IAM RoadSmart launches video campaign highlighting dangers of distraction on the road

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by Joe Jeffrey

Formula 1 test driver, Darren Turner, put to the test in three new distraction videos

Road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart has released three short videos highlighting the different aspects of driver distraction caused by children, mobile phones and pets.

The videos, available to view below, feature Formula 1 test driver Darren Turner as he attempts to drive an Aston Martin racing simulator around a virtual circuit while attempting to deal with a noisy five year old child, a ringing mobile phone and a barking dog.

The latest campaign from  IAM RoadSmart follows figures from the Department for Transport finding 2,995 cases where distraction in the vehicle was listed as a contributory factor to accidents – in line with the organisation’s multi-award winning campaign Safely Home, which which found the top four causes of distraction were children in the car (29 per cent), changing the radio channel (27 per cent), back seat drivers (26 per cent) and mobile phone use (24 per cent). One in ten of 1,500 people surveyed also admitted to causing a crash because they were distracted.

Turner said of his involvement in the new campaign: “A professional racing driver is expected to maintain full concentration all the time while at the wheel – but I was surprised at how easy it was take your eye of the ball for a second and end up clouting the barrier in the simulator.

“Translate that to the real road, and the consequences could be far more serious.”

IAM RoadSmart’s head of driver behaviour, Rebecca Ashton said: “In our videos we see Darren tackle some very common distractions that any driver could face. It shows that even the best drivers can struggle if they are distracted for even a second.

“Whether you’re travelling with your kids, dog or even on your own there are plenty of things which might take your attention away from the road, and we’re all susceptible. But keeping your attention on the road is the most important way you can look after your passengers. Pull over in a safe place if you need to pick up a dropped toy, calm a frightened pet or answer the phone.”

Check out the three videos below and let us know: are you easily distracted on the road behind the wheel?

Child video

Mobile Phone video

Pet video

Summer of Olympic sport at Caravan Club Sites

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by Ed Davies

The Caravan Club is throwing a series of Olympics inspired sports at its sites

Olympics inspired holidaymakers can throw on their sports gear and try their hand at brand new sports this summer thanks to The Caravan Club.

Following the success of Team GB at the Rio Olympics, families will be able to enjoy a series of sporting activities at numerous Caravan Club sites across the UK.

At the Looe Caravan Club Site guests can enjoy a splash in a heated open-air swimming pool, a round of tennis or fly along the UK’s longest zip wire at the Adrenalin Quarry.

Families can take on the 11 mile Thirsk Racecourse Caravan Club Site cycle route across the North Yorkshire countryside followed by a steady climb to Upsall.

For surfers, Woolacombe Beach offers a three mile golden sand beach for pros at the Willingcott Caravan Club Site and a learning centre for beginners and children.

Prices include £31.50 per night at Willingcott, £22.60 for Thirsk and £39.60 at the Looe site.

To find out more about just some of the offers available this summer, visit The Caravan Club’s website here.

Taking a tour around the 2017 Elddis Crusader Zephyr

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes checks out the all new Crusader Zephyr from Elddis for 2017

It’s pretty much a given that if you’re driving along and notice a luxury champagne-coloured caravan sharing the road with you, it’s going to be an Elddis Crusader. And now, for the new season, your chances of spotting one on the road – or even becoming a proud owner of one – just got better following the introduction of the new Zephyr model.

Joining Elddis’ flagship Crusader mainstays – the Mistral, Storm, Aurora, Tempest and Supercyclone – for the new season, the four berth, twin-axle Zephyr is ideal for families, featuring a retractable transverse fixed bed at the rear and a comfortable double which can be made up in the living area. An element of privacy comes courtesy of the central area featuring the fully-equippedbathroom which provides the option to close off the bedroom from the living area.

True 5 star luxury, as with the other Crusader models on offer for 2017, to say the Zephyr is kitted out with some luxurious touches, such as light, fresh interior and craftsman built cabinetry, would be an understatement. You really would have to take a look for yourselves to see what we mean. And that’s why we went along to Elddis to take a look.

Comfort is also second to none, with an improved Alde 24-hr multi-programmable central and water heating system, Aero Privacy flush-fit double-glazed side windows with night ventilation, as well as OZIO Coolsoft luxury mattresses.

