Nigel Mansell to officially open restaurant and bar at Welsh caravan park

Posted by

By Joe Jeffrey

Former motor racing champ to open new restaurant and bar at 25-acre caravan park

British motor racing legend Nigel Mansell has agreed to return to the Cambrian Coast caravan park where he has holidayed since childhood to officially open a new £700,000 restaurant and bar.

Work has taken place over the winter to transform a former bar to a quality venue, renamed Nineteen57, in keeping with the other luxury five star facilities at Islawrffordd Caravan Park at Talybont, near Barmouth on the west coast of Snowdonia in Wales.

Mansell, who has holidayed at the park since he was four years old and still has a caravan holiday home there, is a close family friend of owners, Gwynfor Evans and his sons, Dylan and Geraint. Gwynfor actually lays claim to starting Mansell on the road to motor racing star by starting him go-karting.

“Very few people can say that they have been coming to the same place for 55 years and I am so proud of what the Evans family has achieved,” Mansell told guests at the park’s 55th birthday party in 2011. “What they have done every year is improve the quality of the park.

“I love coming here to relax, play a bit of golf at Harlech on one of the best courses in the country and to take in the wonderful walks and beaches. My family likes the total freedom that caravanning offers,” Mansell continued.

The former British racing driver who won both the Formula One World Championship and CART Indy Car World Series, will officially open Nineteen57 on a date to be confirmed in June. The new facility has a 40-cover fine dining restaurant and a bar area that will comfortably seat 90 people.

The new chef manager is Sion Wellings, who has worked at Portmeirion Hotel and he will be assisted by his parents, Paul and Iola Wellings.

“Following feedback from holiday home owners and visitors to the park, we decided last year that the former Henry’s Bar, which was looking tired after 20 years, needed an upgrade,” explained John Billingham, the park’s business manager.

“Our customers were looking for a nice place to eat and drink, which was in keeping with the park’s high quality facilities. We are delighted with the finished result and all the feedback from owners on the park and visitors has been very encouraging.

“The new restaurant and bar, which will be open all year round, has created 20 full and part-time jobs, provided work over the winter for local tradesmen and we are delighted that local people are using the facilities,” Billingham continued.

The 25-acre park, which has recently received a Gold 5 Pennant award from the AA, has 200 caravan holiday homes, 75 fully serviced, hard standing pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes and 30 tent pitches.

The park’s facilities include a swimming pool complex with a jacuzzi, sauna and luxury toilet block and an entertainment complex. The Evans family has invested more than £3 million in the park over the past 11 years, including around £100,000 in repairing sea defences after last winter’s storms.

No Comments

filed under: News

Ecocapsule takes off-grid living to a whole new level

Posted by

By Joe Jeffrey

Will futuristic Ecocapsule take the caravan industry by storm?

We all know the benefits that getting away in our leisure vehicle brings us and, to be truthful, nothing quite beats the experience of remaining off the grid for a few days, being at one with our new-found surroundings and really experiencing what it’s like to stay somewhere different other than our rather more stationary homes. Now, one design company seems to have taken the above idea and turned it on its head, with the introduction of the Ecocapsule.

Slovakian design firm, Nice Architects, has built the egg-shaped Ecocapsule to allow those who wish to live off-grid to do so in perfect style and, despite looking like something more akin to a dinosaur egg from the Jurassic era, the capsule’s modern design and amenities are certainly somewhat more futuristic than previous pod options we’ve seen.

The completely self-sustaining design, featuring its own solar panel system and high-capacity battery, tripled with a 750-watt wind turbine, is said to allow for up to a year’s worth of energy, whilst the spherical, egg-shaped design has been purposefully planned in order to allow for the collection of rainwater and dew in order to travel through water filters to enable fresh drinking water on tap.

Able to be towed by a standard vehicle, but light enough to be ‘towed by an animal’ according to Nice Architects, the options for where to pitch up seem somewhat endless and, despite lacking in size when compared to other caravans (it’s 4.5 metres long and 2.4 metres wide), it’s certainly not lacking in essentials, with the two-berther featuring a built-in kitchenette with running water, flushing toilet, hot shower, as well as comfortable bed for when it’s time to tuck in for the night.

The Ecocapsule hasn’t just been created for those looking for a leisurely escape though, and it has also been designed to provide shelter in disaster areas, as well as doubling as a scientific research station in regions which are more difficult to reach by way of conventional methods.

Pre-orders for the Ecocapsule will be made available towards the end of the year and a price is yet to be released, but it is thought the cost could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

What do you think of the Ecocapsule? Is this something you might want to stay in, or would you think you’ve landed a bunch of extra-terrestrial life forms as neighbours if it pitched up next to you? For more images of both exterior and interior, click here and let us know what you think.

