Benevolent caravanner wants to give away free holiday

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by David Bates

Woman touched by scam victims offers caravan for free

A Derby-woman who jumped to the aid of a family caught by a Facebook holiday scam remains enthusiastic to give away a free holiday, even though the initial victims have already been saved.

Bev Davison, 50, was touched this past Friday (14 August) by the plight of Hannah Stone-Sherratt, 23, her 27-year-old husband and their three children, three-year-old-twins Jack and Olivia, and one-year-old Harry.

The Stone-Sherratts had been taken in by the offer of a two-day caravan holiday to Skegness advertised on facebook, which she thought would be perfect for her young family.

Having transferred £150 to the seller’s account, there was a suspicious lack of communication. The mother-of-three eventually contacted the resort, representatives of which confirmed they had never heard of the supposed seller.

Understandably distraught, the Stone-Sherratts spoke to the Derby Telegraph and, once their story appeared, were inundated with offers from generous caravanners, one of whom was Davison, offering replacement holiday spots.

“It’s not what I expected. I just wanted to get the news out there to warn other people. It’s good to know there are nice people out there”, Hannah said after the flood of offers.
Davison said of the scam: “It was a dirty trick. I don’t like to see things like that happen to people.

“If the family can go and enjoy themselves, I don’t mind them borrowing our caravan.”
Hannah and her family had already accepted the incredible kindness of Byron, 83, and Audrey Davis, 79, who gave a free week-long stay in their eight-berth static caravan to the family of five, before Davison’s equally heart-warming offer.

However, Davison is still feeling generous and wants the public to choose a fitting benefactor for a free caravan holiday.

Nominations for the holiday can be made by calling the Derby Telegraph’s Isaac Crowson on 01332 411999 or e-mailing isaac.crowson@derby telegraph.co.uk.

Family set to tour Europe in their caravan

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by Daniella Almeida

Veteran caravan tourists, the Meek family, set out to conquer Europe

After one year of touring through Britain as a family, the Meek family has their sights set on another year-long trip, this time throughout Europe.

This is neither the first, nor the second time that the Meek family has made headlines. The family first came onto the scene two years ago when parents Tim and Kerry Meek challenged their daughters Amy, 12, and Ella, 10, to ditch their television screens and complete 100 outdoor activities.

With that challenge accomplished, in September 2014, the couple, who are originally from Arnold, Nottingham, quit their jobs, sold their home, and took their daughters out of school with one radical notion in mind. The couple embarked on a 12 month adventure throughout the UK, citing that nothing would be more educational for their daughters than to experience history and life firsthand.

Since beginning their adventure, the Meek family have covered 13,000 miles, visiting historical sites, natural habitats, museums and exhibitions, etc. all the while packing in dozens of daily learning activities.

As the couple travelled from Nottingham up to the North of England and the Scottish borders, back down to London and across to Norfolk, the family of four saw some incredible things.

Among the many locations seen by the family are the Wind Farms in Derbyshire, a dormant volcano in Scotland, and Bletchley Park which is home of the Second World War codebreakers. Meanwhile, they’ve enjoyed paddle boarding, sand yachting, and cycling.

Since the first trip was such a success, they are extending their plans for another year and taking their caravan across Europe. Tim and Kerry hope that the continuation in their ‘ed-venture’ will allow the girls to hone their French and learn much more about the Second World War.

Mr. Meek, 46, a primary school teacher, said: “It has been a brilliant year – and we have got more from it than we even thought we would. It has encouraged the girls to not just have a love of learning, but a love of life.”

The family hopes to begin in Northern Ireland and the Republic, moving to France, Scotland, the Netherlands, and finally through Germany

Find out more about their adventures on the Meek family’s website where you can also read about the daughters’ experience on their blog! If that isn’t enough, the Meek family have also documented their adventures in their book “Learning Outdoors with the Meek Family.”

Caravans the focal point of new film

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by Daniella Almeida

Family caravan becomes focus of new film by budding Lancaster producer

24 year-old, Edward Rastelli-Lewis, releases the aptly titled “The Caravan” after working on the independent film for the past couple of years.

Rastelli-Lewis attended Ripley St. Thomas School in Lancaster before receiving his Degree in Film Production from The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 2012.

It’s no secret that caravanning is the leading holiday choice for Brits, so a film centering itself on a family caravan seems fitting.

