I’m A Celebrity winner to buy Dad a caravan with prize money

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By Tom Leaning

Scarlett Moffatt is on the lookout for a luxury caravan for her parents after reality show win.

Reality star Scarlett Moffatt has declared that a new caravan for her parents is at the top of her gift list after bagging a £1 million windfall from after winning ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

The newly crowned Jungle queen told The Sun: “It would just be nice to buy my dad a caravan. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as happy or content as I have now, so a million pounds isn’t going to make any difference.

“I’m really sensible with my money. So I would like to own my own house rather than rent.

“That’s really boring isn’t it? What else can I buy? Loads of chicken kebabs!”

The Gogglebox star, who beat comedian Joel Dommett on her way to the annual IACGMOOH title, charmed TV audiences with her witty one-liners and upfront honesty.

During her three week ordeal in the Australian outback, Ms. Moffatt had to perform a whole host of gut-wrenching challenges, including eating camel nipples and other horrific ingredients.

The Caravan Times would like to congratulate the I’m A Celebrity winner, and offer a playful suggestion of which caravan would make a fun Christmas present for her lucky parents:

The Sol Cinema is the smallest solar powered cinema in the world, and can seat eight adults in its comfortable interior with a wide LED screen playing your favourite movies or episodes of Gogglebox and I’m A Celebrity.

Contact the lovely people at The Sol Cinema for a quote on buying or renting this glorious home caravan cinema on wheels.

The Sol Cinema

A look inside Marquis’ new Lifestyle 4SB

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By Tom Evans

CaravanTimes are always interested in a dealer special.

In general they’re a great way to up-spec a base level van and end up with something a little more unique. The Lifestyle brand from Marquis are no different and the stylish-on-the-outside, airy-on-the-inside 4SB, is a case in point.

Built on the Sprite Major 4SB, an interesting van in it’s own right, with it’s transverse rear bed and end washroom (a very unusual sight in this price range), the Lifestyle 4SB starts at £18,495.

And for that it comes loaded with features, most notably the Mini Heki Rooflights which really illuminate the space well, a Duvalay Duvalite mattress which if you’ve ever tried, you’ll know are second to none and the tasteful furnishing pack which keeps it modern but still homely, unlike some of the colder “scandi” interior design we’ve seen coming through this year.

It’s been pitched to us as a 4 berth, which it will handle well, but we at CaravanTimes think it’s a couple that will get the most out of this van.

Check out our video for a more in depth look.

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Tornado strikes campsite on Pacific volcano

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By Tom Leaning

Dust devil tornado wrecks havoc on a campsite in a volcanic crater on the isle of Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean

International campers were left shaken after witnessing a powerful dust devil tornado rip through their campsite in the Marum Crater on the isle of Vanuatu.

During an expedition to the top of the volcanic crater in the Pacific ocean, Briton Chris Horsley and New Zealand photographer, Geoff Mackley, noticed the weather turning hazardous, before seeing the weather phenomenon heading straight for their camp.

Mr Mackley, who was able to capture the dust devil on camera, told The Caters News Agency: “[The dust devil] did quite a bit of damage in the camp, bottles were flying around and tents unpicked, but we fixed it quite quickly.

“It was fairly hard to see when it ripped through camp, due to the dust and rocks it picked up.

“Dust devils are not too common up there but on this day there were literally hundreds of them.”

Dust devils range from half a meter wide and a few meters tall to more than 10 metres wide and more than 1000 metres tall.

Something a little different this Christmas?

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by Dan Cartwright

Something a little different this Christmas?

It’s that time of year again. The season of good will to all and hopefully a chance to take some time off and relax.

Between now and the big day there is going to be much talk of presents. Children will want the latest games machine, or impossible-to-find-sold-out-everywhere fad toy, Mums will want everyone to be happy and no one ever knows what Dad wants… until now

CaravanTimes started looking at what, in the world of caravanning, you could get for the price of a modern games machine? We planned to do a Christmas present feature but we were immediately struck by this Eccles Topaz which we think is a 1982 model though not certain.

This little beauty is on eBay right now for the next 8 days with the very round buy it now price of £360.

