Caravanning with The Churches Conservation Trust

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by Jo Subramaniam

CaravanTimes spoke to The Churches Conservation Trust and discovered great caravanning spots tucked away in the heart of the UK’s countryside

How often have you sat twiddling your thumbs at the dash and wondering where your next great caravan adventure will be? You might’ve gone to all the great sites, but perhaps you want to go somewhere different – maybe a spot nestled amongst rolling countryside views and steeped in local history with a good bit of community spirit infused into it for good measure. If that’s what’s on your mind, we might just have the answer.

The Churches Conservation Trust conserves over 347 old churches throughout the country, which receive over two million visitors each year and are used for much more than what they were originally intended.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Crispin Truman, explained to CaravanTimes exactly what the charity does by way of preserving the UK’s most beautiful churches and why they are of great social importance today. Speaking of the churches under the Trust’s care, he said: “They’re some of the most beautiful historic and architecturally important buildings in the country that are no longer used by the Church of England. We save, conserve and promote them for community, arts and tourism use.”

Churches under The Trust’s care cover nearly every area in England, from Norfolk to Devon, and have been around for hundreds of years, if not more. Each church is packed with history, and some even boast a couple of strange stories and legends. Take St Mary’s Church in Folkestone, Kent for instance, a 14th century structure which features views across the Channel of France. And if literature piques your interest, you could head down to St James’ in Cooling, Kent, which served as the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

For all you history buffs out there, make sure you don’t miss the church of St Michael the Archangel in Norfolk, which was built by a descendant of Pocahontas and is filled with angels modelled after real women that the carver knew. You should also tick St John the Baptist off your list, built into a 14th century wall meant to defend Bristol.

It’s not all crumbling walls and books with The Churches Conservation Trust though, and you could also visit one of the many stately homes, castles or local pubs around their churches according to Crispin, who commented: “I once bumped into a whole lot of caravanners doing just that; going from church to church and doing a pub lunch. A lot of people enjoy doing that sort of thing and it makes for a completely different type of caravan holiday.”

He added: “It’s a really great experience; you go into these buildings that have been untouched for hundreds of years, read about the history and admire the architecture. In the middle of the bustling city, it’s nice to have a quiet place to go and relax in, and even learn about the local community.”

And we couldn’t agree more. With the Trust holding special Christmas events this festive season, such as the Stamford Christmas Tree Festival in Lincolnshire and the Lower Basildon Candlelit Christmas Concert in Berkshire, there’s never been a better time to delve into this relatively unexplored area of caravanning. You can plan your visits to church sites here, so what are you waiting for? Start spreading the cheer early this year!


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The Camping and Caravanning Club weighs in on EU referendum

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by Jeanned’Arc Sanbar

Overseas travel to remain the same as ever before according to Club

The Camping and Caravanning Club has released a statement to reassure Club members and customers of its Overseas Travel Service following on from the results of last week’s EU referendum, which saw a majority of UK voters opt to leave the European Union.
The Club’s travel service director, Richard Grimsdale, said: “I’d like to reassure Club members and all our customers that the UK’s exit from the European Union will not affect their overseas travel and holiday plans with the Club over the coming months.
“Travellers may continue to move between the UK and EU, and European Health Insurance cards remain valid. There will be no changes to the bookings made with us: whether it’s ferry or tunnel crossings, flights and transfers, or campsites booked by us with our overseas partners – it is business as usual.”
Those keen to take advantage of what the Club has to offer and head further afield, should take a look at the Club’s  Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays here offering, with fly-drive motorhome holidays in fabulous destinations around the world including America, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and more.
What do you think will happen to overseas caravan and motorhome holidays now that a majority of Brits have opted to no longer remain a part of Europe? It would be interesting to know.

Celebrate 150 years of Beatrix Potter with The Caravan Club

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by Joe Jeffrey

Explore the magical world of Beatrix Potter with The Caravan Club this summer

28 July 2016 marks the 150th birthday of everyone’s favourite childhood author, Beatrix Potter. To mark the occasion, The Caravan Club has revealed a couple of great sites which look set to enable families to discover the inspiration behind her famous tales and explore some of Potter’s favourite spots with a trip to Cumbria.

