Swift updates campervan models

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Motorhome and caravan maker Swift has opted to upgrade its Sundance and Bessacarr E400 ranges.

The changes, which will affect both interior and exterior, have markedly improved the vehicles, with each line-up now featuring six models.

Visitors to the Boat & Caravan Show, which is taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from February 23rd to 28th 2010, will be the first to be given the chance to purchase the motorhomes.

Swift Group commercial director Nick Page explained that the changes take the Sundance and E400 ranges “to a new level”.

“To help people who want to renew their motorhome in the current climate, they provide outstanding value and comfort for a very affordable price in a sector of the market that will grow in a recession,” he said.

Prices have been increased by around £1,000, depending on the model purchased, bringing the range to £35,000 to £44,000.

Meanwhile, the firm will also reveal a new model – a two-berth end kitchen – in the Sprite range at the same event.

Ethical travel becoming more popular

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While caravan enthusiasts may have been looking after the environment for years by foregoing high-polluting flights and enjoying the UK countryside in mobile homes they can use over and over again, more Brits are taking an ethical stance when it comes to holidays.

According to TUI UK, people are beginning to take the threat of climate change seriously and taking more responsible steps while on vacation.

Managing director for the UK and Ireland Dermot Blastland explained that while consumers will always take holidays, three out of five (60 per cent) would rather use companies that are eco-friendly.

“The challenges for tourist destinations are clear – you have to plan for climate change. For hotels, the sites for new hotels should take into account the changing climate and new developments must be robust,” he suggested.

A recent Ethical Traveller study found Argentina, Belize and Ghana to be the most ethical destinations in the world for 2009/10.

However, Brits wishing to enjoy a break next summer without contributing to climate change could head to a caravan park in Cornwall or Devon, where they are likely to enjoy the sun and seaside.

Caravanner evicted from home

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A man who lived in a caravan and wooden home he built for himself on council land in Hampshire has been evicted.

Handyman Richard Sharp built the residence from recycled wood and has been living at the site for around six years, the Hampshire Chronicle revealed.

However, after complaints from Winchester City Council, he has twice been removed from the area.

The newspaper revealed that local residents are upset that the 59-year-old is being “harassed” as he has become a much-loved member of the community.

Mr Sharp constructs various products from recycled wood, selling them on to locals to scrape a living.

He explained that he composts his waste and uses water from a nearby farm for washing and drinking.

Since being removed from the caravan and shed, the site has been vandalised, with rubbish being discarded on it – something Mr Sharp claimed never happened when he lived there.

The council explained it has a duty to enforce planning laws and while it has considered offering the handyman subsidised accommodation, he stated he does not see why the taxpayer should have to subsidise him when he can live in his old home without them doing so.

Meanwhile, Pencelli Castle Caravan Park in Wales has won an award for being family-friendly, BBC News revealed.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park to welcome caravans

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Brits looking for somewhere to visit in their touring caravan next year may be interested in a trip to Kelling Heath Holiday Park.

The site welcomes caravanners and campers, while still offering woodland lodges and luxury holiday homes.

It has just announced a number of themed breaks for next year, including Retro Weekend, Back to Nature and Health & Fitness.

Likely to be one of the more popular attractions is the Food & Wine Weekend, which takes pace from February 26th until March 1st and allows guests to enjoy an evening meal and Sunday lunch at the site’s Woods Restaurant.

Locally-sourced ingredients and an imaginative menu have helped the eatery develop a sterling reputation, which is complemented by the rather long wine list and good service, the holiday park explained.

Those bringing their caravan to the Food & Wine Weekend will be asked to pay £30 per person on top of the usual rate, which includes two complimentary bottles of wine.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that just one extra vote in favour of a new leisure development in Tewkesbury has ensured that the £100m project will go ahead.

Nafferton caravan proposal shunned by councillors

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A proposal to place a residential caravan and stables near Nafferton in north Humberside has hit a snag after local councillors objected to the idea.

According to Nafferton Today, the parish leaders are concerned that it might set a precedent for building on greenbelt land in the area.

The applicant’s agent Fennel, Green & Bates had argued that the caravan was similar to those seen on many commercial sites and would offer low-cost accommodation for agricultural workers.

Approval would mean the Quinn family, who made the application, would be allowed to live a “nomadic” lifestyle in their caravan, while operating the stable block and pony paddock.

However, council chairman Andrew Oliver reportedly said the plans were “not in keeping” with the area – a statement backed up by councillor Fiona Trewarha, who added that it could encourage others to apply to build on greenbelt land.

Meanwhile, one News and Star reader has come up with a novel idea for helping flood-hit Cumbria residents avoid spending Christmas in a caravan.

Len Moore suggested that home insurance companies could send elderly, disabled or unemployed residents to Spain, Malta or Cyprus, where he claims alternative accommodation will be cheaper than in the UK.

New insurance concept ‘could drive down cover prices’ for caravanners

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Caravan owners who are frustrated by rising insurance premiums could see the benefits of a new concept being offered to young motorists, it has been claimed.

Drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 are to be given the chance to get cheaper cover if they agree not to take to the roads between 23:00 and 05:00.

The idea is to help cut down on claims and involves a device called i-kube, which imposes an automatic £45 charge each time the motor is used between these hours.

It is the brainchild of Motaquote and RSA Insurance Group and, if successful, could help bring premiums down for other drivers, according to Association of British Drivers spokesman Michael Humphries.

