Holy Moly here comes the Flying Scotsman!! New station to open

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by Ed Davies

Following a huge campaign to get it constructed, the Burrs Country Park train station will officially open this week

The station, in East Lancashire, will become the seventh stop along the popular heritage railway line and will enable visitors to board both steam and diesel train services.

To celebrate the opening of the station The Caravan Club is to host several special guests including the great Flying Scotsman steam train.

Located within The Caravan Club’s own Burrs Country Park site, the station platform can be accessed from a new footpath, which has been built to circumnavigate the site.

This is in addition to The Caravan Club’s £80,000 investment towards the new platform, which is to be opened tomorrow (October 13) in the middle of the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016.

Harvey Alexander, Caravan Club marketing director, said: “This is a special day for our members and visitors.

“The East Lancashire Steam railway has been a popular attraction for a number of years.

“We are delighted to be able to support the opening of the new station and welcome such distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Bury and the Flying Scotsman, on this historic day.”

The Caravan Club will extend a warm welcome to a host of special guests the mayor of Bury and local councillor Mike Connolly.

Motorhome & Caravan Show kicks-off without a hitch

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by Ed Davies

The largest show in the nation’s caravan calendar has opened its doors to the public and BBC presenter Matt Allwright has been telling us at the show why he has joined The Caravan Club

Kicking-off today, the Motorhome & Caravan Show will host the industry’s top leisure vehicle manufacturers, such as, Elddis, Swift, Auto-Sleepers, Coachman and Bailey of Bristol amongst many others.

As a lifelong caravanner, Allwright was invited by The Caravan Club to come along and present forums at the show running between October 11-16.

At the event in the NEC in Birmingham he said he was a recent sign-up to The Caravan Club and was keenly awaiting the chance to see all the sights in his new motorhome.

The Rogue Traders frontman said: “At about the age of 14 or 15 I think it was, my mum and dad bought a Volkswagen T2, a transporter, with a pop-up roof, which slept six and it was like we were being introduced to the art of compact living.

“We could do everything in this van. We went everywhere in it. All over the country. It was great for work.

“It was our family vehicle and I ended up knowing that at some point in my life, when I had kids, I would have to have something similar.

“I would have to have a camper van and I use it for everything. I use it for work as well and for travel. Go and see my mum and dad. It’s brilliant.

“Very kindly The Caravan Club have asked me to come and present a couple of things, a couple of forums but actually it is an excuse to go and have a poke around.

“I am here to learn as much as anything so I am going to be finding out about overseas travel and about certificated locations.

“I cannot wait to go and see a couple of the sights and see the world with the caravan.”

Luxury motorhome worth £380,000 to be unveiled at Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Ed Davies

A luxury motorhome worth more than the average house price is to be unveiled at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016

Coming with underfloor heating, a rain shower and a spacious double bed, manufacturers Morelo are billing their new Empire Liner model as the height of luxury.

On top of all that, the 35ft long motorhome boasts a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for whipping up a feast.

The motorhome is powered by a 7.7-litre engine which develops 300bhp, twice as much torque as a Lamborghini Aventador.

There is a bedroom skylight meaning the owner can enjoy evenings looking up at the stars while drifting off to sleep.

But this level of comfort comes at a price. The motorhome, known as a ‘super-liner’, costs £378,000 – almost twice the price of the average English home.

The Morelo Empire Liner will be unveiled at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016 which is taking place at the Birmingham NEC this week.

Expert advice on caravan insurance pollicies

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by Ed Davies

Once you have decided to insure your caravan, as we discussed in our previous feature, choosing a particular policy should be considered and thought through

Although, possibly obvious for some, a first-time buyer could be lost at sea when looking for a new policy but heaven forfend lest you feel anxious as CaravanTimes is here to light the way.

We have chatted to the well-meaning insurance director of Caravan Guard, Neil Menzies, about the best policies to go for and those sneaky little conditions you need to look out for.

