by Chris Jefferies
A large park in the city of Lancaster could be partially turned into a caravan park and camp site in order to boost local tourism, it has been suggested.
Several local organisations are looking at commercialising Williamson Park, and the council-approved Lancaster Cultural Heritage Strategy report has suggested creating a caravan and camping site on the land, the Lancaster Guardian reports.
It has been argued that the city is currently punching below its weight and cannot attract similar visitor numbers to York or Chester, despite its comparable heritage attractions.
The report said: “It is widely acknowledged that our heritage offering is at least as good as Chester or York but that we have been let down by under-investment and a lack of a coherent approach and message.”
Caravan site options in Lancashire are currently fairly limited, with the Caravan Club only operating two parks in the county – Blackpool South and Burrs County.
Buyers warned of influx of stolen European caravans
Would-be caravan owners have been warned to be on the look-out for stolen tourers, as the number of illegal vans coming in from the EU has risen sharply.
This ‘influx’ comes after the laws were recently changed allowing wider caravans to be towed on the UK’s roads, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS).
European gangs are reported to be stealing desirable tourers and destroying their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before importing them to the UK to sell on to unsuspecting caravan lovers.
Anyone who is considering buying one of the estimated 25,000 caravans that are sold in the UK each year should check that the VIN is intact and that the tourer comes with all the relevant paperwork, including the original registration document.
Tim Booth, leisure vehicle officer at AVCIS, said: “Criminals are taking advantage of the UK’s new demand for European vehicles.”
Other top tips offered by AVCIS include:
- Don’t be tempted to buy a bargain. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
- Review the chassis stamp to see if it has been removed or altered completely.
- Ensure that the original registration document is provided. Unlike UK caravans, European caravans are registered as trailers so must have an official log book.
- Ask the seller for identification and proof of their address. They may be reluctant to provide this if something shady is going on.
- And finally, if you’re still not sure – ask to see photographic evidence of the seller using the caravan. Few caravan users wouldn’t have photographic records of their travels.
Plans for cliff-top caravan bar scrapped after locals speak out
Controversial plans for a setting up a bar in an Airstream caravan on the top of a cliff have had to be abandoned after 40 local residents voiced their objections.
The owners of the Atlantic House Hotel at New Polzeath in Cornwall had planned to set up the temporary bar and beer garden, but were forced to pull out at the eleventh hour, the Cornish Guardian reports.
Local opposition mainly focused on the fact that the plot in question was registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Other objections included the health and safety implications of allowing people to drink alcohol so near a cliff edge and the impact that regular visits from drunken revellers could have on the area and the wider environment.
Had the proposals been voted through, then the makeshift venue would have been able to sell alcohol on this spot from 11am to 10pm every day until the end of October.
It was hoped that visitors would be allowed to enjoy a drink in the classic silver Airstream caravan, while enjoying the view, with additional picnic benches included as part of a fenced-off area.
The u-turn was so late that the tourer had even been delivered to the site opposite Atlantic Terrace, which was going to be called the Doom Bar.
Polzeath resident and campaigner Diana Millington, told the local paper: “This is amazing news. It shows the hotel does have a concern for the local people.”
What do you think about the idea of having a caravan converted into a cliff-top bar? Join the debate in our forum
Caravanning in Europe? Spanish motorways get higher speed limits
Caravan owners heading to Spain this summer will be able to drive a little bit faster without breaking the law, as a three-month reduction of the maximum speed limit has come to an end.
Back in April the Spanish government took the move to reduce the maximum speed limit on motorways from 120kph (75mph) to 110 mph in an effort to reduce fuel costs.
However, it has reversed that decision today (July 7th) meaning that Spanish holidaymakers will be able to get to their destination camp site that little bit quicker.
Fuel consumption will no doubt be at the front of many caravan owners’ minds this summer, with fuel prices going up across Europe, so many may choose to keep their speed down anyway.
Spain is the number one most popular overseas destination for UK tourists, with a quarter of all our overseas car hire taking place there.