“The Caravan” was inspired by Rastelli-Lewis’ discovery of a script penned by two actors.

Rastelli-Lewis told lancasterguardian.co.uk: “The film came about through two actors I met who had a script and wanted to move it forward.

“I helped with finance and funding, and we were able to move it on. It was filmed in Caernarfon, North Wales and Manchester.

“I love good storytelling, drama and narrative, things that influence people and change their way of thinking. I’m very proud of the film, it’s a good story,” he added.

The synopsis of the film, as described by Rastelli-Lewis: “When Georgina Langley succumbs to cancer, she leaves behind a will asking warring husband Keith and son James to restore the family caravan that has lapsed into a state of disrepair on a bleak Welsh coast Caravan Park. For two men who can’t stand to be in the same room together, it’s going to be a tough job and when a new woman comes into Keith’s life, James reacts badly, leading to a showdown that unearths a long buried secret.”

The film stars Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones/Trainspotting), Mark Sheals (Sherlock Holmes), and Darren Connolloy (Hector). The film can be purchased from iTunes, Google, Amazon, or Blinkbox.

Wiltshire Police crack down on caravans

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by Daniella Almeida

More than 100 vehicles stopped in an effort to maintain road safety

A representative from the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) joined the Wiltshire Police in a four day operation this week, targeting caravans and trailers. More than 100 vehicles were stopped during the event.

The team spent three days covering the north of the county along the M4 east and west carriageways and the A419. The final day was spent patrolling the south of the county on the A303 and the A36.

13 of the 100 vehicles stopped were charged with offences including being overweight or in a dangerous condition. Fixed penalty notices were also given to 19 drivers, one of which was charged for not having any insurance.

Minor traffic offences went unpunished, but the police made an effort to give advice to these drivers to avoid any future problems. The operation is part of an effort to ensure that motorists remain safe on the roads.

The week was chosen specifically for the surge of summer caravan holidayers on UK roads.

Police Chief Adrian Giles said: “It was an ideal time to carry out this kind of operation as so many people are out and about on their holidays, with caravans in tow.

“We weren’t aiming to cause disruption to people’s holidays however, and one of the main aims of the operation was simply to educate drivers and occupants about safer towing and ensure vehicles are road-worthy.

“We had a really positive reaction from nearly all the motorists we stopped who were happy to see that police treat caravan thefts as a very serious issue,” he concluded.

CRiS was on hand to focus on the crackdown of caravan thefts. Chief Giles said: “The CRiS were able to assist us during the operation with their equipment which enables us to identify any stolen caravans by the use of special scanner.

“During the operation, we were also able to check the general condition of the caravans and ensure drivers had the relevant licence entitlement.”

Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental enhancements announced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

New enhancements with a luxurious twist added to Elegance and Continental ranges for 2016

The award-winning Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental will be optimized with new features and enhancements for 2016.

The new caravan season will see the popular ranges continue with five single axle and two twin axle models across each range and, inside, the soft furnishings will be more luxurious than ever before.

The new Elegance scheme for 2016 is called ‘Winchester Stone’, which comes with in oyster and dusk tones, featuring leather used for the top of the back rests and front of the base seat cushions. The Continental’s scheme, meanwhile, is called ‘Winchester Black’ and concentrates on a monochrome theme, featuring bedding with black leather accents to the top of the backrest and front of the base cushions.

The schemes described above are sure to fit in with the the off white locker doors with smoked oak effect, gloss woodgrain insert and matt black kitchen doors across the ranges.

Also within the kitchen area, a carpet boundary spit should ensure easier removal of the carpet should an inevitable spillage occur.

Perhaps the piece de resistance, however, it the new Swift Command control system which features as standard and includes an intelligent power supply until and a smart new LCD control panel that allows viewing of enhanced control pane; functions. A Swift Command app which can be downloaded to your tablet or smartphone also works well alongside Swift Command, enabling you to control and/or monitor many of your vehicle’s systems from the comfort of your seat – or even anywhere in the world.

Additional smaller enhancements include an on/off button for the new Ecocamel Orbit shower head, an increase in solar panel size to 80W, a travel lock for the TV bracket, swivel spout on vanity taps for ease of use and an upgraded hail resistant GRP roof thanks to Swift’s SMART HT construction. Fixing bars have also been added to the back of the panel, allowing the option to attach a Thule rear mounted cycle rack. LED side lights will also come as standard.

