BT rolls out wireless internet at caravan parks

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In the wake of the boom in caravan holidays, telecommunications giant BT will be providing wireless internet (Wi-Fi) at major UK holiday and leisure parks.

Access to Wi-Fi will be provided through the popular BT Openzone wireless internet access service. Included in the first wave are 77 Camping and Caravanning Club sites and three Pontin’s holiday camps. There will also be internet access at Coastfields Leisure sites in Skegness. The service will be provided through a new partnership with Wicoms, it was announced today.

Surveys this year have shown more Brits than ever have opted to stay at home this summer in the face of the recession. Simon Davies is the chief technology officer at Wicoms and he noted: “Lots of Brits have stayed in the UK rather than head overseas this year. Families tell us that holiday sites are another location where they want to get online. Teenagers and gadget addicts are set to be heavy users.”

For the anticipated 50,000 visitors expected at the sites over the August bank holiday, there is full access to all the web can offer. Existing BT Openzone users will be able to connect any wireless-enabled device to the service via the usual landing page. The service will cost nothing for BT broadband customers with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi minutes. Meanwhile subscribers to Openzone and O2 iPhone users with inclusive Wi-Fi minutes in their contracts will also access it for free.

Other users new to the service can buy a BT Openzone voucher online at www.btopenzone.com with access starting from ½p per minute.

Chris Bruce is the general manager of BT Openzone , and he had this to say about adding wireless to the caravan sites: “Having the option to get online and stay entertained will provide a useful ‘plan B’ if the weather does its worst, and being able to look up tourist information and hunt out local gems will make for a better trip.”

If you’re curious to know more before setting out on your caravan holiday, here’s a link to BT Openzone

Do you rely on the internet when taking a caravan holiday? Please tell us your thoughts below.

Caravan showrooms report 15% increase in sales

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If there’s a recession this year, no one appears to have told the caravan industry. More Britains than ever have taken an interest in holidaying at home this year, leading to the term ‘staycation’ being coined.

And it is caravan dealerships which have benefited with a surge in caravan sales during the downturn. A 15% increase in purchases has been reported by showrooms surveyed across the UK , according to insurance comparison service Confused.com.

As a result of these findings, the price comparison site is for the first time making insurance for caravans available via its website. The online service works in a similar way to their popular car insurance offering, where customers are shown comparisons as a simple way of getting the best cover and price.

The entry of a significant player such as Confused.com to the caravan insurance market comes at a time where the business of caravan sales is a very lucrative one. With 4,000 caravan parks and 498,000 touring caravans in the UK, the market is worth £3billion to Britain’s economy. This figure is only set to rise as holidaymakers search for more bang for their buck during the economic squeeze.

John Cooper has been appointed caravan product manager at Confused.com and he gave thoughts on the increase in popularity of caravan holidays. “Confused.com recognised the increase in demand for such holidays which was a result of household budgets being squeezed. Adding caravan insurance to our already comprehensive suite of products, enables our customers to obtain cover at cheaper prices during the credit crunch.”

He also noted that previously caravan insurance was “often provided via specialists” which limited the opportunities for direct comparisons. The success of caravanning in 2009 looks likely to benefit a number of sectors in the industry for a while longer as more and more holidaymakers take to touring their country.

Wales’ First Minister is running the country… from his caravan

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Celebrity caravan users are always popular at Caravan Times. Recently we revealed how government ministers Ed Balls and wife Yvette Cooper took part of their holiday during the parliamentary recess in a caravan in the Lake District.

This time we can go one better on the ministerial ladder. The First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan is saying he is still in charge of Wales while on holiday in his caravan.

The First Minister has confirmed that unlike Prime Minister Gordon Brown, there is no requirement for him to delegate responsibility as he is remaining in Mwnt, Wales for the duration of his holiday. Meanwhile Harriet Harman, Peter Mandleson and Alistair Darling will cover for the Prime Minister during his vacation.

Mr. Morgan told BBC News ‘Because I holiday in my caravan in west Wales, I don’t delegate authority to anyone else as I’m available to make any emergency decision as and when required’.

