Scottish farmers urged to convert land for caravans

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by Chris Jefferies

Farmers and estate managers in Scotland will be meeting up next month to discuss how they can convert their land into small scale tourism ventures, such as caravan sites. The rural enterprise event, which is being run by the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association could result in several small camping and caravanning sites being set up across the north of the UK, the Land Gazette reports.

Event sponsors Smiths Gore claim that there is a significant potential for farmers to earn extra money by opening up their land to touring holidaymakers.

Craig Miles, planning consultant with the company, said: “Anyone with rural land they feel can be used for outdoor holiday accommodation including chalets, camping ground, caravan pitches, cottages or even a wigwam pitch should come along.”

The event is being held at Carfraemill Caravan Site in Lauder on June 2nd, admission is free and refreshments and lunch will be provided to all those attending.

Caravan Club gets 60-year lease in Strathclyde

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by Chris Jefferies

Strathclyde Park will be maintained by the Caravan Club for the next 60 years, following a two-year saga to obtain council approval. North Lanarkshire Council awarded the lease to the national caravanning organisation, despite recieving a rival offer, which was four times as big, the Bellshill Speaker reported.

The 18-acre site has been open to touring holidaymakers for 35 years and boasts a Scottish Tourist Board two-star Touring Park award and a three-pennant AA rating.

Private pitches can accommodate up to 100 caravans and 50 tents, while there are four toilet and shower blocks, as well as a small shop on the site.

Councillors voted 36 to 16 in favour of the Caravan Club’s £50,000 tender and work to improve the site will begin in November.

Deputy council leader Jim Smith said: “The Caravan Club has sites across Europe and that presents a unique opportunity to market the site.”

Bailey Caravans offers further advice on Unicorn wheel detachments

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by Marcus Dubois

The Bristol manufacturer continues to investigate the root cause of how wheels could have become detached from a small number of Unicorn caravans

Bailey Caravans has moved to further reassure Unicorn customers this week, following an earlier product recall due to wheels becoming detached from some models.

Caravan Times spoke to Bailey marketing director Simon Howard earlier today, who revealed “we are actively working with our suppliers to follow up on every possible lead”. He added “We’re confident we can find a solution and eliminate any further issues”. Click here to read the full Q& A interview with Simon Howard

Last week the Bristol manufacturer announced the recall on all single axle models in the luxury Unicorn range following a number of reports occurring within the space of a fortnight. A full recall was then issued for safety reasons, although the number of Unicorns affected “amounted to 0.3% of those sold” according to Bailey.

While the firm has so far been unable to find the root of the problem, Bailey Caravans today released an update to share its findings so far. According to the report, “no units manufactured before the week commencing 22/11/10 have been affected by this issue, and neither have any Unicorn Barcelona or Seville models. Bailey stated that “as a result we no longer consider these particular caravans to be at risk – which reduces the potential number of units affected from 3,356 to 1,202”.

A third party crash inspection expert has been employed to assist with the process, while Bailey has also purchased an affected Unicorn model with the aim of re-creating conditions that could cause this type of failure. In the meantime the firm has re-iterated the advice issued last week on the importance of torquing the wheel bolts of a caravan (in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Owner’s Manual) prior to travelling with the vehicle.

If customers are unable to carry out this task, Bailey advise taking the caravan to the nearest Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre. As a gesture of goodwill Bailey is currently carrying out all necessary repairs to vehicles free of charge. Click here for full details of how to contact your Approved Bailey Retailer or Service Centre. Alternatively you can telephone the Bailey Customer Helpline on 0117 305 2939 or email helpline@baileycaravans.co.uk

Click here to read the full Q & A interview with Simon Howard on the Unicorn issue

Fun, games and (lots of) flags – my first time at The Caravan Club National Rally

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by Marcus Dubois

The weather forecast had predicted rain for the entire weekend. And with a cloud having (literally) been cast over our first ever National Rally, I found myself in damp spirits as we approached the turning to the stately home of Weston Park.

