Caravan girl wins place at Cambridge

Posted by

A girl brought up in a caravan and who has never competed a full year at school has won a place at a prestigious UK university.

Traveller Zoah Hedges-Stocks left school to work with her family’s travelling fair, but has now won a place at Cambridge University, the Daily Mail revealed.

The 20-year-old spent every summer of her youth serving in her mother’s food van and has been offered a place at the all-female Murray Edwards College after achieving two As and a B at A Level.

Not everyone in her community understood the magnitude of her achievements, Ms Hedges-Stocks told the newspaper after becoming the first member of her family to apply for university.

“Cambridge was the only university they had heard of and they didn’t understand the application process was selective – they assumed you could simply walk in,” she said.

The caravan resident revealed that she wanted to study history after hearing folklore tales from her grandfather.

Meanwhile, the Caravan Club has revealed it is offering its own breakdown and rescue service in conjunction with Green Flag.

Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury to appear at Boat and Caravan

Posted by

TV personality Julia Bradbury will be a guest of The Camping and Caravanning Club this month at Boat & Caravan Show. The Countryfile presenter and outdoors enthusiast will be present on The Club’s New to Camping Stand (300) on Tuesday, February 23. Boat & Caravan is held at Birmingham’s NEC and caters for a wide variety of touring lifestyles.

Last year Bradbury officially endorsed the Camping and Caravanning Club’s New to Camping campaign and is delighted to be involved again at the UK’s biggest outdoor leisure show.

She said: “It is fantastic to see that The Camping and Caravanning Club’s New to Camping campaign is still going from strength-to-strength since its launch last May. I’ve seen and spoken to a lot of people whilst on location filming across the country and everyone seems to share that real enthusiasm and hunger for camping.”

Bradbury also added “I’m looking forward to hearing and sharing more stories with the show visitors.”

Her love for communicating the value of exploring the outdoors is well know. Countryfile, BBC One’s Sunday evening primetime series, was re-launched with Bradbury at the helm alongside Matt Baker and on January 24 saw over 7.3 million viewers tune in.

Bradbury is also known for presenting BBC One’s Watchdog as well as other series including Wainwright’s Walks, Railway Walks and The Rough Guide to . on Channel Five.

WIN a brand new Bailey Pegasus at Boat and Caravan

Visitors to the Camping and Caravanning Club’s stand have the opportunity of winning a brand new Bailey Pegasus 534 Caravan, all thanks to Club Care Insurance. Visit their Main Stand at 5295.

Show-goers will also be able to seek expert advice, get involved in demonstrations and enter competitions on the New to Camping Stand.

Meanwhile, to tie in with the Easter opening of the new Gulliver’s Milton Keynes Club Site, Gulliver’s Theme Park characters will be entertaining the children on the Saturday and Sunday of The Show.

The Boat & Caravan Show is taking place from February 23 to 28. To book your tickets call 0844 581 3000 or visit: the Boat and Caravan website

Park Resorts invests millions in facilities

Posted by

UK-based caravan site operator Park Resorts has revealed that it has invested millions of pounds in its facilities.

As well as a great deal of new accommodation, the holiday park firm is set to introduce two brand new shows to its entertainment acts this summer.

Alice in Boogieland is a family show which follows the protagonist in an all-dancing parody of Alice in Wonderland.

Meanwhile, Krew Club’s Got Talent is a kids show where children get to see park mascot Sparky rehearse to prove that he has the skills to be the Krew Club winner.

The firm has also invested in improvements and refurbishments to its Oasis Showbar at Cayton Bay in Yorkshire, the Clifftop Bar at California Cliffs and Showbar Carmarthen Bay in south Wales.

Kent’s Shurland Dale and East Sussex’s Camber Sands sites also have refurbished swimming pools for the new season, while Essex’s Valley Farm has a new indoor swimming pool and changing rooms.

Meanwhile, Park Resorts has also booked a number of top acts to appear at its sites throughout the summer, including popular 1990s boy band 911.

Caravan park season extension vetoed

Posted by

The owners of a Yorkshire caravan park have been left disappointed after being told that they will not be allowed to extend their opening season.

Hawkswick Cote Caravan Park in Arncliffe had hoped to open the site for a further ten weeks beyond the current November 14th closing date, the Craven Herald and Pioneer reported.

The committee behind the decision decided to keep the agreement of 1998 in place, restricting the site to a season from March 1st to November 14th, after local residents voiced concerns that a change would impact on their lives.

This was despite a recommendation from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority planning officers to allow the change to take place.

“We do not feel that the semi-permanent residence of people at this site is desirable for the Littondale community, unless they contribute fully to the economy of the district through council tax as main residence or second home owners,” a letter to the committee on behalf of Hawkswick Parish Meeting members said.

Meanwhile, the Caravan Club recently marked the 50th anniversary of its Certified Locations scheme.

Caravan Club mark 50th anniversary of Certified Locations

Posted by

The Caravan Club recently held an awards ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of its Certified Locations programme.

The initiative recognises small and exclusive privately-owned caravan sites which are only open to Caravan Club members.

