Range Rover celebrates birthday

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Caravan owners may be interested to learn that the Range Rover is celebrating a milestone in its history later this month.

The popular 4×4 has long been a favourite of caravan owners thanks to its ability to cope with difficult terrain while towing another vehicle.

It celebrates its 40th birthday on June 17th and remains one of the world’s best-loved luxury four-wheel drive cars.

Now in its third generation, the Range Rover has proved a big success for Land Rover, which launched the Range Rover Sport as a second model line in 2005.

This went on to become the firm’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide within two years and the company will be hoping that a third model line, due to be released later this year, will be just as successful.

“Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched,” said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham.

He added that the Range Rover may even be one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring.

Meanwhile, Suzuki GB is set to provide each of its riders in the World Superbike and British Superbike with their own Suzuki Grand Vitara five-door SZ4 to act as a towcar for their equipment.

Caravanners brave Bank Holiday downpour at Caravan Club National Rally

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The weather forecast had predicted rain for the opening Saturday and sure enough it arrived. With it however came thousands of caravanners who proved that rain or shine they are there for the journey and the experience. Caravan Times was in attendance at the 84th National Rally of the Caravan Club, and witnessed fantastic entertainment as well as made many new friends.

Despite heavy showers until lunchtime, the Grand Opening of the event went ahead as scheduled, with a parade from the Gurhkas division of the Army one of the most notable events in a display of traditional pomp and pageantry. Crowds amassed under umbrellas and macs in their hundreds to watch as former Director General of the Caravan Club Trevor Watson stood next to his succcessor Nick Lomas to formally open the event, held this year at the grand stately home of Weston Park in Shropshire.

The weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance who were treated to a thrilling show from the Cheshire Dog Display Team. The dogs on display demonstrated their agility by jumping through burning hoops and subduing “attackers”. Meanwhile the various Centres from around the country took part in the traditional sports competitions, with the tug of war being strongly contested by Cheshire and eventual winners Derbyshire.

A number of stalls and outlets selling traditional English food helped rain-soaked caravanners stay warm, while many caravan owners chose to defy the rain and put on their own events. We spent Saturday afternoon at the hospitality of the Scottish Caravan Club who were starting up their own barbeque, and who introduced us to their events.

You can see our photo diary from the Bank Holiday weeekend at the National Rally here.

New greener towcar from Land Rover

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Caravan enthusiasts may recognise the benefits of having a powerful towcar to help them get to their favourite destinations.

However, with caravanning so reliant on the environment for many of its benefits, some may be concerned about their vehicle’s impact on the planet.

It appears that Land Rover may have come up with a solution to this situation, with it planning to launch a new two-wheel drive version of its compact Range Rover.

The car will emit less than 130g/km of carbon dioxide, which the company claims will make it its most fuel-efficient Range Rover to date.

“We will continue to make the world’s finest all-terrain vehicles for those customers who require them but will offer an alternative to those that don’t,” explained managing director Phil Popham.

He added that the two-wheel drive option is a good choice for those looking for improved efficiency.

Meanwhile, Land Rover recently revealed that its sales during April were up 29.7 per cent year-on-year during April.

Caravan parks in London: six sites within the M25

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by Holly Tribe

London is seldom looked at as an obvious caravanning destination, but England’s capital offers more than you’d think in terms of sites and facilities.

With average city hotel price hitting above the £100 a night mark, pitching around London can mean huge savings for the visitor as well as offering a more peaceful refuge to return to at the end of a busy day sightseeing.

Staying near the bustling capital doesn’t have to leave the visitor stressed or overwhelmed. There are several comfortable and well equipped touring sites within striking distance. Holly Tribe looks at what’s on offer within the M25 orbital.

WHERE TO GO

Wyatts Covert Caravan Club Site Tilehouse Lane, Denham, UB9 5DE Tel: 01895 832729

A short drive from the M40 and M25, Wyatt’s Covert Caravan site offers easy access for caravanners travelling to London from the Midlands. The site is enclosed by green trees and the Grand Union Canal Towpath and Windsor Castle are both within striking distance. Electric hookup is available and the site offers facilities for the disabled as well as showers and a toilet block. The London Underground runs directly into central London from Uxbridge station and is located only three and a half miles from the park.

Abbey Wood Caravan Club Site Federation Road, SE2 0LS Tel: 020 8311 7708

A 35 minute train ride into central London, Abbey Wood Park is set in a lovely woodland area in north east London surrounded by mature trees and a gently sloping green field surrounds the tarmac pitches. The site offers wifi access and has a late night arrivals area should the notorious M25 traffic delay your arrival.

You’ll be surprised just how rural the area feels for the location. There are great railway connections within walking distance as well as river cruises which take you to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Crystal Palace Caravan Club Site Crystal Palace Parade, SE19 1UF Tel: 0208 7787 155

On the edges of a pleasant park, Crystal Palace Caravan Park offers arguably the quickest route into the City with the number 3 bus which goes directly into central London. Open all year round with showers and a laundry block, this park has been commended for its hard pitches and efficient service.

