Park Holidays UK improves New Beach site

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Park Holidays UK has invested in its New Beach site in response to customer feedback.

The caravan site operator has constructed new facilities at the park that include a shower and toilet block.

The improvements may please those staying in tents and caravans and have already won praise from customers on ukcampsite.co.uk.

“I am pleased to say that there are new brick built toilet and shower blocks which make such a difference as the old portacabin-style ones let the place down,” the reviewer said.

They suggested that any customers who have been put off returning to New Beach should reconsider as the new facilities make a big difference.

Park Holidays UK added that it is committed to improving its facilities and that the work at New Beach is an example of this dedication.

Meanwhile, Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish recently questioned Gordon Brown’s decision to make Duncan Bannatyne a seaside tsar in the final days before the election, calling it a PR stunt.

Parkdean star on Britain’s Got Talent

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Holidaymakers who have stayed at one of Parkdean’s caravan sites may recognise one of the contestants on Britain’s Got Talent.

Paul Burling has emerged as one of the favourites after wowing viewers and judges in the early rounds of the competition.

But Parkdean revealed that it has known that he was talented for more than a decade as the impressionist has worked as an entertainer at many of its parks.

Piers Morgan went as far as to say that Mr Burling was the best impressionist he had ever seen after he mimicked the likes of Harry Hill and a number of cartoon characters.

After beginning as a Parkdean Trouper at Mullion Holiday Park and Sandford Holiday Park, the impressionist went on to star as a circuit act and regularly performs at Parkdean sites.

He was even on stage at St Minver Holiday Park on Saturday (May 15th) when the latest edition of the talent show went on air.

“Everyone at Parkdean would like to wish Paul the best of luck in the next stage of the show,” the holiday operator said.

“We hope that all our customers get behind him and he gets the break he well and truly deserves.”

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently drew its customers’ attention to the plethora of stunning beaches in Devon.

BBC presenter Christine Bleakley reverses a caravan on The One Show

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It’s not often that caravan stories make prime time television, so you can imagine our delight at Caravan Times when the BBC One flagship programme The One Show decided to make caravans their feature yesterday. Most notable of all was the closing segment where popular presenter Christine Bleakley was featured in a contest against her co-anchor Matt Allwright to see who could successfully reverse a caravan.

The magazine programme began the item with former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman as their very own roving reporter to investigate the caravan phenomenon. With the recession thousands more caravan campers are set to take to the road this summer, and the One Show was on hand to dispense some useful advice for first-timers.

Vorderman quoted a disquieting statistic: last year there were 160 caravan accidents, an average of one every two days. With this in mind she spoke to Tim Booth of the National Caravan Council to garner some caravan safety tips.

He offered five facts about caravanning to get you started. Firstly, almost anyone with a driving licence can get started with the hobby. Secondly, he warned drivers of the risk of bald tyres on their caravans and the importance of checking them. Thirdly, heavy items should be loaded correctly, placed low down and close to the axle. Fourth was the importance of extension mirrors, required by law. And lastly, Booth told viewers to simply enjoy caravanning!

The main feature of Vorderman’s study however was the unwelcome but common occurance of “trailer sway”. Otherwise known as “snaking”, the BBC prepared a caravan loaded incorrectly in order to demonstrate the dangers. Stunt driver Alistair Moffat was on hand and deliberately drove the caravan and trailer comibination to 40 mph and “just the point before jacknifing”. Moffat warned against the common practice of increasing speed to combat the force of this sway, and suggested that keeping the caravan straight and easing off the gas was the best method.

The climax of the shower however was Christine Bleakley versus Matt Allwright in the caravan reversing challenge. It took place in the car park of Television Centre in White City and Allwright had difficulty locating reverse gear before parking successfully within a inch of knocking over the cones. Bleakley also struggled initially, at one point exclaiming “I don’t know what way I’m going now!” as she adjusted to the mechanics of reversing a trailer. However she too finished triumphantly to end the show on a high note.

Click here to watch the episode of The One Show (originally broadcast Wednesday 12th May 2010)

Classic caravans on show this weekend

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This weekend vintage caravan enthusiasts are in for a treat after a unique collection of classic vehicles goes on display this weekend. The entire Carlight Collection of handbuilt caravans will be available to view at Tattershall between May 15-16th. The Carlight firm was founded in the 1930s and the firm will display one caravan from each decade of its history until the present day.

The Sleaford Standard has reported that further treats are in store for fans of vintage vehicles, as alongside each caravan will be a classic car from its period in history. Examples include a 1950s Jensen 541, a 1960s E-Type Jaguar, a 1970s AC 3000 ME, a 1980s Bentley Turbo, and Maseratis from the 1990s and 2000s.

