Wave Of Caravan Battery Thefts In Telford

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By William Coleman

Recently there have been a spate of thefts of across Telford of caravan batteries. Owners have been warned to take extra precautions to ensure they do not fall victim to these targeted crimes. What else can be done to keep your caravan, and it’s parts safe?

Like I have said many times before, the caravan will always be a target for vandals and thieves. I cannot give you an exact reason as to why this is but in my opinion I think it’s because they are seen as easy pickings. And maybe there are certain communities that are transient and dont mind rolling through a town and taking the opportunity to “relieve you” of some spare parts.

Whatever the reason we need to make sure we do all we can to prevent things like being pinched from our vans, something that seems to be happening far too often in Telford over the past few weeks.

Police in West Mercia have issued a warning to caravan owners regarding a spree of leisure vehicle battery thefts in Donnington. Something I am sure is happening all over the UK.

Officers said: “PCSOs have received reports of leisure batteries stolen from caravans on residential properties in Donnington”.

Police have warned owners to “Check your caravan is safe and secure,” following such a high number of break ins.

The leisure batteries are able to power 12V equipment in caravans and motorhomes so they are something that someone who doesn’t want to pay will target for theft.

Authorities have advised those with caravans, motorhomes or campers to ensure that they are kept secure and locked with the keys kept somewhere safe and secure.

I do not know too many people who keep their leisure vehicles unlocked, or keys anywhere other than inside their home, but it is always worth popping out and double checking. It could be the difference between having and not having a leisure battery.

Anybody with information about the thefts can call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Keeping That Van Safe

When it comes to keeping your caravan safe there are a quite a few measures that can be taken to ensure no third party harm comes your way.

With that being said, if someone wants in, they will go to a lot of lengths to get what they want. There is only so much you can do, but the more you do the safer you are. I would always advise you to get some kind of insurance cover just to be on the safe side.

Here are a few reminders of what can be done to keep your leisure vehicle safe, especially during the winter when it is being kept in one place until it warms up again.

The Regular Check

I am a self confessed creature of habit who, for some weird reason, loves checking and rearranging things. So when it comes to the caravan I habitually go out and check it and move things around.

This is a good habit to get into when the van is not in use. A once round every week will take no time at all. It will be the one time you do not check where you’ll end up not releasing the door was left unlocked or a window wasn’t closed.

Alarms and Cameras

Exterior cameras watching the drive where the caravan was kept, interior alarm system with supporting cameras, GPS trackers and then the good old fashioned wheel locks. These are all great tools to deter or even stop a would be thief from gaining access to your van and pinching whatever he likes.

Never shy away from an alarm due to its price. With alarms you get what you pay for. If you have budgeted for a motorhome or caravan you should always add a little bit more for the after purchase essentials like alarm systems.

A motorhome, being part car/van, usually has an alarm in the cab. This does not always extend to the rear doors. So always check when purchasing what factory standard security the home as. When you go to store the home you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

You Just Can’t Beat A Cover

A caravan cover is such a simple idea but one of the most effective when it comes to protecting your van from the weather and vandals.

If the van is out of sight it is also out of mind. I urge anyone who does not have a cover to go out immediately and get one.

The other great thing about how the cover can be an extremely effective deterrent is the fact it takes a while to remove it.

The would be thief is probably want it to be a bit of an in and out job and wont like the idea of standing out in the open, removing an entire caravan cover.

Auto-Trail Adventure 65 Review

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By William Coleman

Auto-Trail have unveiled their newest addition to the already impressive line up to support the overwhelming love for all things that are camper vans. This impressive new 4 berth has been designed for adventure and really is quite impressive.

The new Adventure 65 is a new 2020 model and should make quite the splash for young adventurers and families who want to get out more without having to drive something as large as a motorhome.

With a rear lounge, with two rear doors, makes this model great for activities and keeping the van free of muck that will inevitably be brought in after a day trekking through the great outdoors.

This is a 4 berth van that also comes with 4 belted seats which makes this ideal for a family get away. I especially like how smart the pop up roof is, and just how comfortable it was even when 2 adults used it for a nights sleep.

Usually I am not overly keen on high top models, this one stands as 2.27m, but this outer design and colour scheme makes this camper stand out, in a good way. The decals are very modern and gives the overall appearance a sporty look, imagine a Fiat Abarth but the size of a high top camper.

