Free sample issue of MMM magazine

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MMM SAMPLER 2012

THE UK’S BEST-SELLING MOTORHOME MAGAZINE

FThR E E is is sue of MMM

SAMPLER 2012

LET’S GO! TRAVEL

Every issue of MMM is packed with motorhome news, reviews, travel and practical advice

A taste of motorhoming adventures with a trip to the Celtic fringe of Wales and family fun on the Suffolk coast

SITES

Reader site reviews MMM’s perfect pitches Site info in all travel articles

EXPERT ADVICE

Practical motorhome DIY tips Buying advice to save you £££s How to take perfect holiday pics

TESTED A British front lounge

rear washroom motorhome goes under the MMM microscope and two low profile coachbuilts with single beds go head to head p01 cover.indd 1

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Welcome...

Welcome to this free sample of MMM - Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine. In every issue of MMM, which often exceeds 300 pages, we bring tens of thousands of motorhome enthusiasts the most inspiring travel articles written by our team of motorhoming travel writers. We make it easy for you to follow in the writers’ tyre treads, as each article not only details what is so attractive about the area - whether that be at home or abroad - but also provides the practical information you need, such as campsites, costs and even public transport options. This attention to detail continues in MMM’s tested section in which our expert testers - as you would expect from the leading motorhome magazine, our testers are the country’s most-experienced - put the latest motorhomes under the microscope. These motorhome tests, of which you can see a sample in this issue, are so detailed and thorough they will eclipse any other tests you may have read. MMM also looks closely at the secondhand market with features from our experts examining both classic motorhomes and our pick of the best of selected layouts currently on forecourts. The practical advice continues in the Interchange section where our panel of motorhome technical experts answer readers’ questions. And there’s loads more in every issue, including advice on accessories, driving in Europe, news and readers’ letters and even a light-hearted look at various aspects of this exciting hobby.

Daniel Attwood, Managing Editor

Contents Welcome Your letters

Have your say and read what’s on other motorhomers’ minds

News

The latest happenings in the motorhome world

Head to head

4 6

Travel

So many roads...

The Stotherts head for the Celtic coast of Wales

Home travel

Family fun on the Suffolk coast

Photography

How to capture the beauty of springtime on your camera

Campsites

A reader site review MMM’s team reveal their favourite motorhome sites

The Autosleeper Broadway EB goes under the microscope www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Buying

Secondhand choice

28

Buying a used fixed bed van conversion

Classic

Expert advice on buying and runnning a classic motorhome

8 12 14 16 17

Tested

Live-in test

26

The Bessacarr E572 vs the Knaus Sky TI 700MEG

Motorcaravanning Matters Get practical

How to convert a panel van into a campervan (part 2)

Interchange

32 34

Our experts solve readers’ motorhome problems

Marketplace Shop

38

The MMM guide to buying the perfect bbq

24

30

Buyers’ guide

Essential information and prices on 2012 motorhomes

40

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Your letters...

+ @ * :

Your Letters, MMM, PO Box 88, Tiverton EX16 7ZN Email: mmmeditor@warnersgroup.co.uk Website: www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

If it’s happening in motorcaravanning you’ll read about it in MMM letters pages FORUM LETTERS

TOP PITCH

VISIT

ONLINE

to chat with hundreds of motorhomers like yourself at:

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk BREATHALYZERS

A RARE BESSIE After rereading the Secondhand Choice article (March, p183) about high top ‘vans, I noticed the writer is under a bit of a misconception. She wrote ‘you won’t find a rear lounge in anything smaller than a medium wheelbase version of these’. Well, as the very happy owner of a Bessacarr E370 (which comes in at a tiny 4.95m) I have to disagree. My partner and I have had years of very happy motorhoming/ campervanning in our little Bessie. She is exactly the rear lounge layout described, but on a short wheelbase van. We needed a fully-kitted ‘van that was less than 5m long for our local ferry, and spent a very long time searching before finding the Bessacarr. Admittedly, we have only ever seen two other E370s on the road – so they are rare, but wonderful things come in small packages. We’ve also had a few laughs as ferrymen on other island ferries

COMPETITION BEEF

Thank you for MMM magazine, which, for several years, has been much enjoyed by me and my family. May I please bring to your attention, though, what I consider to be an unfairness to some MMM members. Restricting entry to open competitions ‘by internet only’ is rather unfair to those members without access and creates an elite among the readers

measure her: they don’t believe us when we book in at under 5m and get car rates instead of the often inflated motorhome rates. Ann Elliey, by email ED According to our records, the Bessacarr E370 went on sale in August 1997, and was among the first motorhomes to be produced by the Swift Group under the Bessacarr name. It was built on a mwb Fiat Ducato with GVW of 2,800kg, offered a 60-litre three-way fridge,

Ann Elliey is the very happy owner of a Bessacarr E370

three-burner hob and grill, Stoves oven, Propex P4 heating with second blown-air outlet in the bathroom, and a 6ft x 4ft transverse bed in the rear lounge. Prices started at around £26K (petrol engine). The quoted length at that time was 5.19m/17ft 0.5in including (standard) rear step, although the actual length of a mwb Ducato was 5.005m/16ft 5in. MMM carried out a Live-in test, which appeared in our December 1998 issue (p99).

Posted by: snailblazer There are currently many mentions on the internet about a new French law that requires drivers, in France, to carry with them a personal breathalyzer. This is to come into enforcement from July 1. Penalty for non-compliance is a €10 fine. Suitable breathalyzers (for the French limit) are available for about £5 for three. I have not seen anything about this in the touring press. Has anyone any more news of this? Response posted by: Mike B No scam: it’s the law from July. You can buy them from chemists in France, and, I believe, they will be available on the ferries in the very near future - but beware of cheapies on eBay - they have to conform to French regulations. Response posted by: Rayjsj I think we should make it compulsory that every vehicle entering the UK carry a British made and Kitemarked Harris tweed blanket to use to keep accident victims warm.

E370 offers amidships kitchen and bathroom...

...and rear lounge inside a very bijou package

of the MMM magazine. I do not have access to the internet and taking part in competitions over the years is something I look forward to. Please can you reconsider accepting answers to competitions by post in addition to the Internet and thus restore the chance to enter competitions to all your MMM members? Thank you again for a great

magazine – here’s to continued good reading and happy camping! Mrs M Cliff, Norfolk ED Competition entry was only moved online after we ascertained that the vast majority of readers have internet access at home (almost 46 per cent of you have internet access in your motorhomes too!). For those who still don’t have internet access, we are sorry if this

BUYING A MOTORHOME?

Turn to page 195 for more on this issue. restricts your enjoyment. However, you can access the internet in many places, including libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, campsites, etc, and many offer this for free. In addition, you can get online using an increasing number of devices, including smart phones, laptops, Kindles and tablets. All of this, I hope, means if you really want to enter one of our competitions you will be able to.

CHECK OUT BUYING YOUR FIRST MOTORHOME

Click here here: www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Information/your-first-motorhome

4 I SAMPLER 2012

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Your letters... VAN TO MOTORCARAVAN

September 2011 realised the start of our conversion of a long wheelbase, high top Ford Transit, carefully selected from soon to be non-LEZ compliant vehicles that were flooding onto the market. In fact, this particular van’s history was known to me for some eight years and, as we had no intention of holidaying in the capital with Boris, some quick cost calculations determined that it would be perfect for our needs. Having previously camped and caravanned, we knew what was and wasn’t required from the conversion. Three belted seats for travel, kitchen for the morning cuppa (outside gas point under the awning for meals), food and clothes storage for three for a few days at a time (fresh provisions sourced as required), fixed seating and table big enough to put your plate on, a bunk for a growing seven-year-old and occasional accomplice, and a king-sized fixed bed for us (comfy sleep is a must). Sacrificing a toilet area was an easy compromise for eight hours’ sleep on a flat mattress. We carry a toilet tent and Porta Potti for when facilities don’t stretch that far (we have always used on-site showers and loos when available anyway). We have a garage area for three bikes – plus chairs, surfboards, the aforementioned Porta Potti, 40 litres of fresh water and anything else we can pack in! Two leisure batteries provide more than adequate supply for internal lighting, CD/ radio and a couple of 12V sockets. The ‘van is wired for 240V but as yet not ‘connected’, as our needs are simple and being a slave to hookup I shall resist as long as possible. The mechanics of converting seemed straightforward enough, a layout became apparent, and a plan was hatched. Wanting to achieve ‘Motorcaravan’ status with the DVLA – for insurance, MOT, and resale purposes – I researched the criteria required and set about ensuring that I would tick each box. However, the more I read the more elusive the potential title seemed, with horror stories of other home conversions being refused this status, or branded