The Caravan Club has 20 different sites in Spain for touring holidaymakers to choose from, ranging from Camping Playa Joyel in the northern region of Cantabria to Camping Cabo de Gata and Camping Cabopino among many others on the south coast.
VIDEO: Chris Gosling’s Caravan Diary – Great Yarmouth Caravan Club Site
Fans of Chris Gosling rejoice! The former Caravan Channel presenter decided to hang up his microphone a year ago, but fear not – you can now watch his new show “Caravan Diary” right here on Caravan Times. Chris has teamed up with us to show you the best campsites and attractions from around the UK.
The Caravan Club’s Great Yarmouth Racecourse site is easy to reach – just follow the racecourse signs and you’re there. This week Chris takes a tour of the facilities on offer – 115 pitches include hardstandings and sandy grass pitches.
The family-friendly attractions of Great Yarmouth are just a short stroll from the site. But if you fancy some quieter time then visitors can find a sandy beach just 300 yards away. And check back next time when Chris and Dot enjoy a day at the races!
If you’re looking for a break with a bit of everything, you could do worse than visit the Caravan Club site at Great Yarmouth. And this week Chris Gosling did just that as he tours the area in his latest Caravan Diary.
Caravans picked out as ‘best of British’ manufacturing
Chris Jefferies
A top Tory MP has said that caravans are the best example of great British manufacturing in his Humberside constituency.
David Davies MP plumped for tourers, as manufacturers such as Swift, Coachman, Burstner and Dethleffs are all located in the north-eastern county.
This remark comes in response to a new campaign from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, called Made by Britain, which is asking MPs to highlight the important role that manufacturing plays in their local areas.
Caravan manufacturing is one of the largest industries in the Humberside area, and according to the Office for National Statistics manufacturing as a whole accounts for 17.1 per cent of all the jobs in Hull, compared with the national average of 10.2 per cent.
Since the 2009 downturn led to the loss of 1,500 jobs in the industry, caravan manufacturing has started to rise again, with 80 jobs being created at static caravan maker Victory Leisure Homes alone.
Elddis Caravans 2012 range: new models and layouts
Elddis Caravans has launched new models in all five of its ranges for 2012, with the Crusader and Buccaneer brands getting a complete overhaul. Invited members of the press got a close-up look at the new vans at the Consett headquarters yesterday (July 4th).
Caravan Times was there to get the first shots of the new interior and exterior features, and we can report that there have been a large number of changes with the aim of reducing weight and improving durability.
The new Xplore, Avante, Odyssey, Crusader and Buccaneer models all retain their own distinctive style. Xplore buyers will get a sleek, new all-white design, while added curves are the key features among the Avantes.
The Odyssey range benefits from lowered weight and one new layout, while the Crusaders feature grey design flourishes. Finally, the luxury brand Buccaneer has an all-new grey look, to compliment the GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) body and underskin, which saves weight and makes these tourers even more scratch resistant.
Elddis fans can expect to see these new vans on display at the Lawns Show in September, with the models arriving at dealers and being made available to order at the same time.
Prices range from £10,779 to £13,599 in the Xplore range; Avante tourers are available from £13,599 to £17,599, while Odyssey starts at £17,749 and goes up to £19,949. In the Crusader range prices go from £20,299 to £23,799, while the Buccaneer range starts at £23,999 and goes up to £26,999.
Elddis Caravans 2012: What’s new
The new range from Elddis has three key themes to it: Weight, weight, and weight. With caravan buyers feeling the pinch from rising petrol prices, having a lightweight and cheap-to-run tourer has never been more important. For this reason, the Consett-based ‘van makers have taken several steps to strip yet more weight off their new range. As Managing Director Rob Quine puts it, “Weight is key for us”.
The biggest change is the introduction of the Whale underfloor heating system on the entire Xplore range and the Avante 372. This frees up more space for cupboard storage and significantly reduces the weight.
Weights are also down across the entire Avante range, with the best-selling 540 model now weighing almost 12 per cent less than it did in 2010.
Camping and caravanning: Good for your child’s health?
