Elan Valley in Wales announced as EPIC location

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by Joe Jeffrey

Valley chosen for Visit Wales’ new marketing campaign

Picturesque Elan Valley in Mid Wales has been confirmed as an ‘EPIC’ location for visitors.

The valley has been chosen for the next phase of Visit Wales‘ marketing campaign to promote Wales as an adventure destination. An innovative travelling art installation of giant mirrored letters standing four metres high and 11 metres wide forming the word “EPIC” will pop up unannounced at various locations across Wales over the summer as part of the Year of Adventure campaign.

It was first revealed at Pen y Gwryd, Nant Gwynant and has now left Coed Llandegla to travel to the Elan Valley.

Visitors and local residents are being encouraged to pop along and take a selfie and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using #FindYourEpic and #GwladGwlad.

The tour is supported by an integrated publicity and multi-media campaign targeting families and visitors in our core regions in North West England, The Midlands, Yorkshire, London and the South East. 

The signage will be located on the dam above the Dwr Cymru Visitor Centre for two weeks.

The Elan Estate is the largest single area of land owned by any of the national water companies, comprising some 10% of the total belonging to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. The estate has been managed to protect the quality and quantity of the water since 1892.

The 70 square miles of moorland, bog, woodland, river and reservoir are of national importance for their diversity of lower plants and the estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales.

Responsibility for protecting the Elan Valley lies with Welsh Water and The Elan Valley Trust, who manage the largest part of the estate under a long-term lease including the farmland and open hillside.  Both organisations promote public access and recreation; provide environmental education services and work together to enhance biodiversity in this special area.

The Elan Valley lies at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Its unique landscape combines remote hill land, isolated farmsteads, steep-sided wooded valleys and an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering that brought clean water to the then rapidly expanding industrial city of Birmingham.

Around 154,000 visitors a year enjoy the breathtaking scenery, nature, recreational facilities and extensive free educational resources for schools, families and communities.
 

AA survey sees ‘slow’ caravans drop from second to fourth place on summer bugbear list

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by Joe Jeffrey

Drop from second place to fourth as cyclists overtake caravanners

Results of an AA-Populous poll have found that nine per cent of AA members questioned consider ‘slow’ caravans to be their number one bugbear this summer – a drop from 15 per cent just 12 months ago.

The survey, commissioned by the AA and completed by 21,877 AA members, has revealed that peoples’ perceptions of caravans on the road may have altered following the six per cent drop, with ‘slow’ caravans falling from second place to fourth.

Meanwhile, people throwing rubbish out of their vehicles remained as the number one summer bugbear, despite a drop from 34 per cent to 28 per cent when compared to the previous year’s survey.

According to results of the survey, drivers’ top ten summer pet hates are as follows:

1. Car Litter louts
2. Large groups of cyclists
3. Inconsiderate parking
4. Slow caravans
5. Car ghetto blasters
6. Dawdling drivers
7. Sightseers
8. Tractors
9. Overloaded cars
10. Groups of motorcyclists

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said of the findings: “Car litter louts are a needless menace who cost the country millions, spoil our environment and put road workers’ lives at risk. There is no excuse for tossing out litter; car occupants should bag it and bin it at home.

“Many of the other most common pet hates concerned other road users slowing drivers down by being lost, slow or indecisive. Drivers need to be more patient in the summer on the roads because anything can happen.

“By checking your car, planning your route and being prepared, drivers are less likely to get hot under the collar and more likely to reach their destinations safely,” King continued.

What do you think of the results of the survey? It would be interesting to know your thoughts as to why cyclists have now (technically) overtaken slow caravanners. Let us know in the comments below.

IAM RoadSmart calls on government to show more ‘strong leadership’ to cut down on stagnant road death figures

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by Joe Jeffrey

Road safety organisation calls for more government focus in attempt to cut down on road fatalities

Leading UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has called on the government to provide more effort in highlighting drink-drive campaigns and rehabilitation, as well as better focus on the enforcement of driving standards and increased education on road safety in an attempt to reduce the statistics surrounding stagnant road casualty numbers revealed by the Department for Transport (DFT) last week (4 August).

