Caravan crooks convicted of £1m haul

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A band of crooks have been convicted of stealing caravans and other vehicles worth more than £1 million.

The Wiltshire-based gang, which consisted of a woman and four men in their twenties and thirties, were arrested in October 2007.

As well as the theft charges, the criminals admitted to benefit fraud, with the court hearing how they were part of an organized crime ring.

Detective inspector Matt Davey explained that the group stole caravans and personal possessions as well as cash, jewellery, china and crystal.

“It is evident that this group had a profound affect on theft claims within the insurance industry who reported a 47 per cent reduction in caravan thefts in the year following their arrest,” he revealed.

According to VisitWiltshire, the region hosts a number of festivals each year, including the Swindon Festival of Literature and the Chippenham Folk Festival.

Both of these take place in May and attract visitors from far and wide.

Park Holidays UK creates discounts for non-traditional families

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British caravan site operator Park Holidays UK is hoping to make it easier for people to afford a vacation this year.

The company has acknowledged the fact that not all families are made up of the traditional two parents and 2.4 children by creating a range of offers for different types of groups.

Couples can take advantage of the Two’s Company offers by quoting Two10 when booking their short break or extended holiday.

Other special offers include those for single parents taking the kids by themselves and for those with children under the age of five.

Bookings for these offers should be made through the company’s holiday hotline and the earlier the vacations are booked, the more savings there are to be had.

“Save up to £70 on a seven night break or up to £40 on a short break for all bookings made before February 28th 2010,” Park Holidays UK said.

Meanwhile, the company is selling caravans at its sites for less than £18,000.

Swift Group reports good start to 2010

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Britain’s largest caravan and motorhome manufacturer has recorded sales of £2.5 million in four days.

The Swift Group recorded the figures after sales at the Manchester Central Caravan and Motorhome Show.

The statistics show that demand for caravan holidays in the country remains strong, with many holidaymakers looking to keep up the ‘staycation’ trend.

According to the manufacturer, demand for the company’s caravans and motorhomes is almost back to pre-recession levels.

The group says that sales figures were enhance by record numbers of visitors during the last two days of the show, but it usually provides an early indication of how the year will progress.

Swift Group commercial director Nick Page expressed his delight at the latest sales figures.

“With January sales bucking the weather and VAT increase and with clear indications of the family buyer returning to the market, demand now looks even more positive for 2010,” Mr Page said.

The Swift Group recently won four awards at the Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly’s 2010 Awards ceremony.

Bailey Olympus continues the Alu-Tech revolution

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The new Alu-Tech body shell construction system found on the Bailey Olympus caravan is the most significant development in caravan production technology for thirty years, it has been claimed.

Manufacturer Bailey Caravans has stated that the body shell it has created is so advanced that over 100 bespoke tools were used in its construction.

According to Bailey the shell allows owners to holiday all year round, whatever the weather conditions.

Thicker body panels and extra insulation ensure that the caravan remains warm in the winter and cool during the summer.

“The Alu-Tech body shell sets new standards in durability,” Bailey noted.

“The result is a caravan that is triumph of engineering and technological advancement that offers real advantages of ownership; advantages that lead us to believe that one day all caravans will be made this way.”

As well as the high performance body shell Bailey Olympus caravans also come with the latest road safety equipment.

Dorset caravanners have beaches galore to explore

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Caravanners heading to one of Parkdean’s sites in Dorset will have almost 100 miles of Jurassic coastline to explore.

The holiday operator has three parks in the area and noted that they are in close proximity to a number of great beaches.

For those who like to relax, soak up the sun and build sandcastles, West Bay beach could be ideal, the firm said.

However, if riding the waves is more your thing, Boscombe Pier has a new artificial surf reef, which helps to shape the break into ideal conditions for surfers.

There are numerous other examples of beaches that are ideal for all the family and Parkdean suggested that they make a great day out for those who wish to explore the surrounding area.

The firm operates West Bay, Warmwell and Sandford holiday parks in Dorset and it believes they are the perfect place to enjoy a trip away with your loved ones.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently recommended that those heading to Cornwall get out and enjoy the miles of beautiful walks at their disposal.

‘Lots to do’ in Edinburgh

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Caravan enthusiasts planning a holiday near Edinburgh will find that there is lots to do in the city, it has been claimed.

According to VisitScotland, the Scottish capital spoils visitors for choice with its many museums and other attractions.

Regional director for Edinburgh and east central Scotland Sinead Feltoe explained that the city enjoyed a prosperous last 12 months.

“Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience and Camera Obsura all recorded exceptional years,” she said.

Her statement is backed up by PKF figures which show that Edinburgh was the only city in Scotland to record positive occupancy rates for 2009.

Ms Feltoe added that the capital has “world-renowned festivals” and a host of attractions to keep visitors busy, from art galleries to a picnic on Arthur’s Seat – the hill overlooking the city and the Firth of Forth.

Caravanners staying in the vicinity of the city could also make day trips to Glasgow, Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen and the Trossachs National Park.

