By Chris Littley

Even during these difficult times, it’s great to see the community spirit of the caravan and camping community continues to shine through.

Inverness-based campervan rental business Highland Auto Campers has typified this sentiment, offering up three vehicles as temporary accommodation for key staff at a local care home.

The firm responded to a request from Victoria Connolly, manager at the Isobel Fraser Care Home, to help to support the facility in its time of need.

The vans will now be used to ensure key staff are able to self-isolate on site and not risk spreading coronavirus either to their own loved ones or residents of the home. It all forms part of the care home’s plans to help to limit the chances of infection.

Mark Jarratt, one of the owners of the business, told North Coast 500: “Whilst we are overwhelmed by the reactions we have had in recent days, the real heroes in this story are the care home staff, who are sacrificing time at home with their families and loved ones, to carry out their job.”

He went on to add that the dedication of nursing staff to isolate in this way and to forego seeing their own loved ones to help to protect some of the most vulnerable people in the local community is admirable.

“I hope that other companies in our position will be able to do similar in other parts of the country,” Mark concluded.

By Chris Littley

It’s not every day when you give a five-star review across the board, but that was just the case for the Gobur 12 2T, as we look back in time in this edition of Classic Gold.

The 2010 12 2T was a standout performer in every area, according to our reviewer Michael Hayes in October 2011.

He highlighted the excellent build quality and attention to detail by the designers, with outstanding craftsmanship and a spacious interior that made the model a pleasure to own.

“We have had nine new caravans before our Gobur, all with faults, some serious and some minor but all poor workmanship,” Michael stated.

“Our Gobur has no faults at all, build quality is perfect – a credit to Gobur.”

Overall, he described the 12 2T as “perfect”, scoring the vehicle a top rating of five out of five for equipment and comfort, build quality and reliability, space and practicality, and value for money.

“As always, you get what you pay for; we have no complaints at all,” Michael concluded.

Let us know your thoughts on the 2010 Gobur 12 2T, was it really as good as our review made out? We’d also love to know how the model fared over the years, did it stand up to the rigours of regular use?

By Chris Littley

The country’s still in lockdown and that means there’s plenty of time at home for the majority of us, so what better way to wile away the hours than to get to grips with essential upkeep for your caravan or motorhome?

There are plenty of easy tasks you can keep on top of at times like these, and let’s face it, there’s only so much Netflix you can watch or new hobbies you can pick up before you’re craving something else to keep you occupied.

Why not take the time to give your caravan or motorhome a thorough deep clean? With the sunny weather (hopefully) sticking around for the next few weeks, you’ve got lots of time to really get into those nooks and crannies and make sure both the interior and exterior are just like new for when the lockdown finally ends.

Other tasks that you might have put off up until now include refitting carpets or cupboards that are tired or worn, sprucing up the interior by adding a new splash of colour or improving your storage situation.

Indeed, some space-saving tips include putting in stackable storage tubs, hanging shoe racks to keep loose shoes out of the way, installing overhead shelving to make use of space that would otherwise go to waste, as well as putting up magnetic strips for things like knives, bottle openers or other small objects.

There really are a whole host of things you can be doing in your caravan or motorhome right now and we want to hear from you. What are some of those annoying jobs that you’ve put off in the past, but you’ve tackled head on now the lockdown is here?

By Chris Littley

We’re starting the week with another look back into the caravans and motorhomes of yesteryear; it’s a Classic Gold outing for the Bailey Retreat Sycamore.

Looking back at the 2012 model and our review from the same year, we gave the vehicle something of a mixed bag of praise and disparagement.

The interior was an undoubted highlight according to our reviewer Mark Hannam, who argued: “The best in its class, Bailey have got this one right.”

He rated the Retreat Sycamore a perfect five out of five stars for its space and practicality, but it scored just three out of five for quality and reliability.

Indeed, Mark noted that, upon close inspection, some sections of the wood decor had not been properly glued in place and there was a small crack in the kitchen splashback.

The water was also very slow to drain in the sinks, while the front seats had been finished in plywood and were not hinged, like those in the rest of the cabin.