Lee Valley Camping & Caravanning Park Picketts Lock Lane, Enfield, N9 0AS Tel: 020 88036900

Lee Valley Camping & Caravanning is set in the Lee Valley regional park and offers guests access to truly rural surrounds whilst still being within an hour of the capital.

There is an on site shop open until 9pm every day that sells travelcards for trips into the City. The toilets and showers can also be adapted to suit disabled visitors.

Lee Valley Campsite Sewardstone Rd, Chingford, E4 7RA Tel: 0208 529 5689

A short drive from the beautiful Epping Forest, Lee Valley Campsite is another great affordable option for caravanners visiting London. With 65 hardstanding pitches, there is a regular bus service to Walthamstow Central, where the Victoria Line runs into central London.

However as well as the city sights there is a wealth of things to do closer to home. The Lee Valley Regional Park is London’s biggest open space and offers sports centres, country parks, farms and nature reserves. Fishing, cycling, bird watching and golf are just some of the activities on offer here.

Walton On Thames Camping And Caravanning Club Site Fieldcommon Lane, Walton On Thames, KT12 3Q Tel: 01932 220392

In South West London, the Walton On Thames site is a great jumping off point to some of the UK’s biggest theme parks including Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland – all within an hours drive, as is King Henry VIII’s impressive Hampton Court and gardens. Dogs are welcome onsite and it even has a flock of resident parakeets.

There are four trains an hour from nearby Hersham Rail Station, and takes just over half an hour to reach London Waterloo. Once there the London Eye, the River Thames and the music and art of the South Bank are a five minute walk from the station.

THINGS TO DO

See the city from old father Thames and take a trip along the river on a Thames Clipper – a day pass costs £12 for unlimited travel. From Waterloo to Greenwich, boats stop off at both Tate Britain and Tate Modern art galleries and Greenwich Maritime Museum which all offer free entry.

Pick through the assortment of antique stalls and independent shops at the world’s largest antique market on Portobello Road in West London, or head to Columbia Road flower market on Sundays to experience London’s famous East End.

No trip to London would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, which is just a short walk from the Houses of Parliament and the illustrious chimes of Big Ben.

For a good feed, head to London’s historic Borough Market, where purveyors of outstanding British and international fare can be found.

TRAVEL IN LONDON

A days travel card costs £7.50 for adults and £2.00 for children after 9.30am and covers travel on trains, tubes, trams, buses and the DLR. For more information go to www.tfl.gov.uk.

Caravan stolen with couple trapped inside

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A couple in their sixties were caught inside their caravan when a thief drove off with them still inside.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the couple were picking up their new caravan from a dealership in a suburb of Adelaide when the offender saw the keys in the ignition of the attached car and jumped in for a joy-ride.

Salesman Dean Kessner who works at the depot was showing the couple around their new vehicle as it was being stolen but managed to jump out. He said: “I just didn’t know whether the handbrake had come loose … and it nudged off and then as it was going there was just panic.”

Alarmed over the couple’s safety, he added he was ” just concerned for the safety of the people inside, that’s what I was worried about.”

Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes described the scene as the thief drove away: “The couple were trapped inside as the offender crashed into another car that was parked in Enfield Ave, but kept driving”.

“It was obviously a terrifying ride for the couple still trapped in the back of the caravan” she said.

The couple were left shaken but unhurt when the thief dumped the car a few streets away.

Plans for East Leeds caravan site collapse

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Residents of Swillington and Allerton Bywater, East Leeds, have successfully mounted a campaign to stop the development of a new 80 place touring caravan site at Mount Pleasant Copse.

Increased traffic through local villages and fears that the park may attract gypsy and traveller communities were cited as objections to the plans submitted to Leeds City Council.

The proposed site is situated in designated green belt land. Plans were submitted by Simon Wood, of nearby Kippax but have been rejected on the grounds of limited access.

Kevin Butler a resident of Great Preston voiced opposition to the plans and said in his letter of protest to the council: “I would like to object in the strongest possible terms… the plan would lead to a loss of woodland habitat, an increase in traffic at an already difficult and dangerous junction.”

A spokesman from Leeds City Council said: “The council is unable to support the application for the caravan park in its current form, as following an examination the proposed access arrangements are unacceptable.”

Kippax and Methley Councillor James Lewis who has been involved with the objection was thrilled at the news. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that the council’s Parks and Countryside department has refused to lease the land to the applicant.”

Mr Wood now has the opportunity to appeal the decision with a revised application.

Holly Tribe

Famous faces to attend ‘New to Camping’ caravan event

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Two famous faces will be the guests of honour at a forthcoming caravan event, it has been revealed.

According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, TV presenter Julia Bradbury and botanist David Bellamy will be attending New to Camping.

The event is to be held at Warwick Castle on Wednesday and Thursday (June 2nd & 3rd) next week.

Mr Bellamy, who is also president of the club, will lead nature walks around the castle grounds, while both celebrities will be available for questions, autographs and photographs.

