Record demand as Caravan Club opens booking system for 2011 season

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by Marcus Dubois

The Caravan Club witnessed record demand today from Club members after opening their booking system today for the 2011 season.

Members were able to make bookings from 9am this morning, and in the first hour alone the Club took 10,147 reservations for pitches at sites around the UK.

And by midday today over 35,000 bookings had been made using the Caravan Club Booking Service. To put this in context, last year the Club counted 55,000 bookings in total at the end of the opening day.

How to book your pitch for 2011

Visitors to the Caravan Club website this morning were greeted with a special homepage directing them to the relevant sections for logging in and booking.

The Club stated that “due to the volume of visitors using The Club website to book 2011 UK sites we are restricting access to the website to ensure members can book quickly and efficiently.” It advises members to ensure they are logged in before making their booking.

Those looking to make early site bookings without using the internet are able to call a contact centre on 01342 327 490 between the hours of 0900 and 1730 today. Additionally if the caravan site requested is open today members are able to telephone directly and make their bookings with the site.

Record demand for early bookings

The record-breaking figures offer further proof of the rapidly increasing popularity of caravanning as a leisure pursuit. And the Caravan Club themselves launched an initiative in 2009 to help newcomers to caravan and motorhome holidays. The Discover Touring website and magazine are useful companions to those starting out on the road to caravanning, and the initiative was recently endorsed by former racing driver Mark Blundell.

Click here if you would like to have your say on this news story.

Eggleston village pub to open caravan site

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by Chris Malone

A village pub in Eggleston, County Durham, has been given permission to use an adjoining field as a caravan site.

The Moorcock Inn has been using the site for two years, but the local council recently told owner Mark Reynolds that he would have to seek planning permission to continue.

According to the Teesdale Mercury, residents objected to the facility being given the green light as a result of the behaviour of some previous residents.

However Mr Reynolds was given permission to host caravans in the field for a maximum of 28 days per year.

He claimed that by doing so, he can secure the future of the 160-year-old village pub by continuing to hold functions that also allow him to help other local businesses by using them as suppliers.

“These people are middle aged and more – they don’t go home in the middle of the night drunk and swearing. These people are not hooligans,” he told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, the UK’s caravan sites continue to be blanketed in snow and ice after a week of wintry conditions across most of the country

Tragedy at Cleethorpe caravan park after elderly man found dead in snow

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by Marcus Dubois and Chris Malone

Tragedy has struck at a caravan park near Grimsby where the body of an elderly man has been found in the snow.

According to the Grimsby Telegraph, police believe the 75-year-old’s remains could have been lying undiscovered for up to two days before being found at Thorpe Park in Humberston.

A security guard made the discovery in the early hours of Sunday (December 5th) morning, and while the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances.

Residential exceptions

Thorpe Park is a large caravan site containing static holiday homes, and can be found on the southern side of Cleethorpes near the village of Humberston. The park is currently closed to residents for the season, but is open to the public during the day.

Residential visitors are not allowed during this period, and owners agree to be absent at this time as a part of their site agreements. However, it is believed that the deceased had been allowed to stay on at the caravan site due to the severe weather.

Police inquiries

Police have refused to name the man until they can successfully trace his family. They have been unable to ascertain what caused his death, though officers investigating have stated there are no suspicious circumstances. A Humberside Police spokesman said police have begun inquiries to help formally identify the victim.

Meanwhile, BBC News reported that a man was fortunate to escape a caravan fire in Derbyshire over the weekend, although he is currently in hospital being treated for 30 per cent burns.

MoT test could be every two years if aligned with Europe

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by Holly Tribe

New proposals are being considered which will effect the frequency with which vehicles are required to have an MoT test.

The Times newspaper reported changes to the vehicle road worthiness test could see the British model brought in line with its European equivalent.

Under current rules, motorists are required to have new cars tested once they are three years old and then every subsequent year. If the UK is aligned with the European model, cars would only be tested after four years and then every second year.