The charity said that after decades of good progress, the past five years have seen a disappointing plateau which is not acceptable.

The figures published have revealed there has been no reduction in drink-drive deaths since 2010 – remaining at 240 deaths a year;  there has been no reduction in total road deaths and a two per cent increase in serious casualties in the past 12 months (to 31 March 2016).

Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at IAM RoadSmart, said of the results: “The government must get to grips with five years of disappointing figures now. It needs to show stronger leadership to really drive down road deaths and serious injuries in the future. 

“Road deaths are a serious issue; 35 people a week die in crashes throughout the country. In any other sphere, 35 deaths would provoke national outrage, rule the headlines for months and provoke urgent government action. It happens week in week out on our roads and it merits barely a mention. 

“More action on drink driving, more on-road enforcement of driving standards and more publicity and education are urgently needed if we are to return to the gains made before 2010. 

“IAM Roadsmart urges the government to take back the initiative and put forward credible plans to address this vital issue.”

What do you think about the figures published? Do you feel the government could do more in an attempt to cut down on road casualties? Let us know in the comments below.

The Caravan Club nominated for three Family Traveller Awards for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Cast your vote now in go-to expert awards for 2016

The Caravan Club has been nominated for three categories in this year’s Family Traveller Awards.

The awards, organised by the go-to experts for travelling with children, sees the Club shortlisted for Best UK Accomodation for Families, Best Multi-generational Family Holiday Provider, and Best Family Festival for The Big Little Tent Festival (BLTF).

It comes as no surprise The Caravan Club has been nominated for three awards by Family Traveller for 2016 considering its efforts in making the popular UK pastime of caravanning something for all ages to embrace, with an emphasis on providing fun for kids through a number of initiatives introduced; these include the Club’s focus on family friendly sites, the Big Little Tent Festival, as well as the introduction of the Tourer Explorer scheme which turn kids into nature detectives and outdoor adventurers at over 66 sites across the UK.

The judges for the awards set to take place will be TV and radio presenter Mariella Frostrup, BBC’s go-to travel documentary film maker Simon Reeve; travel editor at The Times Jane Knight, travel and lifestyle director of Elle Magazine, Sue Ward Davies; editor of Family Traveller, Jane Anderson, and the readers of Family Traveller.

To cast your vote now and to have your say, click here. Voting closes on 20 September.

Adria to sponsor 2016 National Feast of Lanterns Rally

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by Joe Jeffrey

NFOL set to return for 2016 across August bank holiday weekend

Caravan and motorhome manufacturers Adria have been announced as sponsors for the National Feast of Lanterns (NFOL), set to take place at Three Counties Showground, in Malvern, between 25 and 29 August 2016.

The theme for NFOL, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s national rally which takes place every year, will be ‘World of Movies’ and will feature the Club’s traditional Mardi Gras parade and lighting up ceremony.

The event will also host a great deal of activities across the weekend, including live music, circus acts, a children’s fun fair, go-karting, stunt displays and much more, guaranteed to provide a host of entertainment for adults, children and families alike.

NFOL will also enable those in attendance to explore the Malvern Hills, often described as a miniature mountain range, containing some of the oldest rocks in Britain set across 3,000 acres of open countryside.

To book your pitch, click here now.

NCC discusses the importance of advancements in motorhome industry

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by Joe Jeffrey

Important issues discussed at NCC’s Motorhome Forum

The National Caravan Council (NCC) have discussed the need for product safety, use of advanced materials and new innovations for the motorhome industry amongst other topics of interest at their recent Motorhome Forum, attended by manufacturers, dealers, and service companies all engaged in the motorhome sector.

The event, which was designed to promote best practice and contribute to ongoing NCC work further raising industry standards, also gave attendees the opportunity to discuss how to improve aspects of the motorhome proposition for the benefit of consumers.

