Doors open at Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Ed Davies

The doors are now open to the Motorhome & Caravan Show for members of the public to peruse through next season’s caravan models

The NEC in Birmingham is a buzz with caravan enthusiasts searching through the several ranges and models on offer.

Top manufacturers, such as, Elddis, Swift, Auto-Sleepers, Coachman and Bailey of Bristol amongst many others have all altered their line-ups this season.

The show will be on from today (Tuesday) until Sunday this week and CaravanTimes is at the scene taking in the atmosphere.

More to come soon

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Two new models added to Bailey Unicorn range

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by Ed Davies

Two new models have been added to Bailey’s Unicorn range for the 2017 season expanding the fleet from eight to ten

The new Unicorn Cabrera & Unicorn Pamplona are single and twin axle variants of the 4-berth and have a centre washroom island bed layout.

Both models feature a luxurious end bedroom configuration containing a rear wall mounted fixed double bed flanked by twin wardrobes.

This is complemented by a new design transverse central washroom that is accessible from either side of the double bed and which includes a domestic style circular shower cubicle.

On the other side of the solid partition door separating this bedroom en suite from the rest of the caravan is a kitchen which incorporates the Unicorn trademark tower refrigerator and parallel bed front lounge.

As with all Bailey leisure vehicles models are built using the patented Alu-Tech construction technology.

The existing body shell has been enhanced visually with the introduction of a ‘polar white’ outer skin, flush fit integrated front and rear bumpers plus a contemporary new graphics scheme.

Together these combine with an aesthetically enhanced aero-dynamic body shell profile to give the Unicorn range a distinctive new look which announces that you travel and arrive in style.

The models have also been upgraded with an Alde central heating system featuring a new more economical boiler, a user friendly digital control panel and an additional washroom radiator.

Whilst the new Truma 100-watt solar panel allows you the extra freedom to holiday where and when you want.

Each model is available in a choice of either Kensington (standard) or Trafalgar (cost option) luxurious soft furnishing options, featuring superior construction and premium quality fabrics, both of which are supplied with co-ordinating curtains and a full complement of sculpted arm rests and scatter cushions.

All ten models of the current Unicorn range, including the Cabrera and Pamplona, will be on display on stand 19-29 at the forthcoming Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016.

First-ever UK price comparison caravan site launched

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by Ed Davies

In a first for the UK caravan industry, a group of entrepreneurs have set-up a price-comparison website for new caravans and motorhomes

The imaginatively named, Comparavan, would help consumers save time and money by comparing multiple quotes for new caravans & motorhomes.

The website, which was co-founded by Josh Garrod, a former sales and marketing executive for a family dealership, is scheduled to go live today, October 10.

Not only does Comparavan help consumers but it also benefits the industry’s dealer network by giving them access to a wider range of potential customers.

Mr Garrod, said: “Comparavan is the first of its kind for the leisure industry that helps consumers save time and money by getting multiple quotes without the countless emails and telephone calls that are normally involved.

“Most people like to shop around to achieve the best deal they can. We believe that Comparavan will help to do that whilst introducing a new way to buy caravans and motorhomes”.

In preparation for the website’s launch on 10th October 2016 dealership account registrations are being accepted.

Email hello@comparavan.co.uk for more information.

Caravan centre owner thanks community after £1million fire

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by Ed Davies

The owner of a caravan centre, which was gutted in a fire causing £1 million in damage, has thanked his local community for rallying together following the blaze

Phil Davies, CEO of Highbridge Caravan Centre, said he could not thank the fire service and local community enough for their help after the business burst into flames last weekend.

The fire, on October 1, saw dozens of fire crews mobilise to the incident, at 1.38am, after worried calls from members of the public reporting that they could see fire coming from some trees opposite a pub.

Fire crews battled for several hours to extinguish the blaze after gas cylinders on the site started to explode and the fire spread rapidly across the caravan site.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

“Everyone has been really supportive, people have done extra days, even coming in during the fire,” Mr Davies told the Bridgewater Mercury.

“Staff came in on their day off to help us as well as the local community and neighbours.

“The local community in Highbridge were great, there was a real sense of community spirit.”

