VIDEO: The heritage and expansion of Airstream Caravans

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by Holly Tribe

For over 75 years Airstream have been producing these iconic ‘silver bullet’ tourers exclusively for the American market. But now, Continental fans of Airstream Caravans can chose from a range models specifically engineered to European standards.

Using the same American build technology, the European range retains the famous ‘fuselage body on wheels’, but components and equipment inside have been tailored to comply with European safety standards and road conditions. Despite its heavier US heritage, the Airstream Europe family has been engineered match lighter towcars and the smallest Airstream Bambi model is light enough to be towed behind a VW Golf.

Caravan Times editor Marcus Dubois talks to Michael Hold of Airstream Europe to learn more about the heritage and development of this iconic brand.

The Friendly Club urges Christmas caravanners to check weather updates

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning Christmas getaways are being advised to check weather updates in their chosen location before travelling.

The Camping and Caravanning Club is recommending that holidaymakers who have made bookings for the festive period check with their site directly to make sure they can still be accommodated.

Freezing conditions have affected the whole of the UK in recent weeks, with heavy snow hitting many parts of the country.

Since some areas have suffered more than others, it is worth calling ahead to check that conditions are safe on site and that bookings can still be honoured.

The Camping and Caravanning Club said it will be posting any information it receives regarding weather conditions at its campsites on its Siteseeker website, so caravanners should keep an eye on the updates.

Motoring groups are also advising drivers to check weather forecasts and traffic alerts before setting out on long journeys, and to carry warm clothing, blankets, torches, food and other emergency items in their vehicles.

Vauxhall Caravan Park offering New Year discounts

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners planning a holiday in Great Yarmouth next year can make savings by booking with Vauxhall Holiday Park.

The site, which provides over 200 all-electric touring pitches on both grass and hard standings, is offering a 15 per cent discount off all its brochure prices, the Loughborough Echo reports.

To take advantage of the promotion, leisure vehicle owners must make their bookings and provide full payment before January 3rd 2011.

Doing so will also enable them to beat the VAT rise, which is due to come into force the following day.

Vauxhall Holiday Park offers awnings and car parking free of charge for caravanners and there are gas cylinder refills, toilet blocks, heated showers and baby changing facilities on site.

Other free-to-use facilities include an Indoor Water World, sun terraces, children’s clubs, live entertainment and discos.

There is also plenty for caravanners to do and see in the wider Great Yarmouth area, which has 15 miles of sandy beaches and is close to the Norfolk Broads.

VIDEO: Season’s Greetings from Caravan Times!

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Hi,

If, like us, you’re a fan of free gear and caravans then please “Like” our Facebook page so you can be the first to hear about our best competitions and give-aways:

facebook.com/caravantimescouk

Through our page we also cherry pick the best news, pics and caravan videos for your enjoyment. You’ll find we often stumble upon off-beat caravan stories which we can’t find a home for on Caravan Times – and they’re just too good not to share! So if you fancy seeing a supercar tow a caravan down a French motorway, click “Like” to join our page.

‘Like’ our page before the end of the month to be in with a chance of winning a Milenco Caravan Noseweight Gauge! And don’t forget to say hello once you’ve joined us, as we love hearing from readers!

See you soon,

Holly and Marcus

Park Holidays UK ‘will not impose royal wedding surcharges’

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by Gemma Roskell

Caravanners hoping to stay at one of the 25 UK sites owned by Park Holidays UK during the royal wedding celebrations next year will not face surcharges.

According to the Loughborough Echo newspaper, group director Tony Clish has confirmed that prices will not be hiked on and around April 29th 2011.

The announcement comes after concerns were raised that some holiday companies may attempt to profit from the royal wedding.

“Our original prices stand,” insisted Mr Clish. “And we’re going full tilt for a fantastic atmosphere of celebration across all of our parks.”

He added: “The royal wedding day is one which everyone will remember for the rest of their lives, and we’ll be doing everything possible to put our guests in the party spirit.”

Mr Clish confirmed that street parties would be held at all 25 of the Park Holidays caravan sites, ensuring that all visitors enjoy traditional open-air celebrations.

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement on November 16th. It was later decided that the wedding would take place in the spring, between the Easter bank holidays and the May bank holiday.

The wedding day itself will also be a national bank holiday.

In other royal news, a second royal wedding is on the cards as Prince Williams’ cousin Zara Phillips has announced her engagement to rugby player Mike Tindall yesterday.

Father and son drive away in stolen caravan

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by Holly Tribe

A father and son have been charged after towing away a stolen caravan in Cumbria.

