The CaravanTimes Editors First Year In Review

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By William Coleman

Having joined the CaravanTimes team last September I was totally surprised how quickly my first year has gone. It has been a year of many different experiences from travelling around the UK seeing everything the industry has to offer to driving almost vertically up hill in the Albanian mountains in a Bailey Advance and getting stuck in no man’s land for for 15 hours. It has been a real roller coaster of a year.

My first week was pretty much a trial by fire. Day 3 and there I was placed in front of a camera reviewing the Mercedes Marco Polo, and just like that I became the literal face of CaravanTimes. Editor, journalist and presenter all in one small package. Since then I have actually become quite comfortable on camera which means you will always see my face, sorry for that.

Shortly after taking over the editorial desk I learned that the touring industry was a lot bigger than I had previously thought. Yes, I kept an eye on the industry and took caravan holidays year in year out but I was blissfully unaware just how huge it was and how much money it generates the UK economy. 2017 being one of the biggest years in the industry with a record amount of leisure vehicles being sold.

The biggest example of just how big it was is the NEC show in October and February. A few weeks into job the team spent a week in Birmingham filming a video special newsletter for exhibitors to show you lovely readers some highlights before you headed up, or down, to the show.

I had never seen so many motorhomes, statics, tents, trailers tents, campers and caravans under one roof, it really was a great learning experience. It was at the NEC where I got to meet the Caravan And Motorhome Team who are a great bunch and really do seem like they just want to provide a good service.

So now that I had the presenting and my first NEC under my belt I was starting become very comfortable reporting on the news and stories of the touring industry. And not long after the NEC I was going to be offered the an experience of a lifetime.

A large part of CaravanTimes is making exclusive content for both our readers and manufacturers within the motorhome and caravan industry. One of those manufacturers that CaravanTimes has a good relationship is Bailey of Bristol, a team I had yet to meet. We went to have a meeting with the Bailey team regarding some coverage they would like from a trip they have coming up. All I thought was going to happen is me receiving some weekley press releases to then create articles from.

Before I knew it, and out of the blue, I was being offered a spot on Bailey’s Bristanbul tour. I can openly admit now that I was a bit worried about accepting the offer. I had never driven on the other side of the road, let alone towing a vehicle and staying part of a convoy on very unfamiliar roads. After a quick thought I knew that I would be crazy not to accept this phenomenal offer.

The tour was absolutely amazing. Not only did I get to meet people from all aspects of the caravan industry but I had some crash courses in some very unique towing situations. The best part of the tour was seeing so many countries from a very unique perspective. 21 countries travelled in 21 days, absolutely fantastic.

Travelling across Europe and seeing what touring on the continent is like was very eye opening. What stood out to me was just how different each site was from the next. I have been to lots of sites across the UK that all follow a certain generic pattern, but the sites across Europe and Asia we visited were all totally unique. There were so many highlights, and lowlights, on this trip that I could write about it for days on end. But instead of that I will just place a link for you to watch the videos we made while on the tour, Part 1 and Part 2. If another trip comes up I will certainly be throwing my name in the hat to go again.

The last year has sent me all around Europe, which was amazing, but it is the trips in the UK that I love the most. I been to every corner of the UK visiting sites, reviewing leisure vehicles and meeting manufacturers and dealers. The one thing that has stood out is just how many people in the UK love to take caravan holidays.

During the colder winter months all the sites I visited were between 75-100% booked up. So it seems that the weather does not put the UK holiday maker of off winter touring. It was at that point I was invited BBC Radio Wales for an interview on winter touring. Another career first for me which was a great experience.

Learning about everything the industry has to offer is quite a large learning curve. Having used touring products for most of my life I soon learnt that I really do not know as much as I thought I did. Meeting Truma, CAMC, Whale Pumps, Marquis Leisure and many more really does give you a very different view of the industry. I had previously been a consumer so I looked at things from that angle. Now understanding the design and business side of thing I have a totally new understanding of just how much work goes into providing us the perfect holiday experience.

