Caravan destroyed in Totnes fire

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by Tom Walsh

A caravan was engulfed in flames last weekend during a fire in Harpers Hill, Totnes.

The Plymouth Herald reports that the incident, which took place on Saturday (7 December) at 6:20pm also badly damaged four motorcycles.

Fire crews were called to the scene and needed two hose reel jets, lighting and a water shuttle to bring the blaze under control.

A second caravan was slightly damaged in what has been deemed to be an accidental incident.

It highlights the need for caravan owners to be extra vigilant, especially during this time of year when an accident could mean a serious strain being put on to the finances of already stretched households.

The incident follows on from a fire in Redbourn, Hertfordshire, in late November, which led to the destruction of five caravans at Ver Meadows campsite.

It took firefighters from the likes of St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden to extinguish the flames.

Australia’s first crepe caravan brings a taste of France to Wollongong

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by Jake Polden

The northern suburbs of Wollongong, Australia are experiencing the novelty of a crepe caravan, after couple Gatene Potard and Andrew Hay started their own mobile catering business.

Talking to Australian publication The Illawarra Mercury, Gatene, who is herself originally from France, explained the idea behind the business:

“We wanted to start a restaurant two years ago, but on a trip back to France we saw some cute crepe caravans near the beach and even under the Eiffel Tower.”

Adding that the mobility and flexibility of working from a caravan gave the couple the freedom to travel, Gatene said:

“Depending where we go, we do different menus and different ingredients every week, we’re not importing French ingredients, there are gorgeous things produced here in Australia.”
Named Sarazine, French for buckwheat (the main ingredients in crepes), the caravan is fully-equipped for crepe production leaving the couple with only modest living quarters.

Despite this, the ever-touring caravan’s bright and cheerful exterior styling has won the hearts of many in Wollongong, and its sweet and savoury menu may well be on its way to a town near you.

For a closer look at the Caravan, click on the slideshow below:


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Milestone Caravans to take on relaunched 2014 Compass range

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by Tom Walsh

A Kent-based caravan dealership has teamed up with the newly-relaunched Compass range.

Milestone Caravans has chosen to add the Solid Construction brand to its 2014 collection.

The Folkestone-based company has been in operation for almost 40 years and has been family-run during that time.

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/elddis/">Elddis noted that the deal represented a “wonderful recognition” for both the Compass brand and Solid Construction.

Milestone Caravans will begin receiving the first batch of Compass caravans in January ready to take on the 2014 market.

The company already revealed that demand for these models is high among its customer base.

The Compass is one of the premier brand that Elddis currently offers and have been a real favourite for caravanners all over the UK.

All three ranges – the Compass Corona, Omega and Rallye – will be stocked, all coming with a free ten-year water ingress warranty.

Lunar Caravans and Newport Caravans join forces

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by Tom Walsh

‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="/lunar/">Lunar Caravans has set its sight on the South Wales tourer market with a new dealer partnership.

The company has announced that Newport Caravans has joined its retailer network and will showcase the 2014 Lunar Lightweight Luxury Collection across its dealerships in the region.

Newport Caravans has been in its namesake town since it was founded by Mark Massey and Rob Lynch in 2008.

The pair have an abundance of industry experience totalling over 50 years and Lunar has confidence that they will represent the brand strongly.

The dealership in the Welsh town is kitted out with an indoor showroom, servicing and repair workshop, large forecourt and a fully stocked accessory store.

Lee Roberts, Lunar’s national sales manager, said: “We are delighted that Newport Caravans have joined us.

“They have built up a great reputation for their sales and service support and they will do a fantastic job of serving Lunar customers in the South Wales region,” he added.

Police appeal launched after boxer found dead at Yorkshire caravan park

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by Jake Polden

Yorkshire police are appealing for further information regarding the death of Sean Finney, a young boxing prospect who was found dead at a caravan park earlier this month.

The 23-year-old from Kirkaldy, Scotland, who was enjoying a night out with family and friends at The Ranch Caravan Club in North Yorkshire, was discovered unconscious by police at 3:12am on Sunday (1 December).

