Owner pays penalty for no insurance as caravan burns down

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A caravan owner in Australia has found out first-hand the importance of having insurance for his vehicle after it burned down with all of his belongings inside.

The Standard reports that the early morning blaze was so bad that it took firefighters approximately 90 minutes to bring it under control after it demolished the caravan and annexe.

Luckily, the owner of the vehicle inside the caravan park, known only as Mark, was out at the time, but he did lose all of his possessions.

Park owner Garry Traynor told the publication: “The emergency services were fantastic – the fire brigade and the police.

“It’s just unfortunate that Mark had all his possessions inside. Unfortunately he didn’t have insurance, so he’s now staying in one of our caravans until we sort out what we can do.”

Alongside covering belongings that have been stolen or damaged, caravan insurance could also prove useful in other circumstances.

These include if the vehicle is blown over when being towed on a motorway or if it suffers a small dent when parked in a busy caravan park.

INTERVIEW: Linda Barker at Boat and Caravan

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It’s not every day that you find yourself sitting inside one of the most iconic caravan designs, alongside one of the most well-known interior designers from television. Caravan Times sat down with Linda Barker for a chat after the author and star of BBC’s Changing Rooms had opened Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC. A guest of the Caravan Club, she entertained an impressively large audience at their stand before making a pledge to go caravanning in 2010. And despite being a touring novice, Barker knows her way around a caravan having performed a few makeovers in her time.

Last year a viewer of ITV’s This Morning was given a neglected family caravan by a friend to enable him to take his family on trips around the UK. Paul Cooper found however that the neglected Monza 450 had spent years on a farm as a home to chickens, and was in desperate need of refurbishment. To the rescue came his wife Julie who was watching This Morning and entered a competition to win a caravan makeover by Linda Barker. The designer spent an hour with a team of assistants and the end result saw the Monza fitted with new carpets, lighting, sofas and cushions, topped off with pink wallpaper.

Transforming a space is clearly an activity Barker relishes. She reminisces fondly on the makeover, which then reminds her of a previous refurbishment she undertook at a caravan show. “It was such a basic model, brand new, but I put an amazing shower in, and a whole bathroom, and a fabulous kitchen. It was so much fun!” When put to her that on purchasing a new caravan the majority of buyers look for the complete solution, Barker turns to praise the Airstream 534 that we are sitting in for the interview.

“Well if you get them like this (pointing to the Airstream interior) then you wouldn’t want to do anything. But if you have an older one or have bought one off Ebay, then there’s a joy to be found in playing around with it a little bit. It probably needs tidying up a bit.” She is quick to return to the American trailer as a design pointer. “I really think this Airstream is amazing! They’re top of their game really, the ultimate mobile home. You wouldn’t necessarily want to tweak these that much.”

So is there a different set of rules when designing a caravan interior? “It really is a different set of criteria. What I mean is, you shouldn’t be governed by the normal rules we use in houses. You should be led by what your individual look is, or the style you want to go for. With caravans, you’re not in them all the time – so you can go quite wild with a caravan. You should go for having fun!”

And having fun is what Linda Barker intends to do this year when embarking on her first caravan holiday. When asked for her favourite UK holiday spot, the newly signed-up member of the Caravan Club believes it is “probably North Yorkshire, as I’ve spotted a few nice Caravan Club sites around there already. I mean, you can’t help but notice them – now that I’m a fully paid-up member I’m seeing all their signs around all the farm gates.” But has her family signed up to the adventure? “You know, I think it’s very cool for teenagers actually. My 17 year old daughter is really excited, I think she secretly wants to pass her driving test so she can tow one away!

Before we say our goodbyes, Caravan Times poses the ultimate question to the interior designer. If you enjoy your trip this year and end up purchasing a caravan from new, would you leave it as it is, or would you customise it? Linda Barker breaks into a smile, offering an unequivocal reply.

“Haha! Definitely. I’d definitely tweak it…yes!”

Linda Barker was a guest of the Caravan Club at Boat and Caravan Show. For more information on the Caravan Club please click here

Film based around a caravan park set for national release

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A film revolving around the storyline of two best friends living on a caravan park is set to be released later this month.

The Scouting Book for Boys is based on two 14-year-old children called David and Emily who live on a caravan park on the coast of Norfolk.

As the plot evolves, Emily is forced to go on the run from police and hides with the help of David, who is played by Thomas Turgoose.

The film is released nationally on March 19th, but the Norwich Evening News reports that the Hollywood Cinema in Great Yarmouth will provide individuals with an early viewing.

Much of the film was shot around the Norfolk and Suffolk coast, taking in locations including Broadlands Sands Holiday Park, Holkham Bay and Trimmingham.

Writing a review for Den of Geek, Rupert de Paula remarks that the film is an “unexpected delight” and a “highly impressive British film that deserves to find a wider audience”.

The Scouting Book for Boys is written by Jack Thorne, with Tom Harper completing directing duties.

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New caravans plans in Berwick could boost local economy

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Approximately £2 million could be brought to the Berwick area of Scotland each year as over 200 additional caravans are planned for a caravan park in the location.