According to the Whitehaven News, the tourer belonging to Nicky Little was stolen just two days after Mr Little had purchased it at auction. It was parked on an area of wasteland near Whitehaven when Stevie Boswell, 27, hitched it up to his van and drove away.

Mr Boswell made enquiries with two local residents about its ownership and assumed the vehicle had been abandoned. He then transported it back to Egremont where he was working at a Crab Fair with his father last Septeber.

Abandoned

When questioned about the theft, Mr Boswell claimed he wasn’t aware the caravan belonged to anyone. He told a trial at Whitehaven Magistrates Court last week: “I am not a thief. People told me it had been left and I assumed it had been abandoned as it had no licence plates, the door was open and it was in poor condition.”

Local resident, Susan Clarke, spoke to Stevie Boswell about the caravan was concerned about his line of questioning and made a note of Boswell’s number plate. She passed on the information to Mr Little once it had become apparent the caravan had been stolen.

His father, Thomas a fairground worker of 25 years was also arrested for handling stolen goods., He initially stated that he had bought the caravan from two men for £300, giving officers a description of the men. He later admitted this was not true and he had lied to protect his son.

Despite pleading not guilty, they have both been fined £350, plus £150 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. When passing sentence on the Boswells, Magistrates said they found the explanation of events “implausible” and told Stevie Boswell “nothing Miss Clarke said justified you coming to the conclusion that the owner no longer wanted the caravan.”

AA offers travel advice for the festive getaway

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by Gemma Roskell

Around 18 million motorists are expected to take to the roads for the festive getaway this year, including numerous caravanners.

The AA is issuing travel advice to those making Christmas travel plans, with Thursday December 23rd set to be the busiest day.

Widespread snow and icy roads may also force many to change their routes at last minute to avoid certain roads and motorways.

Paul Leather, AA Breakdown patrol of the year, said this week could be a challenging time for motorists, especially as the Met Office is forecasting continued wintry weather.

“With a third of drivers looking to travel more than 100 miles, it really would pay for people to keep abreast of the weather and travel reports, be flexible and adapt their travel plans accordingly,” he remarked.

The AA said those who are able to bring forward their departure should do so, and urged anyone taking to the roads to carry out basic vehicle checks and make sure they pack warm a winter emergency kit in their vehicle.

This should include items such as warm clothing, a blanket, food and drink, a torch, a road atlas and a fully-charged mobile phone.

For travel and plans and advise from the AA over the Christmas holidays, click here.

COMMENT: Could the first electric towcar be just around the corner?

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by Holly Tribe

The government has announced the first nine cars to qualify for a £5,000 green car subsidy.

Dubbed the ‘electric car revolution’ nine low emission and electrically powered cars will have 25% of the price deducted up to a maximum of £5,000, from January 2011.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Smart Fortwo Electric Drive and the Peugeot iOn are the first to benefit from the grant from the beginning of next year, and the Tata Vista EV and Nissan Leaf will follow in March.

The remaining four models to be phased in by early 2012 are: Citroen CZero; Toyota Prius Plug-in; Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt.

Green Revolution

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced the discount last week which will be known as the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’. A £20 million fund has also been set up for a network of electric car recharging points that will be located in car parks, streets and retail facilities in selected regions across the country.

Five regions have successfully applied for a share of the £20 million fund covering the East of England; Greater Manchester; the Midlands; Scotland and Northern Island.

It is hoped greater visibility of electric car services will raise public awareness of greener car ownership and encourage electric cars to become a part of everyday life. Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, said: ‘A few years ago, ultra-low emission cars with mass-market appeal appeared just a pipe dream.

“Government action to support affordable vehicles and more local charging points means we are on the threshold of an exciting green revolution.”

The first electric towcar?

Currently, none of the nominated cars are recommended as a suitable towcar match for touring caravans, but the government has indicated the programme will help establish the UK as a market leader for ultra-low emission cars and open up business for hi-tech, green motor manufacturing.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme and that we are expanding the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles.”

With technological advances in green motoring gathering apace, we ask could the first electrically powered towcar be just around the corner?

Readers Poll 2010: What was the best new caravan brand of 2010

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by Holly Tribe

In celebration of all the new developments in the caravan industry this year, we’ve been asking readers to submit their votes in the first ever Caravan Times Reader’s Poll.

Each week we take a detailed look at each category which include Best Newcomer; Best Caravan Park; Best Innovation of 2010; Dealer Of The Year; and Caravan Of The Year 2010. And this week we focus in on some of this year’s industry newcomers.

