Investment into caravan site water parks

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A British holiday operator has invested millions of pounds in new water parks at its 35 UK sites.

Haven Holidays operates a chain of caravan and holiday home resorts around the country and has recently spent £40 million improving its fun pools and other facilities.

It has installed two Space Bowls at its Combe Haven and Marton Mere sites, where guests can enjoy a high-speed ride down the flumes before spinning around the bowl and being dropped into the pool.

Visitors to the firm’s other parks will not miss out, with new adventure golf courses, sports facilities and entertainment venues being installed across the country.

“We’ve invested £40 million in our parks to ensure that families can enjoy even better facilities and some spectacular new innovations,” Haven said.

Despite the large investment, the company was keen to point out that its prices remain very reasonable, with family spring breaks costing from just £99.

Meanwhile, Haven recently suggested that its customers turn off their mobile phones while on holiday to enjoy total relaxation.

Caravan park to sponsor youth group

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Kind-hearted caravan park owners in Cheshire are to pay a four-figure sum to a local organisation as part of a competition to win sponsorship.

The Winsford Guardian revealed that it has teamed up with Lakeside Caravan Park to organise the contest in which young peoples’ groups are asked to explain why they deserve the cash.

They will have 100 words to get their point across, with all entries being published in the paper and a public vote creating a final shortlist of six.

From this stage, groups will talk to staff from the newspaper and caravan site in person and the six will be cut down to three for a final taking place on May 3rd.

Lakeside Caravan Park assistant manager Tracy Mills told the newspaper that youth groups are extremely important and deserve assistance.

“That’s who this money is for – the local people who don’t get recognised, who don’t get major funding. That’s who we want to help,” she said.

Lakeside Caravan Park opens from March to January and features its own conservatory bar overlooking the water.

Haven creates caravan loyalty scheme

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Caravan site operator Haven is to offer guests a new loyalty programme, which rewards regular customers with a number of benefits.

The Freedom Trail will grant members discounts, as well as a free ten-night stay at a caravan park of their choice.

Those booking caravan and camping breaks will get ten per cent off, excluding monthly and seasonal pitches, meaning that they can choose from any of the more than 35 sites nationwide.

Caravanners wishing to qualify for the scheme must book three breaks with Haven throughout 2010, although these can be at different locations if preferred.

The firm has endeavoured to place its parks in areas of natural beauty such as beaches and countryside locations.

Guests will this year benefit from a recent £40 million of investment into the company’s facilities, which included upgraded accommodation, improved swimming pools and 14 new lounge bar cafes.

“The freedom trail programme is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of loyal customers who return to our campsites again and again,” a Haven spokesperson said.

Those looking for an exciting break could stay at Haven’s Blackpool site, from which they can access the Pleasure Beach funpark. Last year we reported how millionaire England captain Rio Ferdinand

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Caravanners should check windscreens

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Brits planning a caravan holiday this year should check their car windscreens for damage after a particularly harsh winter.

Motor glazing firm Auto Windscreens has suggested that the number of vehicles failing their MOTs this year due to windshield damage could increase by as much as 400 per cent.

It advised drivers to give their car’s glazing a quick once over to check for chips and cracks and to have any repairs or replacements carried out as a matter of urgency.

Vehicles will fail their MOT if there is a chip of more than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight or 40mm anywhere else on the windscreen.

Auto Windscreens sales and marketing director Nigel Davies explained that having small repairs carried out could save motorists having to shell out for an MOT re-sit.

“My advice is to check it now to avoid the costly inconvenience of the vehicle failing its MOT and subsequently being off the road until a windscreen replacement or repair can be arranged,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned that much of England can expect heavy snow today (February 18th).

Cold weather means cars should be checked out

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Caravan enthusiasts planning a trip in the next few months may wish to have their car checked out to help minimise the chances of a hassle-causing breakdown enroute.

The Met Office has predicted more snow for parts of the UK today (February 18th) and vehicles can often take a pounding during the colder months.

With this in mind, Vauxhall has suggested that motorists have their vehicles checked to cut the chances of costly repairs.