The Berwick Advertiser reports that Seafield Caravan Park at Seahouses is making the expansion plans which will see 170 caravan put up for sale and the remainder available to let for holidaymakers.

Owners Strathearn Leisure are hoping to complete the development in three phases, which would result in equal numbers of caravans erected in each segment.

According to the publication, Sandra Thompson, regional director of Signet Planning, which has prepared the plans for the owners, believes the development will have numerous benefits for the region.

Alongside resulting in additional jobs for local people, it is predicted that indirect expenditure could lead to an extra £1.83 million coming into the local economy every 12 months.

There are numerous caravan parks for both couples and families to enjoy across Scotland, offering the chance to take part in indoor leisure facilities, alongside being in locations that offer romantic walks around the coastline.

British Pie Week: where to find the best pies

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From the 1st-7th March this year Britain is being encouraged to celebrate one of the humblest yet most popular dishes in the national cuisine. Step forward the British pie. A baked dish chiefly consisting of pastry that covers a filling of sweet or savoury ingredients, the pie has been amongst us since the 12th century, and can be found anywhere from the football terraces to the packed lunchboxes of executives.

British Pie Week has been organised by Jus-Rol the pastry company, and the firm came up with a competition earlier in the year to find the best pie in England. And despite travelling the length and breadth of the country, the finalists were mainly to be found in the south-west.

Two from Cornwall, one from Devon and another from Somerset made up four of the five shortlisted, while Cardiff was the lone entry from outside the region that made the final. The competition was eventually won by the Cardiff entrant, with chef Adam Pavey from The Goat Major pub carrying away the award.

The Goat Major, High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU. Tel:(029) 20337161

Chef Adam Pavey was said to have “wowed the judges” with his delicious Wye Valley pie, described by the officials as “heaven in a pie”. Pavey combined locally sourced ingredients such as Welsh Tintern Abbey cheese with light Jus-Rol pastry to create his winning pie. Those who are planning a trip to Cardiff will be pleased to know that The Goat Major is easily found in the town centre at the head of the High Street.

The Fisherman’s Arms, 31 Lambhay Street, Plymouth, PL1 2NN. Tel: (01752) 661457

From the list of finalists we turn to Plymouth and the Fisherman’s Arms, where chef Martyn Scott also sourced local ingredients for his highly commended entry. The pub lives up to the name as chef Scott uses the local harbour to find the freshest ingredients for his Smoked Fish and Cider Pie. Each day a new supply is delivered to the popular Plymouth pub, and chef Scott is proud of their links with the fishermen. “We only use local produce to support our community and ensure the best ingredients possible”.

The Lamb Inn, 1 Christchurch Street East, Frome, BA11 1QA. Tel: (01373) 472042

Set amongst the historic architecture of Frome, the Lamb Inn is a small family owned freehouse that happens to produce one of the best arrays of pies. Chef Paul Davies is behind the ‘Classic Pie Collection’ and again emphasises the importance of sourcing local produce. He believes “the balance and depth of flavour in our signature Venison and Stilton pie is the very best of the best.”

The Fountain Inn, Newbridge, TR20 8QH. Tel: (01736) 364075

Newbridge in Cornwall boasts what the owners call “A real Cornish local pub”, and a venue which during the holiday season is teeming with visitors. The Fountain Inn is known for holding “Pie Nights” every Friday, and as such will be celebrating reaching the finals of British Pie Week. Chef Dan Tibbins created the “Blue Cow Pie” as a variation on the traditional favourite that is steak and stilton pie. Described by Tibbins as “a real hit with our customers” the Fountain Inn can be found between Penzance and St Just.

The Heron Inn, Trenhaile Terrace, Malpas, Truro TR1 1SL. Tel: 01872 272773

Situated in the picture-postcard village of Malpas is a pub overlooking the very place where three rivers meet. The Heron Inn is renowned locally for its cuisine and chef Karen Berg went for a unique twist on the pie theme. Her version of the traditional “apple pie and cream” was called Fudgey Apple Pie, and she explains “When you cut into it, the hot liquid creamy fudge oozes out, creating a simple yet irresistible pie!”.

British Pie Week takes place between the 1st-7th March 2010.

New iPhone app will support caravan drivers

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Caravan drivers may be able to avoid towing their vehicles down windy or narrow roads through some new software available as an application on the Apple iPhone.

The AA’s Route Planner navigation software allows motorists to specifically steer clear of situations including toll roads and motorways.

In particular, a specific ‘caravan friendly’ mode will ensure drivers stick to roads suitable for the vehicles.

According to the Press Association, Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “It is estimated that at any one time up to 15 per cent of drivers in urban areas may be lost, adding to congestion and frustration among drivers.

“A well-planned route not only saves time, money and CO2 but also makes for a calmer, safer journey. Millions of people rely on AA Route Planner and with this new app this will now be available wherever they are.”

Routes can be planned using the software by start and end destinations or through the current location in which a user is situated.

Maintenance key for caravan owners looking for return visits

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Caravan park owners have been warned of the importance of keeping their sites up to scratch if they want to ensure visitors return for future trips.