As you’d expect this is built upon and trusted Fiat Ducato base with a 120 Multijet 6 speed engine, which for a cost can be upgraded to a 140/160/180 or a Fiat fully automatic 9 speed gearbox. So you do have quite a lot of options to choose from to help suit your needs and driving style.

One aspect of this van, that could fly under the radar, is the anti rattle dampers that have been fitted to the draws. I absolutely hate the rattly sounds when driving so this gets two thumbs up from me.

The driving side of this van is top notch. We took it through towns, busy A roads and off the beaten track down towards a lake to sit and have afternoon tea. The van handled well on all surfaces and was an absolute pleasure to drive. The fuel economy is not to be sniffed at. A full tank got a surprising amount of millage, even with 4 adults and their kit on board.

When it comes to actually living in the van, which lets face it that is not really what campers are for, there is room to move around even when there are 4 people aboard. I would not recommend hosting a party on board but the van makes for the perfect retreat after a day out.

The Adventure lives up to its name as it makes for the perfect vehicles to go out on action adventure weekends and see more of those rural spots that may be tougher to get to in a full size motorhome.

The interior of this brand new compact is very smart indeed, much like the rest of Auto-Trail’s 2020 range. The Salinas Oak wood colour inside gives it more of a hotel feel than a camper.
The large double pop up roof bed really makes this stand out and with the LED reading light it makes for a very comfy and cozy hideaway.

Overall there is very little in or out the van that can spoken about negatively. I can see where some traditionalists may not be keen on the colour, something I love, but when it comes to function and day to day use you can ask for more.

Travelworld Make Award Shortlist

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By William Coleman

It is pats on the back all round in Stafford at the Erwin Hymer Centre after making the much coveted shortlist for Service Recognition for a Regional Award.

Making the shortlist for the Midlands Family Business Awards for Service Excellence is not something that is easy to achieve and deserves recognition. Winning is even harder too!

The team at the Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld were chuffed to bits to make the list, and despite not winning they still see this as a major accomplishment that has validated all the hard work they have put in since opening their brand new facility in Stafford.

Ross Edwards said: “We wanted to enter the awards because service is something we have really committed to and invested in this year.”

The brand new site, which I have had the pleasure of visiting a few times, is a total one stop shop for all things motorhome. The facility is a state of the art building that has a service centre and is an accessory specialist, ranging products from Dometic and many others.

In 2018 they became a Centre of Excellence for alarms manufacturer, Sigma Scorpion. A new windscreen division, where customers can have their windscreens repaired or replaced either at the centre or at their home, was also established in May this year and the company has also forged new links with leading supplier of motorhome chassis, Fiat Professional by becoming an authorised dealer.

Ross adds: “Motorhome customers are looking more and more for a place where they can receive a number of different services under one roof.”

He adds: “Simply being nominated at the awards in this category was a great achievement for us, we were up against some of the most recognised companies in the Midlands.

We congratulate the ultimate winners, and we will use our own achievement of being shortlisted as motivation to keep on striving for excellent customer service in the motorhome industry.”

To have a good look at the brand new Erwin Hymer Centre take a look at a video we put together for them back in February of this year.

Better Than Black Friday Deal From The Caravan And Motorhome Club

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By William Coleman

The Black Friday deals are about a week away but the Caravan And Motorhome Club are showing their hand a bit early for members and non members to get some Freedom at a reduced cost.

America are about to celebrate their national Thanksgiving holiday which mean the world is about to be faced with the Black Friday shopping deals.

Some love it and some loath it but there are some deals to be had, especially if you do not mind fighting the crowds.

If you are on the hate side of things and could not think of anything worse than crowd surfing at the shops then you may just want to take a look at an early offer the Club are offering both members and non members alike.

If you want to bag yourself a winter glamping getaway with the Experience Freedom brand and get £50 off the asking price then this deal is for you.

Use this discount to have a winter break in a glamping pod, safari yurt or an Airstream at a discounted rate from now until 2 December. With prices starting from just £59 per night, this means glampers can enjoy a festive two-night break from just £68.

Using code WINTER50, glampers can get £50 off their stay before 22 December at one of five incredible locations across the UK. Whether choosing to enjoy ice skating by the seaside in Brighton, wintery countryside walks in the stunning Surrey Hills or Lake District, Christmas shopping in London or quaint Christmas markets in the Cotswolds, Experience Freedom has sites to suit all tastes.

