed and constructed in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the Jöbl Treka is the latest name to join the esteemed ranks of VW campervan conversions.
Specialist manufacturers Jöbl Design created this camper, working with the new 2013 2.0-litre diesel highline VW Campervan as the base vehicle.
Founded less than half a year ago, the company’s has already brought its first camper to market and it will be sold through the Cumbria-based motorhome dealer ES Hartley.
With the legendary Volkswagen Kombi camper van now permanently out of production, Jöbl might just have found a more conservative and more modern replacement for this much-loved touring icon.
The four-berth conversion includes wood effect high gloss cabinets and cooking facilities including an aluminium sink, a SMEV two-burner hob stove and a 50-litre Waeco fridge/freezer.
Coming complete with blown-air heating, a fresh water tank fitted with a 240V heater and a Porta-Potti, the Jöbl Kampa SE as it is also known, does its best to keep up with the key competition.
In terms of sleeping space, the camper has an SCA pop up roof with a roof bed, as well as a fold-out, belted RIB bed/seat system, to keep you comfortable and safe on your journeys.
The Jöbl Kampa SE is fashionably compact measuring in at less than five metres long and two metres wide. It might turn out be a very practical combination between a camper and a day-to-day vehicle.
Prices start at £42,970, and if you want to see inside, ES Hartley will be displaying at the Glasgow Caravan Show next month (6-9 February). Or alternatively, simply click on our slideshow below:
Find more photos like this on CaravanTimes
FEATURE: What to do if you break down with your caravan in tow
by Damien Sharkov
Surprises are never far from fact on a caravan holiday and sometimes chance throws a spanner in the works of a good break.
Whether you are just getting around to planning your spring getaway or you are already contemplating a Valentine’s Day trip, the next few months will not be the most welcoming for a caravan holiday.
In the interest of keeping you safe, we at CaravanTimes have compiled a quick list of tips to keep you safe if you break down.
Stay within contact
It goes without saying that you should keep your membership number and the phone number of your breakdown insurance provider on you at all times when you are travelling.
Simply saving both on your phone is an easy way of going about it. Do visit your insurer’s website as some, like AA, now have free mobile phone apps which make tracking your whereabouts in the case of a breakdown much easier.
You can use your phone’s GPS to the same end, advises the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Check your coverage
Caravanners must remember to double check their breakdown insurance coverage. Sometimes your towcar cover will not extend to your home away from home.
The likes of the RAC offer quotes based on the width of the vehicle in tow as they will need to know what truck to send to pull you out of trouble.
A firm awareness of how extensive your quote is can be useful to any motorist as you may have made upgrades to your vehicle which could impact on other insurance policies.
Be prepared
Sometimes you will have to go up against the elements, so there is no reason why you should not carry a little emergency kit.
Have high visibility jackets handy, preferably waterproof one. A torch is easy to pack and could do a world of difference if you breakdown in the dark.
Know your surroundings
Even if you are visiting the patch you have been going to for years on end you can end up feeling lost when stranded between points A and B.
If you are, it is important to keep calm. You will always be within 100 meters at most from your nearest marker post or 500 meters from every square blue sign on the motorway.
Always get out of the vehicle on the left hand side and make sure everyone else does so too. Make sure to wear your high visibility clothing, in case you run into fog or it gets dark before your rescue arrives.
Try as we might, no optimism will change the reality that daylight hours will be few and far in between for a while. Of course if caravanning was all simplicity and no challenge, it might just be no fun. If you do decide to set for a cosy plot so early in the year, make sure to take the extra precautions necessary so the season does not get in the way of your holiday.
How do you brace your caravan or motorhome for a winter holiday? Do you have any tips for early spring holidaymakers? Tell us in the comment section below!
Michelle Collins’ Corrie-Van takes centre stage at Manchester caravan show
The Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Show kicked off in style yesterday (23 January), with Coronation Street Star Michelle Collins attracting a huge crowd to the Caravan Club stand.
The actress, better known as Stella Price to fans of the ITV soap opera, officially opened the show before revealing that her character will be leaving Corrie later on this year.
Soap tradition deems that departing favourites head off in a taxi, but Michelle suggested that the show’s producers could plump for a luxury motorhome for her instead.
After signing autographs for her admiring fans, Michelle showed CaravanTimes around her specially modified caravan, which was created by Bailey of Bristol and the Caravan Club to make her feel truly at home.
Based on a ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/bailey/bailey-orion/">Bailey Orion 430-4, the Corrie-Van was a tribute to the show’s famous Rover’s Return pub.
From net curtains to wooden flying duck ornaments, Michelle was delighted at the attention to detail, which reached as far as customised beer mats on the dining table.
But most impressive of all was the full-width bar, complete with beer pumps and everything you’d expect to see in a proper boozer.
And with that, Michelle was off to celebrate with her cast mates, following their recent triumph at the National Television Awards, where Coronation Street was named as the best serial drama for the second year in a row.
To see the Corrie-Van for yourself, head along to the Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Show at Event City before Sunday 26 January.
COMPETITION: Win one of 25 pairs of tickets to the NEC Caravan and Camping Show
The 2014 caravan show season is in full swing now and next month sees the biggest show in the spring calendar, with all the big names converging on the Birmingham NEC for the Caravan and Camping Show.
This year’s event runs from 18-23 February, overlapping with school half term once again, so it’s the perfect place to start planning your family getaways for the summer.
Everyone who’s anyone in the world of camping, caravanning and motorhomes will be there, and plenty of celebrity guests besides.
Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey will be opening the Dog Agility Theatre, while Wing Commander Andy Green OBE will be bringing his world-record breaking Bloodhound supersonic car to the Caravan Club stand (Hall 2, Stand 2000).
Advance tickets are available online now, priced at just £8 for adults and £7 for seniors, while under 16s go free and parking is included.
However, as part of our latest competition, 25 lucky winners will be able to go along for free, as we’ve got 25 pairs of tickets to give away.
To enter, simply fill out the form below before the deadline of midday on Friday 7 February. Don’t forget to include a valid e-mail address so we can let you know if you’ve won.
Best of luck to everyone who enters and we’ll see you at the show.
Gareth Gates to star in Bunn Leisure caravan park entertainment schedule
by Tom Walsh
Gareth Gates has been named among the top acts for Bunn Leisure’s 2014 entertainment line-up.
The 2002 Pop Idol runner-up will be performing at the company’s south coast resort in a star-studded schedule that also includes Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev and Katya Vershalis.
Bunn Leisure has invested £1.5 million into its 2014 entertainment programme and is sure to make a big splash when Gates take to the stage.
Since Pop Idol the singer has gone on to have a string of chart hits as well as appearing as Joseph in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Gareth will be performing at Bunn Leisure’s Embassy Club on 14 June.
The Strictly Come Dancing stars will be appearing at Selsey in front of an audience of 2,000 at the Embassy Club on 19 April.
Pitch at Bunn Leisure start at £33 a night and this includes free tickets to the Gareth Gates show.
Caravan Times Newsletter
Enter your email below to receive regular updates in our Caravan Times Newsletter.