Whats New From Elddis In 2019

By William Coleman

The 2019 Elddis Season preview had a ton of new vehicles on display, perhaps the most of any preview I was invited to this year. Which may not be much of a surprise as the full range of Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer were on display for us to give you the full rundown of what’s new for 2019.

The improvements from last year range from the subtle to the outright impressive. The colour schemes are up to date which brings a refreshing modern feel. For me it is the little things that make a world of difference and Elddis have certainly left no stone uncovered with the 2019 range.

Each range has been fully refreshed with a minimum of 13 new revamps to the interior such; new LED lighting, locker door handles, cutlery tray, Thetford cooker and the list goes on and on.

There have been model editions added to the 586 layout to the Xplore, Avante and Compass Casita.

In the higher up Buccaneer we have seen an upgrades from front to back, redesigned and improved to ensure their models stay current. The list of highlights, upgrades and new editions go on and and on. Another exclusive is the all new Aruba which is a brand new model for in 2019 range which means that Elddis have added another strong caravan to their already extensive portfolio.

Elddis have also reintroduced their Compass Avantgarde motorhome, which is not to be confused with the other new release, the Compass Avantgarde campervan. So for those of you who enjoyed touring on your Avantgarde motorhome you can now buy a brand new model with all the 2019 updates and features.

The All New Campervans

One of the more exciting things Elddis announces was their all new campervan range. There are 2 models and ranges- the brand new Elddis Autoquest campervan and the brand new Compass Avantgarde campervan. Both ranges have 2 different layouts; CV20 and CV40.

Both models are built on the Fiat chassis with a 6 speed manual gearbox, with an automatic options available.

The CV20 has two belted seats thus making it a 2 berth which is ideal for couples where as the CV40 has 4 belted seats. The CV40 does have 4 belted seats but is only 3 berth.

Both models have a large double bed at the rear of the van, and believe me the size is not what you’d expect from a camper van. You will be able to spread out as much as you’d like without spilling over into the living space. Both models have a seating area at the back that transforms into a large double beds.

The new LPG underslung tank has a 25ltr capacity which makes life a lot easier when it comes to regassign your leisure vehicle. And for those who enjoy a smart bathroom will really enjoy the wall mounted bathroom tap and shower.

On the side you have systems from industry leaders such as Whale Pumps and Thetford, as well as a wide range of optional extras from alloy wheels all the way to fitted microwaves.

Auto-Trail 2019 New Additions

By William Coleman

Following the 2019 product launch we have all news and info on what you can expect from the UK’s leading motorhome manufacturer as they welcome 4 new models to their already extensive portfolio.

We had the opportunity to attend the press launch and get a firsthand look at all the models inside and out. For me there were some clear stand out models and or what you get at entry level has certainly raised the bar.

There is a lot more on offer than 5 new ranges from this year’s collection. Each model comes with more extensive ‘as standard’ features than ever before, which makes their entry level models on par with mid range offerings from other manufacturers.

Tracker EB, a popular French bed layout with washroom at the rear; the all-new Tribute 736 G, a high-bed coach built with spacious rear garage; a new 6.3m V-Line compact leisure vehicle featuring a slim-line fridge with integral freezer, and two new high bed Frontier models.

With the Tracker being built of a Fiat Ducato chassis with the french bed layout, which allows you space and fluidity throughout the motorhome. The starting price is at a competitive £61,597. In this layout the washroom is located at the rear and features a large separate walk in shower.

The spacious front lounge area can also be made up into a large double bed and with the addition of a hi-line and half dinette (cost options), you will have a functional family motorhome that has 4 seatbelts and can berth up to 6. The EB also includes an upgraded 6kw gas / electric combi boiler, a new high-performance Thetford cooker and alloy wheels fitted as standard.

The 2019 season also welcomes the practical Tribute 736 G starting from £47,131, a fixed high-bed coach built that integrates a spacious 1.15m tall garage underneath. This added storage space at the rear, will enable you to carry your bulky sporting equipment or alfresco lounging furniture with ease.

Also, thanks to the cycle carrier rails now fitted as standard, you won’t need to use the garage for any of the family bikes. In addition, for 2019 all the Tribute models will feature the popular GT Pack as standard, a luxurious slim-line awning light, an upgraded habitation control panel, and improved 4K LED lighting.