I have taken advantage of the Club’s Experience Offers before and stayed in an Airstream in Brighton and in a glamping yurt at their Daleacres site. Both trips were 10/10 for both location and accommodation type. It made a nice difference to be able to just pull up on site and not have to set anything up.

To find out more and book, visit the Club’s exclusive offer page.

Christmas In The Caravan

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By William Coleman

Is spending Christmas away in the caravan something you would do? As we get older we want to do less and less on Christmas, so why not take the ultimate freedom trip and get away in the caravan, or motorhome, for the festive period.

For me Christmas is a fun time but I do find myself spending most of it waiting on others, cooking and making sure everyone’s glass is full. Not that I mind but I do sometimes think about getting away and having some quiet time catering for just one or two people. This is where the caravan comes in handy.

Taking the van away would not be me escaping Christmas, it would be more about a change of scenery and spending some more quality, and quiet, time on site away from all the hustle and bustle. You can stock up early and escape the war that is the shopping centre and high street.

So how do we make a caravan stay as ‘Christmassy’ as possible without having all the rigmarole of a Christmas at home?

Don’t Forget The Decorations

There is a fine line between good Christmas decorating and overloading with sparkly clutter, a very fine line. So when it comes to putting up Christmas themed decorations in the van you need to be careful not to go OTT.

Inside the van you do not have a heck of a lot of space to put up the tree but you should have one. A small desktop sized one should do the trick along with a string across the front window with all the Christmas cards you’ve received.

Also to let everyone know you are feeling festive pop some Christmas lights up outside with a little Santa statue. You never know, St Nick and Ruldolph may just fly by.

Find The Right Festive Location

As much as I am a fan of sitting in the van I can get cabin fever quite quickly if boredom starts to raise its ugly head and when it comes to Christmas I can see myself getting frustrated if I am not out doing festive things.

It is always good to find a location that has a Christmas market or a good old country pub with an open fire. The imagine of sitting in front of a fire with a drink and your loved ones is exactly what goes through my head when I think of Christmas time.

If you do enjoy a seasonal day out there is one location that I would always avoid, London’s Winter Wonderland. Over priced, over crowded and more or a chore than a day out.

The Perfect Christmas Dinner, And Pudding

In today’s modern van being able to whip up a Michelin star quality meal with very little stress is very doable. The 3 ring hob, oven, microwave, grill and a kettle is all you need to prepare the veg and meat of choice.

If you really want to go all out you can use an external BBQ to make life easier and give you a lot more cooking and prep space. The good thing about having a BBQ like a Cadac or an Aquaforno is just how flexible they are, the Aquaforno in particular which is a BBQ grill, smoker, stove. The list really does go on with that handy bit of kit.

Using the BBQ to cook the meat frees up a lot of space inside for oven cooking veg, stuffing and more importantly the puddings!

When it comes to the “traditional” Christmas dinner it seems that is changes from household to household. Some think that you have to have a turkey dinner but for years we have chosen a cooked ham joint and some form of lamp, usually a shoulder. If anything I am against turkey as it really is not that nice to eat, but that is just my opinion.

Here are the items, for me, that make the perfect Christmas dinner:

The Veg-

Carrots and parsnips steamed then pan fried in honey
Brussel sprouts with pancetta bacon and chestnuts
Goose fat roast potatoes with with Everyday Jamaican seasoning, a real taste sensation!
Mashed potatoes with nutmeg
Sauteed red cabbage

Sides-

Pigs in blankets, and lots of them
Sage and onion stuffing, made fresh
Yorkshire puddings, frozen are the best as I cannot make them to save my life

Sauces-

Bread sauce with extra butter
Onion sauce using spring onions and shallots
Mustard mayo for the cooked ham and French mustard for the lamb

Meats

Honey roast ham joint, slow cooked
Lamb shoulder with spices or a mint and pistachio crusted lamb rack cooking medium with a pink centre. This is where I really flex my culinary muscles

Gravy

This is one I get a lot of flack on not making from scratch but you really cannot beat Bisto gravy granules. What I do is add the juice from the lamb and all the flavouring to give the gravy a real flavour boost.

Pudding

Black Forest Gateau
Vanilla Cheesecake
Christmas Pudding with deluxe custard
Traditional strawberry trifle

So these are all the ingredients you need to make your home away from home festive without the fuss. The only other thing I would add would be a good old Christmas jumper that is cozy enough to fall asleep in ones you’ve eaten to your heart’s content.