THE HERD INSTINCT Further to Jan Evans’ comments regarding the herd instinct (March, p21) I may have part of the answer at least. Over the years during our forays into Europe, and France in particular, we have had occasion to park up the truck to do some revictualling. I invariably look for large parking areas with masses of room to manoeuvre our seven-metre-plus lump. The first time that we encountered the herd instinct was in a car park in Loches ten years ago. Arriving at an empty car park we parked our Pilote Aclass nose in and off we trotted. On our return we saw that the park was still empty of vehicles apart from our camper and a very scruffy Renault Clio which was parked about six inches away from the left-hand side completely blocking the side entrance. Luckily we had another door so all was well (as the car was empty of people). This happened a number of times over the years with the offending vehicles being as vans with windows, creating all sorts of pitfalls. The DVLA appeared to have placed its head firmly in the sand on the issue seeming happy to quote what other bodies wanted rather than what it wanted. Undeterred I pressed on, fitting insulation and initial wiring, plus windows and roof vent (battened and 9mm ply all round so I knew good fixings could be had later on). Once the furniture had been installed and two-burner hob and sink fitted, the ceiling and walls received their lining carpet. The carpet is fairly easy to work with and sticks directly to awkward surfaces. I thought long and hard before applying so much carpeting rather than decorated boards but it feels cosy and keeps the lines simple inside, helping to create a feeling of space. Anticipating a rough ride with DVLA I decided that I would send in an application for a change of

Martin Aldred’s home conversion cost him less than £2,500 including the base vehicle

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Peter Eite has a theory about the motorhoming ‘herd instinct’: a nice big Pilote A-class like his gives a spot of shade on a wide-open car park

variable as other motorhomes, vans, cars and, at times, motorcycles. Then, one day, all became relatively clear... We had pulled onto a piece of rough ground near Sully sur Loire for a cup of tea, and guess what... Within five minutes a little French Citroën van pulled alongside. He had a choice of parking one hundred yards either way, but no, he chose to snuggle up to us. Why, oh, why? Then came the ‘eureka

Plenty of storage accessible through the rear doors

moment’. As I looked down onto him he eased his little van backwards a bit, and I watched the shadow of our camper envelop it. He then ate a sandwich, reclined his seat, and went to sleep. So that was it, all these people had been using our camper as a sunshade. Of course, I now imagine these people returning to their greenhouse-hot vehicles and cursing us for moving off. Peter Eite, by email

Here we see the kitchen in construction

Carpet lining for cosiness, and a fixed double bed

title at this nearly-completed stage: seat foams still awaiting covers, bedding on standby, kitchen requiring final veneer to finish, cupboard doors to hang (although these will be left till we return from our first venture in the New Forest, in case ‘tweaks’ are required), and carpet to be laid. ‘Keep it simple’ rang through my ears as I prepared my presentation, 20 clear photos showing only what was needed: each was numbered and had a one-line explanation of how that achieved the standard on an attached sheet. No begging, quips, shots of the family, or any kind of distraction should be considered. Failure was only a first class stamp away! Three tortuous weeks later...

Hey presto! Success! The kind, diligent, underrated and overworked all-round good eggs at the ministry had agreed. Motorcaravan status had been achieved. Final prep for our maiden trip is well under way as I write and final jobs will be completed by the time this is read. We are really pleased with the result when taking into account it’s been done on our drive with a total spend of less than £2,500 including the van. Martin Aldred, Kent ED We always welcome illustrated write-ups of your DIY projects: from the smallest modification to complete self-builds. In the first instance, send your ideas to MMM’s Deputy Editor, Rachel Stothert at rachels@warnersgroup.co.uk SAMPLER 2012 I 5

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News & events

NEWS IN BRIEF MMM SUBSCRIBER OFFER

Motor Plus Derby will give MMM subscribers a 10% discount off any new or used motorhome at any of Warners’ outdoor shows this year. MMM subscribers will need their valid membership card to purchase at the shows. This offer does not include part exchanges, however.

News, interviews, shows and diary dates

VW ENTERS THE RESTORATION MARKET

Volkswagen has launched a new ex-works campervan restoration service at its ‘Oldtimers’ centre in Germany. The new service means, for the first time, owners of any VW camper (from T1 right up to T5) can have their vehicle fully restored using original factory parts where possible and have the entire restoration documented and certified by VW. VW also confirmed that the service is available to campervans that have been converted by third-party companies. A spokesman said even if an entire bodywork restoration is needed, any non-VW third-party conversion can be removed and replaced if that’s what the customer wants. Five years ago, when the VW ‘Bus’ was celebrating its sixtieth birthday, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles created a new 7,000

square metre centre dedicated to its campervan. Now, as the Bus marks its sixty-fifth birthday, the Oldtimers centre in Hanover – the city that gave birth to the iconic campervan and current home to the VW California factory – is offering a restoration service to private owners of VW campers. “As of now, we are offering external customers the opportunity to have their historic Volkswagen commercial vehicle restored by us,” explained Harald Schomburg, the member of the VW board of management credited with bringing the project from conception to reality. “This is a possibility which we did not previously have...What we perform here is a factory restoration – partly even with original Volkswagen parts – by Volkswagen mechanics and specialists who for years have

been doing nothing else but restore Oldtimers from our production.” The centre is not only home to some 100 historical VWs (sign up to our e-newsletter to see great pictures of these ‘vans), but also has the facilities to carry out full restorations, including a sheet metal bending bench, lathes and milling machines as well as a paint shop. The chance to have a campervan (and other VW commercial vehicles) restored by VW at the vehicle’s place of origin will appeal to many owners. No matter whether a full or partial restoration is required, or a campervan is simply to be made roadworthy, the ‘Bulli’ workshop team will undertake any assignment, says VW. Paint renovation or an inspection is also possible. Uniquely, customers will receive certificated ex-works restoration and comprehensive documentation of the restoration of the vehicle, in which every step is photographed and described. Where Volkswagen original stock parts are not available, parts will be sourced from Volkswagen Classic Parts. The downside – you will have to get your campervan to Hanover and, while the only pricing VW gave was that labour costs are €80 an hour, don’t expect the service to be cheap - Harald indicated a full restoration can cost €100,000 (about £80,000). Volkswagen also confirmed that it is going to allow its historic VW campers to be rented.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY WITH POPLAR MOTORS Chersterfield-based Poplar Motors is now offering a “try before you buy” deal on its Toyota Granvia Campervans. Hire a Toyota Granvia ‘van and if you go on to buy one, Poplar Motors will deduct the hire cost from your purchase. Prices start from £450 per week. For more information visit www.poplarmotors.co.uk

SPRING EVENTS IN THE NEW FOREST Visitors to the New Forest can enjoy a range of activities and events for all the family this spring. From goshawkwatching to destroying radioactive eggs in Battlefield LIVE!, the New Forest promises exciting and varied events for visitors to enjoy from now until the summer. Find out more at www.thenewforest.co.uk

OUTWELL AWNINGS Danish camping brand Outwell is now offering driveaway awnings for campervans and smaller motorhomes. The Touring Collection comprises two ranges: Highway and Road, both of which are made from a speciallycommissioned fabric with a class-leading 4,000mm hydrostatic head. Visit www.outwell.com for details.

APPROVED WORKSHOP SCHEME WINNERS ANNOUNCED The National Caravan Council (NCC) has named the winners of its second annual Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) Awards. Winners were selected following the results of customer satisfaction surveys and an annual assessment by an independent assessor. Two categories were awarded, Approved Mobile Workshop of the Year and Approved Workshop of the Year (Fixed Base). The winner of the Award for Approved Mobile Workshop of the Year was Middlesbrough-based Leisure Tech North East. The winner of the Award for Approved Workshop of the Year (Fixed Base) was Tilshead Caravans Ltd in Lopcombe near Salisbury. John Hartley, AWS Manager says: “These awards represent a fantastic achievement by 6 I SAMPLER 2012

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all workshops... my congratulations go out to all our worthy winners.” The NCC has also announced the introduction of new Consumer Code of Practice schemes, a national initiative with independent oversight focusing on safeguarding the rights of consumers throughout the sales and aftersales process of buying a motorhome from an NCC approved dealership. Dealers signing up to the schemes will be independently assessed to ensure they meet strict Code criteria before being awarded NCC Approved status. By complying with the Code, a business demonstrates that they trade in an open, honest and fair manner and provide a greater level of consumer protection than is required by law.