Introducing a new 6.3m compact V-Line model, the 634 SE starts from £50,867 and features a sleek, slim-line 140 litre fridge with integral freezer, as well as incorporating a spacious rear lounge. The 634 SE includes a new 6.5″ touch screen DAB head unit, with European satellite navigation and colour reversing camera.

V-Line models 610, 634, 635 and 636 will also be available with the exclusive ‘Sports Pack’, featuring a generous u-shaped rear lounge, curved locker doors and flush fitting integrated windows. This upgrade also includes a unique GRP moulded rear back panel with gas strut boot and a unique soft furnishing scheme, enhancing the dynamic feel of this sporty leisure vehicle.

The Frontier range continues to develop, as Auto-Trail introduces two new high bed (HB) models, the Delaware HB starting from £73,444 and the Comanche HB starting from £83,892. By incorporating this elevated sleeping compartment, both models feature an substantial rear garage, which is large enough to easily fit a standard sized motorbike. All Frontier models will feature a new radiant, fully integrated ALDE hydronic heating system and for added value, the popular Media Pack will now be fitted as standard for 2019.

What else is new for 2019?

Both the Tribute and Imala 2019 range will be fitted with the GT Pack as standard. This pack is worth £1,699 and includes: 4 gloss grey and polished 15″ alloy wheels, exterior wind out awning, 100W Solar Panel, exclusive ‘GT’ badge, and a new external BBQ point outlet for coach-built models.

  • All Tracker, Apache and Frontier models include the latest Thetford fridge freezers, upgraded 6kw Combi boiler (if fitted), a high performance electric and gas cooker, new modern designer worktops, a smooth pull out bed mechanism with integrated support frame and a waste water tank pipe extension as standard.
  • Auto-Trail motorhomes and van conversions all feature new luxury upholstery schemes, incorporating automotive suede and including customised cab seat logos. There is an exclusive soft furnishing scheme for V-Line Sport, making this the stand out compact vehicle.
  • Popular options are the Media Pack (£1,149) and Media Pack + (£1,999). However, as the Frontier range now has Media Pack features as standard, the new cost option price for the Media Pack + on Frontier will only be £850.

Russell Hensman, Marketing Manager says: “We are incredibly pleased with the new developments and added specification our 2019 collection brings. The new models have increased diversity and enhanced specification, ensuring that our customers can tour in greater comfort and style. Including the GT Pack into standard specification for both Tribute and Imala, will propel our products ahead of our competition in the competitive £45-60K motorhome category.”

Cornish Campsite Become Elite

By William Coleman

Becoming an elite site by AA’s standards is no easy feat and takes a lot of hard work from a whole team of people. After putting in the hours and effort a Cornish holiday park are now in the upper echelon of UK holiday destinations.

The staff team at Globe Vale Holiday Park, near Redruth, are beaming with joy following the new appointed AA 5 Pennants- Platinum rating, by the leading motoring organisation’s campsite inspector.

Once the new level of excellence was awarded to the park Paul Owen, the owner of Globe Vale Holiday Park, said:“We are over the moon to have won the AA’s Platinum rating this year. It’s tremendous recognition for all the hard work put in by our dedicated team, over many years, to get the park to its current high standard.”

Mr Owen, who took over Globe Vale Holiday Park in 2003, added, “The park is a far cry from how it was when we first arrived. It now reflects our original ambition to create a holiday destination with top quality facilities and very high standards of customer service and friendliness.”

The AA Inspector, describing Globe Vale Holiday Park, said it was: “A very well managed and maintained park and I have no hesitation in awarding Globe Vale a Platinum status.”

Adding, “I can confirm that the AA classification is 5 Pennant with the new PLATINUM award – an elite AA park.”

This award makes Globe Vale Holiday Park 1 of only 9 campsites in Cornwall to achieve the prestigious rating of the AA 5 Pennants Platinum.