With just a couple of weeks until we draw the curtains on 2010, we’d like to hear what you think has been the best new caravan brand to be launched this year? As with all the categories voting is open, but we’ve come up with a few of our favourites to help get you started.

Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010


AS Caravans
With a long history of producing a range of well regarded motorhomes, Auto-Sleepers have used their 50+ years of leisure vehicle construction experience to create its first range of tourers: AS Caravans. Targeted at the higher end of the market, the three model line up is kitted out with a full compliment of top class fixtures and fittings.

Stealth Q Class

Stealth Caravans has broken away from its original footprint launched last year, and has introducted the all new Q-Class which offers two new layouts with more traditional interior arrangements. Both models still have the full fixed double beds with no corner cutaways, but now feature a more conventional front end lounge, and the nosecone has evolved to feature a window for the first time.

Marquis Lifestyle

As a dealership, Marquis is better known for its successful retail of new and used motorhomes from established manufacturers. Yet as the UK’s largest dealer network for Swift, its comparative buying power has led to the creation of an exclusive range of tourers. The keenly priced range is suitable for those starting out touring, and is based on the Sprite range from Swift. A host of layouts are offered from a lightweight two-berth up to a luxury fixed bed six-berth.

Roma Park Avenue

Bespoke caravan builders Roma have launched a brand new model with a high end, customisable finish. The Park Avenue retains Roma’s trademark double doors and class leading 6’9″ headroom, but also offers customers the chance to achieve a high level of personalisation. The family-run firm pride themselves on building ‘out of the ordinary’ caravans, and their coachbuilt construction method enables customers more control over the final appearance of each tourer.

Rimor New Polaris

With widths just over the previously restricted 2.30 metre threshold, the New Polaris range brings bigger beds and better storage to the British caravan market. For the 2011 season, Rimor’s focus has been on comfort and space optimisation.

Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

Welcome in the New Year with these humorous 2011 caravan calendars

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by Holly Tribe

You’ll never forget the date of your next caravanning getaway with these unique caravan calendars.

The Luxury Caravan Calendar is an amusing take on the world of abandoned caravans. Found in fields, gardens and tucked away behind long forgotten sheds, each month is illustrated by one of twelve humble tourers in varying states of disrepair.

July’s entry, humorously entitled ‘Tranquillity’, pictures an abandoned van ‘resting’ in a wooded glade, with the arm of a JCB digger lovingly wrapped around the cabin.

Each caravan comes with a tongue-in-cheek synopsis and handy reminders, for instance on the 26th September diarists are reminded to ‘leave caravan on next door’s drive for a joke!’

Available from Transglobal Emporium from £7.99.

If you’re hankering after the halcyon days of caravanning, renowned caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson has designed the Classic Caravanning Calendar of 2011. The year is illustrated by vintage images sourced from the 70’s and 80’s portraying the golden age of caravanning.

Available from J Salmon, priced around £8 including P&P.

Newent Town Council reject caravan site appeal

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by Chris Malone

An appeal by travellers to gain permission for their caravan site in Newent has been thrown out by the town council.

The site in Gloucestershire had been subject to conditions imposed by a planning inspector, which travellers were attempting to overturn.

However, councillors voted unanimously to reject the appeal, which was made by Mr R Jones, according to the Ledbury Reporter.

The Residents Against Inappropriate Development group backed the decision, branding Mr Jones’ appeal as “a popular and deliberate tactic taken by gypsies and travellers in similar situations who have set up residence on land that is unsuitable for such use”.

It added that a government inspector has already ruled that the travellers should leave the field and return it to its original condition by the end of January 2012.

In other news, Caravan site owners have received a blow after HMRC confirmed that a number of VAT concessions are to be removed from 2012.

VAT concession blow for caravan site owners

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by Chris Malone

Caravan site owners have received a blow after Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed that a number of value added tax (VAT) concessions are to be removed from 2012.

The body explained that its hand has been forced due to the fact that it emerged the concessions are outside its sphere of administrative discretion.

Caravanners are to be given a 12-month period of notice before concessions relating to the business rates, water and sewerage charges where consumption cannot be identified and first-time connection to utilities.

HMRC senior VAT adviser Mike McLachlan said: “We recognise that caravan site owners may have to make adjustments and that caravan owners will now incur VAT on supplies that were previously zero rated or outside the scope of VAT.”

He added that the year-long period of notice should give park owners time to make the most of the concessions before they come to an end.

Full details of the HRMC announcement can be found here.