Keal Lodge Certified Location in Lincolnshire’s Deeping St James took the top prize, with owner Jean Rogers explaining to the club how she likes make the extra effort with caravanners.

“I am more than happy to help our guests make the most of their stay – whether it’s wildlife watching, admiring historic buildings, or joining in one of my craft weekends,” she said.

Laithes Lodge in Blackpool and Stoneyways in Suffolk came second and third respectively.

The awards ceremony, which took place in the House of Commons, was attended by secretary of state for communities and local government John Denham.

There are currently around 2,500 Certified Locations around the UK, meaning Caravan Club members have a large choice of places to pitch up.

Meanwhile, the Caravan Club recently reported that ABTA – The Travel Association has suggested that Brits do not skimp on travel insurance when visiting foreign caravan sites.

Lorraine Kelly the ideal caravan guest

Posted by

A survey of caravan users has revealed the ideal celebrity holiday companion to be TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

The Scot took almost a third (32 per cent) of the votes, with comedian Peter Kay taking second place with 28 per cent.

According to the poll of 1,200 Safeguard caravan insurance customers, Nigella Lawson (nine per cent) and Jamie Oliver (15 per cent) were also popular choices.

The rest of the top six was completed by Coleen Nolan, who commanded 11 per cent of the vote, and Rod Stewart, who took five per cent.

Commenting, Safeguard manager Rita Sadler explained that choosing a holiday partner wisely is an important part of a caravan break.

“We can see why Lorraine Kelly would make the perfect holiday pal as her down to earth chatter would keep you entertained on the journey,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Melton Times recently reported that a group of protestors have marked their one year anniversary of living in a caravan at a site where a telecoms company wishes to erect a phone mast.

Honda recalls Jazz in fresh blow to Japanese carmakers

Posted by

Japanese car giant Honda is to contact 171,372 owners of the Jazz model in the UK as part of a safety recall. The manufacturer is arranging an examination of the master power window switch on the first generation Jazz (2002-2008). The news comes as Honda has added 437,700 cars, mainly in North America, to its existing global safety recall over airbag inflation problems. The company has already recalled almost 4,000 Accord and Civic cars in 2008 and another 510,000 cars in mid-2009.

Readers of Caravan Times alarmed by recent reports of airbag issues should know that most of the faulty cars are found in North America and the recall does not affect customers in the UK. Honda vehicles sold in the UK are fitted with a different type of airbag to the one concerned.

The news however comes as a fresh blow to Japanese carmakers, after we reported last week how Toyota recalled over 180,000 cars in the UK over a faulty accelerator pedal. And today in a separate safety issue Toyota announced a global recall of some of its Prius model over a brake problem. This affects 8,300 in the UK and the maker intends to install updated software to faulty cars.

Honda Jazz – the switchgear problem explained.

Honda have discovered that the master window switch in the driver’s door of the Jazz can malfunction when exposed to large amounts of liquid ingress. For example if the window is left open frequently or for long periods during heavy rain this can cause issues. Water and other fluids can cause the window switch’s circuit board to malfunction and prevent opening or closing of the window. What has prompted this recall is that in rare cases, the circuit board can overheat causing melting or smoke or, potentially, fire. However there have been no reported cases of a switch malfunction causing fire to a Jazz in the UK.

The manufacturer explained that not all of the cars recalled will require a replacement switch. However it promises to fit all recalled cars with a waterproof skirt in order to prevent further water entry.

How to get it fixed

Honda UK intends to contact Jazz owners affected by the recall “as soon as possible”. In all cases they have assured that work will be carried out at no cost to the customer.

The firm have advised customers who have concerns to contact Honda (UK) Customer Relations on 0845 200 8002 for assistance.

Those affected by the Toyota Prius story should be aware that the model affected is the third-generation Prius (built before 27 January 2010). A full statement on the issue can be found here at the manufacturer’s blog.

New models from Lunar on show at Boat and Caravan

Posted by

The weather reports may be predicting further snow but the calendar tells us that spring is just around the corner. And with it comes families who will be starting to plan a UK holiday. The advent of the “staycation” last year saw more parents than ever show their children around Britain instead of taking a plane further afield. With this in mind, Lancashire caravan makers Lunar are releasing two new models, first on display at the NEC in February.

Both models are 6 berth caravans on single axles, yet Lunar claim that they will naturally be synonymous with the firm’s reputation of “lightweight luxury.” The Quasar 462 was recently acclaimed at the 2010 Which Caravan Awards as the winner of “Best Couples Caravan Under £13,500”, and the new larger version in this range hopes to receive similar praise in the family sector.

NEW – Quasar 556

The 556 builds on the success of the Quasar 546 and we are told fits into the same body shell as its stable mate. A double lounge model, it will have 5’6″ long front seating together with 6′ long rear seating (with full length lift up bunks above).

Lunar have promised that the Quasar 556 “will match the high specification of the current Quasar range”. Features will include a fully lined separate shower cubicle, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of storage options. Modern families should also appreciate an open plan spacious living area. As mentioned earlier, the caravan is on a single axle and berths 6 people. The MTPLM should be around 1450kg.

