Peak District caravanners offered new walking and biking trails

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by Chris Jefferies

Holidaymakers in the Peak District are being given the chance to leave their caravans behind for the day and follow in the footsteps of one of the region’s most notorious outlaws.

While nothing like as infamous as Robin Hood or Dick Turpin, the highwayman Black Harry is nevertheless something of a local legend within the Peak District National Park.

As such, visitors will now be able to see for themselves where he preyed on travellers, with the park authorities having officially opened up a new series of trails for walkers, mountain bikers and horse-riders.

In addition, outdoors enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy a pint of locally-brewed Black Harry beer at several pubs dotted along the new trails, with the authorities confident that this will attract even more people to the already-popular protected area of natural beauty.

“Black Harry is part of our local heritage who is still with us in the names of Black Harry Lane and Black Harry Gate,” commented National Parks access officer Sue Smith.

“We thought it was a memorable name for what we hope will be a memorable project.”

This comes just days after the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team took ownership of a new minibus that will better enable them to help walkers who get into trouble in the Peak District.

North Somerset caravan site given green light to expand

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by Chris Jefferies

An up-and-coming caravan site in Somerset has been given the green light to expand over the next couple of years.

At present, the site at Stonebridge Farm, located in the village of Banwell, in the north of the county, can welcome a maximum of 15 caravans.

However, with demand soaring as more Britons look to enjoy affordable ‘staycations’, both in the south-west and elsewhere in the UK, the owners applied to North Somerset Council to significantly expand their business.

Now, having looked into the proposal, council chiefs have given the green light to plans to make 55 caravan pitches available over the peak summer season, noting that the expansion plans would not have a detrimental impact on the local ecology or landscape.

Announcing the decision, Councillor Tim Marter told the Weston Mercury: “This is an example of a successful caravan site which is using land well and bringing extra trade to the nearby village.”

At the same time, however, the Scotland Courier newspaper has reported that a caravan park in Brechin, Angus, could be forced to close for business on the back of a long-standing row with local officials over flood alleviation measures.

Miss the old Caravan Channel? Presenter Chris Gosling teams up with Caravan Times

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by Marcus Dubois

Missing the old Caravan Channel already? Many readers will fondly recall the enthusiasm of caravanner Chris Gosling who presented the fortnightly programme for almost five years until the end of 2010. And following the success of the show, one of the best known names in caravanning started to plan for a quieter life of touring and fishing.

Yet we knew he just couldn’t keep away from his love of filming the great outdoors. And so a few months ago, Chris began to document his trips around the country in a series of regular video diaries. From personal insights on the latest models to reviews of caravan sites, if it’s happening in caravanning then Chris is on the spot to tell us his thoughts.

This week we’re proud to announce that you can now watch Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary right here on Caravan Times. The presenter has teamed up with the UK’s fastest growing caravan community to bring you fresh videos each month from across the touring lifestyle.

To start us off, this week Chris takes a trip to Braggs Lane Farm Caravan and Camping Site near Herne Bay in Kent. Situated only three miles from the town centre, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in one of the more remote parts of the county, such is the rural beauty on display. Yet all the attractions of this picturesque seaside town are only a short drive away. Follow Chris as he takes you on his personal tour of the campsite, before showing you the sights of Herne Bay itself.

Click the image below to watch the latest edition on Caravan Times. And if you’d like to see the newest episodes first, Chris’ most recent outings are featured in our email newsletter. Sign up to Caravan Times to receive your copy once a week.

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VIDEO: Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary – Herne Bay and Braggs Lane Farm

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by Marcus Dubois

If you miss the anecdotes and insights of former Caravan Channel presenter Chris Gosling, then fear not – you can now watch his new Caravan Diary here on our website. The presenter has teamed up with us to bring new videos each month from around the UK as he tours the best campsites and attractions.

In this week’s episode Chris takes a trip to Braggs Lane Farm Caravan and Camping Site near Herne Bay in Kent. Only three miles from the town centre, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in one of the more remote parts of the county.

