New platinum accommodation at Park Holidays UK site

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While Park Holidays UK offers a range of caravan pitches at its sites throughout England, it also welcomes guests without their own mobile holiday home.

The company has recently upgraded the accommodation options at Sandhills Holiday Park in Dorset to platinum standard, meaning that customers can now choose a luxurious apartment during their stay at the site.

Holidaymakers can book the accommodation, which sleeps up to four people, now and use it as a base to visit Christchurch harbour and the nearby beach.

The apartment benefits from a fully-fitted white hi-glass kitchen, tiled bathroom with shower and bath and two flat screen plasma TVs.

A king-sized double bed should provide a relaxing night’s sleep, while the stylish furnishings and electric central heating should help make the stay more comfortable.

On-site facilities include a fully-equipped gym, kids club, leisure pool, laundrette and arcade.

There is also a family bar with Sky TV, an adventure playground for kids over the age of five and a mini-mart.

Bailey enjoys record demand for new caravans

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Demand for new caravans in the UK is as strong as ever despite the current economic climate, newly-released figures suggest.

Following on from the recent Boat & Caravan Show, which was held in the final week of February at Birmingham’s NEC, manufacturer Bailey Caravanshas revealed that it enjoyed a record year at the event for orders.

Indeed, the company took orders totalling some £6.7 million at the caravanning event, representing a 46 per cent improvement on last year’s total of £4.5 million and a record high for the company.

The newly-launched Pegasus and Olympus ranges were key drivers behind this success, representing 90 per cent of its sales at the show. The company credited interest in the models’ innovative Alu-Tech caravan shells as being a contributing factor to their popularity.

Following on from the event, Bailey has confirmed that it is now taking steps to increase production of its range of models so as to keep up with rising demand, and intends to roll out Alu-Tech to all its ranges in the next year.

The Alu-Tech technology helped the company win four of the five categories it was nominated in at this year’s Caravan Club Design Awards.

Elddis lands Caravan Club Design Awards double

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Caravan manufacturer Elddis is celebrating after two of its most popular models scooped major prizes in this year’s Caravan Club Design Awards.

The company only launched its Xplore 302 at the recent Boat & Caravan Show, with the model aimed at caravanners keen to enjoy all the benefits of a holiday trailer but without having to tow a heavy load.

Not only was the model the firm’s best-selling caravan at that event in February, but it has now been named as the winner in the 751kg to 1,000kg category in the 2010 Caravan Club Design Awards.

Already one of the most-affordable models on the market with a price tag of just £9,999, the Xplore 302 also took home the prize for the top caravan in the under-£12,000 price bracket, clinching a memorable double for Elddis.

The Bailey Ranger 460/4 was named as the runner-up in this budget category, while the Sprite Musketeer TD took third position.

COMMENT: Why “North Londonshire” is an insulting term for Northamptonshire

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We are unfortunate enough to live in an era where negative campaigning and anti-journalism gets results. In the internet age of information overload, companies and newspapers are prepared to cause outrage to attract your attention. Yet this is nothing new: the phrase “all publicity is good publicity” goes back to to the nineteenth century showman P.T Barnum. And the marketing team behind a recent attempt to “rebrand” the county of Northamptonshire may have had this slogan in mind.

The North Northants Development Corporation this week announced it is embarking on a £1.2 million advertising campaign to attract people and business from the capital city London. And in order to achieve this admirable aim, it has chosen to rename North Northamptonshire as…”North Londonshire”.

So from now until 2012, London Underground will be plastered with adverts alongside a radio ad-campaign which will urge city-dwellers to leave London and move to “North Londonshire”. Yet this was news to members of Northamptonshire County Council, a number of whom informed the media this week that they were unaware of the impending advertising campaign until the day before it was announced.

According to the Northampton Chronicle, deputy council leader Councillor Joan Kirkbride said: “Northamptonshire is a unique place and somewhere we need to be proud of, so we need to stop this nonsense saying it’s a suburb of London. We know what we want to be, we’re Northamptonshire and we want to remain Northamptonshire.” This was echoed by council cabinet member Andrew Langley who was angry that taxyapers will foot the bill. “To hear my county referred to as North Londonshire at taxpayer’s expense makes me livid.”

60 miles away, separated by two counties

We at Caravan Times are not bereft of a sense of humour. The audacity of renaming an English county in official marketing literature is guaranteed to cause mirth and laughter. And this is precisely what the makers intended. If people are laughing about you and poking fun, then no matter. The most important thing to PR people is that they are talking about your client.