The schemes will also feature an NCC Approved logo to help consumers identify businesses that have signed up. MMM will be publish full details of the scheme closer to its launch later this year.

From L-R: Martin Fitzpatrick, Lawrence Mortimer, James Hogg, James Redshaw and John Hartley

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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News & events DETHLEFFS APPOINTS NEW SERVICE PARTNER Bristol-based Family Travel Centre has been appointed as a Dethleffs Service Partner for the west of England. Family Travel Centre now has online access to Dethleffs’ complete spare parts directory comprising over 15,000 different parts and an expanded offering including Dethleffs’ motorhome and caravan owner warranty and insurance repairs plus motorhome and caravan spare parts. It has also become a

NORFOLK HOLIDAY PARK FINALIST IN NATIONAL AWARD North Norfolk’s Kelling Heath Holiday Park, which is also a Premier Park, has been named as a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. The 250-acre holiday park near Holt is the only finalist from the east of England in its category - the Sustainable Tourism Award, which commends tourism businesses with a commitment to the environment. Nicola Badley, Kelling Heath environmental officer, said: “We’ve invested in a wide range of eco-features all aimed at helping to reduce the park’s carbon footprint. These include two rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels on all three touring facilities, waste reduction and recycling schemes as well as a bio-diesel processor.” Kelling Heath also boasts a dedicated countryside team, which cares for the natural environment and organises related activities for guests. To find out more about Kelling Heath visit www.kellingheath.co.uk

WILDAX APPOINTS NEW DEALER

NEW FACILITIES AT KENT SHOWGROUND

WildAx Motorhomes based in Elland, West Yorkshire has appointed a new dealer to service the southwest of the country. Melksham-based Wiltshire Motorhomes will stock and sell the range of WildAx Motorhomes. In addition to retailing new and used WildAx motorhomes, Wiltshire will offer a number of these for rental and try-before-you-buy. WildAx Motorhomes can be contacted on 01422-372111.

Campers staying at the Kent Showground, Detling, near Maidstone, can now enjoy newly-installed shower facilities. The 1.5-acre site, open from April to October, offers limited hardstanding for motorhomes and a 24-hour, onsite warden to help with queries, maintenance and security. For full details visit www.kentshowground.co.uk or call 01622-631298.

SRI LANKAN DEALER FOR AUTO-SLEEPERS Auto-Sleepers Motorhomes’ CEO Geoff Scott has attended the public launch of a new dealership in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Geoff, accompanied by Auto-Sleepers Service Centre representatives Mark Burdett and Paul Oliver, attended the event with Arthur Senanayake, chairman of IWS Leisure, which has exclusive distribution rights in Sri Lanka. As well as the launch to the Sri Lankan public, the trio gave training and advice to technicians and sales staff on service work and vehicle handovers. “Our products are built for the more discerning clientèle, they are built to last and truly aspirational. We focus on the build quality and careful selection of materials to

ensure that we provide a unique product that is comfortable and has longevity. As a Cotswold based company, we are proud to extend our export business to Asia,” said Geoff.

VANTAGE MOVES PREMISES Vantage Motorhomes has expanded its business and moved to a 20,000 sq.ft manufacturing facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The move comes as a result of increased demand for panel van conversions. Managing Director Scot Naylor said: “We’ve seen a large number of people downsizing from coachbuilts over the past few years who now enjoy the added driveability and improved fuel economy of a panel van.”

FREE NIGHT DEALS IN DEVON Deals have been announced on spring and early summer camping and touring breaks at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in Devon. The deals are available between April 13 and May 28 and mean a three-night weekend or fournight midweek grass pitch with electricity for a motorhome – plus occupants - now costs from £34 in early May. Book on www.woolacombe.com/bp

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Dethleffs-approved workshop for servicing, habitation checks and accessory fitting. Visit the showroom or www.familytravelcentre.co.uk to find out more.

FUEL PRICES • UK 147.91 pence per litre The graph tracks the average price of diesel in the UK and offers a projected cost of diesel up to May 2012.

• FRANCE 128.89 pence per litre • GERMANY 126.81 pence per litre • ITALY 143.07 pence per litre • LUXEMBOURG 106.63 pence per litre • NORWAY 153.25 pence per litre • PORTUGAL 121.31 pence per litre • SPAIN 115.05 pence per litre • SWITZERLAND 134.66 pence per litre European prices courtesy of the AA, UK prices courtesy of petrolprices.com

MMM TEAM GROWS

Peter Vaughan, Warners’ long-standing motorhome expert and Editor of Which Motorhome magazine, has been appointed Group Road Test Editor. This significant new position will see Peter not only remain as Which Motorhome Editor, but also see him take responsibility for managing the motorhome road test programme across MMM and Which Motorhome. MMM has also strengthened its team by appointing Andrew Baxter as its News & Online Editor. Andrew brings a wealth of experience gained across a wide range of print and digital titles and has a passion for all things automotive. SAMPLER 2012 I 7

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YNYS MON

Our feckless frolickers, Andy and Marion Stothert, return to an island on the Celtic fringe they vowed they would never step foot on again

Llanddwyn Island’s scenically placed lighthouse

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Travel so many roads...

â–˛

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1/5/12 10:32:54


W

e hadn’t been to Anglesey for ages; in fact I think God was still a lad and MMM’s deputy editor was just five years old the last time we were washed up on the Anglesey shoreline. Time flies I know, but we’d avoided Anglesey deliberately because of a terrible experience we had there, and vowed never to go near the place ever again. But here we were, at the beginning of September, breaking our vows...

The borrowers

Quite why we’d mellowed to the extent that we were now bumbling over the squirrel-proof Britannia Bridge onto Anglesey I’m not exactly sure, except that we were pursuing the island theme, and after poring over the maps it looked likely that there may be quite a few scenic places worth a second look. Or a first one even, as we’d cut short the previous trip in 1984 due to the warring children we’d borrowed from my brother, and with hindsight perhaps Anglesey itself played quite a minor role in the disaster tale. It has also recently come to my notice that Anglesey now has a complete coastal footpath, and as my camera carrier and life guide, Fag Ash Tenzing, has given up mountains, this seemed like a suitably level and inoffensive place to take the boots in order to undertake a couple of her intrepid café to café expeditions.

Armchair reactionary party

First stop was the stately residence of Plas Newydd, not far from the bridge, and lying very scenically by the turbulent waters of the Menai Straits. Now I’m not at all sure about the value or appeal of stately homes in the great scheme of things, but we’ve been paying our National Trust membership fees for years, so

The view of the breakwater from the top of Holyhead Mountain. It’s calling to you Plas Newydd. Anglesey’s stately pile

decided to seek some value for money from them. In case you’re wondering why a founder member of the Armchair Reactionary (and Socialist Equality) party is a National Trust member, it’s purely about the work they do on the Lakeland Fells, so I feel obliged to contribute. Where were we? The view from Plas Newydd across the water to the mountains of Snowdonia is very soothing, and had the pile itself been closed the gardens alone would’ve been worth what we paid to get in. The house isn’t that spectacular, but we liked the way, deliberately or otherwise, that it is starting to get a bit ragged around the edges, and still has a bit of a lived-in look. The main attraction, I suppose is the art, by a bloke called Rex Whistler, but as I’m into music, and my cultural attaché, Dame Fag Ash Finney, lives only for football, the sight of Whistler’s 50 foot ‘muriel’ left us mildly impressed, rather than wildly ecstatic. The view though, the location and the usual National Trust grub make Plas Newydd worth a couple of hours for anyone; even us, the heritage-ly handicapped. In truth I’m probably being a bit unfair to Plas www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Travel so many roads...

Trearddur Bay won us over completely

Newydd, but the map, and some highbrow literary research (the AA Illustrated Guide to Britain’s Coast, page 312) sort-of suggests that time spent mincing about in previously-posh persons houses might not be the best use of y’r precious remainder around here.

