Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges receive brand new profiles and more for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Changes aplenty for new season Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges

The Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges have been given a makeover for 2016 – and the results are impressive.

A sweeping new front profile with flush fitting windows and sunroof directly above will enhance the ranges and project each with a feel similar to more top of the range models. LED rear clusters will also add to the feel. Also included will be the addition of flush fitting side windows as well as new graphics, which complete the exterior transformation, providing both Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges a more up-to-date , modern feel.

Looking at each range in more detail, inside the Swift Challenger ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain with contemporary ashen brown hue will remain, which will complement the light ‘Zimba’ furnishings. Meanwhile, the Sterling Eccles models will keep their distinctive interior style with modern hessian effect furniture and white locker doors, but introduce a new ‘Guetta’ soft furnishing design featuring brown woven seat fabric.

Eight models will be available within each range for 2016. These include the two berth Challenger/Eccles 480, four-berth Challenger/Eccles 514, Challenger/Eccles 530, Challenger/Eccles 570, Challenger/Eccles 565 and Challenger/Eccles 584, as well as the six-berth Challenger/Eccles 586 and Challenger/Eccles 640. Each model, aside form the 640, will be single-axle.

Every model across the two ranges will feature new Swift AirWave foam bedding, providing for a sleeker silhouette to seat cushions, whilst providing comfort and support similar to which could be found if using a mattress topper. Fixed beds featured on the 510, 554 and 564 will also benefit from the addition of Duvalay Duvalite mattresses.

Truma heating will come as standard across both ranges, with the option to upgrade to an Alde wet heating system which features as standard in more premium ranges, whilst a new digital control panel has been fitted to control the heating and hot water. Kitchen upgrades from last year, including the Aspire MKII oven and Dometic 8 Series 100 litre fridge with removable freezer compartment remain.

Another noteworthy change is that both Sport and SE denotations have been dropped for the season ahead, with the ranges simply becoming Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles.

Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system has also seen enhancements for 2016, with the introduction of SMART Plus. SMART Plus will see three key enhancements, which consist of a new sandwich floor featuring GRP outer skin to provide better protection from the elements, an upgraded hail resistant roof, as well as a front window jig which is now full GRP with foam construction.

Of the upgrades set to be seen on both Challenger and Eccles models for 2016, Swift commercial director, Nick Page, said: “Replacing the existing Sport ranges the new Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles ranges have the look and feel of more premium ranges and with the new Alde heating option and other great features, customers can have all this at a very competitive price.”

Millions unaware of Dart Charge

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by David Bates

Vague road sign confuses countless drivers

An AA-Populus poll has revealed that a significant proportion of drivers are unaware of the Dart Charge scheme at the Dartford crossing.

The Dartford crossing, which traverses the Thames on the eastern side of the M25, is marked by a white C within a red circle which is identical to central London’s congestion charge emblem.

The results of an AA-Populus poll undertaken in June have revealed 87 per cent of London drivers and 70 per cent of those in the South East are confused by the signage around Dartford.

The ‘C’ sign used to notify drivers of Dart Charge is not officially recognised as a symbol for tolls, which is only amplifying drivers’ bewilderment. Only six per cent of the 25,810 AA members questioned recognised the ‘C’ as a general sign for charging schemes.

A different survey in May demonstrated a similar predicament. 28 per cent of Londoners, 27 per cent of those in the South East and an astonishing 53 per cent of drivers in the East Midlands were unaware of the charge. The area of highest awareness was in Essex and East Anglia, where 82 per cent knew about Dart Charge.

Paul Watters, AA’s of road policy, warned against the confusion created by the vague ‘C’ sign, saying: “presenting drivers who are unfamiliar with the Dartford stretch of the M25 with a puzzle, while they are supposed to be concentrating on a busy road, is very poor.”

Have you used the Dart Charge system? What do you think of it?

Outrage as thoughtless caravan fraudster spared jail

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by David Bates

Caravan criminal avoids jail despite guilt on 15 counts

A conman who falsely advertised caravan holidays online has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence and been ordered to repay his victims.

Samuel Brazil, 22, was sentenced for 15 counts of fraud at Lewes Crown Court, 12 of which centred around false advertisements placed for caravan holidays. Two additional counts related to non-existent sofas for which he elicited partial payment, whilst the other involved someone paying for both a sofa and caravan trip which never materialised.

Brazil pled guilty to all charges.

