Police discover exotic animals in Scottish caravan

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by Gemma Roskell

Police discovered an array of exotic animals crammed into a vehicle in Scotland when they launched a raid on a motorhome last week.

Officers found several species worth a total of £10,000, including two lemurs, three dwarf crocodiles and nine snakes.

The animals were checked by a vet and all were found to be in good health. They have now been transferred to a holding facility before animal welfare experts decide on a permanent home.

Tayside Police carried out the raid following a tip off from a member of the public, who had spotted an advertisement selling lemurs on the Ad Traders website.

They confirmed that a 24-year-old man is being questioned, and while he is believed to have held all the relevant licence documentation for the reptiles in his care, he did not have paperwork for the lemurs.

“Following a Scottish SPCA and Tayside Police investigation, two ring-tailed lemurs have been signed over into our care,” confirmed a spokesman for the Scottish SPCA.

Body discovered following caravan explosion

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by Gemma Roskell

A body has been found in a caravan in Cornwall after the vehicle exploded in the early hours of December 28th.

According to the BBC, firefighters were called to the blaze in Sancreed, west of Penzance, at around 22:25 GMT.

Telephone operators received several 999 calls from members of the public regarding an explosion.

Emergency crews found the caravan alight and managed to extinguish the flames, only to discover a body inside.

The remains are yet to be identified, but police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

Local fire services and police have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.

It follows a similar incident at a caravan park in Wales. The Daily Post reported that a man in his 60s had been pulled from a burning caravan by a neighbour on the site in Conwy. He is now recovering in hospital.

A spokesman from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service urged caravan owners to take extra care when using heaters and lighting candles in their motorhomes during cold weather to reduce the risk of fires.

Northern Irish caravan parks go into administration

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by Gemma Roskell

A number of caravan parks in Northern Ireland have gone into administration and efforts are now being made to rescue them.

According to the BBC, the companies that run the sites are working with administrators KPMG to sell them as a going concern.

A spokesman for the accountancy firm said the parks will continue trading as normal, so caravanners will be unaffected.

Windsor and Seahaven holiday parks, Ballyhalbert Caravan Park and Cloughey Holiday Village are all located in County Down.

Residents and caravan owners at the sites have been notified by KPMG of the latest developments. They will be given further updates in the New Year.

Meanwhile, Peeblesshire News reports that another caravan site – Rosetta Holiday Park in the Scottish Highlands – has gone into administration. Owned by Olympus Leisure Parks Ltd, the 50-acre site will also continue to trade while administrators look for a buyer.

SsangYong Korando: A new towcar for the caravan market

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by Holly Tribe

The SsangYong Korando presents a brand new option to caravanners in the market for an SUV crossover towcar.

This new offering from Korean car manufacturers SsangYong has been noted for providing all the comfort of an SUV with the convenience of a family hatchback.

With plenty of muscle to pull any sensible match, it carries a powerful 175PS, 2.0 litre diesel engine and its two tonne towing capacity makes the Korando one of the most powerful towcars in its class.

Towing ability is key

A lesser known brand in the UK, SsangYong’s managing director of UK imports Paul Williams commented: “The SsangYong brand represents great quality blended with true value, a combination that is highly sought after.”

Its makers believe the Korando is a viable alternative to established towcar favourites like the Kia Sportage, explaining how the “towing ability has been at the core of its development from day one”.

Production of a right-hand drive version began in 2010 and models will be on sale in dealerships across the country from January.

Want to find our more more? You can see the Korando on display at the Manchester Caravan and Motorhome Show from the 20th to the 23rd of January 2011.

Bailey Caravans announce production of new range – Pegasus Series II

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has revealed it will produce a second generation of its Pegasus range of caravans.

The Bailey Pegasus Series II is expected to make its debut at the NEC in Birmingham this February and will contain a number of revisions to the original Pegasus launched in September 2009.

Full details of the specifications and looks have been kept closely under wraps, but the Pegasus II is expected to feature a host of modifications and upgrades for 2011.

Exterior protection and interior upgrades

When the Bailey Unicorn was launched to the public in the summer of last year, one of its most talked about features was the reinforced front bumper at the front of the caravan. Constructed from ABS and capped with acrylic, it offered additional protection from the loose chippings and stones of British roads.

The bumper was subsequently offered as an upgrade for owners of the original Pegasus, yet Caravan Times understands that all Series II models will come with their own front protection design.

As the Unicorn is now the flagship model of Bailey’s range, other aspects of the caravan which have proved a success with buyers are likely to appear on the Pegasus. Expect a heavily revised interior with an upgraded palette of wood choices and more luxurious fabrics.

Click here to read more about the Bailey Pegasus Series II – and have your say in our forum topic

Caravan burglar caught due to blood evidence

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by Gemma Roskell

A burglar who targeted a 44ft caravan in Skegness was captured after leaving DNA evidence at the scene.

The Lincolnshire Echo reports that 19-year-old James Dytham broke into the caravan at the South View Leisure Park in January but left behind a blood stain which led to his eventual capture.

Property worth more than £1,300 including televisions and gold jewellery was stolen while the owners were away on holiday.

However, Lincoln Crown Court heard that a blood stain found on a television stand was traced to Mr Dytham, although it is believed that more than one person was involved in the incident.

Prosecutor Phil Howes told the court: “The items were so heavy, it is clear two people were involved.”

