VIDEO: Monica Rivron on the making of the Caravan Cookbook

Posted March 2, 2011 by

One of the stars of Boat and Caravan 2011 was author Monica Rivron who launched the Caravan Cookbook, a beautifully photographed collection of easy-to-make recipes for holidaymakers.

Monica first discovered caravanning ten years ago after the BBC asked her and husband Rowland Rivron to film a caravan holiday for a TV programme. Slightly apprehensive at first, the trip became the start of what is now a family passion.

Caravan Times caught up with trained chef Monica at Boat and Caravan 2011 where she was a guest of the Caravan Club. We chatted about the inspiration behind the book, as well as her family’s love of caravanning.

We’re giving away a signed copy of the Caravan Cookbook – click here for your chance to win

Win a signed copy of Monica Rivron’s Caravan Cookbook

Posted March 2, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Thank you for your entries, this competition is now closed.

This gorgeous new recipe book by Monica Rivron is full of beautifully illustrated recipes that are easy to prepare from your caravan kitchen. And this week we’re giving away a copy of the Caravan Cookbook signed by Monica herself!

Click here for your chance to win a signed copy of the Caravan Cookbook

There are handy hints on how to turn cooking on a family holiday from a chore into a pleasure, and includes top barbequing tips as well as inspiring meal choices for tricky teenagers.

The Rivron’s passion for caravanning began ten years ago, when Monica’s husband Roland was asked to review a caravanning holiday for a BBC TV programme. The family soon caught the caravanning bug and since then Monica, being a trained chef, has become a master of cooking up simple and tasty family meals from the family’s caravan.

So – if you’ve ever pitched up on the first day of your holiday and the thought of cooking up a meal for the brood makes you shudder, then this could be the book for you.

Caravan Times editor Marcus Dubois recently caught up with Monica in the Caravan Club lounge at Boat & Caravan Show to have a chat about the book and her family’s love of touring. Take a look at our video interview here.

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Discover the Yorkshire Wolds on your next caravan holiday

Posted March 2, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Dedicated caravanners may already have spent some time exploring the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire.

But according to the BBC’s Countryfile magazine, most tourists head to the “rugged” hills of the Dales and the Moors and ignore the third, lesser-known area known as the Wolds.

Here, visitors will find a “soft crescent” of hills, as well as “secret” deep valleys and “astonishingly pretty” villages that could easily rival those found in the Cotswolds.

An article on the publication’s website pointed out the numerous activities and attractions on offer to tourists in the Yorkshire Wolds, including long-distance cycle routes and the popular Wolds Way for walkers.

In the market town of Beverley, there lies the Beverly Minster, which according to Countryfile “outshines York’s most famous equivalent by some distance”.

And where the Wolds comes to an “abrupt halt” at the coast east of Burton Agnes, the dramatic white cliffs rival any of those found on the south coast, the publication claims.

Caravanners will find plenty of touring accommodation throughout the Yorkshire Wolds, including Fosse Hill Caravan Park and Blue Rose Caravan Country Park in Brandesburton between Driffield and Beverley.

Lightweight Caravans Week: Meet the 2011 Tab Caravans collection

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

Fuel prices seem to be forever on the increase in recent times, meaning the cost of caravanning has been creeping up. So this week on Caravan Times is Lightweight Caravans Week, where we take a look at some of the excellent lightweight ranges currently on the market that can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money.

There is always a trade off when you go down the lightweight route. To keep the kgs down, it is necessary to make sacrifices in terms of kit and interior appointments. But lightweight doesn’t have to mean dull and uninspiring. Enter the wonderfully unique range of Tab caravans.

They are similar in shape to vintage American Teardrop trailers, but unlike their diminutive cousins, Tab caravans are bigger with full standing room inside. Even critics of ‘boring white caravans’ have been known to succumb to the quirky design of these German built tourers. Customers can choose from an array of colour kits, and there’s also or a range of graphics packs (pictured).

Weights range from the lightest entry level Tab 320 version with an MRO of just 550kg up to the meatier Tab-L at 1,000kg. But even at the heavier end of the scale, it is unlikely you would have to switch to a larger towcar. One Tab owner Suzi Love, even tows her Tab 320 with a tiny Fiat 500. She kindly got in touch with us to provide this picture of her Tab towed by her Fiat. (below).
Tabs are certainly a rare breed in the UK and likely to attract a lot of attention when you’re out and about on site. They do
come with privacy shades for the windows, but if you do own one of these striking compact caravans you could be forgiven for keeping the blinds up to witness the reactions of passersby!

