Second World War plaque to be unveiled at Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club site

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by Daniella Almeida

Memorial plaque for Polish community based at Blackshaw Moor during WWII to be unveiled

Staff at The Caravan Club’s Blackshaw Moor Site are preparing to unveil a memorial plaque to commemorate the Polish community based in that area during the Second World War. The plaque will be placed on a gatepost from the original campsite entrance in Staffordshire on 16 September 2015.

Visitors will also be given the opportunity to see what the Polish campsite looked like during the war that shook the world through photos on display at the site.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2 so what better way to honor the memories of those often forgotten than with a plaque to stand the test of time? With this in mind, the staff decided to educate people of the often forgotten bit of history from that location.

During the Second World War and up until 1964, allied troops sought refuge and occupation at the land at Blackshaw Moor, later bringing their families to the area.

But the rich history doesn’t stop there. In 1943, the site was used as a transit camp by the American 565th US Anti-aircraft battalion. They stationed there in readiness for the attack on Europe. In 1946, the site was used by Polish troops. Their families later joined them when they couldn’t go back to Poland on account of the looming Russian threat.

In order to get the history right, staff worked with two members of the Polish community to get their accounts of the camp that used to occupy the land. Most of the people who lived on the site must have worked in the local quarries and old buildings are still seen on an adjacent field at the site.

Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site is based in Staffordshire, south of the Lake District, which was recently named the most beautiful area to travel in the UK.

Newborough caravan park cafe makes it into the Good Food Guide

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by Daniella Almeida

Caravan park cafe edges its way into the ranks of the best restaurants in Britain

A caravan park cafe has joined the ranks of some of the best restaurants in Britain after cutting the mustard and appearing in the Good Food Guide 2016.

The Marram Grass Cafe, located at the White Lodge Caravan Park in Newborough on the Isle of Anglesey, has made its debut on the list, with business sure to skyrocket following being bestowed the honour of appearing in the prestigious publication.

Owners of the restaurant, Liam and Ellis Barrie, are two brothers in their twenties whose parents own the park. The brothers have been actively trying to improve their restaurant and the effort hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Liam Barrie said: “We changed the existing menu from one that relied on frozen food to ours which sources from as many local producers as possible. We are really proud of that. We like staying creative and are always experimenting with our dishes.”

The changes have proved successful for the cafe and the Good Food Guide Editor, Elizabeth Carter, called it “an extraordinary find” with “cooking that shows ambition and skill”, offering “a simple recipe for success that not many manage to get so right.”

Success has come tumbling towards the small culinary marvel, with celebrities such as Terry Wogan flocking to the Marram Grass Cafe to sample culinary delights including lamb steak, crushed carrot and smoked bacon lardons, pan roasted seabass with Jerusalum artichoke and much more. We’re hungry thinking about it.

The Marram Grass Cafe is in good company behind restaurants including L’Enclume and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which took home the first and second spot, respectively.

Located in the village of Cartmel in Cumbria, L’Enclume takes home the top spot for the third year in a row. The restaurant is owned by Simon Rogan and was awarded full ten points for its twist on British cooking with a flare of structured style. Some choice pieces the restaurant offers include a venison tartare and apple tart with ginger ice cream.

Completing the top three spots are Restaurant Gordon Ramsay located in London and Nathan Outlaw’s seafood restaurant in Cornwall.

Some new additions have been included into the Top 50 including Adam’s in Birmingham, Sketch in London, and The Dairy also located in London.

However, some spots have been knocked out of the Top 50 as well. The Chiltern Firehouse, a popular hangout for celebrities, was knocked down as well as London’s The Clove Club.

The Guide also included their Editor’s Awards recognising and awarding the chefs and restaurants that have shone in their field. The best restaurant award was given to The Ox in Belfast. Robin Gill, chef of The Dairy and The Manor in Clapham, London, was praised with the title of chef of the year.

Lest we forget the British staple, pubs were given their own list with Freemasons at Wiswell taking the first spot.

The Good Food Guide, owned by Waitrose, is celebrating its 65th year anniversary this year. Click on through to their website here to see the full list.

Caravans and motorhomes banned from Colwyn Bay in move set to anger holidaymakers

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by David Bates

Motorhome owners hit by new restrictions in North Wales

British motorhomers’ ever-decreasing rights to park overnight have suffered another hit in North Wales.

