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.

Isle of Wight ferries to continue despite legal ruling

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Caravan Times can reliably inform readers that ferries will continue to run between the Hampshire town of Lymington and the Isle of Wight, despite a High Court ruling against the firm who manage the service.

Wightlink manage ferries between Lymington and the popular tourist island. Recently the firm replaced its 35-year old ferries with a new fleet of larger, “W-class” vessels as part of a £57 million investment in the service. However a local action group brought a legal challenge asserting that the W-Class craft is damaging the Lymington River. The waterway contains valued bird life and marine creatures, and as such is fiercly protected by action group the Lymington River Association.

In his judgement releasted today, Mr Justice Owen ruled that the manner in which Wightlink took the decision to introduce the new ferries in February 2009 was in breach of the Habitats Directive. However it was believed this breach was not intentional, and that Wightlink believed it was acting fully in accordance with the law.

AS a result Wightlink have issued a statement that it will “consider what steps it will be required to take in its role as competent authority to address this issue”. The company also believes “the historically low levels of marine risk on the river have not been eroded by the introduction of the W Class ferries.”

Crucially for UK tourists, Wightlink informed Caravan Times that “nothing in this judgment will affect the service Wightlink offers to its customers” and reiterated that they will continue to run a normal service.

Caravanners who are thinking of taking a break this year to the Isle of Wight should take a look at the official guide to the island at iwight.com

Win a brand new Bailey Pegasus at Boat and Caravan

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Visitors to Boat & Caravan at the NEC Birmingham (February 23 to 28) could win themselves to a brand new Bailey Pegasus 534 Caravan thanks to Club Care Insurance.

The model up for grabs is worth £16,000 and is one of the most popular caravans currently available. The Pegasus is the first caravan to feature Bailey Caravans’ revolutionary Alu-Tech body shell design. The body shell comprises of five body panels which are clamped together using an aluminum interlocking extrusion system and no other external fixing points. This in turn makes the caravan more waterproof and as the body shell is 30 per cent thicker than normal, it is also warmer.

So the question is, how can you win this superb caravan? Well, to enter the draw you have to attend the show and visit the Camping and Caravanning Club’s stand. Visitors must simply obtain a quote for any Club Care insurance product, and their details will be entered into the draw. (Terms and conditions apply – see winapegasus.co.uk or call 01277 243 000).

Club Care is the long-established provider of insurance for The Camping and Caravanning Club’s members and recently key improvements have been made to its exclusive products. Following feedback from members, the number of cover levels has been reduced from five to just one. This now allows customers the facility to personalise their cover to suit them and meet their needs.

Nigel Coppen, Client Director at Club Care noted that “Whilst the main policy features remain unchanged, members will now be able to choose the amount of cover they require under specific sections and tailor their caravan insurance accordingly. In essence they will not be paying for cover they do not require.”

“This latest product has been designed by members for members and will allow caravanners to reduce their outgoings during what are extremely challenging times.”

Together with the savings, members can enjoy exclusive benefits including Personal Accident cover up to the age of 85, up to £1,000 free Contents cover and up to 10 years New for Old cover.

Furthermore, the Club’s Membership Services Director Paul Jones has promised to continue to work closely with Club Care to reduce costings to members even further.

He said: “The credit crunch is still affecting a lot of pockets; that is why we must continue to help our members by offering great services at affordable prices.

“These latest products are extremely competitive and we will be working with Club Care as the year unfolds as we look to introduce further additional benefits to members.”

For further information or to obtain a no-obligation quote telephone 01277 243000 or visit clubcareinsurance.co.uk

Park Resorts books big acts

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Caravan enthusiasts heading to a Park Resorts site could be in for a treat as the holiday operator has booked a number of top acts to appear throughout the summer.

Former Atomic Kitten member Natasha Hamilton will be strutting her stuff at three different locations this August.

She will appear at East Sussex’s Camber Sands on August 7th, Yorkshire’s Cayton Bay on August 14th and Essex’s Highfield Grange on August 21st.

Meanwhile, ladies may wish to head to Highfield Grange on July 17th, Essex’s Valley Farm on August 14th or Skipsea Sands in Yorkshire on August 21st, as 1990s pin-ups 911 will be appearing on stage.

Furthermore, Eastenders character Shaun Williamson will also be appearing at no fewer than five sites during the summer.

Other acts include 1970s and 80s boy band The Real Thing and Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz.

The park operator recently revealed that it has spent millions of pounds on renovations of many of its sites.

Rescue team in appeal for caravan base

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Caravan owners in North Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset may be interested in the plea of a volunteer team which helps the emergency services during periods of extreme weather conditions.

According to the Weston & Somerset Mercury, Wessex 4×4 Response is seeking a mobile home to act as a mini-base for its workers, allowing them to change clothes, use radio equipment and plan operations.

The group is looking for a donation and has suggested that, if a firm provided them with a caravan, they could emblazon the name across the side for sponsorship.

Volunteer Chris Young told the newspaper that the main requirements are that it is watertight and roadworthy.

“A 16 ft caravan would be ideal, so one end could be a communications hub and the other could have a toilet and rest area,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Lincolnshire Echo has revealed that a caravan site built for gypsy and traveller families is to get a £1.25 million revamp.

Pictures, layouts and prices: we reveal the Bailey Olympus

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Caravan manufacturer Bailey Caravans of Bristol today unveiled full details of its new model, the Olympus. The caravan is the second Bailey range to be built on the all-new revolutionary “Alu-Tech” bodyshell, which was designed to combat the problems of water ingress. Caravan Times has been told the Olympus is the equivalent of the Pageant series in the classic Bailey line-up, and as such slots below the Pegasus in the Alu-Tech range. Here we can reveal for the first time full details of pricing and layouts, ahead of the first public showing at Boat and Caravan.

Overview

First pictures confirm the Olympus as the visual baby brother of the best-selling Pegasus. The structure is made up of interlocking aluminium with no external fixing points, in order to minimise the risk of water ingress. In addition the caravan is built with an integral water management system. As an Alu-Tech caravan, the body panels are built using a timber-free construction. Plastic is used instead in a construction which incorporates high density polystyrene insulation.

Most crucially the benefit is passed on to customers with an industry-leading 10-year integrity guarantee. The structure also receives a Grade III classification of EN1645-1 thanks to its fully insulated shell.

An industry standard AL-KO setup is in place with a galvanised steel chassis, braking system and running gear. The AL-KO ATC trailer control system is also standard alongside the firm’s stabliser and shock absorbers. Features carried from the Pegasus include twin front wet locker storage compartments and weatherproof LED front and rear grab handles for visibility.

Layouts and interior

The interior of the Olympus has a number of advantages over traditional models, chief of which is the internal headroom. This has been increased to a class leading 6’5″ (1.96m) – and due to the flat panel roof construction this is consistent throughout the caravan. Split-level storage is found throughout, with new kitchen laminates and fittings in matt nickel combining to create a fresh look. Interior fabrics are subtle in beige and both options come with sculpted arm and back rests.

Layouts range from the entry-level 2-berth (the Olympus 462) to a 6-berth model (the Olympus 546) while there is the option of a twin-axle Olympus with the 624 which sleeps four.

Pricing

The Bailey Olympus starts at 13,995 for the 462, and rises to £15,595 for the 6-berth 624.

For more information on the Bailey Olympus you can visit their micro-site at baileyolympus.co.uk.