Despite these problems, Mark still felt the model was a good all-rounder, giving it a not-too-shabby four out of five overall rating.

We’d love to know your thoughts on the Bailey Retreat Sycamore. If you’ve ever owned or rented one, why not drop us a message and get in touch!

By Chris Littley

How do you feel about the Sprite Alpine 4? We’re looking back at this classic vehicle as part of our latest instalment in the Classic Gold series.

Peter Holden reviewed the Alpine 4 back in March 2014 and, we have to say, it didn’t blow his socks off, unfortunately.

He gave the vehicle a slightly lacklustre three out of five stars at the time, highlighting several issues that made it a less than perfect choice for many enthusiasts.

Indeed, Peter had a long list of bugbears, including: “Seating foam soon flattens down. Heating system useless – either too hot or too cold. Radio in an awkward position and overly complicated.”

He was also not impressed by the cramped interior, stating that the model he saw was “excellent for one person”, but he’d “hate to try four people”.

That said, one positive was the low initial price of purchase for the caravan, which he described as being “value for money”. Overall though, he wasn’t impressed.

Let us know about your experience of the Sprite Alpine 4 and if you think we got it right in our initial review. There’s also plenty more to come in terms of Classic Gold content, so give us your thoughts on the models you’d like to see in future editions.

By Chris Littley

Catching up on our reviews of yesteryear, it’s time for the Sterling Europa 540 to receive the Classic Gold treatment from the CaravanTimes.

Our reviewer Andy Legg took on the challenge of reviewing the model way back in August 2011 and he certainly wasn’t one to pull his punches!

With fours across the board in terms of scores for reliability, equipment and value for money, the Europa 540 was less than perfect but nonetheless did show some promise and impressed in some key areas.

“It looks fantastic inside with the silver aluminium effects. Reminds me of my Audi,” stated Andy. “But the quality was a little disappointing, I did change all the door handles for metal ones as the cheap chrome-plated plastic ones were horrible.”

The fact that two battery chargers failed and the vehicle had some leaky pipes meant it wasn’t the most glowing of reviews; however, with plenty of room for four people to relax in comfortably, the Europa 540 at least had that going for it.

We want to hear from you, so let us know how you’ve found the Sterling Europa 540 over the years and if you think we got it right in our initial review.

By Chris Littley

Caravan and camping sites across the UK remain closed during the lockdown, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep enjoying your caravan or motorhome.

It’s important to stay at home right now to ensure a reduction in the spread of coronavirus, but with warm, sunny days there’s also a need to enjoy the great outdoors and your caravan or motorhome can still be a great place to relax and unwind in a different environment.

Indeed, Val and Bernie Crean, from South Hams in Devon, told the BBC about the many lovely meals and activities they’ve had in their caravan over the last few weeks.

“It’s lovely to sit and just read too,” Mrs Crean said.

What’s more, owners up and down the country are coming up with novel uses for their vehicle, with one such case being Lydia Humphreys from the Wirral – she’s converted her caravan into a classroom for her children.

“We have put our caravan on our driveway, which has been a very tight squeeze, and have turned it into a home school for our boys,” she said.

“It’s fun and the boys love it. It also helps keep schooling separate to normal home life.”

Elsewhere, caravans are being used to add a bit of peace and quiet for those working from home during this testing time.

David Dubois from Bolton shared his story of having to self-isolate in his caravan, but also the benefits of being able to be more productive: “the total quiet was great for getting work done”.

There are plenty of uses for your caravan or motorhome even during this difficult time, so why not let us know some of your own stories about how you’re making the best of such a bad situation.

By Chris Littley

The CaravanTimes returns with another Classic Gold throwback for your reading pleasure, this time we’re examining the 2010 Hobby 650 Excelsior.

We’re eager to know if our early impressions match up to the reality of what it’s like to live with these classic caravans and motorhomes, so give us your thoughts and let us know if we got it right!

We asked Lisa Flude to give us her impressions of the Hobby 650 Excelsior back in 2013 and she was more than happy to give the vehicle a thorough testing.