So now a year on I am preparing for the next NEC show in a few weeks I am going into the UK’s biggest show a lot more prepared than before. It really is mad just how much difference a year of learning can make. So I hope everyone has enjoyed my first year as much as I have and I look forward to many more.

Now that I have my first year in the bag I would love to hear from you guys about the content you have enjoyed as well as anything you have not enjoyed. We always appreciate any kind of feedback and would love to hear any ideas you may have or content you’d like to see.

Cumbrian Park £10k Donation

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By William Coleman

Two senior figures from one of Britain’s largest cancer charities travelled to Cumbria this spring to thank a local holiday owner who inspired a massive £10,000 donation. Michael Holgate of Holgates Holiday Parks was the driving force behind a year-long fundraising campaign in the village of Silverdale for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

It involved a raft of different activities, and was supported both by staff on his six holiday parks, and by residents of Silverdale and other surrounding communities.

Pancreatic Cancer UK was adopted as the park group’s principal charity after Michael’s father, Frank Holgate, died from the disease three years ago.

Accepting the cheque were the charity’s London-based national corporate fundraising officer Amy Hannagan, and NW community coordinator Lynn Quigley.

Amy said that the energy, flair and imagination invested by everyone concerned during the 12-month fundraising bid had resulted in a massive boost for the charity’s highly valued work.

Initiatives included fitness challenges in Silverdale park’s gym, staff dressing in purple plumage on the national awareness day for Pancreatic Cancer UK, and cake sales and quizzes.

Funds were also bolstered by a highly successful ceilidh in the village, and a sponsored walk around local beauty spot Arnside Knott, both enthusiastically supported by local residents.

“Many of the amazing fundraising ideas came from our staff, and they all deserve a huge pat on the back for the time and effort they put in to planning the different events,” said Michael.

“Pancreatic Cancer UK does a fantastic job in helping those diagnosed with the disease to receive the very best treatment and care, and in supporting the families of sufferers.

“Sadly, my father’s death came just before his business marked its sixtieth anniversary, which he would have been justifiably proud to celebrate with his family and many friends.

“Frank was in his mid-seventies, but I have also known other and much younger people than my father who have been affected by pancreatic cancer.

“That’s why we have directed much of our businesses fundraising efforts to helping this charity’s pioneering research work and the help it brings to those with a diagnosis,” said Michael.

The total amount raised by the parks came to £9038.00, but Michael said that his preference for round numbers led the business to top up the overall donation to £10,000.

Carry On Caravanning With The Caravan And Motorhome Club This Autumn

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By William Coleman

As summer draws to a close a lot of us will start thinking about unloading the caravan or motorhome and arrange some kind of winter storage. You may want to rethink packing everything away once you have seen what The Caravan And Motorhome Club have to offer this autumn.

Escape to the stunning coastline of the North East, explore the bright lights of Brighton or discover the heritage of idyllic Edinburgh. These peaceful sites on the Club’s network are located in some of the UK’s most scenic locations.

Here the Caravan and Motorhome Club has picked its top 10 most peaceful sites to get away from it all this September:

Moreton–in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the main towns in the northern Cotswolds. This historic market town dates back to the thirteenth century and has quaint and beautiful medieval English architecture to show it. Pitch up to Moreton-in-Marsh Club Site which is located within a woodland but still offers an open-air feel. Nearby Chastleton House and Gardens, only a ten minute drive away, is hidden in the valley that time nearly forgot having gone unchanged for 400 years. There is also a play area and mini golf course on site to keep the whole entertained.

Prices start from £26.20 per night based on two adults sharing one pitch

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Filled with ancient castles and rugged moorland, Northumberland is a place of kings. As one of the most northerly English counties, star attractions include Alnwick Castle, backdrop of the Harry Potter movie series and real-life broomstick training, impressive Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island. Combine with a stay at the Berwick Seaview Club Site which is only a 15 minute drive from the Scottish border. Overlooking the River Tweed, this hillside site also offers views of the coast and Berwick town below.

