More advance details of Bailey Retreat leisure home emerge

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by Chris Jefferies
Bailey Caravans has released more information about its hotly anticipated Retreat range, which is due to be unveiled at the London Excel Centre on February 14th.
Bailey Retreat is the biggest new name in the caravan market, quite literally, as this model boasts an internal length of nearly 24 feet and an internal width of 7’8″, resulting in 25% more space inside.
This extra space is possible as the Retreat is not designed to be towed by its owner – instead these models are meant to be sited by professionals and can be moved every few years if you want a change of scenery.
Bailey calls this completely new type of holidaying ‘leisure homing’ and they think it could prove to be very popular among caravanners who have a favourite site that they return to year after year.
The full specification of the Retreat will be unveiled next week (February 6th), but for now Bailey has confirmed that their new model will include Alde central heating, a dual-fuel hob, pocket sprung mattresses, and 6’5″ internal headroom throughout.
Other luxury touches include a ceramic toilet bowl and heated towel rails in the bathroom, as well as not one but two iPod-compatible stereo systems.
At first only two twin-axle layouts will be offered, in the form of the four-berth fixed double-bed Willow, and the six-berth Sycamore, Bailey adds.
Both of these models feature the unique wrap-around living room layout (as pictured above), which can be converted into a double bed. Prices and weights are yet to be confirmed.
That’s all we can tell you for now, but make sure to keep checking back with CaravanTimes over the next few weeks for exclusive videos, photos and details ahead of the year’s biggest caravan launch.


New £3 million Ludlow Touring Park gets May opening date

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by Tom Lowenstein

A brand new touring park is set to open in Ludlow in May following the completion of its £3 million construction project.

The 20-acre five star Ludlow Touring Park will open for the first time on Wednesday May 9th and is already taking bookings from caravanners excited about the prospect of a new five-star site near the historic town of Shrewsbury.

Developed by Morris Leisure, some 135 pitches will be available on the expansive site overlooking the River Teme, with all work set to be completed well on schedule after the locally-based Capital Construction made the most of the mild winter to plough ahead with the building work.

Edward Goddard, Managing Director of Morris Leisure, said: “After months of waiting, we are delighted to announce that Ludlow Touring Park will be open for business on May 9th and bookings are now being accepted.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone associated with the new park, which is generating an incredible amount of interest from caravanners and motorhome owners from across the UK.”

Mr Goddard added that the company believes that through increased tourism, the new site will help bring in around £1 million every year to the local economy.

What’s more, the grand opening comes just in time to help celebrate this year’s Ludlow Spring Food Festival the following weekend on May 12th and 13th.

COMPETITION: Win one of 25 pairs of tickets to the London caravan show

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by Chris Jefferies
Update: Thank you for all your entries, this competition is now closed
All the biggest names in the caravan industry are converging on London next month for the first annual NCC Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show at the cavernous Excel Centre.
Running from February 14th to 19th, the capital’s biggest exhibition centre will play host to dozens of manufacturers, clubs and parks.
From Bailey to Swift and from the Caravan Club to the Camping and Caravanning Club, all the industry heavyweights will be in attendance.
High-profile launch events include the unveiling of the new luxury Bailey Retreat range and the public debut of the compact, lightweight Venus Caravans offering from Lunar.
What’s more, CaravanTimes is offering readers the chance to see it all for free with our latest competition.
We are giving away 25 pairs of free tickets, and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer one very simple question.
Earlier today it was confirmed that TV chef James Martin will be the star guest appearing in the show’s Cookery Theatre, but what is the name of his BBC One cookery show?
If you think you know the answer, simply fill in the form below with your answer, your name and e-mail address.
The competition closes next Friday (February 3rd) at midday and the 25 lucky winners will be announced on CaravanTimes shortly afterwards.
Update: Thank you for all your entries, this competition is now closed

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. To enter a Caravan Times competition you must be:
(a) UK resident; and
(b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry
(c) A Caravan Times member.
2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Caravan Times, or any other subsidiary of Adfero.
3. No purchase necessary.
4. Only one entry per person.
5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.
6. The winner will be selected at random by the editor of Caravan Times, whose decision is final.
7. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and we reserve the right to amend the competition details at any time.
8. If you win a competition, we will notify you by e-mail. The organiser’s decision will be final, and no other correspondence will be entered into.
9. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

TV chef James Martin to star at London caravan show

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by Tom Lowenstein

Saturday Kitchen star James Martin is heading to The Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show next month as one of the special guests, it has been announced.

The popular television personality will be the star of the show’s Cookery Theatre, putting the experience he got filming a TV cookery series from inside an Airstream caravan to the best possible use.

As the proud owner of a Concorde Carver motorhome, there are few better guests who could be making an appearance at this year’s show, and James, who has his own successful range of kitchen equipment, is sure to go down a storm with visitors.

Alongside the TV chef there will be the usual assortment of experts from the caravan industry on hand to answer all of your questions and every major caravan and motorhome manufacturer displaying their latest models.