Swift commercial director, Nick Page, commented: “The Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental are still unmistakably our flagship ranges. Subtle finishing touches, a very high level of specification and the overall luxury interior design set them apart. They remain the ranges to aspire to an continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback.”

24-hour torture challenge for Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation fundraisers

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by David Bates

Trio attempt endurance feat for caravan charity

A Portsmouth trio are readying themselves for a 24-hour endurance challenge in aid of the Oakley Waterman Caravan Foundation (OWCF).

Tomorrow (15 August), Dave and Lee Waterman, along with friend Gavin Jones, will take to Hornchurch Country Park for the 24-hour Spitfire Challenge to raise funds for Waterman’s charity, which he founded to fulfil the ambition of his late son Oakley.

Former Portsmouth Defender Waterman’s son suffered from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and died in 2005. Oakley enjoyed caravan holidays at Sussex site Church Farm , so much so, that he urged his parents to invest in a caravan for children in a similar position to enjoy.

The OCWF since purchased another spot at Devon Cliffs near Exeter.

The Waterman brothers and Jones are marking the tenth anniversary of Oakley’s death, and the charity’s foundation, with this remarkable push for funding to secure a replacement caravan for their Church Farm site.

The race, which is normally run in relays, will be tackled by the trio simultaneously; they expect to cover over 100 miles over the day and night.

Jones acknowledged that their training regime has been brutal: “We’ve been training at 1am and 3am in the morning to try to get our bodies used to it. It’s a killer.”

The race will undoubtedly will be further torture, but the three men are powerfully motivated. “We won’t quit, though, because it’s for Oakley,” Jones insisted.

You can contribute towards a daunting challenge and a wonderful cause here.

The Little Tent Festival set to help children’s summer fun

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by Jessica Almeida

Parents seem to not have the time to play outdoors with their children

Summer activities, such as climbing trees, riding bikes and making daisy chains are seemingly becoming a thing of the past, with the stresses and strains of modern life indicating a lack of parental time to play outside with the kids, according to the results of a survey commissioned by The Caravan Club .

Results of the interesting survey demonstrated that 80 per cent of adults admitted that their children spend less time outside playing activities such as football, ‘tag’ or riding their bikes than they did when they were kids. It’s not shocking that over 70 per cent of adults stated that their kids would much prefer to play their computer games or on their tablets than enjoy the outdoors. However, over 75 per cent of the parents surveyed stated that the main reason for their kids staying indoors this summer is that they (the parents) are not able to play outside with them.

Over 50 per cent of respondents said that spending time with parents and siblings would get the kids outside more to enjoy the summer fun and activities they had as a child. However, 40 per cent of the respondents who say that they do play with their children would like to be able to do more.

Simon Reeve, TV presenter, explorer author, has joined The Caravan Club and created the Big Little Tent Festival – and initiative to encourage families to get outdoors this summer and spend more time together as a family.

The Big Little Tent Festival commences over the August Bank Holiday weekend, on the night of the 30 August. This festival aims to bring families together by encouraging them to have a festival in their own gardens, camp out together, become Woodland Trust Nature Detective, cook together over a campfire and spend time enjoying each other’s company. This concept moves the family away from all modern day distractions of tablets, televisions and video games, whilst providing the conveniences attributed to being at home.

Those who are interested in signing up can do so at www.caravanclub.co.uk/BLTF and are also able to register for a free festival pack that includes wristbands, bunting and various activities, as well as enter a prize draw to win a European family camping holiday with The Caravan Club. There will be BBQ prizes across the social media platforms from 17 to 31 August (just make sure you include #BigLittleTentFest15 on Twitter). The best picture submitted on Festival day also wins a European camping holiday. Also available for download on the website are recipes and music festival playlists.

The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, said: “We all know how great it is to be outside and we want to encourage the next generation to ditch their smartphones, grab their parents and satisfy their natural thirst for adventure. So what better place to start than by exploring their own back garden? The Caravan Club and our partners over at the Woodland Trust are supporting this drive to ensure the younger generations embrace the excitement that camping and exploring the great outdoors provides.”
You can follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BigLittleTentFestival, and share your fun with the hashtag #BigLittleTentFest15.

The end of summer may be just around the corner, but it is never too late to get out there, toast some marshmallows and tell stories around the campfire whilst enjoying the great outdoors.

Check out the promotional video for The Big Little Tent Festival below.