The First Minister has been taking breaks in Mwnt for around 40 years, and his spokeswoman confirmed to Caravan Times that ‘he holidays every year in his caravan in Mwnt in west Wales – he absolutely adores it!’.

She also confirmed his passion for caravans. ‘There is no doubting that Rhodri Morgan is a keen caravanner – you can quote us on that!’

The spokeswoman also added that he was always reachable by mobile phone and if required in an emergency, was only two to three hours away from Cardiff.

Mr. Morgan is extremely fond of Mwnt, with three generations of his family having now taken holidays there. He has previously said of the place ‘It’s a wonderful location – Mwnt is my special place because it has given me, since 1946, my children since the late 1960s, and now their children, the best holiday experiences you could ask for’.

Mwnt is a beach owned by the National Trust. For more details, please click here.

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A caravan race where only the winner can survive…

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If you’re of the inclination that Top Gear stunts and wanton destruction in the name of fun are bad taste, then please look away now.

Angmering Racing Club will be hosting a caravan race on Sunday 16th August – a race where only the winner’s caravan will survive.

Caravans that would normally be destined for the knacker’s yard are to be hitched to Angmering’s ‘nudge and spin’ cars to form part of a ‘banger race’. In the traditional form, drivers of old vehicles race against each other and gain advantage by wrecking each other’s vehicles. The car which makes it to the finish while surviving is declared the overall winner of the race.

However the event is far from over. Despite negotiating ten laps of the 500m circuit negotiating large puddles and standing race water. Any caravans that survive the race will be entered into a ‘demolition derby’ – and only the last car and caravan combination able to move will be crowned winner.

Organiser Jim Hazelgrove spoke to Caravan Times earlier today to explain the thinking behind the caravan race.

‘Your old caravans are very difficult to get rid of these days’ he explained. ‘A lot of scrapyards won’t even take them because of the modern designs. With all the fibreglass involved, they’re a menace and they just don’t get dealt with’.

‘With that in mind we started caravan racing two years ago. We strip the inside and get our drivers to race them round first of all. The caravans that survive that move on to the demolition derby – and only the caravan that finishes in one piece gets to be the winner!’ he chuckled.

Racing starts at 11.30am while the gates are open from 8am. Adult admission is £10 while it’s half-price for kids (under 14). Best of all, any child under ten gets in for free. Senior citizen and disabled? It’s just £5 to enjoy the day’s racing. Angmering Racing can be contacted on 01903 859807 during office hours or 01243 268887 otherwise.

Convertible caravans?

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Last month we brought you news of a ‘Stealth’ caravan. This week we’re taking a look at the concept of a ‘convertible caravan’ which folding camper specialists Pennine Group will launch this October.

To be revealed at the Caravan & Motorhome show at the NEC (14th – 19th October 2008) is what has been dubbed a ‘new category’ in caravans according to the company.

The man feature which has caught headlines is the acrylic roof. The use of an all-weather acrylic material instead of the traditional canvas roof is a move designed to cope with the oft-changing British weather conditions and provide greater durability.

The Pennine Group believes the all-new acrylic caravan concept offers several major benefits over the traditional canvas set-up. Durability, heat retention and resistance to water absorption are cited as the main advantages.

For more information, take a look at Pennine’s official website for the product ahead of the NEC show in Birmingham.

http://www.thepenninegroup.co.uk/products/convertible-caravans-products.html

Record attendance of 25,000 at caravan show

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Britain may well be in the grip of a recession but try telling that to the caravan industry. 2009 has been its annus mirabilis with soaring numbers of holidaymakers taking up the ‘staycation’ and choosing the trailer.

And the trend continued this weekend at The Caravan Extravaganza at The Lawns in Cottingham where 25,000 people are believed to have been in attendance.

The figure was a staggering 10,000 more than the previous year and broke the record for the highest ever attendance by 2,000.

The organisers were the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers Association (HERCMA) who exhibited 300 models from 5-6 September. touring variety, motorhomes, and static caravans.

The event offered buyers a chance to see some of the 2010 models for the first time along with the latest accessories for the modern traveller. 110 different models of touring caravans were on display alongside motorhomes and some static models.