To take a look at the Elddis Crusader Zephyr, check out the video above.

Rare blue lobster lands Devon holiday park date with BBC

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by Joe Jeffrey

Lucky Larry the lobster saved from the pot after deep sea find

Television cameras were scrambled to Ladram Bay Holiday Park in South Devon earlier this month when one of its directors landed a ‘one in two million’ blue lobster.

BBC’s Spotlight team and a shoal of press reporters were quickly on the scene after hearing that Ladram Bay Holiday park’s Robin Carter had scooped one of the incredibly rare crustaceans.

The chances of such a catch are put at around two million to one, and the bright blue colouring occurs only in a tiny number of lobsters with an unusual genetic make-up.

Carter, who has been tending lobster pots for over 60 years off the shores of Ladram Bay Holiday Park near Budleigh Salterton, revealed this was his first encounter with a ‘blue’. And, although most of the lobsters caught find their way onto the menu at Ladram Bay’s restaurant, this colourful specimen earned a reprieve.

Larry – as he was christened – enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame under the media spotlight, and was then rowed back out to sea in the company of BBC’s film crew.

There he was released by Robin and Keith into the deep in the hope that he will successfully breed. and learn to steer well clear of lobster pots in the future.

The Carter family has owned Ladram Bay Holiday Park for over 70 years, and current owner, Robin, is one of the four siblings of its original founder Frank Carter.

A former farm, it has grown from a small camping site to one of the region’s most popular holiday parks attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Features include a new swimming pool complex, restaurant, a beach-side shack where watersports equipment can be hired, and first-class day and evening entertainment.

Holidaymakers at Ladram Bay were delighted to see the park feature on BBC’s Spotlight after Larry made the headlines – even if it’s most famous guest this year has now finished his short stay.

All new Benimar Mileo range from Marquis Leisure unveiled in new video

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by Joe Jeffrey

Join us as we take a look at the all new Benimar Mileo range for 2017

Benimar have unveiled the all new Mileo range, featuring a number of fresh new changes for 2017.

On the outside, a matt black front grill complements the smart black alloy wheels introduced for the new season, while new LED lights at the rear should certainly ensure the Mileo is one motorhome guaranteed to be seen in more ways than one. This said, it’s the construction which has seen even more of a major overhaul, meaning the Mileo is now manufactured completely wood free for better protection from damp and leaks – something we’re sure isn’t too much of a problem in the Benimar’s homeland of Spain, but more so in the UK.

Exclusively available at  Marquis Leisure in the UK, and built on a Fiat Ducati cab providing for plenty of comfort throughout, the Bennimar Mileo range hosts an abundance of in-cab features, including automatic air conditioning, DAB radio, built in sat nav and reversing system, plus much more and, if you’re looking for driving choice, six-speed manual comes as standard with the option of choosing Automatic transmission instead.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')aravanTimes went along to Marquis Leisure to find out more about the Benimar Mileo range and we were certainly impressed with what we saw. To find out why, check out our video above and let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

Whale wins prestigious Brunswick Safety Award for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Manufacturer receives highest honour in safety awards programme

Whale has received the Brunswick Corporation Chairman’s Safety Award, recognising the company’s standards for excellence in safety and employee engagement.

In conjunction with the award, Brunswick will donate $10,000 (approximately £7,500) on behalf of Whale employees to a charitable organisation of their choice. Whale has selected  Cancer Focus in Northern Ireland, which provides support to those diagnosed with cancer and their families in the country.

Whale’s managing director, Patrick Roberts, said: “We are delighted and honored that the Whale team has been recognised with such a prestigious award by Brunswick Corporation for our approach to health and safety systems and our excellent safety record.

“It is a reflection of the entire team’s commitment to continuous improvement and, with the support of Brunswick Corporation, we will continue to strive to create a safe, efficient and positive working environment for everyone involved in the business,” Roberts continued.

The Chairman’s Safety Award is the company’s highest honor in the safety award program. The purpose of the award is to encourage, recognise and reward employees and facilities that have achieved outstanding safety and health performance through promoting and practicing safety awareness, ultimately minimising workplace incidents and injuries.

“Our workforce has benefitted greatly from the cancer-prevention initiatives that the organisation runs,” Roberts said of Cancer Focus. “We also have a number of team members who have or are going through cancer treatment and so it makes this donation all the more personal to us.”

