Is The Future Of Lightweight Campers A Bright One?

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By William Coleman

It seems that no matter what happens in the oil industry fuel costs never reflect the market price fluctuations. The rising costs can make towing a larger van or heavy motorhome quite costly. This is where the lightweight campervan can make a splash.

According to expert research the average average price of fuel has risen four months in a row, not really a surprise, which had lead to unleaded costing 11p per litre more in May than at the beginning of February. Diesel has also seen a hike with it being 7p per litre more expensive as of writing this.

So how do we combat against these ever rising prices? A reduction in weight is always a good start, and I don’t worry I am not suggesting a diet. Reducing the weight of your set up by 10kg can save up to the equivalent of £102 in fuel costs, according to a US study.

Aside from removing things from the van to try and reduce weight you can look at potentially using a smaller van or even upgrade yourself to a lightweight camper, which seem to be a very popular option now days.

A spokesman for panel and insulated products supplier Panel Systems said:
“There has definitely been a rise in demand for lightweight vans. There are huge benefits that come with it, and we expect the interest in this will grow further.”

The van conversion market growing larger each year and it seems every time you turn around there are new companies popping up creating bespoke campers on VW and Mercedes chassis, to name but a few. There are even whole sections of the NEC that are now dedicated to camper conversions.

It seems that the lure of the camper is how lightweight they are and the fact they can very easily be used as a day to day vehicle. The issue I see with them is the lack of facilities you get with a motorhome or caravan but this is not stopping a lot of buyers.

“Reducing fuel costs might particularly appeal to families using camper vans as a form of transportation on holidays,” he added.

Lightweight material alternatives, such as ThermHex polypropylene honeycomb core and extruded polystyrene, can be used to replace panels that are usually manufactured with a plywood core as part of the wall, roof and linings of the vehicle.

An added bonus of polypropylene honeycomb materials is that they do not absorb moisture like traditional materials such as Plywood, which can swell in the event of a leak and lead to possible delamination issues.

The spokesperson said: “Another important consideration for choosing lightweight materials is how well they can bond to other materials to create sandwich panels. The surface finish of ThermHex is a PET non-woven material. This enables easy bonding of various types of facing materials with all common adhesives, including polyurethane-based glues.”

To create a sturdy floor structure in vehicle conversions, lightweight core materials can be used to create timber faced sandwich panels as an alternative to solid timber floors.

“A floor needs to be more structural as it’s where people walk. These sandwich panels are lighter than solid timber panels but they maintain the same overall thickness and can still provide excellent strength properties,” the spokesman continued.

A lighter commercial vehicle also allows more weight to be carried inside which is beneficial when used by a delivery or catering service, especially in vehicles with a low maximum authorised mass (MAM).

Having spoken with someone within the industry this week it does seem that a lot more plates are being registered and it is their feeling that the van conversion are a major contributing factor for this.

Using The Camplify Platform

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By William Coleman

It’s quite clear that the rental market for leisure vehicles is carving its own section into industry and is becoming more and more popular each year. We decided to give the rental platform a try and see what all the fuss is about.

Before I start to break down the Camplify platform and how it works I want to touch on some of the reasons why, I think, the rentals are a good idea and why its picking up so much momentum.

As we all know too well entering the caravan or motorhome world does come with a bit of premium. So it is no wonder why in this day an age a lot of younger people do not have the capital to initially shell out on a caravan or motorhome of their own. This is actually very understandable what with current cost of living and home rental prices being what they are.

This hightended cost of living has not deterred the younger generation from taking to the sites across the UK in seek of the caravan holiday experience. Although glamping has become popular the majority of people want to real leisure vehicle experience that comes with a camper, motorhome or caravan.

Being able to rent has afforded a lot of newcomers to the industry that may have thought they had been “priced out” therefore unable to get involved. The rentals have done several things over the last 3 years; bring new blood to the industry, boost the tourism economy and introduce a lot of new try before you buy customers who go on to become owners. All 3 are winning factors from where I’m sitting.

