Park Resorts announces £60m investment and major refinancing deal

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by Tom Walsh

Park Resorts has announced the completion of a major refinancing deal designed to promote future growth.

The holiday caravan park operator, which has a host of sites dotted around the English, Scottish and Welsh coastlines, stated that it will reduce its senior debt from £353 million to £316 million and extend its maturity to December 2017.

It is also aiming to invest around £60 million in its various parks after signing a deal with Electra Partners which will see the company become a new shareholder.

Park Resorts said that the move will include David Boden becoming the new chief executive of the firm, replacing founder David Vaughan who has become the chairman after 12 years in his previous position.

Mr Vaughan said: “With new shareholders and new blood joining a very experienced management team, I am confident the next few years will be incredibly fruitful for all our staff, caravan owners and holiday customers.”

Family sells Hayling Island caravan park after nearly 60 years owernship

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by Tom Walsh

One of the south of England’s well-loved holiday destinations has been sold after being run by a family for nearly 60 years.

Hayling Island caravan park is currently run by family-owned Elliott’s Caravan Estates Limited but a number of members have decided to sell the holiday site.

Law firm Blake Lapthorn has been drafted in to conduct the sale after brothers Michael and Paul Elliott along with cousin John Elliott have decided to step down.

The site will be sold on to Green Wood Park, another independent family-owned business, which has three caravan parks in the south of the country.

Hayling Island caravan park was first established in 1953 and boasts 217 static caravan pitches making it a big hit for holidaymakers heading down to the coast in the summer.

Mat Wilson, from the corporate team at Blake Lapthorn, said: “It has been a real honour and a delight to have assisted Michael, Paul and John with the successful sale of the company, which they have nurtured and developed for nearly 60 years.”

Caravanners warned about holiday TV licence laws

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by Daniel Mackrell

A warning has been made to caravanners that plan to watch live TV while in their caravans this summer.

A high turnout is expected in campsites across the country as people look to enjoy the recent warm weather, but TV Licensing has warned people to make sure they are licensed to watch live TV, or risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Touring caravans are covered if you have a licence for your residential home, however, TV Licensing has said that static caravans, mobile homes and moveable chalets will only be covered by a residential home licence if the TV in the main residence is not being used at the same time.

In these cases you are expected to fill in a declaration form to say that live TV won’t be watched in your main residence while you are watching it from your caravan.

The decision to raise awareness has come after figures released by The Camping and Caravanning Club showed a 25% increase in scheduled arrivals for UK Club Sites and Camping in the Forest Sites during May this year.

This trend is expected to continue, with the sunny weather encouraging more people to take a holiday in the UK.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Technical Manager, Ian Hewlett said: “Many holidaymakers use televisions in their camping units so it’s important for the Club to highlight the importance of purchasing a TV Licence.

“We urge all campers and caravanners to check the licensing requirements if they plan to watch television whilst they’re away.”

Bailey Approach Autograph completes six-year Millbrook endurance test

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by Tom Walsh

Bailey of Bristol has announced that its new Bailey Approach Autograph motorhome has completed a six-year endurance test at the Millbrook Proving Ground.

As part of the company’s ongoing product validation process, the latest model was put through its paces to test out some of its new features.

The Approach Autograph has been fitted with new front and rear bodyshell profiles, new cab interfaces plus an additional large opening skylight in the front dome.

Officials explained that the test at Millbrook simulates six years’ service use, allowing Bailey customers to be confident of the structural integrity of the vehicle.

The Approach Autograph completed seven different areas designed to test every facet of its operations. These included pave, kerb strikes, pot holes, the high speed circuit, driveway ramps, twist humps and the hill route.

Bailey was extremely pleased that the vehicle was able to complete the circuit with flying colours, and this proves that the vehicle will last the length of its six-year bodyshell integrity gaurantee.

Don’t leave your dog in a hot caravan, police warn

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by Tom Walsh

The UK has been experiencing somewhat of a heatwave of late but while it can be a great for sun worshippers its a different story for dogs.

Wiltshire Police has issued a warning to car and caravan owners about the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot vehicle.