Conwy County Borough Council has introduced an ‘experimental order’ which prohibits motorhomes parking along Colwyn Bay promenade and its surrounding streets between the hours of 11pm and 8am.

The measure, which was introduced on 12 August, will allow potential protestors six months to file any objections before the ruling is made permanent. Any objections can be sent to: Head of Law and Governance, Conwy County Borough Council, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU, or here.

Old Conwy Promenade is restricted across the full width of the road, from the southern boundary wall to the railings on its northern side, as well as from its junction with Rotary Way, extending 35 metres east of Cliff Gardens.

At Cliff Gardens, both sides of the road are prohibited for 20 metres northerly from its junction with the promenade. At Colwyn Bay Promenade and West Promenade the ban includes both sides from the point it joins with Rotary Way to its junction with Cayley Promenade. The whole of Rotary way is restricted, from Colwyn Bay Promenade junction for 40 metres in a southerly direction.

All areas in Poth Eirias car park are now forbidden too.

The order defines “camping vehicle, caravan or motor caravan” as any vehicle designed or adapted for sleeping or cooking.

A spokesperson for Conwy County Borough Council said of the new imposed regulations: “The restriction has been introduced this week following concerns from local residents and councillors of a number of people camping in the area, sometimes for extended periods of time.”

Is this another unfair restriction? Or are Conwy council within their rights?

Elddis Affinity lineup announced for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Elddis announces its six model Affinity range for the new season

Elddis has announced its lineup for the popular Affinity range for 2016.

The multi-award-winning Affinity will be available in six single axle models for 2016, starting at an OTR price of £19,494 and offering a lightweight alternative to couples and families looking to hit the road with weights starting at just 1298kgs.

Many changes have been made for 2016, including a new large Heki Lux ‘Stargazer’ roof light, featuring pleated blind, fly screen and stylish surround and integrated downlights.

Other additions for the new season include new ‘Hydrangea’ Aquaclean upholstery with Ozio Hi-Performance construction, new Teleco Teleplus X2/39U directional aerial, new bathroom accessories, and new external graphics. The addition of a new USB point at the front shelf will prove handy when it comes to charging up your smart devices, whilst improvements have been made to the Alde 24-hour programmable central and water heating system featuring touchscreen control panel.

Updates have also been made in the washroom, which also features an exclusive Ecocamel Orbit water saving Halo shower.

The six models within the Elddis Affinity range will consist of the two-berth Affinity 482, three-berth Affinity 530, as well as four four-berth options: the Affinity 540, Affinity 550, Affinity 554, and Affinity 574. Both the Affinity 554 and Affinity 550 feature a retractable bed, creating 400mm additional floor space.

Keep watching this space for more offerings from Elddis for 2016 over the forthcoming weeks and make sure you let us know what you’re looking forward to the most for the season ahead.

Caravan Park facing closure needs YOU

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravanners need your help to save their favourite caravan park from closure

A group of dedicated caravanners are reaching out to the caravanning community in a bid to to halt eviction from their favourite caravan park in Kent.

Back in June, CaravanTimes highlighted the planned closure of the caravan park, as proposed by pub operator Shepherd Neame, who is continuing to press ahead with plans to evict longstanding visitors to the site, located behind The Sportsman pub in Whitstable.

Third-generation caravanner and long-term visitor to the park, Patrick O’Neill, has since started a petition in order to halt the destruction of the park and has, thus far, attracted over 500 signatures – but it’s still not enough. And this is where you come in.

Following being served a 17 day eviction notice, Patrick has reached out to CaravanTimes readers with a view to seeking legal advice, as well as requesting for CaravanTimes readers to help save the park by adding their name to a petition opposing the closure of the park many have come to call their second home.

Signing the petition literally takes seconds and could lead to ensuring future generations get to enjoy exactly what Patrick and his caravanning friends have over the years. To sign it, click here.

In addition, if you think you can help Patrick and his fellow caravanners with any legal advice, please email thesportsman_caravaners@outlook.com.

Let’s all pull together and try to help as much as possible.

UK Power Networks advises caution to caravanners this bank holiday

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by Daniella Almeida

With the bank holiday nearing, UK Power Networks advises caravanners to look out for power lines when outdoors

With the summer bank holiday just a stone’s throw away, it is almost certain that many of us are planning to make a break for it in our caravans to explore the countryside. And now, UK Power Networks caution is advising those that do to look out for overhead electricity lines.

