by Damien Sharkov
Every once in a while a name comes along that is destined for iconic status. The necessary recipe for such an accolade is usually nothing short of the perfect blend of pragmatic practicality and sheer stylistic brilliance.
Britain has produced a handful of memorable automotive icons, among them the mini, E-type Jaguar or James Bond’s own Aston Martin DB5.
All are impressive in their own right, but none are capable enough to outdo the Land Rover Defender in absolute brawny muscle.
The Defender spans a history of seven decades, having carried royals and 007 himself aboard. With new strict emissions regulations, however, it seems the illustrious 4×4 will finally bend to the demands of history, as Land Rover has announced it is to be discontinued.
With this in mind, CaravanTimes would like to take a moment to pay tribute a British icon, as it sings its swan song.
The story of the 4×4 is not unlike James Bond himself as its conception of dates back to World War II as its earliest incarnation was modelled on a World War II Jeep, immediately being drafted into royal service.
The earliest versions of the Defender were used by Her Majesty the Queen on many a foreign visits.
One of the Land Rover Defender’s recent models even joined forces with MI6’s infamous employee on the silver screen in the biggest British blockbuster of all time – Skyfall.
“A grand old warship being ignominiously hauled away for scrap,” laments Q, as a greying, battered Bond scowls through his colleague’s running commentary of Turner’s ubiquitous painting.
“Age is no guarantee of efficiency,” Q adds. “And youth is no guarantee of innovation,” Bond retorts.
Steve Fowler of Auto Express hails the popular car’s “iconic status”. Admitting the Defender also captures “a very important market for Land Rover, one of its three pillars with the Range Rover and the Discovery.”
The Defender has made a name for itself, which is almost synonymous with durability as an estimated two thirds of its two million strong unit production history are still in use today.
Land Rover has announced a replacement for the beloved 4×4 will be introduced in 2016 which will comply with stricter regulations. Its design is to pay close homage to the legendary Defender.
However, if the DC100 concept is anything to go by, the influence of the popular Range Rover will be present in the next regeneration of the Defender.
We do not expect the Land Rover Defender to stay down for long, as it has proven time and time again it is not in its character to bend or break.
Until we are treated to its successor, however, we take a moment to salute its 67 years of towing reliability and off road excellence.
Court orders caravan company boss to pay £2,000 in damages
by Myron Jobson
A caravanning firm boss who cheated customers and an insurance provider, gaining tens of thousands of pounds in the process, has been ordered to pay a measly sum of £2,000.
Plymouth Crown Court concluded that the culprit, Shaun Cole, 46, pocketed £72,740 by fraudulent trading, according to thisisplymouth.com.
The 46-year-old sold caravans and kept the money himself, without informing the owners, and gaining a staggering sum before going bust.
However, the total of his “realisable” assets only amounted to a small percentage of the amount he swindled , at just £2,000.
The boss of the now defunct Plymouth Caravan Centre lied to clients, informing them that their caravan had been sold for a cheaper price, while pocketing the difference himself, the court heard.
He was also found guilty of overcharging customers for vehicle servicing and inflated an insurance claim following damage to 14 caravans.
Last year, Shaun pleaded guilty to 13 charges of fraud between January and October 2007.
He returned to court having recently finished serving a 31-month term in jail.
The court heard last year that vendors and the insurance company lost sums ranging from £561 to almost £11,000.
Cole has been given six months pay the £2,000 sum.
Camping and Caravanning Club to offer towing advice at NEC show
by Myron Jobson
The logistics of towing a caravan can be confusing, but the Camping and Caravanning Club are looking to educate the nation on what can be legally towed within the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of your car.
Drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 with an ordinary category B car licence can tow a caravan as long as the combined weight of the MAM of the tow vehicle and unit does not exceed 3,500kg.
Such information will be made available by the club at the hotly anticipated NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, which is taking place next week from 15 – 20 October at the Birmingham NEC.