What is Camplify

I have reported on this Camplify before and even brought you some video interviews from the NEC super shows in October and February, so you may have an idea of what the service provides.

For those who do not know who they are, or what they do let me give you a very quick refresher. Camplify are a peer to peer leisure vehicle rental service, it is quite a simple platform. You list your vehicle for free and then Camplify matches it to a renter. All you have to do is sit back and watch the bank account top up.

At first I could see why a lot of owners would not want to list on the platform for fear of damage or renting to undesirables. Fear not as Camplify fully vet both renters and owners to ensure everyone can live in harmony.

Navigating The Site

I used the platform as a “renter” and created a profile where you fill in your details so you can be matched with an “owner” who will have a leisure vehicle that suits your specific needs. This really does help you navigate through the best choices available to you.

Once you have filled in everything you then start the selection process to find the ideal holiday vehicle. Of which you can currently choose from caravans, motorhomes, campers, trailer tents, static caravans and lodges.

So there are sections for those who do own vans that may want to try some glamping or spend a week in a static with their feet up.

The site’s listings are very clear and there is not too much jargon bogging down each listing. Each van has its own full profile detailing everything you need from price per night all the way to what will be included in the van upon delivery or collection.

Choosing The Van

Like all things in life the more you know about what you want the easier it is to narrow down the search for what you want. I knew I needed a large 6 berth that had enough space for people, kit and space for everyone to relax in the evening after a rather long day of filming.

After some scrolling I came upon a listing by the same of “The Full Monty”. A large berth Roller Team 707, Fiat Ducato 2.3 150bhp Automatic. I had never driven an automatic motorhome before so I was very keen on giving it a go. Very different and maybe not something I would buy but it was fun to not have so many gear changes, especially in traffic around town.

So based on our very specific needs we had quite the shortlist to choose from which made picking the right one a lot easier than I thought it would be.

Collecting The Van

Each listing on the Camplify website states whether or not the van can be dropped off on site or if you have to collect from the owner. Thankfully this motorhome was not very far from the site we chose to stay at.

We were sent the details of the owner and a time from when we can collect, it all really was very simple.

Once we arrived to collect the roller team we were given a walk through of the van, how it works, where things are and what extras have been included in the offering.

The van came fully kitted out with everything you need for a weekend, or even a week, away. From cutlery all the way to an espresso machines and a weeks worth of espresso capsules. Oh and a TV with DVD player and around 20 films to choose from.

The chap I rented from was very friendly and you could tell he was a touring enthusiast. After a brief chat about his dealings with the Camplify platform he squashed any concerns I had about insurance and damage caused renters. It seems as though Camplify really do take care of everything while you reap the benefits.

So if you have no touring kit you really would not have to worry. There were so many things on board that you probably will not have to use most of it.

The Final Verdict

Overall the process from start to finish was very easy. All you have to do it log on, create a profile, set up a search filter and then just like that you’re only a couple clicks away from booking your next holiday.

Camplify have been dubbed “the AirBnb of the caravan world” and it really is easy to see why. This platform simplifies a lot of the issues found on other holiday booking services that pretty much alienate you from wanting to use them again.

Prices vary as much as what the van comes with so be sure to read each listening thoroughly to ensure you’re not left short when on site.

We used the site as a renter and would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in a “staycation”, even if you own a leisure vehicle. You can try something new and take the stress of your own van.

I would give this service two thumbs up and recommend creating a profile. If you want to book some time away then this is great, maybe try the converted the fire truck?

Cotswold Park Warm To Green Energy

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By William Coleman

I am sure many have seen the reports this week of the “Attenborough Effect” and how the usage of 1 use has reduced by a staggering 53% in the last 12 months. I feel that a lot of holiday makers and sites across the UK are helping reduce plastic usage and the overall carbon footprint we produce. One site who is steaming ahead with this is Ranch Caravan Park.

