Van stolen from charity that helps Essex youth at risk of drug and alcohol problems

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by Jessica Almeida

Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service is prevented from helping youth at risk due to stolen van

A motorhome used to help young people avoid and escape the vicious cycle of alcohol and drug addiction has been stolen from its base in Essex.

Based in Chelmsford, the Children’s Society’s Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service had their vehicle taken on Wednesday from outside the Galleywood Youth Centre.

Thieves removed a safety clamp from one of the wheels before taking off with the 2008 white Roller Team, worth approximately £30,000. Contained within the motorhome was a television, DVD player and a kettle, as well as pamphlets and other materials used to provide teenagers with information and advice about living with alcohol or drugs misuse in the family.

Senior project worker, Chris Pegley, said: “We are a charity trying to do important work with young people and we’ve been prevented from doing this by other people’s inconsideration and greed.

“I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into putting this information unit together,” Pegley added.

The charity, which is about to start a brand new programme to train volunteers to support young people out-of-hours across Essex, has now placed things on hold, essentially preventing the organisation from doing what they do best.

The motorhome served many purposes including reaching out to young people, who are often on the streets or in parks or other public places, to focus on the risk of grooming and inappropriate sexual relationships.

The vehicle was planned to be taken out last friday in Brentwood by the staff at The Children’s Society with a group of volunteers.

Despite being based in Chelmsford, the charity also works across the country.

If anyone has any information or details about the missing campervan – registration number AU58 BKX – they can call Essex Police by calling 101 or 01245 491491

The AA: Drivers neglect checking their cars before travelling

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by Megan Henderson

Many drivers do not do a basic check of their vehicle before hitting the road, and are not sure what to look for under the bonnet, according to motoring organisation

With many motorists ready to take their summer holidays – none other so than us caravanners with our trusty caravans in tow – it is important to stay safe while driving. But, according to the AA, many of us fail to perform adequate checks before setting off – or, for that matter, know even how to check under our bonnets.

The news comes as the AA has revealed that, when asked about basic under bonnet maintenance checks, 13 per cent of drivers said they ‘haven’t got a clue’ about what to do. This rises to a third (30 per cent) of women.
Max Holdstock, newly-crowned AA Patrol Person of the Year said: “If you plan to make long trips this summer and you don’t know what to do, most garages will provide such checks very cheaply or even free of charge. A broken-down car is not a good start to what should be a happy weekend break or holiday.”
Furthermore, 68 per cent of those polled do not think about increasing tyre pressure as recommended when packing vehicles out with luggage of family members.

According to the motoring organisation, tyre problems and overheating engines are some of the most common reasons that holidays can be disrupted. Fortunately, they are easy to avoid with regular maintenance, and checking the car before heading off on that long waiting holiday.

The majority of travellers surveyed remember to top up their fuel before heading off at 89 per cent, but 21 per cent do not check their tyre pressure, and 67 per cent do not even visually check their tyres to see tread depth or signs of cuts or bulges.

“Drivers load up their cars up with family, luggage and holiday paraphernalia – and then expect them to undertake a long trouble-free journey but don’t bother to make sure the car is properly prepared for the extra strain,” Holdstock continued.

Travellers can check their car handbooks, small information panels in the fuel cap cover, or the driver’s door shut to gain more information on their vehicle’s optimum tyre pressure.

Whilst tyres are important, motorists should also remember that overheating is quite common for cars, but can be avoided with regular maintenance. Overheating is often caused by low coolant or a faulty cooling fan. Over half of motorists do not check their cooling system levels and do not top up their anti-freeze.

Holdstock went on to address other concerns when setting off on a long journey.

“Our study also found that a third (32 per cent) don’t check their engine’s oil level either. Dangerously low oil can lead to serious and expensive engine damage”

“If you plan to make long trips this summer and you don’t know what to do, most garages will provide such checks very cheaply or even free of charge. A broken-down car is not a good start to what should be a happy weekend break or holiday,” Holdstock recommended.

The AA has provided a quick little trick for holiday goers; just remember the word FLOWER. FLOWER stands for: Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber.

We here at CaravanTimes wish all of you safe travels, but always remember regular maintenance is the best way to avoid roadside complications.

Do you check your vehicle before setting off on your holidays?

Ever seen a motorhome driven on two wheels before?

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by Ellie Pritchard

Video footage of a motorhome wheelie could inspire you to change the way you travel – but we sincerely hope not!

Do you ever get bored of the same mundane drive to your favourite caravan site? Are you looking for a more creative way to travel? Well, watch and learn, because CaravanTimes has the perfect solution.

