Wilsden caravan storage firm denied expansion

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by Tom Walsh

A west Yorkshire caravan storage business has been denied planning permission to expand its premises.

Kurt Kunz, based in Wilsden, had submitted an application for permission to change the use of agricultural land next to Coppice Cottage in Lee Lane.

The move was designed to allow more caravans to be stored in the area but following lengthy discussions councillors deemed the plans to be “inappropriate”.

Despite Wilsden Parish Council supporting the application, which would see space opened up for a total of 125 caravans, and Bradford Council failing to receive any objections the planning was turned down.

“It is not felt any special circumstances have been put forward to warrant such a significant increase in size, and the proposal is considered to be inappropriate development in the green belt,” planning officers said.

Due to its location Wilsden is perfect for people wanting to visit Yorkshire’s countryside and being able to store more caravans was thought to be an ideal solution.

Wellhouse Leisure to launch Ford Tourneo Custom campervan

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by Chris Jefferies
In a first for the UK campervan industry, Wellhouse Leisure has unveiled a new panel van conversion that is based on the Ford Tourneo.
This luxury people mover is closely related to the best-selling Ford Transit, which should translate into excellent storage and driveability for campervan buyers.
Wellhouse Leisure has a solid track record of van conversions, with their Hyundai i800 range drawing widespread praise.
On the Ford Tourneo Custom, the conversion specialist has added an elevating roof with an extra-large double bed inside, while the three-seat rear bench below can sleep three more campers.
On-board specification includes a heater, fridge, gas cooker, sink and electric hook-up, while cab amenities include cruise control, a heated windscreen, and front and rear parking sensors.
All of this is fitted into a van than measures just under 5m long, while the 10.9m turning circle makes it a practical choice for day-to-day use.
A 2.2-litre TDCI engine delivers 43.5mpg, while the Tourneo Custom comes backed up by European Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
David Elliott, managing director of Wellhouse Leisure, said: “The old Transit never struck the right chord with campervan customers, but the new Tourneo Custom looks really good and is great to drive.
“Plus it comes with all the latest Ford technology to make it convenient to live with, economical to run and much better value than most rivals.”
Prices start at £39,995, and you can take a look for yourself on the Wellhouse Leisure stand at the 2013 NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show, which runs at the Birmingham NEC from 15 to 20 October.

VIP caravan holiday competition closed and winner revealed

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by Chris Jefferies
In our latest competition, CaravanTimes has teamed up with The Caravan Club to offer one lucky reader a VIP caravan holiday.
Our top prize was a week’s stay at Hillhead Caravan Club site in Devon, where the winner will have the chance to relax in a luxury Bailey Unicorn caravan.
They will also get to meet pop group Club2Gethr, along with a champagne hamper to top off a truly special week on the English Riviera.
Entrants were asked to tell us the name of Club2Gethr’s debut single, which is out this week, and of course the answer was ‘Livin’ The Dream’.
The deadline for entries has now closed, and the time has come to announce the lucky winner, who is:

David Cuff

Congratulations, we will be in touch via e-mail to help organise your free holiday. Bad luck to everyone else, but keeping checking back with CaravanTimes for more exciting competitions in the near future.

2014 Compass Corona, Omega and Rallye unveiled at Elddis launch

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by Chris Jefferies
As reported on CaravanTimes ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/makes/compass/elddis-to-bring-back-compass-corona-omega-and-rallye-for-2014-$21382782.htm">last month, ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/compass/">Compass Caravans is making a comeback to the UK market after a four-year absence.
The heritage brand has been revived by Solid Construction manufacturer Elddis, who unveiled the new Corona, Omega and Rallye models at their annual launch event in Consett, County Durham this week (15-17 July).
Each range is built on an Al-Ko chassis, with a traditional white exterior complimented by blue graphic designs and Hawk alloy wheels.