Speaking to This Is Wiltshire, Neil Sampson, Wiltshire Police dog handler, said that temperatures inside a car or caravan can soar and prove fatal for canines.

“Dogs pant to keep cool but struggle to do this in stuffy cars where there is little or no air flow. Even leaving a window open does not allow sufficient air in to help the dog regulate its breathing,” Mr Sampson told the news provider.

Owners need to ensure that their dog gets enough water and should not leave them unattended in a caravan for long periods on a very hot day as these can rapidly heat up similarly to a car.

The official advice from the RSPCA states: “If you see a dog in a car on a warm day please call the Police on 999.”

Eterniti Caravans to reveal five new layouts at October NEC show

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by Chris Jefferies

With a successful first year of production under their belts, the Eterniti Caravans team have announced big plans for the biggest caravan show of the year.

The slide-out caravan manufacturer will be bringing five new layouts to the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show, which runs at the Birmingham NEC from 15 to 20 October.

Among these are two layouts that are an industry first, the company has claimed in a statement on the Motorhome and Caravan Show website.

The five new models will feature three twin-axles in the Eterniti Genesis and two single-axle Eterniti Chronicle tourers.

The company has said that they aim to be “on the tip of everyone’s tongue and the talk of the town”.

Visitors to the NEC show will be able to find Eterniti on Stand 25 in Hall 9, where you can also see the highly popular Genesis IB4 and BB5 models.

Other major exhibitors at this year’s show include Bailey, Swift and Elddis, as well as member organisations The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravannning Club.

Tickets for the show are on sale now, with prices starting at £7 for over 60s and £8 for adults, including free parking.

Elddis Accordo: New compact motorhome range with Solid Construction

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by Chris Jefferies

Elddis has announced its latest motorhome range in the form of the compact Elddis Accordo range.

This new model aims to combine the best-selling practicality of the Elddis Autoquest with several up-market features from the luxury Elddis Aspire range.

Key specification on board includes an opening sunroof, three-burner hob, combined oven and grill and a 95-litre fridge.

And with both layouts measuring in at less than 6m long, Accordo owners will benefit from easier manoeuvrability and better fuel efficiency.

What’s more, holidaymakers who want to take their motorhome overseas will pay less for their ferry crossings with many providers, due to these compact dimensions.

Despite this, interior headroom remains ample at 6’4″, and there has been a real focus on comfort and driveability, with cab air conditioning and cruise control both fitted as standard.
Those looking to explore further and for longer can take advantage of the huge 90-litre fresh water tank and 70-litre waste water tank.

Built on a low-line Peugeot Tempo Libero chassis, powered by a 130bhp engine, this range should have a lot of appeal amongst first-time motorhome buyers.

Layouts and prices

At launch, Elddis has gone with two layouts – the two-berth end-washroom 105 and the three-berth 125.
The latter is particularly interesting, as it features a large rear-access locker, which is ideal for storing large bulky items, such as fishing gear or deck chairs, although cyclists will still need to fit a bike rack.
As with every Elddis model, these motorhomes comply with the Belts=Berths promise, so you get an extra seatbelt in the three-berth 125.

Priced at £36,349 for the two-berth and £36,649 for the three-berth, you get a lot of high-end class for your money, with the silver GRP sides combining style with resilience.

And since this model comes built using Elddis Solid Construction, it comes backed up by a ten-year water ingress warranty.
Keeping checking back with CaravanTimes over the next few weeks for a full video report on the new Elddis Accordo motorhomes.


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Mini Cowley Caravan shows that good things come in small packages

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by Daniel Mackrell

Mini has continued to show that size doesn’t matter by producing a compact caravan model which has all the comforts of home.

Since first revealing the Cowley caravan at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the company has developed two other mini camper designs aimed to demonstrate “maximum touring pleasure with minimal footprint”.

The tear-drop shaped Cowley caravan weighs under 300kg and has a mini kitchen made up of a twin-burner gas stove, a water tank and a sink.

There is also an on-board battery which is charged by a solar module, and this makes it possible to power a fridge, a TV and an audio system.