Also on display were some fully-fledged homes from home – static caravans featuring dishwashers, hot tubs and central heating. Many of the static models available showed price tags north of £200,000.

David Ritchie is the organiser of the Caravan Extravaganza, and he spoke to Caravan Times about the success of the weekend. “Last year the Saturday was exceptionally wet and windy and muddy and so people were less inclined to get involved. This weekend business was booming, especially among the tourer manufacturers. Many of them recorded better than expected sales, and in some cases their best sales ever!”

When questioned about the rise in sales of new caravans during the deep recession he pointed to the issue of stock (as reported in Caravan Times here). ‘I think people want to go caravanning in this country regardless of what’s going on. It’s very difficult to buy used caravans at the present time becuase they are mostly sold out at dealerships. So people are then prepared to make that investment and buy new ones’.

David Ritchie also believes that an an upturn in financial conditions has contributed to the sales boom. ‘Credit has freed up in the last couple of months, whereas this time last year it was much harder that normal to borrow money to buy a caravan. And manufacturers were finding it hard to borrow money from the banks to fund the building of them. That all seems to have eased up, and you even have new firms starting up on the back of this.’

‘The whole industry is looking a lot brighter’ he chuckled as he looked ahead to his next event, the Southern Caravan Trade Show. Held in Beaulieu, a town famous for its motor museum, it takes place from 24-27 September. Visit their website for more details.

Firefighters tackle blaze at caravan park

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A number of people were evacuated last night from Mablethorpe caravan park while firefighters tried to combat a blaze.

The fire crews arrived at 02:50am to tackle flames which had broken out at a storage building on the site. As a precaution officers from Lincolnshire police evacuated holidaymakers from neighbouring caravans and moved them to a nearby clun house. Those further away were advised to close windows and doors to avoid smoke inhalation.

Crews from ten fire and rescue districts were called upon for more than eight hours in an attempt to extinguish the fire at the building on Quebec Road, Mablethorpe.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police confirmed to Caravan Times this morning that there was no indication that anyone was injured in the blaze.

Last night investigation officers from the fire services visited the site along with police officials in order to discern the reasons behind the fire. Police are said to be continuing to investigate whether the fire was ‘a delibarate ignition’.

NOTE: Were you at Mablethorpe caravan park that night? Are you local to the area? Those with any information about how the fire started should contact Lincolnshire Police on (01522) 532222, quoting log 40 of 07/08/09.

Government golden couple take caravan holiday during Parliament recess

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It will go down as a year which MPs will never forget. After months of intense scrutiny into the parliamentary expenses system, the majority of ministers will be glad for the traditional 12-week break from the House of Commons.

And it appears that this year a number of them are choosing to stay in Britain. Chief among them is Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who made headlines last month for his choice of the traditional seaside resort of Southwold in Suffolk.

The husband and wife cabinet duo of Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper are similarly staying in Britain for part of their break. Only they have opted to spend their time on a caravan holiday in the Lake District.

The mother and father of three will be taking their family to stay on a caravan owned by the mother of Yvette Cooper. It is an area the couple will have familiarity with, having previously taken a vacation at the Lake District in the caravan.

Both husband and wife hold key positions in the Government. Ed Balls (MP for Normanton) is the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, and is considered a key ally of prime minister Gordon Brown. Meanwhile wife Yvette Cooper (MP for Pontefract and Castleford) was recently promoted to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and has a strong background in economics.

The couple are holidaying after a period of national outcry into the system of how MPs claim their parliamentary expenses. Both Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper have previously come under scrutiny after allegations that they had repeatedly changed the designation of their second home within two years.

Their home from home for the next week however will be a caravan as they take to the natural beauty of the Lake District. They are of course not the only MPs to be mentioned in association with the vehicle.

Margaret Beckett MP is famous for having been one of the longest serving ministers in government history. Yet she is also regarded for her love of caravanning. With her husband Leo she has taken many trips around Britain in their caravan. Remarkably she continued to do so during her political career, although she was at one point advised to give up holidays in her caravan in 2006 in light of security concerns.

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Family devastated by ‘brazen’ caravan theft

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A family caravan holiday has been ruined by opportunist thieves who took the caravan during a stop at a motorway service station.

