Buying a caravan should be treated in the same way as a house

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Families contemplating buying a caravan have been told to make the same considerations that they would when purchasing a house.

Alongside reading contracts carefully and being aware of all that is mentioned in the small print, potential caravan buyers are encouraged to use the services of a solicitor to run some checks.

Meanwhile, caravan insurance intermediary Caravanwise has highlighted that many prospective buyers are failing to do their homework in terms of whether they are buying on land at risk of flooding.

Philip Holden, managing director of Caravanwise, believes that if some background work is not carried out before making a purchase, then owners may find themselves struggling to secure insurance.

He said: “We do many quotations for static caravans every day but increasingly we are having to turn people away because the caravan is sited in a high flood risk area.

“Other insurance providers are in the same position and after the disastrous floods we have had in the last two years we are expecting this to become a massive problem this year.”

Caravan insurance will cover owners for problems including theft, vandalism or the vehicle being blown over by the wind when travelling down a major road.

INTERVIEW: Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury

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Meeting a television or film star in the flesh can sometimes result in disappointment. The phrase “larger than life” often comes to mind as presenters or actors appear vulnerable when interviewed, shorn of the lighting and editing which burnishes their image. Not so when meeting Julia Bradbury, the new star of BBC’s Countryfile and a guest of the Camping and Caravanning Club at Boat and Caravan Show. After a Q & A session on the Club’s New To Camping stand (where she deftly entertained the assembled crowd with anecdotes from her adventures) she proved herself to be as naturally engaging and charismatic as her television persona. We caught up with her after the session and met a presenter who is fiercely passionate about the outdoors.

“Shall we do the interview on the baby seats?” she laughs, as we make our way to the plastic mushrooms of the children’s play area. A member of the Camping and Caravanning Club since last year, Julia Bradbury is a vociferous advocate of exploring the countryside. And her interest in the outdoors goes beyond her professional committment, for it turns out Bradbury has been touring the UK “since right back when I was a nipper”. Her face lights up as she recalls being introduced to country walks by her father. “My dad is a Derbyshire lad and someone who appreciates the outdoors in all its form – landscape, flora and fauna – so he brought me up to appreciate it in the same way. I’ve been walking with my dad since I was six years old, I remember getting my first pair of walking boots and striding out with him”.

Encouraging women to explore the outdoors

Originally known for her work on consumer advice programmes such as Watchdog and Are We Being Served, Bradbury rose to fame when presenting a programme about the outdoors. BBC Four’s Wainwright Walks saw her retrace the mountain walks of renowned fell walker Alfred Wainwright, author of the standard guide to walking in the Lake District. From this and her work on Railway Walks she soon found herself tagged with the bizarre title of “Walking Man’s Totty”. However Bradbury is more keen to focus on the female audience who tune in. “Sure, I think those programmes really engaged the audience, but I think people quite like seeing a woman enjoying the outdoors in a non gung-ho way. I know a lot of women watch it and say ‘I like seeing you do that, because it means we can have a go’…it encourages them. And the guys? Well, you know…” she chuckles.

With such an avowed love of exploring, was Countryfile her dream job from the outset? “I’m afraid there was no grand master plan – a few years ago nobody could have expected or would have known Countryfile would have been in it’s current form. It’s changed and it’s moved with the times and I know it’s my work on the walking series which helped me here.” Having joined Countryfile in April 2009 as part of a revamp which saw the programme move from 11am to 7pm on a Sunday, she was eager to respond to criticisms levelled at the relaunch. “The programme has been on air for twenty years, and at its heart are rural affairs and rural issues. What’s good is that we are embracing and participating in all the activities in the UK that there are to do. As a result we’re getting an incredible number of viewers, more than the BBC had originally expected, and that’s just indicative of people’s interests right now”.

