National Caravan And Camping Week Celebrations

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By William Coleman

The National Caravan And Camping Week is almost here and the Camping and Caravan Club are hosting campsite events to help celebrate everything camping, caravanning and outdoor living.

We are now celebrating the 100th annual National Camping and Caravan Week all across the UK and Camping and Caravanning Club were encouraging members to get involved and help share the festivities from coffee morning to colouring competitions.

As we all know, the UK is a nation of caravan lovers and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who has not been on a caravan holiday. So it really is no surprise that the country would jump at the chance to celebrate the century long milestone.

Activities ranged from building a replica of a caravan from 1919, to charity coffee mornings, colouring competitions, and designing caravan-themed bunting.

Members also submitted photos on social media with the hashtag #lovemycaravan for a chance to win a caravan awning package worth over £1,100.

It really is astonishing to think that the first ever commercially produced caravan was built right here in the UK way back in 1919. Since then there has been no stopping the mighty caravan. It has become a major part of British culture, almost as much as fish and chips if you ask me. And what about the wonders the caravan industry does for the UK economy.

Another fantastic display put on by the Camping Club was the first ever floating campsite right here on the River Thames in the heart of London last month.

Julia Bradbury, the Camping and Caravanning Cub’s newest President, actually spent a night on the floating club site and hosted and a party she hosted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of caravan manufacturing in the UK.

The most creative activity was by the staff at the ‘Alton, the Star’ Camping and Caravanning Club site in Staffordshire who made a replica Eccles caravan from 1919 – the year commercial production of caravans started in the UK. They also hosted a party with caravan-themed bunting decorated by families staying on the site during half-term.

In Crowborough, East Sussex, the managers at the Club site organised a children’s colouring competition. Each child completed an outline drawing of a caravan holiday scene, and the best six from different age categories won a WHSmith voucher.

These, and many other activities at other Club sites across the UK, show how caravans have become such an important part of so many people’s lives, and the UK’s economy, and why The Camping and Caravanning Club celebrates National Camping and Caravanning Week each year.

“National Camping and Caravanning Week is all about inspiring the nation to get outdoors whether that’s through caravanning, motorhoming or traditional tent camping. And we’re all more aware than ever that getting into the great outdoors is good for our mental health and well as being great fun,” said Julia Bradbury, TV presenter and President of The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Paul Jones, the Marketing and Communications Director at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “It is brilliant that so many of our Club sites joined the celebration of 100 years of the caravan during this year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week. We’re really grateful that our President, Julia Bradbury, launched National Camping and Caravanning Week 2019 in such a fun way and brought the 100th anniversary of the caravan to the attention of the whole country.”

What will you be doing to celebrate 100 years of amazing holidays?

To Cover Or Not To Cover

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By William Coleman

For some reason this is still a question we see being raised by people all over the country- “why do people bother with caravan covers?”. I feel that the answer to this question is clear but there are still a lot of people who simply do not see the point. So I will list a few “pros and cons” so you can see both sides of the coin and decide for yourself. If you haven’t already

So let me start off by saying that I can see the ‘for and against’ of both sides of the argument and that each individual situation has different needs. Where some people may use a cover others simply may not have that same need, so I will try to be as impartial as possible.

A cover provides great protection, right?

For- A cover offers protection in a lot of different ways, certainly more than just shielding the van from the elements.

The old saying, “out of sight out of mind” pretty much sums up one major positive that the caravan cover brings to the table.

A cover hides the van in plain sight and acts as a fantastic deterrent for would be thieves and vandals. Plus they know that taking a cover off in the middle of the street outside someone’s house is not the most inconspicuous of activities.

When it comes to the weather, of which we can have all 4 seasons in 1 day at the moment, the cover can be worth its weight in gold. Provided you buy a good quality one.

Come wind, rain or shine the cover does provide a warm cosy shield and also can really help against water ingress for those little drinks and dents that are not visible to the eye. I have known some vans that were pretty much new but still leak due to heavy rains. So if you had a cover you could really limit the vans exposure to adverse weather.