400th member welcomed into Approved Workshop Scheme

Posted by

By Joe Jeffrey

400th AWS-approved member welcomed into Scheme established in 1978

The Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) has welcomed the 400th member into its fold, with Just Go Motorhome Service Centre in Toddington, Bedfordshire, joining the ever-expanding nationwide network of touring caravan and motorhome habitation service centres across the UK.

Matthew Jones, director of Just Go Motorhomes said: “Becoming a member of the Approved Workshop Scheme has aligned Just Go with a nationally accepted standard, giving both our existing and new customers an added level of confidence. We believe that this recognition will give us a competitive advantage in the marketplace and boost our business in the process.”

AWS manager Sarah Wigmore continues to lead the expansion and ongoing improvement of the scheme. She said: “We all know that having you caravan or motorhome regularly serviced is crucial to keeping it roadworthy but unless this work is carried out by trained and experienced professionals to a given standard you could be short changed.

“We want to weed out disreputable workshops from the marketplace. That’s why I’m delighted to welcome the 400th company to our Approved Workshop Scheme, as more consumers will enjoy peace of mind.”

The Approved Workshop Scheme has been in existence since 1978 before becoming a a joint enterprise between the NCC, The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravan Club, managed by the NCC since 2008.

The scheme, which is supported by all major caravan and motorhome manufacturers, allows approved scheme members to service vehicles during the warranty period without invalidating it.

Caravanners warned of carbon monoxide poisoning and urged to use CO alarms

Posted by

By Joe Jeffrey

Effects of carbon monoxide poisoning highlighted in campaign

As National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW) continues to take to the road, a safety campaign has highlighted the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Organisers of the CO – Be Alarmed! campaign, which was launched in 2008 with the aim of working to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, have provided a list of simple rules to ensure your holiday is both safe and fun, so read on below to ensure you and yours are safe this summer.

Be Alarmed! – Pack an audible CO alarm. Alarms cost about £20 and are available from DIY stores, supermarkets and many high street shops as well as online;
Safety Service – Make sure any holiday appliances, cookers and heaters are working properly and have them serviced regularly;
Enjoy Fresh Air – Don’t use gas cookers and barbeques in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces and never bring a BBQ into a tent or caravan.

Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide:?headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness

Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste or smell and it can be produced by gas or petrol burning appliances that aren’t working properly or are being used in spaces without enough ventilation; this can lead to poisoning. Carbon Monoxide symptoms can be mistaken for a cold. In some cases poisoning can lead to permanent brain damage, potentially this can be fatal.

Spokesperson for CO – Be Alarmed! Campaign, Lawrence Slade, has also expressed the need for caravanners to take an audible CO alarm with them when setting off on their travels, saying: “Our campaign works to raise awareness of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. We are urging people to protect themselves from Carbon Monoxide. Buy an audible CO alarm, bring it with you, it can save your life.”

Couple to sell everything they own to embark on caravan trip of a lifetime

Posted by

By Joe Jeffrey

12 month European caravan trip on cards as couple sell worldly possessions

A young couple are set to sell the entire contents of their home in order to embark on a caravan trip of a lifetime.

James and Michelle Stonhill, both 29, from South Derbyshire, have placed all of their worldly possessions up for sale in order to raise funds for the trip, which plans to take them across Europe.

The ambitious plan to take to Europe for at least 12 months follows acquiring a taste for caravanning during a week-long caravan holiday in Wales testing out a new caravan, which provided both James and Michelle with a penchant for the great outdoors.

James told online news website, the Metro: “We have always been very spontaneous and we made the decision last week.

“We came back from Wales eight days ago and were sat at home and said to one another ‘should we just go?’ and that was it!”

James’s wife of three years, Michelle, has since placed all their possessions up on Facebook, attracting over 400 members to the group, with the hope that the young couple will be able to raise funds to fulfill their ambition of waking up in a new destination every morning during their time spent away with their two dogs, Missy and Harvey.

To see if you can bag bargain, visit the Stonhill’s Facebook page here.

The Caravan Club has bogus email under control

Posted by

By Claire Lawson

The Caravan Club contains and stops bogus email containing threat of virus

A issue surrounding a bogus email falsely addressed from The Caravan Club has been resolved.

The fake spam email, sent to The Caravan Club‘s members with the header ‘Travel Order Confirmation’ and including an attachment as previously reported on CaravanTimes, potentially held a Trojan phishing virus which could have lifted sensitive information from peoples’ hard drives.

The Club’s IT team strenuously worked over the long weekend to resolve the issue as 1.5 million non-deliverable emails continued to slow down its email system. The Club has since reported that they are confident the situation is now under control.

However this does leave a large probability that genuine customers have now moved emails from the Club to spam filters making communication with customers harder.

The Club has since advised members to check their spam or junk folders and, by simply moving a Caravan Club email back to the inbox, future emails should continue to be visible to members when they arrive.