Striking the balance

The Minister for road safety, Pike Penning, has verified the MoT test will come under review, but couldn’t confirm exactly what changes would be made at this stage. He said: “The MoT plays an important role in making sure vehicles are road worthy and should strike the right balance between vehicle safety and the burden imposed on motorists.

“We intend to undertake a review of the MoT testing regime but have not made a decision about any change to the system.” And Elizabeth Box from the RAC told the newspaper: “Making the test every two years instead of one may well make sense given that today’s cars are generally more reliable.”

“But if drivers do not inspect their cars regularly for tyre or other defects, reducing the formal inspection rate is likely to have a negative impact on road safety.”

A softer approach?

In 2007, 21.6 per cent of three-year old cars failed their MoT, and there are fears the new ‘softer’ approach may compromise road safety and result in job losses in the motoring industry.

The move is one of a number of EU harmonisation initiatives introduced over recent months. Last week, Caravan Times reported changes to the car and trailer practical driving test are due to come into effect from January 2011.

What do you think about the new proposals? Have your say here .

Rimor Caravans: 2011 New Polaris weights and layouts

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by Holly Tribe

The Italian built range from Rimor Caravans has been restricted from entering the British market in the past due to domestic width restrictions. But in April 2010 legislation changed to increase the legal width of British touring caravans from 2.3m to 2.55m, bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe.

And now, after thirty years in the leisure vehicle industry, the Continental brand may be able to make bigger waves in the UK market. With widths just over the previously restricted 2.30 metre threshold, the New Polaris range brings bigger beds and better storage to the British caravan market.

New Polaris

For the 2011 season, Rimor’s focus has been on comfort and space optimisation. The living areas have been revised and interiors have been restyled to help strengthen brand identity. Generously sized family lockers create useful storage areas and particular attention has been paid to creating large and comfortable dinettes.

Built on an Al-Ko chassis, each model comes equipped with all the mod cons the modern caravanner has come to expect including a blown air heating system, cassette toilet and Heki rooflights. With six layouts in the range, there are options to suit couples and families.


New Polaris 420FL

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £11,995


New Polaris 450CL

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: tbc


New Polaris 460LF

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berth: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: £12,955


New Polaris 480LM

  • MTPLM: 1,280kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £12,995


New Polaris 530LG

  • MTPLM: 1,450kg
  • Berths: 4
  • External Width:2.34m
  • Price: tbc


New Polaris 530CDM

  • MTPLM: 1,450kg
  • Berths: 6
  • External Width: 2.34m
  • Price: £13,995

The New Polaris range is available from 3 Counties Caravans and the full model line-up is on display at their dealership in Worcestershire.

Camping and Caravanning Club win a brace at Midlands Pride Awards

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by Marcus Dubois

The Camping and Caravanning Club beat off stiff competition from PR agencies and companies to scoop two prizes at the CIPR Midlands Pride awards in Britain last week.

A two-day event was held at Warwick Castle in June where celebrities Anna Ryder-Richardson and Ainsley Harriott presented. Meanwhile the Club teamed up with Volkswagen to give away a VW California worth over £40,000 on GMTV in the lead-up to the event.

New To Camping

The Friendly Club’s “New To Camping” campaign won a gold award in the Not-For-Profit category, and silver in the “Consumer Relations” section. Both awards were well received by members of the Club’s PR and marketing team who were in attendance.

The “New To Camping” initiative is endorsed by BBC Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury and botanist David Bellamy. The project has helped raise the profile of camping and caravanning amongst the general public as well as helping to demystify popular conceptions about camping on Club sites.

“A tremendous achievement”

Jon Dale is the Friendly Club’s PR Manager and was delighted to see the Club’s efforts recognised.

“Competition was extremely tough in both of the categories, but for our New to Camping campaign to be judged to be amongst the best in the UK is a tremendous achievement.

“It really was a team effort and these awards have helped cap another successful year for the Club.”

For more information about New To Camping you can visit the Club’s official website to help you get started. You can find it at newtocamping.co.uk.