The site has touring pitches as well as camping and static holiday homes, that are available for rental. So if you want to pitch your tent on have a 2-3 bedroom luxury static this site has it all. To book your stay visit their site directly, https://www.globevale.co.uk/

Touring To Become The Best Medicine Says Touring Boss

By William Coleman

As a nation it seems as though we are becoming a lot more health conscious and we are getting outdoors more in an effort to keep ourselves in good shape. There has been some research on how staycation style holidays can improve health and now a top touring backing the idea of touring health.

The managing director of a multi award-winning caravan dealership believes doctors should be prescribing camping and caravanning as an alternative to medication for stress related conditions.

Mark Bebb from Shrewsbury-based Salop Leisure has welcomed a pledge by Government’s new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, to reduce people’s reliance on ‘unsophisticated drugs’.

The comments came after it was revealed that 7.3 million people in the UK were given antidepressant drugs last year and 70,000 of them were children. Mr Hancock plans to give GPs alternatives and pledged to expand schemes to treat patients with mental health problems through social activities.

“Evidence has shown the potential benefits of approaches like social prescribing, which addresses people’s physical and mental wellbeing and has been shown to both improve patients’ quality of life and reduce pressure on other NHS services,” he told The Times

Social prescribing, which aims to improve people’s overall health and wellbeing rather than medicating a single condition, entails referring patients to community activities, volunteering, arts groups, gardening and cooking classes.

Now Mr Bebb wants camping and caravanning added to the list, as he believes that both have been proven to possess therapeutic benefits.

“I would suggest that getting people into the great outdoors and engaging with nature is good for physical and mental health,” he said. “Research has shown that camping and caravanning reduces stress and makes you feel better.”

Salop Leisure has developed its Love2Stay caravanning and glamping resort in Shrewsbury to be “at one with nature” and to instil a feeling of well-being and tranquillity in visitors.

“Our lives have become dominated by technology, with our children glued to iPads and the Internet,” explained Mr Bebb. “We want to get them to experience the grass between their toes and enjoying the glamping experience.

“We want people to have a fantastic experience when they come to Shrewsbury and Shropshire, which has so much natural beauty and stimulating activities just waiting to be discovered.”

Experts have said that medicine is being used as a first resort too often in mental health care and doctors must explore more options before handing out pills. One in six adults took antidepressants last year, according to NHS figures, which is 500,000 more than in 2015.

Previous research has suggested that that while nearly two thirds (57%) of non-campers are stressed or anxious on an average day, just a third of campers (35%) are stressed out.
A study by outdoor holiday specialists Camping in the Forest found that campers (77%) are much more satisfied with their quality of life than non-campers (59%), while research by the Camping and Caravanning Club discovered that 93% of campers say camping can make you happier.

Bob Hill, from Camping in the Forest, said: “With the advent of technology in all aspects of our personal and professional lives, the reality is that it can be very difficult for people to switch off. Unfortunately, this can make life very stressful as we need time out to relax, rejuvenate and just be.”

Researchers at the University of Essex found that 9/10 patient suffering from depression felt “higher self-esteem after a walk through a park.” Almost three-quarters reported feeling less depressed and the researchers found that people recover faster from illnesses through an ‘immunising’ effect that protected them from future stresses.

Ecotherapy is the name given to a wide range of treatment programmes which aim to improve mental and physical wellbeing through doing outdoor activities in nature.

There’s also evidence of the healing power of a walk in the woods. ‘Forest bathing’, a version of the Japanese practice Shinrin-Yoku, is taking off in American as a way to boost happiness and help with insomnia.

So if you are feeling a bit blue or you just need to get a bit of an uplift, jump in the van and head the the great outdoors. The World is a large place and there are many normal and healthy ways to give yourself a boost.

Secret Shopper Success For Leisure Award

Secret shopping can make or break a company, especially one selling high ticket items such as motorhomes and caravans. So it was thumbs up and high fives all round when Leisure World took the award for Best Mystem Shop at the Swift Awards following their undercover visit.

Accepting the award for Leisure World was caravan and motorhome sales executive Paul Robson. As the name suggest, the award is judged by using undercover shoppers who asses their overall customer service experience.

Paul, who had no idea he’d been mystery shopped said that the award was totally unexpected: “I couldn’t believe it when they announced the winners and called out my name! We had no idea that mystery shoppers had been into the branch.”

“It’s fantastic to be recognised for the job that we do every day. I love helping customers find exactly what they are looking for and helping them discover new features and products that will help them have the best holiday possible.”