The Clubs Parliamentary Reception CL and In Bloom Awards

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By William Coleman

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons to find out who won the CL site of the Year and has the best Sites In Bloom for 2019.

Once a year the Caravan and Motorhome Club hold a reception, usually in the Churchill Room, to award both the CL site of the year and the best Site In Bloom. It is also a celebration of all things touring in which PMs address the importance of caravan tourism and just how much revenue it brings to local economies across the UK.

Sites In Bloom Award Winners

A site is so much more than just neat pitches, clean facilities and a friendly warden, you also have to think about the site’s “wow factor”. Two within the Club’s network are
York Beechwood Grange in York and Ashridge Farm in Hertfordshire. They have both fought off tough competition to take home the prize of Caravan and Motorhome Club’s ‘Sites in Bloom’ 2019 Award.

The displays were evaluated using criteria including layout and creative use of space, variety, innovation, flair and colour coordination, with particular attention being paid to economy and low maintenance.

The geographical location of the site is also taken into account by the judges and the fact that plant species are chosen to suit the local environment.

York Beechwood Grange took first place in the ‘multi-couple’ (a set of site wardens and a set of assistant site wardens) category.

This beautiful site is set in rolling countryside just outside the historic city of York. It is perfectly located for easy access to York city centre, home to the stunning York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum. Hungry visitors can stop off at one of York’s many tea rooms or cafes.

A short drive from York Beechwood Grange, explorers will find the famous Moors, home to miles of walking, cycling and horse riding routes. Slightly further afield, renowned foodie destination Malton is a must visit for those looking to sample the very best local produce.

The charming seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby both make for excellent day trips from the city too, each boasting great coastal views, beaches and buckets of history.

Located in the rolling countryside of north Hertfordshire, Ashridge Farm took first place in the ‘single couple’ category (one set of site wardens). Nestled in a wooded reserve but just a few miles from the A1, the site is perfect for those after a quiet break but are keen to explore.

The picturesque village of Ashwell lies just a short walk from the site, home to many quaint 15th century cottages and local pubs. The surrounding countryside is marked with footpaths for keen walkers, and the rolling hills make the area perfect for cyclists.

The university city, Cambridge, is an excellent day trip from the site. Bursting with ancient buildings, the stunning river Cam and cobbled alleys, visitors can spend hours exploring this historical city.

There are a number of quaint market towns also a short drive away, including Hitchin and Baldock. National Trust site Wimpole Hall, and the Duxford War Museum, are two other leading attractions near the site.

Edinburgh Club Site took second place in the ‘multi-couple’ category, whilst the Minehead Club Site in Somerset was runner up in the ‘single couple’ category.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “I’d like to thank all our incredibly dedicated site wardens who work hard to ensure that every site in the network has attractive grounds.

Every year we receive so many wonderful entries for the Awards, so huge congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.”

The Sites in Bloom Awards were introduced in 2003 by Club Life Member, the late Alan Payne OBE, who wished to recognise the creative and horticultural skills of site wardens and volunteers, and to showcase their success in making their sites colourful and welcoming.

The Club Best Voted CL Site

CL sites are one of the Club’s best assets for those who are in need of some much needed rest and just want to get away from it all.

If you want a holiday with a difference on a site that has a maximum of 5 pitches then a Club Certified Location is for you.

These postcard picture locations are usually hidden away on private estates or farms and offer a very different break compared to your traditional Club site. I spent a few nights at the Paddock CL site at Catly Cross and it was perfect. Calm, quiet, picturesque and a great way to recharge your batteries.

This year the Club were pleased to announce Brunette Cottage as the Certificated Location of the Year 2019

Situated in the beautiful Welsh Borders countryside. Cherry Cottage in Dorset took second place and Marylands in Pembrokeshire came third. Best Newcomer was awarded to Barn Owl Meadow in Suffolk.

The sites entered for the CL of the Year Awards are nominated by Club members, recognising the very best sites and rewarding hard-working owners who pull out all the stops for guests.

The awards are presented at the House of Commons in recognition of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) which enables the Caravan and Motorhome Club to grant certificates to landowners to operate CLs.

Grenville Chamberlain OBE, Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Our network of CLs provide our members with unique stays up and down the UK, and whilst each one is special, they unfortunately cannot all win!

The awards celebrate owners who truly go above and beyond to give visitors the very best experience. The nominations were extremely close – I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and thank all our CL owners for their tremendous work.”