The snug caravan has two sleeping berths, and has been described by Mini as a “luxurious overnight solution” which aims to show creative ways of utilising space.

Mini has kept to the style they are famous for, including the Mini racing stripes, and sliding windows on both sides, similar to the classic Mini design up until 1969.

The name Cowley comes from the factory where the Austin Mini was built, and it is also the home of the current models under the new name of Plant Oxford.

Mini doesn’t currently intend to offer the Cowley caravan as a production model, instead the company designed them as concept vehicles that show the company’s creativity and skill.

One of the other designs in the Mini camping range is the Mini Clubvan Camper, which is the world’s smallest luxury Campervan.

There is also the Mini Countryman ALL4 Camp which features a roof-top tent that fits onto the top of a Mini and is well suited for tackling rough terrain.

For pictures of all three designs you can look at the slideshow below.


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Car and caravan collision causes major tailbacks in the New Forest

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by Tom Walsh

A collision between a car and a caravan caused major tailbacks in the New Forest in the morning of Friday 19 July.

The incident occurred at around 11:50am on the westbound carriageway of the A31 between Picket Post and Poulner Hill in Hampshire.

A police spokesman said that a man had to be cut out of his Ford Galaxy by the air ambulance crew but the injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The accident caused major disruption for the hundreds of holidaymakers that were heading to the south coast to enjoy the summer sun.

This is yet another example of how important it is for caravanners and car owners to be wary of other road users while heading to the countryside or the beach this summer.

Caravan owners should look to take various precautions such as correctly fitting mirrors prior to setting off so as to ensure that they can see traffic approaching from behind.

Hull Caravans expands into new premises after one year in business

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by Tom Walsh

While many businesses across the UK have been feeling the pinch of the economic downturn a caravan dealership in Hull has been prospering.

Wendy Holland, director of Hull Caravans, explained to the Hull Daily Mail that in the space of just one year her company has managed to make significant progress and has been able to expand to new premises.

One of the key reasons she highlights is the rising cost of hotels and holidaying overseas which has prompted many people to purchase a caravan instead.

Ms Holland told the news provider: “There are definitely more younger people coming in with young families. They realise once they have a caravan, they can just set off and go, and it is great to see young children exploring the caravans in our showroom.”

Hull Caravans also looked to increase its offering, giving customers the opportunity to receive a servicing and purchase spare parts and accessories.

With the UK’s heatwave expected to last a little bit longer more and more Brits will be jumping in their caravan for a weekend break in the country.

Caravanners stage protest against closure of storage facility

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by Tom Walsh

Caravanners in Fleet, Hampshire, aimed to bring the town to a standstill when they protested the closure of a caravan storage facility last Friday (19 July).

Around 20 vehicle owners planned to drive through the centre of the town during afternoon rush hour in a bid to “cause carnage”.

The protests followed an announcement that CJM Caravans will be shut after 11 years of being in operation, local radio station 96.4 Eagle reports.

Despite being a staple and much-used facility, the company has never had proper planning permission and Hart District Council warned owner Linda Timms that she needs to respect the planning laws in place.

However, Mrs Timms has been defiant in her action and told the news provider: “I am sure there are always lots of arguments over planning, but truly that is what it feels like.

“Why close a local business down that is successful, is needed in the area and has got a lot of support?”

The move comes after a caravan storage company in Wilsden, West Yorkshire, was denied plans to expand its premises.

Bailey of Bristol announces price freeze on all 2014 caravans

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by Tom Walsh

Bailey of Bristol is giving people that extra incentive to purchase a caravan this summer with a price freeze on all of its touring caravan ranges.

As the summer holiday season gets into full swing, many Brits will be considering a little break in the countryside and there is no better way to get a different part of the country than in a mobile home.

Bailey has some of the most luxurious and affordable tourers on the market, all built on the patented Alu-Tech construction method.

Recent additions to the Bailey portfolio include the Bailey Pegasus GT65, which was launched in January to celebrate the company’s 65th anniversary.

Officials explained that the latest announcement once again reinforces the excellent value for money that the company offers to its customers.

The full 2014 range will be available from dealerships from early August onwards ready for the holiday season.