The con man from Crawley posted adverts on Facebook, as well as the site FaceBay, for breaks at genuine sites, including Camber Sands in Rye and Bunn Leisure in Selsey amongst other popular destinations.

Some of the victims, who lost between £50 and £300 each, arrived to commence their holidays at one of the leisure parks, only to find out that they had no booking.

Brazil used a Ms. Cara Coates’ pseudonym in order to set up bank accounts into which he received payment; George Hepburne-Scott, his defence lawyer, said she was merely “someone he had met”, but the prosecutor Dale Sullivan expressed his confusion that she was facing no charges.

Hepburne-Scott also pointed out the financial and medical difficulties, which he believed mitigated Brazil’s crimes, producing documentation which verified Brazil’s clinical depression. He also insisted that there was little chance of Brazil reoffending.

Nevertheless, Judge Michael Lawson QC asked: “What about the victims?”

He went on to point out: “These are wretched offences – thoroughly dishonest on your part – conducting sales over a couple of months which no doubt caused huge distress.

“Nothing can be said about it, save that it’s thoroughly deliberate and thoroughly mean,” he continued.

Both Judge and defence agreed, however, that jail was not the best option. Brazil intends to repay the £1,960 he owes through a prospective garden business.

What do you think the best course of punishment would have been?

Chichester caravan park going static

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by David Bates

Upmarket push leaves touring caravans and loyal residents stranded

A Chichester caravan park has decided to abandon its touring section in a bid to target the ‘high-end’ static market.

Park Holidays UK, who manage Lakeside Caravan Park, has lodged an application with the Chichester District Council to replace their touring section with an area housing 37 static ‘lodge-style’ caravans.

Lakeside’s management believe this will allow it to “better compete with the holiday caravan market and thereby offer a higher quality of caravan and facilities for holidaymakers.”

Their decision, however, has ruffled a few feathers, with a number of extremely disgruntled residents and undoubtedly, there will be frequent visitors deprived of a pitch for their touring caravans.

Ricky Deadman, whose grandmother is a permanent inhabitant of Lakeside Caravan Park, told the Chichester Observer that the upmarket push was forcing out loyal residents, who have been forbidden from having ‘garden sheds, fences, brick or stone objects, gnomes or garden plant or flower pots of any kind, shrubs or flower beds, washing lines of any kind, or any commercial works vehicles on site.’

Deadman’s grandmother had, over the past year, erected a fence to allow a safe area for her puppy and planted vegetables to save money; improvements which will now be redundant.

The angry resident’s grandson asked: “As regards to the no-washing lines rule, how are the residents expected to dry laundry? If they can’t dry it outside, they will need a tumble dryer”. He continued to point out that with no sheds allowed either, there would be scant space for a tumble dryer.

A Park Holidays UK representative said that the “constraints on the erection of washing lines” was “to ensure the park maintains its attractive appearance.”

Yet with people like Mrs. Deadman facing difficult decisions over her future and touring caravans no longer permitted, are they taking it too far?

New Compass Corona 576 unveiled for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Five Compass Corona models announced for 2016, including new six-berth Corona 576

Five Compass Corona models have been announced for 2016, including a brand new six-berth layout set to appeal to families or those looking for an abundance of space.

The Corona 576 is Compass’ latest single-axle model to join the Compass Corona stable. The six-berth layout features front parallel seating, centre kitchen and full rear end washroom.

Meanwhile, additional models within the range will be the two-berth 462, four-berth 554, six-berth 566 and four-berth 574.

In order to create the feeling of more light and space, all Compass Corona models within the range will feature a new large Heki Lux ‘Stargazer’ roof light with integrated downlights – new for 2016.

A luxurious-looking ‘Loire’ upholstery will feature throughout, made with OZIO Hi-Performance technology, which complements the ‘Montalcino Elm’ craftsman built cabinetry with contrasting cream leather effect feature rail, handcrafted dove-tailed drawers, overhead lockers with positive locking and classic flush-fit kitchen units.

All models under the 2016 range, starting at an OTR price of £17,594 and weight of 1,234kgs, will also benefit from the addition of a new Teleco Teleplus X2/39U directional aerial, high flow submersible pump with Whale IC Controller, as well as new bathroom accessories set to make you feel refreshed. The Corona 554 also benefits from the addition of a new retractable bed creating 400mm of extra floor space for when the bed is not in use.

Caravanner crushed by cow in bovine bludgeoning

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by David Bates

Holidaygoer charged and trampled by mooooo-dy Peak District cow

For those seeking rural serenity and an escape from urban dangers, be careful; a caravan retreat isn’t all milk and honey, as one Derbyshire man found out on Saturday (15 August) following being trampled by an over-protective cow.