Yet all the attractions of this picturesque seaside town are only a short drive away. Follow Chris as he takes you on his personal tour of the campsite, before showing you the sights of Herne Bay itself.

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Good news for caravanners: British beaches near cleanest ever levels

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners looking to take a coastal holiday this summer will be glad to learn that the UK’s beaches are currently near their highest ever levels of cleanliness.

This is according to the Good Beach Guide 2011, which was published today by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

In the guide, 461 UK beaches are recommended for having excellent water quality, the third-highest number in the past 24 years.

This surge in beach standards comes in advance of a new EU directive, which will come into place in 2015 and set new standards for water quality and beach cleanliness.

Rachel Wyatt, coastal pollution officer at the MCS, said: “Instead of viewing these new standards with dread, our coastal communities and water companies should welcome them as an opportunity to attract more people.”

Monitoring of UK beaches will begin next year, with signs due to be erected to warn swimmers of where the water quality is below acceptable levels.

European authorities cracking down on foreign motorists

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravanners taking their motorhomes to the Continent should take extra care when driving on European roads.

In March this year, an EU directive came into force allowing European countries to share information on driver offences.

As a result, authorities have become stricter and unprepared motorists could end up facing large fines if they fail to follow the rules.

For example, a penalty of more than 90 Euros (£80) awaits anyone not displaying a GB sticker in their vehicle, or failing to carry a high visibility vest.

Not having a warning triangle or spare bulbs can also cost British drivers 90 Euros if they’re pulled over, while in France, licence and vehicle confiscation is possible.

EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas pointed out that although foreign drivers make up just five per cent of the traffic on Europe’s roads, they account for 15 per cent of offences.

“If you are that driver, I have bad news. It’s about to stop,” he remarked.

Is caravanning the ultimate child-friendly holiday?

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravanning could be a great way for families to enjoy child-friendly breaks away, especially of they pitch up at a well-equipped site.

Conrad Doyle, co-founder of reviews and recommendations website childfriendly.co.uk, said it can be hard for parents to find suitable holiday options for themselves and their kids.

He pointed out that for many families, affordability is key, with more people now looking into self catering options.

Of course caravanning fits the bill in this respect, as site fees for motorhomes can be inexpensive and there’s no need to visit a restaurant every evening.

Amenities are another important factor for families during their holidays, said Mr Doyle. Parents are looking for kiddie clubs and play parks to keep the little ones entertained. Many caravan parks offer such facilities.

“A lot of the research that we have seen tends to indicate that what parents want most is just for their children to have a good time in a welcoming environment,” he remarked.

Father of three paralysed by pork chop cooked on caravan stove

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by Marcus Dubois

Caravanners have been reminded to ensure food prepared on holiday is thoroughly cooked, after a father of three was tragically paralysed by eating a pork chop cooked on a caravan stove.

Plant operator Darren Ashall from Chorley in Lancashire developed a potentially lethal brain disease which has hospitalised him for almost five months. According to the Mail the 46-year old was told by doctors he is “lucky to be alive” after his immune system was attacked by listeria meningitis. The disease has left an abscess on his brain.

Cooking on a caravan stove

Mr Ashall was first taken ill after cooking two pork chops on a caravan stove while away from home in Birmingham. He told the newspaper “I thought one of the chops wasn’t cooked properly. I regretted eating it straight away. I knew it was a mistake”.

“A month later I went to hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. After three days my face started drooping on one side and people thought I was having a stroke. I was treated for that, but nothing helped”.

The listeria bug contracted by Mr Ashall can stay inactive for up to 70 days, and when he first visited Chorley and South Ribble Hospital on February 11 he was sent home. However he was forced to return 48 hours later to intensive care after the condition worsened. His wife Paula, 43, and sons Sam, 19, and Jack, 21, were a constant presence at the hospital as his condition worsened.

Left paralysed by the condition, Mr Ashall needed a ventilator to help him breath. Yet the family experienced relief after a few weeks when he was transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital and began to regain his sight and voice.

