Gulliver’s Land theme park offers cut-price tickets to C&CC members

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by Jack Beresford

The Camping and Caravanning Club has teamed up with the people behind the popular Gulliver’s Land Theme Park to offer a bargain deal for anyone staying at their Milton Keynes Club Site.

Starting this week (10 September), travellers can purchase two and three-day Hopper and Combined passes to the popular adventure park from just £27 per person.

This pass offers access to a variety of rides and shows all houses within the theme park site which is close to the camping area.

These discounted passes are exclusively available to those staying at the Gulliver’s Milton Keynes Club Site and can be purchased by simply presenting a campsite receipt when purchasing tickets at the entrance to the theme park.

The deal is open to both members and non-members, with the passes offering unlimited access – though they must be used on consecutive days and have to be purchased after 4pm on the day prior to your visit.

Club sites director Bob Hill said: “Camping has never been more accessible, tents are now even on offer in your local supermarkets so there’s no reason not to try pitching up with the Club.

“We’re delighted to work with Gulliver’s, Milton Keynes to continue to offer fun filled holidays at inexpensive prices.”

This discount is available until Sunday November 4th 2012.

Caravan Club’s million pound Stonehaven plans get go-ahead

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by Jack Beresford

Plans to redevelop Stonehaven’s Queen Elizabeth caravan site have received the backing of Aberdeenshire councillors, who voted unanimously to approve the project.

Back in June, the Caravan Club submitted two separate applications to improve the site, with a total investment of £1.75 million planned ahead of the 2013 tourist season.

Under the proposals, the number of pitches at the site will be reduced from 103 to 84, with a toilet block, tent and play area added along with a wardens’ compound, reception building, service points, new lighting and CCTV columns, according to the Mearns Leader.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and a number of local officials had initially opposed the plans amid concerns that the site would be at risk of flooding.

However, after SEPA withdrew its objection, consultees followed suit, with the Flood Prevention Unit admitting it was satisfied with the application, while local officials also backed the plans to bring more tourism to the region.

Tony Barnett, estates manager at the Caravan Club, described the plans as a “definite asset for Stonehaven”, with officials working alongside SEPA to ensure the development runs as smoothly as possible.

The news comes just a week after plans to develop the Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, won council approval.

Swansea caravan thieves face 14 months in prison

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by Jack Beresford

Two men who stole a caravan from a company showroom in Crymlyn are facing 14 months in prison after pleading guilty at Swansea Crown Court this week.

Stephen Banham, 37, and Richard Turner, 39, admitted to breaking into the Blazers Caravan Company property before cutting through a chain fence and removing a concrete bollard in order to tow away the £18,000 tourer.

According to the South Wales Evening Post, after connecting the caravan to a Land Rover, the pair set off through a play area, heading towards the M4.

However, their plan was rumbled when a member of the public who lived nearby spotted the pair.

After closing in on the caravan thieves, police searched the aforementioned vehicle and caravan, where they found a Sat Nav with the addresses for a number of caravan sales premises, along with boltcutters.

Speaking at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Huw Davies QC condemned the “carefully planned” actions of the pair.

“This is a plain case of a planned offence. You travelled to Swansea from the South of England with the intention of committing the kind of offence which you went on to do,” he said.

The case is the latest incident involving caravan break-ins and comes just days after Welsh police called for owners to take extra care when securing their tourers.

VIDEO: What makes Powrwheel the UK’s most popular caravan mover?

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by Chris Jefferies
If reversing your caravan onto a pitch fills your heart with dread, or parking on your narrow driveway gives you the jitters, then it’s probably time you looked into getting a caravan motor mover.
These clever gadgets are rapidly becoming a must-have for caravanners of all ages, offering power and precision for even the trickiest of manoeuvres.
In this video, CaravanTimes meets Powrwheel, the makers of the UK’s most popular motor movers, to find out what sets them apart from all the rest of the pack.
We also talk to some Powrwheel owners and find out why their mover makes takes the stress out of parking and pitching up.