Praised for its commitment to protecting the natural world, a family’s holiday park on the cusp of the Cotswolds is now harvesting sunbeams on behalf of its guests.

Ranch Caravan Park in the village of Honeybourne near Broadway has installed a state-of-the-art solar energy system on its new five-star amenity building.

It means that hot water from the showers and taps is now all heated by the sun via super-efficient solar panels which work even on overcast days.

A similar solar system also maintains a blissfully comfortable temperature in the Worcestershire park’s popular open air swimming pool.

General manager Steve Attridge says that harnessing green energy is helping the park to massively reduce its carbon footprint whilst also providing benefits for guests.

The park has holiday homes to buy and let, plus pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes.

Ranch Caravan Park was bought as a farm in 1954 by Steve’s granddad Dennis, and Steve’s parents, Andy and Sheila, have been involved with the business since 1976.

In recent years, Steve and his wife Andrea, the third generation of owners, have been living on park with their two children Georgia and William.

The expansion of Ranch Caravan Park over the years has been accompanied by a raft of imaginative environmental initiatives.

They have led to the park receiving the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level – plus, this year, two special extra accolades from the world-famous botanist.

They were a commendation for the park’s management of its hedgerows, and another for the many measures it has taken to protect endangered honey bees.

These include the planting of extensive areas of lavender and other high nectar-bearing blooms which provide vital foraging for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Other environment-friendly steps include the collection of rainwater for irrigation, the placing of bug hotels around the grounds, and shielded lighting so that guests can enjoy the night sky.

Steve, who is helped in the running of the park by his wife Andrea, said he was delighted that the new amenity building would be supporting Ranch’s green energy aims:

“We wanted to create a truly first-class facility for our touring guests with private bathrooms, heating, a fully-equipped laundry and a warm, cosy atmosphere,” he said.

“Now we have achieved this in a sustainable way thanks to the latest solar energy technology, and visitors are already leaving many fantastic comments about the finished result.

“We feel very privileged to live and work in this beautiful area of Worcestershire, and it’s great to know that our efforts are being supported by someone like David Bellamy,” added Steve.

In addition to its conservation award, Ranch has a top five-star rating from VisitEngland, and has been presented by the AA with its maximum five-pennants accolade.

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

BeauEr Expands To The UK

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By William Coleman

The French caravan manufacturer BeauEr, are proud to announce its expansion into the UK caravan market by sealing a deal with one of the UK’s up and coming motorhome manufacturers, RP Motorhomes Ltd, who will be the sole UK importer of the BeauEr range of expanding caravans.

BeauEr have been manufacturing caravans since 2012 and with the growth in demand from the UK market for its ‘small but big’ caravan range, it was the logical step for them to find a UK company who could partner with them.

The unique caravan range work on a basic principle: small enough to be easily towed on the roads, yet big enough to provide every comfort. The patented design and technology of this amazing expanding caravan, along with its strong design features and layouts provide the user with a unique leisure experience.

The expanding pods work using electric actuators to push / pull the slide out, side modules which allows the small caravan of 4m2 to convert to a large 12m2 space. As if by magic the floors and furniture unfold and within 60 seconds the caravan is ready to use.

RP Motorhomes have recently also launched its own slide out pod on its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter based ‘Rebel’ motorhome. With a strong and extensive background in manufacturing and engineering, director Steve Young is excited about working with BeauEr.

“This is an amazing opportunity for both RP Motorhomes and BeauEr to expand into the UK caravan market. Coming from a similar background and both sharing an interest in slide-out technology this is a perfect partnership.

With our attention to detail and leisure vehicle design, we are excited at the prospect of working together and introducing new designs in the future.” Steve Young

BeauEr’s 3X model will be on display at the NCC Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC in October 2019.