Tab 320
The smallest of the bunch, the rear seating area converts into a wall to wall double bed and a compact kitchen runs the along the front end.

Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.77m
Overall width: 1.99m
Overall height: 2.28m
MPTLM: 800kg

Tab Offroad
The Tab Offroad comes with the same layout as the Tab 320 but has larger dimensions being slightly taller, wider and longer.

Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.84m
Overall width: 2.04m
Overall height: 2.40m
MPTLM: 1,000kg

Tab L
There’s a curved table at the front which converts into a compact double and the furnishing scheme comes in two options: hot red or cool blue.

Berth:
Overall length: 5.71m
Overall width: 2.23m
Overall height: 2.55m
MPTLM: 1,200kg

There’s an array of optional extras including a 40 litre fridge, heater and roof rails, and awning manufacturers, Isabella, have created a tailor made range of awnings to fit Tab’s unusual curved profile. For more information regarding colour kits and prices, head to Southdowns Motorcaravans or Catterick Caravans.

Are rising fuel prices changing the way we drive?

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

As prices on petrol forecourts continue to rise, the AA has revealed that the escalating cost of driving is having an impact on the way people operate their cars.

A recent survey of 15,199 AA members revealed that almost half aimed to reduce their speed and drive more economically in response to rising fuel costs.

Whether your towcar is hitched to a caravan, or if you’re out and about for the day, AA Drive Smart technical advisor Alan Esam advises drivers that slowing down can dramatically boost fuel economy: “Motorways are one of the key battlegrounds in the driver’s war against soaring fuel costs. Cruising at 80mph is illegal and can burn up to 25 per cent more fuel than driving at 70mph.

“That’s 25 per cent more money going up in smoke just to get from A to B. Drive Smart has proven that easing off the gas on the motorway, along with other eco driving techniques can slash up to £500 a year from your fuel bills – which means a two-car family can save up to £1,000 a year.”

Online campaign group Fair Fuel UK has warned of a looming fuel crisis where increased VAT, fuel duty and inflation could result in drivers being unable to fill up their tanks altogether. The organisation is building a petition which it plans to present to 10 Downing Street on tomorrow. To find out more and sign the petition visit their website fairfueluk.com.

Will rising fuel prices change the way you drive? Have your say in our forum topic here.

Kids well catered for in Yarmouth at Vauxhall Holiday Park

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Families with children often need to take entertainment into consideration when planning their caravan holidays.

Fortunately, at Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth, kids are well catered for with a variety of fun activities and attractions.

As the Loughborough Echo newspaper pointed out, there are facilities to suit all age groups, from pre-school toddlers to teenagers.

For example, the Tiny Tot Club for children under the age of five provides plenty of activities specifically catered for little ones.

Then there’s a Kidz Club for older children, where Louie the Lion organises treasure hunts, mini Olympic contests and story times.

And for creative types, there is an Arty Kidz session every afternoon, featuring activities such as face painting and hand puppets.

Vauxhall Holiday Park has more than 210 electric touring sites with free awnings. There are also several super pitches, which include mains water connection, electricity hook-up and TV including Freeview connection.

Arsonists torch caravans in double attack

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Arsonists launched a double attack on two caravans parked in the same town last week, destroying both motor homes.

The fires were started on Grange Road and Saville Street in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of Thursday February 17th.

Police are investigating the incidents, believing that both blazes, which caused damage to homes as well as the caravans themselves, were started deliberately.

Chris and Caroline Slater told the Mansfield Chad that they were watching television at home when the caravan parked on their drive burst into flames.

They described how heat from the fire destroyed the front windows of their home.

“Luckily both of the gas bottles in our caravan were nearly empty,” said Mr Slater. “If they had been full there could be nothing left of the front of the house.”

The second fire was started just around the corner ten minutes after the first. Caravan owner Lynn Donkin said the windows of her property were also blown in by the force of the blaze.

Local police officer Amy Freeman commented: “These incidents are being treated as arson. Thankfully no one was injured, however, these were reckless acts which could have had fatal consequences.

