Police confirm caravan explosion victim was a woman

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by Gemma Roskell

It has been confirmed that a body found following an explosion at a caravan in Cornwall was that of a woman in her 60s.

According to the BBC, police have not yet formally identified the victim of the blaze, which began on the night of Tuesday December 28th.

Firefighters were called to the incident in Sancreed, west of Penzance, at around 22:25 GMT following reports of an explosion.

They discovered a body inside the motorhome once they managed to extinguish the flames.

It has now been confirmed that the remains were those of the caravan owner, who lived alone on the site.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and that an investigation is still underway into the cause of the fire.

It comes after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning to caravan owners about wood burning stoves, open fires and candles, all of which increase the risk of fire during the winter.

Fifth Wheel Company to expand UK operations

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by Holly Tribe

A specialist caravan manufacturer is set to invest £250,000 in a major expansion programme developing its design and manufacturing methods.

After two years of successive growth the Fifth Wheel Company has doubled its workforce and now has a turnover of £2 million. With an order book full until April 2011, the Welsh firm has quickly outstripped its initial design and manufacturing capabilities.

Using profits amassed over the last two years along with funding from a government-run scheme, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Coleg Menai, the firm will appoint a graduate KTP associate to re-evaluate the design-to-manufacture process.

Operations Manager Adrian Parry-Jones told Business Post: “As the company grows and we become a bigger operation, it’s essential that we constantly review our design-to-manufacture process and quality systems, in order to reduce any work duplication and wastage.”

Where it all began

The company began importing fifth wheel type tourers from the States in the late 1990’s converting them to comply with European safety standards for the UK market. Encouraged by an enthusiastic response from customers, the decision was made to design and build an in-house range of Fifth Wheelers which have been in production since 2002.

Mr Parry-Jones explained: “When someone asked why we didn’t start producing them, we couldn’t think of a good reason. Within six months we had developed our first prototype of a UK version, and now we design and manufacture them here.”

Fifth Wheelers explained

Originating in the US Fifth Wheelers are attached to the towing vehicle, not by the traditional tow bar as with other caravans, but via a connection plate similar to those found on articulated lorries. They are built to be towed by pick-up trucks and open backed vehicles like the Nissan Navara (pictured). The Fifth Wheel Company build models which are better suited to smaller UK roads and driving conditions.

National Forest caravanners set for Christmas treat

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by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts visiting the National Forest over the coming weeks will be able to give their kids a special treat.

The popular woodland area is set to play host to Conkers[‘] Winter Wonderland, which will feature a full grotto complete with a century-old log cabin.

Inside, Santa and his elves will be waiting to bestow early Christmas gifts on lucky children, who will also get to see St Nick’s famous reindeer at close quarters.

Those who are brave enough can even reach out and stroke Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen and all their friends.

Santa will be present on November 27th and 28th, as well as December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th and then every day between the 18th and 23rd, when he will set off to make the final preparations for Christmas Day.

The site will also feature the pantomime favourite Cinderella, which takes place on December 18th, while the Ibstock Bric-Brass Band will entertain guests with a candlelit carol service on December 23rd.

The National Forest is a UK project which aims to transform 200 square miles of land in the centre of England into woodland.

Five of the best 2011 caravans for winter caravanning

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by Holly Tribe

Winterability. It’s the word on every caravanners mind at this time of year. Packing up, servicing and storing a caravan over the winter months is an arduous process. But the onset of sub zero temperatures and long winter nights doesn’t necessarily mean you have to banish your caravan into storage until Spring.

Caravan manufacturers have been listening to customers who want to tour in all seasons of the year, and have made some significant design improvements to make caravanning through the winter a more pleasurable experience.

Keeping warm in winter

There’s been plenty of talk from the industry about Grade 3 thermal insulation in recent months. Big ticket manufacturers with new 2011 models have made much in the caravan press about achieving Grade III Thermal Insulation and Heating classification – but what does this mean?

In short it means each caravan to attain Grade III status has been cold chamber tested and can maintain an internal temperature of 20 degrees even when it reaches -15 degrees outside.

With the winter weather drawing in we take a look at some of the most thermally efficient caravans on the market to keep you caravanning throughout the winter months. All the following caravans have certified NCC EN1645-1 Thermal Insulation and Heating – Grade 3 classification.

We looked at all caravans on sale today in the UK and chose five models across all price brackets. Our list features popular tourers from Bailey Caravans, Buccaneer Caravans, Elddis Caravans and Swift Caravans, as well as an entry-level model which may surprise readers.