As you can see from the photos it looks like its been loved and is well traveled. The seller “Angel-Greav” (eBay name) describes it as “easy to tow” which from the photos of them towing it with a Fiesta must be correct. They also describe it as an “ideal starter caravan”.

If you already have a caravan, what about family and friends who have thought about it? this could be a real Gem (get it?).

Please note we have not seen the caravan in person and have no idea of it’s condition or reliability.

Have any of our readers owned a topaz in the 80’s? If so let us know what they were like and anything to watch out for when buying?

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Glamping: A fun fad or here to stay?

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Dan Cartwright

Glamping – What it means to the camping, caravan and motorhome community.

Glamping seems to be taking over the world – its one of the hottest topics on forums and glamping sites have sprung up all over the country and even further afield.

This year I have been to many glamping sites to test out the different types but more importantly talk to the people. We will be bring more detail on each type of glamping in the current weeks but before we start on the detail here some thoughts about it in general and where it sits with the camping, caravanning and motorhome community.

So what is glamping? on the face of things glamping is exactly what the portmanteau word describes, glamorous camping. It is camping where you don’t have to take a tent, caravan or motorhome. Your glamping tent invariably comes with different levels of amenities from cooking facilities to bedding and towels depending on your location (please check carefully before you arrive incase these things are not included).

This means glamping can be seen as a drive in drive out, almost hotel-like experience or more importantly it can be marketed in this way. From the original idea of a few yurts at the bottom of a farm you can now buy glamping “experiences” in Argos! The proliferation of marketing from websites like AirBnB, to Groupon mean this is now big business in the UK and it looks like it is here to stay.

There is some bad press and comments around glamping, especially more recently. This is a little unfair on glamping and it is probably more about the way it is marketed. To friends who ask about it that have never been camping I will advise them to not forget the camping part. Im sure many of the bad comments have been made by people who buy a glamping “experience” and are glamoured (get it) by the idea, the romance of sleeping under the stars with no idea of the practicalities of using a portaloo at 3AM or shower block on a rainy morning.

Now we have addressed the negativity lets look at the positives. Given your reading this on CaravanTimes I expect you have some experience with camping, caravaning or motorhoming so I won’t dumb things down. The main advantage of Glamping is that it opens up more of our amazing countryside and coastline to more people. It makes it possible for people to get a flavour if not a taste of what keeps us camping, caravanning or motorhoming. Thats a good thing, trust me – whilst no one likes crowded beaches having more people camping/ caravanning or motorhoming means better facilities, better investment from local and national government for the industry, better legislation and more product innovation in the industry. If some of these glampers get the bug and profess out camping, caravanning or motorhoming on there own then as far as I’m concerned glamping is brilliant.

Now where does glamping fit if you’re already camping, have a caravan or motorhome? should you give it go? Well in my opinion yes, some of the more remote locations are amazing and very off the beaten track, potentially more remote than CL sites or even rallying. But do be warned if you are used to a caravan or motorhome this is still camping, most glamping tents don’t have central heating, dual fuel cooking facilities, satellite TV or 90 litre fridges!

But where I see the real benefit in glamping is about opening up our world to our friends and family. I’m for ever going on to anyone who doesn’t camp about the wonderful locations and fantastic breaks we have as a family but unless they spend a lot of money to try it they can’t come with us… now they can. There will be a glamping site just about anywhere, meaning you can go to your favourite location and your friends or family can go glamping near by and you can all have a fantastic time together. Some of the big site companies such as Parkdean Resorts offer glamping and touring facilities on the same site, as do caravan club with there camping pods. So next time you’re telling someone about your fantastic holiday you can invite them along to the next.

Over the coming weeks we will be looking in more detail at the different types of glamping from pods to yurts to safari tents and everything in-between to give you more ideas to inspire your friends and families.

Christmas in a Caravan

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By Dan Cartwright

Christmas in a caravan? The great mug giveaway!

CaravanTimes have tested caravans and motorhomes in the coldest conditions from cold chambers in Derby to ski resorts in Austria our reporters all conclude that our leisure vehicles are not only capable but enjoyable in these low temperatures.

But what about spending Christmas in a caravan? We know the caravan or motorhome will keep you warm we want to see pictures of the big day in a caravan or motorhome. We’ve heard it happens but we have never seen it!