“I would urge anyone who knows the perpetrators or has any information to call the police immediately.”

Firefighters tackle blaze on Doncaster caravan site

Posted March 1, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

A fire broke out at a caravan park in Doncaster this week when a gas cylinder exploded, causing three caravans to go up in flames.

According to the Doncaster Free Press, firefighters were called to the park in Sutton Road, Askern, on the evening of Monday February 21st.

Residents were evacuated from the scene as crews attempted to put out the flames and prevent them from spreading to other motor homes.

No one is believed to have been injured in the blaze, which will now be the subject of an investigation.

Although an exploded gas cylinder was found on the site, fire chiefs will be looking to determine the exact cause of the fire.

A number other gas cylinders had to be cooled before residents were allowed to return to their caravans.

The Doncaster fire came after an arson attack on a caravan at Sea Croft Holiday Park in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

According to the Louth Leader, fire crews were called to the site on Sunday February 13th, where they managed to extinguish the flames.

Lightweight Caravans Week: 2011 Trigano Silver Collection

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Holly Tribe

This week Caravan Times launches our Lightweight Caravans Week. With rising fuel prices and cost of living on the increase, many caravanners are hoping to save money in 2011. And each day this week we take a closer look at the best lightweight ranges on offer. To start us off, Holly Tribe explores the Trigano Silver range.

Wandering around the exhibition halls at the Boat and Caravan show last week, an unfamiliar range of ‘vans caught my eye; the 2011 line-up of Trigano Silver caravans. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a sucker for pint-sized tourers so I went in for a closer look.

The Trigano Silver series is a range of pop-up caravans that sits well and truly within the lightweight bracket – the biggest of the five models, the Silver 430, has a gross weight of just 1,200kg.

Cheaper towing

The French manufacturer proudly promotes the range as being ‘easy to tow and easy to store’. With a maximum width of 2m and 1.98m in height when folded, the compact dimensions make for great handling and less wind resistance when towing. And because it’s less than 2m in height, the range is exempt from the larger trailer category charges on toll roads in Europe.

The roof pops up with the aid of gas struts in a little over a minute to expand the internal headroom up to 1.95m making it spacious enough for day to day living, yet when it is collapsed, these models will still fit snugly in many garages.

As the name suggests, each model has silver exterior walls with white detailing, and the 2011 model year versions have new front locker doors which open with a satisfying slide-out-and-up action.

To keep weights down, the spec list is rather light and cooking areas are compact, but they do come equipped with 3 stainless steel burners and a 70 litre fridge. There is a decent amount of overhead storage and window panels in the pop-up section flood the cabin with sunlight during the day.

Compact is the name of the game here, and the Trigano Silver range is ideal for caravanners who enjoy regular short trips away.

Trigano Silver 310

A hyper-compact model, it stands at just 1.8m wide and 4.85m in length, including the coupling. An alternative version was brought out in 2011 which features an L-shaped kitchen area in place of the WC.

Price: £13,795
Berth: 2
Overall length: 4.85m
Overall width: 1.80m
MRO: 747kg

Trigano Silver 340

There are two versions are available: the twin dinette 340 DD or a fixed bed alternative 340 CP.

Price: £14,595
Berth: 3
Overall length: 4.95m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 787kg

Trigano Silver 380

There are three versions of the Silver 380 available, the DD (pictured) and two fixed bed alternatives.

Price: £14,795
Berth: 3
Overall length: 5.25m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 857kg

Trigano Silver 420

There’s plenty of storage underneath the fixed double bed and the mid dinette offers space for entertaining.

Price: £15,195
Berth: 4
Overall length: 5.85m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 917kg

Trigano Silver 430

Living and sleeping areas are clearly defined in the 430, with a compact dinette towards the rear and front twin beds which can be converted into a large double by adding a central slatted frame.

Price: £15,295
Berth: 3
Overall length: 5.85m
Overall width: 2m
MRO: 927kg

For more information contact Trigano dealers Campers & Leisure based in Dorset.

Councillors call for beach clean up near Welsh caravan parks

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Councillors in the Welsh village of Llanddulas are calling for a clean-up of the local beach, which could benefit caravanners heading to the area.

Speaking to the North Wales Weekly News, councillor Brenda Taylor said the village’s tourism trade is suffering because the beach is a “bomb site”.