Prices start from £23 per night based on two adults sharing one pitch

Edinburgh

The bustling streets of the Scottish capital are a firm favourite with visitors from around the world. Hear the sound of bagpipes on an autumn visit to Edinburgh. This Scottish city has something for everyone: visit the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence at The Palace of Holyrood House, try something bittersweet at the Scotch Whisky Experience or visit the only Giant Pandas to live in the UK at Edinburgh Zoo. For the ultimate Scottish experience, stay just outside the city centre at the Edinburgh Club Site. The site is conveniently located on the banks of the Firth of the Forth and is only a ten minute drive to the city centre.

Prices start from £24.30 per night based on two adults sharing one pitch

Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

The historic Cotswolds town of Tewkesbury is stooped in history spanning more than 1,000 years. Dominating the town’s skyline, Tewkesbury Abbey is world famous with its Norman Tower and is well worth a visit. Take a walk about the Tewkesbury trail and visit the Town Museum, John Moore Museum of wildlife and The Arrivall statues to mark events that played a key part in the War of the Roses in 1471. Stay at the Tewkesbury Abbey Club Site which has recently reopened following recent refurbishments including 50 new all-weather pitches and a new amenity block. Popular amongst members, this site is one of the favourites on the network due to its positioning under the tower of Tewkesbury Abbey.

Prices start from £24.20 per night based on two adults sharing one pitch

New Forest, Hampshire

Dominating a large region of England’s south coast, the New Forest National Park is known for its wild horses and deer, stunning scenery and panoramic views out across The Solent towards the Isle of Wight. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists alike with many trails offering a great way to explore the 566km area. Visit the New Forest Wildlife Park to meet local furry residents or take a trip to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu – of which the Caravan and Motorhome Club has an exhibit at! Pitch up at New Forest Club Centenary Site for the ultimate getaway this autumn. The site is just a ten minute walk from the National Park and three miles from the quaint village of Bransgore. The site is unique in itself as it was originally part of a Second World War airfield; parts of the original runway can still be found on the site today and there is a memorial just outside of the site.

Prices start from £27 per night based on two adults sharing one pitch

For more information and inspiration head over to the Club’s Best sites in September

Willerby Dazzle At The Lawns 2018

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This past weekend saw the 2018 Lawns event where Willerby, the UK’s largest manufacturer of holiday homes and lodges, showcased their all new 2019 collection alongside the new park homes range.

In what was a first for the company Willerby revealed their brand new Park Homes by Willerby collection which launched in May of this year with three brand spanking new models. On display at the show was the charming Charnwood and dazzling Hazelwood, both set within Willerby’s beautiful English rose themed garden.

Those in attendance were treated to two never seen before models, the Linwood and the Waverley, which were launched to the public for the very first time alongside 16 other models. To get everyone in the holiday spirit the homes and lodges were set against a seaside backdrop with nostalgic cut out boards just like you’d find on Brighton pier.

Kirsten Bolton, Willerby Marketing Director, commented before the show: “I think it’s safe to say that we’re coming to The Lawns this year with some of our best innovations and we can’t wait to launch both the Linwood and Waverley.

We’re hopeful that this will be one of the most exciting shows to date, and look forward to receiving the first reactions from showgoers to the new collections.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to speak with the Willerby team about the newly launched Simply Better Build structural concept. The thought behind the Simply Better Build concept is to make the homes feel more like an actual house than a static caravan.

The latest innovation from Willerby will see the holiday homes with windows that are built to residential double glazed standards. As well as the addition of luxury hotpoint appliances fitted throughout.

Also among the 16 models on display at the show, will be the newly designed Avonmore and Sheraton models which have been given fresh new looks for 2019, as well as the Winchester model which has been brought back due to popular demand.

Also making an appearance was the ‘Juniper’, which is the second installment from the luxury Botanical Collection. The Juniper being on display gave visitors another chance to view the caravan that was released in January of this year.

If the excitement of one new range, two new models and a brand new concept wasn’t enough to keep visitors buzzing around the stand, Willerby also teamed up with renowned Yorkshire chef Nigel Brown. Nigel will be performing live cookery demonstrations showing visitors just how easy it is to create Great British favourites from the comfort of a Simply Better Build Waverley Willerby kitchen.