The firm urged drivers to pay a visit to one of its facilities to take advantage of the £35 Winter Safety Check & Top Up service that is currently on offer.

A 25-point visual inspection of the motor and full top up of vital fluids is accompanied with a tyre-pressure check and comes with a free Winter Car Care Pack worth more than £12.

“Regular servicing and checks are vital for trouble free motoring, particularly after the extreme conditions this winter has thrown at the UK’s motorists,” a Vauxhall Aftersales spokesman said.

He added that air conditioning is also an important facet to have looked at, as it can be useful for demisting the windows, as well as keeping occupants cool in summer.

Park Resorts earns several awards

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by Chris Malone

Park Resorts is hoping that its raft of awards will convince Brits to enjoy a caravan holiday at one of its sites.

The firm noted that all of its coastal parks throughout Scotland, England and Wales have been graded by their relative tourist boards and awarded three, four or five stars.

Meanwhile, the company is recognised by S.A.F.E for its work in protecting children during visits to its holiday sites.

It revealed that it works closely with the charity to promote safe activities for all youngsters visiting its parks.

Some of the sites are also holders of David Bellamy Conservation Awards, which recognise every aspect of park management and its relation to protecting the environment.

Likewise, caravanners may be interested to learn that several of Park Resorts’ facilities have been given a Rose award for their high-quality caravan sites.

In other news, the firm recently sent marketing director Andy Edge undercover at two of its sites as part of the Channel 4 show Undercover Boss.

Park Resorts launches new website

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Caravan site operator Park Resorts has launched a new website ahead of the 2010 holiday season.

The aim of the upgraded online resource is to provide information for customers, as well as a simple search and book process.

The website has been updated with new images to allow customers to make informed choices about where they head for their caravan holiday and the touring pages have now been combined with the holiday site for greater ease of navigation.

A map of the company’s 37 parks is available, while there are also plenty of ideas for those who are still undecided on where to spend their vacation.

Each site comes with a list of local attractions, while an FAQ section should hopefully answer any questions that customers may have.

There are also accommodation and entertainment sections meaning customers can find out all they need to know about their chosen park before they set off.

The firm recently announced that it has spent millions of pounds upgrading its facilities ahead of the summer season.

Cancer charity to buy second caravan

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A charity for terminally ill children is set to buy a second caravan to use as part of its service.

Set up in memory of two-year-old Rusden resident Zach Sanders, Zach’s Helping Hand aims to provide assistance for the families of kids with serious conditions.

Zach died of a brain tumour six years ago and his relations founded the charity in his honour.

It already owns a caravan at Butlins in Skegness which is used to give terminally ill children a chance to take short holidays with their family between treatments.

The organisation is hoping to raise a further £40,000 for the new mobile home after already amassing £15,000 towards it.

It hopes to make it available by 2012 and Zach’s father Andy told the newspaper that it is “really important” that families are able to have a break together.

“Before we got the caravan, families would often miss out on holidays because of hospital appointments and medical treatment,” he said.

Mr Sanders added that the free service allows them to have a holiday without stressing about having to leave early if necessary.

As well as fun activities for kids, Skegness Butlins offers a “tranquil health and beauty” spa for adults.

Caravan site extension to be vetoed

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Councillors look set to knock back plans to expand a caravan park in Devon’s Brixham.

According to the Herald Express, Landscove Holiday Park’s intention to create an extra 90 caravan pitches would be damaging to the outstanding natural beauty of the area.

The request was a reduction on the original plans for 151 new spaces, which received numerous objections from locals.

It was part of £2.5 million plans that would also have involved upgrading existing mobile homes at the site and improving its amenities.

The only way that owners would be able to proceed is if they met 26 conditions, which local councillor Jackie Stockman suggested would be “diabolical”.

Planners suggested that the submitted request lacked enough improvement of facilities and voiced concerns about overdevelopment and increased traffic.

However, some members of the council believe that if permission is not granted then the owners will take their cash elsewhere and the site may close.

Devon is a renowned caravan holiday destination and offers numerous scenic walks and watersports.