Further tips to spot a spam message include checking the document type of the attachment as all Caravan Club’s attachments are in PDF format and all emails will be addressed individually. Most spam emails begin with a generic greeting.

Hopefully no more issues will arise and cause inconvenience to both The Club and its members.

Almost 100 objections to caravan site plans in Somerset

Posted by

By Claire Lawson

Proposals for caravan and camping site sparks opposition from all sides

Plans submitted by a construction company for a new caravan site near the M5 in North Somerset have caused over 90 objections, including those from two parish councils and the local police.

The idea proposed by Oakdale Design Services Limited (ODSL) was to develop land in St George’s into a site that caters for 40 touring caravans and camping pitches. Issues raised by local residents include the thought that plans for such a site may act as a ‘smokescreen’ for an unofficial travellers site, the suggestion of which has since been refuted by ODSL.

St George’s Parish councillors have also raised issues pertaining to access to the site, the environmental impact on the river and rhyne courses as well as the frequency of which the area floods.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has also objected saying that roads close by are too narrow to allow for caravans, as well as raised concerns regarding the impact the site would have on local residents owing to an increase in traffic within the surrounding area.

The Environment Agency highlighted the flood risks in the area, saying: “The above proposal falls within floor zone three, which is an area with a high probability of flooding.”

Let us know what you think of these plans, as well as whether you feel these objections are possibly taking things a little too far, in the comments below.

Camping and Caravanning Club study shows kids who camp perform better at school

Posted by

ByJoe Jeffrey

Kids who camp perform better at school and are healthier and happier than those who don’t, survey shows

Children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year go on to do better at school, as well as being healthier and happier, a study has found.

The finding comes following a survey carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and The Camping and Caravanning Club who collaborated to discover perceptions of the relationship between education and camping.

Parents and children around the UK were asked a series of questions which looked at the educational, psychological and social benefits of the camping experience to children of all ages.

The research, led by Sue Waite, Associate Professor at the Plymouth Institute of Education, found that more than four out of five parents thought camping had a positive effect on their children’s school education.

It showed that 98 per cent of parents said camping makes their kids appreciate and connect with nature; 95 per cent said their kids were happier when camping; and 93 per cent felt that it provided useful skills for later life.

Some parents (15 per cent) reported that escaping technology, including laptops, tablets and mobile phones, is a good thing for their children and one of the benefits of camping. A fifth of parents (20 per cent) said camping gives their kids freedom, independence and confidence; and more than two thirds (68 percent) felt camping helped their children to enjoy learning in the classroom, because they can share their camping adventures and experiences such as visiting exciting educational or historical sites.

Sue Waite said: “Interestingly, the parents surveyed believed camping supported the key curriculum subjects of Geography, History and Science and actually, that stacks up because the most common camping activities were natural – such as rock pooling and nature walks – where children were getting to understand ecosystems and identify lifeforms, respecting nature and the environment.”

The children who took part in the research were asked what they love about camping and the most common themes were making and meeting new friends, having fun, playing outside and learning various camping skills. Children also recognised camping’s value for curriculum subjects and for problem solving and working together.

This compelling link between education and camping is the focus of a new campaign, ‘Get Kids Camping’, as previously mentioned on CaravanTimes, which was launched today (21st May) at The Deck, London by Julia Bradbury, The Camping and Caravanning Club President.

To mark National Camping and Caravanning Week (25 to 31 May), there will be a series of pop up campsite roadshows around the UK where families can come and get a taster of what camping is really like. They will have opportunities to put up a tent, take a look inside state-of-the-art caravans and motorhomes, enjoy cooking demos, and have a go on cycling, rowing or cross-trainer equipment to simulate the activities campers enjoy while on holiday. And all visitors to the roadshow venues will take away a fun camping goodie bag.

“Taking the kids camping is such a great experience for the whole family,” says Julia, who is mum to three year old Zephyr, and twin baby daughters Xanthe and Zena. “We have masses of beautiful scenery on our doorstep in the UK and camping doesn’t have to be expensive, although you can try glamping!

It’s a brilliant way of getting our kids out in the fresh air, away from the TV and computers – developing their brains and teaching them to interact with each other and the countryside in different ways,” she continued. “If you haven’t taken your family camping, give it a go – it’s an adventure that won’t disappoint you, and there are hundreds of superb British campsites to choose from.”

To find out more information about the ‘Get Kids Camping’ campaign, and the roadshow locations it’s travelling to, click here.

Railway crossing causes a problem for caravan owner

Posted by

By Claire Lawson

Railway crossing traps driver towing a caravan

A caravan being towed became stuck on a level crossing in North Yorkshire last Friday (22 May) when the barriers came down and caged the caravan just as the car reached the other side of the crossing.

The incident happened on the crossing on the A1238 Leeds Road in Thorpe Willoughby. Luckily a signaller was on site and alerted Network Rail to the event who delayed trains between Selby, York and Leeds.

