SURVEY: Give us your opinion of your tow car and be in with a chance of winning a £150 Halfords voucher and more

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by Joe Jeffrey

Take part in the Simple Caravan Insurance 2015 Tow Car Survey for your chance to win a £150 Halfords voucher and runner up prizes of 25 LED torches. Plus get ten per cent off your Caravan Insurance from Simple

The caravanning season is now well under way, and what better way is there to get out and about to explore the UK in our caravans under glorious clear skies?

It goes without saying that, in order to hit the road, cars matter and deciding upon the right tow car for you – with the sheer number available in 2015 – is a decision not to be taken lightly.

We want to know your opinions on the tow car you know the best – your own one. And now, CaravanTimes has teamed up with Simple Caravan Insurance to offer you the opportunity to do so.

We’re looking to find out which tow car you think is up to the job, whilst giving you the chance of winning one of a number of great prizes including a first prize of a £150 Halfords voucher, as well as some great runner up prizes of 25 LED torches.

Those kind people over at Simple Caravan Insurance will also offer each and every person that takes part in our latest competition a ten per cent discount code for Simple Caravan Insurance.

To be in with a chance of winning, as well as to receive an exclusive ten per cent discount code off of your next insurance policy with Simple Caravan Insurance, just complete our survey to tell us how your car copes on its touring caravan towing duties.

The closing date of the draw will be 6 August, with winners announced shortly afterwards. Good luck!

Competition Rules
The competition closes on 06/08//2015. Entries received after this time will not be considered. The prize draw is open to entrants from the UK, over the age of 18, with the exception of persons involved in the promotion and execution of the draw, employees of Simple Caravan Insurance or her sister companies and their families.
Entry into the draw is free of charge and is not linked to any obligation.
One entrant will win a Halfords voucher worth £150, 25 entrants will win an 8 LED Torch. All discounts offered in association with this prize draw are subject to minimum premiums. The prize is non-transferable, non-returnable, non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash.
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members and visitors to Simple Caravan Insurance only, where entry to this competition is also available.
By entering into the prize draw participants agree to the data supplied being used by Simple Caravan Insurance to administer the prize draw and for future communications relating to Simple Caravan Insurance’s products and services. Only one entry is allowed per person and participants must provide their genuine email address.
The winner will be drawn at random, after the closing date of the draw (06/08/2015).
The prize draw winners will be notified by email.
Simple Caravan Insurance may partially or totally alter, extend or cancel this draw. Simple Caravan Insurance reserve the right to feature photographs, names and postal town locations of the prize draw winner for advertising purposes (unless the winner renounces their prize).
No employees of CaravanTimes, StantonPace Ltd or Simple Caravan Insurance may enter.
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over.
The name of the winner can only be obtained by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to Prize Draw Manager, Simple Insurance, Quay Point, Lakeside Boulevard, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 5PL.
A copy of these rules can be sent free of charge to anyone who makes a request in writing to the address above.
Proprietor: Simple Caravan Insurance is a trading name of Millennium Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 2103848. Registered Office: Quay Point, Lakeside Boulevard, Doncaster, DN4 5PL.

Nearly ten million dangerous tyres on UK roads in 2015

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by Ellie Pritchard

UK non-profit tyre safety organisation reveals shocking statistic surrounding tyre safety

With summer in full swing and thousands of caravanners hitting the road to embark upon their caravan holidays, a study carried out by TyreSafe, in collaboration with Highways England, has revealed that over a quarter of a million drivers in the UK have been driving with at least one illegal tyre on their car.

Subsequently, the study suggests that there could be as many as ten million dangerous tyres on the roads of England, Scotland and Wales during 2015. That equates to potentially up to one in four cars and LCVs of the 35.3 million vehicles on our roads having an illegal or dangerous tyre at some time during the year.

The study is the most comprehensive survey across Britain’s tyre industry to date, where the data is taken from the tread depth of tyres when they are replaced. With the legal minimum at 1.6mm, your tyres’ tread depth plays a decisive factor in braking and steering, especially, but not limited to, when the road conditions are wet.

Substantial research has also demonstrated that the braking distance from 50mph to a full stop in wet road conditions increases by more than the length of a full-sized shipping container (14m) when using worn tyres rather than new ones, which dramatically raises the chances of a collision.