From husky racing to wild swimming

In under a year Bradbury has travelled the length and width of the UK participating in outdoor challenges from wild swimming in Oxfordshire to husky racing in the Caingorns. The latter amazed her as “for the first time in thirty years there was enough snow for it – the event takes place every year but on a tricyle-type contraption. They hated me calling it that but it’s a buggy that gets pulled along by the huskies. However this year for the first time we were actually able to race in the snow, and against the backdrop of the Caingorns. Week in, week out I am surprised at what we can do.”

So has she ever been caravanning? “As a family we’d never been on a caravanning holiday. My mum wasn’t a big caravanner and I think there’s a thing about caravanning and camping, as anyone who’s an enthusiast will know, is that whether it’s a family or a partnership affair, all parties must be willing. Otherwise there’s a lot of room for arguments.” She has however travelled in motorhomes to explore the UK. “My friends are surfers who like to follow the waves, so I go with a friend who has a VW camper and it’s all about going to find the best beaches!”

Her commitment to UK tourism even extends to family holidays, which are always taken at Crieff in the Scottish Highlands. “We enjoy spending a lot of time there as a family, so personally Scotland is my favourite UK destination. As you said, I’m lucky enough to go to just about every other corner of the UK with Countryfile, but I think if I had to choose another, Cornwall is a favourite personal destination of mine”.

Walking through Africa

Filled with seemingly boundless energy, Bradbury is looking forward to another year of wild adventures. She revealed to us that the latest will see her explore walks in Africa “as part of a tranche of programmes ahead of the World Cup. The Drachenburg Mountain range was wonderful, and we also take a walk through the Kruger National Park.” However fans of the UK will not be disappointed as she is off around the country again in April, though she couldn’t tell us details. “We’re filming another UK walking series but the location of them is so secret that not even the editors know yet! I’ve been told England, Scotland or Wales” she laughs heartily.

One of those in life fortunate enough to follow her passion as her daily work, Julia Bradbury leaves us with an exciting prospect ahead of her year of touring the UK: “I’ll let you know when I find somewhere completely new and unspoilt!”

Interview by Marcus Dubois. Julia Bradbury was a guest of the Camping and Caravanning Club and promotes their “New To Camping” initiative. For more information please click here.

Park Resorts offers summer bargains

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Caravan and holiday site operator Park Resorts has encouraged Brits to keep an eye on its website for summer bargains.

The firm said it regularly updates its offers and availability and suggested that those planning a vacation act fast to avoid missing out on the best deals.

With the Fifa World Cup coming up, the company’s 39 parks will be screening all of the matches, including England’s games against the USA, Slovenia and Algeria.

Families can stay at one of Park Resorts’ holiday homes during June and July from as little as £79, while May will be even cheaper, with prices from just £69.

Those with little tykes will be able to treat them to a school holiday vacation, with seven-night specials from £389 per holiday home.

Meanwhile, the company recently drew attention to some of its sites’ proximity to Blue Flag beaches.

“There is no better entertainment for the kids than spending the day at the beach, making sand castles and swimming in the sea then heading back to the park for some fabulous evening entertainment,” it claimed.

Berkshire caravan site wins appeal

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A Berkshire caravan park has been victorious in its appeal against a council ruling that it could not add an extra mobile home pitch to the site.

The Babbage versus North Norfolk District Council case saw an inspector agree with the owners that the addition was legitimate and in keeping with the original planning consent, planningresource.co.uk reported.

When the site opened in 1972, the council gave its permission for 51 residential caravan pitches, but failed to state a maximum number that would be allowed.

The licence later obtained by the owners under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 did limit the number to 51 and contained conditions about the amount of space allocated to each one.

However, the inspector working on the case ruled that there was no material change of use involved in adding a further mobile home and that the original planning permission should apply.

He explained that adding an extra vehicle would not sufficiently limit the space to be of any real concern.

In other news, an Angus caravan park owner has been hit with a £1,500 fine for carrying out illegal work at his site.