A local witness stated the barrier had come down before allowing both the car and caravan to pass free from the track, meaning it could not be moved out of the way.

Network Rail quickly dispatched an engineer to solve the situation whilst also alerting the North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police. The problem was resolved over an hour later with no injuries or damage to the car or the caravan.

It just goes to show that you should always be sure to be aware of your environment, especially when crossing through intersections where contact with other vehicles is potentially dangerous.

Bee sanctuaries to be introduced to over 100 holiday parks across British Isles

Posted by

ByJoe Jeffrey

Bee sanctuaries to be introduced to over 100 holiday parks across British Isles

Honey bee numbers are set to blossom at holiday parks this year, thanks to a new initiative which will see a national network of honey bee-friendly park sanctuaries introduced across the UK.

The ambitious project, headed up by the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme in conjunction with the British Beekeepers Asociation, is hoped to bring an end to the dramatic decline in various bee species in recent years, thought to be due to the increasing scarcity of food resources and nesting habitats.

More than 100 holiday parks across the UK – from Scotland to Cornwall – have taken the ‘honey bee pledge’ in an effort to increase the bee popularity and, according to David’s son, Rufus, it couldn’t have come at a better time, as he explained:

“Holiday parks are in a position to provide a wide variety of forage crops that, if chosen carefully, can provide food for bees for a long period of time,” he said.

“Parks can also provide places for bees to nest. In fact, a surprising number of parks are already getting into beekeeping, often in conjunction with their local beekeepers association branch.

It’s not just bees that look set to benefit though, with other insects looking set to reap the rewards of the intiative, as Rufus continued.

“Butterflies and other pollinators will also benefit when a holiday park commits to increasing its stock of bee-friendly flowers and shrubs.”

By the end of the year, it is hoped that almost every county in the British Isles will be able to boast at least one honey-bee friendly park. And, as for embracing bees, Rufus believes it’s not just holiday parks that should do their bit in order to preserve the species, adding:

“Another important dimension of our work with the British Beekeepers Association is to help parks enlighten guests about the important role they can play.

“Interpreted walks around the park and its bee-friendly planting schemes can be used to explain why foraging is so important for bees.

“Our hope is that many holidaymakers will use the knowledge to make their own gardens more welcoming to bees and other pollinating insects.”

What do you think about this initiative?

Elddis and The Caravan Club join forces in latest competition to win a motorhome holiday in association with Freedom to Go

Posted by

ByJoe Jeffrey

Elddis and The Caravan Club offering one lucky family a week’s holiday in Autoquest 180

Elddis, Freedom to Go and The Caravan Club have teamed up to offer one lucky winner and their family or friends a week’s stay in an Autoquest 180 motorhome.

The competition, which will see the winner hit the road during October half-term week (24 – 31 October), looks set to offer you the opportunity to explore all Cornwall has to offer, with free accommodation at the Godrevy Caravan Club Site, as well as a free personal surf lesson by Freedom to Go ambassador and surf extraordinaire, Melodie King.

Surrounded by beautiful scenery and nestled amongst quaint Cornish fishing villages, Godrevy’s Caravan Club site will also allow for you to put your feet up and relax whilst also enabling you to explore further afield with the freedom to get out and about in your very own Elddis Autoquest 180, a motorhome with a reputation for quality, value and driving performance.

To find out more about this fabulous competition, as well as to enter, click here now.

National Camping and Caravanning Week 2015 begins

Posted by

ByJoe Jeffrey

The Camping and Caravanning Club begins its annual promotion of the great outdoors with tour across the UK

National Camping and Caravanning Week 2015 has kicked off with a bang.

Running all week, between 25 to 31 May, and organised by The Camping and Caravanning Club, as well as being strongly supported by the caravan industry, this year’s theme is ‘Get Kids Camping’ and will see the Club conducting ground-breaking new research in association with Plymouth University, exploring the benefits of children holidaying in the UK’s great outdoors.

One key theme of research being undertaken during the week, which coincides with the school half-term, will be to determine whether camping and caravanning holidays help make kids smarter and more creative, whilst supporting learning and development during their important formative years.

The new study will concentrate on the Club’s Real Richness Report, incorporating results obtained from Liverpool John Moores University back in 2012 that looked at the association between camping, caravanning and happiness, which revealed that eight in ten caravanners found that holidaying brought families closer together.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has already began hosting a pop-up campsite roadshow across the UK with a host of themed activities throughout the week, including fun competitions, in the hope of encouraging more people to get involved in camping and caravanning across the UK. Beginning at Chester Zoo yesterday (25 May), the roadshow will take to various locations throughout the country including Glossop Caravans today (26 May), and will continue through to Sunday (31 May).

To find out more about how you can get involved and where the roadshow is pitching up next, visit The Camping and Caravanning website now.