The judge ordered the defendant to pay £500 in victim compensation and complete a construction course.

South View Leisure Park has recently undergone refurbishment for the 2011 season.

Gadgets bible names ball of twine as top essential for caravan trips

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by Gemma Roskell

A ball of twine is the number one essential for those going on caravan trips during the summer, an expert has advised.

According to travel writer Cameron Williamson, natural twine is an indispensable tool for any camping journey, as they are few breakage that cannot be fixed by the natural material.

Writing in Stuff Magazine, he encouraged caravanners to channel their “inner boy scout or girl guide” binding manuka staves into a camp kitchen or a useful washing line.

Mr Williamson also highlighted the importance of tarpaulin, which is excellent for providing shade and shelter from the elements.

Caravanners were also advised to carry a foot pump to inflate their mattresses and a hanging safe to keep their essentials and valuables secure.

“Possums, keas, gulls and rodents are looking forward to your arrival,” Mr Williamson warned.

“Stash your fruit and fresh food in a hanging mesh larder and foil nature’s thieves.”

2011 caravan holiday season: Breaks for all the family

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by Gemma Roskell

Families with children will find plenty to keep their little ones entertained, wherever they choose to stay.

The British Airways High Life magazine has published a list of the best day trips for kids in the UK, and it features attractions up and down the country.

Among them is the new Adrenalin Quarry in Cornwall, which features the UK’s longest zip wire as well as coasteering facilities and go-karting.

Warwick Castle also makes the list with its new Castle Dungeon experience, as does the Forbidden Corner fantast garden in the Yorkshire Dales.

Families taking their caravans to Pembrokeshire in Wales can follow animal trails at the Manor House Wildlife Park, while those heading to Hampshire can try out the new rides at Paultons Family Theme Park.

Other top attractions for those with children include the Greenwood Forest Park in Wales, the National Space Centre in Leicestershire and the Marine Discovery wildlife watching boat trips in Penzance Harbour.

Man and dog escape caravan site blaze in Wales

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by Gemma Roskell

A plucky caravan owner has been hailed a hero after rescuing a fellow site resident from a blaze in Wales.

According to the Daily Post, Phil Roberts, who lived in a static caravan on the Bryn Gynog caravan park in Conwy, pulled an unnamed man in his 60s from the inferno in an adjacent pitch.

Mr Roberts told the newspaper that he was getting ready to go to bed when he heard the man shouting for help.

“I went outside and could see smoke coming out of the caravan,” he said. “I went in and dragged him outside and stayed with him until the ambulance and fire service came.”

The man was taken to a nearby hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. His pet dog Bugsy was also rescued by Mr Roberts, who is taking care of the animal until his neighbour is back in good health.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the cause of the inferno, which occurred on Monday night (December 20th).

A spokesperson urged caravanners to take extra care when using heaters and lighting candles in their motorhomes during the cold weather.

VIDEO: The heritage and expansion of Airstream Caravans

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by Holly Tribe

For over 75 years Airstream have been producing these iconic ‘silver bullet’ tourers exclusively for the American market. But now, Continental fans of Airstream Caravans can chose from a range models specifically engineered to European standards.

Using the same American build technology, the European range retains the famous ‘fuselage body on wheels’, but components and equipment inside have been tailored to comply with European safety standards and road conditions. Despite its heavier US heritage, the Airstream Europe family has been engineered match lighter towcars and the smallest Airstream Bambi model is light enough to be towed behind a VW Golf.

Caravan Times editor Marcus Dubois talks to Michael Hold of Airstream Europe to learn more about the heritage and development of this iconic brand.

The Friendly Club urges Christmas caravanners to check weather updates

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning Christmas getaways are being advised to check weather updates in their chosen location before travelling.

The Camping and Caravanning Club is recommending that holidaymakers who have made bookings for the festive period check with their site directly to make sure they can still be accommodated.

Freezing conditions have affected the whole of the UK in recent weeks, with heavy snow hitting many parts of the country.

Since some areas have suffered more than others, it is worth calling ahead to check that conditions are safe on site and that bookings can still be honoured.

The Camping and Caravanning Club said it will be posting any information it receives regarding weather conditions at its campsites on its Siteseeker website, so caravanners should keep an eye on the updates.

Motoring groups are also advising drivers to check weather forecasts and traffic alerts before setting out on long journeys, and to carry warm clothing, blankets, torches, food and other emergency items in their vehicles.

Vauxhall Caravan Park offering New Year discounts

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning a holiday in Great Yarmouth next year can make savings by booking with Vauxhall Holiday Park.

The site, which provides over 200 all-electric touring pitches on both grass and hard standings, is offering a 15 per cent discount off all its brochure prices, the Loughborough Echo reports.

To take advantage of the promotion, leisure vehicle owners must make their bookings and provide full payment before January 3rd 2011.

Doing so will also enable them to beat the VAT rise, which is due to come into force the following day.

Vauxhall Holiday Park offers awnings and car parking free of charge for caravanners and there are gas cylinder refills, toilet blocks, heated showers and baby changing facilities on site.

Other free-to-use facilities include an Indoor Water World, sun terraces, children’s clubs, live entertainment and discos.

There is also plenty for caravanners to do and see in the wider Great Yarmouth area, which has 15 miles of sandy beaches and is close to the Norfolk Broads.