The police, who pronounced the young man dead at the scene, after numerous attempts at resuscitation failed, have opened lines of enquiry to try and determine the reason and cause for Sean Finney’s tragic and untimely death.

Having interviewed three men aged 27, 30 and 49 in connection with the death, police are refusing to rule out the possibility of an assault having taken place the night before the fatal discovery.

Appealing to the public, Detective Chief Inspector Maria Taylor said: “I understand that there was a large number of people at the caravan park on the evening of Saturday 30 November 2013.

“If you were present and have not yet come forward, I urge you to contact the police straight away, as you may have vital information that could help my investigation.

“Anyone who can assist the enquiry should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass the information to the Force Control Room.”

Mike Keane, Sean Finney’s club coach and current Boxing Scotland National Coach said that the young man was highly talented and had a bright future ahead of him.

“He will be sadly missed at the Kingdom Boxing Club which he attended from 10 years of age. When Sean was on form he was world class,” he added.

Devon caravan park to get new family entertainment centre

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by Ruchi Srivastava

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Caravan Parks in Devon will soon be investing in one of its grandest plans for an extended and improved family entertainment centre.

This major plan to further improve facilities for caravan holidaymakers will be taking place at Twitchen House Holiday Village, which is part of the Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park group.

The £2.5million investment is set to occur during Easter 2014. Amongst other features, it plans to include a ten-pin bowling alley, high-tech cinema, craft centre, indoor soft play area and even a stylish poolside terrace.

The new centre will also have an additional choice of dining options including a unique, coastal-inspired café and a quirky, retro-themed milkshake bar.

No stranger to luxurious, modern, family holiday facilities, Twitchen House already possesses indoor as well as outdoor pools, a water play area, a sauna-steam room, a climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and an adventure golf course.

In addition to these facilities, Twitchen House Holiday Village has also introduced all-weather camping and touring pitches as well as a one of a kind, eco-friendly, shower block that features with underfloor heating.

This fun and family-friendly caravan park even has new caravan holiday homes, where most of the caravans are less than three years old. This ensures that the park has a superior level of updated, self-catering accommodation.

All this modern upgrading of the caravan site has cost Woolacombe Bay a whopping £4million.

As a result, we believe that it is fair to say that this caravan park, tucked in the heart of the woodlands and set around an Edwardian manor house, will give a holiday to remember.

VIDEO: NCC explains Approved Holiday Home Ownership Scheme

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by Chris Jefferies
Touring is not for everyone – after a while you might find yourself returning to the same spot year after year and wonder: “Why don’t we just get a place here?”
Buying a holiday home or a static caravan comes with added complications, however, the primary one being the service agreement.
This sets out in writing what you can expect from the park owner and how much you have to pay for the right to occupy a pitch, amongst other things.
In order to make this agreement simpler and easier to understand, the National Caravan Council (NCC) has recently set up a new scheme that parks have been signing up to in their droves.
To find out more about the Approved Holiday Home Ownership Scheme, CaravanTimes met up with Frank Finch from the NCC to discuss what it all means for caravan buyers.
Frank explains what you can expect from an approved park and why it’s always worth looking out for the NCC Approved logo before making that all-important purchase.

Used Caravan of the Week: 1973 Cath Kidston LMC

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by Ruchi Srivastava

Vintage caravans have always been incredibly popular amongst caravanners and this week, we cater to those for whom vintage equals timeless beauty.

Feast your eyes on this beautiful classic LMC caravan, which is now up for sale on eBay.

This used but still remarkably well preserved caravan is perfect for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in a stylish yet quaint, quiet area, away from the daily grind of life.

With a distinctively feminine appearance, this vintage caravan is a 1973 Lord Munsterland Company model that has faithfully served its previous owners as a pop-up shop for their business.

Fondly known as Vera, the caravan has a very soothing and pleasing effect on the eye as it has been decorated with in light shades of pink and white.

Even more endearing for any loving heart, is the fact that Vera has been reupholstered in Cath Kidston fabrics.