Click here to continue reading “Five of the best 2011 caravans for winter caravanning”

Bailey Caravans break sales records at Caravan and Motorhome Show 2010

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by Marcus Dubois

Bailey Caravans has continued to defy the economic downturn by securing retail orders to the value of £15 million at this year’s International Caravan and Motorhome Show. The result was 25% higher than the amount achieved at the same event last year.

Bailey revealed that the figures represent the best ever sales performance for the company at an exhibition in both the volume and value of orders received. And the firm believes it is simply the continuation of what has been a strong start to the new model year for Bailey.

Retailer sites have reported that sales have been above those for the equivalent period last year. As a consequence, forward orders are now a month in advance of this time last year, and extends well into 2011. Much of this can be attributed to the introduction this year of Bailey’s first ever luxury caravan model.

Unicorn: from myth to fact

Bailey has credited the huge increase in sales to the performance of the new Unicorn range, which accounted for three-quarters of the total business written at the NEC show. The firm has said it is “delighted that the caravan buying public has reacted so positively” to the new range. It believes “feedback from buyers suggests that it is not only appealing to existing customers, but also encouraging non-Bailey owners to consider the marque for the first time”.

Since its introduction in September the Bailey Unicorn has attracted in excess of £39 million worth of retail orders, making it the most successful single product launch in the company’s sixty-year history.

The future of Bailey Caravans

The Unicorn has also gathered its first accolades from the caravan world including the Caravan Industry Magazine Tourer of the Year title which was presented for the Unicorn Seville. And after the positive response to the newest Alu-Tech model, the company is said to be optimistic about the future and will “continue with its progressive product development programme”.

Initially this will mean the expansion of the Unicorn range as we reported in September with the introduction of new layouts the Madrid and the Almeria .

But most crucially for many will be the launch of a new light-weight caravan range featuring the Alu-Tech body shell. The entry-level model will allow a wider range of people to experience the technology, and Bailey’s success in 2011 will depend on the response to this crucial model.

Swift Caravans await site expansion verdict

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by Chris Malone

The UK’s largest touring caravan and motorhome manufacturer is expecting to get the green light for the first part of a major expansion plan this week.

Swift Holdings has teamed up with Redrow Homes in seeking permission to 108 homes on land to the west of Dunswell Road in Cottingham, the Yorkshire Post reports.

The company believes that the sale of the land – which has been used to store and build caravans – will generate about £6.65 million to allow it to develop other highways in the area.

Local residents have expressed their “serious concern” that the proposals would generate excessive traffic in the region, while other opponents are worried about floods from surface water running off the site.

Cottingham Parish Council has also claimed that the development is “out of character” with an area which has traditionally featured larger properties with gardens.

The plans will be considered by local councillors at County Hall on Thursday (November 4th).

Camping and Caravanning Club freeze site fees for 2011

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by Holly Tribe

For the first time in a decade the Camping and Caravanning Club is freezing the price of its site fees for 2011.

With VAT due to rise to 20% at the beginning of next year, the Club has decided to keep the price of pitch fees at the same level for the second year running.

The current price of a mid-season family deal for two adults and two children costs an average of £17.50 for a standard pitch per night. Prices will remain the same for Club members, however the 2.5% increase in VAT will still have to be paid.

Director General Robert Louden said: “Our decision not to increase pitch fee prices, apart from the mandatory VAT rise, is a way of saying thank you to our members who have helped continue to thrust The Club to the forefront of the outdoor market.”

Mr Louden went on to explain that in these uncertain economic times it was important to keep encouraging tourists to get out and about: “It is imperative that we continue to persuade people not only to come to this country, but to stay in it as well and experience the freedom and flexibility that comes with the great outdoors,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Caravan Club recently revealed its’ members spend £400 million in local economies each year.

International Caravan and Motorhome Show success for Auto-Sleepers

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by Chris Malone

Caravan and motorhome manufacturer Auto-Sleepers has explained how much its staff enjoyed the recent International Caravan and Motorhome Show.

The event took place in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from October 12th to 17th and gave firms like Auto-Sleepers the chance to showcase their products and engage with the public.

Known as one of the biggest and best motorhome and caravanning exhibitions of the year, the show allowed the firm to meet customers old and new.

It had a stand showing all the latest offerings and Auto-Sleepers was keen to allow visitors to help it celebrate its half century in the motorhome industry.

The company launched its new Executive monocoque model, which was specially designed to mark the anniversary.

The vehicle drew a lot of attention, especially from owners of previous monocoque campervans, with its modern interior and classic design.

Meanwhile, all customers who bought a caravan at the event were given one free P&O return ferry crossing as part of the show’s sponsorship deal.

Roma Caravans launch bespoke Park Avenue model

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by Holly Tribe

Bespoke caravan builder Roma Caravans recently launched a brand new model with a high end, customisable finish. We caught up with the UK firm at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show to find out more.