The following video footage of a stuntman switching up conventional means of motorhome travel by driving on two wheels has us watching on in awe, although we certainly wouldn’t want to try it for fear of writing off our very own pride and joy.

The daredevil is evidently no stranger to performing extreme wheelies involving a variety of vehicles, but his motorhome stunt is perhaps the most dangerous yet.

Amazingly, when it lands back on all fours, the motorhome seems to be in perfect working condition.

Watch the footage below, but we warn you, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Refurbishment for Wirral Country Park granted after surge in visitor numbers

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by Megan Henderson

Wirral Council refurbishes part of Country Park following act of vandalism

Part of Wirral Country Park has been refurbished and reopened to the public after struggling with recurrent acts of vandalism.

The campsite in Thurstaston received funding from the Wirral Country Park, and now can provide toilet, washing and shower facilities.

The project means after more than a decade of closure local youth and community groups can use the spot again.

The spot is already being used by the Wirral Council’s Sports Development Team . The camp hosts 160 adolescents and provides training and learning programs and opportunities related to the local community.

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “Once again Wirral Council teams have worked hard together to deliver a fantastic resource and develop what was an underused part of Wirral Country Park and transformed it into a unique residential opportunity for groups, providing them with toilets and showers.”

Meaden also mentioned that visitor numbers for Wirral Country Park have been growing greatly over the last few years, with the park seeing an increase in visitors to the caravan site as well.

“This new work forms part of our pledge to get all of our young people ready for work and adulthood, while also protecting and enhancing our green spaces,” Meaden continued.

The campsite, which is available for group use only, is located with access to Wirral Way and Thurstaston Beach, the location of which allows visitors to seek an environmental education with workshops provided by park rangers.

Jo Hanik, senior ranger, said: “We’re delighted to once again support the Wirral National Citizens Service participants at Wirral Country Park and the refurbished facility will, I’m sure, be welcomed by the participants.
“Although the campsite will be available for group use only I expect that it will become a very popular destination for groups camping.”

Caravanners beware: Clarkson confirms his return

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by David Bates

Clarkson Hammond May set for on-screen return

Jeremy Clarkson has confirmed that he, Richard Hammond and James May will be making another motoring program.

During a ‘Clarkson, Hammond and May’ live show in Perth, Australia – rebranded from ‘Top Gear Live’ for legal reasons following Clarkson’s dismissal from the BBC in March – the Doncaster man took to the stage to tell the audience that “there will be a car show on the internet or in your house”, going as far as to present a tongue-in-cheek blooper reel of their new production, in which Clarkson mispronounces “Porsche 911”.

The trio’s particular brand of humour looked mockingly back at the fall-out from Top Gear, with Clarkson joking that he was “too shy” for television and James May suggesting he would be better suited to life as a “producer” or a “diplomat”.

The sold-out 14,000-capacity audience witnessed an array of vehicular treats, including motorbike polo and car rugby, whilst the original Top Gear trio represented Team England against hosts of the Australian equivalent Shane Jacobson, Steve Pizzati, and Riana Crehan, in a series of challenges dubbed the ‘Cr-Ashes’.

The British team referenced the legal restrictions which have continued to hamper them since March, which forbid their involvement in a motor-based television program in the UK for the next two years, when joking that “for legal reasons, nothing we have ever done together has ever happened…our lawyers tell us that, for legal reasons, we have never met”.

Exploding caravans may be a thing of the past in Britain (for now), however motorhome users in America may not rest so easy; Clarkson and his sidekicks are expected to head across the pond to circumvent legal regulations, with Amazon and Netflix thought to be involved in bidding for the new show.

Swift unveils new and updated caravans for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Manufacturer announces new caravans, new systems and more at exclusive launch

Swift yesterday (23 July) laid out their plans for 2016 with a number of exciting updates, as well as some new caravans for the season ahead.

First up, a brand new entry-level range by way of the Sprite Freedom looks set to provide many entry level caravanners, or simply those looking to buy their first caravan, an ideal opportunity to do so.

The Swift Freedom, which will initially be available in three layouts, is an extension of Swift‘s popular, award-winning Sprite range and will contain a number of features essential for today’s travels.

Built using Swift’s new SMART Plus construction method, each model within the range should prove popular to families, with each model being six berths.

Rumoured to be more affordable than previous Sprite models, as previously reported here, the Sprite Freedom should prove popular when it hits UK dealerships later this year.