Elddis aims to hugely increase its geographical reach with the release of these models and an expanded dealer network will be taking delivery of Compass tourers from September onwards.
Corona comeback
Each of the three ranges feature similar specification levels to equivalent Elddis collections, albeit with a few key differences.
The Compass Corona is pitched at the same level as the Elddis Avante, with a focus on value for money.
Owners will get Al-Ko ATC trailer stability control as standard, along with shock absorbers and the option to fit a Secure wheel lock.
Interiors come furnished with Noce Prosecco woodgrain, while brush finished handles and a stainless steel sink complete the look.
Four popular layouts will be offered at first in the form of the two-berth end-washroom 462, the four-berth fixed-double bed 540, the four-berth fixed-twin single bed 572 and the six-berth 576.
Opulent Omega
Moving up the range and the Compass Omega draws on the Elddis Affinity for inspiration, with similar specification levels.
All models will feature Alde central heating and a GRP gas locker door, with MTPLM weights kept under 1,500kgs for ease of towing.
Layouts are similar to the Corona collection, with the exception of the four-berth island bed 550, which is available in place of a six-berth layout.
Resurgent Rallye
At the very top of the Compass range, Rallye buyers will get a sleek new look, featuring a bold panoramic sunroof to flood the interiors with natural light.
Key specification includes Al-Ko Secure wheel locks and a Phantom tracker as standard, while the pleated window blinds and white shower cubicles complete the quality feel of the interiors.
A choice of two single-axle and two twin-axle layouts will be offered, all of which are four-berths with fixed beds, including transverse island beds, fixed twin singles and fixed side doubles.
Prices and warranty
These ranges will go toe-to-toe with the very best in the industry in terms of price as well as specification.
The Corona range starts at £15,499 for the two-berth model, while four-berth variants will cost £16,999.
In the Omega range, the two-berth ‘van will cost £18,249, while the four-berth models will be priced at £19,299.
And in the Rallye collection single-axle models are available for £21,599, whereas twin-axle tourers will cost £24,499.
Every model comes backed up by Solid Construction’s ten-year water ingress warranty, and all prices above are inclusive of VAT, but are subject to a delivery charge of £495.
If you want to take a look at the Compass collection for yourself, Elddis will be exhibiting at the Lawns show in Cottingham over the weekend of 7-8 September.
In the meantime, keep checking back with CaravanTimes for a full video report on the new Compass range.


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Kathmandu creates women-only sleeping bag

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by Suzette Rabout

With sunshine blazing and forecasts showing prolonged sunny weather for most of the UK, many Brits are heading out camping and caravanning.

Alongside all other essentials, those heading out on the road want to make sure that they are comfortable and better still that they get a good night’s sleep.

Now they do say that “this is a man’s world”, but they also say that “it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl”.

Outdoor clothing company Kathmandu seem to have taken note after recently releasing a sleeping bag created specifically for women.

The Columbus women’s sleeping bag is designed for women with womenFIT technology featured to cater to a woman’s shape.

The sleeping bag also provides extra warmth surrounding the chest and feet area, which are apparently the places that women lose heat from the most.

With features such as a duck down filling, a water-resistant finish and an internal valuables pocket, what more could a woman ask for? Unless of course it was able to do your washing and ironing as well…

All jokes aside, the sleeping bag comes in at £199.99 and weighs 1.07kg, so women can treat themselves to a comfortable sleep on their staycation, no men allowed.

Bailey Approach Autograph offers more motorhome luxury and clever layouts

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by Chris Jefferies
When Bailey of Bristol launched its first motorhome, the Approach SE, back in 2011, it’s fair to say there was a mixed reaction.
While some celebrated how well suited Alu-Tech construction was for use in a motorhome, others bemoaned the boxy design.
Well now, the company has followed up its debut range with the all-new Bailey Approach Autograph, and the results are particularly impressive.
Boasting a sporty Graphite and Polar exterior colour scheme and aerodynamic profiling, this model will certainly attract motorhome owners who want modern styling.

But scratch below the surface and there is plenty to appeal to sophisticated motorhomers with high expectations and exacting requirements.
Spec and layouts
Key specification on board includes touchscreen-controlled Alde central heating, an opening skylight at the front and a dual-fuel hob in the flexible kitchen areas.
Cab comforts include air conditioning, cruise control and a six-speed gearbox, which drives the Peugeot 2.2-litre Euro-5 compliant diesel engine.
Those looking to travel further and for longer can take advantage of the 100-litre water tank, while a Banner leisure battery comes as standard, with space for a second to be fitted as well.
The low-line Al-Ko AMC chassis allows for 6’10” headroom, which in turn has allowed the Bailey designers to create some truly exceptional layouts.
As well as commonplace two and four-berth fixed double bed layouts, the Approach Autograph range features a UK first in the form of the fixed twin single bed 750.
This model’s raised rear bedroom allows for a cavernous rear garage beneath, which can easily swallow up bikes, deckchairs, barbecues, or even scooters.
Inspired by best-selling European motorhomes, this model has a real continental flair to it.
Meanwhile, the range-topping 765 is a completely unique layout, as Bailey has created an electronically lowering double bed, which descends from the roof at the touch of a button.
The main benefit here is to remove the need for an over-cab Luton area, in turn reducing the overall height and improving fuel consumption.
Bailey claims that this layout is the first of its kind, and the company is currently working with the NCC to develop guidelines surrounding the adoption of this technology in other motorhomes.
Prices and launch dates
Bailey motorhome dealers will take delivery of these new models from early next month, and visitors to the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show (15 – 20 October) will get a chance to peruse them at leisure.
Prices start at £44,460 for the two-berth Autograph 625, rising to £47,750 for the six-berth 765.
Keep checking back with CaravanTimes for full video coverage of this exciting new motorhome range.