The Club will partner with Hyundai – the show’s tow-car provider – to allow drivers to test such a vehicle and caravan combination, using two of Hyundai’s Tourer models.
Towing experts will be on hand to give free 15-minute sessions providing intimate one-to-one tutorials on how to tow a touring caravan safely, efficiently and economically.
Drivers with category B licence, who have passed their test after the aforementioned period, will be granted a unique opportunity to tow with a larger vehicle at the show, accompanied by the Club’s approved driving instructors – without the need to take an additional B+E driving test usually required to tow a caravan and vehicle combination weighing more than 3500kg.
“We’re encouraging those thinking about caravanning, not to be put off because they don’t have the B+E entitlement on their license,” Ian Hewlett, the Club’s Technical Manager, said.
“We do, of course, always urge drivers to check their license before they travel to ensure they are adhering to the rules and regulations that are in place.”
To book a towing session with the Camping and Caravanning Club, visit: The NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show website, or just turn up on the day.
West Highlands holiday park named among ‘greenest’ in Scotland
by Tom Walsh
The Scottish Highlands are a real jewel in the crown of the UK’s countryside and one of the area’s holiday parks has been given a real seal of approval.
Sunnyside Croft in Arisaig, around 35 miles away from Fort William, has been given the accolade of being one of Scotland’s greenest places to stay on holiday.
This comes after the site received a gold level David Bellamy Conservation Award for its commitment to providing an environmentally friendly holiday park.
Professor Bellamy praised the family-owned site run by Julie and Ian Bryce and their two children.
He was impressed with the wide variety of indigenous trees which the couple have planted and also applauded the maintenance of hedgerows.
Julie and Ian are also committed to a “buy local” policy which sees them purchase Highlands produce and lay down pathways of stone chips.
“Living and working in this part of the Highlands has always been our dream, and we feel even more privileged to be doing so with the support of someone like David Bellamy,” Julie said.
Caravan MOTs: UKIP MEP makes impassioned speech against EU plans
by Chris Jefferies
One of the most contentious issues of the year has been the prospect of new MOT-style tests to determine the roadworthiness or otherwise of all touring caravans that weigh over 750kgs.
The proposals are currently being debated in the European Parliament and could be made into law before the end of the year.
Opposition to this development has been widespread and forthright, with ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/insurance/safety/ncc-reacts-to-caravan-mot-debate-in-european-parliament-$21382790.htm">The National Caravan Council and the Government both voicing their objections.
But now a UKIP MEP has delivered what may be the most memorable defence of caravanning that the European Parliament has ever seen.
Derek Clark, MEP for the East Midlands, spoke up in Strasbourg on behalf of all British caravanners to argue that annual servicing is enough to ensure a tourer’s roadworthiness.
He continued by claiming that caravanners know the potentially fatal dangers of towing an unsafe trailer and so would not take the risk.
“Caravanners, in spite of what they might look, are not mad,” Mr Clark claimed.
His argument is backed up by years of towing experience, as he is a former member of the Caravan Club who has towed all across Europe.
“I’ve towed [my caravan] all the way from Calais to the south of France. I’ve taken it over the Alps, into Italy. I’ve gone round the Alps in Switzerland and other places, all without an accident of any description, nor did I see one with any other caravan,” he continued.
Mr Clark’s words seemingly fell on deaf ears, as he later posted on his blog: “They did not listen, of course, to my one-minute effort on Monday evening. Same problem as always.
“Neither the rapporteur, nor any other speaker, has any experience of towing a caravan. We are in the hands of idiots who just want to make a name for themselves.”
Perhaps Mr Clark could find an understanding ear by speaking with fellow MEPs ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/industry/west-midlands-mep-vows-to-fight-mot-proposal-$21383351.htm">Nikki Sinclaire and Jacqueline Foster, who appear to share his views.
