AS Caravans – 2011 prices and weights

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by Holly Tribe

Auto-Sleepers have launched their first ever range of touring caravans at International Caravan and Motorhome 2010 today.

The company is an established name in the motorhome industry but with the rising popularity of caravanning Auto-Sleepers have made the move into the caravan market with a range of three new tourers for 2011.

In a conversation with Caravan Times, Auto-Sleepers CEO Geoff Scott, explained the company believed there was a gap in the market for a high spec, luxury range of caravans built for the higher end of the market, noting how “under British ownership we have been able to fulfil a dream”.

Named after luxury London hotels, the three model line up consists of Kensington, Mayfair and Grosvenor caravans. Each caravan is built on an industry leading ALKO chassis with alloy wheels. There’s an extensive range of high quality fittings and furnishings including the Whale wet central heating system, a portable handheld vacuum cleaner, hairdryer with built in socket and a top of the range Thetford swivel toilet to name but a few. See below for prices and weights for the 2011 line-up.

Kensington

  • £29,500 (incl. VAT)
  • MiRO 1636kg

Mayfair

  • £29,500 (incl. VAT)
  • MiRO 1632kg

Grosvenor

  • £27,495 (incl. VAT)
  • MiRO 1410kg

Caravan site extension draws complaints

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by Chris Malone

The likelihood of an extension to a borders caravan site getting the go ahead may have been reduced after a petition and letters of objection were submitted to the local planning office.

Residents in Eyemouth are concerned about a number of issues, including a potential rise in traffic, litter and noise, as well as the loss of green space, amenities and decreased property values.

According to the Berwickshire News, the proposed extension to the site has drawn 11 letters of complaint and a petition containing 11 names to be submitted to planners.

However, the Scottish Borders Council has recommended that the plans are given the green light, explaining that the current roads and sewage systems were capable of supporting the 48-caravan extension.

It also noted that the owners plan to take steps to reduce the visual impact by embarking on an extensive planting campaign to help shield the caravans from view.

Eyemouth is located on Scotland’s east coast in the borders to the south of Edinburgh.

Inquest finds caravanner froze to death

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by Chris Malone

Pensioners living in caravans should ensure they have enough heat to keep them safe, especially if this winter is as cold as last.

An inquest recently heard how a 73-year-old man was found dead in a freezing mobile home at Pentre Farm, Llanelltyd, on January 9th.

Retired builder John Peter Downes lived alone in the dilapidated tourer, which was described as “very untidy, very dirty and very cold”.

In fact, temperatures inside had dropped so low that the water in a bowl in the sink had frozen solid, as had that in the toilet.

PC Sara Cadwell explained that there was also an unlit open fire and gas heater in the lounge and a broken window that let in a draught.

The victim was found naked close to his bed, with the post mortem showing typical signs of hypothermia.

“The fact he was naked is also relevant as sufferers often take off clothing because they feel warm at the onset of hypothermia,” pathologist Dr Mark Lord told the inquest, before coroner Dewi Pritchard Jones decided that Mr Downes died of self neglect.

Meanwhile, telling what the weather is going to be like this winter could be more difficult after the Met Office announced that it was ceasing to issue seasonal forecasts as a result of inaccuracies.

Preview: International Caravan and Motorhome 2010 – Activities and Attractions

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by Holly Tribe

Need a break from sizing up the vast array of caravans and motorhomes? Bamboozled by all the gadgetry on display? Need a place to park the kids for a couple of hours? Luckily for us, the organisers of the International Caravan and Motorhome Show have put together an exciting and varied programme of events throughout the week to help keep the whole family entertained.

Click here to see a preview video up of the show.

From towing courses for beginners run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, to cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, there will be something at the NEC in Birmingham to whet everyone’s appetite. Following on from our 2011 caravan special and gadgets round up, our third and final preview feature will have a look at the events and activities on offer at this years show.


Towing experience
The Camping and Caravanning Club will be on hand again this year offering fifteen minute lessons to anyone wishing to try their hand at hitching and towing a caravan. Experienced tutors are available to impart advice on safe towing practice and outfit matching.


Cookery theatre
New for 2010 is the cookery theatre showcasing live cookery demonstrations with an emphasis on creating simple healthy dishes. If you’re attending the show on Wednesday, don’t miss TV chef Lesley Waters. The Ready Steady Cook regular will be preparing some delicious ‘recipes for the road’ in Hall 9 from 12 – 2pm.