The road ahead

Having stabilised, he told the newspaper of his battle which “absolutely drained me… I was too scared to close my eyes because I didn’t think I’d wake up again”. He added “The man I used to be is long gone”.

Darren Ashall will never fully recover from the effects of listeria meningitis, and will need antibiotics for the rest of his life. He will also need a motability scooter for longer distances.

He revealed ‘I feel so vulnerable now, and worried about what lies ahead, but this has really made me appreciate what I’ve got.

‘Life is so precious and fragile, and you could have a big house and a fancy car, but none of that matters at the end of the day.’

Sir Ranulph Fiennes puts campers to the test

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners will be well aware that they are much better equipped to deal with extreme weather than campers, but a British explorer has shown just how vulnerable some tents can be.

In a special test for ITV’s Daybreak programme, Sir Ranulph Fiennes visited a Shropshire caravan site earlier this month (June 3rd) to subject three tents to an extreme experiment, Shropshire Live reports.

Six visitors, including two caravan owners, were invited to erect a low-cost pop-up tent, a traditional family tent and a state-of-the-art inflatable tent at Stanmore Hall Touring Park in Bridgnorth.

Sir Ranulph then blasted the three tents with a pressure washer to recreate a typical summer thunderstorm and the results varied wildly.

Edward Goddard, managing director of Morris Leisure, the owners of Stanmore Hall, said: “We are anticipating a bumper summer with even more British people than last year set to spend their holidays at home.”

Sir Ranulph added that he enjoyed his visit to Shropshire, which he described as “a really great place” and the famous explorer praised the peaceful setting and layout of Stanmore Hall.

Chevrolet Orlando is surprise hit for Best Value Towcar award

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners have been advised to consider buying a Chevrolet Orlando, as it offers the best value for money in the tow car market.

The seven-seater MPV was praised by judges at the annual Towcar Awards for its towing stability, pulling power and all-round practicality.

Having only been launched in February, the Orlando has already drawn many accolades for its great value for money, as prices start at just £16,410 on the road.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-7 took the Editor’s Choice award, with the Japanese crossover being described as “one of the best 4×4 tow cars you can buy for sensible money”.

This highly-efficient towcar boasts fuel efficiency of 37.7 mpg, along with pulling power of 400Nm – ideal for towing larger caravans.

Premium features available in the CX-7 Sports model include heated leather seats, integrated sat nav and climate control air conditioning.

Londoner hit with £1,000 fine for abandoned caravan

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by Chris Jefferies

Haringey Council is calling on the owner of an abandoned caravan to come forward and collect his vehicle, after the total fines broke the £1,000 mark.

The London borough council told the Tottenham and Wood Green Journal that the single-axle tourer was blocking the road and is a blight on the landscape.

Residents and councillors alike had complained about the Sprite caravan, which was moved from Clyde Road on May 24th, only to be put back in the same place a few weeks later.

The council has warned the owner that they have until July 8th to claim the vehicle before it is crushed.

However, if they do come forward, they will face fines and storage charges totalling £1,632.

Nilgun Canver, Haringey councillor and cabinet member for the environment, told the local newspaper: “We can’t have abandoned vehicles blocking streets like this. The caravan was causing problems for people living in this area.”

More details of October NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show released

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers will be flocking to Birmingham’s NEC this October for the UK’s biggest motorhome and caravan show of the year, which has just confirmed several key details.

A total of 350 exhibitors have already been signed up to this year’s event, which will run from October 11th to 16th, and next year’s models from all of the major manufacturers will be going on display.

Furthermore, buyers snapping up a new tourer at the event can be assured that their purchase will be ready and delivered in time for next summer.

As well as caravan models, outdoor enthusiasts can browse through a range of accessories and tourist information to help make their next touring holiday even better.

Visitors of all ages will find something of interest, with free activities, competitions, test-drives, games and cooking demonstrations all being laid on.

Prices start at £7 per person for over 60s and children under 16 can visit for free.