The caravan was parked at Clacket Lane services which can be found on the M25 in Surrey near the Kent border. A distinctive-looking 2002 edition Dethleff caravan worth around 5,000 was unhitched in broad daylight. The vehicle was filled with items including bottles of Champagne as well as a laptop and a digital camera worth £500.

Detective Constable Julian Knowles of Surrey Police has described the family as ‘devastated’ in the wake of the theft.

“It cannot be underestimated how brazen this theft was. The caravan was unhitched from the family’s car and driven away within a very short amount of time. We do not know which direction the caravan was taken which is why we are appealing for information.”

“This is an incredibly unusual theft to occur and I am sure someone will know where this caravan and contents are or who was responsible.

He also added an appeal to potential caravan buyers to be wary of the likelihood that the vehicle will eventually be placed on the market.

“I am appealing to caravan enthusiasts who may be offered a white Dethleffs for sale at a heavily reduced price to contact us immediately as it may belong to this family.”

Surrey Police have launched an appeal for information following the incident. Detective Knowles noted “With your help we can reunite this family with their possessions and hopefully they can salvage something of their summer holiday together.”

If you were at Clacket Lane services on Monday, 3 August, between 9am and 10.30am, anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Reigate CID.

The number to call is 0845 125 2222 and ther reference is TD/09/4179.

Alternatively you can of course contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Caravan enthusiasts treated to classic model from Lunar Caravans

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Caravan enthusiasts visiting the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre were recently able to view a classic model.

Lunar Caravans celebrated its 40th anniversary by restoring one of its earliest products – a 1972 Lunar Venus Mark II – to its former glory.

The vehicle was first bought for £501 from Basildon Caravan Centre 37 years ago by George Garrard.

The former owner and his son Matthew attended the event and were astounded by how accurately Lunar had renovated the mobile home.

“It was an excellent effort by your apprentices involving all the craftsmanship of earlier years, which we thought bodes well for the future,” Mr Garrard told the manufacturer.

He also praised the show, commenting on the wide range of models on display and the pleasant atmosphere created by the genuinely interested visitors and exhibitors.

The firm also used the show to celebrate its anniversary by giving away 40 bottles of free champagne to one lucky winner.

Lunar Caravans celebrating 40th anniversary

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Lunar Caravans is marking its 40th anniversary by taking on a special project involving an old-school mobile home.

The UK-based firm has acquired an early model from its range, which was launched in 1969, and intends to renovate it as part of its celebrations.

Bought from the Garrard family of Suffolk, the caravan originally cost £505 and was purchased almost four decades ago.

The 37-year-old Lunar Venus Mark II is set to be restored to how it would have looked when it was bought from Basildon Caravan Centre in 1972.

It will be used as a display model at the upcoming National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show 2009.

The firm is planning to entice attendees to join its anniversary celebrations by asking them to fill out a competition entry card at the event.

One lucky winner will walk away with 40 bottles of free champagne to enjoy on caravanning trips, courtesy of Lunar.

The Bailey Pegasus – “Durability, comfort and style”

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Brits looking for a mobile home that offers reliability, comfort and looks all in equal measures may wish to check out the Bailey Pegasus.

The recently released model features an Alu-Tech body shell that is guaranteed for ten years, as well as Grade III Classification of Thermal Insulation.

According to the manufacturer, the units offer a combination of “performance, durability, comfort and style”.

It is described as “a caravan that defies convention, without concession or compromise” – a real “passport to adventure”.

Aside from its revolutionary outer shell, the Pegasus comes with a spacious interior with a market-leading 1.96m of headroom throughout.

Elegant and practical, the inside of the caravan offers plenty of storage, as well as three contemporary soft furnishing schemes that include sculpted arm and back rests.

In terms of technology, the Pegasus comes with a 15-inch flat screen TV, DVD player, TRACKER Monitor Stolen Vehicle Recovery System, TRACKER alarm and AL-Ko Secure portable wheel lock as standard.

Meanwhile, Bailey Caravans has teamed up with insurance provider Saga to offer caravan lovers the chance to win a free Senator California model worth over £15,000, plus free insurance for a year.