His in-depth advice

First of all, comparing policies, he says, to make sure you are getting the right level of cover is always worthwhile.

Mr Menzies said: “A Defaqto star rating is an indication of the level of cover offered by different policies, with a 5 star rating being the most comprehensive.

“Look out for “new for old” cover for your caravan. At Caravan Guard we will pay for a new caravan and equipment if your unit is stolen or written off as long as a customer has taken out this level of cover.

“This is available for caravans that are up to 15 years old. It is worth bearing in mind that you will be insuring at the cost of a brand new caravan and equipment, so you can expect to pay a higher premium.”

If this is not done and you insure your caravan at market value your policy will obviously be cheaper but will pay out the current value of the caravan in the event of a total loss claim.

“One of our most common claims is storm damage to awnings,” added Mr Menzies. “It is worth checking to see if your awning would be covered if bad weather strikes.

“Look for the ability to be able to pick and choose from various cover options to suit your needs. For example, with Caravan Guard you can choose from different levels of European cover and emergency accommodation and can choose to add on legal expenses and protect your no claims discount.

“The level of the excess you pay can also be increased to reduce your premium.”

Another suggestion by our insurance guru was to do some research into the insurance underwriter, checking they are well-known and solvent.

There are also feedback sites like reviewcentre.com to see what kind of service existing customers have received.

Mr Menzies added: “You can’t put a price on excellent service especially in the event of a claim.

“The opening hours of the insurance broker and a 24 hour claims helpline will also help you to sort out any problems or make necessary changes quickly and smoothly.

“At Caravan Guard, we’re open seven-days a week and from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, with friendly insurance advisers on hand to deal with any queries or provide a quote.

“We have a 24 hour claims line. Customers can also get a quote online 24-7.”

Doors open at Motorhome & Caravan Show

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by Ed Davies

The doors are now open to the Motorhome & Caravan Show for members of the public to peruse through next season’s caravan models

The NEC in Birmingham is a buzz with caravan enthusiasts searching through the several ranges and models on offer.

Top manufacturers, such as, Elddis, Swift, Auto-Sleepers, Coachman and Bailey of Bristol amongst many others have all altered their line-ups this season.

The show will be on from today (Tuesday) until Sunday this week and CaravanTimes is at the scene taking in the atmosphere.

More to come soon

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Two new models added to Bailey Unicorn range

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by Ed Davies

Two new models have been added to Bailey’s Unicorn range for the 2017 season expanding the fleet from eight to ten

The new Unicorn Cabrera & Unicorn Pamplona are single and twin axle variants of the 4-berth and have a centre washroom island bed layout.

Both models feature a luxurious end bedroom configuration containing a rear wall mounted fixed double bed flanked by twin wardrobes.

This is complemented by a new design transverse central washroom that is accessible from either side of the double bed and which includes a domestic style circular shower cubicle.

On the other side of the solid partition door separating this bedroom en suite from the rest of the caravan is a kitchen which incorporates the Unicorn trademark tower refrigerator and parallel bed front lounge.

As with all Bailey leisure vehicles models are built using the patented Alu-Tech construction technology.

The existing body shell has been enhanced visually with the introduction of a ‘polar white’ outer skin, flush fit integrated front and rear bumpers plus a contemporary new graphics scheme.

Together these combine with an aesthetically enhanced aero-dynamic body shell profile to give the Unicorn range a distinctive new look which announces that you travel and arrive in style.

The models have also been upgraded with an Alde central heating system featuring a new more economical boiler, a user friendly digital control panel and an additional washroom radiator.

Whilst the new Truma 100-watt solar panel allows you the extra freedom to holiday where and when you want.

Each model is available in a choice of either Kensington (standard) or Trafalgar (cost option) luxurious soft furnishing options, featuring superior construction and premium quality fabrics, both of which are supplied with co-ordinating curtains and a full complement of sculpted arm rests and scatter cushions.