Irish traditions ‘harder to find’

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Brits planning a caravan trip to the Emerald Isle may struggle to see traditional Ireland, it has been claimed.

According to travel bible Lonely Planet, the country is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and modern-day Ireland is gradually saying goodbye to its traditional roots.

The latest guide from the company explained that the nation is becoming more and more like other European countries and visitors are having to look harder to find an older version of society.

It suggested that those seeking this rustic experience may have to head to the islands and isolated rural communities to find it.

Tourism Ireland agreed that it is becoming more difficult to encounter typical Irish traditions during a visit to the republic.

“There’s no denying that Ireland is changing. For people, especially those who live there, it’s changing for the better,” a spokesperson said.

She added that the best way to experience the real Ireland is to integrate and interact with its people, rather than visiting the typical tourist sites.

Park Holidays UK selling caravans

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Brits in the market for a new caravan are being encouraged to check out an offer from Park Holidays UK.

The firm operates 24 caravan sites around the country, but also sells holiday homes to customers seeking a base at one of its coastal or countryside facilities.

It is offering brand new 2009 Delta Santana Model 30ft x 12ft Extra Space caravans from £17,995.

These come with 2010’s site fees already paid and the chance to pay it off using monthly instalments as low as £260.

Designed to provide owners with a comfortable and stylish living space, the holiday homes consist of a spacious lounge and dining area, bedrooms, open plan modern kitchen with integrated oven and hob and a modern shower room.

The firm is also offering pre-owned caravans from £9,995, with even more manageable monthly payments of just £160.

Meanwhile, Park Holidays UK recently announced a number of special offers for its customers staying at its resorts during 2010.

Caravan site operator puts director under cover

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by Chris Malone

One caravan site operator takes providing a good service so seriously that it recently sent one of its directors under cover to ensure its facilities were up to scratch.

Park Resorts marketing director Andy Edge donned numerous disguises to check up on staff as part of the Channel 4 programme Undercover Boss.

He headed to two of the firm’s facilities, posing as an entertainer, cook, cleaner and maintenance team member.

Filmed over several weeks, the show was aimed at giving a look behind the scenes of UK holiday sites and Park Resorts noted that it was a beneficial experience for all involved.

“Park Resorts’ decision to take part in the programme came from our commitment to improving standards and delivering an excellent level of customer service,” it said.

The show was filmed at Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight and Norfolk’s Breydon Water.

In other news, all of the company’s UK parks have been graded by their relevant tourist boards and were awarded three, four or five stars.

Caravan parks at risk from nuclear site

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A number of caravan sites could have to be shut down in the Whitehaven area of the Lake District if nuclear reactors are placed on two proposed sites.

According to the Whitehaven News, the necessary “critical incident zones” that would have to be set up around the Braystones and Kirksanton sites would encompass holiday chalets and caravan parks, meaning they would have to be moved.

Other barriers to the reactors include the presence of a primary school in Beckeret and a prison in Haverigg.

The problem stems from the need to be able to quickly and safely evacuate local workers and residents in the wake of a nuclear emergency.

Local emergency planners expressed the most concern over the prison as there is no way that it could be self-evacuating to the required level.

It is also a major local employer and would represent a massive blow to the local workforce if it was to close.

One caravan park that is at risk is Tarnside, which features a laundrette, children’s play area, games room and club house, according to totaltravel.co.uk.

Visit Ayrshire on Burns Night

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Caravan enthusiasts planning to head to Scotland for Burns Night next week (January 25th) may be wondering where is best to visit.

The national poet was born in Ayrshire and Scottish Tourist Guides Association general manager Stewart Daniels explained that this would be a good place to start as it is at the heart of festivities.

Robert Burns was born on the west coast of Scotland 251 years ago and the area is fiercely proud of the fact.

“Obviously there is the county of Ayrshire, because this is Burns’ birthplace, and this is the very centre of Burns traditions. But there will be celebrations all over Scotland for visitors to participate in,” Mr Daniels said.

Traditional festivities include Burns Suppers and tributes to the bard, including poetry readings and recitals of his songs.

A supper usually consists of eating a traditional Scottish meal and drinking good whisky while enjoying the work of “Rabbie” Burns.

Caravan Club discount at Birmingham event

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The Caravan Club has revealed that its members will be given a special discount at the forthcoming NEC Boat & Caravan Show.

Cut price admission is available to those who have signed up to the organisation’s The Club Magazine.

Vouchers have been printed in the publication and members should cut them out and take them along to the NEC in Birmingham, where they will receive a discount on Club Day – February 23rd.

The coupons appear in the February edition of the magazine and should be presented at the box office to obtain the discount, the Caravan Club said.

Spread over six halls, the show provides information on caravan holiday destinations, as well as a chance to view and buy the latest mobile homes, including some limited-edition models.

While the Caravan Club Day is on February 23rd, the show itself lasts until February 28th, with entry allowed from 10:00 GMT until 18:00 each day.