Hill Top Cottage, Cumbria

Visit Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse, Hill Top Cottage, in the heart of the Lake District and perfect for a great family day out. As visitors walk around the cottage they can spot the inspiration behind Beatrix Potter’s stories, including the doll’s house used to conjure The Tale of Two Bad Mice. To celebrate the birthday of Beatrix Potter on 28 July 2016, Hill Top Cottage is hosting a birthday party where families can celebrate in style with fun activities and music. Nearby, Coniston Park Coppice Caravan Club Site offers guests a scenic base with its own mini adventure playground which is perfect for keeping the whole family happy and entertained. The park is set in 63 acres of beautiful National Trust woodland, which Beatrix Potter is credited for reserving.
A stay at Coniston Park Coppice Caravan Club site based on two adults and two children costs £32.70 per night. Holidaymakers can also book a stay in a boutique camping pod which costs just £45  per night and camping is also available.

Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead

Be inspired by original Beatrix Potter artwork and view the brand new exhibition ‘Realism and Romance’ at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. Visitors can explore Beatrix’s love of nature and her lifelong inspiration from the natural world or join a ‘Storytelling Saturday’ session and listen to favourite Beatrix Potter tales. Storytelling Saturday will take place from 1pm and 3pm on 10 September 2016. Stay at Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site, set in the southern Lake District, where visitors will be immersed in nature’s finest delights. After taking in the views of the surrounding area, visitors will be inspired to write the next Peter Rabbit novel.
Stay at Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site for a short journey to the Beatrix Potter gallery in Hawkshead. A one night stay for two adults and two children at Meathop Park costs from £27.70 in September 2016.

To book any of these offers call The Caravan Club on 01342 326 944 or visit the Club’s official website here now.

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Extreme adventurer Andy Torbet takes to a campervan for his high-adrenaline outdoor hobbies

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by Joe Jeffrey

Outdoor enthusiast finds the ideal solution for a great adventure

For an outdoor enthusiast like TV presenter, author and former soldier, Andy Torbet, best known for his extreme diving, climbing, skydiving and underwater exploring, a campervan is the ideal support vehicle, which makes him the perfect ambassador for the UK’s leading campervan manufacturer, Wellhouse Leisure.

Andy will be taking a Wellhouse Ford Terrier M-Sport campervan, fitted with a bike rack and roof-mounted kayak carrier, all over the UK and mainland Europe for his busy schedule filming for various TV programmes; but one of his first trips will be with his family for a weekend at the Camp Bestival festival in Dorset where he is giving talks on ‘Beginner Adventures on Your Doorstep’.

Commenting on his new campervan, Andy Torbet said: “The beauty of a campervan like this Wellhouse Ford Terrier M-Camper is that it is the perfect size to use as an everyday car or travel long distances in with room for all my kit, plus the comfort of somewhere safe, warm and comfortable to eat, relax, work or sleep wherever I am.”

Items such as a roof-mounted solar panel to charge the leisure battery, plus a heater, kitchen with fridge, cooker and sink, plus on-board fresh and waste water tanks mean Andy can be self-sufficient when he is off-grid, usually in remote locations. The elevating roof can provide a second double bed, when needed, while the sliding rear seat offers the flexibility of being able to move it forward while travelling to maximise loadspace for all his kit or bring passengers nearer the front seats, but can then be moved backwards again to give more living space when camping.

The Wellhouse Ford Terrier M-Camper is a particularly eye-catching campervan as it is based on a luxury conversion of a Ford Transit Custom by M-Sport, the motorsport specialist that creates Ford’s World Rally Championship vehicles. The distinctive, rally-style exterior features a full body-kit with lowered suspension and 18in limited edition alloy wheels, while the special interior has white M-Sport limited edition dials, Nappa leather seats with M-Sport logo, blue seatbelts, and thicker sport steering wheel with full leather cover, blue stitching and M-Sport logo.

David Elliott, managing director of Wellhouse Leisure commented: “Andy Torbet is a great ambassador for Wellhouse Leisure as he is so passionate about using campervans for outdoor activities, exploring and adventures. We are sure that wherever he goes, our Ford Terrier M-Camper will be the perfect support vehicle for all Andy’s work and leisure commitments.”