Launching the awards in 2017, Swift want to celebrate the highest in customer service excellence as well business development. Swift want dealers to run alongside their Approved Dealer Programme, which aims to ensure that all customers receive the highest levels of care and service possible.

Deputy Managing Director of Swift Group, Amy Archer, congratulated all the winners and nominees, saying: “The achievements across the network are phenomenal and we are delighted to recognise them at the annual awards event. The Approved Dealer Programme ensures that we work in partnership with the dealer network to continue to enhance the experiences delivered to our mutual customers.”

Owner of Leisure World Group, Matthew Kinsell said: “I’m really proud of Paul, the team at Ebor and all the staff at all three of our branches. We pride ourselves on looking after all of our customers and giving them the best possible experience when they visit any of our branches. To have that recognised in this way means the effort has paid off.

“It’s testament to the care all of our team takes with every single customer, and their outstanding product knowledge.”

We Experience Freedom In Brighton With An Airstream

By William Coleman

Back in February I got the opportunity to speak with the Caravan And Motorhome Club about their all new Experience Freedom brand that they were launching at the NEC Show. In a bid to get the public more active and provide outdoor activities for people to enjoy throughout the year The Club has install unique glamping accommodation across selected sites in the UK. This past weekend I ventured down to Brighton to Experience Freedom for myself by staying at The Club site and trying out the iconic American Airstream.

This is actually the second time I have experienced freedom with the help of The Club. The first time was back in May when I went to the National Rally and took park in their CycleFest. Now I will be using one of their static American Airstream caravans, which just goes to show you how varied The Caravan And Motorhome Club are. From bike riding to caravanning all under one banner.

So let me start by saying that the only time I have ever seen any type of Airstream was in films or a brief peak inside of one at the NEC show. So I was not really sure what to expect from a weekend in one. If I had to use just one word I would have to go for ‘spacious’.

Before I go into the details of the Airstream Colorado I want to explain what The Club do to ensure that their Experience Freedom stays are more than just your usual weekend away in a caravan.

We were welcomed by the staff at the Brighton site with smiles and good clear information of what we will be getting with our package as well as normal site rules. Upon entering the Airstream were greeted by a welcome kit as well as some snacks, who does not love a good snack. The welcome back consisted of a very easy to follow instruction book of how to use all aspects of the caravan.

A lot of people may wonder why there would be an instruction manual in a caravan on a caravan site. Well it is quite simple, The Club want people who may not have ever used a caravan before to get into the lifestyle. The more fresh new eyes the industry gets the more we all benefit. So for anyone who may be a tad apprehensive about using a caravan need not worry as this is caravanning made easy.

The caravan came fully furnished with everything you’d need for a relaxing weekend away. Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, knife block, washing up liquid, oven gloves, a kettle and even a full integrated TV. So the try before you buy crowd, or even those who just want to get away, do not have to put together a full kit for their holiday. The onboard kit is better than my own!

Due to the site being in Brighton, a location I have been visiting for pretty much my whole life, we packed light on the food front as we’d be spending most of out time in town, but did actually forget tea, coffee and milk. Thankfully the welcome pack comes with all of that and even 4 sachets of Cadbury Milk Hot Chocolate.

The great thing about being on a Club site are the pitches. I know we have had drought like conditions recently but the site still looked green and very well kept, unlike some locations I have journeyed too over the past month or so.

The site was very busy and actually fully booked, not that you’d notice due to just how well spaced out each pitch is. This is such a great site for so many reasons; cleanliness, on site facilities, stocked shop, info centre, staff and most importantly its very close to Brighton’s seafront and shops.

Now on the the Airstream Colorado. What is not to love about this iconic caravan? Instantly recognisable for its unique chrome colour and bullet shape design.

Being 8 foot wide means that a lot of people in the UK are not super keen on towing them, as well of a bit of a chunky price tag. But what a fantastic caravan to use for a weekend away. There is so much space that it feels more like a hotel room than a leisure vehicle.

The interior is very luxurious and has an almost modern rustic feel to it. The tan leather U-shaped sofa in the living area is very smart and doubles us as a large 2 berth bed. The island bed at the rear of the caravan is also a very good size with space at the end for people to walk round, which saves you climbing over each other in the morning.