Against- Having a cover does protect against outside elements but it can also create a situation where the cover can actually damage the chassis, windows and other panels of the van.

If any kind of dirt or grit is on the van before you cover it the cover itself then turns into a large surface to drag the dirt and result in a lot of unwanted scuffs and scratches. Not something you want when you are trying to protect against such things. But clean before covering should help reduce this risk entirely.

There are some instances where using a cheaper cover ends up being a lot more expensive than spending out on a top end one. The cheaper ones can just fall to bits after 1-2 uses and then you’re back at square one in a situation where you need to keep spending.

A lot of people are put off by how much time you’d need to spend taking off and putting it back on. With today’s tech you should be able to get a cover on quite quickly without much fuss. That being said there are some covers that take age and require multiple sets of hands. It’s these latter ones that really put people off the whole idea as its just too much of a chore to deal with.

Another argument for not using a cover is the van should be used enough to not need to cover. A lot of owners who use their vans all year round feel that it is a pointless exercise and that the time and effort outweigh the actual need for one. One person once said to me that “a van cover shows you do not go away very often, which begs the question of do you even need a caravan”. Not an opinion I agree with but everyone is entitled to one.

There are some, not a lot, who want to actually show off their vans to the world. A sort of keeping up with the Jones’ mentality I guess. These are the folks who think a cover is ridiculous and clean the van once a week even if they have not used it for 2 months. My argument to that is you raise the chances of undesirables seeing and potentially damaging the van.

For me it really does boil down to what needs you have and what suits you the best. If you are fortunate enough to be able to get away in the van quite a lot and think you do not need a cover then more power to you.

But in reality the van tends to be on the drive or in storage more than it does pitched up on site. So having a cover is probably a good idea. Better to have one and not need it than need it and not have it

UK Summer Breaks For Just £15 Per Night

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By William Coleman

The Great British Summertime is almost upon us, not that you would notice with the storms and flooding that we’ve been having recently. This does seem to be coming to an end and the weatherman has said that we should be heading into a heatwave very soon. With the great weather on its way, why not book a few nights on site.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club are also looking forward to the warmer months and are doing their best to get more people on site for summer. You can have a relaxing break or an outdoor adventure for just £15 per night for up to two adults and four children.

From North Devon to the northern Highlands, there is a Caravan and Motorhome Club site to suit all tastes. Here are the Club’s top picks for the summer season:

Ilfracombe Club Site, North Devon

With award-winning beaches and the wild moorland of Exmoor National Park, Devon has a wealth of natural beauty and activities to suit all.

The rugged coastline of Woolacombe Bay is the perfect setting for adventure seekers learning to surf, and Croyde Beach is great for kids. Exmoor is recognised as one of the leading locations in the UK for keen walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

When tired of exploring, the historic villages of Clovelly or Mortehoe are perfect spots for taking a quiet break and enjoying an iconic Devonshire cream tea.

Stay at the Ilfracombe Club Site for £15 per night for a standard (electric and grass) touring pitch for two adults and up to four children.

Conveniently nestled three miles inland from Ilfracombe, this spacious site has panoramic views across both coastline and the stunning inland scenery. An on-site play area makes it a great spot for kids, and little ones will also love rock-pooling at the nearby Hele Bay.

Aberbran Club Site, Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons are home to an array of outdoor challenges for all ages. Thrill-seekers can try canyoning in the south Beacons, whilst other activities include pony trekking, mountain biking, and of course, trail walking.

Not just a destination for hikers, the Beacons are home to a number of cultural events throughout the year too, including the Brecon Jazz festival and Green Man music festival, which both take place during the summer.

Stay at the Aberbran Club Site, a former railway station, for just £15 per night based on two adults and four children sharing a standard pitch.