Richard Wayne, 47, from Mackworth, Derbyshire, had been enjoying the Peak District countryside and it was during a walk with his wife and 14-year-old cocker spaniel on the lead, that he was confronted by the cow, who blocked Wayne’s path before charging him and crushing him under her considerable weight. It is thought that the cow, who was with her calf at the time, felt threatened by Wayne’s presence.

The development manager, who works in Chesterfield, was thankfully able to drag himself under a barbed wire fence, with help from his wife Tracey.

Now, Richard is urging caution for urbanites taking to the great outdoors, having experienced the full force of the maternal instinct of cows.

Richard said: “I want to highlight to people the dangers. We know that route well, have walked it many times and have always kept our dog on a lead, but this still happened,” he warned.

Though Wayne’s injuries were not fatal, he feels grateful to have escaped intact, continuing: “It was absolutely terrifying. I feel lucky to have got away with my life and other people I’ve spoken to since have said the same. I could feel the cow on top of me. I was being crushed. I curled into a ball, but I thought that was it. I thought I was going to die.”

A nearby resident helped to administer first aid to the victim, but for Wayne, the event has not been easy to forget; he has been struggling with flashbacks and residual pain since Saturday.

Richard Wayne’s life flashed in a bovine blur before his eyes; make sure you avoid the same fate, or worse, and be careful when enjoying the countryside from your caravan.

Will you be attending The Lawns Weekend 2015 this September?

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by David Bates

The Camping and Caravanning Club host Lawns exhibition 2015

The Camping and Caravanning Club is encouraging all-comers to attend The Lawns leisure extravaganza in Cottingham, near Hull, on 5 and 6 September.

The Lawns will present the opportunity for caravan enthusiasts to see in the flesh new models from many of the major British companies, not to mention an extensive accessory store, in which even the most seasoned caravanner could pick up a handy gadget or two.

It’s not just new caravans though, and there will be plenty of attractions to keep the kids occupied, including face painters and balloon modellers who will, no doubt, be on hand to avert their attention whilst you spy your next home on wheels or even your next perfect country escape.

The eminently knowledgeable Camping and Caravanning Club team will be on hand to discuss any queries and share their vast reserves of experience. There will also be an unmissable opportunity to win a Nissan Qashqai with Club Care Insurance.

For existing members, it’s the perfect chance to take advantage of the ‘Member get Member’ scheme; simply refer a friend who then joins The Club, and you will receive either a £10 voucher for club sites, £10 to spend on a Camping in the Forest holiday, or a Club Care key protection policy.

If your non-member friends don’t fancy signing up then you can even buy discount tickets for them!

Tickets are priced at just £3 each, or £7 per family, with free parking, and are able to be purchased at the gate.

For more information on The Lawns event, click here.

Survey reveals 75 per cent of Brits take to the great outdoors at least once a year

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by Joe Jeffrey

Recent survey suggests the staycation is here to stay!

A recent poll has revealed that a staggering 75 per cent of the UK population take to the great outdoors to enjoy a camping or caravanning holiday at least once a year.

The survey, conducted by outdoor clothing and retailer chain, Go Outdoors, seems to show there is certainly no slowdown when it comes to people choosing to take to Great Britain’s roads to explore pastures new, whilst making the most of what the staycation has to offer.

And now, with the BBQ still being a firm favourite among caravanners and campers, The Great British BBQ has launched an exciting new competition to highlight the launch of it’s website’s new section dedicated to those looking to cook up a treat whilst on holiday in the UK’s outdoors.

The Great British BBQ’s new outdoors section is a one-stop-shop for all your grilling needs, featuring advice on the must have accessories for the perfect outdoor BBQ, reviews of the best BBQs on the market, a
countdown of the best BBQ-friendly camping and caravan sites, advice from To The Camping and Caravanning Club, plus lots lots more.

To celebrate the launch of it’s outdoor section, The Great British BBQ has teamed up with camping and caravanning dealers Broad Lane Leisure to offer a competition to win a pair of Isabella Comfort camping chairs worth £130.

To enter the competition, click here now and put your luck to the chance today.

VW T6 campervan conversions to be on display at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Daniella Almeida

A selection of VW T6 campervan conversions will all be available to view at the Motorhome & Caravan Show

The UK’s national leisure vehicle launch event, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, opens this autumn between 13 – 18 October 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham and, if VW camper conversions are your thing, you’re in for a treat!