Vote for your favourite caravan in the Caravan Times Readers Poll 2010

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by Marcus Dubois

As 2010 draws to a close, all of us at Caravan Times have found ourselves reflecting on a remarkable year. We offer our thanks to the caravan manufacturers, associations, parks and small businesses who helped us become first for caravan news throughout 2010. Meanwhile our groundbreaking features and interviews helped caravanners get their voice across to the industry.

But above all this year saw our online community go from strength to strength as readers shared their opinions, posted photos and answered technical questions in our forums. We are grateful for your input, and look forward to continuing the conversation in 2011.

This year has been a vintage one for new caravan models and launches. Bailey and Swift both unveiled radical new designs while Elddis, Lunar and Coachman launched exciting updates to their most popular models. And with newcomers Roma, Autosleeper and Stealth, caravanners had more choice than ever in 2010.

Click here to cast your vote in the Caravan Times Reader’s Poll 2010

Why your opinions matter

There are a number of caravan awards in existence decided by journalists and the industry. Yet Caravan Times has always been different. As an independent online magazine with a vibrant community, we always value your input.

And so we’ve launched the first Caravan Times Reader’s Poll, where owners can vote for the very best offerings for caravanners in 2010.

How do I vote?

Which caravan do you think broke new ground in 2010? Were you impressed by a particular feature on a new model? Which dealership do you think deserves the title of Dealer of the Year?

Click here to cast your vote in our forum poll. All voting is open, but in some categories we’ve shortlisted some of our favourites to help you get started.

Not yet registered with Caravan Times? Membership is always free and gives you access to our online community with forums, videos and caravan groups.

Winners will be announced at the beginning of January 2011 – thank you for your support.

Volkswagen confirms plans for new Microbus Concept

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by Holly Tribe

The classic VW campervan could be set to make a comeback as Volkswagen design chiefs give the go-ahead for a new generation of motorhome.

Back in 2001, VW built a prototype of the ‘Microbus Concept’, a new campervan based on the original Type 2 generation. But despite widespread approval from the motoring press, mass-production of the van was mothballed, and eventually scrapped in 2005 with the company citing ‘unfeasible costs’ as the reason.

But now, after years of waiting, the Microbus Concept is getting a reprieve. At the LA Auto Show held at the end of November, VW’s Chief Designer, Klaus Bischoff, told motoring magazine Autoexpress: “I would not be doing my job at Volkswagen properly if I was not thinking of bringing back the Camper.”

He explained the final design is still being considered and “the key question is ‘what sort of car should we build?'”

“It could be a traditional MPV, with a conventional interior, or we could be much bolder, designing a more flexible, versatile machine – perhaps one that is closer in spirit to the original model. It is not yet decided,” he added.
The Chief Designer’s comments were later verified by Volkswagen: “Klaus Bischoff confirms #VW is working on plans to ‘bring back’ a new version of the Microbus! Interested?”, the firm published on their official twitter feed.

Although the final design is still far from finished, a sketch (pictured) makes a rough estimation of what the new Microbus might look like. It depicts a simplified version of the 2001 concept with the same retro look but with pared down features aimed at keeping costs down.

The Original Type 2

The original campervans were created by German automaker Volkswagen in May 1950. Production of the first generation marque stopped with the 1967 model year, and the iconic T2 left our shores for good in 1979, but these iconic motorhomes have since developed a cult following around the globe.

Details of a release date have not yet been confirmed, but speculators estimate it could take anything between two to four years to reach the marketplace.

Coachman Amara 655/6: The ultimate family touring caravan?

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by Holly Tribe

The Coachman Caravans portfolio has undergone some major revisions this year. The line-up for the Laser and VIP ranges has been reshuffled with the addition of a couple of new models abd the Pastiche series has been refreshed with a brand new upholstery scheme.

But the real headline grabber is the rebuilt Coachman Amara marque. As more people are opting to take holidays closer to home, Coachman have modified their designs in a bid to appeal to the burgeoning family market. The range has been completely overhauled inside and out and all nine models now sport an extra 5cm of headroom.