Set within the Brecon Beacons, there are ample walking trails just a stone’s throw away. Brecon town is close by too, giving guests easy access to shops and restaurants.

Altnaharra Club Site, The Highlands

The unspoilt beauty of the northern Highlands makes it the perfect spot for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. With rolling green hills and rugged mountains, the region is easily explored on foot and by bike, with a broad range of trails and hikes on offer. For adventure-seekers after a challenge, the Munros are begging to be explored.

Stay at the Altnaharra Club Site for just £15 a night based on two adults sharing a campervan or motorhome.

Resting on the shores Loch Naver, the site is perfect for those with dinghies or rowing boats, as those who stay on site get non-motorised boating rights. Keen fishermen are also able to fly fish for free from the shore, and there are a number of surrounding mountains to explore on foot.

With the nearest shops 20 miles away, Altnaharra is the ideal location for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness of the Highlands.

Nunnykirk Club Site, Northumberland

History-rich Northumberland has something for everyone. Home to more castles than any other county in the UK, including Alnwick Castle which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films – a delight for film buffs! UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall is also one not to miss, visitors can immerse themselves in Roman history whilst exploring the dramatic landscape along one of the Wall’s many walking trails.

Stay at the Nunnykirk Club Site for just £15 a night based on two adults sharing a campervan or motorhome.

This peaceful site is superb for nature lovers, with a huge range of birds and other wildlife calling the surrounding Simonside Hills their home. Excellently located for both inland and coastal trips, why not drive to nearby Seahouses and take a boat across to the Farne Islands? Puffins can be spotted breeding in the summertime, and seals can be seen basking on the rocks.

The UK Is The Biggest Nation Of Caravan Lovers

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By William Coleman

Caravan holidays are on the rise and we have seen some major numbers over the past 3 years, and despite the traditional British weather giving us a soggy summer so far, the UK is the number one destination for caravanners in Europe according to a new study.

Safeguard Insurance analysed data looking at the number of caravan/camping sites, total number of nights spent, number of trips taken, amount spent on renting sites and the number of new caravan registrations to create a hot spot index, with the UK championing over Sweden and France.

The Countries In Europe Most Passionate About Caravans

1- UK
2- Sweden
3- France
4- Switzerland
5- Denmark
6-Germany
7-Slovenia
8- Netherlands
9- Belgium
10- Ireland

With around 1500 camping and caravanning sites in the UK (compared to over 8000 in France), the camping and caravan industry here is ever-growing. UK caravan fans spent over £4.3 million in 2017 on renting sites for a break.

The UK takes the most domestic trips with over 11 million taken in 2017 – showing that the lack of camping sites in comparison to other countries in Europe does not deter devoted caravanners from spending time on home turf, enjoying a staycation.

The UK also spent the most nights in caravan or camping sites both home and away, indicating that whilst Brits like to spend time enjoying the countryside and seaside landscapes, they also enjoy heading overseas for a holiday – perhaps in search of better weather or experiencing a different culture.

Brits are so invested in caravans that they are choosing to own one. Over 24,000 new touring caravans and 14,062 motor caravan registrations were registered in the UK in 2017.

What other destinations in Europe are popular?

The second-biggest nation of caravan fans in Europe is Sweden. There are 550 camping and caravan sites in Sweden with a mixture of lakeside locations and coastal spots. France rounds out the top three – unsurprisingly, given that it has more caravan sites than anyone else in the top 10.

The CaravanTimes team spent 3 weeks caravanning around Europe and Asia with Bailey and we can strongly recommend Slovenia! From the foos to the people the whole place is amazing.

Look up Camping Bled and you may never ever want to return.

What is your favourite thing about caravanning in the UK?

Lake District Holidays Go Green

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By William Coleman

The family owners of a Lake District holiday park are helping visitors to enjoy even greener stays in Cumbria following a new series of environmental initiatives.

Park Foot Caravan and Camping Park on the shores of Ullswater near Penrith says its latest steps will help further ensure that guests can enjoy their holidays with a clear conscience.