“Whilst we are the victims of extensive tides and bad weather every year it just seems we go from bad to worse,” she remarked.

“We’ve got several caravan sites along that coast and we don’t even provide a decent beach.”

Ms Taylor pointed out that millions are being spent on improving the beaches and promenades at nearby Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, yet the work does not extend as far as Llanddulas.

She stressed that the coastline does not end at Colwyn Bay and called for capital investment to improve the beaches, walkways and sea defences.

Gwynedd Webb, owner of the Plas Newydd Caravan Park in Llanddulas, said the beach is a major attraction for visitors to her site.

“It would be lovely if they could bring back the sand to Llanddulas beach,” she remarked.

“There is a lot of stones being washed up there, for what reason I’m not sure, but when you see the sand at Rhos-on-Sea, it would be great to see something like that done in Llanddulas.”

Caravanners given fire safety warning

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners have been reminded of the importance of fire safety after a man in his eighties died in a motor home fire.

The Yellow Advertiser reported that firefighters were called to an isolated area of Buckwyns Chase in Billericay last week.

By the time they arrived on the scene, the fire had completely destroyed the caravan and crews were only able to damp down the remains.

Fire chiefs have been unable to determine the exact cause of the blaze, due to the extent of the damage. However, they do not believe it was an arson attack.

Following the incident, station officer Martin Trevillion issued a warning to caravanners about the dangers of poor fire safety.

“Caravans hold the same dangers as any homes and need exactly the same care over safety,” he remarked.

“Smoke alarms should be installed and tested regularly. All wiring and electrical systems should also be checked regularly.”

He added: “All caravans should be equipped with fire extinguishers and fire blankets.”

Lightweight Caravans Week: celebrating green and affordable tourers

Posted February 28, 2011 by

by Marcus Dubois

As Boat and Caravan 2011 came to a close on Sunday the main story this year was the increase in lightweight caravans on display. Caravan Times has often heard from readers looking for models with low weight and towable by ordinary family cars. And with fuel prices on the increase, it gives us an even greater need for lightweight tourers as Britain claws its way out of recession.

So throughout this week on Caravan Times we’re celebrating lightweight caravans. Each day we’ll showcase a manufacturer’s range of low weight tourers, giving you the inside track on features and specifications available. Most of all, we’d love to hear your thoughts about the weight and size of caravans today: click here to have your say in our forum topic.

Boat and Caravan 2011: light and affordable touring

Mainstream manufacturers stole the headlines at Boat and Caravan by showcasing a number of lightweight and cost-effective models. Take a look below at what’s coming up during Lightweight Caravan Week.

Elddis Caravans has continually innovated in the small caravan sector and with the Xplore 302 offers the smallest UK-built caravan in the market today. Elddis also revealed its big brother the Xplore 304 at the NEC – and with a weight of only 1050kgs MTPLM, the firm claims it is the UK’s smallest and lightest four-berther. Both have full-sized bathrooms and show clever use of space with their L-shaped lounge layouts.

“Lightweight luxury” is the motto of Lunar Caravans – and at Boat and Caravan 2011 they didn’t disappoint.
The Lexon 550 and Quasar 464 are squarely aimed at the family market, and both feature bunk beds and strong levels of equipment. The Quasar offers an impressive MTPLM of 1,240kg but still offers four berths, a front end lounge, and a spacious kitchen.

Meanwhile Bailey Caravans took the opportunity to showcase its new “entry-level” tourers which combine light weight with popular layouts. The Bailey Orion is light enough to be towed by popular family cars such as the Citroen Picasso, Mazda 3 and Ford Focus C-Max.

Earlier last month Swift Caravans caught up with Caravan Times and revealed the Sprite Caravans range has seen a 40% increase in sales over the last year. Since its relaunch in 2004 the Sprite range has been renowned for being light and affordable caravans, and its competitive price may have attracted new buyers.

Finally, we’ll take a closer look at some of the lightest caravans on sale today. Trigano Caravans range of “Silver” pop up tourers were on display at Boat and Caravan 2011, and we’ll give you the lowdown on these striking caravans this week. We also spoke to Freedom Caravans about their Microlite range. And for those looking for something different entirely, Tab Caravans and Little Guy Caravans offer that classic teardrop shape with a modern twist.