All ten models of the current Unicorn range, including the Cabrera and Pamplona, will be on display on stand 19-29 at the forthcoming Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016.

First-ever UK price comparison caravan site launched

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by Ed Davies

In a first for the UK caravan industry, a group of entrepreneurs have set-up a price-comparison website for new caravans and motorhomes

The imaginatively named, Comparavan, would help consumers save time and money by comparing multiple quotes for new caravans & motorhomes.

The website, which was co-founded by Josh Garrod, a former sales and marketing executive for a family dealership, is scheduled to go live today, October 10.

Not only does Comparavan help consumers but it also benefits the industry’s dealer network by giving them access to a wider range of potential customers.

Mr Garrod, said: “Comparavan is the first of its kind for the leisure industry that helps consumers save time and money by getting multiple quotes without the countless emails and telephone calls that are normally involved.

“Most people like to shop around to achieve the best deal they can. We believe that Comparavan will help to do that whilst introducing a new way to buy caravans and motorhomes”.

In preparation for the website’s launch on 10th October 2016 dealership account registrations are being accepted.

Email hello@comparavan.co.uk for more information.

Caravan centre owner thanks community after £1million fire

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by Ed Davies

The owner of a caravan centre, which was gutted in a fire causing £1 million in damage, has thanked his local community for rallying together following the blaze

Phil Davies, CEO of Highbridge Caravan Centre, said he could not thank the fire service and local community enough for their help after the business burst into flames last weekend.

The fire, on October 1, saw dozens of fire crews mobilise to the incident, at 1.38am, after worried calls from members of the public reporting that they could see fire coming from some trees opposite a pub.

Fire crews battled for several hours to extinguish the blaze after gas cylinders on the site started to explode and the fire spread rapidly across the caravan site.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

“Everyone has been really supportive, people have done extra days, even coming in during the fire,” Mr Davies told the Bridgewater Mercury.

“Staff came in on their day off to help us as well as the local community and neighbours.

“The local community in Highbridge were great, there was a real sense of community spirit.”

He commended the fire service for their efforts and for doing an amazing job containing the fire.

“When they arrived the fire was spreading towards our workshop and to avoid it getting damaged they created a wall of fire engines between the displays and the workshop,” added Mr Davies

“The brigade did an amazing job containing the fire, I am just glad that they are alright.

“They were still here for most of Saturday, putting out fires that has restarted again and making the site safe.

“Overall, around 160 caravans have been destroyed and initial predictions suggested in excess of £1million worth of damage was done but it could be more than that.

“It will become more clear once the assessors are finished finding out the exact cost of the damage.”

Caravan insurance sponsor celebrating after winning triple Paralympic gold

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by Ed Davies

Triple Paralympic gold medallist, Hannah Cockroft, is celebrating with her sponsors Caravan Guard for backing her paralympic dreams from the very start of her medal-winning career

Just a week after returning from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, “Hurricane Hannah” invited her local company to a celebration lunch.

The 24-year-old wheelchair racer shared her Paralympic stories and her delight at bringing home three gold medals, as well as breaking a world record in the T34 400m race.

“Caravan Guard has supported me from the very start and I’m very grateful for that,” said Hannah.

She showed off her latest trio of gold medals and Paralympic mascots from the Rio games after Hannah won the T34, 100, 400m and 800m races.

And Hannah recounted the tremendous support she got in Rio as she led the 800m race throughout and crossed the finish line to the crowds chanting her name.

“That was probably the best moment for me and spurred me on to the very end,” added Hannah.

“We’re so proud to have sponsored Hannah through two hugely successful Paralympic games and World Championships,” said Louise Menzies, Caravan Guard director.

“Hannah is such an inspiration and has continued to delight everyone with her sporting success as well as being a positive advocate for disability sport.”

The Halifax-based caravan and motorhome insurance specialist has sponsored Hannah for the last seven years, helping her to pay for her racing wheelchair, as well as replacement wheels, tyres, gloves, speedometers, physio and travel expenses to competitions.

