Second Christmas for caravan man living without money

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A former manager of an organic food company has recently completed his second Christmas staying in a caravan as he continues to enjoy his life without the need to spend money.

Speaking to the Independent, Mark Boyle revealed that he lives in the recycled caravan, which he received for free, on a farm near Bath.

The 30-year-old leads an extraordinary life. Tasks are varied and range from riding his bicycle to running errands in exchange for food. He even makes his own toothpaste.

Mr Boyle was initially planning on experiencing life without money for a year, but after settling into a routine has learnt so much that he has decided to continue.

He now has the long-term plan to establish his own community of individuals with no reliance on money.

Mr Boyle told the publication: “It’s been a fantastic experience. It’s taught me a lot about myself. I’ve never been happier or fitter, so I didn’t see any reason to go back to using money.

“The main surprise of the experience is how easy it’s become. After about two months, living without money became very normal. It’s actually quite easy.”

Meanwhile, the Leader newspaper recently reported that a homeless man and his dog are now enjoying the warmth of a caravan in the chilly temperatures after a group of friends in Wales combined to provide the temporary accommodation.

Caravan park under threat after planning fiasco

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A caravan park in the Brecon Beacons National Park faces uncertain times after a court ruled that there were flaws in the process which led to it achieving planning permission.

Gilestone Farm obtained consent from the national park authority, but a 2007 inquiry suggested that there were a number of failings in the way the application was handled.

The recent Warwick Crown Court case saw Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley rule that the planning permission was not legitimate and that the caravan park would have to reapply.

The decision was welcomed by Usk Valley Conservation Group, which brought the case against the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Gilestone Farm.

The group’s secretary Paul Needham explained that it has been a long slog to achieve such a decision.

“[We] feel let down by the national park authority who have consistently failed to rectify the mistakes it has long accepted were made and left it to members of the public to seek justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Green Valleys community project in the national park has won £300,000 in the Big Green Challenge competition.

Caravan workers seek compensation

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Former workers at a stricken caravan manufacturer are set to discover whether they will receive compensation after losing their jobs.

More than 340 employees at Hull-based Atlas Holiday Homes were left out of work after the caravan firm went bust in 2008, the BBC reported.

Employees have been seeking 90 days worth of wages after trade union Ucatt revealed they had not been given the required notice of their redundancy.

The staff were given less than one day’s notice and were dismissed immediately, employment lawyer Nathalie Stewart told the news provider.

“We have brought this claim to try and get each of these employees 90 days further wages from the company to reflect the 90-day consultation they should have had before being made redundant,” she said.

The firm has since had its trading rights and assets bought out by Atlas Leisure Homes, which has released a new caravan range.

Those planning a caravan trip near Hull could head to Aldbrough Caravan Park or Highfield Farm, which are both in the area, according to ukcampsite.co.uk.

2011 off to a flying start with success of Manchester Caravan Show

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by Holly Tribe

Despite the VAT hike at the beginning of the year, and the doom and gloom that has been saturating the financial pages of late, 2011 has got off to a flying start for the caravan industry.

At the first major show of the year, organisers of the Manchester Central Caravan & Motorhome Show 2011 have been celebrating a 25% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers.

Over 100 companies exhibited bringing all the latest releases to the North West caravanning community. Free entry was made available to late night shoppers in the ‘Late Night Friday’ promotion and a cookery theatre and dedicated kid’s zone provided fun for all the family.

Swift Caravans, the UK’s largest manufacturer of caravans and motorhomes, recorded £2.5 million worth of sales over the four days. The Group’s commercial director, Nick Page, commented: “The Manchester Show gave a very encouraging start to 2011.With £1.5 million worth of touring caravan sales and £750,000 worth of motorhome sales, figures indicate that the market for this year will remain positive.”

If you missed the Manchester show but still want a chance to see all the new 2011 caravans, you can enter our competition to win tickets to the Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show. For details of how to enter, click here.

New guide to UK camping

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Caravan enthusiasts may be interested in investing in a new publication designed to encourage people to go camping in the UK.

The Rough Guide to Camping in Britain has recently been updated and features more than 300 sites to keep caravanners busy throughout 2010.

It lists everything from chic “glamping” sites with chandeliers to traditional family favourites, with readers being provided with maps, colour photographs and descriptions of some of the best campsites in the UK.

It is broken down into regional sections for easy navigation and also features sections on “the best kit”, wilderness camping, festivals and adventure sports.

The guide features a variety of sites for different tastes, including Hidden Spring in Sussex, which offers strong cider and its own wine from its vineyard.

Talton Lodge may also appeal, with visitors being able to attend pasta-making classes, enjoy home-grown food and sleep in a tipi.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Sustainability Council has suggested that travellers could do more to limit their impact on the environment.

Gypsy gang responsible for half of UK caravan thefts

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The gang of caravan thieves convicted yesterday (January 27th) are believed to have been responsible for almost 50 per cent of mobile home thefts in the UK.

Charlie Ward, Martin Ward, John McDonagh and Martin McDonagh were convicted of conspiracy to steal at Winchester Crown Court after police found over £1 million worth of stolen property in their possession.

Included in the haul – discovered after a massive police operation involving 19 forces – were £700,000 worth of caravans and £100,000 of jewellery.

The goods were impounded in 2007 after 120 police officers raided a gypsy camp near Swindon in Wiltshire.