Winner – Brunette Cottage

Brunette Cottage is situated just in North Wales, near the Cheshire/Shropshire border. It has been run by motorhome owners Paul and Helen Clarke for the past eight years, who set up the site to share their tranquil piece of the countryside with other Club members.

Alongside five hard standing pitches, each with its own water point and electric, the site boasts a washroom with underfloor heating, as well as an information room with fresh cakes and local jams. Paul and Helen strive to improve the site year on year, including introducing a mini croquet pitch last summer. There are two National Trust properties within 35 minutes of the site, as well as a range of exciting walking and cycling trails.

Second Place – Cherry Cottage

Cherry Cottage is located just south of Sherbourne, Dorset. The site opened in June 2019, when long term caravanner Lynn Pearcey turned her dreams of owning a site into a reality.

The site is comprised of a mixture of hard standing and level lawn pitches that are all positioned to maximise countryside views and beautiful sunsets. All pitches have electric and WiFi, and the site also has a toilet, laundry room and micro shop. The self-proclaimed prettiest town in Dorset, Sherbourne, is a short drive or bus ride away, and slightly further afield lies Dorchester, bustling with museums, shops and restaurants.

Third Place – Marylands

Marylands is nestled in the heart of rural Pembrokeshire. Site owners, Jane and Ray, have been Club members for over 30 years and have run Marylands for just over a year.

The site is made up of five hardstanding pitches, and has both a toilet and shower room. The site is well located for access to the lovely beaches and coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, and the nearby county town of Haverfordwest is bustling with shops, pubs and restaurants. To help visitors navigate the local area, Marylands is renowned for its useful welcome packs.

Best Newcomer – Barn Owl Meadow

Barn Owl Meadow lies in the idyllic countryside along the Suffolk/ Norfolk border. The site is owned by Roger and Pauline Dixon, who named it after the many barn owls that swoop over the meadow.

The site boasts an amenity building with two large bathrooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Each are fitted not only with showers, toilets and hand basins, but also hairdryers and shaving points.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Caravan Design Awards

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By William Coleman

During the hustle and bustle of the October NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show the Caravan and Motorhome Club assemble a crack team of industry specialists to battle against the masses and review dozens of caravans for the Friday night award show. Now the dust has settled we have the results and a nifty little video.

Taking part in the Caravan Design Award testing is no small task. The grading starts on the Sunday before the show opens and the lucky judges stop have to get in, out and all round the vans until the Thursday of the show.

It is no easy task as the Club’s checklist for each category is extremely thorough to ensure that the right van takes home the win.

The awards are a major part of the show and is a great way for the public to get a real and, most importantly, impartial review of all of the top caravans and lightweight touring vehicles on the market.

For the second year in a row CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartwright has taken part to share his knowledge and love for all things caravanning. Dan was at the show at 8am and would end up back in his hotel for around 6pm, so it is a very full gig to say the very least.

Once all the results are in the Caravan and Motorhome Club spend an age in the back offices of the NEC correlating the results to find out who has won what category.

And your winners are….

Any Pop Top Caravan

WinnerEriba Touring Troll 530 Rockabilly
2nd Eriba Touring Troll 530 Ocean Drive
3rd Eriba Touring Troll 542 60 Edition

Any Caravan under £18,500

Winner Swift Sprite Alpine 2
2nd = Bailey Discovery D4-4
2nd = Xplore 586

Any Caravan £18,500 – £21,000

Winner Elddis Avanté 454
2nd Compass Casita 554
3rd Bailey Phoenix 640

Any Caravan £21,000 – £24,000

Winner Elddis Affinity 520
2nd Compass Capiro 550
3rd Knaus Sport & Fun Black Edition

Any Caravan £24,000 – £29,000

Winner Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo
2nd Compass Camino 554
3rd Elddis Avanté 868

Any Caravan £29,000 – £34,000

Winner Knaus StarClass 565
2nd Bailey Alicanto Grande Estoril
3rd Elddis Crusader Supercyclone

Any Caravan over £34,000

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Buccaneer Barracuda
3rd BeauEr UK 3X

Any Family Caravan

Winner Bailey Pegasus Grande Messina
2nd Knaus Südwind 580 UE
3rd Adria Altea Avon 622DK

Any Large Family Caravan

Winner Elddis Avanté 868
2nd Knaus Südwind 580 QS
3rd Xplore 586

Any Two Berth Caravan

Winner Elddis Affinity 520
2nd Knaus StarClass 480
3rd Adria Altea Aire 492DT

Any Caravan over 8ft wide

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Bailey Alicanto Grande Sintra
3rd Adria Alpina Mississippi 623UC