Measures taken include the construction from local stone of a new amenity building for campers which is kept warm with underfloor heating from the park’s biomass boiler.

Park Foot has also increased its reliance on green energy with new solar panels on its recycling centre which will feed excess electricity into the national grid.

A super-efficient new heating system has additionally been installed to minimise energy usage.

Park Foot, which employs around 80 locally-recruited staff in high season, has also decided that from this year to ban single-use plastics in its clubhouse.

The club’s restaurant has been re-equipped with energy-saving catering equipment, and will continue to feature Cumbria-sourced ingredients in its dishes to minimise food miles.

Park Foot has also expanded its trekking centre which allows guests to leave their cars parked-up and to explore the area on horseback.

More children’s activities have also been introduced, including a newly built adventure play area.

Founded over 60 years ago by the Allen family on their farm, Park Foot has around 140 caravan holiday homes spread throughout the 40-acre grounds, and 400 touring pitches.

The business is today run by Fiona Bell and Barbara Allen, the daughters of founder Jimmy Allen, along with Fiona’s husband Malcolm.

According to Fiona, advance bookings for this year are stronger than ever before:

“We’re seeing many more people choosing staycations in Britain, and families especially often find it a far more relaxing experience than travelling overseas,” she said.

“But as a farming family, we know how important it is to help safeguard Cumbria’s beautiful but fragile countryside for future generations to enjoy.

“Our policy has always been to run the park along sustainable lines, and we’re pleased that our latest developments are making greener holidays even more possible,”<'i> added Fiona.

There is more information about Park Foot on its website at www.parkfootullswater.co.uk

Go Worldwide For Less With The Club

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William Coleman

Going further for less is the ultimate goal for any leisure vehicle owner. So, if there is a chance to take a motorhome tour in a different part of the world for less money you’d be crazy not to go.

When thinking about sites in the US, Australia or even South Africa your mind may not go straight to the Caravan and Motorhome Club. They are perhaps best known for their UK network and sites throughout European destinations. Well now you can use their services to go around the world and save money too. Oh and did I mention that this offer is for everyone, not just Club members!

If you are thinking about taking a trip to the USA, Canada or Southern Africa can currently take advantage of the following deals:

USA and Canada

Book by 30 June to receive up to £500 off motorhome holidays (per booking, not per person) to America and Canada for travel between 1 January and 31 December 2020.

Prices start from £2,745 per person for a 20-day independent ‘America’s Canyonlands’ motorhome tour, which takes in all the delights of Arizona and Utah. The price includes return flights to Las Vegas, transfers, motorhome hire and 18 nights’ accommodation.

Southern Africa
Book by 31 July to save £200 per person on the following escorted motorhome tours – A Tale of Three Countries, departing 7 November 2019 and 7 January 2020, or Roads of the Rainbow Nation, departing 29 September 2019 and 9 June 2020.

A Tale of Three Counties is a 33-day escorted tour that normally costs from £4,999 per person. Venturing off the beaten track, it showcases everything from the deserts and sand dunes of Namibia to the majestic Victoria Falls.

Roads of the Rainbow Nation is a 38-day escorted tour that normally costs from £3,999 per person. Visiting the heart of the rainbow nation, it takes in capital cities, national parks and the famous Garden Route.

Both trips include flights, transfers, motorhome hire, all nights’ accommodation (on both campsites and hotels) a guide and technician, plus some excursions and meals.

Help Caravan Guard Meet Their Charity Goal

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By William Coleman

Caravan Guard have always done their bit to give back and help those who are in need. They sponsor athletes to help them reach the Olympics as well as a whole other raft of different charitable efforts and donations. Now they are getting fully stuck in and taking part in a 70 mile bike journey to help push for charity milestone.

The countdown to the great Yorkshire Bike Ride has begun and Caravan Guard have answered the call by sending 11 of their staff to take part and raise money for charity.