They may find however that the joke has already backfired. Council members are (oddly enough) useful allies when promoting a region, and their anger at being kept in the dark has led to negative publicity in newspapers. Already local residents have been reported as hostile to the potential influx of Londoners. But what seems to grate above all is the desperation of the idea in the first place.

Northamptonshire is ninety miles away from London. The region is only seperated from the capital by…two entire counties. Bedfordshire and Hertforshire may seem like irrelevancies to makers of the campaign, but its residents will chuckle heartily when hearing how much “closer” to London their neighbour is considered. On this basis, can we expect Somerset to be renamed “West Londonshire” to attract the Notting Hill set?

A county with a proud history

With today’s internet marketing techniques, getting people to notice you is easily done. Yet in seeking an instant impact many have gone too far and are noticed for the wrong reasons. The firm gave this statement: “There are few effective marketing campaigns that don’t spark some debate along the way and generate significant discussion as a result.”

If “generating discussion” is the only aim, then perhaps they will have succeeded: an impressive number of articles have sprung up online. But insulting an entire county has not helped answer the main question behind the campaign: why move to Northamptonshire?

On the front page of the website for “North Londonshire” the company boasts of North Northamptonshire as “the biggest single growth area outside London” which will see “52,100 new homes” and “47,400” new jobs”. These alone are not reasons to come to Northamptonshire: the authors appear to have missed the point.

Northamptonshire is perfect for outdoor lovers with over 40 designated fishing areas and a host of waterways. From white water rafting at the Nene White Water Centre to jet-skiing at the Billing Aquadrome there are thrills-a-minute to be had. And no visit is complete without a cruise at Stoke Bruerne on a narrowboat which takes you through the 400-year old Blisworth Tunnel. Away from the waterways, one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon Churches in England can be found at Brixworth, while many will have already visited Rockingham Castle.

It is a shame that the “North Londonshire” campaign has in its eagerness to engage Londoners overlooked the history and majesty of this proud county. The British public are more intelligent than the viewpoint summed up by another of P.T Barnum’s adages: “There’s a sucker born every minute”.

Haven: Switch off the mobile and relax

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Brits planning a caravan holiday this year have been encouraged to switch off their mobile phones and escape from the rigours of everyday life.

Haven has picked up on research by the Family Holiday Association, which shows that vacations can be beneficial to the family unit as they give people the chance to spend quality time with their relatives.

The firm suggested that visitors to its 35 caravan parks would benefit from switching off their mobile phones and taking part in the various activities available.

“We offer fencing lessons, football coaching, archery, golf, horse-riding, climbing walls and a whole range of activities in our swimming pools from swimming lessons to Aqua Gliders and Water Walkerz,” the company said.

A range of children’s activities are also available which should keep the kids happy while the adults have fun.

Meanwhile, Haven recently revealed that it has spent £40 million on new water park facilities at a number of its sites.

Caravans provide a “sense of freedom”

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The “sense of freedom” a family can enjoy through living in a caravan is one of the reasons why owning the vehicles may be popular.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Brigid McDonagh highlighted how she regularly embarked on caravan trips with her family in her younger days.

Now a 72-year-old, great-grandmother of eight, Ms McDonagh remarked that times appear to be changing with fewer individuals living in caravans.

She told the publication: “We moved around all the time. It was lovely – the sense of freedom.”

Meanwhile, last year, Nikki Nichol, the head of public relations at the Caravan Club, suggested that staying in a caravan had significantly changed in the past 30 years.

She explained that numerous changes had been made since the 1970s, including major improvements to their functionality and style.

Furthermore, Jon Dale, a spokesperson for the Camping and Caravanning Club, noted a rise in the number of people taking caravan holidays in 2009 as the recession limited their levels of disposable income.

He remarked that many families were taking the decision to enjoy a break in the UK rather than decide to go abroad, which was likely to be more expensive.

Owner pays penalty for no insurance as caravan burns down

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A caravan owner in Australia has found out first-hand the importance of having insurance for his vehicle after it burned down with all of his belongings inside.

The Standard reports that the early morning blaze was so bad that it took firefighters approximately 90 minutes to bring it under control after it demolished the caravan and annexe.

Luckily, the owner of the vehicle inside the caravan park, known only as Mark, was out at the time, but he did lose all of his possessions.

Park owner Garry Traynor told the publication: “The emergency services were fantastic – the fire brigade and the police.

“It’s just unfortunate that Mark had all his possessions inside. Unfortunately he didn’t have insurance, so he’s now staying in one of our caravans until we sort out what we can do.”

Alongside covering belongings that have been stolen or damaged, caravan insurance could also prove useful in other circumstances.