Get your caravan ready for the magical Just So Festival

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by Daniella Almeida

This years Just So Festival focuses on the golden age of travel and will be great fun for children and adults alike

The award-winning annual Just So Festival is set to take place this year between 21 to 23 August at the Rode Hall Estate in Cheshire, it has been announced.

The theme for the festival this year, produced by Wild Rumpus has been announced as ‘the golden age of travel’ and will bring with it a plethora of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

The weekend-long camping festival will provide families with an imaginative outdoor adventure unlike any they’ve ever seen. Many activities, including art, music, literature, comedy and theatre will be held at the festival and provide an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to view, listen, or take part.

The draw of the festival, however, can be found in the location. The beautiful landscape of the Rode Hall Estate is equipped with a magnificent woodland clearing, ample parkland, amphitheatres, and lakeside spots where the host of activities can be appreciated.

A mix of regional, national, and international performers and artists will be in attendance. All of these incredible things are perfect for people and families looking for a bit of adventure and wonder.

The Tribal Tournament, which has continued to remain a festival mainstay, will be performed by the motley crew from theatre extraordinaire the LAS Theatre. For those unaware, the Tribal Tournament is a series of games that will be played and performed by the theater separated into teams properly named the Fox, Frog, Owl, Fish, Stag and Lion tribes. Once you arrive at the festival, you will be introduced to your tribe and can then support them in the games and at the Tribal Parade!

The festival is well equipped with a host of magical themes, from pirates and fairies to expeditions into distant lands. To find out all of the details, head over to the Just So Festival’s website where you will be able to book your tickets. Ticket prices for the weekend are £100 for adults and £50 for children.

Whether you decided to engage in a midnight feast, pillow fight, or tribal tournaments, the weekend is guaranteed to be great fun! So pack up your caravan and set your sites for this magical land.

Book a last minute UK getaway with The Caravan Club

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by Jessica Almeida

Caravan Club campsites perfect for last minute bookers

Although summer may be coming to an end, there are still plenty of opportunities to take a last minute getaway around the UK with The Caravan Club. Enjoy a spot of surfing, a country walk, or even a scenic cycle along one of the 35 cycle routes developed in affiliation with Sustrans – a British charity that promotes sustainable transport – this summer.

Whether you are a member or a non-member, you can book a last-minute seven-night stay at one of The Caravan Club’s sites for a family of four from as little as £203.

Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Club Site, Yorkshire

Set amongst stunning nature, Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Club Site in Yorkshire, is perfect for all ages and provides many opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. Easy within reach from the site features many attractions including Castle Howard, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and restaurants perfect for a family outing.

A seven night stay at Scarborough West Ayton Caravan Site costs from £217.00; based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan. Offer is valid until 31 August.

New Forest Caravan Club Site, Hampshire

Those who enjoy history will love the New Forest Caravan Club Site in Hampshire. The campsite was originally part of a Second World War airfield with sections of the runway still detectable. New Forest Caravan Club Site is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area and bustling towns of Poole and Christchurch by foot or bike. Organise day trips to the scenic Isle of Wight from just £8 per person.

Available until 31 August, a seven night stay at New Forest Caravan Club Site based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan costs from £247.80.

St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site, Wales

Huddled between three headlands of the Pembrokeshire Coast,St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site in Wales is ideal for those after a last-minute action-packed getaway. You can enjoy nearby Whitesands Bay, whilst the site includes swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing.

A seven night stay at St. David’s Lleithyr Meadow Caravan Club Site costs from £203, based on two adults, two children (aged 5-17), one car and caravan available until 31 August.

For further information on these campsites and details how to join The Caravan Club visitwww.caravanclub.co.uk or book a tent pitch online at www.caravanclub.co.uk/camping

Tips from IAM on avoiding being scammed on the road

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by Daniella Almeida

Avoid being scammed with these tips from IAM

Attention all drivers, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)’s head of driving standards, Peter Rodger, reveals his tips on how to avoid being scammed by intentionally staged road accidents that force insurance companies to pay out high claims.

For starters, motorists should always be very aware of their surroundings at all times. However, should you be travelling through busy urban roads, it’s important to stay extra alert. Don’t be afraid to overuse your mirrors in order to maintain constant alertness of what is going on around you. If you spot a hazard early such as a motorist driving in an unusual way or a surge of oncoming traffic, make sure to slow down right away. Wait until it’s the right time to pass them and do so safely.