The ‘mix and match’ effect enhances the homeliness of the interior of the caravan, making Vera warm and inviting for its inhabitants.

Also, as Cath Kidston fabrics subtly brighten up an interior without overdoing any colours, their overall effect within Vera is suitably vintage.

This is because the fabrics are classily stylish and are reminiscent of an understated, muted feel. This should resonate with any true lover of anything vintage.

History

A German-based company, Lord Munsterland Company was prominent in the 1990s. Prior to this, the man who eventually became the company head designed his first caravan known as ‘Bud’, in 1955.

Primarily producing caravans as well as motorhomes for the European market, Munsterland expanded its production facilities in the 80s, as its products grew more and more popular.

Today, it continues the produce range of caravans and motorhomes that utilise longlife as well as lightweight technology.

As a result, Vera can be seen to possess a strong cultural and historical background that could make owning her an even more exciting purchase.

Kit and caboodle

Small, yet adequate for anyone who values their privacy, Vera is a four-berth with convertible rear bunks and a parallel front lounge, along with lovely Cath Kidston curtains for privacy.

The interiors also include a blue and white diner-style floor, complete with a dining table. On the other hand, the woodwork, including the inside table, have been decorated in colours of light blue, white and pink.

Adding additional spark, are the alcoves, which have been covered by floral and polkadot wallpaper.

Unfortunately, the heater and fridge have been removed from inside the caravan, in order to increase storage space.

There is also evidence of the caravan having been used in the past as certain scratches and other signs of wear and tear are present.

For instance, last year a certain amount of water leaked through the back window, resulting in a mark on the underside of the cushion pad. However, this appears to have only occurred that one time due to heavy rains.

Also, as a lightweight and compact caravan, Vera can be towed easily for camping trips or any other events that you may have in mind.

Vera’s owners have reluctantly decided to part with her as their time is now occupied by their new permanent shop. They hope Vera finds a loving, new home.

This unique caravan can only be viewed by prior arrangement and is available for bidding but with only three days left before she is sold, you may want to hurry.

To see more pictures of this vintage 1973 LMC caravan on eBay, click here.

Fact file:

  • Price: £300 (reserve not met)
  • Location: Ilkley, West Yorkshire
  • Berth: Four
  • Axle: Single


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Brixham holiday parks set for Riviera Bay revamp

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by Tom Walsh

Two holiday park sites in Brixham are set for redevelopment thanks to plans laid out by Northern Trust.

The company has resubmitted proposals to upgrade the former Pontin’s Holiday Centre in Well Park and has been given the opportunity to explore possibilities at Riviera Bay Holiday Park, Herald Express reports.

Riviera Bay Holiday Park is situated in an ideal location for tourists on the Devon coast and only a short drive away from the likes of Paignton and Torquay.

Planners want to build 165 family homes and create two sports pitches and changing facilities on the former Pontin’s site. An original application of 231 homes and 14 tourist chalets was turned down last year.

Northern Trust is now more confident that the second bid will gain approval.

A spokesman for the group told the news provider: “We have listened carefully to the local community and key stakeholders, and have been encouraged by the feedback we have received for the new proposals.”

Belgium World Cup hero goalkeeper expresses his love for caravans

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by Jake Polden

Most footballers these days are perceived as under-worked, over-paid and ostentatious. The idea of them having an opinion on, or experience with, caravans is somewhat hard to believe.

That implied extravagance however was a million miles away from a young Jean-Marie Pfaff, who grew up as one of 11 siblings living in a caravan.

Speaking fondly of his childhood, Pfaff recently told UEFA: “Caravan park people are fantastic. We had a happy life with my brothers and sisters. Caravan park people seek contact with others, they are very social.

“The cosiness, love, friendship, working together, living together, playing a game together and taking care of each other – it was one big happy family.”

Losing his father at the age of just 11 shattered the happy image somewhat, but Pfaff recalls how this inspired him to become the best goalkeeper in the country.

Starting his career at local team KSK Beveren, Pfaff quickly established himself as first-choice and subsequently led the team to league and domestic cup success.