Sticking with Sprite, Swift has also enhanced the original range for 2016, which will see the range receive a make over in line with higher ranges; three opening windows will replace the single front window, and new graphics, LED side marker running LED lights and a new furnishing scheme as well as much more will provide a more upmarket feel at an entry-level price point across the eight-model range. As with all of Swift’s ranges for 2016, apart from the Conqueror, Continental, Elegance and Elite ranges, the new Sprites will also come with SMART Plus construction as standard.

Elsewhere, we saw nine Swift Conqueror and Sterling Eccles models announced for 2016, with the inclusion of the all-new four berth Conqueror/Elite 560 – comprising of front parallel seating, mid transverse washroom and rear island bed – and the Conqueror/Elite 650, also four berths and featuring a similar layout, step into the arena for 2016. All models under the Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges will incorporate Swift’s SMART HT construction featuring completely timberless construction and will come with a number of updates to the existing model ranges, including wider panoramic sunroof and improved security. What’s more, a new Swift Command control system will also come as standard across the two ranges, set to provide for an intelligent power supply unit capable of being controlled by your smart phone wherever you are in the world.

That’s not all though. For 2016, the Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles have received some snazzy updates too.

The Sport and SE denotations have been dropped for the new season ahead, simply being known as the Swift Challenger and Sterling Eccles going forward. Additional modifications include a sweeping new front profile with flush fitting windows, with rear panels now incorporating Swift’s exclusive rear LED light clusters and much more.

Last, but not least, as far as caravans are concerned, the award-winning Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental ranges have been further optimised for 2016, with impressive new features and enhancements made. There will be five single axle and two win axle models available, as well as a new Elegance oyster and dusk-based scheme called ‘Winchester Stone’ and a new monochrome-feel Continental scheme known as ‘Winchester Black’ respectively. A new Swift Command control system will come as standard on these high-end ranges also.

Make sure you check back on CaravanTimes soon as we look set to go into much more detail on the above across the coming weeks.

Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most from Swift for 2016 in the comments below.

Summer holiday towing tips from The Caravan Club

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by Jessica Almeida

Advice to ensure you’re towing properly

Controlling two vehicles might sound daunting, but all it takes is a little extra preparation and precaution. and now, with the summer holidays well underway, The Caravan Club has compiled a list of towing tips and advice for those who are planning a road trip this summer.

The Caravan Club recommends the following advice to ensure the perfect getaway:

Planning

  • Before setting off make sure that the caravan is correctly hitched up to the towing vehicle, also check the lights, tyres pressure, caravan wheel fixing torques and breakaway cable.
  • Use extension mirrors when towing to ensure a good rear view. These are a legal requirement for most car-caravan combinations.
  • It is important not to panic if the caravan being towed begins to swing slightly, this can happen especially in cross winds or if a large vehicle is alongside. Gently slow down without braking or trying to steer and the sway should disappear.

Weight considerations

  • Check the weight of the vehicle being towed to ensure that your car is capable of towing it. You can get more advice on towing safely on the Caravan Club’s ‘experience freedom’ website.

Braking distances and manoeuvring

  • When controlling two vehicles, it is important to allow more time and space.
  • Brake earlier than normal and allow more time to accelerate. Also, due to the size of combination, it is important to make sure that corners are taken more widely.

Legal Requirements

  • It is a requirement for the towed vehicle to display a legal number plate which matches the car towing it.
  • Legal speed limits are often lower when towing, therefore it is important to check before beginning your journey.
  • Do not carry passengers in the caravan when towing, it is illegal and dangerous.

Don’t forget, if you’re taking to the road with your caravan for the first time or need to brush up on your towing skills, The Caravan Club offers a number of towing courses across the UK.
Also, remember to follow the advice given above and take extra care when towing.
It is also important to check the legal requirements of the destination country if towing abroad.

What other piece of towing advice would you provide to those less experienced than you?

Insurance premiums expected to increase by over a quarter due to texting and driving

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by Jessica Almeida

Mobile phone offenders are ‘four times more likely to crash’

New found research presented by the AA has suggested that many motorists, particularly younger drivers, believe it is acceptable to read or compose text messages while driving a car.

Even though most drivers admit that it is acceptable to read and compose a text message while their car is parked with the engine off, which is legal, close to half also believe that it is acceptable to do so if the car is pulled over with the engine running.

What is concerning is the fact that 28 per cent of all drivers say that texting or messaging is acceptable if stuck in a traffic queue. Out of those drivers 41 percent are aged between 18 and 34.