These include if the vehicle is blown over when being towed on a motorway or if it suffers a small dent when parked in a busy caravan park.

INTERVIEW: Linda Barker at Boat and Caravan

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It’s not every day that you find yourself sitting inside one of the most iconic caravan designs, alongside one of the most well-known interior designers from television. Caravan Times sat down with Linda Barker for a chat after the author and star of BBC’s Changing Rooms had opened Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC. A guest of the Caravan Club, she entertained an impressively large audience at their stand before making a pledge to go caravanning in 2010. And despite being a touring novice, Barker knows her way around a caravan having performed a few makeovers in her time.

Last year a viewer of ITV’s This Morning was given a neglected family caravan by a friend to enable him to take his family on trips around the UK. Paul Cooper found however that the neglected Monza 450 had spent years on a farm as a home to chickens, and was in desperate need of refurbishment. To the rescue came his wife Julie who was watching This Morning and entered a competition to win a caravan makeover by Linda Barker. The designer spent an hour with a team of assistants and the end result saw the Monza fitted with new carpets, lighting, sofas and cushions, topped off with pink wallpaper.

Transforming a space is clearly an activity Barker relishes. She reminisces fondly on the makeover, which then reminds her of a previous refurbishment she undertook at a caravan show. “It was such a basic model, brand new, but I put an amazing shower in, and a whole bathroom, and a fabulous kitchen. It was so much fun!” When put to her that on purchasing a new caravan the majority of buyers look for the complete solution, Barker turns to praise the Airstream 534 that we are sitting in for the interview.

“Well if you get them like this (pointing to the Airstream interior) then you wouldn’t want to do anything. But if you have an older one or have bought one off Ebay, then there’s a joy to be found in playing around with it a little bit. It probably needs tidying up a bit.” She is quick to return to the American trailer as a design pointer. “I really think this Airstream is amazing! They’re top of their game really, the ultimate mobile home. You wouldn’t necessarily want to tweak these that much.”

So is there a different set of rules when designing a caravan interior? “It really is a different set of criteria. What I mean is, you shouldn’t be governed by the normal rules we use in houses. You should be led by what your individual look is, or the style you want to go for. With caravans, you’re not in them all the time – so you can go quite wild with a caravan. You should go for having fun!”

And having fun is what Linda Barker intends to do this year when embarking on her first caravan holiday. When asked for her favourite UK holiday spot, the newly signed-up member of the Caravan Club believes it is “probably North Yorkshire, as I’ve spotted a few nice Caravan Club sites around there already. I mean, you can’t help but notice them – now that I’m a fully paid-up member I’m seeing all their signs around all the farm gates.” But has her family signed up to the adventure? “You know, I think it’s very cool for teenagers actually. My 17 year old daughter is really excited, I think she secretly wants to pass her driving test so she can tow one away!

Before we say our goodbyes, Caravan Times poses the ultimate question to the interior designer. If you enjoy your trip this year and end up purchasing a caravan from new, would you leave it as it is, or would you customise it? Linda Barker breaks into a smile, offering an unequivocal reply.

“Haha! Definitely. I’d definitely tweak it…yes!”

Linda Barker was a guest of the Caravan Club at Boat and Caravan Show. For more information on the Caravan Club please click here

Film based around a caravan park set for national release

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A film revolving around the storyline of two best friends living on a caravan park is set to be released later this month.

The Scouting Book for Boys is based on two 14-year-old children called David and Emily who live on a caravan park on the coast of Norfolk.

As the plot evolves, Emily is forced to go on the run from police and hides with the help of David, who is played by Thomas Turgoose.

The film is released nationally on March 19th, but the Norwich Evening News reports that the Hollywood Cinema in Great Yarmouth will provide individuals with an early viewing.

Much of the film was shot around the Norfolk and Suffolk coast, taking in locations including Broadlands Sands Holiday Park, Holkham Bay and Trimmingham.

Writing a review for Den of Geek, Rupert de Paula remarks that the film is an “unexpected delight” and a “highly impressive British film that deserves to find a wider audience”.

The Scouting Book for Boys is written by Jack Thorne, with Tom Harper completing directing duties.

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New caravans plans in Berwick could boost local economy

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Approximately £2 million could be brought to the Berwick area of Scotland each year as over 200 additional caravans are planned for a caravan park in the location.

The Berwick Advertiser reports that Seafield Caravan Park at Seahouses is making the expansion plans which will see 170 caravan put up for sale and the remainder available to let for holidaymakers.

Owners Strathearn Leisure are hoping to complete the development in three phases, which would result in equal numbers of caravans erected in each segment.