Scottish Parks New Acquisition To Wow Guests

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By William Coleman

It has been a fantastic summer for the touring holiday industry. Having one of the warmest summers on record has driven the amount of UK based holidays through the roof and one holiday business took this busy period as a sign to invest.

A family owned group of Scottish parks are investing in the future to ensure their customer base has a wide range of locations to visit during their holiday time. A substantial investment project has been launched at Callander Woods Holiday Park in Perthshire following its acquisition earlier this year by Wood Leisure.

The park group is family owned, which was founded nearly 40 years ago, has been moving forward with full force by introducing new luxury holiday homes and camping pods to their parks. The group has also secured a 5-Star quality grading from VisitScotland.

The all new Callander Woods site, which is set at the eastern gateway to the Trossachs National Park, will be going the extra mile by adding an extra 10 weeks to the holiday year from the 2019 season onwards. This means the park will be open for bookings until the end of December.

The site has done more than upgrade their holiday calendar by adding a new fleet of top end caravan holiday homes. The new additions have replaced the park’s previous stock which gives guests the option of luxury holiday experiences.

Scotland is quickly becoming a glamping hotspot, and to meet the high rise in demands Callander Woods have also purchased new high end camping pods that can sleep up to 6 guests.

The new top notch pods feature all the home from home comforts which mirror Wood Leisure’s high end standards that feature across their 6 other parks.

Now Callander Woods is set to benefit from even further investment according to the group’s operations manager Bruce Thomson: “This is a very exciting time for the park, and we will soon be creating ten new fully serviced pitches with new state-of-the-art touring bollards,” he said.

“In addition, we will be increasing the number of hard standing pitches available for use by touring caravans and motorhomes throughout the winter months.

“We are anticipating that these will be especially popular during the ten extra weeks the park will be open each year, and which reflect the growing popularity of four-season holidays,” added Bruce.
The park also offer a whole range of leisure activities and opportunities that are very close by that can be enjoyed by guests all year round.

Callander Woods is located in the popular tourist town of Callander on the Rob Roy Way, close to the Birds of Prey Trail and the famous Bracklinn Falls and stunning Loch Katrine.

Wood Leisure started life just almost 40 years ago when husband and wife Colin and Margaret Wood acquired picturesque Blairgowrie Holiday Park in Perthshire.

The couple invested much time, effort and resources to create what is now one of Scotland’s most highly regarded and multi-award winning holiday parks.

Building on their success, Colin and Margaret then went on to develop five other parks using the same business formula of combining high quality surroundings with excellent customer service.

They are Corriefodly Holiday Park in Perthshire, Deeside Holiday Park near Aberdeen,
Lomond Woods Holiday Park in Ballock, Campsie Glen near Stirling, and Callander Woods.

All have graded by VisitScotland at the top level of excellence, and their many awards include the “Best Glamping Experience” accolade at the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards.

There is more information about the Wood family’s parks at www.woodleisure.co.uk

Swap Screen Time For Play Time

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By William Coleman

It seems now days that you cannot turn around without seeing a child glued to the screen of an mobile phone or tablet. One Lancaster holiday park has taken the initiative to limit the amount of time kids play on phone by swapping screen time for outdoor activities and fun days.

The first step taken by Moss Wood caravans was to banish mobiles phones in favour of a series of traditional summer games. From past experience you can sway children away from phones and tablet by making the outdoors more engaging and exciting. Something Moss Wood has found success in doing this summer.

The challenge was set by Moss Wood on the last Saturday in August during one of the school holidays’ busiest weekends.

The site had an open invite to all families to take part in the cold turkey scheme to put down the screens and spent a tap tap free day away from social media and game and actually play real life games.

Henry Wild, the park’s owner, said that the digital detox experiment was a top success which drew large crowds the sites specially constructed games arena.

It was not just to tots who put the tablets down as mums and dads got fully immersed in the summer activities. Candy Crush was swapped for the good old coconut why and the tin can topple as guest took turns hurling bean bags at their targets.

