Top loo award leaves New Forest park flushed with pride

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by Joe Jeffrey

Green Hill Farm Holiday Park honoured for exemplary hygiene standards and more

Green Hill Farm Holiday Park in the New Forest is officially the best place to “go” in Britain, according to judges of the annual Loo of the Year Awards.

For the business has just been named as the overall 2016 Loo of the Year winner in the holiday parks category of the competition, beating more than 3,000 other UK parks to the title.

The prestigious accolade, whose sponsors include national tourist board VisitEngland, was made to the family-run park after its washroom facilities were “mystery shopped” by inspectors.

Celebrating the news of the award are husband-and-wife team Lorna and Graham Lee who, with their two young daughters, acquired the park seven years ago.

By their own admission, Green Hill Farm Holiday Park was at that time showing signs of neglect, despite occupying a  picturesque location in quiet countryside in the village of Landford near Salisbury.

Over the following years, the couple devoted much time and energy to creating first-class surroundings where guests could enjoy a camping, motorhome or touring caravan holiday.

Their many initiatives included landscaping of the three delightful lakes on the park which act as a magnet for wildlife including deer and an array of different bird species.

Two of the lakes have been stocked for coarse fishing – and Green Hill also lays on a raft of other activities for visiting families to enjoy during their stay.

They include archery tuition, laser clay shooting, a chance to learn the skills of Segway riding on a special course, mini golf, and a host of other games and competitions run during school holidays.

Lorna and Graham have been rewarded for their efforts by a top five-pennant rating from the AA, and a year-on-year increase in visitors from across the UK and mainland Europe.

Green Hill has also been accepted into the Best of British group which comprises only family-run parks which have been audited for their high standards of quality and hospitality.

But the couple know that these successes were not just a flash in the pan because their park’s loos and washrooms have now received the highest chain of honour possible.

The spacious new facilities include large showers and drying areas, private vanity cubicles, a family bathroom, hairdryers, underfloor heating, and full access for people with limited mobility.

According to Lorna, the washroom building simply mirrors what the park itself aspires to. She said: “Green Hill has a very special appeal to people who enjoy away-from-it-all holidays in gorgeous surroundings, and we’ve tried to provide the perfect backdrop for that.” she said.

“Our family feels very privileged to be able to live and work in the beautiful part of the New Forest, and it’s great to have our efforts acknowledged with an award like this,” added Lorna.

The Camping and Caravanning Club launches Preferred Dealer Scheme

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by Joe Jeffrey

Exclusive discounts for Club members at leading leisure vehicle dealers across UK announced

The Camping and Caravanning Club has launched a new scheme to give members exclusive and meaningful discounts at leading caravan and motorhome dealerships across the UK.

The Club Preferred Dealer scheme is a partnership with 20 dealerships, representing nearly 40 individual dealer sites, from Kirkcaldy Caravans in Fife to South Coast Caravans in Hampshire. 

Each dealership will run exclusive offers for Club members, across servicing, accessories, caravan or motorhome sales, and more.

Offers at launch of the scheme include a free protective cover with any motorhome or caravan purchased, a free “Cream tea for two” and £250 worth of accessory shop vouchers when purchasing a new motorhome.

As recognised Club Preferred Dealers, each dealership will display Club-branded window stickers and point of sale literature, helping it to be recognised as a Club Preferred Dealer.

Those dealers invited to join the scheme at launch are all well known, with a strong reputation for high standards, reflecting the Club’s own commitment to the very best in customer service.

Many are already National Caravan Council (NCC) Approved dealers, or working toward this status.

Dealerships signed up to The Camping and Caravanning Club’s scheme at launch include Blackdown Leisure, Broad Lane Leisure, Brownhills Motorhomes, Davan Caravans, Edwards Motors, Glossop Caravans, Kirkcaldy Caravans, the LeisureWorld group, Lowdhams, Marquis, MG Caravans, Preston Caravans, Ropers Caravan World, Salop Leisure, South Coast Caravans, Tyne Valley Motorhomes, United British Caravans, Wandahome, Webbs Motorhomes and White Arches.

Darren Whittington, membership services director at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Club Preferred Dealer Scheme as the latest initiative to help members get better value from their subscription. It will help direct members to trusted and reputable dealers throughout the UK, where they’ll be sure of high quality service and exclusive deals.”