Towergate launches three-month caravan insurance option

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by Chris Jefferies
Towergate Insurance has launched a new caravan policy aimed at touring holidaymakers who only want to use their caravan for a few months at a time.
The three-month caravan insurance deal means that you don’t need to pay for insurance on your caravan during the months that it isn’t being used, but instead have the chance to enjoy it for the last few months of the 2012 caravanning season.
Most caravan insurance providers insist you pay for 12 months up front, but this new deal from Towergate should go down well with less frequent caravanners looking for more flexibility in their budget.
Despite being a short-term policy, the deal comes with loss of use cover, caravan legal protection, full accident damage cover and even cover for lending to family and friends.
Caravans with approved safety and security devices will still qualify for a discount, while compensation is available for loss of use.
With the late summer weather proving to be much better than forecast, this deal could be a great way to take advantage and hit the road with your caravan.
To find out more about Towergate’s three-month caravan insurance policy, click here.

Elddis gives caravan fans a chance to see Solid Construction

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by Chris Jefferies
Elddis is throwing its doors open to caravanners and motorhome-lovers this month, with its second annual factory preview event due to take place in Consett, County Durham.
Scheduled for the weekend of 15 and 16 September, the event will be the first opportunity for the public to get a look inside the Elddis factory and see the company’s new Solid Construction manufacturing technique in action.
As well as factory tours, the preview weekend will also include children’s activities and special deals on brand new 2013 Elddis caravans and motorhomes.
All four Elddis touring caravan ranges will be on display, including the brand new Elddis Affinity range and the upgraded Elddis Crusader collection.
A full complement of Buccaneer caravans will also be available for viewing, along with the Elddis Autoquest and Aspire motorhome ranges.
The event runs from 10am to 4pm on both days and, best of all, it’s completely free. Anyone wanting to attend is asked to register their interest on the Elddis website.

Vanmaster Caravans steps in to rescue Bentley Motorhomes

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by Chris Jefferies
Vanmaster Caravans has stepped in to rescue ailing motorhome manufacturer Bentley, in a move that promises to guarantee the immediate future of the Mexborough-based company.
Less than a month ago, we reported how Bentley Motorhomes was due to shut down, with falling sales being cited as the main reason.
However, Vanmaster has claimed that there is plenty of life in this brand yet, and the Wigan-based company has now acquired Bentley outright and plans to resume production within a few weeks.
Ian Thompson, managing director of Vanmaster, told CaravanTimes: “Bringing the two brands together under one umbrella is going to create many opportunities going forward, including sharing ideas between caravans and motorhomes.”
He believes that Bentley and Vanmaster customers are of a similar age and taste, and so the merger is a perfect fit.
What’s more, Vanmaster hopes to ensure that existing Bentley customers will have their warranties honoured.
Bentley is best known for its compact motorhome models, which are based on a Renault Traffic chassis and cab combination.
Such was the success of these models that the Bentley Indigo won the Caravan Club’s Motor Caravan Design and Drive Competition back in 2011.
However Vanmaster choose to proceed with their new brand, it’s great to see so many jobs saved and the continuation of a venerable name in British motorhomes.

OFT investigation fuels caravanners’ hopes of petrol price drop

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by Jack Beresford

Caravanners were given fresh hope for a reduction in fuel costs yesterday (6 September) after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced it was to investigate the current price of petrol.

The OFT is keen to examine whether reductions in the value of crude oil are being passed on to the price seen at petrol pumps up and down the country.

This investigation follows widespread criticism from hauliers, motorists and caravan owners alike related to the price of petrol, which has risen 38 per cent in the five years to June 2012, with diesel rising by a staggering 43 per cent.

The OFT has now decided to take action, with its investigation also examining the practices of supermarkets and big oil companies and whether these are making it harder for independent retailers to compete.

They will also assess whether there is a shortage of competition between fuel retailers in rural communities – upon whom many caravan owners remain reliant during touring holidays.

Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, welcomed the move, saying: “We are greatly encouraged that the OFT has recognised the concerns of the haulage industry and the general public and is preparing to take action.”

The OFT is due to publish its findings in January 2013, so watch this space.

Camping and Caravanning Club launches new Garmin sat nav

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by Jack Beresford

Holidaymakers should have no trouble towing their tourer to a Camping and Caravanning Club site in the future, as the organisation has launched an all-new satellite navigation service.

Technology firm Garmin has teamed up with Camping and Caravanning Club to create a special Satelite Navigation system designed to help guide caravanners to any of the firm’s current UK locations.