Robert Hodgson is the director of Sleaford-based J Hodgson and Sons Ltd, organisers of the show. He is most importantly a grandson of the founder of the Carlight firm. The family are not only owners of the business but in addition hold the copyright, patents and trademarks, together with moulds for most of the classic Carlight models. He spoke to the Standard about the surge in interest. “The vogue for vintage caravans looks set to grow, with increasing numbers of people returning to caravanning as a flexible holiday pastime.”

“Pairing classic cars with vintage and historic caravans adds another dimension to the pastime, and a whole range of club and touring possibilities. The restoration of older caravans continues to attract enthusiasts. Now they will be able to see these classic caravans with equally impressive classic cars together in one unique display.”

The oldest caravan on show is a 1930s Carlight Light Four model, which was purchased in 1935 by a doctor and kept in family ownership until 1989. Handed down from father to son, it was used regularly until it was purchased for the Carlight Collection. While the company no longer produces caravans, the company is said to be working on designs for a new model. It is rumoured to be a follow up to the last model designed by Robert Hodgson, the Carlight Commander IV.

Those curious can see all the vehicles above on display at Vantage Caravans Ltd, 57 Sleaford Road, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, LN4 4JG from 9am-5pm (Saturday) and 10am-4pm (Sunday).

VIDEO: Bailey Caravans explains Alu-Tech construction (Part Two)

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In the first edition of our two-part look at the new range of Bailey Caravans, we speak to Simon Howard about the technology behind the Pegasus and Olympus. It was in the autumn of 2009 that the Pegasus made its debut, with Bailey fans curious about the pioneering technology underneath the skin called Alu-Tech.

Developed by Bailey in Bristol after an intensive research and development period, it incorporates a system whereby the individual body shell components contribute to the overall strength (rather than traditionally relying on the floor and chassis). Furthermore the other main benefit is to reduce the opportunity for water to enter the structure.

In this edition Caravan Times hears from Bailey marketing director Simon Howard about the rigorous testing each caravan undergoes, and we get a sneak preview into the future of Bailey itself.

If you’re a Bailey owner or a fan of their caravans, you can now join our Bailey Caravans Group by clicking here.

You can also click here to share your thoughts and experiences of Bailey’s new Alu-Tech construction.

Another caravan used as polling station

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Brits up and down the country turned out in their millions to vote in last week’s (May 6th) general election.

However, while most headed to schools and community centres commandeered for the event, residents in a Scottish glen used a more mobile form of polling station.

According to the Press & Journal, those living in and around Coulags, near Lochcarron, cast their votes inside a caravan.

The polling station has been run by elderly couple George and Jessie Mackay for more than two decades and welcomed voters for the important event last Thursday.

The couple, aged 78 and 80 respectively, dealt with the 60 people on the electoral roll and manned the caravan for 17 hours.

Lady Barbara Welding from Achnashellach Lodge told the newspaper that she thought it was “just the most marvellous setting [in which to] cast your vote”.

The UK is currently facing the prospect of a hung parliament after election results showed no party was capable of forming a majority. This week has seen talks progress between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to form a coalition capable of running the country. However yesterday’s resignation statement from Prime Minister Gordon Brown has opened up the prospect of involved talks between the Lib Dems and Labour. You can keep up to date with developments at politics.co.uk

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Caravan holiday firm to celebrate National Family Week

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May 31st marks the beginning of National Family Week and one UK-based holiday company is encouraging parents to take a break with their kids.

Haven Holidays owns 35 sites around the UK, many of which are located next to the coast or areas of natural beauty.

The caravan parks offer free swimming lessons and football coaching to kids, as well as a whole host of other activities.

Haven is now hoping to help families celebrate the week by offering them three-day breaks from £199 for two adults and two children.

The offer is available at a number of locations, including Craig Tara in Ayrshire, Golden Sands in Mablethorpe and Doniford Bay in Somerset.

Other activities offered by the company include fencing, archery, cycling and roller-blading.

The firm recently announced a new investment into its Learn2Swim programme, which it runs with the Swimming Teachers’ Association.

Why caravans make great polling stations

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The results of the 2010 General Election may have been inconclusive yet one thing is certain. Record numbers of voters turned out for the closest election in decades. In some urban areas voters were turned away as the 10pm deadline approached, after large queues had built up at polling stations. However in some areas getting to the appointed place would in itself prove difficult if a resident of the rural countryside. In response to this a number of unusual polling stations sprang up around the country as election officers found the best solution to providing an accessible option for voters. Most numerous amongst these makeshift stations was the humble caravan.