To view a list of all dealer offers, and find out more about the Club Preferred Dealer scheme, click here.

Photo competition aims to capture adventure holidays in Wales

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by Joe Jeffrey

Photography competition announced in conjunction with Wales Tourism Week

An exciting competition to find the digital photographs which best capture adventure holidays in Wales is being launched to celebrate Wales Tourism Week which takes place until 6 March.

Organised by the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), the competition is open to young photographers aged between 11 and 19 years. The overall winner will receive a fantastic GoPro camera donated by North Wales Tourism and there will be prizes for regional winners for Mid, North, South East and South West Wales as well.

With 2016 being designated the Year of Adventure in Wales, the competition is timed perfectly. Adventure can mean all kinds of different things. For some it might mean a great day out climbing, coasteering or kayaking. For others it might mean exploring and sampling some of the great food, music and history the country has to offer.

With such a huge range of exciting things to see and do in Wales, the WTA is expecting a fantastic array of digital photographs for this competition. The competition is open to young people living within Wales and those from outside the country who have visited for holidays, short breaks and activities.

The regional winners will receive prizes of an exciting activity in the region where they took their digital photograph. The South East Wales regional winner will win gorge walking for two with Adventure Britain based at Seven Sisters, Neath. The South West winner will win a Tree Tops Trail for two at Heatherton World of Activities near Tenby.

The Mid Wales winner will win a half day fully-instructed indoor activity session at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre at Llangorse, near Brecon.

The North Wales winner will win a choice of two outdoor activities for two people for one day at Safe and Sound Outdoor Adventures at Llangollen.

Every photograph must be submitted electronically and accompanied by 100 words of text to explain where and the date it was taken and why it conveys the idea of adventure. A maximum of two photographs for each person is allowed and they must not have been entered in a previous competition.

A panel of experienced judges, including professional photographers, will cast their eyes over the entries and the regional and overall winners will be announced on April 11.

The closing date for entries is 4 April and photographs should be sent as Jpeg images at the highest available resolution as email attachment to photo2016@wta.org.uk. For further details and full terms and conditions click here.

Hexham park a holiday heaven for wildlife, says David Bellamy

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by Joe Jeffrey

Causey Hill Holiday Park bestowed with prestigious conservation accolade

A Northumberland holiday park is flying high after birds, bees and butterflies helped wing it to a top environmental accolade from David Bellamy.

The world-famous botanist this month presented Causey Hill Holiday Park in Hexham with his prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

The family-owned park, enjoying picturesque views over the historic market town, has created a wildlife haven for guests to enjoy, said Professor Bellamy.

Covering just under 20 acres, Causey Hill has been owned for the past ten years by the Daly family, and provides pitches for touring caravans plus luxury caravan holiday homes to own.

David Bellamy said that the park could congratulate itself on having created an environment which provided a VIP welcome for both wildlife and holiday guests.

He praised the park’s planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs which, along with its private woodland, provide habitats and food resources for many animal and bird species.

Red squirrels are often spotted by holiday guests on nature trails laid out through the grounds, and the park’s wildlife pond is also a magnet for a raft of different water fowl.

In addition, the park has introduced many high nectar-bearing flowers which provide vital food resources for honey bees and a wide range of butterfly species.

Owl and bird nesting boxes have also been placed throughout the park to encourage resident and visiting feathered friends.

Professor Bellamy commended the use at Causey Hill of shielded lighting to minimise light pollution and help guests to enjoy Northumberland’s famous night skies.

He said that his award scheme also looked closely at community involvement, and that the park had recorded great success in raising much-needed funds for local good causes.

In 2016 its nominated charity is to be Northumberland’s Blyth Wildlife Rescue, and a series of events throughout the year are already in preparation.

Park manager Linda Grant said that everyone was thrilled to have had the park’s conservation efforts given the thumbs-up from David Bellamy. She said: “We live and work in a beautiful part of Northumberland, and we are anxious to do all we can to protect the natural environment and wildlife.

“Causey Hill has a special appeal to couples and families who seek a traditional away-from-it-all holiday with gorgeous surroundings and no noisy distractions.

“They too are very supportive of our efforts to safeguard the surroundings here, and to help preserve this area’s very special character,” added Linda.