The team of 11 are saddling up to cycle a knee trembling 70 miles tomorrow, June 15th, and are making one final please for help to get the overall donation target of £3 million.

Caravan Guard is a family run business and the Wilby family are not shying away from the challenge and leading by example. Their Chairman Pete Wilby is gearing up for his 25th entry into this epic bike ride. He will have his son, Guard’s MD, Ryan, as well as another 9 team members peddling alongside him.

The annual sponsored cycle ride starts in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, and finishes on the North Yorkshire coast in Filey.

Now in its 36th year, the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride has raised an incredible £2.8 million so far.
“It would be fantastic if the event could break the £3 million fundraising barrier this year with everyone’s support,” said Peter. “We’ve got another great team of cyclists who care passionately about charitable causes. We hope you can dig deep to make those sore legs and bums worth it!”

There’s still time to sponsor the team and Caravan Guard will double any donation over £50!

Ways You Can Donate

You can also donate by cheque. Please make payable to “Caravan GuardCharity Account” and send to us at New Road, Halifax, HX1 2JZ.

You can also go directly to the charity page to add a donation by clicking this link- Donate Here.

The company will Tweet and tag all business donations received as an appreciation of your support.

Workmates Doing Their Best To Help Fulfill Colleagues Bucket List

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William Coleman

They say that cancer affects one in three people, soon to be one in two, and I am sure most people reading this have come into contact with this awful disease in one way or another. In this instance it has affected someone at a Shropshire based leisure company and workers are banding together to help make life better for this individual and his family.

Salop Leisure are doing their part for one of their employees who has unfortunately been diagnosed with terminal cancer to help complete his bucket list of dream events. Something I feel is an amazing thing to do for someone who has just been dealt a heavy blow, so hats off to Salop Leisure for doing this.

Salop are hoping to raise £5,000 to help their site maintenance engineer Darren Lloyd, 38, bucket list become reality. Darren’s to do list contains a holiday abroad with his family, a trip to a Centre Parcs in the UK, tickets to a top class boxing event and shark fishing!

So where do Salop start to help raise these life changing funds? How about a full on fund raising 24 hour duathlon? Salop’s marketing manager Ed Glover and Love2Stay joint general manager Chris Skitt will take on a 24-hour challenge- cycling and running – at Salop Leisure’s Emstrey headquarters to raise money for the appeal. Work colleagues have also pledged to support the challenge throughout the day.

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.

Not letting his illness get the better of him Darren has remained positive throughout and has praised the treatment and care he has received from all the medical staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and The Christie in Manchester and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

To help raise awareness Darren is sharing his story to shed light on the importance of seeking medical advice and care as soon as possible once any possible symptoms rear their ugly head, which include a change in toilet habits.

He believes his original tumour may have been growing in his bowel for four years before he sought medical advice. Like many men do, he put off going to see his GP and by the time he did seek medical advice, the cancer had spread.

“If I can stop this happening to just one person by encouraging them to get early diagnosis of cancer, then it will have been worth sharing my story,” said Darren, who lives in Monkmoor, Shrewsbury.

“I had been having stomach cramps 20 minutes after eating for a long time before I was persuaded to go to the doctor. I wish I had gone sooner. I am trying to keep a positive mind for chemotherapy even though it makes me very tired. I fear that if I get down, it is going to get me.”

Darren has worked for Salop for over eight years and has been responsible for the sites landscaping as well as the design for the Love2Stay resort. On top of his already busy schedule Darren helps with maintenance at other holiday home and touring parks across Mid Wales.

“The support I am getting from Salop Leisure, my work colleagues, family and a wide circle of friends is amazing,” he added. “Part of coming to terms with my terminal illness is my wish to help other people and give something back.”

His kindness and bravery persuade Ed and Chris to take on the duathlon. They said: “Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Darren has fought the disease with immense strength and belief, at the same time being there for his family and friends.