Baffling bit of kit

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The map, and said page 312, point out a beach of truly humungous proportions, an amazing view and a startling piece of scenery all just down the road at Llanddwyn Bay, so my mind probably wasn’t totally focused on the stately pile. A woman is a curious and baffling bit of kit is it not? And it was the very same Little FA who had scuppered my plans for a summer of mountaineering in the National Parks, to replace it with the island hopping tour, but who now couldn’t raise the enthusiasm to walk the two-and-a-bit miles from the campsite to Llanddwyn Island. Alright, I admit it would have meant the same two-and-a-bit (or maybe a tad

over three) miles back, but once there we could watch, hand in hand, entranced by the scene, as the sun took its leave in a colourful plunge into the ocean; enriched by both the essence of the moment, and the romance of sharing it. After all these are the moments that nourish a relationship, and make it flourish through the years. “Nah” she says “I’m not walking five miles to see a damp squib, then risk a return through the forest at night with a nutter”. So I went (sadly) alone, and no the sunset didn’t set the world on fire, but what a wonderfully atmospheric place to end the day. And I saw no nutters. Oddly, there was a BBC TV news team filming on the beach as result of someone having been tragically drowned the previous day after going canoeing from here, and they weren’t very happy about the idiot on the beach with his camera and tripod getting in the way of their filming. I say oddly because the ethereal atmosphere of the sunset, the lovely warm evening and the remarkable beauty of this place all combined to make such sadness seem so unreal. Impossible even. SAMPLER 2012 I 11

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Suffolk for a song

You don’t need to shell out lots of hard-earned cash for a week with the kids by the seaside, as Jo Ireland experienced on a recent trip to Suffolk

Felixstowe beach

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had never been to Suffolk. Looking at the map and calculating the distance from north Yorkshire it was easy to see why. Seduced though by chocolate-box images of pretty villages and rows of pastel-coloured beach huts, I was prepared to overlook the practical horrors of a 250-mile drive along poor quality roads with two fractious children. Leaving aside the astronomical price of diesel, our challenge was to holiday fairly cheaply during a prime holiday period. Despite an extensive trawl of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Big Sites Book we couldn’t find a suitable Certificated Site (or a rally) in the locations we wanted and finding a reasonably priced commercial site is becoming increasingly difficult. The trend to charge extra for each child, rather than an all inclusive unit price, is an extra burden for families (or anyone with a dog or an awning or anything else which in my opinion should be included in the price for the pitch – and don’t get me started on charging for showers!) We were heading first to the coastal town of Southwold. The drive was every bit as tedious as you would imagine. My seven-year-old

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asked at one stage whether we were still in England! To be fair, I could see his point, having travelled for so long we must surely have reached some far-off exotic location! The usual Bank Holiday traumas of rain, road works and an increasingly random satnav confirmed, however, that we were indeed still very much in England.

At last beach huts!

Finally we arrived at Southwold and I was not disappointed as we drove through the pretty town towards the harbour. There was evidence of thatch and the all-important beach huts. It had even stopped raining. We were staying at Southwold Camping and Caravan Park, which has a lovely location at the mouth of the river, close to the beach and the harbour area. The site itself has no electric hook-ups, so there were more tents than ‘vans. It has a nice laid-back feel, with lots of children and plenty of room for them to play. Taking into account the location and the bank holiday, the rate of £20 per night seemed reasonable (considerably more so than the £34 we were quoted for a site in nearby Aldeburgh).

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Travel Suffolk Fish and floods

The harbour area sits on the River Blyth, with moorings for boats of all sizes, some charming fishing huts, a chandler, fresh fish for sale (for those who like to cook their own) and a fish and chip shop (for those who don’t). There is also the Harbour Inn, which is a lovely spot to watch the sun go down. The flood markings show the height of the water in the flood of 1953, a stark reminder of the devastating power of this tranquil looking sea.

Where to find out more

■ Aldeburgh TIC, 48 High Street (tel: 01728-453637) ■ Felixstowe TIC, 91 Undercliff Road West

(tel: 01394-276770) ■ Southwold TIC, 69 High Street (tel: 01502-724729)

Websites

■ www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk (has section on

A lifeboat house from Cromer

Across the road from the site is the Alfred Corry lifeboat museum (free admission). The lifeboat shed was removed from Cromer pier in 1997 and rebuilt on Southwold harbour. Inside is the Alfred Corry lifeboat dating from 1893 and the history of the boat and its crew. From here a pleasant stroll of about a mile along the beach leads you to the town. There is also a shorter route along a path from the rear of the site – quicker, but it doesn’t pass ass any beach huts!

Lighthouses and tea shops

Southwold is a lovely seaside town with a sandy beach, promenade, rows of those all-important beach huts, a pier and a lighthouse. The lighthouse, unusually, is set back from the seafront in the heart of a residential area of town. The town has a long history. The church dates from the 15th century and is impressive. Much of the rest of the town was destroyed in the great fire of 1659 and then rebuilt on bequeathed land. It remains an attractive town with distinctive greens and common ground, quaint streets and a square with markets on Mondays and Thursdays. There is an interesting range of shops and galleries, some good teashops, restaurants and several pubs that serve the Adnams ales brewed in the town.

The bell tolls

Southwold, with its more elevated position, gained prominence in the 14th century following the silting up of the port at nearby Dunwich. Nowadays there is little to bring visitors to Dunwich except its fascinating history. During the Saxon period Dunwich grew to become one of the most important towns in Suffolk and a major east coast port, with a population of several thousand people. A severe storm in 1328 destroyed much of the town and blocked the harbour. Despite attempts to save the town and reopen the harbour, further storms and coastal erosion took its inevitable toll and the town now sits under the sea. Rumour has it that during rough seas church bells can be heard from beneath the waves, an endearing, if unlikely tale. It’s difficult to imagine this tiny village and its handful of boats as a bustling seaport: now the attractions are more limited. It does have a ‘van-friendly car park, a pub and a beach café as well as a free museum, which tells the story of Dunwich and includes a model of the town before most of it disappeared.

A fishing boat poses on the beach at Aldeburgh

motorhome parking in towns)

■ www.visitsuffolk.com ■ www.suffolktouristguide.com ■ www.aldeburgh-uk.com ■ www.felixstowe.co.uk ■ www.exploresouthwold.co.uk ■ www.southwold.info

The house in the clouds

Ten miles along the coast is the pretty, if slightly bizarre, village of Thorpeness. Originally a fishing hamlet, in 1910 a wealthy Scottish barrister bought the entire area and developed it as a private fantasy holiday village for his friends and family. The development included a country club and golf course, a boating lake (or meare) with a Peter Pan theme and houses built in Jacobean and Tudor styles. One of the most eye-catching features is the ‘house in the clouds’. This was actually a water tower, clad in wood to make it look like a small house on top of a five-storey tower, with a separate water pumping windmill next to it. Of course, the village has long since benefited from mains water and the tower is now a very splendid looking holiday cottage described as ‘awesome’ by my children, who quite fancied moving in!

Camping in the woods

We stopped a few miles inland at the Orchard Campsite in Wickham Market, a site that charges a flat fee per unit; electric is extra but there are no sneaky extra changes for children (or anything else). This is a lovely and quirky site in the woods, where real campfires are encouraged. There is an interesting array of camping units too, with an American ‘bullet’ caravan, canvas tepees and traditional gypsy caravans (available for rent) nestling alongside the usual array of dome tents, a handful of caravans and campervans. This is a very familyorientated site, so not a place to come (at least not during weekends and school holidays) if you are looking for peace. For those of us with little people though this is ideal – loads of mates to play with and the shower of glow sticks at nightfall, dispensed by the owners, was a particular favourite with our boys.

The giant scallop shell at Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh’s ancient Moot Hall

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1/5/12 10:39:10


seasonal David Chapman reveals how to

delights

capture the beauty of spring...

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� Travel photography

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he changing seasons make Britain a wonderful place to take photographs. A familiar view of woodland in springtime is completely different to the same scene in summer, autumn or winter but all are beautiful in their own way. Even from day to day the changes can be tremendous with different conditions bringing varying light, which, in turn, produces tones and shadows that are as unique as the woodland itself. Spring brings with it new opportunities. Everything has been on hold for the last few months and now the natural world is beginning to flourish. As a result of this new beginning we have long celebrated spring with a variety of festivals, which continue to this day, and such festivals can be great places to take photographs. The days are becoming warmer so we might be tempted to stay out later and enjoy the half-light of dusk at this time of year. But first, who can argue that the bluebell wood isn’t the most appropriate place to start a feature on photography in springtime?