Nominate now in the Great British Park Off and win a brand new Swift caravan

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by Joe Jeffrey

Towergate Insurance and The Sun team up to offer one lucky caravanner a Swift caravan

The Sun newspaper has teamed up with Towergate Insurance for the second consecutive year to find Britain’s best caravan park in a great competition which could see you winning a brand new caravan.

Towergate and The Sun are calling on caravan lovers across the UK to nominate their favourite park and provide a short explanation of why it is deserving of this years’ crown. Members of the public nominating will automatically be entered into a draw to win a snazzy Swift Lifestyle caravan.

Nominations for the winning park will be whittled down to ten finalists, where the public will then be called upon to vote for their favourite park out of the top ten – voters at this stage will also be entered into the draw to win the caravan.

The entries will be narrowed down to a top ten by Towergate Insurance and then the public will have a chance to vote for their favourite park.

Each of the top ten parks will receive a PR campaign box to encourage votes. Each box will contain: five t-shirts, one vinyl banner, and 500 leaflets.

A judging panel consisting of high profile journalists and caravan experts will also judge the ten finalists and combine this with the public votes before the winning park and two runners up are announced.

To celebrate being awarded this prestigious title, Towergate will provide a celebratory fun day at the winning park including food and games; a plaque and £1,000 to be spent on the park is also part of the winner’s prize package.

Emma Watson from Towergate said: “This competition aims to celebrate the best of a truly great British institution and I am delighted to announce that Towergate is once again running this fantastic competition to find Britain’s best caravan park! We are encouraging Brits to come forward and nominate their favourite British caravan parks.

“We were thrilled by the number of votes we received for the parks last year, and we’re hoping the bar will be raised once again, uncovering the park that is held dearest in the nation’s hearts.”

To nominate and for your chance to win a brand new Swift Lifestyle, click here.

The Camping and Caravanning Club acquires new lease for Powys caravan park

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Camping and Caravanning Club speak on delight of winning tender for caravan park based in Rhayader

A camping and caravan park in mid Powys will enter a new era in the coming months when The Camping and Caravanning Club takes on the management of the facility, the county council has announced.

Powys County Council has reached an agreement which will see The Camping and Caravanning Club take on the lease for the Wyeside Camping and Caravan Park in Rhayader.

Last year the council agreed to market the facility as a business opportunity through a lease agreement in an attempt to attract potential operators.  This was successful with The Camping and Caravanning Club taking over the park later this year.

Cllr Avril York, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with The Camping and Caravanning Club.  With their pedigree, they will bring a level of experience and expertise that the Wyeside Camping and Caravan Park will benefit from.

“This facility is a very important and popular site which attracts many visitors to Rhayader so it is important to the local tourism economy.

“We were extremely pleased with the interest shown in the park and the quality of tender applications which we considered as part of a rigorous tendering process,” York continued.

“We are happy to reach this agreement with The Camping and Caravanning Club and welcome the substantial capital investment they are planning for the site which will be a huge boost to visitors and the area in general.

“I’m delighted to welcome them to Powys – the green heart of Wales – and look forward to working in close partnership with them over the coming years.”

Bob Hill, sites director at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “We were delighted to win the tender and look forward to operating Wyeside Camping and Caravan Park.

“The site is a fabulous addition to our existing five-strong network of Club Sites in Wales, and will grow our UK offering to 108 Sites. Wyeside’s central location is a key area in which we’re currently under represented. In year one, we will continue to operate the park as is, before rebranding it to a full Club Site for the start of the 2017 season.

“Advance pitch night sales for the coming season are building well at our existing Club Sites in Wales, and we’re confident Club members and other campers will welcome this addition to our portfolio, and in turn boost the local economy.” 

Record-breaking attendance figures announced for Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Record attendance as over 87,000 visitors attend NEC show

A record-breaking 87,589 visitors attended the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show this year, it has been announced. The show, which took place between 23 and 28 February at the NEC Birmingham, featuring over 350 exhibitors across five halls, as well as brands such as Bailey, Coachman, Elddis and Swift, were on display alongside an array of activities, displays and celebrities to keep the public entertained and informed about the leisure vehicle industry.

Visitors were welcomed on opening day by Chris Packham, Matt Baker, and Julia Bradbury, but the star-studded programme didn’t stop there, with sessions from Good Morning Britain‘s Charlotte Hawkins, Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey, Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, extreme adventurer Sean Conway and many more throughout the week.