Each year, Brunswick Corporation presents three Chairman’s Safety Awards. In 2016, the awards were given to Mercury Marine in St. Cloud, Florida.; Mercury Marine Regional Distribution Center in Dandenong, Australia; and Whale Parts and Accessories in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Congratulations to Whale on an award well deserved and for donating the proceeds to such a worthwhile cause.

Caravan Club survey reveals pets play integral part in caravanners’ holiday plans

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by Joe Jeffrey

69 per cent of Caravan Club members choose to holiday with pets, survey reveals

A massive 69 per cent of members choose to holiday with their four-legged friends, with caravanning providing the perfect solution to having to find pet care when owners go on holiday and being separated from their cherished furry friends, research by The Caravan Club has shown.

Those looking to holiday across the United Kingdom has seen a huge resurgence this year and for those choosing to holiday in a caravan or motorhome, it completely solves the issue of what to do with their pets when they are away.

The Caravan Club represents over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tenters, many members take their pets with them when they holiday.   Just some of the pets which have been seen on campsites include parrots, giant rabbits, cats, dogs, tortoises and gerbils.

Animals lovers don’t like to be parted from their pets or having to put them in kennels or catteries.  Then there is always ‘the look’ that pet owners will have when collecting their furry family member after they have been away – and every pet owner knows that look!

One such  Caravan Club member is Andrew Ditton, who travels with his Airstream caravan and faithful companion Dougal, a spirited little Jack Russell Terrier who enjoys nothing more than hitching up and heading off to new adventures.  Holidaying in the caravan is second nature to Dougal, who delights in maintaining his daily routine of which all dogs are so fond. 

“Dougal just curls up in his crate and sleeps while we’re en route to our destination,” said Andrew, “But it’s by motorbike that he really loves to travel.  I carry the bike in my pick-up, then once we’re settled in on site we go off exploring the local area on two wheels. 

“Dougal rides in a dog-carrier on my back enjoying the new smells,” Andrew continued. “He also loves his creature comforts, so it’s nice to come back to central heating and all mod cons in the caravan.  Dougal is my best friend and my constant companion, and his company makes the holiday complete. Without him, the holiday would be empty.”
 
Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing at The Caravan Club said, “That’s the beauty of ‘vanning, you get to take the whole family with you on holiday.  So next time you are planning a holiday, make sure you include the furry ones too!  We have some great facilities on Club sites, many have specific dog walks on site or very close by.”

Check out just some of Andrew and Dougal’s adventures below and let us know: do you take your pets away with you?

Work begins on pioneering touring caravan park and wellness centre in Shrewsbury

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by Joe Jeffrey

New £3.5 million project from Salop Leisure gets underway

Work is underway on a £3.5 million project to create a pioneering new touring caravan park and glamping village with a wellness centre and spa facilities in Shrewsbury.

The park and glamping village, which will contain 120 touring caravan pitches, is being developed on 21.5 acres of land next to Salop Leisure‘s Emstrey headquarters in conjunction with the leisure vehicle dealership.

The environmentally friendly development will have a natural swimming pool, spa type facilities with a pilates and yoga instruction studio, gym, wooden play area, boot camp fire pit, fishing pool, wildlife area, dog walking paths, cycle track, Love Coffee café and electric car charging point. Activities will be aimed at both children and adults and they can choose to either take part or to relax in fantastic surroundings.

“We are keen to develop a park that is a new concept at one with nature and will instil a feeling of well-being and tranquillity in our visitors,” said Mark Bebb, Salop Leisure’s managing director. “Our lives have become dominated by technology, with our children glued to iPads and the Internet. We want to get them to experience the grass between their toes and enjoying the glamping experience.

“The park is in a perfect location on the edge of Shrewsbury with fantastic views towards the Wrekin and the South Shropshire Hills. Shrewsbury is a really beautiful town and we believe that it deserves to attract more visitors.

“The new touring park and glamping village will attract people from all over the country and hopefully that will benefit the town and local businesses. Shropshire has a lot of natural beauty and activities just waiting to be discovered.”