According to an AA-Populus survey, while 11 per cent say they would use a hand-held device while waiting at traffic lights, young drivers are the ones who are more likely to do so.

Furtermore, 16 percent of young drivers aged 18-24 say that it is acceptable to send or receive messages while driving in slow moving traffic.

Young drivers who claim to be more likely to use hand-held devices while driving, must retake their driving test if they gain six penalty points within two years of having received their full driving licence.

Insurance companies take mobile phone offences very seriously, with on average of a 26 per cent increase on premiums or, in worst case scenarios, possible withdrawal of cover from offenders. That compares with an average 12 per cent premium increase for speeding offences.

by law, it is an offence if using a handheld phone, unless the car is safely parked with the engine switched off. Using a phone when your engine is switched on brings a fixed penalty or £100 and three endorsement points, which is the same as a speeding offence.

However, depending on the assets, the offence could be increased to careless or even dangerous driving, which risks disqualification and a fine, as well as making it harder afterwards to find an insurer willing to offer cover.

Managing director of AA Insurance, Janet Connor, stated that drivers using a handheld mobile device are at four times greater risk of being involved in a crash.

She said: “These findings are shocking. Unlike speeding, it usually requires the use of a phone to be seen by the police officer, so many drivers think they can get away with it. It’s vital that there are more traffic police to catch offenders.”

Connor adds: “This deliberate act diverts attention from driving, significantly heightening the risk of a crash. If that happens, police officers will check the phone’s records to see whether a message or call was taking place that the time.”

Connor believes that drivers may unintentionally exceed the speed limit, however no one sends a text message by mistake.

“Those who flout the law are more likely to make a claim, and their insurance premium rightly reflects that risk,” Connor concluded.

Prices announced for new Volkswagen California campervan

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by David Bates

New Volkswagen California prices released

Volkswagen has announced the prices for its new California campervan.

The new Volkswagen California will come in two models; the entry-level ‘Beach’ and the top of the range ‘Ocean’, the latter of which will replace the California SE. The all new Californias boast reduced fuel consumption and emissions, feature Bluemotion technology and are compliant with Euro Six emission regulations.

Prices for the Beach begin at £37, 657 and buyers will be given a choice of two two-litre engines, either 102PS or 150 PS. The 102 PS TDI comes in a five-speed manual and the 150 PS TDI comes in either six-speed manual or seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic. This entry-level model features seven seats, with sleeping space for four and a conveniently stored table with chairs and an integrated awning. The California’s bench seats fold into a double bed, while its pop-up roof opens up further sleeping space for two.

The high-end Ocean starts at £47,840. Coming equipped with either 150 PS TDI or 204 PS TDI, both of which are two-litre, the Ocean has an optional four-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. This variant also features an electro-hydraulic pop-up roof with lighting and a kitchenette, consisting of two rings, a fridge and a sink.

Volkswagen have upgraded safety and driver assistance, with features including a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard in both models. Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency braking can be optionally added at an additional cost.

There is a new centre console, which comes as standard with the Ocean and optional in the Beach, fitted with DAB radio, bluetooth and multi-purpose display. To top it off, Volkswagen have updated cupholders, fabric, leathers and plastics to optimise the driving experience.

The new Volkswagen California will continue its unique, full in-house production in Hanover, Germany.

UK dealers will begin taking orders from 3 August, with first deliveries before the end of the year.

Swift unveils new entry-level Sprite Freedom caravan range for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift introduces the new Sprite Freedom range for 2016, with uncompromised quality at a more affordable price than ever before

Swift’s highly popular and award-winning Sprite caravan range has been extended for 2016, with a new entry-level Sprite Freedom range.

Unveiled for the first time at Swift’s 2016 launch yesterday (23 July) in Hull, the new Sprite Freedom range will offer three well thought out six berth family-based models with everything you need to hit the road – ideal for first time buyers or those looking to buy their first new caravan alike.

The single axle Swift Sprite Freedom 6 comes with front parallel seating, a side dinette and kitchen, and end twin bunk and washroom with separate shower, whilst Swift’s other single axle offering for 2016 – the Freedom 6TD – will feature front parallel seating, side kitchen and washroom with separate shower, rear dinette with a bunk over and a rear sized fixed twin bunk. The third model in the new Swift Sprite Freedom range, the Freedom FB, will be Swift’s latest entry-level twin axle model, offering front parallel seating, side kitchen, side dinette, as well as a rear fixed bed and washroom.

Perhaps, the most exciting element of the new range, however, is price; CaravanTimes has heard through the grapevine that the new Sprite Freedom range looks set to be priced at around £2,000 less than the current Sprite range; a price point is, however, yet to have been officially announced.

