Bailey Caravans delay launch of entry-level Alu-Tech model after strong Unicorn response

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has revealed it will delay the launch of an “entry-level” model in its Alu-Tech range until early next year. The firm has cited the popularity of its newest model, the Bailey Unicorn as the reason to hold back the introduction of a new range of vehicles.

In correspondence with Caravan Times earlier this week, Bailey revealed that “it was our original intention to launch an entry level Alu-Tech range at the NEC show in October. However in light of the very positive public response to the new Unicorn range availability pre-Christmas is likely to be extremely limited.” As a result of these findings the firm “has decided to delay the launch until early next year.”

Such timing would coincide with the popular Boat and Caravan Show in 2011 which will take place at the end of February. Last year’s show saw 100,000 visitors at the NEC in Birmigham, at which the new Olympus was one of the main attractions. Additionally, the expected rise in VAT will lead some caravan buyers to search for greater value.

Alu-Tech success

The Bristol manufacturer launched its new aluminium-based construction platform named “Alu-Tech” last year with the Bailey Pegasus. Described by the firm as “the most significant development in caravan production technology for over 30 years”, the design is notable for the absence of external fixings, thereby reducing the likelihood of water ingress.

After record sales at International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 confirmed the popularity of the new construction method, Bailey soon introduced a second Alu-Tech model in the Olympus. And enthusiasm for the new technology from existing Bailey owners fond of the long-standing Senator range led to the creation of this summer’s newest model, the Unicorn.

Future additions to the family

With three new models in the space of a year, Bailey recently moved to phase out production of caravans in its “classic construction” range. The popularity of the Pegasus saw the end of the Bailey Senator, while last month the Pageant Series 7 was discontinued with immediate effect following strong sales of the Olympus range.

Such action has left room in the new portfolio for an entry-level model, and in a recent interview with Caravan Times marketing director Simon Howard confirmed that Bailey will soon produce all its caravans on the new construction platform.

“This is the construction technique of the future for us. We’re going to be living in a totally Alu-Tech world”.

Bailey will be displaying its 2011 line-up at International Caravan and Motorhome Show 2010 which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 12-17 October.

Bailey Caravans to make announcement on bumper upgrades to 2011 Alu-Tech standards

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by Marcus Dubois

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Bailey Caravans will make a formal statement later this week concerning the upgrade of front panel protection on 2010 Alu-Tech models to 2011 standards.

In a conversation with Caravan Times yesterday the Bristol manufacturer was keen to address the queries of owners of 2010 Alu-Tech caravans. Recently the firm announced that a front bumper had been added to 2011 Unicorn and Pegasus models. Yet a number of owners of 2010 Alu-Tech caravans have expressed an interest in whether a bumper can be retro-fitted to their vehicle.

Earlier in the year a number of Bailey Pegasus and Olympus owners showed concern that road chippings and stone dents could cause cosmetic damage. In an edition of our consumer programme Talkback, Bailey marketing director Simon Howard moved to reassure customers by offering the solution of a front bumper. Purchasers of the earliest models of Pegasus are likely to receive information on how they can add the new design to their existing caravan.

Bailey has confirmed that a bumper will not be fitted to the 2011 Olympus range, and it is therefore unlikely that one will be made available as a part for existing Olympus models.

The photograph (taken by a forum user) shows how the new bumper design appears on the Bailey Unicorn. Sporting a three-striped decal which echoes the colour scheme of the Unicorn logo, it has been designed to protect those areas likely to be bombarded by loose chippings on the road.

Bailey Caravans will look to another successful year at International Caravan and Motorhome in October after registering record sales in 2009. Much of the focus will be on the Bailey Unicorn which has been heralded as the first luxury caravan for the firm.

Information on the bumper upgrades will be available on Caravan Times later this week.

Haven caravan sites see holiday bookings boost

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by Chris Malone

Families continue to holiday at caravan parks in spite of the recession according to a leading firm in the industry.

Haven Holidays claim that Brits are still splashing out on its top of the range Platinum-grade vacations, with sales soaring throughout the summer.

A spokeswoman explained that last-minute weekend breaks are particularly popular, with bookings up 15 per cent year-on-year.

She said: “At the same time, demand for our top-of-the-range Platinum-grade accommodation was up a whopping 35 per cent – indicating families will splash out if they perceive they’re getting good value.”

Kent, Dorset and Sussex were among the most popular locations for static caravans, while couples and families with tourers opted for Blackpool, Wales and Cumbria.

With 35 holiday parks throughout the UK, Haven aims to offer a superior caravan holiday experience.

The firm recently confirmed that it had booked TV talent show stars Same Difference and Stavros Flatley for one of its parks.

Lotto jackpot winners head on caravan holiday

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by Chris Malone

A British couple who won £7.7 million on the Lotto are enjoying a holiday to celebrate their win.

However, the Sun has revealed that Ivan and Sue Westbury are taking their first break as millionaires in a caravan park.

The couple have travelled to Cornwall, where they are enjoying a staycation thanks to an offer in the newspaper that meant they could stay for just £9.50 at the caravan park.