Are you planning on spending Christmas in your caravan? If so take a photo, email it to us at editor@caravantimes.co.uk or post it on our Facebook
and we will send you a wonderful and free CaravanTimes mug.

We currently have about 30 in the cupboard and once they’re gone they’re gone but please do send your photo’s and if you use twitter and want to hashtag then use the
#christmasinacaravan

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filed under: News

A video sneak peak into an Elddis retailer preview

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by Ed Davies

With Elddis’s new Camino launch hyped as the new caravan with the “whoa factor” we take you behind the scenes at an Elddis preview event to see what it is all about

Following the considerable changes to the lineup this year Elddis is keen to showcase their new models.

There will be 56 vehicles on show, 42 caravans and 14 motorhomes and is the culmination of years of preparation.

There is considerable excitement at the new layouts and changes to the lineup with a clear favourite being the developments in the Compass Camino range.

Seen as the ‘stand-out’ vehicle across all the new models but others such as Affinity received attention for its furnishing and colour touches.

As can be seen in the video a great deal of effort clearly goes into arranging the preview, with a sizeable team on hand to get it all ready.

Elite Caravans becomes official Lunar sales dealership

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by Ed Davies

Northampton-based Elite Caravans has been announced as an official dealership for the award-winning caravan collections from Lunar, Venus and Alaria

Elite Caravans is an independent, family owned and run business conveniently located in Blisworth, Northamptonshire just off the A43.

The company has been established for over 60 years and the friendly and knowledgeable team boasts over 65 years of expertise in caravans and caravanning.

The Lunar, Venus and Alaria collections will be on display at the dealership, which is NCC Approved for sales as well as its comprehensive workshop.

Other services on offer include caravan storage and a well-stocked accessories shop and valet service.

Gary Glenn, manager of Elite Caravans, said: “The Lunar and Venus ranges are the perfect addition to our offering here and we are excited to welcome the new premium Alaria range as we are seeing a huge rise in the demand for luxury in modern touring caravans.

“We have been impressed with the build quality and the huge specification offered by Lunar across all of its brands.

“The choice of versatile layouts will also appeal to a wide spectrum of customers with varying budgets and needs, whether it’s a perfect getaway for two or escape for all the family.”

Automated motorhomes now the future?

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by Ed Davies

Are companies unwittingly seeking to deprive us of what is so great about driving or holidays in general by looking for ever more ways to automate our vehicles?
For myself, although long drives are, of course, sometimes a chore there is something unique about setting off on the journey finding the way and possibly occasionally getting lost.
The anger and confusion that this causes is almost part of a ritual that I am sure an automated bot would do away with were the invention to come to fruition.
Therefore, hearing the news that three companies have recently received approval from the local government in Ontario, Canada to start autonomous driving tests, one of them being motorhome manufacturer Erwin Hymer Group, gave me pause for thought.
The director of engineering for the company, Joel Adams, said: “The age of the driver is over. The age of the passenger is beginning.”
GOD NO! For me the only thing worse than driving such long distances is the infernal wait in the back seat not able to read for fear of being sick.
In terms of the the new tech, each vehicle being tested will be connected to the internet and use visual sensors, radar and sonar to scan the surrounding area.
This will enable the vehicle to deal with various types of road conditions, other traffic and people.
They will also be able to communicate with other driverless vehicles and ensure safe distances are maintained from other vehicles.
The three companies who have received approval are the University of Waterloo, BlackBerry QNX and The Erwin Hymer Group, which will be using a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van.
This is the base vehicle for a number of its HymerCar panel van conversions.

Somerset couple’s park scoops gold

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by Ed Davies

Autumn turned into a truly golden season for the family owners of an Exmoor holiday park after it scooped a top accolade in the 2016 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards

Waterrow Touring Park in Wiveliscombe received the gold award in the camping and caravanning category of the competition in which hundreds of other contenders took part.

Stepping up to receive the winning trophy at Bristol’s Cadbury Hilton hotel in October were Lynette and Jamie Cook who, along with Jamie’s parents, own Waterrow.

The husband-and-wife team quit their successful careers in IT and customer services four years ago to take on the tranquil picture-postcard park on the fringes of Exmoor.