Scotlands Newest Leisure Vehicle Show This Autumn

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By William Coleman

Not that any of us need that much motivation to pack the van and head out for another adventure, but why not go head to one of the most beautiful parts of the UK for a holiday and pop into the Love Touring Expo held at P&J Live from October 25-27.

Scotland’s newest caravan and motorhome show is to pitch up at the North-east’s brand new event complex and arena P&J Live. The £333 million development opens this summer, with 48,000 sqm of flexible exhibition space.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Love Touring Expo over the weekend of October 25-27, 2019, which will offer free activities and entry for children.

The show will feature the very latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans from all the major brands, offering an exclusive first chance to see the new models for 2020.

An accessory superstore and trade stands will sell all the latest gadgets and gizmos, from cooking equipment and awnings to furniture and portable TVs – many of which are not available locally.

The three-day event will also celebrate the North-east of Scotland, with a dedicated area showcasing food and drinks which are produced locally.

The Expo aims to inspire caravan and motorhome enthusiasts planning their new adventure, with exhibits on campsites, holiday parks and visitor attractions in north Scotland, including the North East 250.

The team behind Love Touring Expo has many years of experience of organising caravan and motorhome consumer shows.

Organiser Colin Redpath said: “We are excited to bring the first Love Touring Expo to P&J Live in October. Visitors over the three days will have the chance to see the latest models from all the major brands, while taking advantage of exclusive deals and show-only offers.

“As well as many different trade stands and exhibitions, there is a huge focus on all that makes the North and North-east of Scotland unique, from food and drink from the local larder to exciting holiday ideas, interesting new routes and inspiring parks and places to stay.

“The Love Touring Expo is a must-do for any caravan and motorhome fan but we also expect to appeal to families looking for a fun day out or people who have opted for a ‘staycation’ next year and want to have the freedom to explore more of Scotland, travelling wherever they fancy with the help of a map or a smartphone.”

Recent research suggests an increasing trend towards fluid itinerary travel, with a desire to tour Scotland with no fixed itinerary, particularly among young adults and groups of friends.

Further research by The Great British Staycation also suggests millennials are the most likely age group to holiday in the UK this year, with more than half (52%) of 25 to 34-year olds more likely to do so than in 2018.

Colin added: “We hope to inspire anyone of any age who is thinking about trying a caravan holiday or who fancies heading off on the open road in a motorhome or campervan, and we have ideas and options for every budget.”

Claire-Lena Miller-Davis, Exhibition Sales Manager at P&J Live, said: “We are thrilled to continually attract more exhibitions to the North-East and are especially excited to bring a brand new exhibition Love Touring to P&J Live.

“This is the first time a caravan and motorhome show on this scale will have ever taken place in Aberdeen and that is most certainly due to the new venue.

“With 48,000 sqm of flexible exhibition space, it has allowed us to accommodate an exhibition of this size, which we expect to attract visitors from all over Scotland across the three days.”

Advance tickets are on sale now, priced at £12 for adults, including free parking at P&J Live. Tickets are available from the Love Touring Expo website at www.lovetouringexpo.co.uk

Young Holiday Makers Make A Difference In Newquay

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William Coleman

It seems as a whole we are a lot more conscious about the environment and the negative effect we have on it. As we get older we are teaching the younger generations to move forward with they are going to do their best to save the planet.

Local schoolchildren are helping a Cornish holiday park to step up its war on the scourge of plastic waste polluting Cornwall’s seas and beaches.

Family-owned Hendra Holiday Park has teamed up with environmental children’s author Ellie Jackson to inspire youngsters to help turn the tide on ocean plastics.

Ellie, who lives in Looe, has written a series of children’s books on the subject which have drawn praise from Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles.

Under the collective title of Wild Tribe Heroes, they tell the true stories of well-loved animals which encounter ocean plastics, and are rescued with the help of people.

Now, with the aid of funding from Hendra Holiday Park, the charmingly illustrated books are reaching a wider audience of primary school pupils around the Newquay area.