Competition: Motorhome & Caravan Show ticket winners announced

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by Ed Davies

The winners of the second part of our competition to win a pair of tickets to the Motorhome & Caravan Show have been announced

The 10 lucky winners now have the chance, with a partner of their choosing, to attend the event beginning on Tuesday, October 11.

All winners will be emailed in the near future.

The winners need only go to the ticket office at the show, with proof of identification and a print out of the email that will be sent to them shortly.

The winners are Andrea Ellis, Mark Lonsdale, Phil Eptlett, Nicholas Appleby, Michael Wood, Margaret Williamson, Jule Davis, John Brailsford, Janet Mulholland and Carolyn Plummer.

For those, who did not win this time around, have no fears, as there will be another chance to win in our next competition on Friday, October 21.

Leisure Sales have recently opened an online store and they are running a competition with us for people to win upwards of £500 worth of campervan and caravanning gear.

So keep your eyes peeled for the competition.

Swift enters Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

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by Ed Davies

Swift Group, the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s top businesses, has been ranked in this year’s Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

The awards recognise the UK’s top-performing private companies from the fastest-growing to the biggest based upon financial performance.

In the year to August 2015, Swift’s turnover grew by 4%, with a 17% increase in operating profit compared to the previous year.

The Hull-based manufacturer was placed 107th in the annual award.

Increases in profitability have enabled Swift Group to make significant investments in manufacturing in recent years.

It was earlier last month announced that they were investing £8 million in a new manufacturing facility.

Export has been a significant contributor to the profit growth and their accounts now make-up close to 10% of the company’s turnover.

Managing director, James Turner, said: “The Sunday Times award is a fantastic recognition of the intensive efforts made across the business driving positive engineering changes, improvements in supply chain and lower warranty claims.

“These developments allied with a number of new products and innovations mean the future looks most promising.”

Caravan site gutted in huge fire causing £1m in damage

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by Ed Davies

An enormous fire has ripped through 160 caravans causing £1 million in damage at a site in Somerset

The fire broke out at around 1.30am on Saturday morning at Highbridge Caravan Centre in Somerset – and quickly spread as caravans and gas cylinders caught light and exploded.

More than 60 people phoned the emergency services to report hearing explosions.

Fire crews from across Bristol and Somerset tackled the blaze through the night and remained on the scene all day on Saturday, October 1, damping down the remains of the fire.

Dozens of caravans were moved to create ‘fire breaks’ and the blaze was eventually brought under control at around 4.20am on Saturday morning.

It is now thought that around 160 caravans were destroyed in the blaze, which witnesses have described as being “like a war zone”.

Speaking to the Bristol Post, Philip Davies, Director of Highbridge Caravans, praised the quick-thinking actions of a security guard who raised the alarm.

“We are devastated that this has happened,” he said. “More than 100 caravans have been destroyed and as each has a value of around £10 to £15,000 the overall figure will be around £1million.

“I’m thankful that our security guard spotted the fire early and thank the emergency services for their work – we had ten fire engines at the peak of the incident.”

The cause of the blaze is not yet known but it is originally through to have started in a shed or fence on the perimeter of the 11-acre site.

Mr Davies added: “Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any buildings and no-one was hurt, so our business is open and we continue as usual.

“Our workshops, sales area, accessories and awnings shop are all open for business.”

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “After the incident was sectorised, at around 4.20am, to enable crews to tackle the fire as effectively as possible, and a natural fire break created, crews moved as many caravans as possible.

“Confirmation was received that good progress was being made, the fire was surrounded and the main fire was now out.

“The incident will be scaled down shortly but this is going to be a protracted incident with crews currently at work with six main jets, damping down a large area of hotspots. Police, Ambulance and utility companies are also in attendance.

“No persons were injured and the cause will be determined once the fire has been fully extinguished.”