TyreSafe, the UK’s non-profit tyre safety organisation, is urging all drivers to follow a few simple procedures in order to ensure their tyres are of sufficient quality on the road. The organisation’s procedure, known as ACT, includes: checking Air pressure, as well as the Condition and Tread of a vehicle’s tyres, whilst making sure they are not adding a substantial and avoidable risk to both the vehicle owners and other road users.

TyreSafe believes the biggest reason that many millions of motorists are taking risks with their tyre safety lies in a lack of awareness and education in driver safety.

TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson, said of the organisation’s findings: “TyreSafe does not believe millions of drivers are intentionally putting others at risk – it is more a question of educating motorists to take responsibility for their safety and that of others on the road.

“As vehicles have become increasingly reliable, owners have become less used to performing what were once considered basic precautionary checks before setting off on a journey. Tyres too are much more technologically advanced but they do wear and can get damaged so it is down to the driver to regularly check they’re safe,” Jackson continued.

“The evidence provided by the TyreSafe survey underlines what we already feared – awareness among Britain’s motorists’ of the importance of tyre safety urgently needs to improve.”

TyreSafe believes it’s more a case of luck rather than judgement that there are millions of other motorists in the UK driving with safe tyres. As well as over a quarter of replaced tyres being found to be illegal, over one in three of the tyres surveyed were found to have only 0.4mm of tread depth before becoming illegal – which equates to approximately half the thickness of a bank card. Although that amount of thickness can only accurately be measured by using a tread depth gauge, previous research shows that very few drivers actually check their tyre safety routinely.

TyreSafe emphasises the importance of regularly remembering to ACT: Air pressure, Condition, Tread. To find out more about TyreSafe‘s ACT intiative, click here.

NCC introduces new and improved VIN Chip theft deterrent and identification system

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by Jessica Almeida

New VIN Chip adds extra security for caravanners for summer and beyond

The National Caravan Council (NCC) has introduced a new and improved theft deterrent for touring caravans in an attempt to deter criminals from stealing touring caravans this summer.

The new and improved theft deterrent and identification system, known as VIN chip will also aid the identification and recovery of stolen touring caravans and will be introduced across all new NCC member caravan ranges.

VIN Chip is unique as it uses both visible and invisible markings featuring a specific 17 digit VIN which will be carried on windows and gas lockers utilising tamper evident display stickers in a bid to deter criminals. VIN will feature will also contain hidden electronic RFID chips that are traceable by the Police for identification and recovery of stolen touring caravans.

In another move to eradicate theft, Quick Response (QR) codes will also be present on Master and Gas Bottle VIN Chip labels, allowing anyone to quickly confirm a caravan’s identity on their smartphone. With data pulled directly from NCC CRiS, each QR code will contain a caravan’s distinct VIN and, by scanning it, will reveal the caravan’s true status, detailing make, model and range.

VIN Chip improves upon RFID chips and scanners by contributing to an improved read range for law enforcement agencies, allowing the chips to be read up to three metres when compared to previous restrictions of just one metre.

Managing director of NCC CRiS, Sean Bailey, said of the new security initiative: “As NCC CRiS continues its work to reduce caravan crime VIN Chip has been launched to make revealing a caravan’s true identity easier, and better deter criminals. We’ve made use of modern technology, such as QR codes, to make VIN Chip the leader in its field.”

Bailey added that the VIN chip is the only security deterrent to carry a unique 17 digit VIN numbers whilst remaining part of the already established NCC CRiS scheme which has so far proven an unparalleled success when it comes to combatting caravan crime.

“We’ve also spent considerable time briefing and training the Police and are confident that the new VIN Chip scheme will both deter caravan theft and help in the speedy identification and recovery of stolen caravans,” he continued.

Consumers will see VIN Chip markings on new 2016 touring caravan models appearing on dealer forecourts in August 2015 and, from September, more information on VIN Chip can be found via the official NCC CRiS website here or by calling 0203 282 1000.

You can also get the chance to see the new upgraded security system at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC between 13 – 18 October.