Ellie and Hendra hope that, like other schools, the children will be encouraged to take actions such as organising their own beach cleans or litter picks, and setting up recycling at school.

But the park also plans this year to harness the help of its younger and grown-up holiday guests to help beat the plastic menace on Cornwall’s shores.

Among its new initiatives is a collaboration with Tidal Revival which urges families to download a recently launched beach clean app.

Developed by two keen surfers who live in Newquay, Andy Nions and Rob Martindale, it’s claimed to be the world’s first app that rewards users for cleaning beaches and rivers.

Users record how much plastic and litter they have picked up, add a photo of it, and can then use the resulting reward points to gain discounts in participating retailers and food outlets.

These include Hendra Holiday Park, and director Jon Hyatt says that the app is already proving popular with visiting families:

“In summer we often have up to three thousand guests staying every night, so there is a fantastic potential for us to mobilise and motivate a whole army of beach cleaners!” he said.

“The May and Hyatt families have owned Hendra for almost fifty years, and we have all witnessed what harm plastics and other waste can cause to this beautiful environment and its wildlife.

“That’s why we’re especially keen to educate children, and to motivate them into taking action and making a difference for the sake of future generations,” added Jon.

A raft of other green initiatives have helped Hendra Holiday Park win a series of conservation and sustainability awards over the years.

The park generates 70% of its own energy from a ten-acre “sunpower meadow” which contains over 6,000 high-tech solar panels, drastically reducing its carbon footprint.

Hendra also heats its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus showers and changing rooms, with biomass boilers which are fuelled by locally sourced wood chips.

The park additionally operates a “freecycle” facility where guests can leave their unwanted buckets, spades and other beach items for newly-arriving families, rather than throwing them away.

Travelworld And A Life Saving Partnership

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By William Coleman

Usually an illness can sneak up on you when you least expect it, and usually when you are nowhere near a medical professional, so why not equip your motorhome with some life saving tech. Two companies have come together to help ensure you have the life saving tools to hand when on holiday.

Heart issues are very common and they need to be dealt with swiftly to help prevent the loss of life. Walking around your local town you may see defibrillators attached to walls with a combination lock attached for public use in the event of a heart attack. With this becoming a lot more of a common occurrence the defib machine is now making their way into leisure vehicles.

In a bid to make your motorhome safer Abacus Training and Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld have joined forces that will see Travelworld’s motorhomes be fitted with life-saving AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) equipment and integrated into their motorhome.

The news has been welcomed by West Midlands’ Ambulance Service. Adrian Gibson, Emergency Control Room Commander with the service said: “We need to be suitably equipped to deal with serious medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest. It’s becoming increasingly common and can come on without warning.

“Defibrillators are a critical part of caring for a sufferer before help arrives. Unfortunately, only 2% of people who have cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive defibrillation from a member of the public, according to the British Heart Foundation.

This isn’t promising, as 20% of all cardiac arrests happen in a public place! Adding a defibrillator will not only allow you to protect your family but could also come to the aid of a member of the public suffering from cardiac arrest.”

When buying a motorhome from Travelworld customers be given the option to have a defibrillator fitted as an added extra. Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld’s Managing Director, Ross Edwards said: “Having a defibrillator on board their motorhome will provide peace of mind for many of our customers. The training provided by Abacus has been very valuable for our whole team.”

Abacus Training has seen the showroom staff teaching basic life support skills, including how to use the defibrillator devices and give CPR. First aid training is a requirement in all workplaces, but alongside being able to care for colleagues at the office, employees of EHC Travelworld now have a special opportunity to share their new skills with customers and educate them on the importance of having quick access to a defibrillator.

Director of Abacus Training and ex-Paramedic Duncan Parsonage said: “When a cardiac arrest strikes, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces a victim’s survival rate by around 10 percent. Without immediate treatment, 90-95 percent of them prove fatal.