However, he raised questions over the viability of the scheme, suggesting that young motorists would likely stop using the tariff as soon as they found cheaper cover elsewhere.

Mr Humphries suggested that if the idea failed, it could simply end up pushing up prices for young drivers.

Caravan blaze causes family to flee home

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Vandals who set a caravan alight in Scotland have left a couple in shock after they awoke to find the mobile home in flames just yards from their bedroom window.

According to the Inverness Courier, Merkinch man William Raylls and his girlfriend were alerted to the blaze around 02:45 GMT, with the police treating the incident as suspicious.

The resident explained how his wheelchair-bound partner and her daughter were left shaken by the event and described how the young family were forced to flee their flat as firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Chief inspector Andrew MacLean explained that inquiries were ongoing and would continue until police work out who set the fire.

He added that there were “various bits of evidence”, but explained that as some of them were scorched by the flames, the investigation could take longer than normal.

The Inverness area is popular among tourists keen to visit Loch Ness – the alleged home of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.

Haven makes Christmas list for caravan fans

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Those shopping for Christmas presents for camping and caravanning enthusiasts may be interested in a list of tips from Haven.

The caravan site firm has constructed a seven-strong register of useful gifts for those who like to explore their own country.

First on the list is a good GPS satellite navigation system, which should help caravanners find their way both to the park and places of interest once they arrive.

Another useful gadget is a digital camera, which can be used to capture holiday memories to help share experiences with others.

In this age of mobile phones and other such devices, a wind-up charger is a must for those who enjoy being contactable while they are exploring the wilderness.

Another great gift is the Waspinator, which scares wasps away by imitating a rival nest – keeping families safe without having to kill the insects.

Haven has 35 award-winning holiday parks nationwide, many of which have direct access to a beach.

Dorset caravanners can access new surf reef

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Caravanners heading to Dorset in summer 2010 will be able to take advantage of a brand new attraction.

After ten years of planning, the Boscombe Surf Reef has become the first man-made surfing environment in Europe.

According to caravan site operator Parkdean, the facility is ideally situated for those staying at its Bournemouth parks.

The idea behind the reef is that it provides a ramp for waves as they role in, improving their shape, size and how they break.

Surfers should be able to look forward to more consistent surf and longer rides, as well as a better quality of waves.

Situated 220m offshore, the reef is not for the fainthearted and is part of a £10 million regeneration of Boscombe.

Those new to the sport will be able to take lessons closer to the shore and Parkdean suggested that those planning to check out the new reef could stay at its West Bay, Warmwell or Sandford sites.

Meanwhile, the company recently noted that Nairn in the Scottish Highlands has been voted as one of the top holiday destinations for 2010.

Man jailed after caravan chase

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A man has been jailed after leading police in Yorkshire on a high-speed chase with a stolen caravan attached to his van.

Bradford Crown Court sentenced Vincent Kerr – who was banned from driving at the time of the offence – to time behind bars after hearing how he reached speeds of up to 80 mph before crashing the vehicles into the central reservation of the M621.

The caravan – worth around £17,000 – was stolen from J Deans Haulage Yard in Greetland, while the £12,000 Citroen van was taken during a separate burglary.

Police became suspicious when they noticed that the number plates on both vehicles did not match and began to follow.

However, Mr Kerr proceeded to take off at speed, alerting police that something was amiss.

After two police cars unsuccessfully tried to box him in, the driver lost control of the vehicles and collided with the central reservation barrier before careering across the road onto the grass verge.

Meanwhile, the Move Channel has revealed that an increasing number of Australian families are turning to camping holidays rather than trips abroad.

Four-year caravan family to get lifeline

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While most families would welcome a few weekend breaks or even an extended holiday in a caravan, few would choose to live in one in their garden for four years.

According to BBC News, Joe James and his four children have done just that in the grounds of their little Anglesey cottage after circumstances meant they had to make use of the mobile home.

However, the family is set to be given a much-needed lifeline after TV show DIY SOS stepped in to help.

Being shown on December 10th, the programme sees Nick Knowles and the team build a large extension for the James family, with a timescale of just two weeks to finish the three-bedroom project.

The show also looks at how more than 1.6 million UK kids are living in unsuitable housing and how Children in Need initiatives are helping to improve the situation.

Meanwhile, a man has been jailed after leading Yorkshire police officers on an 80 mph chase while towing a stolen caravan.

Caravan owners given indoor storage facility

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Caravan owners who have shelled out thousands of pounds for their mobile holiday home often face the dilemma of what to do to protect it over winter.

However, one firm believes it has found the answer and is enjoying the success of offering a sought-after service.

Darlington’s Lingfield Warehousing offers owners the opportunity to lock their caravan away securely over the colder months, protecting it not just from the elements but any would-be thieves or vandals.

The company, based at Lingfield Point Business Park, recently welcomed its 50th customer in less than six weeks, according to the Northern Echo.

“Talking to customers and tailoring the package to suit their needs is at the heart of our ethos,” said spokesperson Sophie Carter, describing how the firm achieved its success.

Caravan enthusiasts may recognise the classic nature of the US Airstream Silver Bullet model, belonging to Kerry Lewis, that took up the 50th berth in the indoor storage facility.

Ms Lewis is a mobile beautician and uses the caravan as part of her award-winning business.

Meanwhile, caravan retailer Discover Leisure has revealed that it suffered pre-tax losses of £16.7 million in the year to August 31st.