Named the Park Avenue (after the Bedfordshire address of the company’s newly sited 16,000² factory) the Roma tourer is a new addition to the top end luxury caravan market.

The Park Avenue retains their trademark double doors and class leading 6’9″ headroom, but also offers customers the chance to achieve a high level of personalisation.

You, the designer

The seating area at the nose end and the fixed double bed to the rear are both built on top of an elevated platform. A bespoke champagne bar in the kitchen area compliments the ‘Clive Christian-inspired’ kitchen design featuring laminate worktops that come in a choice of colours depending on customer preference.

Prices and weights are subject to individual customer requirements, but with a kerb weight approaching 2 tonnes, and a price point starting at £30,500 these twin axle caravans are positioned at the higher end of the market and offer customers cradle to grave involvement in the design process.

A life less ordinary

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.

Speaking at the show, Roma’s Managing Director Dan Sullivan commented: “Roma doesn’t do traditional at all – we’ve always tried to be cutting edge. You’re not going to find anything like that caravan anywhere here today, because we’re a very small company and our attention to detail is second-to-none.”

And whilst Roma have traditionally been favoured by traveller communities, Sullivan indicated the company are taking their caravan design in a new direction to appeal to a broader customer base.

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Five-star Cumbrian caravan sites recognised by AA

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by Chris Malone

Brits planning a caravanning trip to Cumbria may wish to consider two Camping and Caravanning Club sites in the area.

The Eskdale and Troutbeck facilities were both recently recognised by travel body the Automobile Association (AA) for their high standards.

According to the Club, the sites were handed five AA premier pennants each, marking them out as top places to stay in the area.

AA inspector Brian Jones stayed at the Eskdale park and said it was an absolute pleasure.

“Facilities here are second to none with a smart amenities block fully equipped with efficient modern amenities,” he explained.

Mr Jones added that the surrounding mountains, shrubs and trees lent the entire experience a more natural feeling.

Meanwhile, Camping and Caravanning Club sites director Bob Hill explained that there has never been a better time to enjoy a stay in a UK mobile home.

In other news, Visit North-East England recently suggested that the area was perfect for those looking for a hiking break that allows them to get back to nature

Welsh campsite offers new environmentally friendly caravan

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by Chris Malone

A Welsh campsite is looking to offer guests an extra option in terms of accommodation by going beyond the traditional tents and tourers.

Camping and Caravanning Club Certified Site Bryncoch Farm has developed its Log Pod idea into a movable camping shelter that can be located on any of its pitches.

The structure is designed to give visitors an exciting new place to call home while on holiday at the park.

It can be connected to the onsite electrics and includes heating and insulation, site owner Trevor Richardson explained.

“Log Pods are the ultimate green, ecologically desirable, environmentally friendly ‘glam’ camping experience,” he said.

To help combat the problems associated with Britain’s muddy summers, the pods are raised from the ground in a similar way to a caravan.

This helps keep them clean and tidy, while providing the added excitement of staying in a mini log cabin.

Certified Sites are smaller, privately run campsites that are only available to members of the Caravanning and Camping Club. Housing just five caravans or motorhomes, they offer a boutique camping experience away from the crowds and there are over 1,400 located in the UK.

Click here to learn more about Certified Sites and their locations across Britain.

Caravan industry goes on crime offensive

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by Holly Tribe

Leading organisations in the caravan industry have joined forces to establish a new group to fight caravan related crime and promote safety and security to caravanners.

The Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (ACVIS) and the National Caravan Council (NCC) have partnered with the UK’s two major consumer clubs: the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club to form the Caravan Safety and Security Group (CSSG).

Partners of the CSSG will facilitate the development of anti-theft campaigns, working with government enforcement agencies along with commercial and member organisations to reduce motorhome and caravan crime.

Committee Chairman and Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, Robert Louden, explained the official joining of the various partners is expected to be hugely beneficial to the caravan community as a whole.

He said: “The Club is delighted to be a part of the CSSG and we are looking forward to collaborating with other leading industry organisations to help support this safety and security initiative in the caravan leisure business.”

Supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACVIS), the CSSG was officially launched at the Caravan and Motorhome 2010, but has been operating unofficially for eighteen months. Last year successfully saw £505,000 worth of caravans recovered by law enforcement agencies.

AVCIS consultant, Tim Booth, explained: “We have seen a substantial reduction in the thefts of caravans from around 5,000 per year in the late 1990’s to 1,400 last year, while the industry was working together informally.

“CSSG establishes a more formal partnership that will not only look at theft and security issues but also at safety for the consumer.”

More information about the CSSG can be found online at www.cssginfo.co.uk.