“We’re proud to be working with this leading motorhome company to drive change in the industry. Defibrillators, and training people how to use them, saves lives.”

Almost A Thousand Miles Covered For A Friend In Need

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By William Coleman

A couple of weeks ago CaravanTimes reported on a staff member at Salop Leisure being diagnosed with terminal cancer and what the company is doing to lift his spirits and make his dreams come true. So here is an update on his bucket list progress and the efforts his workmates are putting in to help his bucket list become a reality.

Darren Lloyd’s colleagues at Salop leisure are putting in a momentous effort to help their friend in need and have covered a whopping 1,333 km to make Darren’s dreams come true. To read more about Darren’s story you can Click Here.

During a recent 24 hours duathlon the Salop team covered over 828 miles by peddling and running their hearts out to raise money for Darren who’s in the fight of his life and doing well.

Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover, Love2Stay joint general manager Chris Skitt and guest Lucy Wilde took on the marathon challenge hoping to raise £5,000 to help site maintenance engineer Darren Lloyd, 38, achieve his bucket list of wishes.

Around 20 work colleagues, members of Love2Live gym and friends of Darren joined in to support the trio during the marathon, held at Salop Leisure’s Emstrey headquarters. They pedaled and ran a combined the equivalent distance from Shrewsbury to Mont Blanc in France.

Customers, work colleagues and friends popped in during the day to bring food and drinks for the trio and to donate money in collection buckets, which amounted to more than £700.

Shrewsbury’s Mayor Councillor Phil Gillam was there to start the duathlon and even contributed a kilometer or two on one of the exercise bikes.

he said. “These guys are doing a fantastic thing for such a good cause. Having spoken to Salop Leisure’s chairman Tony Bywater, I get the sense that it’s a really good company that looks after its people.”

Darren, members of his family and Mr Bywater were there to congratulate the trio when they completed the exhausting duathlon to applause at noon on Sunday.

Mr Bywater thanked everyone who had supported the event and praised the trio for their fitness and endurance.

Ed Glover said: “It was an amazing achievement and probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but it’s for a great cause. There was a certain point through the night where I literally didn’t know where I was, but it definitely helped having people come in with food and drink to keep us going.

“Highlights for me were Lloydy doing the first 30 minutes on a bike at the start and people coming in throughout the day which ensured we were never alone. Lloydy was overwhelmed at the end and couldn’t believe we had done it for him.

“A couple of families staying at Love2Stay did a collection around the resort and brought in £220 for us, which was great. We would like to thank everyone who supported us over the 24 hours and continue to donate money through the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lloydy.”

To date, the Just Giving page has surpassed the £3,000 barrier, with money continuing to pour in. Salop Leisure is hoping to raise £5,000 to send Darren on a family holiday abroad, a break at Centre Parcs in the UK, a shark fishing adventure and to a top-class boxing promotion.

Darren was diagnosed with bowel cancer this time last year and underwent surgery on Christmas Eve at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Because the cancer has spread, he is now undergoing a second cycle of 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Summer Offers

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Delftse Hout, The Netherlands – 7 nights in July from £291.64

Set in a leafy park, the site at Delftse Hout is perfect for caravan, campervan or motorhome owners- looking to make the most of the Netherlands this summer. From the site it is a short walk into Delft and history-rich Rotterdam and The Hague are both within driving distance.

Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch and return DFDS ferry crossing. Crossing is based on Dover-Dunkirk travelling between 16:00 on Saturdays until 23:59 on Sundays and Dunkirk-Dover travelling between 20:00 Friday nights until 06:00 Sundays in a motorhome up to 7m long. For more information go to: www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/netherlands/delftse-hout or telephone 01342 316 101

Le Brévedent, Normandy – 7 nights in July from £283.84

Pitches at the laid-back Le Brévedent site are set in the old orchard of a former hunting lodge. From Le Brévedent, guests can drive to the coast to see the D-Day beaches and Honfleur.
Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch and return P&O Ferries crossing.