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Bluebells

We are truly privileged when it comes to bluebells. The global distribution of this flower is centred on Britain, in fact it is only found on the coastal fringe of northwestern Europe and some experts argue that between 30 and 50 per cent of the world’s population of bluebells is found in Britain. Typically the bluebell is a plant of undisturbed deciduous woodlands where it flourishes in the damp atmosphere putting on its best show in woodlands before the trees develop foliage, which will prevent the sunlight from reaching the ground beneath. However, bluebells are not entirely restricted to woodlands, in some parts of Britain they can also be found growing in coastal areas and even on cliff ledges where the soil has been undisturbed for centuries. The exact timing of the bluebell spectacular depends partly upon the conditions during the spring but also on the location within Britain. In the south bluebells begin to create a carpet in mid-April, probably peaking at the end of April whereas in Scotland the bluebells look great at the end of May. For me the glory of the bluebell wood isn’t simply in the carpet of blue flowers it also benefits from the contrasts of colour, light, shape and form provided by the mixture of plants and trees that grow with them in our deciduous woods. During April and May so many other plants are beginning their annual cycle; ferns begin to unroll, their shapes enhanced by the dappled sunlight; trees start the slow process of budding with each stage revealing a new beauty to their soft, delicate, translucent foliage; in the most beautiful woodlands the blue and green of bluebells and foliage will be broken by smatterings of white, yellow and pink as other spring flowers revel in their surroundings.

1 In this photograph of a bluebell wood I deliberately shook a branch of a beech tree in front of the lens to create a green blur at the top of the frame 2 Bluebells on the coast at Prussia Cove in Cornwall was taken early in the morning just as the sun was rising 3 Bluebells at Enys Garden near Penryn in Cornwall 4 For this creative image of a bluebell wood, I moved the camera during the exposure

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Some great UK spots for bluebells: ■ Enys Gardens near Penryn in Cornwall, not open every day, phone 01872-274536 for more details, SW 792 365. ■ Ebbor Gorge, Somerset, ST 525 488. ■ Kiln Wood, Kent, TQ 888 515. ■ Bradfield Woods, Suffolk, TL 935 581. ■ Foxley Wood, Norfolk, TG 049 229. ■ Lea and Pagets Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Herefordshire, SO 593 345. ■ Earl’s Hill, Shropshire, SJ 409 048; ■ Castle Eden Dene near Hartlepool, NZ 410 387. ■ Castramon Wood, near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, DX 592 605. ■ Pwll-y-Wrach, nr Talgarth/Hay-on-Wye, Wales, SO 165 326. ■ Gelli Hir Wood, nr Upper Killay, Gower, Wales, SS 562 925.

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Travel avel your site reviews T Tr

Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate Cumbria � Reception is an attractive stone-built building The on-site bar and restaurant

Many of Park Cliffe’s pitches offer great views

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ntering Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate meant I could leave behind the stress of everyday life and enter a world of relaxation. There are spectacular views of rolling hills and natural beauty. A dry stone wall is all that separates Park Cliffe from the environment around it and your only neighbours are the grazing sheep. It’s easy to see why this caravan estate was awarded the Holiday Park of the Year by Cumbria Tourism in 2011. The campsite leads through up a slight incline, so the pitches at the top of the park command the best views, although every pitch has plenty of room and can appreciate the panorama. The touring pitches, of which there are 35, are all limestone hardstandings with electricity, water and waste. The 100 tent pitches climb up the slopes of the hillside and across the road from the entrance is a smaller camping area, which also houses a couple of camping pods tucked away behind some trees. Park Cliffe benefits from a host of facilities. The shower block has underfloor heating, vanity basins and is immaculately clean. Upstairs in this building are four private bathrooms, which are available to hire for the duration of your stay and one bathroom is available on an hourly basis at no charge. There are also washing-up sinks in a covered area and a laundry room. The newly constructed bar and restaurant has a beamed ceiling and offers breakfasts, lunches and evening meals – there are light snacks available, vegetarian meals and British

classics such as fish and chips. It is a lovely place to have a relaxing drink and watch the sun set over this beautiful part of the world. The bar and restaurant is open daily during school holidays and then is open on weekends only at other times. The on-site licensed shop stocks most things you could need. To keep children amused there’s an adventure playground at the top of the site through a gap in the wall and also a pool table in the bar and a separate games room. A shallow stream meanders through the site which children will enjoy splashing about in on sunny days. There are many things to do while staying here, including lots of walks from the site – some leisurely strolls and others more strenuous hill climbs. There are also plenty of cycle routes and reception can provide both walking and cycling route information if you require it. Moor How, a small hill (229m) is accessible from the campsite and affords fantastic views over Lake Windermere to reward those who make the effort to climb to the top. Some notable attractions in the area for a great day out include The World of Beatrix Potter, Dove Cottage – William Wordsworth’s home – and South Lakes Wild Animal Park, which has amazing aerial walkways to enable visitors to see the animals from a new perspective and also to be able to feed the giraffes from their lofty height. With Park Cliffe being only four miles from Bowness-on-Windermere it means you can head into the town for a wander round the quaint little shops, take a boat ride on the water itself or simply sit and watch the world go by.

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SITE INFORMATION ■ ADDRESS: Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate, Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3PG ■ TEL: 01539-531344 ■ EMAIL: info@parkcliffe.co.uk ■ WEB: www.parkcliffe.co.uk ■ OPEN: 1 March - 11 November ■ Charges: Motorhome and 2 adults from £25.00 - £30.00 incl electric per night. ■ Nearest public transport: Bus stop in Bowness-on-Windermere four miles away. ■ Nearest pub/restaurant: On-site bar and restaurant. ■ Directions: Leave the M6 at Jct 36 and follow the A590 to Newby Bridge. Turn right onto A592 for 3.6 miles and take a right turn (the site is signposted). Park Cliffe is approximately 1/3rd of a mile on right. Caravans and motorhomes must approach Park Cliffe from the direction of Newby Bridge due to difficulty accessing the site from the opposite direction.

Recommended by Claire Tupholme

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Ordnance Survey mapping © Crown copyright. AM081/11

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, but you’re advised to check details in advance with the site.

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1/5/12 10:43:14


Travel MMM’s favourite campsites

Eilean Donan at sunset

’s favourite sites

Ever wondered where the MMM contributors go to get away from it all? Well, here are some of the team’s favourite campsites, which range from the downright quirky to those with a nostalgic tinge Andrew and Rona Bromley MMM road testers What’s our favourite campsite, where we always seem to end up? It’s a secret – we can’t tell you that! If we do, it’ll be even more difficult for us to squeeze in at short notice. Oh, if you insist, just don’t spread it about – it’s Morvich, a Caravan Club site in the highlands of Scotland. It’s an awfu’ lang way; the route, from Stirling onwards, can be a scenic joy, given good weather and clear roads – or a nightmare if stuck behind a convoy of ‘snails’! But the last few miles of fast, swinging tarmac, past Loch Cluanie and down Glen Shiel, with the vertiginous slopes of the Seven Sisters of Kintail above, bring a lift to the heart, whatever the weather or traffic. At Allt a’ Chruinn, where the A87 crosses the head of Loch Duich via a curving causeway, you turn off onto a quiet lane

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Morvich Caravan Club site Inverinate, Kyle IV40 8HQ Tel: 01599-511354 Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk

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towards Morvich campsite, situated a mile away on flat riverside ground. There’s room for about 100 caravans and motorhomes on hardened pitches and also a tent area. The friendly wardens, who’ve been there for donkey’s ages, run a clean, efficient site with satisfactory facilities. But, what’s special about Morvich? Beautiful sunny weather for months on end, perhaps, or a complete absence of midges? Regrettably, not! A vibrant night-life? No again, though the Jaco-Bite café nearby serves hearty Scottish fare. No, Morvich has mountains, all around – Beinn Fhada, Sgurr an Airgid, Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich, as magnificent for hill-walking as their resonant names and there’s low-level walks, too. Wildlife includes eagles and deer with otters and porpoises in the loch. But, take no notice of us – it’s too far away, the weather’s lousy and you’d hate it – honest!