“We want to raise as much money as possible for Darren and his family to be able to enjoy some precious time together to create some special memories. They have a wish list and they would like to make as many of these possible as they can.

“Please donate any amount you can to help us make these dreams come true for someone who truly deserves it.”

A Just Giving page has been created for anyone wishing to support the fundraising for Darren: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lloydy. More than £1,300 was donated within 24 hours.

Not stopping there, Salop Leisure are entering a team into the Shrewsbury Dragon Boat Race on July 7 called Lloydy’s Love Boat. Depending on what the medical professionals say, Darren may be the boat’s helmsman dressed as a hospital patient while the rest of the crew dress up as doctors and nurses. The proceeds raised will be split between the Severn Hospice and he Lingen Davies Cancer Centre.

A full month’s worth of fundraising events have been planned by the company to help Darren complete a few dreams with his family. Salop will be holding some prize draws which includes a two-night stay in a glamping lodge at the Love2Stay resort and a luxury hamper, a quiz and a cake sale.

Mark Bebb, Salop Leisure’s managing director, said: “We are determined to try and make the time that Darren has left the best it can be for him and his family. He’s a very popular team member who has been an integral part of building and developing the Love2Stay resort and many of our parks in Mid Wales.

“It’s a reflection of the man that even now he is thinking of others by agreeing to share his story about fighting cancer.”

Easy One Pan Van Meals

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By William Coleman

I will be the first to admit that I am not overly keen on doing the washing up after dinner, especially when I am on site trying to relax and get away from it all. One way round that is simple- use as little kitchen equipment as humanly possible. So here are some meals that requires a pan, a chopping board and maybe a small bowl for mixing. Easy peasy.

These meals have been tried and tested by the CaravanTimes team and never disappoint. They work perfectly for friends, family and take no time at all to prepare and cook. Best of all, very little tidying time is needed once you’re full up.

The Breakfast Of Champions

When it comes to breakfast time in the van I usually go for the classic egg and bacon sandwich, or if I am feeling particularly hungry its the fried English Breakfast with all the trimmings. But as I get older I have realised that the fry up is no good for the waistline, so here is filling healthy option.

The 2 Ingredient Pancake

Ingredient-
-2-3 eggs (add more accordingly if cooking for more than 2 people)

-2 fully ripened bananas. The bananas can be a tad brown, too fresh and they will not mix well.

-Ground cinnamon

Method

Step 1- Add your banana to a small bowl or measuring jug and then use a fork to press the banana into a soft mush, leave some bumps and lumps as this will help to create the pancake texture.

Step 2- Crack your eggs into the banana and then thoroughly mix the two together. Make sure there is no yolk visible, folding the mixture is great way to blend it all together and will help the ingredients bind together and create a batter like texture.

Step 3- Add contents to a well oiled pan, unsalted butter works the best and adds an extra bit of rich flavour.

Step 4- Cook on each side for 3 minutes until golden. Once both sides are golden simply serve and enjoy.

This one is fun, simple, cheap and healthy. From 3 eggs and 2 bananas you should get around 4-6 small to medium sized pancakes. A portion of 3 pancakes is only around 80 calories and should have you full up until lunch.

Brunch- The Cheeky Cheese And Ham Toastie

The afternoon snack is an important one, a build up to lunch if you will. So why not use a small window of time to whip up something quick, easy and not too filling. This is a bit of a cheeky one though and not something you want to eat too often. The Cheeky Cheese And Ham Toastie was once only possible with the Breville style toasting makers. Now all you need is a pan, a spatula and a potato masher.

Ingredient-

-Sliced ham, crumbed or honey roast is top of my list

-Mature cheddar or grated mozzarella. These two cheeses tend to melt the best without becoming very oily and soaking the bread.

-Sliced white bread, brown works too but white is the classic way of making a toasties.
Butter or cooking oil- all down to preference.

Method

Step One- If you are using butter to cook with make sure that you butter both sides of the bread evenly and generously. If using oil just coast the pan very lightly.