The new development is located close to tourist attractions including Attingham Park, Wroxeter Roman Vineyard and the Ironbridge Gorge. It is hoped the development will benefit people buying touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from Salop Leisure who can use the park to familiarise themselves with their purchase before going on a big trip.
 

The Caravan Club announces Isle of Wight Autumn getaway

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by Joe Jeffrey

Club announces something different with a stay at Southland Caravan Club Site
 
The Caravan Club has announced a series of exclusive short breaks to the Isle of Wight in conjunction with Wightlink Ferries just in time for Autumn and, with so much to see and do, it looks like now could be the ideal opportunity to take advantage.

Over 120 attractions and places of interest await those wishing to visit on the island, half of which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a paradise for walkers or simply those looking to explore somewhere new during 2016.

A four-night break at Southland Caravan Club Site for stays departing on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 6 September and 27 October (excluding 8 to 11 September) and travel with Wightlink could cost as little as £149.

Those wishing to stay at the Club’s Southland Site, near Newchurch on the eastern side of the island in the scenic Arreton Valley, will find a whole host of nearby attractions and plenty to do for all ages, acting as a great base for exploring all the island has to offer.

Prices for foot passengers on the Wightlink ferry start at just £6 including travel up until 31 October. For more information, contact Wightlink on 03339 997 333. To book your stay at Southland Caravan Club Site, click here.

Leisure World Group announces Elddis launch weekend

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out the all new Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore ranges and models this weekend
 
Leisure World Group has announced it is set to display all the latest models from Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore this weekend (27 to 29 August), providing visitors the opportunity to see the all new 2017 season ranges in the flesh at its three leisure vehicle showrooms.

Catterick Caravans, in Yorkshire, Ebor Leisure World, in York, and Tyneside Leisure World, in – you’ve guess it – Tyne and Wear, will all be revealing the latest models, while providing for a host of entertainment, for and drink across the course of the extra long bank holiday weekend. There will also be a number of special offers on the day for those in attendance.

Promising to be a fantastic weekend for the whole family, Leisure World are also offering you the chance to download an exclusive voucher pack, entitling visitors to free food and drink, free parking, free entry and much more. To download it,  click here. More information on the weekend extravaganza can be obtained by calling Leisure World Group on 01748  81 3 069.

All models in the 2017 season’s line up from Elddis, Buccaneer and Xplore ranges come fully bonded using industry leading SoLiD Construction and, in what must be a sure sign of confidence, all will come backed by a free ten year warranty.

Blackshaw Moor welcomes new secretary of state

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by Joe Jeffrey

Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site received a visit from Rt Hon Karen Bradley

The new secretary of state responsible for culture, media, sport and tourism, the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, accepted an invitation from The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas, to visit Blackshaw Moor Caravan Club Site in her Staffordshire Moorlands constituency earlier this week.

Bradley and her two sons enjoyed a tour of the site, with Lomas and the wardens, and chatted to members enjoying the Peak District sunshine.

Lomas said of Bradley’s visit: “We have a long-running programme of engaging with politicians at all levels, so they gain an understanding of the value that touring caravanning brings to a local area. 

“To have the Secretary of State responsible for tourism taking time out of her busy schedule was a huge honour for us, and we all enjoyed meeting her.  She seemed very impressed by the site and its facilities, and I’m sure she went away with a much better understanding of the importance of our sector to the rural economy and how The Club and members contribute to that,” Lomas continued.
 

Taking a look at the all new Compass Casita for 2017

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by Joe Jeffrey

Check out our latest video where we check out the new Compass Casita

As previously reported, Elddis unveiled their new caravans for 2017 earlier this week, amongst which was the all new Compass Casita range.

Featuring a total of six caravans within the range – the 550, 554, 574 and 586, 840 and 866 – each Casita comes with a great number of special touches, and the final two, the Casita 840 and Casita 866, both measure in at 8ft wide.

The range as a whole will benefit from: Whale Expanse eight-litre underfloor water heater; Whale 4.3kW underfloor space heater; locker doors with ‘quiet close’ gaskets; ’boutique bathroom sink; kitchen splashback; ‘Sakura’ Aquaclean upholstery; ‘Salinas Ash’ furniture; ‘Nagoya’ wallboard and new external graphics.

CaravanTimes visited Elddis’ headquarters to find out more about the Casita. Check out our latest video above to take a look.