Safety experts at the company, which delivers electricity to the East of England, London, and the Southeast is encouraging caravanners and campers to “look out and look up” before setting up camp.

According to the company’s head of health and safety, Peter Vujanic, as well as being aware of the power lines, caravanners should be careful as to where they place their TV aerials. Caution should also be extended towards where a campfire is started or where washing lines are tied.

Vujanic said: “Camping and caravanning are fantastic ways to enjoy the great outdoors and we want everyone to enjoy their leisure time safely.

“Cables and power lines can carry anything from 230 volts to 132,000 volts and even coming into contact with the lowest voltage cables can be fatal.

“Overhead power lines are more common in the countryside than towns and much of the equipment associated with camping and caravanning can easily conduct electricity so it is always wise to ‘look out and look up’ first and then follow some simple guidelines so everyone can be happy – and safe – campers,” he concluded.

Amongst the aforementioned advice, UK Power Network also cautions caravanners to stay well away from any lines in the vicinity of the campsite you are intending to use as much of the camping and caravanning equipment can conduct electricity (metal and carbon fibre tent poles, guy lines, etc.).

Always carry anything that can conduct electricity horizontally and parallel with the ground since electricity can jump across gaps.

Never attempt to judge the height of power lines and never attach or tie anything to power line wooden poles, pylons, or electrical equipment.

Never light a fire under an overhead line. The fire produces heat that could cause the wires to droop low or even to break.

For more safety tips, check out the UK Power Networks website and remember to be safe out there!

Wellhouse marks two-year anniversary with new campervans for NEC

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by David Bates

Wellhouse to unveil exciting trio of campervans at NEC

Huddersfield campervan conversion specialists Wellhouse Leisure are set to announce three new Ford custom models at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2015, at Birmingham’s NEC between 13 and 18 October.

In addition to their existing Terrier XL and Evie models, which were launched earlier this year, Wellhouse will be presenting three new campervans; the Terrier Lux, Terrier Two, and Terrier M-Camper.

The Terrier Lux is intended to meet demand for an entry-level camper. With a 2.2 litre Duratorq engine, with 100 PS, based on the long wheelbase Ford Transit, this two-berth van with twin singles and a rear kitchen starts from £34,500 and customers will be able to choose from an elevating or high roof.

The standard specification for all Terriers is impressively high, even within this entry level model, which contains the following as standard: air conditioning, heated and swivelling front seats, arm-rests, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights, DAB radio, bluetooth, a leather trimmed steering wheel with inbuilt radio controls, a heated windscreen. Optional extras include a heater, solar panel and alloy wheels.

To celebrate the two-year anniversary of their first Terrier, launched in October 2013, which with 300 sold has been a huge success, Wellhouse have created the Terrier-Two. This new incarnation is equipped with stylish, new Italian-designed furniture and interior courtesy of Technoform, which is said to enhance its high-end feel and modern aesthetics whilst retaining favourite features such as the sliding rear seats and side kitchen.

Wellhouse Leisure’s iced cake is called the M-Camper, a bells and whistles conversion, which would look just as comfortable on a racetrack as a campsite. Designed by M-Sport, the people behind Ford’s World Rally Championship team, the M-Camper has a rally-style exterior, lowered suspension, 18 inch limited edition alloys, new front and rear bumpers, a tailgate spoiler and a quad-exhaust-system.

The M-Sport race-style interior dovetails perfectly with Wellhouse practicality; white dials, nappa leather seats, blue seat-belts and sports steering all fit in perfectly with Technoform campervan furniture.

A 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi engine boasting 155 PS, 385 Nm torque and a six-speed manual ensure you’ll arrive in record time.

Former Top Gear host Chris Goffey will host the official unveiling on 13 October in Hall 12, number 12.85, with the exact time to be confirmed.

Whilst we’re on the subject of the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, if you’re thinking of heading along, why not enter into CaravanTimes‘ latest competition to win a pair of tickets? Details can be found here.

NCC Verified Leisure Battery Scheme to launch at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Never worry about buying the wrong battery again, thanks to the NCC’s new verification scheme, set for launch this October

The National Caravan Council (NCC) will officially launch its Verified Leisure Battery Scheme this autumn at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015. The scheme looks set to provide product verification for batteries used in leisure vehicles.

With modern leisure vehicles featuring more technology and electrical appliances than ever before, buying an NCC verified leisure battery should provide consumers confidence that the battery they purchase for use is fit for purpose and will perform as advertised. Also, the NCC will encourage its leisure vehicle member manufacturers to fit NCC verified leisure batteries.