Held at London’s ExCel venue, it is the first such show in the south of England in seven years and after the success of the recent Manchester show is sure to go down a storm with caravanners.

Support at the show comes from The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, and both will be offering a range of activities, workshops and talks to keep you entertained throughout.

The show runs from February 14th until February 19th and you can still buy tickets online, with prices set at £8 for adults and £7 for over-60s, while under-16s go free.

Cheshire caravan park wins Friendly Club CS of the Year award

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by Tom Lowenstein

The owners of the Brook House Farm caravan site in Cheshire are celebrating after they won the 2011 Best Certificated Site (CS) award from the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Situated in the peaceful town of Middlewich, the site is owned by husband and wife team Alison and Adrian Smith, and the Friendly Club’s members nominated it for the award in recognition of its location, environment and atmosphere.

It was praised for being “clean and tidy” and having a “warm and friendly” atmosphere. Commenting on the award, Alison said she and Adrian were delighted to have won the award again, after they scooped the award in their first year open.

“We joined The Camping and Caravanning Club when our children were young and always thought we’d like to run our own site,” she said.

“One of the things we like best is looking over the site on a warm summer’s evening and seeing our campers sharing a barbecue and making friends.”

The award, which is sponsored by Calor, allows club members to nominate their favourite sites. Brook House Farm first won the accolade back in 2007.

Following seven positive years, the Camping and Caravanning Club are changing the format next year, incorporating new categories to allow more sites to get the recognition they deserve.

‘Best ever’ Manchester caravan show breaks records

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by Tom Lowenstein

This year’s Caravan & Motorhome Show came to an end at Manchester’s EventCity on Sunday (22nd January) and since then has widely been celebrated as a massive success.

Following its move to the new venue, visitor numbers at the show swelled by a huge 42 per cent and manufacturers have reported record sales.

Some 31,489 visitors passed through the front doors of EventCity over the four days the show ran for, making it the biggest ever caravan show held in the North West.

It proved such a success that 70 per cent of the exhibitors present have already guaranteed their participation next year.

The show was organised by Clarion Events with support from The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club, and in its first day alone 8,000 people attended, more than double the 3,000 who visited on the opening day last year.

Following Swift Group’s announcement that they broke previous sales records with orders topping the £4 million mark, Brian Laing, the managing director of Glossop Caravans revealed a similar success story at his dealership’s stand.

“[It was] the best I’ve seen in more than 30 years of exhibiting at events,” he said.

“We had the best day of sales we’ve ever had for Glossop Caravans. Attendance and sales have been terrific.”

Rob Quine, managing director of Elddis Caravans, confirmed that the new location has contributed to this year’s success.

“This is clearly a positive step forward from the show’s previous location and we’re looking forward to seeing this show evolve,” he commented.

Did you attend the Manchester Caravan & Motorhome Show? Was it worthwhile? Would you go again in 2013? Join the debate in our community forum

All £1m worth of Discover Leisure stock auctioned off

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by Tom Lowenstein

Around £1 million worth of stock from former Discover Leisure outlets has been sold at auction by property consultants Sanderson Weatherall.

With Discover Leisure and its trading subsidiary Signlease Ltd in administration, following its collapse in October 2011, stock including caravans, motorhomes and camping supplies that belonged to the retailer were put up for auction.

Around 60 new and second-hand caravans and motorhomes were included in the online sale which featured over 2,000 separate lots in total.

Plant machinery was also sold in the online auction, which was hosted by Bidspotter.co.uk, with other trade bodies coming forward to take advantage of cut price deals for the valuable equipment.

The sale always looked likely to be a success with over 1,200 different companies and individuals registering an interest in the sale. In the end, more than 400 different buyers snapped up the goods.

However, these sales will do little to offset the debts of the stricken Yorkshire-based dealership.

Administrators KPMG, who were called in to deal with the fall-out when Discover Leisure went bust in October last year revealed that the firm had debts of around £35 million.

Two sites in Tyne and Wear, and York that used to be occupied by Discover Leisure are reopening this month after being acquired by the family-run business Catterick Caravans.

Now then, now then – Jimmy Savile’s carawagon up for sale

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by Tom Lowenstein

Having spent much of his life ‘fixing it’ so other people could achieve their dreams, the late Sir Jimmy Savile could do so one final time after it was revealed that his converted Range Rover caravan is to be auctioned off.

Back in 1978 the tireless Sir Jimmy had his Range Rover modified so he could use it as a ‘live-in’ vehicle when he was travelling to and from the many charity events he attended, and now one lucky bidder has the chance to buy it.

Despite the fact that he paid just £3,000 for the 4×4, it is expected to fetch more than £16,000 when the auctioneer’s gavel comes down on February 18th at Brookland’s Historics, Autoblog reported.

Only the front seats remain of the original interior, while a custom-made mattress spans the rear and a hand basin has been fitted behind the front seats.