He commended the fire service for their efforts and for doing an amazing job containing the fire.

“When they arrived the fire was spreading towards our workshop and to avoid it getting damaged they created a wall of fire engines between the displays and the workshop,” added Mr Davies

“The brigade did an amazing job containing the fire, I am just glad that they are alright.

“They were still here for most of Saturday, putting out fires that has restarted again and making the site safe.

“Overall, around 160 caravans have been destroyed and initial predictions suggested in excess of £1million worth of damage was done but it could be more than that.

“It will become more clear once the assessors are finished finding out the exact cost of the damage.”

Caravan insurance sponsor celebrating after winning triple Paralympic gold

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by Ed Davies

Triple Paralympic gold medallist, Hannah Cockroft, is celebrating with her sponsors Caravan Guard for backing her paralympic dreams from the very start of her medal-winning career

Just a week after returning from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, “Hurricane Hannah” invited her local company to a celebration lunch.

The 24-year-old wheelchair racer shared her Paralympic stories and her delight at bringing home three gold medals, as well as breaking a world record in the T34 400m race.

“Caravan Guard has supported me from the very start and I’m very grateful for that,” said Hannah.

She showed off her latest trio of gold medals and Paralympic mascots from the Rio games after Hannah won the T34, 100, 400m and 800m races.

And Hannah recounted the tremendous support she got in Rio as she led the 800m race throughout and crossed the finish line to the crowds chanting her name.

“That was probably the best moment for me and spurred me on to the very end,” added Hannah.

“We’re so proud to have sponsored Hannah through two hugely successful Paralympic games and World Championships,” said Louise Menzies, Caravan Guard director.

“Hannah is such an inspiration and has continued to delight everyone with her sporting success as well as being a positive advocate for disability sport.”

The Halifax-based caravan and motorhome insurance specialist has sponsored Hannah for the last seven years, helping her to pay for her racing wheelchair, as well as replacement wheels, tyres, gloves, speedometers, physio and travel expenses to competitions.

Competition: Motorhome & Caravan Show ticket winners announced

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by Ed Davies

The winners of the second part of our competition to win a pair of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show have been announced

The 10 lucky winners now have the chance, with a partner of their choosing, to attend the event beginning on Tuesday, October 11.

All winners will be emailed in the near future.

The winners need only go to the ticket office at the show, with proof of identification and a print out of the email that will be sent to them shortly.

The winners are Andrea Ellis, Mark Lonsdale, Phil Eptlett, Nicholas Appleby, Michael Wood, Margaret Williamson, Jule Davis, John Brailsford, Janet Mulholland and Carolyn Plummer.

For those, who did not win this time around, have no fears, as there will be another chance to win in our next competition on Friday, October 21.

Leisure Sales have recently opened an online store and they are running a competition with us for people to win upwards of £500 worth of campervan and caravanning gear.

So keep your eyes peeled for the competition.

Swift enters Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

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by Ed Davies

Swift Group, the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s top businesses, has been ranked in this year’s Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

The awards recognise the UK’s top-performing private companies from the fastest-growing to the biggest based upon financial performance.

In the year to August 2015, Swift’s turnover grew by 4%, with a 17% increase in operating profit compared to the previous year.

The Hull-based manufacturer was placed 107th in the annual award.

Increases in profitability have enabled Swift Group to make significant investments in manufacturing in recent years.

It was earlier last month announced that they were investing £8 million in a new manufacturing facility.

Export has been a significant contributor to the profit growth and their accounts now make-up close to 10% of the company’s turnover.

Managing director, James Turner, said: “The Sunday Times award is a fantastic recognition of the intensive efforts made across the business driving positive engineering changes, improvements in supply chain and lower warranty claims.

“These developments allied with a number of new products and innovations mean the future looks most promising.”

Caravan site gutted in huge fire causing £1m in damage

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by Ed Davies

An enormous fire has ripped through 160 caravans causing £1 million in damage at a site in Somerset

The fire broke out at around 1.30am on Saturday morning at Highbridge Caravan Centre in Somerset – and quickly spread as caravans and gas cylinders caught light and exploded.