To watch Mr Clark’s impassioned Strasbourg speech in full, click on the video below:
Vanmaster Caravans set for NEC show relaunch
by Chris Jefferies
Vanmaster Caravans are preparing for a major relaunch under new ownership at the Birmingham NEC next week (15-20 October), it has been confirmed.
The luxury caravan brand, which was bought out by entrepreneur Phil Narey earlier this year, will be making a return to the caravan industry on the biggest possible stage, with more than 90,000 visitors expected to attend the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show.
Caravan lovers will be able to take a look inside two brand new models, the 2-3 berth V580 and the 2-4 berth V640.
Precise details are few and far between at the time of writing, but the company promises opulence and luxury in abundance, with classy extras like monogrammed towels and Vanmaster bone china included.
What’s more, anyone placing an order at the NEC will get a Powrtouch motor mover fitted at no extra cost.
The new owner will be at the show to speak to Vanmaster customers both old and new, and answer any questions about the new models.
“The stylish new Vanmaster brand… has been designed with our current customers in mind, whilst acknowledging that we can introduce some subtle and innovative changes,” Phil explains.
“We are firmly focusing on the very hallmarks of Vanmaster caravans – the classic appeal and superior build quality – whilst introducing further enhancements to make our caravans even better and a luxurious home-from-home.”
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but these models will not be cheap – and for good reason. Each Vanmaster that rolls off the Wigan production line is the product of 800 man-hours of craftsmanship.
To take a look at the new Vanmaster V580 and V640, head to Hall 27, Stand 18, but be prepared to queue for a look inside.
Bailey Approach Compact: Prices confirmed ahead of NEC launch
by Tom Walsh
Bailey of Bristol has announced the prices of the Approach Compact, as its latest motorhome range nears its debut.
The company has stated that the latest model will be on display at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham between 15-20 October with demonstration units arriving at approved Bailey retailers shortly after.
Officials explained that Approach Compact will offer people lower running costs but have the same design flexibility seen in other models but is fitted with extra interior space.
Bailey has worked hard to improve the performance of the vehicle and draws on the very best aspects from other offerings from the company.
It has used a combination of a Peugeot Boxer cab, an AL-KO AMC chassis and an Alu-Tech bodyshell.
Bailey describes the exterior as being “stylish yet practical” and inside there is a level of comfort which holidaymakers have come to expect.
The Bailey Approach Compact 520 will retail from £43,460, while the three-berth 540 model will set you back £44,460.
Wooda Farm Holiday Park becomes Caravan Club affiliated
by Tom Walsh
Cornwall and the West Country now boasts yet another Caravan Club affiliated park.
Wooda Farm Holiday Park, near Bude, has become the latest addition to the Club and can be enjoyed by members looking to enjoy the picturesque scenery in the south-west of England.
The park is an absolute must for caravanners visiting the area as it is situated overlooking the magnificent Bude Bay and just a short drive to the village of Poughill.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a host of amenities on-site as Wooda Farm is equipped with a coarse fishing lake, tennis and badminton courts and an adventure playground, great for people travelling with children.
There is much to do around the area as well as people can visit popular attractions such as Poundstock Gildhouse and Hartland Abbey.
Cornwall is also home to a host of impressive beaches with Bude itself being a great seaside town to visit.
VIDEO: Why fit Tyron bands to your caravan’s wheels
Tyre blow-outs can put caravanners in very dangerous situations while towing their caravan, but like most potential towing dangers, there are ways you can make it safer for when you’re on the road.
In this video Caravan Times speaks to Neil Greentree, General Manager of Greentrees Adventure store, about fitting Tyron bands and how they can protect you from losing control if a tyre suddenly deflates.
Once the rubber on a tyre is removed from the rim, which can happen if the tyre deflates because of a puncture, then it loses a lot of its grip, which can cause the caravan to swerve and cause accidents.
Run-flat safety bands, such as Tyron, help to ensure that you maintain some grip if your tyre deflates.
In this video you can find out how to fit your caravan with run-flat safety bands, as well as how much they are likely to cost.