With a good size kitchen and double fridge you can see why so many people in the United States actually live in these. This could easily be someone’s full time accommodation as it has so much storage. The design of more like a home than a “touring” home. I absolutely loved it and urge anyone with, or without, a leisure vehicle to give it a go.

So once I got over just how cool the Airstream was it was time to plan our evening meal and entertainment. The site is literally 2.1 miles away from the Brighton pier, and less than a mile from the all new Maria and restaurant quarter. So you really are spoilt for choice if you want to venture out of the van for dinner.

The parking in Brighton can be quite limited and not to mention extortionate. Luckily the reception desk has a direct dial to a local taxi company and within 3 minutes our cab had arrived. It is about a 8-10 minutes drive into the heart of Brighton where you can shop, eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Once we got into town the other half headed directly to the pier in an attempt to win a unicorn toy on the 2p machines. About 2 hours later we had a unicorn, kilo of sweets that the machine kept giving us and a kilo of old 2p coins.

After a bimble around town we had far too much choice for dinner so we opted for a Vietnamese meal, which for what we got was a bargain. 2 starters, 2 mains, 2 drinks all for £35. Then on to a little crawl around the local bars and pubs.

So in regards to location, accommodation, facilities, staff, and experience I can strongly suggest the Experience Freedom features at the Brighton CAMC site. After 2 days a nights in the Airstream and the streets of Brighton I can safely say this is something I will be doing again very soon.

To book your stay at the site or to see other Experience Freedom locations and activities go to the Club’s Experience Freedom website, https://www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/

Southampton Dealer Double Swift Award Win

By William Coleman

The Swift Group has given some gleaming recognition, and awards, to a stand out company in the motorhome dealer world. The company has has been given a duo of awards following their outstanding efforts in business development, training and customer service.

Viscount Motorhomes have now been named the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ in the annual dealer awards from Swift Group. A company has to reach a high standard of practice to be considered for the award nomination, let alone the win. Viscount have demonstrated their excellence in terms of how the operate their business, from staff training to the ever important customer service.

On top of the top award win Viscount were also named as runner up in the Motorhome Dealer of the Year, with a turn over between £1.5m and £3.5m.

The company is a husband and wife owned company, and the couple also run the business. Located on the outskirts of Southampton Adrian and Justine Marsh-Brown, who are the company directors, have run the business since 2009. Since then the time and effort that has gone into creating an industry leading dealership has been off the scales.

Adrian, director at Viscount said that the two awards highlight the company’s successes as a team. “We’re thrilled that all the effort we’ve put into growing and developing the business is delivering exactly the kinds of results we’d hoped for, and to receive not one, but two awards from Swift is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“The team here work hard to make sure they’re up-to-date with all the latest product information, but most of all they enjoy working here and that really shines through to the customers.”

The Swift dealer awards are designed by the caravan and motorhome manufacturer to reward excellent customer service, commitment to staff training and overall business development.
Amy Archer, deputy managing director of swift Group, said “Congratulations all our nominees and winners. The achievements across the network are phenomenal and we are delighted recognise them at the annual awards event.”

She explained that Swift’s Approved Dealer programme, which runs alongside the awards is about working in partnership with their dealer network to continue to enhance the experiences of customers.

Adrian concludes, “We’ve got exciting plans for the coming year, and we’re looking forward to meeting new customers from near and far, and helping them to find the perfect leisure vehicle for whatever adventure they choose.”

To find out more about Viscount Motorhomes visit www.viscountmotorhomes.co.uk

Introducing The VW California Camper XXL

By William Coleman

What was previously just a concept vehicle is now going into production and will be displayed in all its glory at the Salon in Dusseldorf.

What has previously been a Volkswagen commercial vehicle the Crafter-class is now going to be featured into the camper industry. Having such a high roof makes this van ideal for conversion and has plenty of space for a rear bathroom and sleeping area. This will be a full production model based on last year’s California XXL concept model.

The production version of the new camper van follows the clear, fresh design of the California XXL concept vehicle. The design also creates a link to the iconic T6-based California camper van and will likewise be available with single or two-tone paintwork.