“One of the things we most value as caravanners is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere on the parks we visit, and that is what we have tried to create here at Waterrow,” Mrs Cook.

“I know the awards placed a big emphasis on the quality of hospitality and customer care provided, so we are particularly pleased that this came across.

“It is wonderful to be able to live and work in such a beautiful part of Somerset, and to know that our efforts are enjoyed by both guests and judges.”

Not that the park is any stranger to accolades for its other honours include a maximum five-star VisitEngland grade, and a top five pennants award from the AA.

Waterrow Touring Park has also been named as a finalist in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in the camping and caravanning park of the year category.

Work begins on £200,000 touring caravan park

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by Ed Davies

Work has begun on a new caravan holiday home park on the edge of the historic market town of Ludlow, which is renowned as the food capital of England

Morris Leisure is investing £200,000 in developing the new park for 36 caravan holiday homes alongside its successful Ludlow Touring Park,

The park has 135 pitches on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and A49 near Richards Castle, just a short bus ride from the town.

“We are delighted to report that our bookings at Ludlow Touring Park are increasing every year, mostly through personal recommendations and repeat business,” said Edward Goddard, Morris Leisure’s managing director.

“We have many regular customers who return and bring friends with them.

“It’s great to be able to develop a caravan holiday home park alongside the touring park and we now feel the time is right to press ahead with the work to bring even more sustainable tourism to Ludlow, which is a very popular destination.

The first phase of work is expected to be completed next spring and will 20 see pitches created.

The touring park, a prestigious affiliated site of The Caravan Club, opened in May 2012 and is estimated to generate around £2 million a year for the local economy.

It is one of six parks in Shropshire and North Wales owned by Morris Leisure based in Shrewsbury.

“We believe the new park is going to further enhance the local tourism offer and generate extra income for Ludlow and the surrounding area, which has got to be good news for the local economy,” he added.

“People who love visiting the area will have an opportunity to own a holiday home in Ludlow and we hope many of the touring caravan and motorhome owners who regularly stay on our park will be encouraged to invest.

“We are immensely grateful for the tremendous support that we have received from customers, councillors and the local community since we opened the touring park and hope the holiday home park will be equally successful.

“Ludlow is such a fantastic place to visit with its castle, top restaurants, food shops and major events, which attract thousands of visitors.

“It is also an ideal base from which to explore the many wonders of the Welsh Marches.”

Double award win for Argyll Holidays

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by Ed Davies

It was a lucky weekend for Argyll Holidays, who scooped not one but two awards at separate ceremonies

The holiday park provider beat stiff competition at the Visit Scotland Thistle Awards and the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards, adding to their growing collection of accolades.

First up, Ross Coutts was named ‘Rising Star’ at the Visit Scotland Thistle Awards.

The 27-year-old digital marketing assistant from Lochgoilhead picked up the award on November 25, at the ceremony held in the stunning Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.

A prestigious award ceremony which recognises and celebrates excellence in Scottish tourism, the Rising Star is given to a passionate and talented individual who shows real promise in the industry.

Winning the West region heat, Ross will now go on to compete in the national finals in March 2017.

On Sunday evening (27 November) Argyll Holidays picked up its second award of the week at the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards. Held in the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, the evening celebrated the very best outdoor leisure and trade businesses, as voted for by their customers.

Drimsynie Estate Holiday Park was named ‘Best Family Holiday Park’, with Hunters Quay and Loch Lomond holiday parks just narrowly missing out.

Lisa Allan-Downie, head of marketing at Argyll Holidays, said: “Tourism in Scotland is teeming with a host of fantastic businesses and organisations so to even be nominated for multiple awards in this competitive climate is a real honour.

“At Argyll Holidays we continually strive to make sure our guests have a fantastic time while visiting, and to be recognised for our efforts – against such stiff competition – is a real coup for the business and tourism in the area.

“We are delighted with our win at the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards and so proud of Ross’s achievement – we’ll be rooting for him at the grand final next year!”

Argyll Holidays is a family run company which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. From humble beginnings of just a few caravans, to a spectacular mix of hotels and luxury hot tub lodges, there are now parks across Argyll, including: Drimsynie Estate, Loch Lomond, Hunters Quay, Loch Awe, Loch Eck and Stratheck.