NEW – Lexon 570

The main feature on this 6 berth single axle caravan is the fixed bed offered. Lunar proclaim that the Lexon 570 will be one of the first 6 berth single axle caravans to enter the UK market incorporating a fixed bed setup.

The caravan builds on the current body shell of the single axle Lexon range. For this model however Lunar increased the internal headroom to 6′ 5″ and borrowed from other caravans in their lineup when it came to the interior. Hence the locker arrangements are derived from the Clubman, while the back panel is similarly a Clubman item.

Both the Quasar 556 and the Lexon 570 will debut at Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC in February, and will be available on retailer sites soon afterwards. Prices start from £5 for children under 16, while adults are £12 and senior citizens just £9.50. Tickets can be bought in advance online using The Ticket Factory, or alternatively call 0844 581 3000.

Caravan burglar caught out by a jar of mayonnaise

Posted by

Those who take up caravanning often cite convenience and accessibility as the main reasons for buying a caravan. As such, a large number of owners choose to keep their ‘van on their property if there is enough room. Unfortunately keeping the vehicle on a driveway or equivalent is not enough to deter thieves or opportunists, as a story in the Hartlepool Mail proved this week.

The newspaper revealed how a burglar was recently caught breaking into a caravan to sleep for the night after a row with his girlfriend. He was however caught out (and charged with burglary) after his fingerprints were discovered on a mayonnaise jar from the caravan.

The court prosecutor heard how the man had been “wandering the streets” after the row with his girlfriend, who had told him to leave their property. He eventually came across an open caravan which had been parked outside a house in Hartlepool. He promptly entered, helping himself to biscuits and mayonnaise found inside the vehicle. The incident was then discovered in September last year when his prints were found on the jar.

Most notable for caravanners is how this crime was made possible in the first place. The burglar explained that the caravan was open, therefore he simply climbed into it.

The story outlines the importance of maintaining vigilance when keeping a caravan on a property. Owners are regularly advised by industry bodies and insurance organisations to ensure that doors and windows are locked at all times, even if on the driveway. Caravanners are also advised to invest in an additional form of caravan security (such as a wheel lock or hitch lock) to avoid the caravan being towed from the driveway.

While such measures cannot altogether prevent theft or unwanted entry, using these devices can help deter would-be thieves as well as potentially improving insurance rates.

For more information on useful security measures for your caravan, please click here to see our “Getting Started” guide.

Caravan company notes increased turnover

Posted by

Unfavourable exchange rates in Europe and the trend for staycations have helped one Midlands-based caravan dealer notably increase its turnover.

Broad Lane Leisure saw a sales increase of 37.5 per cent during 2009, with used motor home sales doubling year-on-year, the Birmingham Post revealed.

Second hand caravan sales also rose by 41.4 per cent and spokesman Darren Brown explained that the transformation has been “astonishing”.

He revealed that the industry had been in decline before 2009 and that companies were more focused on survival than growth.

Mr Brown added that the change in fortunes was largely down to the financial downturn and its effects across Europe.

“Families can’t afford to go abroad for their longer holidays and people of all backgrounds and ages – from the wealthiest to the less well-off – are scrutinising the challenges, opportunities and freedom that owning a caravan can provide,” he told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, the Caravan Club is set to host its annual National Rally at the end of May, with around 10,000 caravanners expected to attend.

Scottish caravan park in fraud case

Posted by

A Scottish caravan park is at the centre of a fraud investigation after police began enquires over discrepancies with a cheque.

Two men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the alleged fraud at Lossiemouth’s Silver Sands Caravan Park.

Police began their enquires last August after investors in a caravan reported that they had paid almost £10,000 for a caravan, but later found that it did not belong to them.

There have also been other alleged cases of mobile homes being sold without the owners’ consent or knowledge.

The site is owned by Green Parks and director Deepak Johar revealed that the firm has been helping in the matter.

“We will continue to assist police as much as is necessary in the case,” he told the Press and Journal.

The three people arrested in connection with the allegations are set to appear at Elgin Sheriff Court today (February 8th).

According to the Silver Sands website, the park offers “miles of beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches” with rare seabirds and rock pools full of wildlife.

Botanist praises Yorkshire caravan park

Posted by

A North Yorkshire caravan park has won praise for its work in encouraging wildlife to set up home in the area.

Renowned botanist David Bellamy said High Bentham’s Riverside Caravan Par has carried out important work in improving the environment in the surrounding area.

According to the Westmorland Gazette, the site is one of just 20 around Britain to be given one of Bellamy’s 2010 Conservation Awards.

Owners Thomas and Jane Marshall have worked hard to protect and boost the park’s local animal and plant life.

Bellamy admitted to being pleasantly surprised by the couple’s efforts in improving biodiversity and revealed that they had shown initiative to carry out work that even he had not considered before.

“This couple deserve all the support they can get and there are plenty of other tourism businesses in Cumbria and the rest of the UK which could take a leaf from their book,” he told the newspaper.

The awards are judged by assessors on how the park owners manage their land as a haven for wildlife, reduce resources use, deal with waste and support their local communities.