More than 60 people phoned the emergency services to report hearing explosions.

Fire crews from across Bristol and Somerset tackled the blaze through the night and remained on the scene all day on Saturday, October 1, damping down the remains of the fire.

Dozens of caravans were moved to create ‘fire breaks’ and the blaze was eventually brought under control at around 4.20am on Saturday morning.

It is now thought that around 160 caravans were destroyed in the blaze, which witnesses have described as being “like a war zone”.

Speaking to the Bristol Post, Philip Davies, Director of Highbridge Caravans, praised the quick-thinking actions of a security guard who raised the alarm.

“We are devastated that this has happened,” he said. “More than 100 caravans have been destroyed and as each has a value of around £10 to £15,000 the overall figure will be around £1million.

“I’m thankful that our security guard spotted the fire early and thank the emergency services for their work – we had ten fire engines at the peak of the incident.”

The cause of the blaze is not yet known but it is originally through to have started in a shed or fence on the perimeter of the 11-acre site.

Mr Davies added: “Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any buildings and no-one was hurt, so our business is open and we continue as usual.

“Our workshops, sales area, accessories and awnings shop are all open for business.”

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “After the incident was sectorised, at around 4.20am, to enable crews to tackle the fire as effectively as possible, and a natural fire break created, crews moved as many caravans as possible.

“Confirmation was received that good progress was being made, the fire was surrounded and the main fire was now out.

“The incident will be scaled down shortly but this is going to be a protracted incident with crews currently at work with six main jets, damping down a large area of hotspots. Police, Ambulance and utility companies are also in attendance.

“No persons were injured and the cause will be determined once the fire has been fully extinguished.”

Dolphin Motorhomes to make splash with 2017 launch

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by Ed Davies

South west motorhome dealer, Dolphin, is holding a launch, showcasing the newest 2017 motorhomes later this month

For those of you who could not make the Motorhome & Caravan Show this time around, Dophin will be exhibiting 30 new, 2017 models for customers to come and see.

The free event takes place between October 22-23 at the New Forest Water Park in Fordinbridge and is free for all those who come along, with free parking available.

The new models on display will include Auto-Trail, Auto-Sleepers, Elddis and Bailey models.

A spokesperson for the dealership said: “Come along to get some expert advice on all the new models to the market, fantastic part-exchange valuations and to test drive all vehicles.”

At this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016 the LEGO caravan will be making a return for the second year running.

For further information, contact Nicky Hopper on 02380 406777 or email events@dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk.

Largest ever UK leisure vehicle survey finally finalised

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by Ed Davies

Compiled from over 40,000 different responses from caravan and motorhome owners, the UK’s largest ever survey of leisure vehicles has been finalised

Having been commissioned by The Caravan Club, the survey takes an in-depth look at vehicles, the manufacturers that dominate the market, satisfaction levels and future innovations.

There are a total of more than one million leisure vehicles owned in the UK, many leisure vehicle owners regularly stay on Caravan Club sites.

The survey shows the bulk of caravan market ownership is dominated by manufacturers such as Adria, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Sterling and Swift.

While there are more players in motorhome manufacture (15 brands from 10 manufacturers represent 75% of the market), the top five are Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Elddis and Swift.

A staggering 89% of caravan owners and 91% of motorhome owners are happy with their vehicles – excellent news and something manufacturers and retailers should be proud of.

“There is an undeniably high level of satisfaction among caravanners and motorhomers,” said The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas.

“We are confident the findings of the Leisure Vehicle Survey, which collected over 7.5m pieces of information, will help members and consumers to make informed choices on their leisure vehicle purchases.

“Caravanners and motorhomers enjoy exploring, both here and abroad, and The Club is committed to raising standards to ensure their continued satisfaction with this pastime.

“We would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to take part in the survey.”

According to the survey, once bitten by the leisure vehicle bug, fans are in for the long-term and keen to keep up with the latest models and trends.

Over half (52%) of existing leisure vehicle owners predict they will be upgrading their caravans and motorhomes within 2-3 years, with 51% anticipating spending between £10-20,000.