Essex caravan site expansion continues despite protest from locals

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by Megan Henderson

Caravan site expansion passes with an eight to two vote

Caravan expansion plans for a caravan park in Essex has been given the go-ahead, despite protests from enraged locals.

The Sacketts Grove Caravan Park, in Clacton, will be pushing through with an expansion even against the wishes of some community members, whilst working towards expanding its grounds to make way for a further 50 pitches.

Close to 100 people in the local community signed a petition opposing the expansion project – something Sacketts Grove Caravan Park believes the expansion will help the local economy as well as boost business.

The expansion proposal was approved by a vote of eight to two, with one abstention. The planning committee is pushing for a ‘thick wedge’ between the site and surrounding homes.

Dan Casey of the Jaywick Forum pushed for the proposal’s rejection by the council. Casey claims that the extra caravans would put even more hassle on services that are already straining.

Casey also said an 89-year-old resident who enjoyed seeing out over the countryside would have his view altered to static caravans instead.

The planning committee did express concern that the expansion could create parking issues, and traffic would become “very hectic” according to Councillor Roy Raby.

Even with the concerns and petition started by the local community, the proposals were approved and the Sacketts Grove Caravan Park will see an expansion.

What do you think? Is the attitude regarding plans for expansion simply a load of hot air or do you think local residents have a point?

Top Gear caravan destruction continues with new video

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by Megan Henderson

Top Gear gives a top 10 on caravan crashes

The show may have come to an end as we know it, but that hasn’t stopped the BBC’s Top Gear continuing its assault on caravans, with total devastation continuing on social media.

In order to promote new smartphone game, Top Gear Caravan Crush, the Top Gear gang has dropped a video of the ’10 Best Caravan Crashes on Top Gear’. Between each crash clip snapshots of the new Caravan Crush game have been included. The video includes crashes of all kinds, including those featuring cranes, trains, fires, explosions, and other caravans.

The description under the video reads: “Join in our collective contempt for caravans, with the topmost game for those stints of boredom when there’s nothing better to do than explode caravans with souped-up vehicles.”

The Caravan Crush app is free to download and play, available for both Android and iOS devices.

Be sure to check out Top Gear’s video below and let us know what you think of all the destruction in the comments.

Will disruptions at Calais cause havoc for caravanners heading to and from France?

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by Ellie Pritchard

CaravanTimes urges caravanners to take necessary precautions…

After much coverage in the news, it’s no secret there there have been issues with migrants trying to gain access to stationary vehicles at the port of Calais. Thousands of migrants have been camping in Calais in an attempt to cross the channel and seek asylum in the UK. And, although police have said that they are tackling the issue hands on, it currently seems that there are just too many migrants to arrest.

Altogether, the French authorities along with Border Force have stopped a massive 39,000 attempts of people trying to cross the channel illegally since last year. For now the number of migrants is at an all-time high, which has not only caused huge delays, but has shockingly seen one asylum seeker die during the process of trying to gain access into the UK.

David Cameron spoke on the issue, saying, “This is very testing, I accept that, because you have got a swarm of people coming across the Mediterranean, seeking a better life, wanting to come to Britain because Britain has got jobs, it’s got a growing economy, it’s an incredible place to live.

“But we need to protect our borders by working hand in glove with our neighbours the French and that is exactly what we are doing.”

Understandably, the crisis has caused concern amongst caravanners who will be travelling through Calais in the near future.

Although most caravanners have made it through Calais without incident, we want your holiday to be the best it can be. So for those of you who will be travelling through the port soon, we at CaravanTimes suggest that you avoid stopping in Calais or on the outskirts.

Also, take time to make sure that the windows and doors of your car, caravan or motorhome are securely locked and ensure that you plan your journey ahead so that you can make it from the motorway to the port check-in without having to stop.

If you have any queries about your travel, check out Ferries and Eurotunnel for more information.

We hope you enjoy your holiday.

The Caravan Club launches key and gadget insurance plan

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by Megan Henderson

The Caravan Club aims to help members keep their mobile devices and gadgets close to ensure safety while travelling

The Caravan Club is now offering new, affordable key and gadget insurance policies.

The Club already offers holiday, caravan, and motorhome insurance, which reflects the lifestyles of Caravan Club members who enjoy adventure and travelling. And now, in a move to offer more, additional key and gadget insurance policies will be made available in order for their members to keep their mobile devices, keys, and other gadgets protected all year long.