Transferring to German giants Bayern Munich, where Pfaff won three Bundesliga titles, resulted in his country taking note and making him their number one, just in time for the 1986 World Cup.

It was in this tournament that Pfaff would really make a name for himself – denying a strong Spanish team with a safe pair of hands in a penalty shoot-out – before seeing his team crash out to one of the best Argentine teams in history.

Returning home a hero, Pfaff was given the nickname ‘El Simpático’ (Mr Nice Guy) on account of his smile and friendly persona – an innocence he clearly never lost from his days living in a caravan.

Caravan Club takes 55,000 pitch bookings for 2014 in pre-Christmas rush

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by Chris Jefferies
We’ve all got our own pre-Christmas traditions, from hanging up stockings to opening advent calendars and The Caravan Club has one of its own.
Each year, the Club opens bookings for the 2014 season in the first week of December and this year has been no different, with 55,000 pitches reserved in the first day alone.
The floodgates opened at 9am yesterday (4 December) sparking one of the busiest days of the year for the Club website, with an average of more than one booking processed per second.
Yorkshire was one of the most popular regions, with the spike in demand put down to caravanners wanting to see Bradley Wiggins and co race by during the UK leg of the Tour De France.
Beverley Larrion from The Caravan Club said: “The Hawes, Wharfdale, York Rowntree Park and York Beechwood Grange were booked up quickly in view of the Tour de France taking place nearby in July next year.”
Elsewhere, Chatsworth Park and Baltic Wharf continued to stand out as some of the most popular sites for early bookings.
And while the total of 55,000 bookings processed is slightly down on last year’s total of 60,000, Beverley remains upbeat.
“Recent trends have shown that people are booking later and later, so to achieve the amount we did, this far in advance is testament to the staying power, longevity and popularity of this leisure pastime,” she added.
Digital age
This surge in online bookings comes as a major fillip to the Club, after a major redesign of its website earlier this year.
“Whilst the upgrades that were made had no impact on the booking system, the new website has been favourably received by members and we’ve received some very positive comments,” Beverley continued.
To those who may have missed out on their favourite spot, she explained: “It’s like booking for a Robbie Williams concert, not everyone will get the tickets they want.
“Even if we were able to process triple the amount of bookings per second, we still would not have been able to meet that immediate demand, popular sites and dates would have sold out even more quickly if we had.”
So if you want to secure your favourite spot for a peak season 2014 holiday, head over to the Caravan Club website before someone else nabs it.

Kevin McCloud constructs cliff-top mobile home from recycled material

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by Jake Polden

Kevin McCloud, a talented architect who stars in Channel 4’s Grand Designs, casts aside all connotations surrounding the word ‘grand’ and builds himself a modest mobile home perched in a secret location on a Somerset cliff-top.

Assembled entirely from reused and recycled materials, the one-of-a-kind holiday home is completely eco-friendly and distinctly nautical, what with its curved exterior, veranda (which came from a ship), and sumptuous views of the sea.

Amalgamating basic material and modern ideas, Kevin hired Will Trickett – a bespoke canal boat builder – to install some ingeniously cheap features like a second-hand chairlift/ platform that provides priceless panoramic views of the landscape.

Perfecting the necessities, the house also comes with a counterbalancing iron girder to keep the veranda from returning home, as well electricity throughout – powered by none other than the most accessible material, animal dung.

Alongside the more boring, but essential features, the cabin also includes an outside spa for those warm West Country evenings, a bath made from a jet-engine and a twin-oven made from a disarmed Russian sea mine.

Originally smaller and based in another location, Kevin told The Daily Telegraph how he was forced into proving the cabin lives up to its mobile name: “we affixed a sign to the building during transit which read ‘Caution – Shed On Tour’.”

Since then the “shed”, as Kevin referred to it, has become the perfect holiday home that cost him a total of £5,000 to complete – we know, unbelievable.

To catch up with the construction of Kevin’s cabin on Kevin McCloud’s Man Made Home, check out 4oD.