A selection of Volkswagen sixth generation Transporter (VW T6) campervan conversions are set to be placed on display for the first time.

In a press release from the National Caravan Council, NCC, it was confirmed that four different exhibitors will have VW T6 conversions at the show.

The original VW campervan converter Westfalia GmbH will be present as well where it will debut its new T6 Club Joker City on UK shores. This comes with a pop-up roof and will go into production in autumn 2015. The design for the model was inspired by the hope that it could be used ‘365’ days a year as a go anywhere caravan.

Also launching at the event will be Concept Multi-Car Ltd‘s all new conversion for the VW T6, properly called the Reimo Free Van. The company also plans to have another T6 model on display.

Nomad Campervans will have its new ‘Ranger’ T6 conversion, unveiling an all new layout combination of comfort and functionality. The campervan looks to take advantage of the new T6 variable seating layout for the back passenger area that will allow seating for 5 people.

In attendance will also be Wingamm which will have the show’s only T6 coachbuilt conversion with the new T6 Micro on show in the entrances to Halls nine and 12.

Other exhibitors at the event include AutoHas, Danbury Motorcaravans, Hillside Leisure, Birchover, and Vanworx.

On the event, Marketing Campaign Director for NCC Events, James Bissett said: “Our event is the UK’s national leisure vehicle launch show and we are really excited to have a selection of VW T6 campervan conversion models making their UK debut as this will be the first place visitors will see them all in one place.

“It’s testament to the industry how fast the leading converters have acted to get hold of the very first VW T6s’ coming into the UK and burn the midnight oil to turn them into campervans. It shows the importance of our Motorhome & Caravan Show,” he finished.

The show will be opened by ex-superbike racer Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty (‘King of the Jungle’). Advance tickets for the event are already on sale and can be purchased from the Motorhome & Caravan Show website for as low as £7.50. However, tickets can also be purchased at the door for £11 (senior) and £12 (adult). For more information on the event and ticket prices, check out the website.

The event is sponsored by both The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravan Club. Book your tickets now for exclusive show only deals, new product demonstrations, and so much more!

Elddis announces fresh innovative layouts for the Avante for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Seven layouts including the new 554 announced for 2016

Elddis has unveiled its updated Avante caravan range for 2016.

A total of seven layouts will be available across the range for the new season, including a brand new, fresh layout for 2016 by way of the single-axle, four-berth Avante 554.

The award-winning lightweight range’s newest layout, with a recommended retail price of £18,294, features a retractable transverse fixed island bed and spacious rear bathroom/dressing area. A retractable bed also comes as standard on the Avante 550, providing for up to 400mm additional floor space.

Several enhancements have also been included for 2016 to the rest of the Avante range, which comes fully bonded in line with Elddis’ SoLiD construction process. These include a new panoramic Sky-Scape sunroof with internal LED ambient lighting and pleated night blind. More light has also been produced throughout thanks to a new front panel design with three opening double glazed windows adding to the feeling of an abundance of even more space.

‘Marone’ craftsman built cabinetry with handcrafted dovetailed drawers, as well as new overhead locker design with positive locking and removable shelves add a modern feel to the award-winning caravan, whilst new luxurious ‘Mayfair’ upholstery featuring high performance OZIO construction complements this.

The kitchens within the Avante range for 2016 benefit from an 800W Stainless Steel microwave, fully ventilated, with microwave isolation switch, with selected models fitted at an easy to access height, whilst a black gloss enamelled Aspire Mk2 oven, grill and dual fuel hob with spark ignition and 800W electric hotplate, three gas burners with smoked glass lid, as well as Domestic style fridge freezer with large storage capacity 110L (155L large fridge freezer on the Avante 636) also comes as standard.

An AL-KO galvanised steel chassis with AL-KO AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC Trailer Control System for smooth towing performance and exceptional stability also comes along for the ride, shock absorbers and receiver for optional AL-KO wheel locks, plus AL-KO Euro over-run device with 2-way assisted handbrake.

Driving habits could make or break a first date

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by Daniella Almeida

The way to anyone’s heart is through proper driving skills, naturally

A new survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has revealed the UK’s biggest first date turn-offs and turn-ons and how a person drives is fundamentally important when trying to woo a date.

The number one turn-off reported was rudeness, as no one can remain interested in a boorish person for too long. 81 per cent of Brits reported that bad manners was definitely the worst thing a potential suitor could do on a first date. However, four out of 10 turn-offs were offences that happen in a car.