Neil Greentree also explains exactly how the safety bands work, and why these precautions can help prevent you from losing control of your caravan.
Thanks to ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.greentrees-adventurestore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Greentrees Adventurestore and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/" target="_blank" Rel="NoFollow">Towergate Insurance for their help with this video.
Top holiday parks honoured at the David Bellamy Conservation Awards
Sensational, stunning and alluring are some of the terms used to describe winning the holiday parks featured in the 16th anniversary David Bellamy Conservation Awards.
The award scheme, which encompasses 600 holiday parks, is intended to encourage parks to promote the conservation of the natural habitat surrounding their land.
Environmental adviser Rufus Bellamy said: “Many holiday parks in Britain, particularly those in rural areas, are blessed with abundant wildlife, and their owners are generally mindful of the need to manage their natural surroundings with sensitivity.”
“The David Bellamy Conservation Awards encourage them to broaden their existing practices even further by adopting new initiatives to make their parks real havens for wildlife, and to help protect the wider environment.”
Parks wishing to enter the scheme face an arduous evaluation process which involves allowing independent assessors to scrutinise all environmental aspects of their business.
The assessor’s brief includes judging how well the park works within the community to make local life more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
“A big benefit of this scheme is that holidaymakers can often enjoy an extra dimension to their stay by choosing a park which offers them a chance to get closer to nature,” Rufus said.
The 2013/2014 winners can be found can be found on British Holiday and Home Parks Association website at ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href=" http://www.ukparks.com/bellamy.asp" target="_blank">www.ukparks.com.
Morecambe holiday parks purchased in £47m Park Resorts takeover
by Tom Walsh
Park Resorts has expanded its portfolio by purchasing a series of holiday parks in the Morecambe area.
The company has spent £47 million acquiring a number of sites, with the latest being South Lakeland Parks. It means it will now manage the nine parks in Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
These will include Marina Holiday Park, in Glasson Dock, Todber Caravan Park in Clitheroe, White Cross Bay near Windermere and Limefitt Park in the Troutbeck Valley among others.
It represents a significant signal of intent by Park Resorts and the company’s chief executive explains that the decision was made due to the north-west’s intrinsic links with family holidays.
David Boden added: “South Lakeland’s nine parks are all high quality and will perfectly complement our existing portfolio.
“The parks are ideally located for owners and holidaymakers to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.”
It means Park Resorts now has a foothold in an area in which it was not prominent previously.
NEC caravan show tickets competition closed and winners announced
by Chris Jefferies
The UK’s biggest caravan show is nearly upon us, with more than 90,000 caravanners expected to descend on the Birmingham NEC from 15 to 20 October.
This year’s event looks set to be truly show-stopping, with all the country’s biggest names exhibiting, such as Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Compass and Eterniti, just to name a few.
What’s more, you can expect celebrity appearances from the likes of model Melanie Sykes and TV chef Ed Baines.
Tickets are on sale now for the advance price of £8 for adults and £7 for seniors, but 25 lucky CaravanTimes readers won’t have to pay a thing.
In our latest competition, we have 25 pairs of tickets up for grabs and now the deadline for entries has passed and it’s time to announce the winners.
So without further ado, their names are:
Neil Steer, Ralph Wood, Tim Lord, Paul Devine, Victoria Poole, Jason Ball, John Davies, John Joyce, Matt Walters, Miriam Scale, Stephen Court, Stuart Gallifant, Paul Saunders, Alison Rutter, Steve Taylor, Jacky Cooper, Karen Morrison, Edward Knott, Wendy Prince, James Grainger, Peter Latham, Joan Markall, Carole Dimmock, Tracy Cole and Sian O’Sullivan
Congratulations to everyone who won, we will be in touch via e-mail to arrange delivery of your tickets.
If you missed out this time, make sure to keep checking back with CaravanTimes for plenty more exciting competitions in the near future.
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