Step Two- Warm the oil or butter in the pan on a low to medium heat. If the pan is too hot the butter will burn, turn brown and smell very sweet. If this happens start over.

Step Three- Add the filling to the sandwich and firmly press the bread into the pan. This is where the masher comes in handy.

Step Four- Get yourself a small plate and place it on top of the sandwich and apply pressure with the masher so that the toastie gets an even cook. This way the cheese melts and gets that cinematic effect of stringy cheese. Cook until the bread is toasted to your liking and serve.

The best thing about the toastie is how dynamic you can make it. Add pretty much anything you want and it will probably work. The warm peanut butter and jam toasties is also quite the snack and works for pudding too, especially with some added custard. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Lunchtime or Dinner

Make the most of the on board cooker and stretch those culinary legs with a 1 pan Mexican delight with just 3 ingredients and some spices. The Chicken Fajita Bowl!

Ingredient-

-Chicken breast, I would recommend 2 for a pair and 4 for a family sized portion.

-1 red, yellow and orange pepper.

-1 large white onion

-Spices/seasoning- Paprika, chilli powder, salt, pepper, cumin and garlic powder.

Method

Step 1- Cut the chicken breast into cubes and then slice all the veg. The more prepared the veg is the easier and quicker cooking will be.

Step 2- Brown off the chicken over a medium heat, take your time browning the chicken so it remains tender.

Step 3- Once the chicken is browned simply add all of your vegetables and seasoning and give it all a good stir. Add salt and pepper throughout to taste. Add some tomato paste if you have it to get it a bit more liquid.

Step- After about 12-15 minutes, depending if you like your veg with a little bit of a bite to it, you could be ready to serve. Cook for longer if you like your peppers and onions soft.

This is another dish that ticks the healthy options and is very wallet friendly. This is always good with a few wraps or pita breads on the side for dipping.

Are there any one pot/pan meals you can suggest?

Loch Lomond Parks New Crown

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By WilliamColeman

Lomond Woods Holiday Park has been named at this month’s Scottish Hospitality Awards as Scotland’s finest park, beating hundreds of other businesses to the title.

Stepping up to receive the accolade in front of VIP guests from Scotland’s tourism industry at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow were members of the park-owning Wood family.

Lomond Woods is one of six parks owned by Wood Leisure, and this year’s glittering awards ceremony also saw two of its other parks nominated for the Best Park in Scotland award.

They were Campsite Glen Holiday Park near Stirling, and Blairgowrie Holiday Park near Perth which gained a “highly commended” status in the category.

The Scottish Hospitality Awards highlight tourism enterprises which offer exceptional standards of facilities and services, and take into account the feedback given by customers.

Wood Leisure has been welcoming guests since 1981, this year sees the 25th anniversary of Lomond Woods under the family’s ownership.

Since acquiring the park, the group has invested heavily in new facilities, accommodation and landscaping to create a first-class destination for holiday guests.

Boasting a top five-star rating from Visit Scotland among its many awards, the Lomond Woods provides luxury holiday homes to buy and to rent, glamping accommodation and touring pitches.

Manager at Lomond Woods Tricia Farragher said that everyone at the park was thrilled to have taken the ultimate accolade of the Best Holiday Park in Scotland at the awards:

“We owe a big debt of thanks to all of our many loyal customers whose votes helped to take us to the number one position,” she said.

“A big factor in this competition is the hospitality which is provided to holiday guests, as well as the friendly atmosphere and warmth of welcome which customers receive.

“Delivering this is entirely in the hands of our staff team, so they deserve a big share of the credit for this wonderful achievement,”www.woodleisure.co.uk

Cornwall Park Hands Over £600k To Fair Pay Firm

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By William Coleman

The minimum wage was introduced to ensure that companies had a base level for what they could “legally” pay an employee. But over the years what was the bare minimum has now become the norm, where as some companies fail to even meet that. One park in the South West is doing its part to make sure the living wage is met by other parks by handing over a £600,000 contract to a caravan company sharing its ideals.