Andy Vaughan, managing director of NCC Events said: “We are delighted with the success of the show this year, we have had fantastic feedback from both exhibitors and visitors alike. With the increase of 10.3% in sales and dispatches of new touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes in the UK during 2015 the success of the show further reinforces that the industry is going from strength-to-strength.

“We are really looking forward to the rest of 2016 and the Motorhome and Caravan Show which will be taking place back at the NEC Birmingham 11-16 October 2016,” Vaughan continued.

Tom Anderton, marketing manager at Swift commented on the companies’ experience of exhibiting at the show, saying: “We are delighted to have welcomed many visitors to our stand across the week, interested in finding out more about our full product range of touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes. There has also been a great deal of interest from first time buyers, looking for advice and information which is great to see and really promising for the continued growth of the industry.”

Marquis releases behind-the-scenes video at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Take a look at behind-the-scenes at the NEC in Marquis Leisure’s new time-lapse video here

Marquis Leisure has released a new video detailing exactly what they’ve been up to all week at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and what to expect if you’re heading along to the NEC in Birmingham this weekend.

The interesting video which has been produced in a time-lapse format shows just what it takes to set up shop at the NEC, from the moment Marquis Leisure rolls all of their latest vehicles through the NEC’s doors, to the minute the general public flock to see why Marquis’ offerings have proven so popular so far, drawing in the crowds in attendance to take a look at everything Marquis has to offer, including the brand new Mileo range.

With so much more to see and do at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016 too, if you haven’t been already what are you waiting for? From the vast range of leisure vehicles and camping accessories on display, to celebrity appearances, top tips from culinary experts and dog agility shows taking place all weekend and all under one roof, there really is something for everyone.

To get your tickets for the show now, which continues until 28 February, click here now. We’ll see you there!

Hymer Group acquires US company, Roadtrek

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by Joe Jeffrey

Hymer purchases North America’s number one compact leisure vehicle company in bid to crack American market

German manufacturer, the Erwin Hymer Group, has stepped into the North American recreational vehicle market and acquired established company Roadtrek Motorhomes in a move which will see Hymer enter into the North American recreational vehicle market for the first time.

As part of the acquisition, a new company called Erwin Hymer Group North America Inc. (EHGNA) will be established in a bid to represent both Hymer and Roadtrek’s US and Canadian activities. The new company will be headed up by Roadtrek’s current president and chief executive, Jim Hammill.

Martin Brandt, chairman of the board of Erwin Hymer Group said: “The strategic acquisition of Roadtrek allows Erwin Hymer Group to enter the world’s largest RV market – the U.S. and Canada – as the first European manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans. With the acquisition of Roadtrek, we pursue our sustainable international strategy of growth.

“It is our goal to further extend our leading position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans. This acquisition is characterised by a spirit of partnership. We happily welcome Roadtrek’s employees to Erwin Hymer Group,” Brandt continued.

Canadian company, Roadtrek, is well known for its Class B panel van conversion motorhomes having been founded in the 1970s, and has since gone on to be North America’s leading manufacturer of compact leisure vehicles, recording an annual turnover of $96 million (approximately £68.5 million).

The acquisition will also see the popular HymerCar begin production in Roadtrek’s Kitchener, Ontario production facility, with aims to release the HymerCar in North American for Summer 2016.

Auto-Sleepers highlight the Corinium at Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New Corinium motorhome range announced by Auto-Sleepers

Auto-Sleepers have announced the all-new Corinium motorhome range, on display now at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016.

Two new models will be made available upon immediate launch, the Corinium FB and the Corinium Duo. Following the initial launch, this summer will see another model added to the range, namely the Corinium RB, featuring an island bed layout.

Offering a manual option with Peugeot-built chassis, and an automatic option built on the Fiat Comfort-Matic chassis, as well as a Mercedes chassis for a more premium feel, there’s certainly something for everyone and to suit all budgets.

The range will be available as standard on a 3,500kg chassis, in order to enable to range to appeal to a wider range of leisure vehicle enthusiasts, although a 4,000kg option will be made available for those looking for a larger payload.

Check out the video Auto-Sleepers have released above and let us know what you think. Will you be checking this out at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show which runs until 28 February at Birmingham’s NEC?