Crossing is based on Dover-Calais from 1 June-11 July and 18-31 August on sailings between 14:01-06:00 any day of the week and Calais-Dover from 1-18 July and 3 September-31 October on sailings between midnight-14:00 any day of the week (August sailings Mon-Fri) in, motorhome of any height/length. For more information go to: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/normandy/camping-le-brevedent or telephone 01342 316 101

Du Poulquer, Brittany – 7 nights in July from £384.61

Just 200m from the sandy beach of Bénodet, the campsite Du Poulquer CAMC site is excellently positioned for those after a beach-stay. There are plenty more beaches and coastal towns to explore in the region, including Concarneau.

Price based on two adults plus standard electric pitch with 5 nights at the Du Poulquer site and 2 nights at the Le Pont du Jour site and return Brittany Ferries crossing. Crossing is based on Portsmouth-Caen from 1-17 July and 25 August-31 October on the 14:45 sailing (arrives Caen 21:30) any day and Caen-Portsmouth from 3 June-21 July and 1 September-31 October on the 08:30 sailing any day in a car (5m x 1.8m) & Caravan (6m x 2.6m) For more information go to: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/overseas/france/brittany/le-poulquer or telephone 01342 316 101.

Caravan Park Host Ex Armed Forces Reunion

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By William Coleman

Ex military personnel can sometimes have a little bit of a hard time once they leave the service and sticking together with former soldiers is a great way for them to keep grounded. To help this happen an award winning five-star Shropshaire touring caravan park hosted 30 members of the Light Infantry and Rifles Association who attended their annual reunion.

On June 1st around 2,000 ex-soldiers and their wives and family members attended the successful event at Shrewsbury Town Football Clubs’ Montgomery Waters Meadow stadium.

The Light Infantry Committee, which organises the annual reunion, was formed in 2007 after the Light Infantry, based at Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury, was merged with other regiments to form The Rifles.

The reunion was formerly held at Copthorne Barracks, which has now been demolished to make way for houses.

Thirty of the soldiers, who were members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Light Infantry, stayed at Oxon Hall Touring Park, which enjoys a parkland setting on the outskirts Shrewsbury.

Three of those were good friends, Phillip Johnson from Wakefield, Barry Sleightholme from Jarrow and Eddie Diamond from Kent who were accompanied by their wives, Helen, Jeanie and Jackie respectively.

Phillip, a former Light Infantry sergeant, said they had thoroughly enjoyed the reunion, meeting up with old friends and staying at Oxon Hall Touring Park again.

“The Light Infantry was formed from all parts of the country and we have lads that travel from as far away as Germany, Canada and Australia for the reunion,” he explained. “When you joined the Light Infantry, you joined a family.

“We all did our training at Copthorne Barracks and the reunion is a place where the three battalions all come together once a year and have a good chinwag and a good laugh.

“Many of the lads and their wives stay in hotels and other accommodation in the town but we have stayed at Oxon Hall Touring Park for the past five years. Barry and Eddie have stayed there for much longer.

“We had an absolutely great time at Oxon because it has all the facilities we need and the staff are exceptional. They make us feel part of the family there. Following the reunion, we go back to the park, have a barbecue and have a good chat.”

Next up for Phillip and Barry is a sponsored walk along Hadrian’s Wall on the weekend of September 21-22 to raise money for soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Oxon Hall Touring Park manager Clive Jones said he was delighted to welcome members of the Light Infantry and Rifles Association and their wives to the park for their annual reunion.

The park’s staff looked forward to seeing them every year and he confirmed that they had already fully rebooked for next year’s reunion.

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

A Starter Kit For Beginners

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By William Coleman

The leisure vehicle industry is going through another golden age and we are seeing a lot of new blood enter the motorhome and caravan world. We all remember starting but did we remember to pack everything on our first trip away?

