CRiS checks help prosecute caravan thieves

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Caravan owners in Wiltshire and across the UK can now be less fearful of theft after the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) helped police foil a gang.

A number of caravans had been stolen across the UK over the past three years, with Wiltshire Police attempting to collect evidence to catch the perpetrators.

The police worked alongside the CRiS to discover details of the missing vehicles, with four people now prosecuted for criminal activity that totalled almost £1 million in stolen caravans, money and jewellery.

Alan Bishop, industry relations director at the HPI, the UK’s leading vehicle information expert, has encouraged second-hand caravan buyers to run their own CRiS checks before making a purchase.

He said: “We would advise anyone looking to buy a caravan to carry out a number of essential checks beforehand.

“Undertaking a CRiS Check will uncover any discrepancies such as outstanding finance, if it has been previously ‘written off’ by an insurer or any discrepancy in keeper registration.”

Mr Bishop added that people should avoid paying for caravans with cash and instead should use bank accounts for a more traceable transaction.

The CRiS Check can confirm the correct identity of a caravan, alongside whether it is stolen or an insurance write-off.

For more information on the CRiS scheme, please visit the HPI website.

VIDEO: Take your first steps towards caravanning

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Many British people have fond memories of caravan holidays with their family. Some go on to enjoy a lifetime of caravanning, but there are many more who have never taken a trip in a caravan and experienced the freedom they afford the owner.

Last year saw more newcomers than ever to the world of caravans. The year of the “staycation” saw many Brits turn their backs on “no-frills” airlines with their hidden extras and avoid the perils of hotel packages. Instead they looked to caravans and the joys of touring Britain: some for the first time in their adult lives.

Yet with all the technical aspects of the hobby such as towing and choosing a model, some beginners could find taking that first step daunting. With this in mind the Caravan Club has launched a new initiative called Discover Touring to help you get started on the road to a lifetime of holidaying.

In our exclusive video we speak to Nick Lomas of the Caravan Club about touring – and how now is as good a time as ever to start.

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Celebrate St David’s Day at Welsh caravan park

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Caravanners in Wales are being invited to celebrate their patron saint’s day by heading to a holiday park.

Haven Holidays suggested that Welsh families might enjoy spending St David’s Day relaxing at one of its six sites in the country.

Taking place on March 1st, the celebration could be a great opportunity for caravan owners to get some use out of their mobile holiday home ahead of summer.

One park that may prove popular is Presthaven Sands, where Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand recently booked a family break.

Guests can make use of the new adventure golf course, swimming facilities and go-kart track.

Meanwhile, those who visit during the Easter holidays will get to see young X-Factor star Lloyd Daniels perform live onstage.

Other options include Quay West – a great place to stay for dolphin spotting and enjoying many water-based activities.

Meanwhile, Haven recently claimed that the recent trend for Brits holidaying in the UK is likely to be long-lasting.

Kia to launch redesigned Sportage

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Caravan owners looking for a new towcar to help them reach their favourite destinations may be interested in the latest news from Kia.

The firm has revealed that its new Sportage model will be premiered at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 2nd.

However, those who think they have seen it all when it comes to the vehicle had better reconsider their position, with Kia promising a “fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design”.

Managing director Michael Cole explained that the improved design will be a “new chapter” in the company’s history.

“[The] Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did,” he said.

According to the company, the 2010 model will be lower, longer and wider than its predecessor, giving more room for passengers and luggage.

Kia’s Sorento model may also be a useful vehicle for caravan owners after it was named runner up in the used 4×4 category of a What Car? Magazine competition at the end of 2009.

Linda Barker to attend Boat and Caravan Show

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Celebrity interior designer Linda Barker is to be one of the guests viewing the latest caravans and motorhomes to be showcased at the Boat and Caravan Show 2010 later this month.

The Caravan Magazine reports that the television presenter is the latest celebrity recruit to join the Caravan Club and will attend the show alongside others including chef James Martin and fellow television personality Julia Bradbury.

Caravan fans can see the latest products from the likes of Swift, Sterling and Elddis at the Birmingham NEC for six days from February 23rd.

Among the touring caravans that will be on display in the Practical Caravan Hall at the event are the launch of the fifth top-end luxury touring vehicle from Coupland Caravans and three new models from Elddis.

Meanwhile, guests will be able to gain a greater insight into destinations they can travel to across the UK through comments from holiday park representatives.

Those new to the delights of caravanning can also gain some helpful hints on how to tow a caravan, as professional instructors will be on site to part with their knowledge.

Caravan trading improvement expected for latter part of 2010

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A caravan retailer in Yorkshire has predicted that it expects trading to improve in the second half of 2010, as the industry continues its battle against the troubled economic climate.

The Yorkshire Post reports that Discover Leisure has made decent progress since needing to restructure to five sites last year as a way of avoiding collapse.

Despite the recent heavy snowfall having a negative effect on sales and the fact that many purchases were made ahead of the VAT change on January 1st, the company still remains optimistic for the upcoming 12 months.

According to the publication, chairman David Morrow told shareholders at the company’s annual meeting: “Looking ahead to the second half, the continuing economic uncertainties and the need to assess the market at Easter make it difficult to predict the group’s results.

“We expect trading to improve but to remain challenging.”

Touring caravan sales increased through September and October last year across the market, before a 37 per cent year-on-year improvement was noted in November.

Meanwhile the growth in the number of Brits holidaying in the UK in the opening half of 2009 caused sales to skyrocket by 40 per cent, Park Resorts revealed last year.