Accompanied by my travelling companion and his girlfriend, we exchanged plenty of stories of what to expect. Thousands of caravans, arenas of sports competitions, pageantry and pomp, and some of the friendliest people in the caravan community. Yet nothing had prepared us for the sight that greeted us as we approached the hill leading to Weston Park.

A sea of caravans spread across the rolling green as far as the eye could see, heralded by wave upon wave of flags from every corner of Britain. Caravans grouped into mini-villages, with pennants proudly proclaiming the region or county represented.

Families happily milling about between these white islands greeting each other while sampling barbeque food under awnings. For complete newcomers like us the sight was both fascinating and overwhelming. Luckily for us, one of our first encounters was with a group of Scots who were more than willing to take us through the basics of rallying.

Rallying under a flag

Walking happily amongst the rows and rows of caravans at the Rally, we first stumbled upon the Scottish Caravan Club. They were not tricky to find. A large saltire pennant proclaiming “Scotland, The Brave” flew proudly from the entrance to this corner of Scotland at Weston Park, accompanied by the gold and red of the Royal Standard. And soon we were greeted warmly by none other than Scottish Club webmaster Morris Whitehead and vice-chairman Ian Bennett who led us to the beginnings of an impromptu barbeque.

Over some beers and nibbles Morris began to explain the concept behind rallying. Groups of like-minded caravanners are brought together by region, and enjoy organised weekends away together for reasonable prices. The Caravan Club contains regional sub-groups called Centres which arrange rallies and special events throughout the year, and every Club Member can register with a Centre by contacting the membership department and stating their region. Ian Bennett explained further the system behind rallying in Scotland. “You don’t have to be registered with a centre – if you’re a Caravan Club member then you can turn up and we’ll be happy to see you.”

“And it’s a great way of meeting new people” Maurice added with a smile. After an hour happily spent chatting with the Scottish Caravan Club we could certainly attest to this.

Fun and games for all the family

So you’ve found your area, pitched up, spent an hour or so deploying the awning and set out the furniture – what’s next? Well we soon discovered that the National Rally is perhaps the closest thing Britain gets to a national village fete. Scores of stalls offered tasty produce and classic British fayre, while the arena featured everything from traditional pageantry in the official Opening, to a stunning exhibition of dog handling with obstacles such as burning tyres.

Yet one of the most striking aspects of the Rally for a newcomer was the tournaments taking place around the fields of Weston Park. Imagine the equivalent of a giant school sports day, but with all ages from across all regions of the UK taking part, and you’ll begin to get close to the experience of the Rally Games.

As we approached the final of the Tug of War it was clear that from the sweat and graft on display that regional pride was not to be trifled with! And politicians concerned about the erosion of community would do well to visit a rally or two, where youngsters spoke to us with bursting pride of representing their county at the sports events throughout the year.

We finished the day so happy and exhausted that we almost didn’t notice the rain. And neither did the thousands of caravanners in attendance at the 83rd National Rally who showed us exactly why come rain or shine they return each year for this unique caravanning experience.

The 84th Caravan Club National Rally will be held at Sledmere House in East Yorkshire from 27 – 31 May. Click here to book tickets.

Cheshire farm converted into caravan park

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan lovers visiting Cheshire this summer will have another stop-off available to them, as the market town of Frodsham is due to get a £650,000 caravan park. Opening next month, the Lady Heyes Touring Caravan Park will be able to house up to 85 caravans on a seven-acre site, which includes a laundry and shower block, the Chester Chronicle reports.

On the opening weekend of June 3rd to 5th, all pitches will be free to book, while all bookings will be half price for the rest of 2011, the owner Tony Faulkner said.

“I’m delighted with the end result. The site commands wonderful views of the Cheshire countryside bordering the River Weaver and offers guests access to Delamere Forest, Chester and the Wirral,” Mr Faulkner added.

The opening will be the culmination of a 15-year plan for the local father of two, who also owns the nearby Lady Heyes Craft and Antique Centre.

Caravan Club supports road safety decade scheme

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by Chris Jefferies

A UN scheme to take action on road safety, with the aim of reducing driving-related deaths around the world, has been backed by the Caravan Club. The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety began yesterday (May 11th) and has five main objectives, including making vehicles safer, responding to crashes better, making roads safer and raising awareness of road safety.