According to the publication, Sandra Thompson, regional director of Signet Planning, which has prepared the plans for the owners, believes the development will have numerous benefits for the region.

Alongside resulting in additional jobs for local people, it is predicted that indirect expenditure could lead to an extra £1.83 million coming into the local economy every 12 months.

There are numerous caravan parks for both couples and families to enjoy across Scotland, offering the chance to take part in indoor leisure facilities, alongside being in locations that offer romantic walks around the coastline.

British Pie Week: where to find the best pies

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From the 1st-7th March this year Britain is being encouraged to celebrate one of the humblest yet most popular dishes in the national cuisine. Step forward the British pie. A baked dish chiefly consisting of pastry that covers a filling of sweet or savoury ingredients, the pie has been amongst us since the 12th century, and can be found anywhere from the football terraces to the packed lunchboxes of executives.

British Pie Week has been organised by Jus-Rol the pastry company, and the firm came up with a competition earlier in the year to find the best pie in England. And despite travelling the length and breadth of the country, the finalists were mainly to be found in the south-west.

Two from Cornwall, one from Devon and another from Somerset made up four of the five shortlisted, while Cardiff was the lone entry from outside the region that made the final. The competition was eventually won by the Cardiff entrant, with chef Adam Pavey from The Goat Major pub carrying away the award.

The Goat Major, High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU. Tel:(029) 20337161

Chef Adam Pavey was said to have “wowed the judges” with his delicious Wye Valley pie, described by the officials as “heaven in a pie”. Pavey combined locally sourced ingredients such as Welsh Tintern Abbey cheese with light Jus-Rol pastry to create his winning pie. Those who are planning a trip to Cardiff will be pleased to know that The Goat Major is easily found in the town centre at the head of the High Street.

The Fisherman’s Arms, 31 Lambhay Street, Plymouth, PL1 2NN. Tel: (01752) 661457

From the list of finalists we turn to Plymouth and the Fisherman’s Arms, where chef Martyn Scott also sourced local ingredients for his highly commended entry. The pub lives up to the name as chef Scott uses the local harbour to find the freshest ingredients for his Smoked Fish and Cider Pie. Each day a new supply is delivered to the popular Plymouth pub, and chef Scott is proud of their links with the fishermen. “We only use local produce to support our community and ensure the best ingredients possible”.

The Lamb Inn, 1 Christchurch Street East, Frome, BA11 1QA. Tel: (01373) 472042

Set amongst the historic architecture of Frome, the Lamb Inn is a small family owned freehouse that happens to produce one of the best arrays of pies. Chef Paul Davies is behind the ‘Classic Pie Collection’ and again emphasises the importance of sourcing local produce. He believes “the balance and depth of flavour in our signature Venison and Stilton pie is the very best of the best.”

The Fountain Inn, Newbridge, TR20 8QH. Tel: (01736) 364075

Newbridge in Cornwall boasts what the owners call “A real Cornish local pub”, and a venue which during the holiday season is teeming with visitors. The Fountain Inn is known for holding “Pie Nights” every Friday, and as such will be celebrating reaching the finals of British Pie Week. Chef Dan Tibbins created the “Blue Cow Pie” as a variation on the traditional favourite that is steak and stilton pie. Described by Tibbins as “a real hit with our customers” the Fountain Inn can be found between Penzance and St Just.

The Heron Inn, Trenhaile Terrace, Malpas, Truro TR1 1SL. Tel: 01872 272773

Situated in the picture-postcard village of Malpas is a pub overlooking the very place where three rivers meet. The Heron Inn is renowned locally for its cuisine and chef Karen Berg went for a unique twist on the pie theme. Her version of the traditional “apple pie and cream” was called Fudgey Apple Pie, and she explains “When you cut into it, the hot liquid creamy fudge oozes out, creating a simple yet irresistible pie!”.

British Pie Week takes place between the 1st-7th March 2010.

New iPhone app will support caravan drivers

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Caravan drivers may be able to avoid towing their vehicles down windy or narrow roads through some new software available as an application on the Apple iPhone.

The AA’s Route Planner navigation software allows motorists to specifically steer clear of situations including toll roads and motorways.

In particular, a specific ‘caravan friendly’ mode will ensure drivers stick to roads suitable for the vehicles.

According to the Press Association, Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “It is estimated that at any one time up to 15 per cent of drivers in urban areas may be lost, adding to congestion and frustration among drivers.

“A well-planned route not only saves time, money and CO2 but also makes for a calmer, safer journey. Millions of people rely on AA Route Planner and with this new app this will now be available wherever they are.”

Routes can be planned using the software by start and end destinations or through the current location in which a user is situated.