The Caravan Club’s gadget insurance will cost just £140 per year and key cover is available at £9.50 per fob.

The gadget insurance includes:

  • Insurance for the whole family under one policy
  • Protection at home, out and about, in the UK and up to 90 days worldwide
  • Policy coverage for up to £2,500 per year, with a single article limit of £1,200
  • Free back up and Live Sync on all policies

The Caravan Club’s key cover includes:

  • All keys on the unique fob, even the most sophisticated, are protected anywhere in the UK with no excess payable
  • An emergency helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year
  • £1,500 annual cover for locksmith charges, new locks and keys, car hire and transport costs
  • Up to three-days car hire if unable to use the vehicle as a result of lost, stolen or damaged keys
  • A multi-buy discount when purchasing up to three fobs together
  • A £10 reward to the finder of the key

    • For more information or details on a Caravan Club membership visit www.caravanclub.co.uk.

Have you won a VARTA 6000 Indestructible Powerpack?

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ByJoe Jeffrey

Read on to find out if you’ve won a handy little portable Indestructible Powercharger in one of our latest competitions

A few weeks ago, CaravanTimes offered five lucky winners the chance to win an award-winning 6000 mAh indestructible Powerpack from VARTA.

Designed with campers and caravanners in mind, and offering enough power to charge your smartphone three times over, the Powerpack has also been designed to survive the toughest conditions there are and comes fully dustproof, waterproof and drop tested – whilst being compact enough for you to carry around without it getting in the way.

All you needed to do to be in with a chance of winning was like our Facebook page – simple!

Well folks, the results are in and we’re pleased to announce the winners are:


Silvia Zimbone
Roley Martin
Gillian Massey
Chris Broderick
Carol Anne Jones

Congratulations to the above five CaravanTimes members. We’ll be in touch soon to arrange delivery of your Powerpacks.

If you didn’t win on this occasion, don’t despair. Why not try your luck at our other great competition to win a CoPilot sat nav app worth £119.99 here.

Fifth Wheel Company sees deficit in skilled workers

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by Megan Henderson

The Fifth Wheel Company expresses difficulties finding skilled workers

The Fifth Wheel Company has warned that company growth may be stunted due to an inability to find skilled workers.

As business at Fifth Wheel has successfully continued to grow, the company has begun to add to their team comprised of those skilled in plumbing, electricity, and joinery.

However, since beginning its recruitment drive, the company has found many prospective employees lack the skills required or the right attitude to work, despite advertising online, via newspapers and through recruitment agencies. The Fifth Wheel Company has also hired a number of apprentices with mixed results.

As a means to encourage people into its industry, The Fifth Wheel Company also invites students and teachers in the local area to visit under a ‘see inside manufacturing programme.

The company hopes the initiative will show teacher and students what skills they must have to succeed in manufacturing.

Adrian Parry-Jones, managing director of the Fifth Wheel Company, said: “The Fifth Wheel Company has always been a firm believer of recruiting locally, although this has been thrown into doubt as the skills gap between education and work continues to increase,”

The Fifth Wheel Company’s findings come at a time where job site, Adzuna, has announced that there were more jobs advertised in April than there were those seeking employment, perhaps indicating a lack of skilled workers required, in stark contrast to a ramp up of recruitment and investment.

Park Resorts introduce new glamping pitches and luxury hot-tub lodges on the Isle of Wight

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By Josh Budd

Popular holiday resort announces brand new glamping range for a more comfortable alternative to camping

Park Resorts are celebrating the new and rapid success of their glamping range on the Isle of Wight, which gives families the opportunity to experience a more comfortable, yet still affordable camping alternative.

The holiday accommodation specialists have successfully combined luxury with affordability with their new glamping pitches, already enjoying wide success, with most pitches already being fully-booked for the summer.

Options available include a fully equipped safari tent that sleeps six people, with the added luxury of a fridge, cooker, running water, microwave, and electric lighting.

The beds are spacious and extremely comfortable and are fitted with fresh bedding to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay at very affordable prices.