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Camping Eigernordwand in Switzerland

Breathtaking scenery surrounds the site

Jane Cummings Mobility contributor Our first glimpse of Camping Eigernordwand was from the air. It was back in 1998 and we were in a gondola heading for Männlichen, one of the accessible peaks in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Three years lapsed before we fulfilled our wish to stay on the site. On arriving we were warmly welcomed by an elderly gentleman, named Rudolph Jossi, the site owner. For

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anyone craving breathtaking scenery, it doesn’t get much better than this, as the site is really close to the north face of the Eiger (hence the name Eigernordwand). Grund, the starting point for many of the mountain excursions, is only a 10-minute walk away. Take the steep cog railway from there and five minutes later, the traveller arrives in Grindelwald – a popular resort for both summer and winter visitors. 2003 saw a return journey and we were delighted that Rudolph remembered us and

Camping Eigernordwand Bodenstrasse 4, CH-3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland Tel: +41-(0)33-8531242 Web: www.eigernordwand.ch

allocated a pitch close to his beautiful chalet on the edge of the campsite. He treated us like VIPs and visited daily to make sure all was well. Because my husband David is a wheelchair user, Rudolph advised us of local roads where we could go walking, without being hassled by traffic. Our last visit was in 2010, and we hoped to meet dear Rudolph again. We were greeted this time by his son, also called Rudolph, who informed us that his father was now very frail. We were sad to learn of this but often spotted him, sitting up on his balcony, surveying his kingdom. Rudolph’s kindness, the Eiger and the beautiful scenery have all contributed towards making Camping Eigernordwand our favourite site.

Chris Simmonds Travel consultant “I’m going to the Clink for a few days,” is a statement likely to cause a few raised eyebrows among friends and family, but the reality is a warm welcome and relaxing break on a beautiful five-‘van site set in a hidden valley in Fife. Ken and Rosemarie Swann, the experienced motorhome owners who set up the site behind their farmhouse, told me there are three theories about the origins of the name. The first, and possibly least interesting, is that the farm originally belonged to a family called Clink who were connected to one of the early Lord Provosts of Perth. Slightly more interesting, and colourful, is the explanation that the name stems from the

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early 1800s when a disastrous investment by officials led the town of Auchtermuchty to near bankruptcy and creditors sold off much of the common land to recover their money. The farm stands on part of the land sold to release the town elders from ‘the clink’. The final story is my personal favourite and again has some basis in history. French prisoners from the Napoleonic war were sent north to Scotland when the prisons in the south of England began to overflow. A prisoner-of-war camp was set up to house the men on the outskirts of the town and became known as ‘the clink’. Despite the farm being in Ken’s family for more than three generations the true origin of the name is lost but it does add something to the atmosphere of this idyllic spot.

The Clink Glassarts Glen, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife KY14 7HT Tel: 01337-828497

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Travel MMM’s favourite campsites Mark Brownrigg Road tester and travel writer It’s the best-kept secret in Britain. You drive through massive wroughtiron gates then drop down into a sheltered homestead, screened by trees and about eight hardstandings, in front of a small lake with a pretty pagoda and some rustic picnic tables. Hook up, switch on the kettle and relax... This adults-only site recently won the CS of the year award from the Camping and Caravanning Club. It’s run by Rusty, his wife and their two Jack Russell terriers. On the field behind the site, you regularly see deer. An idyllic place, with genuinely friendly owners, to us regulars it’s known as Shangri-La. There’s also a much-loved Caravan Club campsite but, once you have sampled Rusty’s neat and more peaceful alternative, you will never return to the big site. For activities, choose from many local walks and formal gardens. Wigtown, Scotland’s book town, is 15 minutes away and a magnet for bookworms everywhere. Newton Stewart is 20 minutes further, with shops and supermarkets. Within an hour, you’ll reach both the artist’s

town of Kircudbright (pronounce Kirk-coo-brie), and the Scottish food town of Castle Douglas (CD, to locals). You can sprawl in the sun, tour the Solway coastline or help Rusty feed his piglets. Just one thing: once you’ve found it, you are bound by its oath of silence. Ssshhh! We don’t want the whole world coming here.

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Garlieston Lodge CS Burnside Lane, Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway Tel: 01988-600641 Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Bob Deane Travel and sites writer Ocean View was my choice of site (when it was open) each time I visited Aberystwyth over the four-year period my youngest daughter, Vicki, attended Aberystwyth University. My campervan was ideal for transporting all of Vicki’s belongings between Milton Keynes and Aberystwyth at the start and end of each semester plus visits between, but it will always be the first and the last trips that remain forever in my memory. On that first trip, with the van loaded, we both spent the night in the van at Ocean View before going to pick up the keys to Vicki’s university lodgings the next day. After getting Vicki settled and a quick look around the town, I had to head home. Leaving my

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18-year-old daughter in a strange town to fend for herself for the first time was a bit emotional and, driving up the hill out of town, my view was a little obscured by tears. Later that evening I had a text to say she had met her roommate – they have remained firm friends since. Our last trip to Aberystwyth was for Vicki’s graduation (she gained a BSc in Marine and Freshwater Biology). It was a glorious day ending as we started four years before at Ocean View. Ocean View Holiday Park is one of several leading down to the beach at Clarach Bay just outside Aberystwyth. It’s a quiet, immaculately maintained site with touring pitches (levelling blocks required) overlooking the caravan holiday homes giving those ocean views claimed in the site’s name.

Ocean View Holiday Park North Beach, Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth SY23 3DT Tel: 01970-623361/828425 Web: www.oceanviewholidays.com

Mike & Jane Jago Travel editors

We were intrigued by the notion of ‘40 things to do on the number 40 bus’ – a leaflet produced by the site warden at South Lytchett Manor – so decided to investigate. This site has a lot to offer the motorhomer. First, there’s that number 40 bus, which stops outside the site entrance, and gives you the freedom to wander between Poole and Swanage (and the 40 things to do!). Or one can amble the half-mile or so into Lytchett Minster, where St Peter’s Finger pub offers a warm welcome (dogs allowed in the bar), enjoyable ales and good-value food. Or, there’s a friendly café (also dog-friendly) in the Courtyard craft centre, which backs onto the site and can be reached by crossing one field. While you are out, have a nosey round the shops in the craft centre, which includes the local witch’s emporium. The site has great facilities, friendly welcoming staff, free Wi-Fi, and, at the time of our visit, each camping unit got a voucher for a free bottle of wine with two main meals at the St Peter’s Finger. We’ll be back...

South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park Dorchester Rd, Lytchett

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Minster, Poole BH16 6JB Tel: 01202-622577 Web: www.southlythcettmanor.co.uk

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Travel MMM’s favourite campsites Roger Whitting Travel consultant

One would expect my favourite site to be in Cornwall, the county of my birth, but having lived there for most of my life, we invariably camp up north. Consequently, our favourite site has to be Monturpie, which is situated at the top of a hill overlooking Largo in the county of Fife. From where we were living, in darkest Cornwall, this necessitated a journey of 570 miles, which, according to Google, can be achieved in nine hours 46 minutes. But in my old campervan, it takes about three days as it’s uphill all the way from Truro. The reason for staying at this rather remote but attractive site is to visit my wife’s 92-yearold uncle who is a retired GP, wannabe thespian and lives about a mile from the site down an almost vertical track. Whilst he is now quite physically disabled, he is sharper than most people half his age and does entertaining monologues akin to Rab C Nesbitt as well as the occasional burst from Gilbert & Sullivan. Lower Largo is a pretty little village on the northern shores of the Forth estuary under the shadow of Largo Law, which is the closest thing to a mountain in that area. It is also the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk whose main claim to fame is that he lived in the same road as Auntie Isa although I believe he was regarded as the original Robinson Crusoe. The locals are very hospitable as long as you are a Celt or have a sponsor and, when offered a drink, usually ask for water with some whisky added to take away the taste. Monturpie has good facilities, a wellpatronised restaurant and the area is well worth a visit.

Kevin Griffiths Travel consultant Normally it’s 30 to 40 but sometimes it can be over 60 and the maximum for us is 66; that’s the number of hot air balloons counted in one go whilst at Kaya Camping, Turkey. Having visited Kaya on six occasions over the last 10 years, we’re still wowed each morning by the sight of so many balloons, but to see them you need to be early. It’s normally a cup of tea outside the ’van for us but if you’re lucky enough to get one of the dozen or so pitches overlooking the valley you can watch from inside. However, by 8am it’s all over. Sleep in and you’ll never know it’s taken place. And one morning of each visit we get up very early to treat ourselves to a balloon flight – an experience definitely not to be missed. Following the balloons, it’s a leisurely breakfast before setting off to explore the surrounding area of Cappadocia. In the centre of Turkey, Cappadocia is a Disney-like landscape of fairy chimneys formed through

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centuries of natural wind and rain erosion. We like to wander down ‘Rose Valley’ to the local town of Goreme, often including a stop at Flintstones – a true rock café serving hot and cold drinks from inside a genuine cave. Kaya Camping is an all-time favourite and we’re lucky to get here most years by organising motorhome tours for GB Privilege. Either independently or part of an organised group, you’ll always receive of a warm welcome and, during your stay, see if you can better our maximum of 66.