Any Caravan with Dedicated Bed(s)

Winner Knaus StarClass 695
2nd Adria Alpina Mississippi 623UC
3rd Compass Camino 674

Two Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Couplands Caravans- Bessacarr By Design 495
2nd Broad Lane Leisure Swift Fairway Platinum 480
3rd Glossop Caravans Coachman Festival 460

Three or Four Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Couplands Caravans- Bessacarr By Design 835
2nd Glossop Caravans Swift Celebration 880
3rd Broad Lane Leisure Swift Platinum 850

Over Four Berth Dealer Special Caravan

Winner Glossop Caravans- Coachman Festival 630
2nd Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth 868
3rd = Preston Caravans & Motorhomes
Swift Kudos 630FB
3rd = Preston Caravans & Motorhomes
Elddis Supreme 840

Nature Loving Park Given The Nod By MP

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By William Coleman

Residents and the family owners of The Elms retirement park in Lincolnshire won their MP’s vote of confidence this month for helping to protect the natural world.

Sir Edward Leigh MP visited the Torksey park to congratulate everyone on their success in winning the 2019 David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Sir Edward, who represents the Gainsborough constituency, told park director Tracey Coulson that wildlife and conservation were subjects in which he takes a keen interest.

For that reason, he said, being able to visit The Elms to discover more about what has been achieved was an opportunity he very much welcomed.

Announcing his award, David Bellamy said that The Elms had created “a wildlife wonderland” in its 65-acre grounds, and fully deserved the scheme’s highest honour.

According to Tracey Coulson, the credit for the gold accolade needed to be shared with those who live in the 340 park homes at The Elms: “We are given the most fantastic support from residents for our conservation work, and many make their own important contributions to what we do,” she said.

“From harvesting rainfall in butts for watering plants to putting up bird boxes and feeding stations in their gardens, it all has a positive impact on the environment.

“Many say they chose to live here because of their love of nature and for unspoiled surroundings, so we’re so very lucky to have such an amazing green team working with us!” added Tracey.

Owned by the Kinch family’s for over 35 years, The Elms was selected for the gold award following an in-depth audit by David Bellamy’s wildlife assessors.

Among the many highlights mentioned were the large areas of wildflower plantings which provide vital foraging for endangered honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Recently, the park installed three beehives of its own and is learning from a professional beekeeper how to care for them in a natural, chemical-free way.

Honey is occasionally harvested and sold on the park, and the money raised goes to support the appeal set up by residents to fund their minibus.

Professor Bellamy also praised the park’s installation of bird, owl and bat boxes throughout the grounds, plus the “bug hotels” which provide habitats for beneficial insects.

David Bellamy said that The Elms had also proved itself a good neighbour to the surrounding area, supporting many local charities, good causes and nearby schools.

As well as his main accolade, the park also received three extra commendations for protecting honey bees, taking care of its hedgerows, and creating new woodland habitats.

Tracey Coulson said that everyone at The Elms was thrilled to know that their wildlife and conservation efforts were being supported by Britain’s best-known conservationist.

She added that the family was delighted that Sir Edward had taken time out to discover more about the park’s policies to protect the natural environment, and to offer his congratulations.

There is more information about the park on its website at www.elmsretirementpark.co.uk

5 Star Park Rating In Shrewsbury

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By William Coleman

Great things are about to get even better for an award winning caravan and motorhome park in Shropshire as they retain their 5 Star rating by VisitEngland for the 20th consecutive year.

Having a high star rating can literally make or break a business, especially in the caravan world, so when it comes to keeping 5 stars for 20 years you know that the site owners and staff really know what they are doing.

One such park who believe in running a tight ship is Oxon Hall Touring Park, which enjoys a lovely parkland setting on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, is described as “a well maintained and presented park being ideally situated for exploring the local region and facilities” in the inspector’s assessment.

Highlights of the inspection were very good standards of ground maintenance throughout the park, very friendly and helpful staff and the park’s location close to all the amenities and attractions available in the Shrewsbury area.

When it comes to staff you cannot put a price on having the right people. Over the years I have come across some staff who are there to collect wages and see it as a 9-5. Where as the other side of staff are those who genuinely care about what they do and go well above and beyond to ensure you have the best holiday experience you can.