Padstow holiday park owner Patrick Langmaid has handed a £600,000 buying contract to a UK holiday caravan manufacturer – because it believes in paying its staff a living wage.

Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park will be taking delivery of 25 luxury holiday homes from the firm, ABI, which recently became an accredited member of the Living Wage Foundation charity.

The deal was finalised at the Royal Cornwall Show this week (06 June) when ABI’s chairman Mel Copper travelled down from the company’s HQ in Beverley, near Hull.

But the celebrations at the Wadebridge show were two-fold because the previous day in London, Patrick Langmaid was in the spotlight at the annual Living Wage awards ceremony.

There he was announced as the winner of a Living Wage Champions Award 2019 for his tireless work to promote the principles of ethical employment and the Living Wage.

In January 2015, Mother Ivey’s became the first holiday park in Britain to be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, and Patrick has since campaigned for other businesses to join him.

ABI, which employs around 550 staff, is one of the latest firms to win accreditation from the charity – and Patrick said that this was a major factor influencing his purchasing decision:

“We regularly update our holiday homes at Mother Ivey’s with the latest models so that guests can enjoy the very best standards of accommodation on offer,” he said.

“In Britain we have a world-class holiday caravan and lodge manufacturing industry, and there are a number of other excellent suppliers we could have opted for.

“However, ABI is the only firm accredited with Living Wage status in this sector, and holds the same beliefs as us about the value of paying a real living wage.

“Like us, I’m sure they will find many long-term benefits in terms of retaining staff, building their enthusiasm and loyalty, and widening the number of satisfied customers as a result.

“We are not anticipating placing future orders with any company other than ABI,” added Patrick whose park employs around 25 full and part-time staff in high season.

The Living Wage Foundation says the real living wage is £9.00 an hour outside London, based on an estimation of how much people need to live, including housing costs, travel and childcare.

Over the past few years, Patrick has been championing the real living wage across Cornwall, and especially to businesses engaged in tourism and hospitality.

“Cornwall is a fantastic holiday destination and a premium brand which attracts many thousands of visitors each year, and there is really no excuse for low pay,” he said.

Mother Ivey’s provides caravan holiday homes, both privately owned and for hire, plus touring pitches. There is more information about the park at www.motheriveysbay.com

Dethleffs Event UK Mountain Bike Champ Appearance

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By William Coleman

The Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld in Stafford will be hosting their National Dethleffs motorhomes event which will feature all the best the brand has to offer as well as a very special UK sporting champion.

The Stafford based luxury leisure vehicle company will have Scott Beaumont, the UK mountain bike champion, attending the event to speak with guests and visitors who will be attending from all over the UK.

The event will be taking place from 17th-23rd of June with Scott attending on the 17th and 18th along with the prestige Dethleffs 7877-2 model. Scott will be bringing his hi-spec race winning bikes with him as well as screening some of his favourite team films.

Scott, or “Boom Boom” to his friends, competes in race events all across the UK and Europe with the help of what he describes as his ‘house on wheels’ Dethleffs motorhome. Scott has been competing since the ripe old age of 4! Just more proof of how vital motorhomes are to the sporting world.

He says: “I am no stranger to motorhomes, and the Dethleffs range is by far the most superior brand I have had the pleasure to use. It’s the crème de la crème of motorhoming, so it’s no wonder the Erwin Hymer Centre are dedicating a full week to highlight the range – there really is that much to talk about!”

During the motorhome event you will be able to get a hands on look all the newest 2019 Dethleffs products as well as lots of brand goodies available too.

Managing director, Ross Edwards said: “It’s great that Scott can join us for a second time after coming along to our opening event in February – it makes such a difference when visitors can see with their own eyes exactly what Dethleffs motorhomes can do.”

If you are interested in attending this event you can register for tickets here- Dethleffs Event Tickets.