Mr Westbury is a 64-year-old lightning conductor factory owner, who has not missed a day of work since his big win and still drives a five-year-old Astra, which has clocked up 100,000 miles.

“We’d booked the holiday before the win and I always said we’d go on it,” he told the Sun.

“It’s our fourth £9.50 and we love them because the accommodation is good, clean and in good locations – and you can’t question the value.”

The millionaire explained that being able to bring his dog was a big plus, while each break they have enjoyed at camp sites has been “great fun and relaxing”.

Cornwall is a favourite destination for surfers and sailors, who enjoy the wonders of the Cornish coast.

Scottish celebrities recall past caravan holidays

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by Chris Malone

Holidaymakers considering taking a last-minute caravan trip to Scotland may be interested in reading about how three Scottish celebrities used to spend their vacations.

According to the Daily Record, astrologer David Wells enjoyed seaside holidays to Ayrshire, where he would spend time in a caravan with his family.

He also headed to the Highlands and saw much of his own country, thanks to his father’s motto that there is enough to see in Scotland to make it needless to travel elsewhere.

“We had friends in Fort William, which was a favourite and such a beautiful part of the world with scenery that’s impossible to beat,” he told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Daily Record columnist Julie Hannah explained that she regularly enjoyed trips in the Scottish Highlands as a youngster, with journeys made to Glenshee, Aviemore and Glencoe.

Newsreader Shereen Nanjiani added that she was a regular traveller to Fife, where she would spend the summer in Crail and the caravan haven of Elie.

Elie is located close to the historic town of St Andrews, which is known as the home of golf.

X Factor stars to perform at Haven caravan site

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by Chris Malone

With X Factor fever starting to take hold of the UK once more, caravanners staying at Haven’s Combe Haven Holiday Park are set to get front row seats to see some of the show’s past stars.

Last year’s finalists Miss Frank are set to appear on September 22nd as part of a summer full of top performances.

The girl band’s performance will be followed up a week later by Greek dancing stars Stavros Flatley, who first rose to fame on Britain’s Got Talent.

Next month will see X Factor’s brother and sister act Same Difference take to the stage on October 6th, before talent show legend Chico rocks the caravan park on October 20th.

“Combe Haven has enjoyed a fantastic summer and these four acts promise to make autumn even more spectacular. We’re delighted to have these stars coming to us and they’ll be a real treat for our guests,” the company explained.

Haven’s 35 holiday parks have loads of other great entertainment and activities available and feature their own heated swimming pools and sports facilities.

The definitive guide to caravanning and… cycling

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By Emma Dodd

There are certain hobbies that are particularly well suited to enjoying on a caravan holiday and cycling is one of them. It’s important to plan properly and understand some of the issues you’ll need to overcome for your caravan and cycling trip to go smoothly, so we’ve put together this handy guide.

Transporting your bike

Getting your bike and those of your companions to your caravan site is the first challenge. There are so many things to consider, including the number of bikes and the weight your caravan can cope with. The options include a rear wall mounted bike rack, tow car mounting and A-frame mounting, each of which have their own benefits.

To work out which type of rack will best suit your needs, you need to know how heavy your bikes are and the nose-weight limit of your van. These factors will determine where best to position the bikes without putting too much pressure on your car’s tow-ball.

Keeping your bike secure on site

You need to consider how you will secure your bike on the caravan site before you even set off. Be sure to take a good cycle lock or padlock and chain with you, as hundreds of childrens and adult bikes are stolen from caravan parks every year. Threading a chain through the caravan’s chassis and padlocking your bike to it each evening is a good way to guard against theft.

Setting off on your bike ride

To get the most out of your bike ride, be sure your tyres are pumped up to the right pressure before you set off and your saddle is at the correct height. This is especially important with children, who may have grown since they last rode their bikes. Make sure everyone is equipped with clothes that will keep them warm and dry or protected from the sun, as well as visible from any traffic.

Even if you’re not planning on staying out after dark, your bikes should be equipped with lights, just in case. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as a puncture repair kit to be prepared for all eventualities. Plan your route and look at the gradient and terrain, as well as the distance, to prevent any unexpected challenges along the way.

Keeping your van clean after a muddy ride

Your caravan will be your home for multiple nights and with the whole family traipsing in after a muddy ride, it can quickly get dirty. An awning is a good piece of kit to help prevent this, as you can use it as a porch, where muddy boots and clothes can be stripped off and kept outside of the van.
Bring some stackable plastic boxes with you where everyone can put their muddy kit before it gets washed. Door mats are great for catching dirt on the way into your van and can be removed to be cleaned. Wooden duckboards are also useful to stand on under the awning when removing boots.

Best caravan sites for cyclists

There are many tempting cycle rides close to caravan parks up and down the country, but if biking is your priority for your holiday, you may want to base yourself at one of these:

  • York Rowntree Park – located on the ten-mile York to Naburn route, which is mainly free from traffic and perfect for families.
  • West Runton Caravan Park – East Anglia is notoriously flat and from this site the Norfolk Coast Causeway, the Broads Cycle Route and the Marriott’s Way Cycle Route are all within easy reach.
  • Beadnell Bay Caravan Site – follow one of the routes marked out by Cycle Northumberland or the Coast and Castles and National Cycle Route, which both pass close to the site.
  • Erwlon Caravan Park – situated in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons and with services including bike hire, storage and cleaning on offer.
  • Minnows Touring Park – close to the Grand Western Canal in Devon, which makes up part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.