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Mobile phone charger sparks Cornwall caravan blaze

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by Tom Walsh

A mobile phone charger is believed to have sparked a caravan fire at a holiday park in Cornwall.

The couple involved, visiting from London, were lucky to escape as flames engulfed their tourer at 3:00am on Monday morning.

Western Morning News reported that the couple, who were staying at Lanarth Caravan Park on St Kew Highway, Cornwell, were awoken in the middle of the night and managed to quickly escape.

Less than a minute later the whole caravan burst into flames and spread to their new BMW parked outside.

Parts of the car were melted due to the sheer intensity of the fire, and crews from Wadebridge and Delabole were called in to tackle the blaze.

It is yet another reminder to caravanners this summer that they must remain extra vigilant when using electrical products while away on holiday.

Making sure that devices are switched off when going to sleep will help to avoid any further costly accidents.

Couple lose caravan explosion donations in fire

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by Tom Walsh

They say lightning never strikes twice but for a couple whose caravan “exploded” they maybe starting to think otherwise.

Eddie and Helen Hepburn were left devastated when their holiday home was destroyed and now money raised by kind residents has also been lost in a separate fire.

Fellow holidaymakers at Lighthouse Leisure Caravan Park in Southerness had organised a collection to help out Mr and Mrs Hepburn but the money, left in the bar area of the park, was lost when the Mermaid Leisure centre itself went up in flames.

Neighbour Roselyn Pettigrew told the Dumfries and Galloway Standard: “We were doing it [the collection] because they were poor wee souls.

“The tin was supposed to be there all week and we were planning a wee fundraising party this Saturday. I guess that won’t be happening now.”

Around 30 firefighters had to be called to the site to tackle the blaze which engulfed an indoor pool, bar and restaurant.

UK holiday parks benefiting from continental visitors

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by Tom Walsh

The UK has always been seen as a popular tourist destination but a recent survey has revealed a spike in continental families visiting the nation’s holiday parks.

Research by the Best of British group found that there had been a rise in bookings from families in France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

As the country is experiencing a mini heatwave more and more people from the continent are opting to holiday at the UK’s plethora of holiday parks allowing them to explore what the nation has to offer.

Reasons for this surge in bookings have ranged from the publicity surrounding the royal baby, Andy Murray’s recent Wimbledon triumph and the Euro’s strong buying power.

Claire Jeavons, Best of British chairman, explained that UK families have also been embracing the holiday parks and not just their continental counterparts.

“There’s a great continental atmosphere and a sense of celebration on many of our members’ holiday parks this summer,” Ms Jeavons added.

Jordanstown campsite claims prestigious award

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by Tom Walsh

A council-run campsite in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, has been bestowed with the title of “best in Ireland”.

Jordanstown Loughshore was given the honour by the Irish Camping and Caravan Club following a site visit in June, Newtownabbey Times reports.

Officials were impressed with the facility and have already submitted a request to the council to rent out the site for a full weekend in December.

The club is aiming to bring 20 vehicles to Jordanstown Loughshore as part of a rally starting on 6 December.

Brendan Whyte, club official, told the news provider: “A good well-run facility, with power points and good access to the town or city centre is ideal for our needs. We usually organise a rally to Belfast for December for the markets and Christmas shopping.”

Jordanstown Loughshore sits on the coast of the Irish Sea and is just 15 minutes north of Belfast making it ideal for holidaymakers travelling to the capital.

North Wales caravan parks benefiting from heatwave

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by Tom Walsh

The UK has been resembling something out of the Caribbean of late as temperatures soared to the high 20s.

While many Brits often bemoan a lack of a summer, 2013 has been a totally different beast and North Wales’ wealth of caravan parks, hotels and campsites have noted a surge in takings due to the warm weather.

North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson explained that there had been 25 per cent increase in revenues at some of the area’s attractions.

Speaking to the Daily Post, Mr Jackson said that the region has previously been blighted by wet summers but this year has been totally different.

He told the news provider: “The good weather is absolutely great news for the industry. By my calculations, it’s seven years since we had a consistently long midsummer period of sunshine.”

As more and more people indulge in staycations rather than heading abroad this has meant that caravan parks and campsites have become big winners and have accordingly seen a rise in takings.

Tickets on sale now for 2013 NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show

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by Tom Walsh

Preparations are already being made for 2013’s NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show as the biggest event on the calendar returns for another year.

It will once again be held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre taking place from 15 – 20 October and visitors can now purchase tickets for the event.

Booking early will ensure that people are able to benefit from advance ticket prices starting from just £7 while children under the age of 16 can go for free. The ticket includes a show guide and parking at the arena.

The advance booking price is limited up until 14 October so visitors are urged to act quick before they all sell out.

The event will give people the opportunity to plan their 2014 holiday with a host of top names unveiling their next range for the coming year.

Last year’s show was recently featured on BBC One’s The Apprentice where candidates were given the task of selling caravans and accessories to visitors.