Staying in one of Park Resorts’ spacious safari tents will of course also enable you to enjoy the park’s facilities, entertainment and hot food served on-site, in addition to being able to enjoy the superb views and setting that Park Resorts always manage to provide, including that of their Node Point park which boasts a three-minute walk to the beach.

The range of lodges situated on the Isle of Wight offer a quality of luxury that is in a league of it’s own. The Signature Lodges are fully equipped with central heating, double glazing, a large range style hob and oven, landscaped gardens, and even a full-sized hot-tub!
With the Isle of Wight as little as twenty-two minutes away by Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth Harbour, it is both affordable and convenient to visit one of the UK’s most loved islands.

If you are curious as to what Park Resorts’ luxury camping and lodging range has to offer, visit their website to find out more, or to book your own glamping experience.

Carl Fogarty to open Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

King of the jungle and World Superbike racing legend Foggy to open NEC show

Undisputed World Superbike racing legend and current I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! king of the jungle, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty will open the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, it has been announced today.

Life-long fan of caravans and motorhomes, Fogarty, will officially open the show on 13 October and also speak in the Experts’ Theatre about his career racing motorbikes on road and track, staying in leisure vehicles, as well as his love of getting into the great outdoors before returning later in the day for an exclusive Q&A for those in attendance. If that’s not enough, Fogarty will also be signing autographs within the NEC’s feature area in Hall 11.

Foggy said of today’s announcement: “I’m really looking forward to opening the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 as I think more people should get into the outdoors and explore the UK, and caravans and motorhomes help you to do that.

“I’ve spent my career using leisure vehicles to stay at racetracks across the country and I’m looking forward to spending more of this summer touring in a motorhome.”

Of exploring the great outdoors himself, Fogarty went on. “People often ask me what my favourite holiday spot is and it’s always the same answer – Anglesey in Wales – I love getting out on my mountain bike or doing some sea fishing there.”

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2015, featuring all of the new 2016 caravan and motorhome models from leading UK and European manufacturers under one roof, already promised to provide for a great day out, but Fogarty’s attendance will certainly be the icing on the cake.

The show, which runs from 13 – 18 October at Birmingham’s NEC and is sponsored by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, will also provide visitors with exclusive show only deals, new product demonstrations, an Experts’ Theatre, as well as free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons and loads more. Kids go free too!

To buy your tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, visit the official Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 website here or call 0844 338 7799 now.

Mumsnet votes for Fforest Fields Caravan and Camping Park in top 10 UK sites for family holidays

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by Megan Henderson

Mid Wales caravan and camping park receives top honours in mummy blogger awards

Popular mums’ blog website, mumsnet.com, has voted Mid Wales caravan and camping park, Fforest Fields, one of the Top 10 UK sites for UK family holidays.

The park, which has been recipient to the David Bellamy Gold Award for the last 15 years, showing its unprecedented concern for the environment through protection of plants and animals, and efficiency of energy and recycling, has been developed over the past 25 years to include two lakes for both fishing and leisure, as well as many facilities for rest and recreation. It also has an award-winning reception block including laundry, washing and toilet facilities, and biomass heating system.

A Mumsnet review of the park stated: “There is something for everyone here; little stream-side pitches or more open spaces, a gorgeous lake for swimming, the loveliest of owners and bathroom blocks that are marvellous beyond words.” the review says.

George and Katie Barstow, owners of the park, have the help of their two children, Will and Jessie, as well as Will’s wife Natalie to oversee the running of Fforest Fields. Jessie said her family is happy welcoming people from all over the UK, Europe, and further afield, and allowing the park to grow to further suit guests desires. The park has even introduced two bell tents as glamping has taken off.

She said: “Visitors tell us that they like to feel they are free and getting back to nature by escaping to Fforest Fields.

“We offer a chance for people to switch off from their nine to five jobs and come here to find some space. As the campsite is on the middle of our farm in beautiful Mid Wales, there are plenty of open spaces for them to explore,” Jessie continued.

The park has also received a top AA five pennant rating, and a Visit Wales four star rating in the Touring and Camping Park category. It is also capable of accommodating major events. The park can accommodate around 400 visitors on busy weekends, but the family is careful not to overfill the park to ensure all visitors have space and can enjoy the peace of the Mid Wales countryside.