One main target is to reduce the number of road traffic fatalities around the world by 2010, saving around five million lives in the process.

It is currently estimated that 1.3 million people a year (more than 3,000 a day) die as a result of traffic collisions.

Martin Spencer, technical manager of the members group, said: “It is the Caravan Club’s aim to build on its long-standing record for providing comprehensive high quality advice and information to its members, and to those contemplating taking up caravanning.”

Park Resorts to giveaway £50,000 caravan package on ITV’s This Morning

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by Holly Tribe

We’re not usually in the habit of reporting on static caravans here on Caravan Times, but this deal was too good to miss!

Throughout this week, Park Resorts is teaming up with ITV’s This Morning to give away an ABI Summer Supreme caravan plus a host of extras worth in excess of £50,000.

The winner can choose which of Park Resorts’ 36 sites across the country they would like the caravan to be located, with site fees and decking connections included in the prize.

The caravan measures 36′ x 12′ with two spacious bedrooms that can sleep up to six people. It comes kitted out with modern fittings and furnishings – making it a great destination for relaxing and comfortable family holidays.

To find out how to enter, watch This Morning from 10.30am – 12.30pm until Sunday 15th May, or head to their website here.

The closing date for online entries is the 20th May at 7.30am.

Essex residents sound off over Sally Gunnell’s Olympic caravan park

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by Chris Jefferies

Former Olympian Sally Gunnell looks set to face stiff opposition to her plans to build a £1.7 million caravan park in Chigwell in time for next year’s Games in London.

The site, which is anticipated to house up to 1,300 caravans, is the subject of much anger from local residents and councillors, the Daily Mail reports.

Chigwell council chairman Richard Alvin has described the likely scenario as “an unmitigated disaster and a traffic nightmare.”

“The population of Chigwell is about 12,000 spread over 12 square miles so we will be having an uplift of about a quarter to a third in a very short space of time,” he said.

Concerns have been voiced that the 50-acre site will result in excessive noise levels and gridlocked roads, the national newspaper adds.

Furthermore, a letter being circulated by local residents accused the Caravan Club of failing to obtain the proper permission from the local authorities.

Pitches at the temporary site, which is situated just six miles from the Olympic Park in Stratford, will be available from July 25th to September 11th, 2012 and prices start at £25 per night.

Greentrees to open caravan bodyshop facility

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by Chris Jefferies

East Anglian caravan and motorhome dealer Greentrees Adventurestore has announced that it will be opening a new bespoke bodyshop facility. The new workshop, which is estimated to be the largest of its type in East Anglia, will be located near to the dealer’s Dereham headquarters.

It will be capable of completing major repairs to caravans and motorhomes with three staff on site initially, the dealer added.

Neil Greentree, managing director of The Greentree Group, has big plans for the new opening: “We plan to expand our bodyshop facility to be the same size as our current service operation which employs 15 staff.”

Greentrees Adventurestore sells a range of new and used caravans including the new Bailey Pegasus, the Swift Conqueror and the Elddis Crusader.

Other accessories, such as caravan covers, awnings, porches, wheel clamps and camping kits can also be ordered through the company’s website.

Citroen DS3 wins Diesel Car of the Year 2011

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by Holly Tribe

Caravan owners in the market for a new towcar this year might be interested in the results of Diesel magazine’s ‘Diesel Car of the Year Awards 2011’.

Over three hundred entrants were considered in the judging process, competing across eleven class categories. But in the end, the overall champion for ‘Car of the Year 2011’ fell to the Citroën DS3.

Announcing this year’s winners, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car Magazine said: “The Citroen DS3 has an ageless air about it, with a youthful exuberance that gives it a trendy appeal, but at the same time exuding an enduring quality and substance.”

Its price and design make it a fun, affordable option which might appeal to young families looking for a suitable match for a lightweight, entry-level caravan.

Of the other category winners, Mr Robertson added: “There has been a lot of new talent arriving on the motoring scene in the past twelve months, despite the difficult market conditions.”