Inside, the new model features bright colours and practical solutions. The bathroom (with shower and WC), kitchen units and sleeping area integrated in the back have been systematically thought through and tailored to life on the move.

The Volkswagen California was launched in 1988 based on the third generation of the “Bulli”. Now, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is producing the California based on the sixth generation and recently celebrated both the 30th anniversary of the start of production and the milestone of the 100,000th California produced. It makes the California the most successful camper van ever.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has now used its heritage and expertise to develop a new production vehicle based on the Bulli’s big brother.

Further details about Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new camper van will follow in the run-up to the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. We will also be Salon in Dusseldorf so stay tuned for some exclusive coverage of the new California XXL.

Kimberley Caravans Dazzling Development

By William Coleman

A caravan and motorhome dealership in county Durham has taken home a top prize at the annual Swift Awards in recognition to its excellent business development.

Kimberley Darlington scooped the Business Development Award for combined dealers against tough competition. The award celebrates Kimberley’s successful strategic development over the past 12 months, and highlights improvements through all areas of the business including improved sales, facilities, staff training and procedures and the quality of its after sales service.

Kimberley Darlington is one of two sites owned by Kimberley Caravans and Motorhomes, with the other being in Nottingham; the two branches combine to make Kimberley one of the largest outlets in the North East and East Midlands. Chris Lowe, managing director of Kimberley, said that the award was greatly welcomed. “We are thrilled with the results and I think our team are worthy winners as it reflects the dedication and work of the staff here,” he said.

“This year we’ve worked tirelessly to keep our customer service as reputable as it has always been and improve the service we offer to customers by redeveloping staff training to ensure each member of staff is fully clued up and ready to assist in the sale of any vehicle.”

This year’s Swift Group dealer awards marked the end of the second year of Swift’s Approved Dealer Programme and recognise and celebrate the success of approved Swift dealerships, rewarding excellence in customer service, commitment to staff straining and overall business development.

Swift Group’s deputy managing director Amy Archer congratulated all the nominees and winners, “The achievements across the network are phenomenal and we are delighted to recognise them at the annual awards event. The Approved Dealer Programme ensures that we work in partnership with the dealer network to continue to enhance the experiences delivered to our mutual customers.”

Chris concluded, “Although we’re delighted with this accolade our customers can rest assured that we’re not going to rest on our laurels. We’ve already got great plans and developments for the 2019 season that we can’t wait to share with our loyal customers.”

To find out more about Kimberley Caravans and Motorhomes visit www.kimberleycaravans.co.uk.

Homeowners Use Equity Release To Buy Luxury Lodges

By William Coleman

A growing number of customers are taking advantage of equity release schemes to help them purchase a luxury lodge holiday home, reports a Shropshire and Mid Wales caravan dealership.

Salop Leisure, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, say many homeowners are deciding to unlock some of the wealth they have built up in their home to invest in a luxury lodge or caravan holiday home at a park of their choice.

This method of buying a holiday home is becoming increasingly popular with retired people who are looking for all the financial options available to them.

The decision to release some of the value of their current home tax-free, whilst retaining full ownership of their property, is often taken by couples in consultation with their extended family who will also potentially benefit from the holiday home.

Many people who already own or are looking to purchase a luxury lodge or caravan holiday home are often of retirement age. Those who previously couldn’t afford to purchase the caravan of their dreams are discovering that equity release gives them another financial option.

Apart from releasing enough money to buy their dream holiday home, homeowners can also bank an additional amount to cover future site fees.

In response to the growing trend, Salop Leisure has expanded its holiday home village display at the company’s Shrewsbury headquarters to give customers a great choice.

Salop Leisure’s managing director Mark Bebb said: “We have noticed a growing trend of people releasing equity in their homes to buy luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes.

Combined with our fantastic summer weather and public concern about foreign travel and passport delays post-Brexit, we are expecting even more people to take advantage of this option to buy luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes in the future.”

The company now offers models from Willerby, Atlas, ABI and Swift.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club £14M Investment Sites Now Open

By William Coleman

The The Caravan And Motorhome Club never seem to be shy in reinvesting back into their sites. Not only are they always on the lookout for a new site acquisitions, they are constantly updating and revamping their existing portfolio of sites. After spending big on ensuring their sites stay of a high quality The Club are now ready to re-open their doors.