Kaya Camping Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey Tel: +90-(0)384-3433100

Monturpie Caravan Park Upper Lago, Leven, Fife KY8 5QS Tel: 01333-360254 Email: enquiries@monturpie.co.uk

Claire Tupholme Outandaboutlive.co.uk campsite editor My childhood was filled with camping holidays. Every weekend we’d pack up and off we’d go. But, out of a multitude of campsites, one springs to mind as if I were there only yesterday, even though it was over 20 years ago – Honeycott Caravan Park in Hawes. It’s probably changed wardens after all these years (we fondly remember Mr Iveson), but it’s still there at the top of the hill. Once on arrival, Dad pulled up opposite the site entrance and got out of the car to see the warden. My mum and I were suddenly aware of moving. Sure enough, the handbrake wasn’t on hard enough for a car on a hill towing a caravan and we were rolling backwards. Not that dramatic really, but for a young child it was a scary experience. Dad soon jumped back in the car, put the handbrake on properly and averted disaster.

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I fondly remember visiting Aysgarth Falls and the unique Hardraw Force, England’s largest single drop waterfall. It’s set in the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn. You can only access it through the pub and as a young ’un that’s a pretty unusual thing. To my mind it still is. You could also walk behind the falls, but you’re not allowed to anymore. Whilst on holiday here I met Christopher Timothy, who played James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small. I loved the TV show and he was kind enough to pose for a photo (see above) with me. Looking at the picture, I know that my smile is through gritted teeth. When posing for the photo, Mr Timothy chose to give me a reassuring little squeeze. But I was only small and it really hurt! So that’s my favourite site. For all those reasons, I can’t help but look back and smile – and that’s what camping holidays are all about isn’t it?

Honeycott Caravan Park Ingleton Road, Hawes, North Yorkshire DL8 3LH Tel: 01969-667310 Web: www.honeycott.co.uk

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Andrew Robson Home travel editor Just like the storks after which the site is named, we keep returning to Camping les Cigognes at Turckheim in the southern Vosges. The opportunity to see these iconic birds remains one of the principal attractions for us. It’s an easy and level ten-minute walk to the centre of Turckheim, a pretty wine village with historic buildings and cobbled streets. You’ll find a good choice of restaurants and wine

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cellars, along with a few shops including a baker’s. And it’s only a five minute-walk to catch the train for the short journey to marvel at Colmar’s picturesque town centre. There always seems to be space at this popular site, even at the height of the holiday season. Evening events are organised and we’ve slurped our way through wine tastings, munched freshly made tarte-flambé and foottapped to the local accordion band. Surrounded by vine-clad hills, we love the site’s central location for touring the southern

and mid-Vosges – the wine towns, the twisting roads over the mountains, the First World War sites, Germany and the Rhine. With so much variety, we’ll be back again this year.

Camping Municipal les Cigognes 4 Quai de la Gare, F-68230 Turckheim, France Tel: +33-(0)389-270200 Web: www.camping-turckheim.com

Terry Acreman Travel and interchange consultant Why do we love Kiln Park? Was it the super entertainment, indoor or outdoor swimming pools, excellent bar meals and restaurant, take away outlets or countless other activities available? No, not even the convenience store. Nor is it the spotless heated shower block, dishwashing and super pitches, it’s the simple unforgettable fact that you can walk out of the park onto miles of beautiful golden sands.

Tenby has three award-winning beaches and the south and castle beaches join at low tide. Both offer shelter should you wish to linger awhile. Exiting the short coastal path from your pitch, the vista unfolds midway along the arc of Carmarthen Bay. With the Gower in the distance, clean sand stretches as far as the eye can see in both directions. Time your walk right (wardens and reception will advise), the tide will be out and you can walk with soft sand between your toes, right into the heart of the pretty walled town of Tenby. Apparently the last addition to the Norman town walls was in 1588, to guard against attacks from the Welsh! You can catch the regular boats over to Caldey Island; this small island has long been a Roman Catholic venue. A Celtic monastic cell was believed to be the first here, and today it’s still farmed by Cistercian Monks. Beyond castle beach, looking down from the harbour wall onto sheltered north beach, you’ll see Tenby’s new lifeboat station continuing the proud tradition, directly below the small fisherman’s church of St Julian. All this from our superb pitch!

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Kiln Park Touring & Camping Park Marsh Road, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7RB Tel: 01834-844121 Web: www.haven.com/touring-camping

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Peter Rosenthal Travel sites editor

Every August bank holiday we head to Porthysgaden Farm (Gary’s farm to us) on the Lleyn Peninsula to meet up with about 20 to 30 of our boat-loving friends for our own mini-rally. The campsite facilities here are best described as hopeless. No hook-ups, a very basic camping field that churns to mud in wet weather and an even more basic toilet and shower in farm outbuildings that is best avoided. But it’s the location that is the draw. Just a few minutes’ drive from the site is the narrow rocky slipway of Porthysgaden. Here we’ll launch a pair of catamaran race boats (each crewed with one passenger and one driver) and blast over to Bardsey Island jumping the waves on the way. Sometimes they flip over - they’re a total adrenaline buzz. After a day being blasted by salt spray, the evenings usually end tired and happy with beers around an open fire and freshly-caught mackerel grilling gently on the barbecue wrapped in foil with garlic butter. Perfect!

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Porthysgaden Farm

Tudweiliog / Nefyn, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 8PD Tel: 01758-770206

Helen Werin Travel writer I fell in love with the Peak District 20 years ago. Our jobs meant we had to live in the city. Every day off we’d tear up the miles to get there. Our regular picnic spot was Thorpe Meadows, above Pike House Farm. We’d sigh dreamily at the old farmhouse with its vista over Thorpe Cloud. It looked the image of what a child might draw; square, roses around the door, a flower-covered arbour over a stone path. It took us a few years to realise the field in front was a CL. We only had tents then and were disappointed to realise we couldn’t pitch there.

Our dream of waking up to sunrise over the dramatic peak of Thorpe Cloud was just that. Every time we drove past we’d promise ourselves that we’d eventually get a motorhome and make this one of our first stops. Fast forward many years and we’ve now got our ‘van, Roly. We no longer needed to live in the city so tried to move to the Peak District. We had visions of going walking in the glorious countryside from our own front door. But we had to sell our city house first. Now I can see Thorpe Cloud from my

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study. Just because we’ve finally moved doesn’t mean that I won’t be pitching up at Pike House Farm soon. There’s nothing better than waking up even closer to my favourite view than in Roly’s moving bed!

Pike House Farm CL Thorpe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2AT Tel: 01335-350226

Rachel Stothert MMM deputy editor

After spending most of my summer holidays touring round the southwest with my anglophile parents, I have many fond memories of Cornwall. And one campsite that stands out is Dennis Cove Camping. The site forms the basis of many holiday recollections. There’s the time we hired some surf canoes and paddled about on the small lake next door. Or the times we hired bikes and cycled along the Camel Trail. Or the time when the ‘van was too big to fit down the lane so was traded in soon after. I returned here as a grown-up (sort of),

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dragging my extremely patient other half with me. We spent a delightful day cycling from Wadebridge to Bodmin and back. The site is very close to the Camel Trail. Go down the hill, turn right along that aforementioned pond, cross a stile and you’re on the trail. Ten minutes’ walk and you’re in Padstow with its restaurants, crazy golf, crabbing in the harbour and gorgeous Roskilly’s ice cream. It’s idyllic. There’s even a beach, but it’s a trek over the headland. Our pick is Bin Two, a wine merchants just off the harbour. We’ve whiled away hours on the terrace with a bottle from the shop (£5 corkage), dipping bread in balsamic vinegar and watching the world go by. Heavenly.