Parents taking their children on a camping and caravanning holiday are well-aware of the health benefits of taking an outdoors break, a survey has revealed.
New research from the Camping and Caravanning Club shows that 84 per cent of adults believe that a camping style holiday is good for a child’s health, while 73 per cent say that it is something that every child should experience.
The kids seem equally keen, with 87 per cent of young survey respondents saying that camping in the countryside makes them feel really happy.
Furthermore, caravanning enthusiasts are so keen on taking in the great outdoors on a family holiday, that 59 per cent think it should be taught in schools as part of the National Curriculum.
The study, which was undertaken by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University, comes as part of the Club’s ‘Real Richness’ report.
Robert Louden, director general of the Club, said: “There is a lot of evidence to show that not only can camping improve a child’s behaviour, but it can also make them more attentive and interested in the world around them.”
Earlier this year, the Club released a report showing that 79 per cent of children who had never been on a camping holiday said that they would like to try it.
Caravan Club launches summer activities at Motor Museum
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is due to lay on a range of events with the Caravan Club next month, including historic memorabilia and creative workshops.
Starting on August 1st and running until the end of the month, families will be able to take part in a range of sessions, from car and caravan construction to badge making and games.
These events will be running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in August from midday to 4pm.
Caravan Club members visiting the National Motor Museum can get a third off their admission with a Great Days Out attraction voucher as well as showing a valid membership card.
While you’re there, the museum’s current Feats of Endurance exhibition is well worth a look for any avid petrolheads.
Furthermore, visitors to the Caravan Club’s New Forest Centenary Site in Bransgore can see a range of memorabilia from the Club’s collection on each Tuesday in August from 3pm to 5pm.
Local group bids for Aberdeenshire caravan site
The continued sell off of all 11 council-owned caravan sites in Aberdeenshire has attracted a bid from a local community group, it has been reported.
Turriff and District have shown an interest in taking over the Station Road caravan park, using the nearby Inverbervie site’s five-year regeneration as a template, according to the Banffshire Journal.
John Smith, treasurer of Turiff community council, said: “The likely outcome is that the community council and Turriff and District Ltd will set up a community trust-type of group to bid for the site.”
He added that the group would share any profits made among local causes, ensuring that the benefits would be kept within the community.
Aberdeenshire council is currently in the process of considering bids for all 11 of the caravan sites it runs, as it aims to reduce its budget deficit of £64,000.
Local community groups are the preferred bidders, but if there is not enough interest in any of the sites, then bids from commercial operators will also be considered.
Caravan parks in Banff and Portsoy have also been the subject of bids from local community groups, the local paper added.
Devon and Somerset fire service warns of caravan fire risk
Caravan owners have been offered some top tips for reducing the risk of fire in their tourer this summer by a local fire service.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service claims that around 1,400 caravan fires occur in the UK each year, but there are several crucial steps that touring holidaymakers can take to stay safe.
First of all, the fire service advises all caravan owners to fit a fire alarm and a carbon monoxide detector, and make sure the batteries are still working.
Other preventative measures include keeping a fire extinguisher on board and keeping matches out of reach of children, while smokers are urged to use metal ash trays and not smoke in bed.
Furthermore, vents should be cleared regularly to avoid any build-up of harmful or flammable gasses in your home away from home.
Finally, the emergency service has reminded caravanners to park their tourers at least six meters apart to stop fires from spreading quickly.
Brits cutting down on car use as petrol prices rise
The rising price of fuel is forcing many Brits to reduce the number of car journeys they are taking, a motoring survey has revealed.
Caravan and tow car owners will be among those most affected, as 80 per cent of British drivers have changed their driving behaviour over the past year, according to the study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Furthermore, more than 38 per cent said they were making fewer journeys altogether – a trend that could possibly lead to a decline in caravan holidays.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM, said: “The days of cruising the motorway at 80mph, regardless of the cost, are over. With rocketing fuel prices it is clear that drivers are changing their behaviour.”
The IAM’s tips for driving more efficiently include regularly checking tyre pressure, removing unnecessary weight and avoiding using the air conditioning.
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