For more information about Andy Torbet’s latest climbing, diving and filming projects, visit his official website here. You can also follow his adventures on Instagram (@andy_torbet), Facebook (@OfficialAndyTorbet) and Twitter (@AndyTorbet).

Full details of the Wellhouse Ford Terrier campervan range are available at www.wellhouseleisure.com, by calling 01484 600416 or emailing david@wellhouseleisure.com. The latest news updates from Wellhouse Leisure can also be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

New member of Bailey board of directors announced as Project Aurora nears completion

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by Joe Jeffrey

New non-executive appointment comes as Project Aurora reaches final stages

Bailey of Bristol has appointed Steve Trossell as a non-executive director of its board. Trossell, with 38 years’ experience in the outdoor leisure vehicle industry, is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the business moving forward.

Beginning his distinguished career as general manager of Bessacarr Caravans in 1978, before moving to CI Caravans in the mid-eighties where he ultimately progressed to become the company’s managing director, Trossell later went on to hold senior positions at the Swift Group before announcing his retirement from full time employment in 2011.

In what just have been a case of itchy feet, Trossell subsequently chose a new direction when he became a freelance contributor for Haymarket Publications writing for a number of consumer titles, before returning to manufacturing in 2013 as a management consultant at Bailey before taking up his new role of non-executive director in April this year.   

Trossell takes up his position during a very dynamic period in the company’s development as the changes introduced as part of the Aurora programme start to take effect.

Considered by many to be the industry’s leading innovators, eighteen months ago Bailey began a corporate re-structuring programme, code named Aurora. The aim has been to introduce a modern business approach to the soon-to-be 70-year-old family owned leisure vehicle manufacturing company while at the same time maintaining the key cultural characteristics that have made it such a long term success.

The project is now nearing its conclusion and the company is already beginning to see the benefits of the changes made. The adoption of modern manufacturing principals and the re-configuration of the main vehicle assembly line has led to a 20 per cent increase in annual production calendar year to date. Improvement in supply volumes have led to subsequent increases in caravan and motorhome retail sales over the same period, strengthening of the company’s position in both markets and re-affirming Bailey as the UK’s number one leisure vehicle brand.   

Commenting on his appointment Trossell said: “I have very much enjoyed my time working as a management consultant with Bailey and consequently I am delighted to be able to further my involvement with them in my new capacity as non-executive director. The company’s structural development programme is driving significant change right across in the business, indeed the industry, at the moment and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping shaping its future.”

Bailey managing director, Nick Howard, added: “To have somebody of Steve’s pedigree join the Bailey Board will be a huge asset to our business. He is a hugely respected and very popular figure within our industry whose expertise will prove invaluable to us as we look to re-shape the company to better meet the changing needs of our marketplace.”

Caravanners advised against heading to Glastonbury 2016 due to adverse weather

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by Joe Jeffrey

Festival goers travelling to Glastonbury urged to think twice over travelling to festival

People travelling to Glastonbury by car, caravan and motorhome have been urged to think twice before travelling to the event due to congestion caused by wet weather and adverse ground conditions.

Festival organisers have taken to Twitter to advise those looking to attend Glastonbury to currently stay where they are rather than continuing on with the journey, despite a slight improvement in conditions.

An official statement from Glastonbury read: “The current wet weather and ground conditions are still causing heavy traffic congestion around the Glastonbury Festival site, but we’re pleased to announce the picture is improving.

“Our advice for those yet to set off by car/campervan is still to remain where you are for the time being, please. Because of the reduction in traffic approaching the area, queues are not currently getting worse and traffic is making it onto the site.

“if you have set off and have yet to reach the site, there is no need to rush. Take your time and stop off. The longer you leave it the less you will have to queue. Remember the Festival’s entertainment does not begin until Friday. Gates are open, but there is plenty of capacity in the camping areas.

The statement also went on to advise that a temporary campervan/caravan holding site has been set up at Bath & West. Travellers have been asked to follow signposts to ‘Drop & Collect’ in order to take full advantage of it.

The Met Office posted a weather update on its official Twitter account today (Wednesday) saying: “Further outbreaks of #rain over #Glastonbury this morning, adding to the already very wet ground conditions,” following reports of the festival site becoming somewhat of a mudbath earlier in the week as boggy fields and submerged paths began to appear.