First up, on the importance of building motorhomes that are lighter and more fuel-efficient, the use of composite technology was highlighted. Currently used in the automative industry, with BMW in particular at the forefront of innovation, the NCC aims to concentrate further focus on how similar technologies could be used going forward.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, the importance of product safety was also discussed. All new motorhomes placed onto the market for sale in the UK must, by law, be either European Whole Vehicle Type Approved, National Small Series Approved or National Individual Vehicle Approved. These cover the base vehicle. NCC Product Approval, which complements this and provides proof that the habitation area complies with all relevant safety standards, was also discussed. Together, it gives end users peace of mind that the motorhome they are purchasing is safe for use on the road and as living accommodation. It was subsequently agreed that the NCC will continue raising awareness of these approvals so that consumers are better able to recognise, in particular, the NCC Approved badge and truly understand the benefits of buying Approved motorhomes.

NCC membership services director, Frank Finch, said: “The NCC was delighted by the member response to our Motorhome Forum – there are few substitutes for getting representatives from across an industry together face-to-face. The high-level speakers that participated, including those from UK Trade & Investment and The Vehicle Certification Agency, inspired plenty of conversation and actions. The NCC now looks forward to implementing these to help improve the industry for the benefit of consumers and members alike.”
 

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Taking a closer look at the Hymer B Class DynamicLine with Travelworld

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out our latest video to see the official unveiling of the all new Hymer B-Class DynamicLine

When it comes to iconic, luxurious motorhomes, it goes without saying that Hymer’s B-Class DynamicLine range is one of the very first to spring to mind. And when it comes to checking them out, there seriously is no better place than official Hymer dealership, Travelworld, in Shropshire.

The above said, when CaravanTmes was invited along to attend the official unveiling of the 2017 Hymer B-Class DynamicLine, we jumped at the chance. Not only would we be present for the launch of one of the world’s most luxurious but affordable motorhomes, but we would also get to take an intricate look at all it had to offer, both inside and out.

Hymer have concentrated a great deal on bringing the weight down on the B-Class DynamicLine for 2017, and it shows. but, despite each model available weighing in at under three tonnes, Hymer have refused to compromise quality and the luxurious look and feel remains at the forefront of the latest range.

So join us as we take a look at the official unveiling of the all new Hymer B-Class DynamicLine for 2017 – we’re pretty sure you’ll be impressed.

The Caravan Club announces temporary site details for Motorhome and Caravan Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Stay just a stone’s throw away from the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2016 with The Caravan Club this October

The Caravan Club has opened its booking facilities for a temporary site in close proximity to this year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show 2016, due to take place between 11 and 16 October at Birmingham’s NEC.

The site, which will accommodate 400 pitches, will remain open between 10 and 16 October and will be located just a stone’s throw away from the NEC, located within the exhibitions centre’s North Carparks 8 – 11.

Each pitch will come with its own electric hook-up with a maximum of 6 amps and toilet facilities, and black, grey and dry waste disposal. A mobile bar and food will also be available in the marquee, and fresh water will be on tap.

It doesn’t stop there though, and the Club will also be throwing in free entertainment for the duration of the show from within the entertainment marquis, sponsored this year by SsangYong, including classic music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, more on which can be found here.

A shuttle service will be provided to and from the show, while members looking to make the most of The Caravan Clubs temporary site, with prices starting at just £20, can also take advantage of savings when passing through the M6 Toll.

To find out more about what The Caravan Club has in store, for more pricing information and to book your pitch now click here.

GEM warns of driving while tired in new safety video

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by Joe Jeffrey

Effects of driving while not being properly rested highlighted in new video

As many of us set off on our summer holidays, breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has issued advice surrounding the need for drivers to be properly rested before setting off on long journeys.