Coachman may have struck gold with the addition of a new family friendly 6 berth model, the Amara 655/6. The twin axle model features twin dinettes to the front and rear with full single length lounge seats and bunks rising above the rear settees, a popular layout borrowed from the top end Laser range.

There’s a separate shower cubicle in the offside washroom and a decent sized and well equipped kitchen, including a microwave housed in its own dedicated unit.

Coachman has made the sensible decision to introduce a decent sized family van at a lower price point, with models starting at £17,995. With a hefty MTPLM of 1860kg, it will need a substantial towcar but the all important ATC stability control should keep the twin axles firmly to the road.

Click here to read more about the 2011 ranges from Coachman.

Gypsy caravan site owner wins government appeal

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by Chris Malone

A South Derbyshire gypsy caravan site could be set for an extension after the owner won a government appeal following the refusal of planning permission from the local council.

John Cawley has now been given the green light to add two static caravans, two touring caravans and two portable utility blocks to the site in Hilton’s Sutton Lane, the Burton Mail reported.

The improvements will cater for up to 14 people and have now been given the green light in spite of concerns over noise pollution.

They will effectively double the site’s capacity to 28 residents, further increasing the number of gypsy pitches in the village, with two other camps also given permission.

District council member for the Hilton area Julie Patten explained that she was far from happy with the decision.

“I was at the original inquiry and the applicants were quite clear they only required the amount of pitches they asked for, but here we are in this situation,” she said. “I did not expect this and I am absolutely dismayed.”

Ms Patten criticised the gypsy community for having “no regard for legislation or planning policy” and predicted a knock-on effect will be felt in the local area.

In other news, Caravanners applying for a trailer license in the New Year will have to complete a new on-road braking exercise.

Changes to car and trailer practical driving test

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by Holly Tribe

Caravanners applying for a trailer license in the New Year will have to complete a new on-road braking exercise.

Motorists taking the test to qualify as a car-and-trailer, lorry, bus, or coach driver are currently required to uncouple and couple a trailer, complete an off-road reverse manoeuvre, answer vehicle safety questions and perform an off-road braking test.

But from the 1st January 2011, candidates will be required to perform the braking test on-road to asses their ability to brake safely in real traffic conditions.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning explained the changes were made to test a candidate’s skill in live traffic situations. He said: “This update to the testing process reflects advances in modern braking technology and allows us to strengthen our assessment of the candidates ability to brake safely in real traffic conditions.”

Mr Penning added that the test will remain under review so that future improvements can be made where necessary.

Since 2007, caravanners towing a car and trailer combination weighing more than 3,500kg have been required by law to take an additional trailer licence test to upgrade their driving licence to category B + E – this permits the drivers to tow a caravan or trailer up to a maximum train weight of 7,500kg.

For more information please contact the Driving Standards Agency.

Romahome announce full order book for 2011

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by Holly Tribe

As 2010 draws to a close, Cowes based motorhome manufacturer, Romahome, ends the year with its best sales record.

A successful performance at International Caravan and Motorhome 2010 saw the firm place 32 orders for vehicles. The Isle of White motorhome manufacturer is part of the Freeborn Group which operates Citroen dealerships in Southampton and Winchester. Over half of the orders placed at the week-long show came from its associated Southampton centre.

MD Brian Bailey told the Andover Advertiser: “The strong order book is good news, taking retail values of our motorhomes to around £6million for 2010.”

The firm now has a full production line and is on target to produce two hundred motorhomes by the end of the year.

Citroen base

Romahome specialises in building compact motorhomes using Citroen bases and there are currently six models to choose from. The R10 is the smallest of the bunch and compact enough to be used as a modern town car. At the other end of the scale is the Romahome R40, a four berth motorhome which can seat up to six people for travelling.

“We are approaching the New Year with a degree of confidence but we are not complacent so we will continue our programme of constant research and design upgrades,” added Mr Bailey.