Lisa was especially pleased by the fantastic interior, with plenty of space to relax and get comfortable, as well as mood lighting that makes the area that much more inviting at night. Indeed, she noted it “causes a gasp when people come inside and it’s so plush and posh”.

One drawback was the lack of an oven, with only a hob top for cooking. There was also an issue that a battery backup did not come as standard, but that was easily rectified and added later.

In terms of value for money, Lisa gave the Hobby 650 Excelsior a rating of four out of five stars, but overall she rated the vehicle 5 out of 5. The “great layout”, “gorgeous lighting” and “fantastic fixed bed” were all highlights for Lisa that helped make it a perfect five-star review.

Let us know what you think of the Hobby 650 Excelsior, as well as if there are other classic caravans you’d like to see get the Classic Gold treatment.

By Chris Littley

Campers up and down the country are being urged to show their support for the hardworking staff of the NHS this Saturday (11th April) amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

A JustGiving page has been set up by 16-year-old Scarlett Street who wants us all to get out outside and camp in our gardens this Easter weekend.

Campervan and motorhome owners don’t need to miss out on the festivities though, as we can all take part in the fun of the Night Out for Nurses.

Scarlett was moved to set up the event to help give families across the UK a reason to enjoy the good weather this weekend despite the restrictions on movement that remain in place.

She also wanted to show her support for NHS staff who continue to be under great pressure on the front line of care as the nation tackles the impact of coronavirus.

“We urge everybody to participate in this initiative that will raise vital funds for nurses in these extraordinary tough times,” Scarlett’s father Damon commented.

“We wanted to do it in a fun way that would get families together and take us back to having fun times in the great outdoors.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the event can post pictures of their camp and share them online via the hashtag #nightoutfornurses.

You can also donate to Scarlett’s JustGiving page, which aims to donate more than £1,000 to the Association of NHS Charities.

By Chris Littley

Picking up our series on those ‘old but gold’ caravans and motorhomes of recent years, we’d love to know your reaction to the Elddis 524.

It’s not often that we review a vehicle and it gets five stars across the board, but that was precisely the case for the Elddis 524 when we last posted a review way back in 2012.

Reviewer Jeffery Barker was extremely happy with the design and comfort of the vehicle during its testing, stating that the layout “works fine for us” and that its overall quality and reliability was “great”.

He picked out the large bathroom as being worthy of a special mention, with its spacious and powerful shower a particular highlight. He also noted that the extra height that comes with the vehicle was especially beneficial for anyone over 6 ft tall.

Indeed, Jeffery only noted one minor drawback of the Elddis 524: “The microwave is great, but would be better put at eye level as it is quite high.”

Sadly, you can’t have it all, Jeffery.

If you’re enjoying our Classic Gold series and want to share your own experience of some of the many other classic caravans we’ve reviewed down the years, why not get in touch and let us know what other classics you’d like to rediscover?

By Chris Littley

Caravan owners in Gloucestershire have been warned that increased police checks will be enforced on the county’s roads in the run up to the coming Easter weekend.

With sunny weather, warmer temperatures and the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend, this is traditionally a time of year when many of us would be planning a getaway in our caravan or motorhome to picturesque destinations up and down the UK.

However, with measures for social distancing still in place across the country in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, caravan owners are being urged to heed government advice and stay at home.

Major roads across the region, including the M5, A417 and A40, will see an increased police presence in the coming days, with Gloucestershire Police warning that ‘going on holiday’ is not classed as a form of essential travel.

Individuals found to be breaking the rules on non-essential travel could face fines and will be urged to return to their primary residence by officers, the police have warned.

Assistant chief constable Craig Holden told Gloucestershire Live: “We are doing all we can to protect our local communities and we would ask that people from outside the county do not put extra pressure on our resources.

“The same message goes to those from Gloucestershire, who are thinking about leaving the county for the same reason, which will impact on the communities of the areas you are considering travelling to.”

This isn’t simply a plea for caravan or motorhome owners in Gloucestershire, however, as people across the length and breadth of the UK need to remember the importance of avoiding non-essential travel and remaining at home in order to reduce the spread of this deadly illness.