Being tired when you’re driving raises the risk of a collision, because you’re less aware of what’s happening around you. Not only this though, but your ability to react is impaired if a risky situation develops. That’s why fatigue can be a factor in up to 20 per cent of all road collisions, and up to 25 per cent of fatal and serious crashes

Of driving while tired, GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “We want you to ensure your holiday starts the moment you close the front door and set off, but safety has to come first. If you’re on a long road journey, make sure you’re properly rested before you set out, and build in regular breaks on long journeys to help stay fresh, observant and aware.
“This is particularly important if you’ve changed your routine and are driving early or late – or even through the night – to avoid the queues.

“A fatigue-related crash is around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury, simply because a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel will be unable to reduce speed or change direction to avoid a collision. The consequences can be devastating,” continued Worth.

Neil Worth warns of the tell-tale signs of driver fatigue. “There are many recognisable warning signs before you actually nod off at the wheel. These include difficulty focusing on the driving task, fidgeting and frequent yawning and rubbing. As fatigue worsens, it will be increasingly difficult to focus on driving. Accompanying this could be drifting to the left or right and an inability to maintain a constant speed.”

GEM has issued a few simple tips for drivers to reduce the risk of a fatigue-related collision. They are:

– Get a good night’s sleep before you drive a long journey.
– Build in time to reach your destination (or your night-stop) without rushing. Remove time pressures wherever possible.
– On long journeys, take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the car, do some exercise, stretch or walk. If necessary, have a caffeine drink or two to boost your alertness.
– If you are driving all day, schedule a proper hour-long break in the middle of the day, as this serves to split the day’s driving into two shorter and more manageable halves.
– Avoid driving alone for long distances if possible. Share the driving, and support each other by watching for any signs of fatigue.
– Don’t press on into the night. Avoid driving at times when you would usually be asleep.

For more of an understanding of the dangers of fatigue, check out GEM’s short video below now.

Camping and Caravanning Club launches Great Family Treasure Hunt Challenge

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by Joe Jeffrey

Team collaboration sees family tour UK for a year

The Camping and Caravanning Club has joined forces with The Explorer Group, manufacturer of Compass caravans, and leading family adventure website Get Out with the Kids, to launch a year-long campaign aimed at encouraging families to spend time together exploring the UK.

The campaign begins with the Club and The Explorer Group handing a brand new six berth Compass Casita caravan to the team behind Get Out with the Kids, Gav Grayston, his wife Shell and their three young children, Lucy, Amy and Tom.
Tow car partner Peugeot has made available a new 508 SW tow car for the duration of the campaign, making for a fabulous, family-friendly touring outfit.

Over the next 12 months, the Graystons will tour the UK, pitching up at Camping and Caravanning Club and Camping in the Forest Sites, and will visit 20 great Treasure Houses and gardens, in the year of the English Garden.

The Treasure Houses of England is a network of fine palaces, castles and houses, and the Club is the official camping accommodation partner.

At each house and garden, the Graystons will undertake a treasure hunt with a twist: to complete a task at each destination, and compile an online family scrapbook of treasured family experiences together.

They’ll also supply blog and video content on Get Out with the Kids and the Club’s own website and YouTube channel to chart each step of their unforgettable family adventure.

Gav Grayston, Founder of Get Out with the Kids, said: “We can’t wait to get started on this exciting adventure. We love tent camping, but after trying our hand at the Club’s Towing Initiative earlier this year felt it was the perfect time to see if caravanning really could be the passport to unforgettable family memories.”

Rob Quine, Managing Director at The Explorer Group, manufacturer of Compass Caravans, said: “We’re delighted to support this fantastic initiative. The Casita is the ultimate family-friendly and affordable six berth caravan, and I’m confident it will be the perfect base for their tours. I hope the Compass helps the Graystons successfully negotiate this fun challenge.”

Robert Louden MBE, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “The Club is committed to getting kids camping and caravanning. We know from research in recent years that it helps make children happier, healthier and smarter, and is good for their mental and physical health. We hope this partnership will help spread this message far and wide.”

To follow the Graystons on their family adventures on Club Sites in the Compass Casita and Peugeot 508 SW, visit the Club’s website here.