The beginning of many dates sometimes occur in a car, so it’s no surprise that how one presents themselves in this environment is crucial in creating a lasting impression. The issues cited that could ruin a date include road rage, texting whilst driving, talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and owning a dirty car. Nearly half the people (46 per cent) agreed that road rage was the worst first-date faux pas.

In contrast, good driving skills and owning a nice car made it to the list of first date turn-ons. The rest of the list, as follows:

Top 10 first date turn-offs:

Rudeness (81 per cent)
Bad personal hygiene (80 per cent)
No sense of humour (70 per cent)
Being self-obsessed (69 per cent)
Road rage (46 per cent)
Texting whilst driving (45 per cent)
Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving (44 per cent)
Bad dress sense (40 per cent)
Sweaty palms (25 per cent)
Dirty car (23 per cent)

Top 10 first date turn-ons:

Sense of humour (81 per cent)
Politeness (77 per cent)
Good personal hygiene (69 per cent)
Good dress sense (50 per cent)
Looks (44 per cent)
Confidence (44 per cent)
Generosity (29 per cent)
Good driving skills (11 per cent)
Great shoes (9 per cent)
Nice car (7 per cent)

Although not listed, one in 10 (11 per cent) of those surveyed are irritated by someone who takes 15 minutes to park. Being overly cautious can harm your date as well as one in eight Brits (13 per cent) reported that drivers who go under the speed limit can be off-putting.

Chief executive of IAM, Sarah Sillars said: “Bad driving not only has an impact on the safety of our roads, but can also affect your chances of romance. Being able to manoeuvre properly and drive carefully should be much higher up on people’s dating priorities.”

The survey revealed that Brits will pick up on a date’s driving skills within the first 65 seconds of getting in the car, with half of them picking up on these quirks within 20 seconds.

It might be imperative for your love life to maintain proper driving skills.

Black Edition Kon-Tiki range enhanced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements drive the Black Edition Kon-Tiki motorhome into a new season

Following on from a successful sales record over the past two years, Swift has further enhanced the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016.

The Kon-Tiki cab will remain in black metallic with colour keyed bumpers, whilst being updated with new graphics which sweep into the white sides – now comprised of GRP on the outside.

Concentrating more on the cab, steering wheel controls have been added back for use with the DAB radio and Bluetooth hands free phone connection. A new 12V socket and USB socket – ideal for the new dash mounted tablet holder – also comes as standard across the range.

Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system has been enhanced for 2016 to SMART Plus, including three key enhancements: 1. A new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin providing greater durability from the elements. 2. An upgraded roof which is now hail resistant, and 3. The front window jig is now a full GRP and foam construction, reducing the amount of parts used in the panel and providing a flatter panel and stiffer surface for the front GRP panel and windows to fix to.

Moving further back into the living quarters of the Kon-Tiki, the new ‘Carabu’ part SwiftShield soft furnishing scheme provides for a more opulent feel, feauring oyster and dusk tones. The kitchen has also been given a bit of a makeover, with a new Hi-Mac acrylic stone solid worktop with underslung stainless steel sink. A new Dometic oven, which is exclusive to Swift, offers a sleeker and more efficient performance along with noise reduction.

Meanwhile, in the washroom, all ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki models will come with a new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with on/off button, a new shower bi-fold door and much more to allow for a refreshing break.

The range maintains many features from last season, including Alde central heating, AL-KO double floor chassis, cab air-conditioning, comprehensive lighting and power system, Duvalay mattresses, full-length awninig, BBQ point, 120W solar panel, external shower point, reversing camera and TRACKER Retrieve (Thatcham Category 7). Phew.

The addition of the all-new Swift Command control system featuring an intelligent power supply unit and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control panel functions makes monitoring everything that little bit easier and – thanks to a handy little app – can be accessed wherever you are in the world.

Five models comprise of the ‘Black Edition’ Kon-Tiki range for 2016, namely the single-axle low-line Kon-Tiki 625 and Kon-Tiki 635 – both four seater, four berthers – as well as two TAG-axle low-line models by way of the four seater, four-berth 669 and 679, and also the high-line six seater six-berth Kon-Tiki 649.

Swift’s commercial director, Nick Page, said: “For the past two years, Kon-Tiki models have offered the best specification for price in the luxury market sector and this has been reflected in outstanding demand. The formula continues for 2016, all models have an even more opulent feel and provide fantastic value for money.”