There were also three-legged races and a chance to “splat the rat” along with other high-octane activities – plus a hugely popular welly wanging competition.

International fun also got a look-in with the Swedish game of “kubb” where towers of wooden blocks have to be demolished – and for the less energetic, the more passive pastime of bowls.

“For a few blissful hours, our guests ditched their digital devices and went back to what leisure was like when our park first opened over forty years ago,” said Henry.

“It was a time when youngsters on holiday would often meet up to play games and make new friends, rather than staying in touch with their existing chums online.

“Everyone said how much they enjoyed getting stuck in to our traditional games and activities, and a number of youngsters said they hadn’t missed their mobiles for a second.

“We rely as much on the internet as any other modern business, but it’s great just occasionally to pretend that the digital revolution simply didn’t happen!” added Henry.

Moss Wood provides holiday homes to buy as well as pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes. There is more information about the park at www.mosswood.co.ukl

This is a great idea that can be incorporated on site and at home. I can sometimes be a tad bit guilty of staring at my phone for a little bit too long, which usually stops me from having a good night’s sleep. So why not try this on site and at home.

Travelworld On Target For Two More Top Awards

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By William Coleman

The Telford-based family business which specialises in the sale and servicing of premium brand motorhomes is a finalist in the Family Business of the Year and the Fastest Growing Family Business of the Year in the Midlands Family Business Awards, the UK’s only independent, not-for-profit annual Awards showcase for family businesses in the Midlands.

Representatives of Travelworld will now meet with the Awards’ independent judging panel, which is led by a leading family business individual, supported by a sponsor representative, an industry expert, and representative from the Midlands Family Business Awards team.

The company is also automatically entered into the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants. The Winner and Highly Commended of this special award are decided solely by the number of votes from the public, and votes can be made online at www.familybusinessawards.co.uk from the 1st to 31st October 2018.

Commenting on being named a finalist in the Awards, Ross Edwards, managing director of Travelworld said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for two categories in the Midlands Family Business Awards. The nominations are a great recognition of the hard work the family and the whole of the Travelworld business has put in over the last 41 years. They also reflect the continued effort behind growing our business and the forthcoming opening of our brand-new site in Staffordshire, early next year.”

The winners of the Awards’ ten categories remain a tightly kept secret until the Awards ceremony and black-tie dinner, which takes place on Thursday 22nd November 2018 at Leicester’s Athena, and will be attended by more than 300 guests, including representatives from Travelworld.

Now in their ninth year, the not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are backed and run by The Wilson Organisation. The firm’s MD Charlotte Perkins, the third generation of the family to lead the business alongside her sister Annabel Prow, says:

“The Awards are the Midlands’ only independent initiative to recognise the work, success, innovations and achievements of family businesses. Family businesses are the backbone of the British economy, with two in every three of UK businesses being family owned. They generate over a quarter of UK GDP and employ around 12.2 million.

“Our Awards strive to shine a light on this incredible contribution, and the great work, innovation and successes of family businesses and their people here in the Midlands.

“Each of this year’s entrants demonstrate the exceptional pedigree of the family businesses in the Midlands and the sector’s vital contribution to the region’s economy. We wish Travelworld and all this year’s finalists the very best when they meet the judges in the final round.”

Now in their ninth year, the Awards are the only initiative dedicated to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of family run and owned businesses across the Midlands.

Arson Attacks Have Caravan Owner Pleading For More Police Help

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By William Coleman

For some unknown reason caravans have always been a target for mindless vandalism and arson arson attacks. Recently there has been a spate of attacks across Southampton that has residents asking for more support from local police to ensure they stay safe.

There has been 13 arson attacks in Southampton recently that has lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage and has locals frightened of further attacks to their property. Luckily there does seem to be some images of someone who is suspected to be the culprit.

One very unlucky victim, Dawn Hawkins, had her caravan totally destroyed in a fire as a result of these attacks. The leisure vehicle was kept outside her residence, not unlike 90% of the leisure vehicles in the UK. What makes things ever worse was that the van was set to take Dawn and her family away on holiday not long after the fire was set.