Parkdean Resorts acquires Great Yarmouth holiday park

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by Joe Jeffrey

New acquisition marks first takeover since Park Resorts and Parkdean merger last year

Parkdean Resorts has acquired Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth for an undisclosed sum – its first acquisition since Parkdean and Park Resorts merged in November 2015.

Vauxhall Holiday Park, a single park operation located in walking distance from Great Yarmouth, has been owned and developed by the Biss family since 1964 and provides holidays and short breaks for in excess of 80,000 holidaymakers each year. The park is a pure holiday hire business (with no holiday home owners), with substantial associated on park retail and leisure facilities and is the only five star park in Great Yarmouth. Together with providing great family holidays, it is uniquely renowned for its weekender music festivals and special events including the “Caister Soul Weekender” and “Skamouth” amongst others.

The freehold park comprises 180 touring and camping pitches, 390 caravans and lodges, and 48 apartments across 41 acres and features a substantial range of high quality retail facilities including the 2,100 capacity V-Arena, 350 seat V-lounge, a carvery restaurant, a sports bar, coffee shop, five other separate food outlets and an amusement arcade. Leisure facilities include the Tropical Water World with indoor main pool, water slides and fun pool, splash zone and paddling pool, a fitness suite and multi-sport area.

John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts said: “This continues our long term buy and build strategy which has been successful in developing Parkdean Resorts into the sector leading business it is today. Vauxhall is a thriving and well-managed park that will fit perfectly into the Parkdean Resorts portfolio offering customers even broader choice in Norfolk alongside our other parks East Anglia. We intend to build on the success of the special events and expand the business via capital investment in new accommodation and by extension of the holiday season.

“Parkdean Resorts is confident of another successful year of growth, with holiday sales for the year 9% ahead of 2015. The group has been acquisitive since its formation and we see further opportunities in this highly fragmented sector via both single parks and multi-site portfolios.”

Road users urged not to play Pokémon GO when driving

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by Joe Jeffrey

From Pokémon GO to Pokémon NO as IAM RoadSmart highlights dangers of Augmented reality game

With millions of people across the country currently gripped on latest smartphone craze, Pokémon GO, UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is urging motorists not to go on the hunt for virtual monsters from behind the wheel of their cars.

The game, which allows users to seek out Pokémon characters in real life settings via the augmented reality function on smartphones, has been the subject of criticism following its launch in the UK last month owing to a number of people taking to their vehicles to collect the pixelated creatures instead of doing it on foot, posing a threat to other road users and pedestrians as a result.

Samson Ruwangu, IAM RoadSmart digital content executive, 23, said: “Kids and adults alike are going crazy for this game. But the risk is that some people are going to be playing it at the wrong time – and driving a car is the last place you should be looking for Pidgey, Rattata or the others.

“I nearly tripped over playing this game. Pokemon GO makes you concentrate on catching characters and it takes both hand and eye coordination.”

Research conducted last year by IAM RoadSmart showed the extent to which smartphone use had become an addiction to some.

Eight per cent of drivers admitted to driving while using a video-calling application such as FaceTime and Skype to make and receive video calls, rising to 16 per cent among 18 to 24 year olds.

It found nine per cent of drivers admitted to taking a selfie while driving within ‘the last month’. This increases to 15 per cent of young drivers aged 18-24 and 19 per cent of 25-35 year olds. Women are less selfie obsessed than men, with just five per cent of women citing they have taken a selfie while driving compared to 12 per cent of men (reference 1).

Samson added: “While looking out for Eevee, Weedle and the rest is great fun, it is important to keep concentration on what matters – and that’s keeping your eyes on the road. Psyduck can wait for later.”

What is Pokémon GO?

Pokémon Go is a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality game released across the world in July 2016, in which players use a mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player. Pokémon Go quickly became an overnight global phenomenon and one of the most used mobile apps, reportedly having been downloaded by more than 75 million people worldwide. It was credited with popularising location-based and augmented reality gaming, as well as for promoting physical activity.