The report also noted “excellent, spacious gravel pitches with ample room for placing an awning” and “very good landscaping. Hedges and planted areas enhance the overall appearance of the park”.

Owned by Shrewsbury-based Morris Leisure, Oxon Hall Touring Park was named AA Heart of England Campsite of the Year for 2019, having previously won the AA Campsite of the Year for England in 2006.

The park is open all year round, has 100 all-weather pitches and is situated close to the town’s park and ride bus service, which is popular with people attending major events in Shrewsbury.
Edward Goddard, Morris Leisure’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to have retained a five-star rating from VisitEngland for the 20th year.

This rating recognises the quality of the park, the work and enthusiasm of the management team there and the important contribution that it makes to the local economy, which we estimate at more than £2 million annually.”

What makes a 5 Star site for you? Pitch quality, facilities, location, days out?

Autumn And Winter Touring Continues To Rise According To The Club

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By William Coleman

Proving that caravanning, campervanning and motorhoming are great holiday options no matter what time of year, Caravan and Motorhome Club members are continuing to embrace autumn and winter touring. A trend that seems to be spreading across the nation.

The Club have seen that their Autumn and Winter bookings for 2018 and 2019 went up by 7%, which if you consider their membership numbers that is quite a lot of happy winter campers.

To find out a bit more The Club took to social to find out what is getting more people out when the colder months come. They set up some online polls which showed that its members think there is much to love about touring during the cooler and quieter months.

Some 26 percent of Club members questioned said they enjoyed the autumn colours and 22 percent loved long walks on crisp bright days, with 35 percent enjoying the quieter sites and attractions out of season. Nearly 20 percent travelled out of season to appreciate the sheer beauty of the seasonal landscape.

The resounding sentiment was that whilst members want to get out walking and visiting local attractions, many also love the warm and cosy feeling of being in their campervan, caravan or motorhome over the autumn and winter months, whatever the weather might throw at them.

Top tips include:

  • Booking sites nearer to towns and cities so there’s plenty to do and see if the weather isn’t at its best
  • Avoiding muddy walks by visiting coastal sites, taking walks along the beach and going beachcombing
  • Take your winter jumper to snuggle in after a long walk in the beautiful countryside
  • Go ‘old school’ with a selection of board games if the weather outside is ‘frightful’!
  • Fire up your outfit a few days before you go to check all the heating and hot water works, check your tyres, gas and insulation
  • Don’t forget that Club campsites have great drying facilities if clothes get wet from winter walks – so take lots of change!

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing for the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “Our members are an active and adventurous bunch so it’s no surprise that so many of them enjoy touring during autumn and winter, and we are striving to keep more and more of our sites open out of season to keep up with the demand.

“It’s great to hear how our members all get away their way – whether that be curling up with a good book and a nice cuppa in a cosy motorhome or braving the chill and camping in a national park so they can spend the days walking and cycling.

I’ve especially enjoyed hearing the tips that our members have for getting away in the cooler months, not just the practicalities of being prepared, but the lovely feeling they have of being safe and warm inside their leisure vehicles and benefitting from the great facilities we have on our sites.”

The Caravan and Motorhome Club offering something for everyone with pitches suitable for all forms of leisure vehicle and camping with tents.

On certain sites all across the UK they have their Experience Freedom brand with glamping yurts, pods, Airstreams and Swift S Lodges for those who want a bit more comfort when its a bit chilly outside.

The Annual Salop Santa Dash Is Almost Here

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By William Coleman

Over the past two years Salop Leisure have gone the extra mile to push the Spirit of Christmas with the charity fundraising Salop Santa Dash as well as other Christms events. This year’s event has something a “little” special added to it.

Salop are expecting around 500 adults and children to dress up and take part in the Salop Santa Dash, on December 1st, to help raise money once again to help a charity in need at Christmas time.

This year the money raised off the back of this event, which now seems to be an annual event for the caravan and motorhome dealership, will go to support the work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community. The charity is independent of the football club, self-funded and needs to raise £1 million a year to deliver 39 different programmes for people of all ages in the community.

The Salop Santa Dash will see all participants, who have to be dresses and Father Christmas himself, take on a 5 kilometer course which covers the wonderful grounds of Salop Leisure as well as the company’s Love2Live fitness and wellness centre and Love2Stay resort, where the event starts and finishes. For those in OK shape should be able to tackle 5k in around 25-30 minutes on an exercise machine, but I’d be quite interested to see how a Santa outfit hinders performance.