It’s also important for drivers to be able to spot hazards before they happen. If you can spot a hazard, you can probably stop it before it occurs. Many accidents happen when you’ve been following too close to another vehicle.

Always maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you as a precaution. The general driving rule of thumb is to keep a two second distance behind any vehicle on any road. This allows you to have much more time to react than if you were directly behind the vehicle should they have to brake suddenly.

Even though you won’t be tailgating anyone, it is possible that others will not extend that courtesy to you. Always be aware of anyone that may be tailgating you and never let your guard down! Always keep your eyes on the road before you.

However, if the motorist behind you makes you feel threatened, pull over somewhere safe and legal to allow time for them to pass you.

Even if you feel safe to proceed with your journey, it is imperative that you continue to use caution. Don’t continue the drive if you don’t feel safe enough on the road. Only when you’ve regained your cool and feel safe should you do so. If you think a driver is flashing their headlights to give you way, think again. They could be doing this as a way to distract you. Always use your better judgment.

Road rage is a major factor in accidents, which is why it’s important to avoid engaging in an argument with the driver behind you. If you do, you run the risk of angering them further and increasing the chance of a collision. Again, should you feel threatened, pull over and call the police.

No matter how safe you are, accidents will happen. If a collision occurs and you don’t think you’re to blame, call the police. If anyone is injured, it’s imperative to the call emergency services – don’t try to fix the problem on your own.

Once you’ve called everyone that needs to be informed, be sure to collect the other driver’s details. Take pictures of any damage and the people involved so that you can’t be cheated later on. If you can prove that their were less people in the car, you can avoid the potential of injury claims being made. The same goes for damages. If you can prove what damages there were, you reduce the risk of being cheated.

Witnesses to the collision can be important, but seeing is believing. A dashboard camera is the best bet on understanding how an accident happened and who was involved. All motorists are encouraged for all motorists to install one in their vehicle.

If all drivers follow these tips, they can avoid getting scammed on the road. However, if you still need more assistance, consult the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).

Being involved in an accident is scary enough. Don’t let yourself be scammed on top of that.

Fire safety warnings issued after a series of caravan combustions

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by Ellie Pritchard

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue reveal its hottest tips to prevent caravan fires

After a series of caravan fires, Lincolnshire fire fighters are warning caravanners to take extra precautions.

Deputy community safety manager, Steve Screaton, said: “In Lincolnshire, we have a large number of caravans and mobile homes. They are used for holidays, weekend breaks or for permanent residences.

“With this in mind, and the fact that a fire in a caravan or mobile home is nine times more likely to lead to death or injury than in a house, it is important that people are aware of the precautions they can take to reduce the risk of fire.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is urging caravanners to park their vans at least six metres part, never use barbecues inside a caravan or awning and to be sure to have a working smoke alarm fitted.

In addition, you should never leave children alone in your caravan, nor should you leave any cooking appliances unattended or smoke in bed.

If you’re ever in doubt, think PAT:
Phone: Make sure you know where the nearest phone point is.
Arrangements: Be aware of the caravan site’s fire safety arrangements.
Torch: Keep a torch by the door.

If your caravan catches fire, you should get out as quickly and as safely as possible. Once safe, call 999 giving your exact location and map reference and do not attempt to go back inside the caravan until the fire is out.

Marquis Leisure announces 11 NCC Approved Workshops

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by Daniella Almeida

The UK’s largest Dealer Network announces that all 11 of their workshops have passed NCC assessment

Marquis Leisure Motorhomes and Caravans announced today that all 11 of their nationwide Service Centres have passed strict assessment by the NCC. They have also been granted the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS).

Commercial director of Marquis, Graham Davidson-Bowman, responded to the approval by saying: “I am delighted that the NCC have recognised the standard of our workmanship and customer satisfaction in awarding all of our Service Centres the AWS seal of approval.

“Jason Wilson, Marquis Director of Service along with all of our Service Centre personnel should be justifiable proud of this achievement,” he concluded.

The AWS is considered to be the standard for motorhome and touring caravanning service. It was created as a joint effort between the NCC, The Caravan Club, and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

The standards set out by AWS are quite stringent, but Marquis came prepared. The company has been investing in training for these services, as well as adding additional equipment and a purpose designed computer system.

We here at CaravanTimes extend our congratulations to Marquis Leisure.