Despite a reduction in price, it seems as though Swift hasn’t compromised on quality, with the three new models being constructed using Swift’s new SMART Plus technology, including a GRP hail-resistant roof, aerodynamic profile and sweeping blue graphics, bringing it up to date for the new season.

Inside the Sprite Freedom, a number of exceptional features have been added, including a Mali Acacia wood grain and French oak effect, as well as high impact scratch-resistant vinyl throughout. In the kitchen area, a granite effect sink, Thetford 112lt electronic refrigerator and a Thetford 3 burner hob and grill come as standard, along with chrome effect kitchen tap, all of which provide for a stunning, high quality appearance. Meanwhile, LED lighting is featured throughout, including adjustable spotlights in the lounge/sleeping area, kitchen locker header and ceiling and washroom lighting.

A Truma Combi Boiler with manual control will ensure a plentiful supply of water in the washrooms on all models, complete with simple but effective shower curtain.

Swift Group commercial director, Nick Page, commented on the new Sprite Freedom range saying: “With the Sprite Freedom ranges being even more affordable than the Sprite range, it is an ideal caravan for those looking to buy their first caravan but are on a limited budget or looking to buy their first new caravan.

“Customers needn’t worry about quality as Sprite Freedom comes with all Swift Group’s build reassurances including a ten-year bodyshell warranty.”

Institute of Advanced Motorists insists taking selfies is as dangerous as drink driving

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by David Bates

Beware the driving selfie warns new study

Drivers and caravan users across the UK should be wary of “driving selfies”, according to new research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The latest study reveals shocking levels of smartphone use on Britain’s roads; nine per cent of the 500 drivers admitted to taking a selfie on the road in the past month. Amongst under 35s, this figure reaches 17 per cent, whilst men are twice as likely to dabble in onboard photography as women. One motorcyclist posted a picture to instagram, helmet and all, with the caption “#imcominghome”.

IAM’s Mark Lewis has urged prudence, saying: “What will surprise people is the fact that it’s as dangerous as being over the limit for drink or drug driving. It has the same effect on your capability to drive”.

It isn’t just selfies which are endangering Britain’s drivers. The study also found eight per cent of drivers had made video calls, seven per cent watched video and TV programmes on their phone or tablet, and 18 per cent had been online.

Shaun Helman, Head of Transport Psychology at the Transport Research Laboratory, explained to Sky News: “Smartphones have not been around very long, mobile phones a bit longer so it’s not really become a socially unacceptable thing to do yet, and I think that’s going to take some time to change.”

Sarah Sillers, of IAM, wants smartphone-use to become as stigmatized, socially unacceptable and legally punishable as drink-driving. The number of penalty points given for smartphone offences fell in 2014, thought to be linked to fewer patrols and reduced policing budgets, rather than fewer incidents.

North Wales caravan park given go-ahead with £1m expansion

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by Jessica Almeida

Tree Tops Caravan Park adds 52 additional plots

North Wales’ tourism industry looks set to receive a boost of over £520,000 a year following plans for for a £1 million expansion of an award-winning caravan park being given the go-ahead, it was revealed earlier this week.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of proposals to build an extra 52 holiday home plots at Tree Tops Caravan Park, Gwespyr, Flintshire. The popular caravan park currently provides 168 plots with the expansion said to help meet demands for further pitches to be made available.

The site was opened more than half a century ago by the farming parents of managing director Maureen Walker and covers 15 acres of land. It is currently run by her husband Harry and son Andy.

Welcomed by members of Flintshire County Council‘s planning committee, Maureen believes that the expansion will bring in more than a half million pounds a year to the local economy.

Maureen said of the accepted proposal: “We are delighted and over the moon that the council has given the plans the go-ahead and we would like to thank them for allowing us to make the site bigger.”

“There is always a big demand for caravans on the park, which are all privately owned.
“We’re like a big community, a town, and we’re really pleased to be able to grow that further.
“We always encourage our customers to shop local, and all the work on the expansion will be carried out by local contractors and developers,” she continued.
On behalf of the site, agent David Middleton said: “The economic benefits that result from this development will be significant and add to the economic sustainability of Tree Tops Caravan Park as a rural business and employer.”

He added: “This monetary spin-off will directly benefit local businesses to this part of Flintshire and will sustain Tree Tops as one of the main holiday accommodations providers and employers in this area.”

Work is set to begin in September this year, with plans for completion by March of next year.