Once the Christmas themed race is done there will be a medal waiting for all those who manage to cross the finish line. Those who take part will pay a small entry fee of just £12, this is the price for adults taking part and will include a Santa suit.

Salop are keen on getting as many people from different walks of life to take part and urge businesses and groups of friends to form teams for this year’s Dash in an effort to build a competitive edge.

What makes this 2019’s event different from its predecessor, which you can read about here, is the addition of the Salop Elf Dash. This race has been designed for for children under the age of 8 who will have a 1.1 kilometer course to run. This race costs just £6 per child and includes an elf outfit.

The first event was held back in 2017 and has so far raised and contributed a total of £2,500 to Severn Hospice and the Zac Oliver Appeal.

Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover said: “We love to see families taking part together in the Salop Santa Dash and this year, children under the age of eight can choose to do the Salop Elf Dash.

“The Salop Santa Dash is a great opportunity for people of all abilities to get active and have some fun together. What better way for families and groups of friends and workmates to get in the festive spirit?

“It’s also a great opportunity for runners and spectators to see the fantastic facilities we have here at Salop Leisure, Love2Stay and Love2Live.”

Ceri Nicholls, Shrewsbury Town in the Community’s partnerships and events manager, said: “We have been working with Salop Leisure for more than three years and it’s great to strengthen the relationship further by being the chosen charity for the Salop Santa Dash.

“We are really looking forward to being part of the day and to raising funds for the charity.”

The Salop Santa Dash and Salop Elf Dash are part of The Salop Christmas Adventure, a series of events and attractions that promises to be better than ever this year For full details of the programme, visit www.salopchristmas.co.uk.

Britain Popularity On TV Boosting Our Caravanning Tourism?

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By William Coleman

Is being British becoming popular once again? All the best actors are British, all the best shows are British and all the best caravan sites are British. Is Britain’s heavy TV and film presence bringing the masses to our lands for holiday?

Over the past few years Britain has been in the spotlight on TV due to, not Brexit, being featured in major TV shows and films. There has also been a large amount of TV shows that have focused on the caravan and motorhome world across all the major UK channels.

Recently there have been several high profile shows on British TV that have been about the caravan and motorhome world. Heck , even the Caravan and Motorhome Club even sponsored and took part in a couple of shows to help spread awareness of the lifestyle.

The first show that popped into mind, which aired shortly after me joining the CaravanTimes team, was the 5 Celebrities Go Motorhoming, camping and then finally caravanning. These kinds of shows are a great way to promote the idea of getting in a caravan or motorhome.

One of the main reasons that these shows work is they show the celebrities on a sort of “fish out of water” scenario with the added drama of them being first time users. If they can do it any one can I guess.

The shows really does plunge the actors in at the deep end and gets you reminiscing about your first few attempts of getting out in the van. The actors do get some help and training from CAMC’s finest teachers before they set off so they could operate safely but it is very much them taking on the world for a week. On the flip side of things it shows just how much fun and freedom you can have by owning your own leisure vehicle.

Another great show, which I was glued to, was the touring cooking show with Gino Di’Acampo, Fred Sirieix and Gordon Ramsey which went by the creative name; Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip.

The three chefs used a Pilote Galaxy G740, which eventually ended up stuck on a grass verge going up a steep hill when they were on their way to make mozzarella, to tour their home countries in search of native culinary delights. What a waste of a very expensive motorhome.

I enjoyed it because it brought back memories of driving across France and Italy in a motorhome and doing my best to east as locally as possible. Which you can do with ease with an on board kitchen.

These kinds of shows capture the adventures that can be had and from a very different perspective of people who do not usually use leisure vehicles for their holiday. Can you imagine Gordon Ramsay emptying a toilet cassette!

With so many channels willing to spend quite a lot of money to get actors into caravans and motorhomes is must be a reflection of how well the caravan industry is doing.

The boost in tourism off the back of these shows cannot be measured but they would not be continually produced if they were not doing wonders for ratings and sales.

Now if you look at how Britain is being portrayed on TV and streaming sites at the moment we are slowly becoming one of the most featured countries in TV and film. Experts have said that shows like Peaky Blinder, The Queen and Downton Abbey are having a huge impact on overseas visitors who are flocking to the UK off the back of these shows.

So add the internal shows about the caravan world and then the global shows it seems as though our tourism is in a good place despite some current large scale uncertainties.