Two of these ‘newcomers’ were winners in the bigger load lugging MPV and crossover classes. The Kia Sportage, won top spot in the ‘Best Crossover’ class, which also sees Kia take its fifth trophy for the model in under a year. Meanwhile, the SEAT Alhambra scooped the award for best MPV.

Award Winners:

  • Best small car – Citroën DS3
  • Best medium car – Ford Focus
  • Best large car – Ford Mondeo
  • Best executive car – Jaguar XF
  • Best estate car – Skoda Superb
  • Best MPV – SEAT Alhambra
  • Best crossover – Kia Sportage
  • Best 4×4 – Land Rover Discovery 4
  • Best sports car – Peugeot RCZ
  • Best eco car – Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4
  • Car of the year 2011 – Citroën DS3

2012 VW Passat: the evolution of the Volkswagen family car

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by Marcus Dubois

To some observers the Volkswagen Passat may have been getting a little long in the tooth. In a crowded car marketplace the humble family saloon car was in danger of getting left behind in a wake of “crossover” vehicles and lifestyle MPVs. Yet despite its conservative image, this reliable people mover has thrived for over four decades thanks to an impressive reputation. And so to counter any claims of staidness, the VW Passat receives a facelift across Europe – while an entirely new model is introduced in North America.

All of the lights

With fifteen million Passats sold to date, the model is the third best-selling Volkswagen ever (after the mighty Beetle and Golf models). So, VW have pulled out the stops to make the Passat seem even more classy and refined both on the exterior and interior of the car.

The most noticeable update to the 2011 European model is the front section. Here Volkswagen has taken inspiration from its most luxury model, the Phaeton, creating a mini-me version on the Passat with angular block headlights and a wide grill.

Although nearly identical in size to its predecessor, Volkswagen boasts it has created an all-new exterior for this model generation. The roof panel is the only part carried over from the old model, and there are smart chrome accents which accentuate the overall look.

Gadgets galore

One of the key aims of the new Passat is to create a more “upmarket” feel for the family saloon – and as such is laden with plenty of gizmos to cosset and protect the driver. A new safety feature detects driver drowsiness and adjusts the car’s position to compensate, while any unusual lane departures or sudden approaches from other vehicles are met with a similar automated response.

Similarly, the adaptive cruise control system has been taken to new heights in this edition, which works well with the snarled-up motorways and inner city traffic jams of the UK. And if you’ve ever had trouble with parallel or right-angle parking then the new Passat has an aid for that too.

Wallet-friendly engines

The real news for caravanners will be the changes to the engine line-up. The new range now stretches down to include the 1.4 TSI engine (120bhp) which proved a bestseller in the Golf lineup. Petrol models also include a new 1.8 TSI version offering a powerful 158bhp, while those with performance in mind will enjoy the 2.0 TSI engine from the Golf GTI.

However for our purposes it’s the diesel models which will be of most interest. The 1.6 TDI in the Passat BlueMotion returns a staggering claim of 69mpg by using Stop-Start technology to conserve fuel. And if you want more towing power and grunt from your diesels, then the 2.0 TDI diesels (138bhp or 168bhp respectively) give you all the power you could need from a Volkswagen towcar.

Yorkshire beaches win 20 seaside awards

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by Chris Jefferies

Caravan owners looking to take a coastal break to discover some of the UK’s most pristine beaches have been advised to explore Yorkshire, as the region has won 20 awards for the quality of its coastline.

Nine beaches in the East Riding area have been honoured in the annual Blue Flag and Quality Coast awards, as well as 11 beaches in North Yorkshire.

Keep Britain Tidy runs both award schemes, with the Blue Flag being given to areas with high standards of water quality, safety and cleanliness, while the Quality Coast award is reserved for beaches with high-quality facilities and exceptional cleanliness.

Withernsea, Runswick Bay, Filey Bay and South Landing are four beaches in the county to be recognised in this way.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “The continuing high standards of these beaches are testament to the hard work carried out by the beach managers throughout the year in order to provide clean and safe beaches.”

Caravan owners looking to visit Yorkshire can choose from a range of sites including Low Moor and Bridlington, both of which are located near the east coast.