Scottish caravan park owner fined

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A Scottish caravan park owner has found himself in hot water after carrying out work he had been explicitly told not to undertake.

Crofthead Caravan Park owner Gordon McCormack pressed ahead with upgrades to an access road to his Blairgowrie site, despite being told that he would have to submit details of any planned work prior to it beginning.

According to the Press and Journal, neighbours complained about the work beginning on passing places on the road to the site, which had achieved consent for an extra 60 caravans in 2008.

Fiscal depute Hannah Kennedy reportedly told the court that Mr McCormack had gone against the council’s wishes.

“The council served a stop notice on the site and spoke to the owner to halt the works on February 27th, 2009,” she revealed.

Ms Kennedy added that the site owner then went ahead with work on a platform and wall just a week later.

Mr McCormack was fined £1,500 for his actions, with sheriff Kevin Veal suggesting that the punishment would send a message to others in similar situations.

In other news, planningresource.co.uk has revealed that a Berkshire caravan park owner’s appeal against a decision ruling that he could not add an extra mobile home to the site has been upheld.

UK tourism is relying on the British

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The number of Brits taking holidays in the UK has risen in the last year, while fewer foreign nationals are choosing to stay in the country.

According to recent figures from Eurostat, the industry as a whole suffered during 2009, with a two per cent drop in overnight stays.

The number of nights spent in the country by non-residents fell by 7.8 per cent, although the blow was softened by a 2.2 per cent rise in Brits holidaying at home.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators, some of the results are unsurprising.

Spokesperson Ian Bradley explained that the staycation trend meant that a rise in British holidaymakers was not unusual, but that the foreign national figures were “certainly a higher drop than we would have expected”.

He suggested that if Britain is to compete with other European nations then it will have to do more to encourage visitors, despite the fact that it is one of the continent’s best performers in terms of tourism.

“We’ve got to concentrate on the amount of sites that we have, the heritage that we have, the quality of food, the sights that you can see,” Mr Bradley said.

Attractions nominated for Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards

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Caravan owners considering organising a summer break may be interested in an upcoming tourism awards ceremony.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards will be presented to firms which display a good attitude towards being accessible, inclusive and inspirational attractions.

Nominees have been put forward for a range of categories including Best Family Venue, Best Free Venue and Best Action Venue.

Caravan enthusiasts may be particularly interested in the family section, which will see London’s Science Museum compete with the Eden Project in Cornwall and Legoland Windsor for honours.

Science Museum head of audience research and advocacy Kate Steiner explained that the facility is “delighted” at being put forward for such an illustrious gong.

The museum has a policy in place that helps deaf and disabled visitors and Ms Steiner explained that staff “strive to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into account when designing services” to create an inclusive culture.

Celebrities turn out for Boat and Caravan Show

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Visitors to the Boat and Caravan Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre were welcomed by a host of celebrities on the first day at the show. Caravan Times was present to hear TV presenter and interior designer Linda Barker open the Caravan Club’s stand at the event, which began on Tuesday (February 23rd) and lasts until Sunday.

The former Changing Rooms star was on hand to greet the first to arrive at the show, while Watchdog and Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury and TV chef James Martin also made appearances at the exhibition. Countryfile star Bradbury gave an inpromptu question-and-answer session on the Caravanning and Camping Club’s stand and was a hit with vistors.

As well as caravans and boats, the expo contains a full range of equipment for helping adventure lovers make the most of the outdoors.

Rangemaster is hosting a cookery theatre, where James Martin will be giving a display of outdoor cooking today (Thursday 25th).

The show features caravans from a range of manufacturers, which can be found in the Practical Caravan Hall. Among the brands on offer will be The Swift Group, Elddis, Lunar, Vanmaster and Eriba, while Bailey of Bristol unveil the Olympus to the public.

Caravan trips to the country could benefit kids

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Brits have been encouraged to take their kids to the countryside to help boost their understanding of life.