Lincolnshire caravan sites rescued in buyout

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by Chris Malone

Three Lincolnshire caravan parks have been rescued from administration by a single buyer.

According to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Lifestyle Living Group has paid a total of £ million for Metheringham’s White Horse Caravan Park and Chapel St Leonards’ Little Haven Caravan Park and The Willows Caravan Park.

It sees the premium holiday park owner acquire a total of 126 caravan pitches and just over eight acres of land.

The firm will keep the sites as caravan parks but upgrade the facilities to make them more attractive to guests.

It plans to invest £10 million in the sites to bring them up to the same standards as its other parks.

Owner and chairman Tony Barney told the newspaper that the Lincolnshire coast is an attractive option for tourists thanks to its “thousands of acres of splendid countryside”.

“We are seeking to expand our park portfolio in Lincolnshire further and we welcome direct approaches from park owners looking to sell or even those looking for a joint venture partner,” he said.

In other news, a caravan lent to the St John Ambulance Service has been burned to the ground in an alleged arson attack in Maidenhead.

Vandals destroy St John’s Ambulance caravan

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by Chris Malone

Vandals have destroyed a caravan lent to a charitable organisation in Marlow, which used it to help it conduct its business.

St John Ambulance Service was “completely dismayed” to find the vehicle had been turned into a pile of ash by arsonists on Wednesday (September 8th).

According to Bucks Free Press, the mobile home had been lent to the group by a kindly local resident after its own caravan was stolen in November 2009.

Aside from the caravan, the theft cost the service £1,500 in lost equipment, although the replacement vehicle had yet to be kitted out before the blaze.

“Obviously it means a lot of work we will have to do and the insurance we have to get for our building and the time and aggravation it will cause,” divisional officer Graham Innes told the newspaper.

“It’s just sheer vandalism and we’ll be spending time dealing with this rather than what we need to do.”

In other news, the Camping and Caravanning Club has promoted its finance manager to the post of finance director.

Camping and Caravanning Club appoints new director

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by Chris Malone

The Camping and Caravanning Club has promoted finance manager Sabina Voysey to the role of finance director.

She has been with the group for nine years and said she is looking forward to leading a 15-strong team.

Ms Voysey will be charged with looking after the finances of the Camping and Caravanning Club Group, the club and its units while assessing and monitoring the impact its subsidiaries have on the club.

“The club provides a challenge to the management team in terms of ensuring that the organisation is managed as a business, whilst acknowledging that it is still a club, run by its members for its members,” she said.

Her promotion comes into effect immediately and follows an announcement that the club is set to invest £29 million in its 110-site network over the next five years.

These are “ambitious plans” that will require the club to perform well operationally if they are to succeed, Ms Voysey added.

The Camping and Caravanning Club operates a Siteseeker application on its website, which allows caravanners to choose a park that is right for them.

Auto Sleepers premiere new caravan range at NEC show

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by Holly Tribe

Auto Sleepers are launching their first ever range of caravans. The release is due to coincide with 2011 season launches from big name caravan manufacturers at the NEC Caravan and Motorhome Show in October.

Auto Sleepers has been the exclusive domain of motorhomes since 1961, but due to an increasingly buoyant caravan market, the company are diversifying and branching out into the touring caravan field.

The new range will be named ‘AS Caravans’ with three models available at Marquis dealerships from the beginning of October, with a fourth to follow in February next year.

The three models are all single axle tourers with rear end washrooms and have been named Mayfair, Kensington and Grosvenor.

The Mayfair model will be the only fixed bed option whilst the entry level two berth Grosvenor houses two single berths at the nose end.

We predict Auto Sleepers will pitch its new range to the higher end of the market, and while prices haven’t yet been confirmed the high spec finish and regal names of these ‘vans are likely to have a princely price tag to match.

Auto Sleepers have been successfully constructing motorhomes using sandwich sidewall method with GRP front and rear panels – a method which should translate well to touring caravan build.

Check back soon for photos, layouts, prices and weights.

Caravanners pull together to escape flood

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Caravan owners in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, have been forced to move their mobile homes after torrential rain.

The equivalent of an entire month’s rain has fallen in the area within the space of just a few days, the News Letter reported.

Lisnaskea Caravan Park boss Pearl Duncan told the newspaper that the site had dealt with the situation by everyone pulling together.

“We had a lot of people here still enjoying their holidays when this happened, but thankfully everyone is on dry ground now,” she said.

“The flood peaked at around 12:00 BST and then began receding slowly again.”

According to the report, the park was flooded after the heavy rain caused the Colebrooke River to burst its banks.

Ms Duncan explained that it was the worst flood she had seen in 11 years of working at the site, but that the residents all worked to help each other out.

In other news, Warwickshire-based Allens Caravans has completed a £2 million investment in its Leedons Holiday and Residential Park and has pointed out that caravans are becoming popular places for people to spend their retirement.