The Maclaey Argus reports that two couples who regularly visit the same caravan park in Australia are fearful that its current state could not only lead to a lack of guests, but also have implications on local businesses.

Jeff Rodway is one of the frequent visitors and believes that the owners of the site are not using a percentage of any fees received towards ensuring facilities are well maintained.

He told the publication: “The facilities leave a lot to be desired. We travel six months of the year with the caravan and have been around Australia and this is the worst park we have stayed at.

“When camping we are prepared to take on nature and the elements, but when you are trying to set up and have three inches of water under your feet while trying to connect power to your site it is a dangerous situation to be in.”

Among the checks that should be regularly carried out on caravans to ensure their safety are looking more closely at tyres, lights, brakes and gas fittings.

New caravan park focuses on families and eco-friendliness

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Environmental friendliness and a focus towards catering for families with young children are among the aims of a new £2 million caravan park to be built in County Durham.

The Teeside Mercury reports that 76 touring pitches will be present on the Caravan Club site near Startforth, which covers eight acres of land.

Among the additional features that will greet visitors are a children’s play area, toddler facilities, a laundry area and a toilet block.

The block will also feature underfloor heating, while rainwater will be recovered to be used to flush toilets a solar pre-heating will provide hot water.

A spokesperson for the Caravan Club told the publication: “The club always favours the opportunity to develop a site ‘from scratch’ on either greenfield or brownfield land.

“This approach enables perfect planning to the high standards and specifications that members rightly expect.”

Enjoying a caravan holiday is one of the most eco-friendly ways to experience a break as they give off only a fraction of the gases created by air travel.

Grandparents take grandkids caravanning

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A UK holiday operator has noticed an emerging trend for grandparents taking their grandchildren on caravanning holidays.

According to Haven Holidays, almost one in five spring bookings at its sites are of this sort.

The firm owns 35 sites across the UK, many of which are located next to or near the seaside.

It offers numerous activities for youngsters, such as Annabel’s Creative Kitchen, which is a course designed by Annabel Karmel that acts as an introduction to cooking.

Tiny Mites Music allows children to indulge their creative side, while the Learn2Swim classes should help boost confidence in the water by utilising the heated pools available at every one of Haven’s caravan parks.

“We make sure all our parks have baby-changing areas, buggy-friendly access, high-chairs and baby menus readily available in restaurants and baby equipment available to hire to keep packing to a minimum,” the firm said.

It added that kids are welcomed in all of its venues, which should allow families to enjoy their time holidaying together.

In other news, Haven recently announced plans to allow families to bring their dog on vacation for just £1 extra.

Bring dogs to caravan park for a pound

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The May Day long weekend is fast approaching and caravan owners may be preparing to head off on another adventure.

Some may be concerned about what to do with their dog while they are away, but Haven Holidays believes it has the answer.

The operator is running an offer whereby customers can bring their canine companion for just £1.

“Family holidays just aren’t the same if you have to leave one family member behind,” the firm said. “Especially if it’s the one that doesn’t argue, doesn’t need any luggage and is always pleased to see you.”

As such, Haven is offering those who book a break at selected sites the chance to bring their pooch along.

Perran Sands is one of the company’s 35 parks and offers miles of sandy beach where families and their dogs can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Cornish coastline.

Haven recently noted a rise in bookings for 2010 and suggested that flight cancellations and tight finances may have been contributory factors.

Haven: BA strike helping caravan industry

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While the British Airways flight staff strike may have damaged the air carrier’s fortunes, the industrial action has helped the UK caravanning industry.

According to Haven Holidays, bookings at its sites have surged as a result, with a 42 per cent year-on-year rise over the Easter break.

“Our hotlines have been jammed with callers and many customers have said they were thinking of going abroad but had now decided to go for somewhere more convenient where they were less likely to experience delays,” a spokesperson said.

They added that Easter holidays are beginning to catch up with summer vacations in terms of popularity among families.

With 35 caravan parks across the UK, Haven caters for 2.5 million people each year and is one of the UK’s leading tourism providers.

It was named operator of the year in the 2009 British Travel Awards.

Meanwhile, Haven recently noted that Brits are shunning trips to the eurozone thanks to the poor exchange rates.

New static caravan development planned for Hertfordshire

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Individuals and families looking for the chance to sample more of what London has to offer may be able to through opting to stay in a caravan rather than a hotel.

The Camping and Caravanning Club is expecting to open a new complex in Hertfordshire next year, which will home 15 static caravans on the outskirts of the capital, with the first of which predicted to be finished by the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, it is suggested that travellers will still get ample chance to see what London has to offer, while staying in a location that is much quieter and surrounded by woodland.

Mike Nicholas, the organisation’s national holiday homes manager, said: “The leafy haven of Theobolds will provide holidaymakers with the best of both worlds – a quiet, peaceful environment to base themselves, with London only a short train-ride away.”

Among the items that a holidaymaker may want to ensure is included in their luggage before departing on a caravan break are a few toilet rolls, some tea bags and bed linen, in case this is not provided.