Residents of Oakenshaw in County Durham were treated to the luxury of voting in a caravan serving cups of tea while they waited. A small village that was once a community for the local colliery, the Oakenshaw caravan was positioned by the side of the main road offering easy access for constituents. A caravan used for similar purposes in Norwich made the evening news on election day. Meanwhile a similar arrangement was in place over in Ford, a village with a population of 580 in a recent census.

Other caravan polling stations included a notable example in the village of Lochbuie on the Isle of Mull. With only 32 people registered to vote, the Times newspaper reported that presiding officer Anne Gibson carried out her duties in a caravan in the garden of her home. The caravan serves all voters who live within an eight-mile distance, and Mrs Gibson, 60, ensured the makeshift polling station kept to the same polling hours as others in Britain.

She explained that when the previous presiding officer retired, “I took over in a small caravan in the garden. I set it up as a polling station as best I can, I have got curtains up, to make a polling booth. It’s very private and proper”. In contrast to the rush of voters in urban areas, she found that “we can wait four hours for the first voter. People know you are open until 10pm, so they don’t rush”.

Did you vote in a caravan in this General Election? Send your election stories to our newsdesk by clicking here.

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Parkdean’s favourite Cornwall attractions

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A British caravan site operator has asked its customers for their tips on where to have fun in Cornwall.

Holiday resort firm Parkdean has compiled a list of its favourite attractions in the area and is hoping that its guests will add to it.

It noted that Cornwall is always a popular destination, but that those visiting for the first time may benefit from some guidance from more experienced heads.

“We know everyone has different tastes and wants to do different things on holiday, we’re sure you will find something that interests you, it could be a historic day out to Pendennis Castle or a fun filled day at Flambards Theme Park,” the company explained.

Those planning a stay in Cornwall will find hints and tips on the Parkdean website, as well as details of the seven parks the organisation runs in the area.

Meanwhile, Parkdean noted that a Cornish folk band has recently been handed a £1 million Universal record deal after a producer heard them play during a visit to the area.

Caravanning and camping becoming more popular

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Camping and caravan holidays are becoming increasingly popular during 2010, it has been claimed.

According to adventure-loving TV presenter Ben Fogle, the number of people interested in enjoying the UK outdoors is rising.

He attributed it to recent events such as the chaos caused by the volcanic eruption and airline staff strikes.

“We are hoping for a nice warm summer and I think people are realising that camping is a fun and cheap alternative to overseas holidays,” Fogle said.

The star added that camping and caravanning equipment has now achieved a new level of sophistication and value that makes exploring Britain more appealing.

Argos spokesman Mark Steel agreed, noting that sleeping bags have become much more luxurious and more duvet-like.

He explained that products such as heaters, solar showers and stoves add a bit of extra comfort to camping and caravanning.

A recent survey conducted on behalf of Argos found that torches and cooking stoves were considered must-have items on such trips.

Elddis introduces new Xplore range

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Caravan manufacturer Elddis used a recent industry event to showcase all five models in its Xplore range together for the first time.

According to the firm, the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show was the perfect stage on which to introduce the vehicles to the public.

The series attracted a lot of interest and praise from customers and experts alike, with Which Caravan reporting on it in its April 2008 issue.

“These tourers are well priced and light on weight, The Xplore range enjoys the same build quality as more upmarket caravans,” the magazine said.

Elddis design and development manager Alan Bateman explained that the company takes pride in its comprehensive testing process, which it undertakes to ensure that its high standards are maintained.

The firm vibration tests its major equipment at an independent examination centre to mimic 20,000 miles of road use.

Consumer confidence in the brand has been reinforced by recent success in improving safety. Elddis was recently handed a coveted award from the British Safety Council.

Caravan firm Elddis scoops third successive award

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Durham-based caravan manufacturer Elddis of Consett has won a coveted industry prize for the third year running.

The firm scooped the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award after it passed a rigorous inspection from independent judges.

Its health and safety policies and procedures were scrutinised and the company was commended for its commitment to the cause.

British Safety Council chief executive Julie Nerney explained that the organisation has been at the forefront of the safety industry for five decades.

“Through achieving an International Safety Award, Elddis is helping to make our vision of a healthy and safe working environment a reality,” she said.

The firm even gained the congratulations of prime minister Gordon Brown, who added that the gong recognises the company’s success in the pursuit of excellence.

Mr Brown is likely to have a busy few days in store this week, with the general election being held tomorrow (Thursday 6th May).