Avon and Somerset Police also weighed in on the warning issued by festival organisers, stating: “We’re advising people to avoid travelling in this area unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you’re planning to travel to the festival, please delay your journey until later in the day or avoid coming to the site today altogether.

“If you’ve already left, then find somewhere to stop and wait until the traffic congestion situation improves.

“A temporary campervan and caravan holding site has been set up at the Bath & West Showground.

“We’d also ask people to stay in their cars if possible, so when traffic starts moving it doesn’t cause further delays.”

AA president Edmund King also warned of “heavy and widespread congestion” on the roads around the festival site, including severe delays on the A361, A37 and A39.

“We would advise festival-goers not yet on the approaches to Glastonbury to travel later,” he said.

Are you heading to Glastonbury today? If so, let us know how you’re getting along or what alternative measures you’ve taken to ensure a more comfortable journey.

AA survey reveals ‘Generation Y’ drivers are worst on the road

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by Joe Jeffrey

Teenagers escape scrutiny as 25-34-year olds are labelled worst drivers on the road

Teenagers are often perceived as being the most irresponsible and riskiest drivers on UK roads, but according to a new poll by AA Tyres, the AA’s mobile tyre fitting service, it is Generation Y drivers who have the worst driving habits. 

An AA-Populus poll canvassed 21,741 AA members on bad driving habits, and younger drivers, aged 25-34, came out as the biggest offenders in 11 out of 12 bad driving habits. Almost nine out of ten (87 per cent) drivers in this age group admitted to frequently braking hard or too late, while 71 per cent said they tailgate, driving too close to the driver in front, and 87 per cent said they have driven while tired.

And, 87 per cent of those Generation Y drivers polled, who are considered more tech savvy than most, having grown up in a world surrounded by technology, said they frequently fiddled with in-car technology, such as radios, bluetooth phones and sat navs, while at the wheel. 

Across all age groups, breaking the speed limit was, not surprisingly, the most common problem, with 89 per cent of drivers polled confessing to breaking the speed limit during the past 12 months. More than a quarter (26 per cent) of respondents said they break the speed limit every week. 

Meanwhile, further research found that almost half of all motorists said they eat or drink at the wheel, and this figure rises to 81 per cent for 25 to 34-year-olds. Younger drivers are also the worst litter-bugs with one in ten of 18 to 24-year-olds admitting they have thrown rubbish out of the window – more than double the national rate of 4 per cent.

Now it’s your turn to have your say. Let us know in the comments below who you think, if anyone, makes the worst riders on the road. It would be interesting to see what you think.?

Appeal to trace ex-employees for Salop Leisure’s 50 birthday celebration

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by Joe Jeffrey

Hunt is on for former Salop Leisure staff to celebrate milestone

An appeal has been made to trace former employees of Shrewsbury’s caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure for a special barbecue next month to celebrate the company’s 50th birthday.

The barbecue is to be held at the company’s Emstrey headquarters on 15 July and chairman Tony Bywater is keen to attract as many former employees as possible to share the celebration.

Long serving receptionist Jean Courtney, who has been with the company for 41 years, has contacted many of her ex-workmates but there are some that she and Salop Leisure have lost touch with.

Former employees who have not yet been contacted are being encouraged to call Ed Glover, assistant marketing manager at Salop Leisure, on 01743 282 400 for full details of the barbecue.

“We are really looking forward to meeting up with many of our former employees who have contributed towards the success of the company,” said Bywater. “Salop Leisure has made giant strides forward since the company was established back in 1966 at Meole Brace, Shrewsbury and we want to thank employees past and present for their contribution.”

Salop Leisure, which has satellite sales centres in Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, moved from Meole Brace to its current headquarters in 2006 following a £5 million investment. The company is now established as the premier caravan holiday home, touring caravan, motorhome and campervan dealership in the Midlands and Mid Wales with a workforce of nearly 150.

IAM Roadsmart Advanced driving assessment sees former racing champ pass with flying colours

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by Jeanned’Arc Sanbar

Paddy Hopkirk proves age is nothing but a number

Rally legend, Paddy Hopkirk, has taken and passed his IAM RoadSmart advanced driver course for the second time – 27 years after he took it for the first time.

Hopkirk, who became a household name after winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and the 1967 Acropolis Rally in a mini, is one of few UK drivers to have won at a world level.