What is more, the quality of caravans and motorhomes is improving and the survey shows satisfaction with vehicles has increased.

Since 2011 there has been a noticeable uplift across industry standards with new construction methods having a positive impact on customer satisfaction.

Leisure vehicle manufacturing and holiday spend is worth in excess of £6bn to the UK economy, the sector employs over 130,000 people and is currently going from strength to strength with no sign of slowing down.

Tourism boss fury at council tax hike

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by Ed Davies

Holiday parks operator Thomas Scarrott has lashed out at his local council for hiking council tax rates

In a fiery tirade against Ceredigion County Council in mid-Wales, Mr Scarrott, a director of Vale Parks ltd, was outraged at the tax hike, which he believes threatens his park’s survival.

Mr Scarrott believes that some customers maybe deterred from going to the park as they have to pay the new council tax rates.

“If the authority’s plan goes ahead, Ceredigon’s tourism industry could be dealt a devastating blow, which will impact on hundreds of small enterprises,” said Mr Scarrott.

“The council is sending out the message to holidaymakers that they are not welcome in the county, and that it would prefer them to take their spending elsewhere.

“The chalet owners are the victims of an “ill-considered and poorly thought-through” bid by Ceredigion Council to bolster its council tax income.”

Thomas’s family business owns five major caravan parks in the county, including Clarach Bay Holiday Village near Aberystwyth.

It’s here that the owners of 143 holiday chalets have been told that they must all pay an additional 25% council tax each year – despite not living on the park.

“Using powers introduced by the Welsh Government they are intending from next April to charge a premium of 25% on the rates paid by second home owners.

“However, Clarach Bay’s chalets are not second homes in which people can live, even though their owners already pay full council tax and don’t receive the full council services.”

Many owners, says Thomas, have already contacted him in distress and anger at the way they are being treated as “second class citizens” by the council.

A spokesperson for the council said: “As Welsh Government legislated to enable councils to raise a premium on council tax on dwellings classified as second homes, all councils needed to discuss this issue.

“In the case of Ceredigion, the discussion was had by all members, with the decision to raise the 25% premium being made by Full Council in a meeting on 24 March 2016.

“A full consultation open to all was held in February – March 2016 and, though the feedback was generally mixed, a majority of people strongly agreed with the introduction of the premium and believed that the introduction of the premium would have a beneficial effect on the local economy. Due democratic process was therefore rigidly adhered to.

“This decision will help to ensure that full use is being made of properties in Ceredigion in order to satisfy the needs of all the county’s residents, an aspiration that is set out in the Council’s Strategic Objectives for 2013-17.

“Revenue from the second home premium will be diverted to community councils, who will be able to use this money locally for the benefit of those communities.”

Record numbers visiting caravan touring park

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by Ed Davies

A decision to reprieve a threatened bus service serving a touring caravan park on the edge of a south Shropshire town is now paying dividends as crowds flock to the park

Ludlow Touring Park, is reporting its busiest season since opening in May 2012 and owner Karen Price puts the boom, down to an increased bus service to the site.

The extra services, backed by funding support from local councils, are being run on a trial basis until next April.

It was feared that the 490 bus service would be cut last April but a local campaign and funding support pledged by councils saved it.

“The park is a reasonable walk from Ludlow and it is too far for many of our elderly customers,” said owner Mrs Price.

“Customers would either face the walk or would be forced to hire a taxi, which are difficult to come by.

“The extra buses have given a huge boost to the number of people staying with us. Motorhome owners, in particular, like to use the bus to get into town.

“We have numerous examples of customers returning to the park, now that we have a daily bus service because public transport is an important issue for them when they book to stay with us.

“Lugg Valley Travel also allows passengers with dogs to travel on the bus. Our customers, who own dogs, are delighted that they can buy a doggy day ticket for £1 to take them on the bus.”

Lugg Valley Travel, which operates the bus service, has increased the number of buses calling at the park to eight – four to Ludlow and four to Leominster – from Monday to Friday.

The 135-pitch Ludlow Touring Park is located on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and A49 near Richards Castle and is a prestigious affiliated site of The Caravan Club.