Dawn said: “Everybody was asleep. All the windows were open because it was so hot.
“My daughter heard this strange noise so she got up and could see the flames through the window.

“They got up and realised the caravan was on fire.

“My daughter got the children out. Her husband tried to get the garden hose on it before the fire engines got there. They had set a fire actually underneath the caravan.”

The fire caused more than just property damage. The smoke from the fire got into the house and Dawn’s daughter has had issues sleeping since the incident took place, as as her 1 year old son.

Dawn added: “My one-year-old grandson doesn’t want to go in the bedroom. All my son’s stunt kites that my husband bought him about 20 years ago are all gone. The caravan was packed full of stuff, all the children’s toys, ready for them to go on holiday.”

Following the arson attack where Dawn lost her caravan she has called upon police to take more action to stop these senseless attacks that are causing damage across the city.

She said: “It’s really upset me. If they had not woken up the whole house could have gone up. It could have been really different.

“We all pay our taxes for the police to protect us. It doesn’t feel like they are doing that.”

The issue seems to have gotten so serious that local police have actually issues a warning to motorhome and caravan owners: “We would urge anyone who owns a caravan or a motorhome not sleep to in it whilst parked outside your house or on your driveway.

So for any of our readers in Southampton please stay safe and maybe look into some security upgrades where necessary. Step one for me would be to empty your caravan and motorhome of you travelling kit such as cups, plates, bowls, bedding etc etc.

Story sourced from www.dailyecho.co.uk

Secure Season Pitches From The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

Ever wanted to safely leave your caravan or motorhome at your favourite holiday destination? Well now you can with the Caravan And Motorhome Club as they offer seasonal pitches at over 80 sites from just £230, apply now for the 2019/20 season.

No matter where you are in the UK The Club will have a seasonal pitch for you. From Exeter to Edinburgh The Club has a wide choice of sites where you can pick your pitch. Members can stay on a Club pitch for 21 days at a time so you can really make the most of your down time.

Depending on how much leisure time you have spare you book pitches for a selected time period which will enable you to leave your vehicle safely on site. The bonus of this is that you have a very safe and secure place to store your touring home and visit without having to tow or maneuver when you arrive on site.

Another plus side to having a touring pitch on stand by is that at the drop of a hat you can have a spontaneous getaway. You may have to pack some fresh milk and a pack of tea bags but all the loading and packing is ready and waiting for you on site.

Harvey Alexander, marketing director of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Seasonal pitches offer the ultimate easy and flexible option for tourers who want to make the most of their favourite location. There’s nothing better than getting away for a few days, especially when you can do so at a moment’s notice, so we’re delighted to be able to make our members’ lives easier by offering seasonal pitches.”

Pitch fees include electric hook-up and all services on site including fresh water and waste disposal, plus the use of onsite amenities where available. Those interested in securing a seasonal pitch, have until Friday 21 September to register for the ballot. The Club will inform all applicants whether or not they have been successful by Friday 28 September.

To find out more about seasonal pitches and to register, visit www.camc.com/seasonal

BBC Give Insight Into Increase In Adult Only Holiday Parks

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By William Coleman

When on your touring holiday I imagine that the main requirement of the trip is peace and quiet. Something that family friendly sites may not always have an abundance of during school break times. As some of get a little older and do not have to look after our children any more we flock to adult only sites, but why has there been such a large influx of adult only sites?

Child free sites are starting to become a lot more popular throughout the UK, one popular park has now declared itself a child-free zone. The BBC decided to do a radio feature on the site and why the rising phenomenon of adults only holidays is happening.

BBC reporters ventured to Back of Beyond park near Ringwood for an indepth look into why a large proportion of holiday makers prefer to escape to a more peaceful childless getaway.

Martin and Vicki Bowrey, who had acquired the park 5 years ago, were happy to help explain to the BBC why they immediately placed an 18+ age requirement on guests when they took over.

The decision that the couple made had a “one hundred percent positive” reaction from guests new and old. From the get go it seemed to get a thumbs up across the board with the no vacancy sign getting very little rest in peak season.