Hopkirk was appointed IAM RoadSmart’s mature driver ambassador earlier this year and has been promoting the charity up and down the UK, part of which saw the former champion racer have his driving assessed twice by IAM recently.

Partaking in IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Assessment, which is used to give older drivers the assurance they need to maintain their driving careers, Hopkirk also decided to participate in the organisation’s Advanced Driving course and passed. After he got the results, Hopkirk said: “I took the test again as an encouragement to older drivers. Anyone can benefit from a little extra advice, as a way of becoming a safer and more confident driver on today’s roads.”

Paddy also went on to talk about what he learnt this time round taking the Advanced Driver Course, saying: “Having taken the course I think about my driving more, rather than it being automatic.

“For instance, I really learnt a lot about the useful information conveyed by road signs and painted lines on the road.  They really do make life easier!”

How would you do if you had to take your driving test again? Is this a good idea for older drivers? Let us know.

Hollywood comes together to help UK caravan charity

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by Jeanned’Arc Sanbar

Celebrity auction set to keep Me & Dee afloat

Hollywood has come together to hold a star-studded auction to help raise funds for a charity responsible for organising seaside caravan holidays for children with life threatening illnesses. The efforts come as charity, Me&Dee, continues to face financial woes – already resulting in the loss of a number of caravans used to send terminally-ill children and their families on much-deserved holidays.

The Ticknall based charity will be auctioning a host of memorabilia at a charity auction due to take place in Newhall, Derbyshire, on 7 July, including a signed photograph of John Travolta and various items donated from the likes of from Dame Judi Dench and songstress Dame Vera Lynn. The night will also feature music and entertainment. Caroline Hawley, celebrity auctioneer from BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Flog It, will be returning to host the event, having previously raised £2,300 for the Me and Dee charity at a previous auction.

The auction for the charity, founded by Maria Hanson, currently needs £40,000 to keep afloat, and other items up for auction include a holiday, a Tom Ince-signed Derby County shirt, and a House of Commons bottle of whisky signed by David Cameron.

To pledge your support, and to buy your tickets now, call 01332 865 769. Alternatively click here to donate.

Caravan Guard scoops top customer service accolade

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan insurance firm scoops prestigious award at glitzy ceremony

Caravan and motorhome insurance specialist Caravan Guard, which incorporates Leisuredays, has scooped the Customer Connectivity Award at the 2016 Insurance Marketing and PR Awards.

The insurance company’s Halifax-based marketing team beat off stiff competition from some insurance giants and was crowned for its efforts in communicating with its customers and raising the company’s profile with caravanners.

Happy existing customers were central to their ‘Don’t take our word for it’ marketing campaign, which included magazine adverts, customer videos and social media.

They picked up the award at a prestigious event at the Banking Hall in London.

Caravan Guard’s director of marketing, Craig Thompson, said the 110-strong team were thrilled to have won such an important award: “Delivering brilliant customer experiences is our company vision and policyholders often feedback to us that we’re excelling in this. We’re particularly thankful to those customers who do take the time to tell us that we’re providing great service and great value insurance cover.”

Caravan Guard is also shortlisted for UK Insurance Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards.

Coventry men sentenced after spate of caravan robberies

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by Jeanned’Arc Sanbar

Three Coventry men convicted of caravan thefts

Three Coventry men who were part of an organised crime group and stole £250,000 worth of caravans and transit vans have been jailed.

During a four year police investigation, the thieves were found to be using ten different cloned number plates on stolen vehicles across a string of areas, with offences dating back to 2012 which saw Seamus McDonagh and his son David steal 17 caravans from Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, and Worcestershire.

Seamus McDonagh was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to steal caravans and stealing from motor vehicles from as recent as 2016 – even whilst he was on bail for previous offences. McDonagh’s son, David, was given a nine-year sentence for conspiracy to steal caravans, motor vehicles, robbery, and another conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles from this year. Lastly, Seamus McGuire was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to steal vehicles and robbery.

Investigating officer, detective constable Richard Zarcone from Rugby CID, told the Rugby Advertiser: “I am pleased with the result from Friday, which demonstrates that we take reports of vehicle theft very seriously and will deal with offenders robustly.”

What do you think of this sentencing? Has justice been served?

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