After spending a whopping £14,000,000 on site investments during 2018 CAMC, Caravan and Motorhome Club, have unveiled their most recent renovations on three of the their most popular sites on the network.

The three sites are located in the pristine country sides of Derbyshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Previously closed off while the works were being carried out the grand re opening of the doors to holiday makers will be taking place throughout August and September 2018.

Troutbeck Head Club Site

This Cumbrian site reopened on 3 August and the redevelopments include refurbished washroom facilities, brand new all-weather pitches for vehicles across all seasons, increased car parking spaces, new service points and new-style motorhome and campervan waste disposal points – for that all important easy drive-over waste disposal option.

The popular Troutbeck Head Club Site in Penrith is set in classically beautiful North Lakeland countryside; it’s a fabulous getaway for nature lovers and walkers and yet is only four miles from the restaurants and shops of Ullswater.

Buxton Club Site

Situated in Derbyshire and will reopen on the 16th of August. Changes include a new reception area and washroom facilities, a new dog and bike wash area and ten new hardstanding pitches and complete roadway resurfacing for easier site access.

The Buxton Club site is within walking distance to the pretty town of Buxton and is surrounded by the superb Peak District National Park. With its extensive network of cycle ways and walks, this is the ideal destination to see the best of England’s rolling landscapes.

York Beechwood Grange Club Site

Say hello to autumn and be one of the first to visit York Beechwood Grange Club Site which reopens its doors on the 7th of September. Changes to the site include new service points, an improved drainage system across the site, a new dog wash area and new washroom facilities, including a new family room for babies and young kids.

Situated in open countryside just outside York, the caravan site is a family favourite, ideal for exploring the historic city or for discovering Yorkshire’s many varied attractions further afield, and at the end of the day there’s also plenty of space for children to play.

Harvey Alexander, marketing director of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We’re so pleased to be reopening some of our most popular sites and showcasing the new developments for members to enjoy. As always, we have invested in these sites with our members’ views at the forefront.”

Lowdhams Beleive Coffee Shouldnt Cost The Earth

By William Coleman

Reusable, sustainable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly. These are all phrases that are being used a lot more within the touring industry as we all becoming a lot more aware of the effects holidays can take on the environment. This dealership will be the first to give their customers free reusable coffee cups as part of the company’s bid to minimise waste and protect mother nature.

Lowdhams, who have branches in Nottingham and Huddersfield, are giving all members of their “My Lowdhams” loyalty scheme reusable coffee cups which they will be able to take to events and show to claim free tea and coffee.

“We love it when our customers come to the stand, have a chat and enjoy a free coffee with us,” says Debby Swainson, marketing manager at Lowdhams, “but we noticed that every time we visit a show, we were filling bags and bags with used paper coffee cups, and at the moment these can’t be recycled. Sustainability is at the heart of our business in every sense, so it was a logical step for us to decide to tackle this issue,” she said.

Each year the UK manage to throw away 2.5 billion single use coffee cups, could this be a result of every other shop now days is a Costa or Starbucks? Another shocking fact is that most of these cups that are chucked in the bin are non recyclable.

In an effort to reduce this shocking figures Lowdhams are doing their part. Lowdhams not only want to reduce these trash figures but they also want to help raise awareness to encourage people to think about how they can take positive steps to protect the environment.

“We know that many of our customers are passionate about enjoying the outdoors and we want to make sure that the coast and countryside where they enjoy spending their time is protected for both themselves and future generations,” added Debby.

As part of the welcome package new “My Lowdhams” members will receive these nature saving cups, as well as lots of other great goodies. Once you pick up pick up your new leisure vehicle you will then be gifted the great welcome pack.

If you are an existing customer do not worry as Lowdhams have not forgotten about you either. Existing customers can collect their packs with the cups and other goodies at the Huddersfield branch from the 14th September or the Nottingham branch from the 21st September at the VIP Preview Evenings.

Once members have their cups, they will be entitled to free tea or coffee at shows and it is also hoped that people will use the cups on their travels and be able to take advantage of the discounts that many national chains now offer for customers who bring their own reusable cups.