Study by IAM reveals independence and mobility key factors for mature drivers

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by Joe Jeffrey

Independence, convenience and getting around cited as top three reasons why elderly drivers get behind the wheel

The majority of mature drivers want to continue driving as long as they are safely able, according to a survey commissioned by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), citing independence and convenience as the main reasons.

The report, entitled Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile, surveyed more than 2,600 drivers and ex-drivers between the ages of 55 and an impressive 101 and was written by Dr Carol Hawley from the University of Warwick Medical School.

Although the report found 84 per cent of driver respondents rated their driving ability as good to excellent and 86 per cent rated their confidence as a driver as good to excellent, there were some factors which would persuade them to give up their car keys.

The survey said: “Most current drivers would consider giving up driving if they had a health condition or a health professional advised them to stop driving.
“General practitioners, doctors and opticians/optometrists are the most influential people to give advice on giving up driving.”

Given the reasons why mature people value driving, it is no surprise they are reluctant to give up their vehicles.

Some 82 per cent said that driving was ‘very or extremely important’ to them, and women were significantly more likely to rate driving as ‘extremely important’ than men.

The top five reasons why mature drivers wanted to keep driving were independence (18 per cent), convenience (17.7 per cent), mobility/getting around (8.7 per cent), freedom (8.6 per cent), and lack of public transport (6.3 per cent).

Despite their determination to keep driving, the majority of those surveyed were in favour of measures to increase their safety on the roads including retesting and checking of various aspects of drivers’ health and competence to remain behind the wheel.

Almost 60 per cent said drivers should retake the driving test every five years after age 70, whilst 85 per cent said drivers should pass an eyesight test every five years once they have reached 70, and more than half said that drivers aged around 70 should be required to have a medical examination.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive officer of the IAM, said: “A driving licence is a passport to freedom for all ages but particularly so for mature drivers. As grandparents it’s about helping their family access jobs, education and childcare as well as keeping themselves independent and mobile. The psychological impact of giving up a driving licence shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Reaction times and physical mobility are affected by age and all drivers need to make an informed decision about when to give up. We need to make it as easy as possible for mature drivers to make that choice armed with the full facts and all the support they need.

Sillars continued: “While some might need to accept the decision they cannot keep driving safely on the road, we believe some are pushed into giving up before they really need to. A professional opinion counts for a lot, and there are many organisations that offer advisory voluntary assessments that will give a mature driver the confidence they need to enjoy many more years of happy motoring – including ourselves.”

The Caravan Club launches brand new booking app for UK sites

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by Joe Jeffrey

New smart phone and tablet looks set to change the way in which caravanners book their holidays forever

The Caravan Club has unveiled a new app for those looking to book their next UK caravan or motorhome holiday with ease.

The Caravan Club UK Sites app is available for free now in the Apple App store or via Google Play and can be used on iPads, iPhones and a plethora of Android devices.

Using the app is so simple that even the less technically savvy members of CaravanTimes managed to test book their favourite sites with ease, and the new app from the UK’s largest touring organisation allows holidaymakers to search The Club’s 200 sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay in the UK, based on ‘location’ ‘sort by price’ and specific ‘site name’ with all options available on one booking platform. 

Caravan, motorhome and trailer tent enthusiasts can also base their search on key facilities that are important to them, including dog-friendly sites, sites with Wi-Fi, those with leisure facilities, electric hook ups, disabled facilities, adults only, and so much more, including sites close to beaches, specific towns and villages, or even sites that are open year-round. App users can also track and amend their bookings at any time including when out touring the UK.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing for The Caravan Club commented: “We have designed the app based on the feedback and input from our network of one million members to ensure that each of the functions make searching for a caravan, motorhome and trailer tent holiday as simple, quick and easy as possible. We know that for many UK holidaymakers, taking your dog with you, disabled access and Wi-Fi at sites are some of the most popular requirements and in response to this, we have developed an app that includes a wide range of easy to use functions based on these criteria.”

The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, as well as The Club’s special guest, Matt Baker, also spoke about the new Caravan Club UK Sites app at its official launch at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2016 earlier this week. Both were also on hand to put the app to the challenge in a head-to-head race to prove just how easy the app is to use, managing to book a pitch in just 90 seconds. To find out what both Lomas and Baker had to say, and to see who won in the race to book their favourite Caravan Club site, check out the video above.