The walks will give the botanist a chance to explore the wildlife of Warwick Castle and allow him to remind visitors how caravanning can get them closer to nature and the “wonders of the countryside”.

“Warwick Castle is a fantastic venue to bring new and experienced campers together to encourage them to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors with the Camping and Caravanning Club,” Ms Bradbury said.

She added that she was “honoured” to be asked to return to the event after its success in 2009.

Meanwhile, the Camping and Caravan Club has revealed that the recent hot weather has resulted in a rise in campsite bookings for this weekend.

Haven offers free stays

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With the recent good weather encouraging Brits to get outside into the sunshine, one caravan park chain is looking to take advantage.

Haven Holidays is hoping to encourage caravanners to book two consecutive weekends by offering the intervening week for free.

The firm explained that even those who do not plan to stay during that time will benefit as they will save on petrol costs and extra towing time.

To qualify, customers must book three-night stays on two consecutive weekends and, with touring caravan facilities at 23 of its 35 parks to choose from, Brits should have no problem taking advantage of the offer.

Haven is a British Travel Awards winner and offers pitches to suit every budget.

Prices cover entertainment passes for the chain’s excellent facilities, which include sports courts, swimming pools and live acts.

Meanwhile, the firm has expanded its free swimming lessons programme to help teach more kids to swim.

Parkdean: Cornish band scoop record deal

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Caravanners who holiday in the Cornish town of Port Isaac may have seen The Fisherman’s Friends performing during their stay.

However, the ten-strong band now have something in common with the likes of Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Take That.

According to caravan site operator Parkdean, the group has been signed to Universal in a £1 million recording deal that will see a number of their sea shanties, traditional tunes and folk music made into an album.

Their big break came after record producer Rupert Christies visited the village on a family holiday and saw them perform in a local pub.

As well as their recording deal, The Fisherman’s Friends will also play at this year’s Glastonbury festival.

Those who wish to see Port Isaac could stay at Parkdean’s St Minver Holiday Park, which is just six miles away and offers access to “stunning beaches and pretty villages nearby”.

Meanwhile, Parkdean has published a list of fun attractions in Cornwall, which may be of use to holidaymakers.

Caravan Times is covering the National Rally this Bank Holiday weekend

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It is the event of the year where thousands of people come together to display their caravans and enjoy family entertainment. This Bank Holiday weekend Caravan Times will be reporting from Weston Park, home of the Caravan Club National Rally 2010.

Every year the Club holds the event over the Spring Bank Holiday of the month of May, and up to 10,000 caravanners are often in attendance. With an extensive programme of events on offer including leisure activities and sports, live music, and fun for the little ones, it is the premier caravanning event of the calendar year.

We will be out and about during the event with our photographer to capture your stories and the outstanding caravans of the rally. You’ll easily be able to spot us by our rather stylish T-shirts: so if you see us do come over and say hello! The best of these pictures and stories will be on view here at Caravan Times all next week.

The National Rally 2010 is held by the Caravan Club at Weston Park, Shropshire. For more information you can visit the Caravan Club website by clicking here.

VIDEO: Towing for beginners with the Caravan Club

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For many novices and experienced caravanners alike, the act of towing can be a daunting one. Last year in 2009 saw a huge surge in interest in caravanning, and with it an increase in first-time caravan owners who have not previously towed a vehicle. Our traffic reports on radio and television regularly contain stories of overturned caravans on our motorways and roads, and so there has never been a better time to learn or brush up on the rules of towing.

Thankfully for us the Caravan Club runs a course that can help alleviate the fears of first-time towers and give experienced caravanners greater confidence. The Caravan Manouevers program takes you through the basic road positions and awareness needed to successfully tow an outfit, as well as comprehensive practical advice on reversing a caravan.

At the NEC last year our editor Marcus Dubois met up with course instructor Colin Wilkie from the Caravan Club. With thirty-five years of experience Colin was perfectly placed to give our man some advice. You can watch how they did by clicking on the video below.

Caravan park owner pays to ensure better beach safety for holidaymakers

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The owner of a caravan park in Norfolk is looking to enhance the safety of families when heading to the county by being at the forefront of efforts to see lifeguards stationed on East Runton beach.

According to the Eastern Daily Press, many other surrounding beaches have already secured the use of lifeguards for seven days each week during the busy summer season.

Funding to pay for the guards at these locations has been supplied by North Norfolk District Council, but a different arrangement has been sealed at East Runton.

This arrangement means that the council will contribute half of the £9,400 sum.

However, Mike Ashwell, of Seaview Caravan Park, is keen to ensure caravanners and other holidaymakers at East Runton remain safe and has agreed to put forward the remainder.

He told the publication: “It is fantastic news that we are to have a lifeguard service here at East Runton beach this summer season. It is something I have been campaigning for for the last couple of years.

“I still need to find £1,700 and I am in the process of writing to all holiday businesses in the area to drum up further funding.”

Meanwhile, families should also ensure they are safety conscious when inside a caravan and should follow the same steps as they would in a home, including testing smoke alarms and checking wiring regularly.