When I first starting going on caravan holidays on my own as a young adult I was pretty confident I knew what I was doing and did not need any help, being young will make you think that. So naturally I learnt the hard way by arriving on site and having about 20% of what I actually needed. A tough but great lesson.

If I could turn back the clock I would have listened to all the advice I was given, that way I could have saved myself a bit of an ear bashing from all of my travelling companions, lets just say the “banter” lasted for quite a while after.

So for all of the newcomers to the caravan and motorhome world welcome and let us try and help with some advice and tips I totally ignored when I first started out.

Lists Save Lives

This may seem simple, if not painfully obvious, but a lot of people neglect how important the preparation list is. Fail to plan, plan to fail. It’s a cliche because it’s true and really does work.

I would start with separating the van into sections, this way you do not double pack or confuse what is needed and where.

The best way for this is as follows:

  • Living Room/Day Living
  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom/Night Living
  • Eating/Cooking/Food Prep
  • Outdoor Living
  • Tools and Set Up
  • Spares & Repairs
  • Entertainment
  • Cleaning

Once you have a list it will become a lot clearer what you actually need. This way you can then share who sorts out the kit for what space. If that leads to an argument then please feel free to blame me for that one.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')he Bare Essentials

The is a set list of must have items, not to be confused with the decorative items and bedding etc. These are more to do with what is needed to get set up and actually start you trip.

You need to sit down and try to think what you;d use at home if you were in for the weekend. As you’ll be away for the weekend in a home away from home.

So here is a list that should never change and always be stored within the van:

  • Corner steady tool
  • Power cable
  • Waste water container
  • Aqua roll
  • Spirit level
  • Wheel clamps

The Finer Details

There are a ton of items that can go under the radar when packing and its these small details that can make a world of difference to your trip.

Some of these may sound really silly but they are the most commonly forgotten items that people really wish they’d stowed away on board.

  • Clothesline
  • Cups, plates and bowls
  • Washing up bowl
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Drying cloth
  • Cutlery
  • Pots and pans
  • Folding chairs and table
  • Steps (for getting in and out of the van)

One thing that I would suggest to anyone starting out is to take it easy with the purchases. I have seen some people spend a small fortune on their start up kit and what they bought never saw the light of day.

When I first started I used most of the things I had indoors and just took them with me. Once I got into the rhythm of things I slowly built up my caravan kit. Start slow with the essentials and then work your way up item by item. Before you know it you’ll have awnings, BBQs and all the plastic kitchenware imaginable.

Children’s Author Opens New Chapter Of Park Visits

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By William Coleman

Holiday parks with the David Bellamy Conservation Award are once again being invited to give their younger guests an entertaining new take on the environment.

International author Claire Culliford last year visited a number of DBCA parks by arrangement to provide readings from her popular children’s books.

Now she hopes to be asked to attend even more parks over this summer and autumn, especially those located in the West Country and South Wales.

Claire’s books are designed to inspire youngsters to become involved with the natural world, and to show how children can help the environment in fun and creative ways.

Her readings, which also include lighthearted discussions, drawing and singing, usually last around 90-minutes, and are perfectly pitched for 3 to 6-year-old audience.

Claire’s books support the aims of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and in 2019 she will be attending a series of European environmental and literary events by invitation.

Claire says that feedback from the parks she visited last year was extremely positive, and that parents have been delighted with how their children respond to the sessions.

DBCA holiday parks, believes Claire, are ideal locations because they are already committed to environmental care, and tend to attract families who take pleasure in the countryside.

School holidays and weekends, she suggests, are an ideal time for parks to host a visit.

Claire lives in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and there is no cost involved for parks located within a 50-mile radius of the area.

She is also happy to travel further afield, and would ask for a small contribution to her travelling expenses, and perhaps an overnight stay if a day-return trip isn’t practical.

You can view some of her children’s books at the Waterstones or on Amazon. If you would like to find more out about Claire’s work you can visit her website, www.claireculliford.com