Since the men were arrested, the number of stolen caravans and motorhomes in the UK has plummeted from more than 850 to less than 460.

Meanwhile, France Magazine editor Carolyn Boyd has suggested that British caravan enthusiasts may find a trip across the channel more cost effective than staying in the UK.

Less than a month to Boat and Caravan Show

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There is less than a month to go before the Boat and Caravan Show 2010 begins in earnest.

Taking place from February 23rd to 28th at Birmingham’s NEC, the event will showcase the latest caravans, motorhomes, boats, holiday homes and much more.

A number of top exhibitors will be showing their wares, including Swift, Sterling, Sprite, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Vanmaster.

There will also be a few new model launches, such as the Charisma and Europa 545 from Swift, which includes a rear dinette in place of the fixed bed in the 550 model.

Swift is also set to reveal its restoration of three classic models – a 1938 Eccles President, 1928 Sarari Minor and a 1964 Clubman Ten.

Meanwhile, Roma Caravans will display its range of coach-built models and is also set to launch a number of new trailers.

Rimor Caravans will also give visitors an exclusive offer, with prices starting from £9,995 and models not appearing at any other UK show this year.

The NEC is also set to host the Toy Collectors’ Fair next month.

Caravan crooks convicted of £1m haul

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A band of crooks have been convicted of stealing caravans and other vehicles worth more than £1 million.

The Wiltshire-based gang, which consisted of a woman and four men in their twenties and thirties, were arrested in October 2007.

As well as the theft charges, the criminals admitted to benefit fraud, with the court hearing how they were part of an organized crime ring.

Detective inspector Matt Davey explained that the group stole caravans and personal possessions as well as cash, jewellery, china and crystal.

“It is evident that this group had a profound affect on theft claims within the insurance industry who reported a 47 per cent reduction in caravan thefts in the year following their arrest,” he revealed.

According to VisitWiltshire, the region hosts a number of festivals each year, including the Swindon Festival of Literature and the Chippenham Folk Festival.

Both of these take place in May and attract visitors from far and wide.

Park Holidays UK creates discounts for non-traditional families

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British caravan site operator Park Holidays UK is hoping to make it easier for people to afford a vacation this year.

The company has acknowledged the fact that not all families are made up of the traditional two parents and 2.4 children by creating a range of offers for different types of groups.

Couples can take advantage of the Two’s Company offers by quoting Two10 when booking their short break or extended holiday.

Other special offers include those for single parents taking the kids by themselves and for those with children under the age of five.

Bookings for these offers should be made through the company’s holiday hotline and the earlier the vacations are booked, the more savings there are to be had.

“Save up to £70 on a seven night break or up to £40 on a short break for all bookings made before February 28th 2010,” Park Holidays UK said.

Meanwhile, the company is selling caravans at its sites for less than £18,000.

Swift Group reports good start to 2010

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Britain’s largest caravan and motorhome manufacturer has recorded sales of £2.5 million in four days.

The Swift Group recorded the figures after sales at the Manchester Central Caravan and Motorhome Show.

The statistics show that demand for caravan holidays in the country remains strong, with many holidaymakers looking to keep up the ‘staycation’ trend.

According to the manufacturer, demand for the company’s caravans and motorhomes is almost back to pre-recession levels.

The group says that sales figures were enhance by record numbers of visitors during the last two days of the show, but it usually provides an early indication of how the year will progress.

Swift Group commercial director Nick Page expressed his delight at the latest sales figures.

“With January sales bucking the weather and VAT increase and with clear indications of the family buyer returning to the market, demand now looks even more positive for 2010,” Mr Page said.

The Swift Group recently won four awards at the Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly’s 2010 Awards ceremony.

Bailey Olympus continues the Alu-Tech revolution

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The new Alu-Tech body shell construction system found on the Bailey Olympus caravan is the most significant development in caravan production technology for thirty years, it has been claimed.

Manufacturer Bailey Caravans has stated that the body shell it has created is so advanced that over 100 bespoke tools were used in its construction.

According to Bailey the shell allows owners to holiday all year round, whatever the weather conditions.

Thicker body panels and extra insulation ensure that the caravan remains warm in the winter and cool during the summer.

“The Alu-Tech body shell sets new standards in durability,” Bailey noted.

“The result is a caravan that is triumph of engineering and technological advancement that offers real advantages of ownership; advantages that lead us to believe that one day all caravans will be made this way.”

As well as the high performance body shell Bailey Olympus caravans also come with the latest road safety equipment.

Dorset caravanners have beaches galore to explore

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Caravanners heading to one of Parkdean’s sites in Dorset will have almost 100 miles of Jurassic coastline to explore.

The holiday operator has three parks in the area and noted that they are in close proximity to a number of great beaches.

For those who like to relax, soak up the sun and build sandcastles, West Bay beach could be ideal, the firm said.

However, if riding the waves is more your thing, Boscombe Pier has a new artificial surf reef, which helps to shape the break into ideal conditions for surfers.

There are numerous other examples of beaches that are ideal for all the family and Parkdean suggested that they make a great day out for those who wish to explore the surrounding area.

The firm operates West Bay, Warmwell and Sandford holiday parks in Dorset and it believes they are the perfect place to enjoy a trip away with your loved ones.

Meanwhile, Parkdean recently recommended that those heading to Cornwall get out and enjoy the miles of beautiful walks at their disposal.