Battery verification comes via a comprehensive, industry leading, testing process conducted by suitably certified and audited test houses. Batteries will be verified, and labelled accordingly, into three categories, A,B,C, depending on their capacity and intended purpose.

Category A is for batteries with a higher storage capacity for people who frequently use their caravans or motorhomes away from electrical hook-ups, whilst category B batteries are aimed at those who frequently use sites with hook-up facilities, but require a greater battery capacity to operate devices such as motor movers. The final category, C, is for users that require a lower capacity battery to cover basic operation of their habitation equipment for short periods away from a hook-up.

David Reid, NCC Standards and Regulations Adviser, said: “The NCC has been aware that consumers could be getting short changed when purchasing a leisure battery because there has been very little guidance on how to match their requirements to the technical specification of the battery.

“Leisure batteries can cost as much as £200 each so we want to make sure that when people buy a new battery they get a product that is suitable for their caravan or motorhome and suits their lifestyle.

“The scheme is designed to bring transparency to the leisure battery marketplace and help consumers select a product that’s right for them. We already have some of the leading leisure battery brands signed up to the scheme, including Banner, Platinum and Yuasa and will continue to bring more on board in the future,” Reid continued.

John Richards, Platinum OE-OES & specialist channel director, said: “We are excited to start working with the NCC moving forward as we believe the NCC Verified Leisure Battery Scheme is right for the industry and our business”.

Consumers can find out more about the scheme on the NCC stand (7.12) at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, and following its launch from leisure vehicle dealers, leisure vehicle and battery manufacturers and via the NCC website here.

Bailey celebrates their sponsored Shaun the Sheep being Shaun-of-the-day by raising money for a good cause

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by Daniella Almeida

Bailey staff raise money for The Grand Appeal with Shaun the Sheep inspired events

Bailey of Bristol’s sponsored Shaun the Sheep, one of 70 in Bristol for the Shaun in the City challenge, was bestowed the title of ‘Shaun of the day’ on Friday 14 August – and Bailey certainly weren’t sheepish about celebrating in style.

To mark the occasion, Bailey staff held various fundraising activities throughout the day, in order to raise money for The Grand Appeal (the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity) with some baa-rilliant Shaun-inspired events.

The personalised Shaun sculpture, named Willow, was celebrated with two great themed events as well as being featured on The Bristol Post masthead and the official “Shaun the City: Sheep Spotter” app.

To commemorate the event and raise money for the great cause, Bailey head office staff took part in two Shaun-themed competitions. The first, called the ‘How many baa-lloons’ challenge, invited staff to pay to guess how many balloons had been herded into a new Bailey Pegasus Modena. If guessed correctly, the winner received a BBQ and some lamb chops – something we here at CaravanTimes aren’t too sure Shaun the Sheep would approve of.

The second challenge, entitled the ‘Great Bailey Bake Off’, saw staff taking to their kitchens to compete to create the best Shaun-themed cake. The competition was judged based on taste, decoration, and theme interpretation and was reviewed by Bailey’s company directors. The winner was named Bailey Star Baker.

Willow was designed by local artist, Rhiannon Southwell, and inspired by a collection of blue and white china at Tyntesfield House near Bristol. WIllow is adorned with iconic Bristol imagery including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and is located outside the St. Mary Redcliffe church in the city centre.

The sculpture is one of 70, each five-feet high, in the Shaun in the City trail in Bristol, on display until 31 August. The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, is behind the trail in an effort to raise money for their cause.

You can still enter the #BaileyShaunSelfie competition to win a weekend at The Caravan Club’s site in Hillhead, Devon in a Bailey Unicorn caravan. For more information, visit the Shaun in the City website here.

Coachman appoints new purchasing and logistics manager

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by Joe Jeffrey

Jason Thompson to undoubtedly bring wealth of experience to new role

Coachman Caravans has appointed Jason Thompson as Purchasing and Logistics Manager.

Thompson, a CIPS qualified professional, joins Coachman with 25 years’ experience within the caravan industry.

He assumes all business responsibilities for bill of material control, buying, stock control, stores and logistics within the company.

Having spent the majority of his career in senior management positions within the industry, specialising in purchasing and logistics, Thompson is sure to bring his vast experience in research and development and business systems to Coachman, based in Hull.