Green Brits to carry on caravanning

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A UK holiday company has predicted that Brits will continue to enjoy camping holidays in the UK rather than travelling abroad.

According to Haven Holidays, there has been an increase in families booking longer breaks at its 35 sites around the UK during 2010.

It predicted that this trend will continue as families look to save both cash and the environment.

It costs less in terms of money and carbon emissions to take a break in the UK than flying to some far-flung destination.

The firm revealed that the majority (65 per cent) of its customers travel for less than two hours to get to their site of choice.

“During the Easter holidays kids go free, with lots of included activities and entertainment. We believe it’s the best way to enjoy a fantastic family break whilst still keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum,” Haven said.

The operator explained that it hopes to teach kids the value of looking after the environment during their holidays.

Meanwhile, Haven recently announced a record 20 per cent rise in spring bookings for March, April and early May.

Devon caravan owners to benefit from free health and safety event

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Caravan park owners in the south-west are being encouraged to attend a free event later this month to boost their awareness of health and safety issues.

Hosted by Torridge and North Devon District Councils, the half-day event will involve speeches from the police and the Health and Safety Executive, taking in topics including the importance of maintaining that gas is running safely.

The event is to take place at the Golden Coast Holiday Village in Woolacombe on February 10th, with a trade fair and exhibition on site showing offerings from a number of suppliers.

North Devon Council lead member for environmental health, Pat Barker, feels that the day could help improve the stature of Devon as a holiday location.

She said: “This free event is the ideal opportunity for holiday park owners to refresh their knowledge and get advice about health and safety issues that are unique to the industry.

“Events like this help local businesses and organisations work together to make North Devon the perfect holiday destination.”

Ways in which caravan safety could be improved are through installing smoke alarms and carrying out regular checks that electrical systems are in good working order.

Caravan park nets another accolade for continued conservation work

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A caravan park has been honoured for the tenth year in succession for its continued work to help support Britain’s natural environment.

The Fakenham Times reports that Pinewoods Holiday Park has received a gold award in the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.

In the past, assessors have been impressed by decisions to fit solar panels to heat water in toilet blocks and moves to improve the reed beds in a nearby lake.

This year, the tourism business, which has 564 static caravan pitches, replaced the petrol vehicles used by staff with two electric buggies to further enhance its positive impact on the environment.

Manager Richard Seabrooke told the publication: “Conservation is a key part of our work here and we take it into account in every aspect of our business.

“The whole philosophy is something we work with and are conscious of all the time in the decisions we make – and to win this award ten years running means we are reinvesting and doing it right.”

Meanwhile in other news, top kitchen appliances and an ATC stability control system were factors that helped the Bailey Pegasus 624 crowned the Caravan of the Year at the Which? Caravan 2010 Awards.

Second Christmas for caravan man living without money

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A former manager of an organic food company has recently completed his second Christmas staying in a caravan as he continues to enjoy his life without the need to spend money.

Speaking to the Independent, Mark Boyle revealed that he lives in the recycled caravan, which he received for free, on a farm near Bath.

The 30-year-old leads an extraordinary life. Tasks are varied and range from riding his bicycle to running errands in exchange for food. He even makes his own toothpaste.

Mr Boyle was initially planning on experiencing life without money for a year, but after settling into a routine has learnt so much that he has decided to continue.

He now has the long-term plan to establish his own community of individuals with no reliance on money.

Mr Boyle told the publication: “It’s been a fantastic experience. It’s taught me a lot about myself. I’ve never been happier or fitter, so I didn’t see any reason to go back to using money.

“The main surprise of the experience is how easy it’s become. After about two months, living without money became very normal. It’s actually quite easy.”

Meanwhile, the Leader newspaper recently reported that a homeless man and his dog are now enjoying the warmth of a caravan in the chilly temperatures after a group of friends in Wales combined to provide the temporary accommodation.

Caravan park under threat after planning fiasco

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A caravan park in the Brecon Beacons National Park faces uncertain times after a court ruled that there were flaws in the process which led to it achieving planning permission.

Gilestone Farm obtained consent from the national park authority, but a 2007 inquiry suggested that there were a number of failings in the way the application was handled.

The recent Warwick Crown Court case saw Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley rule that the planning permission was not legitimate and that the caravan park would have to reapply.

The decision was welcomed by Usk Valley Conservation Group, which brought the case against the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Gilestone Farm.

The group’s secretary Paul Needham explained that it has been a long slog to achieve such a decision.

“[We] feel let down by the national park authority who have consistently failed to rectify the mistakes it has long accepted were made and left it to members of the public to seek justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Green Valleys community project in the national park has won £300,000 in the Big Green Challenge competition.

Caravan workers seek compensation

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Former workers at a stricken caravan manufacturer are set to discover whether they will receive compensation after losing their jobs.

More than 340 employees at Hull-based Atlas Holiday Homes were left out of work after the caravan firm went bust in 2008, the BBC reported.

Employees have been seeking 90 days worth of wages after trade union Ucatt revealed they had not been given the required notice of their redundancy.

The staff were given less than one day’s notice and were dismissed immediately, employment lawyer Nathalie Stewart told the news provider.

“We have brought this claim to try and get each of these employees 90 days further wages from the company to reflect the 90-day consultation they should have had before being made redundant,” she said.

The firm has since had its trading rights and assets bought out by Atlas Leisure Homes, which has released a new caravan range.

Those planning a caravan trip near Hull could head to Aldbrough Caravan Park or Highfield Farm, which are both in the area, according to ukcampsite.co.uk.