The suggestion could see more parents book up for caravan trips in order for their children to experience the great outdoors.

Parents and schools should help kids learn through providing new experiences, the Countryside Foundation for Education suggested.

New research from the University of Hertfordshire showed that a number of middle-class parents are nervous about allowing their children to explore rural areas, mainly due to fears over safety.

Rural geography senior lecturer Debbie Pearlman Houghie recently discussed the issue at the Countryside Recreation Network Conference’s Education In The Outdoors event and called for parents to step out of their comfort zone.

However, Countryside Foundation for Education chief executive officer Gary Richardson said that he has not noticed a decline in the number of middle-class families visiting the countryside.

“In fact this year the numbers for a lot of our key events are increasing quite dramatically,” he added.

Mr Richardson explained that taking kids into the great outdoors can be a beneficial experience that teaches them the basics of life.

Another Devon caravan park set for investment

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Last week we reported how Byslades International Touring Park is set for a £5 million investment into refurbishing facilities. Now we can report another Devon caravan park has been given the green light, this time for a £2.5 million investment into its facilities.

Brixham-based Landscove Holiday Park is set to add 101 mobile homes to its cliff top site on Gillard Road, the Herald Express reported.

However, Torbay Council went against the wishes of Brixham Town Council in granting permission for the move.

Fears over the visual impact of the site in an area of outstanding natural beauty led to some councillors expressing their lack of support for the project.

Despite this, Torbay Council voted in favour of the move, putting 26 conditions in place that owners Park Holidays UK must adhere to in order for work to begin.

The provisos reflect residents’ views on traffic volume, sewage and the impact on the environment and local wildlife.

Some councillors were in favour of the move, with Kevin Carroll telling the newspaper that “it is a great vote of confidence” for the town that someone wants to invest so much money.

In other news, the St Albans & Harpenden Review has revealed that a court case has begun surrounding a farm owner’s intention to create three caravan pitches on his land.

Farm owner goes to court over caravan site

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A farm owner in Ardens Rise, St Albans, has launched a battle to be allowed to continue to host three caravan pitches on his land.

Michael Connors has found the local council unwilling to extend the permission for his gypsy caravan site as it is challenging the government over how many pitches it is expected to have in the area, the St Albans & Harpenden Review reported.

A public inquiry into Mr Connors’ complaint has begun and an argument was put forward by Sandridge parish councillor Geoff Churchard, who said that the St Albans area is expected to take on an unfair allocation of gypsy and traveller caravans.

“Back in 1980 we became the first district council to allocate places for gipsies and travellers,” the newspaper reported him as saying.

As such, the council now feels that it is still expected to site a disproportionate number of travellers in comparison to other areas, he added.

In other news, the Herald Express recently revealed that the green light has been given on a £2.5 million investment into a Devon caravan park.

The Haulfryn Group will build over 100 timber-clad static caravans in Paignton as part of a project to develop the area’s caravan holiday parks. It has been said the new development will create 24 full-time and 20 part-time jobs.

Caravan owners foot the bill for fraud

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British caravan owners are having to foot the bill for insurance fraud, it has been revealed.

According to the Caravan Club, the British Insurance Brokers’ Association has said that the UK’s caravanners are being penalised for a rise in the number of false claims.

Technical services manager Steve Foulsham told the organisation that unlawful claims have meant that policy providers have been forced to up their prices to avoid losses.

“We are at the point where insurers have said ‘enough is enough’ and decided they need to retain some kind of profitability,” he said.

The average cost of insuring a caravan in the UK is £564.69, according to Office for National Statistics Retail Price Index figures.

This represents a 19.6 per cent rise from January 2009 and may be down to the fact that fraud cost the UK economy around £2 billion during 2009.

In other news, the National Caravan Council has told politics.co.uk that raising the maximum width of UK caravans to 2.55m this year may put British manufacturers at a commercial disadvantage compared to their European counterparts.