COMPETITION: Win one of 15 pairs of tickets to Boat and Caravan Show

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After the runaway success that was Boat and Caravan Show in 2009, this year has seen the number of exhibitors and events increase in response. Earlier in the month we went behind the scenes to find out what caravan fans can expect at Boat and Caravan 2010, and now we’re offering you the chance to be there in person!

All this week until Sunday we are asking readers to tell us about their favourite caravan holiday. It could be from thirty years ago, from childhood, or when you went away last month. We’d love to hear about where you went, what made it wonderful, and what you saw whilst you there.

In return we’re offering each of our winners a pair of tickets to any day they choose at Boat and Caravan Show, which is held at Birmingham’s NEC from 23-28 February next week. We have 15 pairs to give away so you have every chance of winning this fabolous prize.

Entries can be sent via our “Submit Story” page or alternatively click here for the link

(Please remember to include a name, address, email and contact telephone number so that we can contact you if you win!)

Boat and Caravan Show caters for a huge range of touring lifestyles. Caravan fans who also enjoy camping and boating will find plenty on offer here. And if you’re new to camping or caravanning you’ll love some of the special “beginners” events each day. With leading clubs and organisations in attendance to help answer questions and give advice, Boat & Caravan is a great place to get started or enjoy your pastime.

We look forward to reading your stories: any questions, do get in touch with our Editor by emailing editor@caravantimes.co.uk. Alternatively have a look at our Terms and Conditions below. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. To enter a Caravan Times competition you must be:
(a) UK resident; and
(b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.

2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Caravan Times, or any subsidiary of Adfero.

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Only one entry per person.

5. If you want to enter a competition you may enter via the Submit Story” page, or you can also send your entry to submissions@caravantimes.co.uk

6. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.

7. The fifteen winners will be selected by the Editor whose decision is final.

8. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and we reserve the right to amend the competition details at any time.

9. If you win a competition, we will notify you by e-mail. The Editor’s decision will be final, and no other correspondence will be entered into.

10. By entering the competition the winner agrees for their material to be amended and published as required.

11. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

12. Please read our Privacy Policy which tells you how we use any personal information we may collect about you by entering a competition.

Newquay ‘still good for family caravan breaks’

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Brits planning a family caravan holiday this year could head to Newquay in Cornwall, it has been suggested.

While the area is a popular surfing spot and holiday destination for young people, VisitCornwall claimed that it also appeals to families.

Tourism Newquay recently revealed that European bookings for the seaside resort have risen for 2010.

VisitCornwall PR manager Teresa Timms explained that the town was traditionally a family resort and, although it has become popular with young adults in recent years, it remains a good choice for those with children.

She added that the area offers “spectacular beaches and wide choice [of] accommodation – everything from great campsites to four-star hotels and high-quality self-catering apartments”.

Ms Timms said that the town benefits from an accessible position which allows people from both the east and west of the country to come and enjoy what it has to offer.

Nearby attractions include the Eden Project and National Maritime Museum, which could provide fun diversions for those staying in a Newquay caravan.

Local caravan sites in the area include Trewan Hall run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, or Treamble Valley which is a Caravan Club Members Only site. Other local alternatives include Trenance Holiday Park which also has static caravans on site.

Caravan safety highlighted after life-threatening blaze

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The importance of fire safety in caravans has been underlined by a blaze in Slough which has left a man fighting for his life.

While the cause of the fire is still unclear, caravan owners should always remain vigilant due to the flammable nature of mobile homes.

The man, who is in his 60s, was trapped inside the vehicle in Chalvey Grove while fire fighters fought to free him after the blaze was spotted by a patrolling police officer.

According to the Slough Observer, he was treated for serious burns at Wexham Park hospital after being freed and was later transferred to the special burns unit in Essex.

A woman who also lives in the caravan managed to escape at around 23:30 GMT on Sunday (February 14th) and was treated for smoke inhalation.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident in an attempt to establish the cause of the fire.

For advice on caravan safety please take a look at our “Safety and Security” section to get you started.