Farmers’ market and Real Ale Bar
In response to visitor feedback last year, the shows’ organisers have added a Farmer’s Market – selling fresh, local produce and providing many of the ingredients for recipes showcased in the cookery theatre. Or meet up with friends at the new bar run by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) with a selection of award winning ales from regional breweries across the UK.


Expert talk theatre
A purpose built seated theatre will play host to specialist talks from the RSPB, and the Irish Caravan Council. Representatives from the Camping and Caravanning Club will be there to impart valuable knowledge on how to get the best out of touring.

Kidzone and crèche
The Camping and Caravanning Club have teamed up with Gullivers to provide a whole host of activities for the kids – leaving you to head off and explore the show.

The cr̬che is staffed by fully trained supervisors who will be on hand to look after children between the ages of 2 and 9 РFriday to Sunday only.

Onsite Campsite
A dedicated camping ground will be available for outdoor enthusiasts to stay with their motorhome or caravan.

  • Where: NEC Birmingham
  • When: 12 – 17th October
  • Admission: £14.95 – £31.45

Buy your tickets now from www.caravanshows.com or call the ticket hotline on 0844 4124639. Don’t forget to enter our promotional code CART01 to receive a £5 advance booking discount.

Camping and Caravanning Club sites stay open for festive season

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by Holly Tribe

The Camping and Caravanning Club have issued seasons greeting early this year. The club is inviting members to enjoy a stay at one of twenty four sites which are to remain open during the festive season.

Site managers will be running a varied programme of entertainment and activities including fancy dress parties and forest walks. Sites Director Bob Hill said: “All of our Holiday Site Managers, Assistants and Franchisees really get into the Christmas spirit and there is always a fantastic atmosphere during advent.

The sites are located across the country in Blackmore, Boroughbridge, Canterbury, Chertsey, Conkers, Delamere Forest, Devizes, Hertford, Kingsbury Water Park, Leek, Moffat, Moreton, Oswestry, Oxford, Tavistock, Teversal, Thetford Forest, Eskdale, Polstead, Ravenglass, Scone, Troutbeck, Windermere and Winchcombe.

The Club will also be running an eight-day Christmas Market Tour in conjunction with worldwide travel service, Carefree. Anyone in search of Christmas present inspiration this year can take a tour of some of Germany’s best Christmas markets, from the 5th to the 12th December.

In other news, Chessington World of Adventures has launched a search for Britain’s most adventurous family.

Caravan Club withdraws £2m site proposal

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by Chris Malone

The Caravan Club has withdrawn its proposal to build a new £2 million park in Ardleigh, Colchester.

According to the Daily Gazette, the organisation gave no reason for its decision, but locals are delighted after campaigning to stop the 96-pitch site being set up on 14 acres of farmland near Wick Lane.

More than 100 letters of objection had been sent to Tendring Council, the Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water and Essex County Council.

Local woman Jill Hamblin was opposed to the development and said that she was “very pleased” at the Caravan Club’s decision.

“Perhaps they have come to realise they face a fight, not just from local people, but major organisations,” she said.

“I think the objections from highways and water board probably delivered the final blow.”

The Caravan Club had suggested that the site would benefit the local economy to the tune of £750,000 per year.

Spokeswoman Nikki Nichols explained that the Club still believes that its proposals contained “all the high-quality hallmarks for which it is renowned and [offered] substantial benefits for the local community”.

Meanwhile, the Echo has reported that residents in a caravan park near Southend are to be charged council tax.

Art Trail launched in north-east

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by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts with a love for art can combine their passions by following the new Art Trail, which has been launched by visitnortheastengland.com.

The online tourism resource is keen to capitalise on the area’s influence over renowned figures such as TS Lowry and JMW Turner.

It has set up a guide to help visitors to the north-east find the best galleries, museums and exhibitions throughout the region.

One of the most famous art installations in recent times is located in the north-east and seen by one person every second.

The Angel of the North was designed for Gateshead Council by Antony Gormley and sparked off a public art movement that saw more than 20 new pieces created over the subsequent years.

As well as this, the Art Trail includes the BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art in NewcastleGateshead.

Middlesbrough’s mima is also featured, as is Barnard Castle’s Bowes Museum.

In other news, a local parish council close to Barnard Castle recently told the Teesdale Mercury that it is concerned about the safety of pedestrians walking to and from a local caravan park due to the absence of a pavement.

Caravanners to pay council tax

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by Chris Malone

Caravan owners at Throney Bay Park in Canvey Island are to be made to pay council tax after an investigation revealed that they were living there all year round.