Speaking live, from the park, on BBC Radio Solent’s popular morning show Vicki told the audience that grown up holidays have a special appeal to certain sectors.

There are very specific groups such as teachers and child care professionals who want to get away on their holidays and not be constantly reminded about their jobs which are waiting for them when the get back. Another group who enjoy not hearing the pitter patter of little feet are young professional couples who have yet to dip their toe into parenthood.

As well as speaking with the park owners the BBC took the opportunity to speak with guests who were staying at Back of Beyond. The holiday makers wanted to express that the decision to go 18+ had nothing to do with disliking children in any way, shape or form.

Having spoke with families with children there does seem to be an overwhelming feeling that a site that is 18+ has something to do with being anti child, something I disagree with. It is just a preference, not a political stance.

Although there is no ill feeling towards youngsters, elderly couples explained that they found it a lot easier to relax when there are no children running around the site.

The site covers 40 acres of tranquil Dorset countryside, over 50% of which is woodland. Back of Beyond offers pitches for camping, touring caravans and motorhomes.

If you want to leave the leisure vehicles at home but still visit the site you can book ready-erected tents, yurts and timer lodges for glamping. The glamping facilities offers some pitch perfect creature comforts such as full size double beds, heating and kitchen areas.

Those who listened to the BBC broadcast were told that Back of Beyond adopting the 18+ rule is not a one off, and that more parks across the UK are adopting the adult only policy.

Back of Beyond, said Vicki, is also a member of the Tranquil Parks group whose 40 members are all exclusively for people of voting age and above:

“There are hundreds of parks in Britain which welcome children, and which we greatly enjoyed visiting when our three teenage sons were younger,” she said.

“Parks like Back of Beyond are simply offering an alternative for those who want to chill in a gorgeous environment, and wake up to bird song rather than chirping children.

“It was great to be able to explain this type of holiday to the BBC audience, and the interviewer finished up by saying that the park sounded just like her cup of tea!” added Vicki.

There is more information about Back of Beyond at Caerphilly County Borough Council

Just An Opinion – Volkswagen Grand California

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By Nick Harding

Here at Caravan Times, our mission is to bring you reviews like no others. Here’s the first in our series of motorhome reports – where we tell it like it is

What are we looking at this week?

Volkswagen has just announced the Grand California. Two high-top conversions – 600 and 680; 6m and 6.8m long respectively – based on its Crafter van. They were unveiled at September 2018’s Caravan Salon, click here, and go on sale in the UK from the start of next year.

Why so special?

Californias are the only motorhomes actually produced by Volkswagen (the rest are made by independent specialists, some with VW’s blessing, some not). With the Grand California, however, Volkswagen has produced their first motorhomes with washrooms – toilet and shower are now on board! Grand Californias will be made alongside Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art, dedicated Crafter production plant in Wrzesnia, Poland.

What’s The Crafter?

It’s the next size up van from the Transporter, doyen of the campervan sector. Its most obvious rival is Fiat’s Ducato, which – along with its Peugeot Boxer cousin – dominates in the motorhome market. Greater authorities than me have decreed the Crafter is “excellent”. It’s also won plenty of major Van of the Year-type awards since its introduction in 2016. Engine upgrades, DSG automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive are among the options.

So what can we expect in a Grand California?

Conversion work of the highest order, for starters. Best quality components. Sturdy fittings. Superior plastic mouldings. No cheapskate carpet lining. And there’s a greater attention to safety, eg proper rear travel seat (with Isofix).

Slightly strangely, the 680 is a two-berth, while the shorter 600 offers the option of a clever slide-out roof bed system for two children. Both models have a four-seater lounge up front, rear double bed and central,washroom and kitchen.

Don’t confuse it with.

.the Grand Californian. That’s the hotel at Disneyland, California. Do look out for Crafter-based alternatives from Westfalia and Knaus/Weinsberg, though. As well as the UK’s Hillside Leisure.

So, what do you really think, Nick?

These are superb. I always think the lockers are a good indicator of the overall quality of any conversion. Here, the doors are solid, the positive catches are easy to operate, the hinges are superb, and you won’t find any loose wiring lurking at the back.