These so-called ‘Carawagons’ were traditionally modified from Land Rover 109s during the 70s and 80s, turning the typical towcar into a caravan all of its own.

The fact that Sir Jimmy had this Range Rover converted makes it all the more rare, and it is sure to receive a lot of attention when it goes under the hammer.

Sir Jimmy Savile became famous as a radio DJ before his now legendary ‘Jim’ll Fix It’ television show. He died in October last year.

Swift Caravans sales top £4 million at Manchester show

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by Tom Lowenstein

The 2012 Caravan and Motorhome Show in Manchester closed its doors for another year on Sunday (January 22nd), but already one manufacturer has revealed just how successful it proved.

Swift Caravans saw sales of its touring caravans and motorhomes more than double at this year’s event, notching up more than £4 million worth of purchases during the show.

This amounts to an impressive £1 million per day of the show, with the East Yorkshire manufacturer crediting its range of lightweight and low-priced tourers for its impressive performance.

Tourers accounted for more than £2.5 million, while sales of the group’s motorhomes increased by 135 per cent on last year’s show to make up a total of £1.65 million.

All of the Sprite and Sprite Lite ranges were on display at the show, while Swift was also showcasing six new models in its Challenger Sport and Sterling Eccles Sport ranges.

Nick Page, Commercial Director at Swift Group, said: “By giving people products that are more cost effective, better designed and in the case of our tourers, lighter and easier to tow with smaller cars, we are seeing some very positive results.”

He added that the company has now sold its entire production batch of the 2012 models, allowing it to focus production on the models that customers have shown most interest in.

Win an Elddis Xplore with Friendly Club photo competition

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by Chris Jefferies
In 2012 it seems like everyone is getting in the mood for the Olympics, especially the Camping and Caravanning Club, who have launched a very exciting photography competition.
To celebrate the year of the London Games, the Friendly Club has teamed up with Elddis Caravans to help capture the Olympic spirit.
Budding photographers are being asked to submit their snaps across ten different categories, to create an Alternative Decathlon of images that will represent the very best of the British countryside.
The winning entries will be awarded a series of prizes, ranging from theme park days out and hiking boots to the grand prize of brand new Elddis Xplore caravan, worth up to £15,000.
In order to be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is take a picture that captures your love of the great outdoors and submit it to one of the ten different categories.
Some of the categories (Weightlifting, Hurdles and Backstroke) relate to actual Olympic events, while some of the others are more unusual, such as Discuss, Individual Pursuit and Freestyle.
All photos must be uploaded to the Alternative Decathlon website by July 15th to qualify for the competition, and the winners will be announced on July 27th – the first day of the London Olympics.
Rob Quine, Managing Director at Elddis, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Club’s unique Alternative Decathlon campaign, which will help boost domestic tourism in 2012 by highlighting some of the most fantastic and picturesque places to camp and caravan in the UK.”

Swift Caravans to sponsor student race car builders

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by Tom Lowenstein

Swift Caravans has announced this week that they are to sponsor the Hull University Formula Student Team during the current academic year.

The team of students are embarking on a project to design and build a single-seat racing car which will then be raced at the British Grand Prix track Silverstone in July.

As well as providing financial backing to the project, the Swift Group have also assisted the students in their strategy by offering their expertise in financial planning in addition to encouraging a number of their suppliers to get involved.

Commenting on their involvement, Swift Group commercial director Nick Page said that the company has always enjoyed a good relationship with the local community.

“We have spent the last few years working with a number universities, institutions and research organisations to improve our engineering relationships,” he said.

“Being offered the Lead Sponsor for the Hull University Formula Student Team shows that our name and logo are now established within the engineering community.”

Should everything go to plan, the “Hull University Challenger” vehicle will be on display this year at the Birmingham NEC show in October and then at the London Excel show in February 2013.

Plans submitted for brand new eco-friendly caravan park

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by Tom Lowenstein

Northumberland could soon have an environmentally friendly holiday park if proposals submitted to planning chiefs get the green light.

Should the application get the go ahead it will see a brand new holiday park be constructed close to the A1 in West Thirston, near the Burgham Park Golf Club, the Northumberland Gazette reported.

As well as the mandatory amenity building, shop, reception and manager’s lodge, the plans also include provisions for 36 two and three-bedroom lodges as well as nine pitches for touring caravans and a play area.

Set to be named Elm Park, the site would be screened from the road with landscaping while a footbridge and access road would also be installed.

Plans have been developed in association with a team of ecology specialists and the park would also offer holidaymakers cycle hire.

Gary Swarbrick, who is acting as an agent for the applicant, Clive Milner, told the local newspaper that the park would accommodate log cabins built to the highest standards with only sustainable materials.

“The biodiversity value of the site will be promoted through the provision of a number of nature walks throughout the site and a dedicated nature area,” he added.

Earlier this month the Seafield Caravan Park in Northumberland confirmed that it was pressing ahead with its expansion plans after putting them on hold for a year.