A total of 292 homes on the site will now be subject to the levy, with the remainder of more than 800 caravans still falling under the park’s business rates, according to the Echo.

The newspaper launched a campaign to have the Valuation Office Agency conduct a review of the site to establish whether some residents were avoiding their responsibilities.

Castle Point councillor for economic regeneration Norman Smith told the Echo that it was “only right” that permanent residents should be asked to contribute.

“They are taking from the borough as much as everyone else in terms of services, so why should they not contribute?” he asked.

The ruling means the owners of the 292 caravans in question will have to pay £1,046 per year after their homes were classed as band-A for council tax.

In other news, the Craven Herald recently reported that a landscape expert has suggested that neither caravans, nor the earth mounds planned to screen them from view, would fit in with the look of the environment at Long Preston.

Caravan site decision goes right to the top

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by Chris Malone

The final decision over whether to build a caravan site on green belt land near Coventry will be made at the highest level, it has been confirmed.

According to local government secretary Eric Pickles, he will make the final call on whether the site gets permission.

It comes after villagers in Meriden felt so strongly about the travellers’ site that they took their protest to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Residents Against Inappropriate Development spokesman David McGrath explained that the full consultation being carried out on behalf of Mr Pickles will give all parties a chance to voice their opinions.

Those on both sides of the argument will be asked to state their case in front of planning officers, who will then make a recommendation to the Cabinet minister.

“A decision can be taken in the light of the sea change in planning law which the new coalition government wants to bring in,” Mr McGrath said.

In other news, the Aberdeen Press & Journal has revealed that travellers at two local caravan sites could be handed eviction notices at the request of Aberdeen City Council and car dealer Pendragon.

Aberdeen caravan dwellers could face eviction

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by Chris Malone

Travellers who have set up two caravan sites in Aberdeen could be served with eviction notices today, it has been revealed.

According to the Press & Journal, the camps have been set up on park land near Riverview Drive and at an old Renault garage in West Tullos Industrial Estate.

Aberdeen City Council and car dealer Pendragon are today (October 6th) going to court to seek eviction orders to remove the caravans from the respective sites.

The local authority told the newspaper that it was examining ways of ensuring the land was not misused again but that it would look at alternative sites for the mobile homes.

“We have been working towards the goal of preventing unauthorised encampments at this site again, but at the same time we are committed to speeding up the eviction process by coming up with other sites for travellers,” explained SNP councillor for Dyce Mark McDonald.

Residents had complained of the noise and mess created by the illegal campers and the official noted that while he understood the nature of the traveller lifestyle, the site was not suitable for such a camp.

In other news, the Teesdale Mercury has reported that the local council has raised concerns over the safety of pedestrians walking from a Caravan Club site to Barnard Castle.

Lancashire caravan sites could benefit from funding

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by Chris Malone

Caravan sites are among the businesses that qualify for funding from Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board’s share in the Rural Development Programme England pot of cash.

The finance is available for accommodation providers looking to upgrade their facilities to a high standard and will see firms given up to 40 per cent of their project costs to a maximum of £50,000.

Any business offering four or five-star accommodation can access the scheme, which can also be used to part-fund professional business planning advice and training opportunities.

The first successful applicants have already benefited, with Cartford Inn owners Patrick and Julie Beaume using the cash to help build eight new bedrooms, a restaurant, new kitchen and outside dining area.

“This funding will allow us to fulfil our wishes to increase our accommodation capacity to the high standards we have set ourselves and have already demonstrated to our guests, with our first phase refurbishment,” said Mr Beaume.

In other news, the Caravan Club recently wrote to MPs noting how the caravanning industry could help the UK economy.

Could caravanners be Britain’s Most Adventurous Family?

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by Chris Malone

Caravan-loving families could be in with a chance of winning a prestigious gong that is to be handed out for the second consecutive year.

Chessington World of Adventures is searching for Britain’s Most Adventurous Family 2011 after crowning the Wilsons as its 2010 winners due to their globe-trotting backpacking antics.

Families are being asked to film their adventurous behaviour and send it in to the theme park to prove why they should be crowned champions.

The aim of the contest is to help encourage Brits to live a more active lifestyle, which will help the next generation develop fully, according to clinical psychologist Linda Blair.

“Adventure is an important part of child development. It increases self-confidence, activates problem-solving skills and encourages children to be creative by finding new ways to meet challenges,” she said.

The expert added that adults also need adventure to alleviate stress and boost creativity.

Chessington World of Adventures is located near Epsom, south-east of central London

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