Martin Henderson, Coachman’s Managing Director, said: “We are all very excited by Jason’s arrival.

“His appointment strengthens our team and this role will form a key position in our future business improvement.”

Coachman Caravans is one of the leading caravan manufacturers in the industry, employing almost 170 staff at its base in Hull, East Yorkshire. The company recently unveiled its new Vision and Pastiche ranges, including two brand new, innovative models for 2016.

Driver in deep trouble over convertible caravan

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by David Bates

£25 caravan makeshift trailer lands driver with points on licence and ticking off from police

An unnamed Devon man found himself in bother with the police on Saturday (22 August) after he broke down with his homemade trailer in tow.

The brazen driver purchased a £25 caravan and removed the roof, before deciding that he had created a roadworthy trailer for transporting a conservatory.

Local police officer, Pablo Beckhurst, was forced to disagree with the man who he found broken down on an A38 layby, without valid insurance and a handwritten registration plate – with a letter missing, just for good measure.

The arresting PC said: “The driver had borrowed a friend’s vehicle to drive on trade insurance, but the policy was not valid.

“There was one piece of rope holding the sides from falling out on to the road, the lights were not working, the tyres had cracked and were not roadworthy,” Beckhurst continued.

What’s worse, the driver intended on heading right through to the M5 at Exeter, which is one of the region’s busiest roads, before returning with a half-caravan full of conservatory glass.

Understandably, the man is facing legal repercussions, though it may only be six points on his license for driving uninsured.

We’re as dumbfounded as PC Beckhurst, and urge everyone to only use their caravans for their next holiday.

Swift set to build upon Escape motorhome range for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift continues to build upon the popular Escape range for 2016

The Escape motorhome range from Swift continues to go from strength to strength for 2016 following significant enhancements launched last year, including Swift’s SMART intelligent construction system, Fiats new cab, upgraded exterior and new higher specification interior features which have been carried forward for 2016.

New for 2016 is the enhancement of Swift’s award-winning SMART intelligent construction system to SMART Plus, which now features a new sandwich floor construction with a GRP outer skin providing greater durability from the elements, an upgraded hail resistant roof and front window jig with full GRP and foam construction.

Also, for 2016, comes the introduction of new Seitz C6 windows and refreshed stylish graphics, bringing the Escape into a whole new season. And for those who like to remain a little more active, bike rack fixing rails on the rear now make it easier to fit a bike rack than ever before.

Meanwhile, inside the cab, a new 12V socket and USB socket have been added – handy for the new dash mounted tablet holder. You’ll also find a new DAB radio to help make your journey that much more relaxed.

The interior of the Escape remains pretty much unchanged and carries forward the upgraded soft furnishings, locker doors in contemporary ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain, as well as chrome push button locker catches that add a distinguished element to the design.

A new digital control panel has been fitted to control the Truma Combi-boiler which comes as standard to provide for heating and hot water. Motorhomers also have the option of upgrading to a Truma iNet box to allow remote control functionality and the monitoring of the Truma boiler heating system wherever you are.

Washroom fittings have also seen an update, with new Ecocamel Orbit showerhead with on/off button featuring as standard along with a new high gloss white washroom wallboard.

The new low-line Escape 622, ideal for couples, brings Swift’s Escape portfolio up to six in total – offering two low-line and four high-line models. Three models have four belted travelling seats and two layouts have five with an optional six available.

Models available for 2016, exclusive of the new Escape 622, include the five-berth Escape 624 high-line, the four-berth Escape 644 high-line and 644 low-line, as well as two six-berth options – the Escape 686 High-line and 696 High-line.

The power of the Escape comes from the Fiat 2.3 litre, 130bhp Euro +5 turbo diesel engine with six-speed gearbox. A Fiat Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox is also available as an optional extra.

All models come wit a “TRACKER Retrieve” Thatcham approved tracking system, as well as Swift’s ten-year body integrity warranty. An optional Comfort pack, featuring Winter pack with waste water tank heaters, under floor pipe insulation, fridge vent covers and Status 570 TV aerial is also available, in addition to cab-air-conditioning, passenger air bag, electric entrance step and much more.

Nick Page, Swift’s commercial director, said: “Escape continues to be our top selling single range and has provided many people with their first experience of the freedom owning a motorhome can provide. With models for couples and families, this year’s package is still very much aimed at anyone wanting to buy new rather than second hand or just looking for amazing value.”