The Crafter base vehicle is streets ahead of its closest rivals in terms of build
quality, driveability, safety. probably long-term reliability, too. There are signs, also, that Volkswagen is looking to make Grand California prices very keen. And, because it’s a Volkswagen product, it will hold its value better than other motorhomes.

Will Grand California van conversions become icons, like the Transporter- based California campers? No. Well, not for a few decades, at least.

There must be things we won’t like.

OK, so the conversion won’t be “switched” for the UK – which means the sliding door stays on our driver’s side. The kitchen facilities are basic. No microwave, no oven, no way of making toast may not endear the Grand Cali to UK camper-chefs.

The roof profile of the 600 is a bit Marmite. The all-white furniture certainly
won’t appeal to traditionalists.

Above all, someone needs to have a word with the California design team: we prefer end lounge layouts in our van conversions over here.

Details, details

Grand Californias are set to go on sale in the UK next spring, via Volkswagen’s own Van Centres. Prices are still to be confirmed, but over on the mainland the 600 with top-of-the-range 177PS engine and DSG transmission will start at 55,000 euros. That’s about £49,500 – in other words, highly competitive in the van conversion sector.

Are you just biased?

Of course I am. I currently own a five-year-old California SE. But, see also the notes below.

Who is Nick Harding, anyway?

Nick grew up with motorhomes, tested his first vehicle over 30 years ago and has reviewed literally thousands since then. You might not always like what he says.

Lets’ have a Grand debate

Agree with Nick? Disagree? Feel free to add to the discussion, below.

Lowdhams Named Dealer Of The Year By Swift Group

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By William Coleman

Hard work, significant investment, teamwork, determination and a solid 12 months of sales has proved to be the winning recipe for Lowdhams Nottingham as they sweep up 3 awards are the 2018 Swift Group Dealer Network Awards.

With a turnover of over £4,000,000 Lowdhams Nottingham took home the big one at the annual Swift Awards. Their Huddersfield branch was also named as the runner in both the Motorhome Dealer Of The Year and Caravan Dealer of the year the £1.5m to £3.5m turnover categories.

Lowdhams are no stranger to award wins as these new awards follow previous success in last year’s first ever Swift Awards. At the inaugural awards Lowdhams received the coveted title of Touring Caravan Dealership of the year, in the turnover above £5m category.

These new wins follow many other success for Lowdhams in 2018 as the company have opened a dedicated caravan service centre at their Nottingham branch, along with a 24 bay handover area. Lowdhams are not stopping their either. Later on this year they are planning on doubling the existing showroom space.

Managing director of Lowdhams, Steve Sharpe said that he was delighted with the awards. “For a company to thrive you have to keep looking after customers in the right way, so that they keep coming back, and that’s what we’re committed to as a business.

“We’ve invested a lot over the last year in terms of time, money and training to ensure that our customers have the most positive experience possible when they buy a vehicle from us. Every team member is dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service, and that’s why I’m so pleased that we’ve been recognised for all the effort we all put in every single day.”

The Swift awards have been designed to help dealers to raise their customer service standards, training and business development which will help the entire leisure vehicle industry.

The dealership of the year award is one that all dealers strive to win. The main reason being is that the winner is chosen from feedback given by members of the public and not industry types which helps validate their hard work.

Swift’s deputy managing director Amy Archer said, “Congratulations to all our nominees and winners. The achievements across the network are phenomenal and we are delighted to recognise them at the annual awards event.”

Steve concludes that working in the leisure industry is a privilege in itself, “Caravans and motorhomes give people unlimited holidays and they can go anywhere – that is so exciting! From a folding camper right through to the most luxurious motorhome, these things give people the freedom to go on holidays. That is what our business is all about and we can’t wait to share that passion with the next customer to walk in through the door.”

There are a lot of different awarding bodies out there that love to hand out awards based on their own opinion. Not to say that is a bad thing as they are industry experts but an award where the results are taken from customer and public feedback in an award you can put your faith behind.