The advanced ‘Club Navigation’ service, or dezl 560LMT Camper Deluxe, offers lifetime map and traffic updates with holidaymakers able to refresh their maps and key points of interest up to four times a year for no extra cost.

Available to purchase from this month, the device also boasts three distinctive navigation modes – caravan, car and motorhome – along with three mounting options.

In addition to this, the system features caravan friendly routing with avoidance alerts, along with exit services information and full European map coverage.

Club’s Membership services director Paul Jones said “The new device has been designed with caravan and motorhome users in mind; it also has a large five inch screen and extra loud speaker to make it easier to see and hear in larger vehicles.

“We hope our members take advantage of this fantastic service,” he added.

The system will offer site locations to over 15,000 camping points. Prices start at £349.99, and club members can get the device at a reduced price for a limited time only. For more information, click here.

VIDEO: More storage space in the brand new Elddis Affinity

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by Chris Jefferies
In the 2013 Elddis Affinity range there have been many innovations, but one area where the company are happy to stuck to their guns in with regards to storage space.
Overhead lockers are invaluable for storing all the items you need for a family holiday, and Elddis has prioritised these in this hotly anticipated new range.
In this video, we catch up with head designer Angela Robson and hear how her family caravanning experiences have taught her that you need a home for everything.
She also explains the advantages of having easy access to the under-bed storage areas, and we discuss the importance of getting the noseweight just right.
The Elddis Affinity range features a choice of four single-axle layouts, all of which are initially priced at £18,999

New 2013 Ford Mondeo unveiled with stylish design and clever engine

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by Chris Jefferies
The new 2013 Ford Mondeo has been unveiled by the American carmaking giants, more than a year before it will go on sale to the general public.
Ford appears to have shaken off the image of the Mondeo as being the most middle-of-the-road car in the country with a dramatic redesign, which harkens after Aston Martin and Jaguar – hardly surprisingly, since it was styled by British designed Chris Hamilton.
With a trapezoidal front grill, slim LED headlights, and a sleek, bulging bonnet, the new Mondeo has a real ‘wow’ factor that should turn heads on caravan sites and beyond.

For caravanners who care more about economy than looks, there are plenty of highlights besides, including a range of Eco-Boost engines, starting at a bafflingly small 1.0-litre engine.
Those looking for more pulling power can expect a 2.0-litre diesel alternative, with the whole range promising best-in-class fuel efficiency, although Autocar reports that the 2.5-litre American engine won’t be making it across the Atlantic.
What’s more, a lower boot floor level should provide increase luggage capacity, while the interior design is meant to deliver more headroom than ever before.
The luxurious cabin design is aimed at those who would traditionally look to an Audi or a BMW, while the option to create a Wi-Fi hotspot should satisfy ardent technophiles.
Before you get too excited, it’s worth mentioning that this latest incarnation of the Mondeo won’t be arriving until the tail-end of next year, with September mooted as the earliest possible delivery date.
Prices and towing limits are yet to be confirmed, but if Ford can keep these similar to the current Mondeo, then this will prove to be a very tempting proposition indeed.


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Dukes of Hazzard star confirmed to open National Caravan Show

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by Jack Beresford

US star Catherine Bach, familiar to millions as Daisy Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard, is ready to wow the crowds in Birmingham next month, when she open opens the 2012 Motorhome & Caravan Show.

The 58-year-old actress is no stranger to the limelight, having featured in the hit 80s action show for six years, as well as recently appearing in long-running soap The Young and the Restless.

And while the iconic performer is sure to light up the Caravan Club Lounge on Tuesday October 16th, when she officially opens the show, she could soon find herself being upstaged by the impressive array of tourers on offer.

This year’s event is promising to be the best yet with around 400 manufacturers, dealers and service providers among others set to attend with a wealth of new products to peruse, including the public debut of the Eterniti Chronicle and Genesis ranges.

Fortunately, Bach is no stranger to the delights of a caravan, having spent many an hour aboard a tourer during her career to date.

She won’t be the only star in attendance either with Great British Bakeoff judge Paul Hollywood and former rugby star Matt Dawson set to provide a cookery demonstration over the weekend.