Dennis Cove Camping Dennis Lane, Padstow PL28 8DR Tel: 01841-532349 Web: www.denniscove.co.uk

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Travel MMM’s favourite campsites Rupert Jago Travel editors’ dog Asking us to nominate our favourite site is like asking a child in a sweet shop to opt for just one jar... However, one member of the family does have a firm favourite, and that’s our dog, Rupert, who would visit Camping la Chaumiére every week if he could. It’s easy to understand why the site is a paradise for dogs: your dog is remembered by name, offered a biscuit on arrival and is welcome to visit the bar/restaurant for an evening beverage. Pitches offer plenty of grass on which to roll or snooze, and there is a plethora of local footpaths within a short walk for the stretching of canine legs. It’s not only great for dogs, though, as, alongside all the usual amenities, the site offers a bar/restaurant, a small swimming pool situated in a suntrap, and a site owner whose character is bigger than his campsite, and whose opinions on life never fail to entertain! Listening to Guy’s bellowed instructions to campers as they attempt to park on their pitches is a daily delight. “Practicalities are so boring,” yawns our canine companion, but they are necessary to a smooth holiday,

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Camping la Chaumiére 59285 Buysscheure, France Tel: +33-(0)328-43035 Web: www.campinglachaumiere.com

and here are just two of those on offer: if you ask in advance, the site will book you an appointment with a vet in St Omer for the necessary Pet Passport procedures for the return to the UK; and while you are in St Omer there’s a handy supermarket where you can fill the ‘van with fuel for the trip home – and wine/beer/cheese/bread or whatever. For those who cannot bear to be separated from their electronic buddies there is free Wi-Fi in the site bar. So, whether or not you are a dog person, if you want to experience a slice of proper rural French life, then a visit to Camping la Chaumiére could well be a good addition to your ‘to do’ list.

David Chapman Travel & wildlife photographer I have grown accustomed to site details being embellished in official literature and on websites. A common trick is for a campsite to borrow a name from the natural world to lure wildlife watchers with an implied promise of its wildlife credentials. Needless to say, when I arrived at Seal Shore on the Isle of Arran, I had already conditioned myself not to expect seals, or for that matter otters (which are also mentioned on the website). In fact I had pretty much ruled out the possibility of the site even being

on the shore, thinking that it would be a stone’s throw from the beach or it might be possible to see the shore if you stand on top of the camper van! My fears were dashed and my hopes were raised as we rounded the corner and spotted Seal Shore. It is indeed on the shore and a beautiful one at that. From the pitches it is possible to wander onto the beach or relax and enjoy the not-sodistant views of Pladda Island, together with its distinctive lighthouse, and the remarkable volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig. But, what of the wildlife? Being on a shore doesn’t guarantee seals. Well, I must

admit that I couldn’t see seals from the site but, after walking a few hundred yards, I certainly could. Just along the shore I found a group of about twenty common seals basking on the rocks at low tide. They sat and watched as I crawled close enough to take photos. On the beach I also photographed Dunlin in summer plumage. This would have been enough for me but on the fourth day Sarah and I even saw an otter fishing not more than 100 yards from the campsite. If you like to see wildlife with minimal effort in beautiful places then Seal Shore is difficult to beat.

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Seal Shore Kildonan, Isle of Arran Tel: 01770-820320 Web: www.campingarran.com

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1/5/12 10:49:49


On Test Auto-Sleeper Broadway EB

FITTER BRIT Auto-Sleeper Broadway EB on 2.2-litre Peugeot Boxer

Words by Di Johnson Pictures by Pete Johnson

A restyled, slimmer version of an English classic low-profile gains a brand new layout for this season

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hen a respected producer of motorhomes makes changes to one of its � � models we should all sit up and � take notice. The Auto-Sleeper � � Broadway EB, the model in question, is a classic two-berth compact low-profile coachbuilt built on a standard Peugeot Boxer chassis cab. The EB’s interior is arranged with two longitudinal settees providing great feet-up lounging and a transverse double bed. Alternative longitudinal singles can be achieved by utilising the swivelled front seats. The singles option isn’t mentioned in the brochure, but it’s possible. A mid kitchen and across-the-rear washroom complete the story. Auto-Sleepers has always been a favourite with the British for cast-iron reasons. It’s a respected brand that has the knack of producing quintessentially English motorhomes. These vehicles suit the special requirements imposed by the mercurial British climate and the sensible desire of the folks in these islands to be at their ease. In other words they’re supremely comfortable and cosy inside – even the name advertises its origins. Nothing to do with New York Showbiz, Broadway is a picturesque village in the Cotswolds near Auto-Sleepers’ headquarters at Willersey. The new Broadway range is slimmer, lighter and fitter then its predecessor. There’s also been a weight saving of some 50kg over the ���� ����

old model. The changes include alloy replacing GRP for skirts, stylish new rear panel and windup overcab sunroof. The optional awning is of the bolted-on-the-exterior type, rather than the smarter, but weighty, recessed device. I was hoping that the test Broadway would come equipped with the latest Euro 5 engine, but It was not to be, as Andy Brand, AutoSleepers’ marketing director, informed me before I collected it from Marquis Devon. With the new Euro 5 compliant engine we should expect to see better fuel economy than with the previous unit. There’s no escaping that, in the long term, the only way is up for fuel prices. Also, the model tested wasn’t equipped with Peugeot’s new dashboard. However, another model in the showroom was, so we had a peek at things to come. When we collected the ‘van from Marquis Devon we were pleasantly surprised by the handover from Richard Babbage. Unhurried and detailed, and with any little issues, such as a drawer AT A GLANCE that didn’t catch properly, dealt ■ PRICE FROM: £51,995 OTR with cheerfully. I think that like (Euro 5 model) most folk I can be understanding ■ BERTHS: 2 when there are glitches, but it’s ■ BASE VEHICLE: Peugeot Boxe r how they’re handled that can MWB chassis cab make the difference. ■ LAYOUT: Rear washroom low profile We took delivery of the ■ ECONOMY: 27.4mpg Broadway in decidedly chilly

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Live-in Test report

conditions and drove it up to the Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club site on the fringes of Dartmoor. This elevated position demonstrated how cosy the ’van could be in the vagaries of moorland weather. And we certainly had plenty of weather! There were 70mph gusts of wind and enough rain to supply Saudi Arabia’s water for a year. Such is the lot of a motorhome tester; cue violin music...

POWER

With the 2.2-litre 130bhp HDi engine under the bonnet, this Broadway was no sluggard. She did everything asked of her on the narrow and steep hills of Dartmoor’s roads. The six-foot overhang at the rear is not excessive and gears were as easy and slick as its Fiat Ducato relation. Rattles came from the usual suspects: grill, oven and the Heki rooflight’s cords vibrating. Tea towel padding and closing the Heki’s flyscreen solved them. Although the Broadway we were provided with didn’t have the new dashboard or Euro 5 engine (they weren’t available when it was built), subsequent new Broadways will be so equipped. Differences on the new dash see heater controls www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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that look easier to use, due to white outlining making them more visible, while the radio is built-in rather than being a slot-in thief magnet. There’s no rearwards through-view in this Broadway, so the fitted rearview camera was a blessing, and unlike a reversing camera, it’s always on. I noticed – with all the rain – there was some distortion caused by droplets of water on the lens. When I had the setting sun full on my face (that didn’t happen very often), I also found it difficult to see the screen image. Sun visors are rarely low enough for me.

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LOOKS

Let’s get this out of the way: we were as cosy, warm and comfortable as we expected we should be in an Auto-Sleeper. This was despite everything that Dartmoor could throw at us. Now, let’s deal with looks. Wow! Auto-Sleepers’ designers have excelled themselves. The designers have used some careful positioning of graphics in grey, silver and blue to accentuate the already good lines of the lowprofile body. On the GRP rear they have come up with a panel that manages to exude quality, with a big U-shaped silver line emphasising a recess in the panel.

1 The latest Broadway is good-looking and svelte 2 Classic twin-sofa lounge is well illuminated by a large overcab sunroof 3 The test ‘van’s Euro 4 engine is confirmed by standard cab accoutrements 4 The Euro 5 cab includes darker plastics and new stereo 5 Fresh water fill system includes a submersible pump for top-ups SAMPLER 2012 I 25

1/5/12 10:51:57


On Test Bessacarr E572 & Knaus Sky TI 700MEG BESSACARR E572

SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS Bessie’s big hitter in the low profile single-bed stakes squares up to the Sky Ti, a brand new model from born-again Knaus Words & pictures by Jonathan Lloyd

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his comparison feature focuses on two motorhomes that feature permanent � � single beds. We are aware that � any motorhome with sufficiently � � long rear settees can have semipermanent beds just by leaving the bedding in place and utilising the swivelled ���� ����

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cab seats as armchairs. That, however, misses the point. The permanent beds in both our combatants are equipped with proper mattresses, not dual-purpose seat squabs, Also, each arrives with a spacious lounge. At time of writing, there’s just one per cent difference in the LAYOUT PLAN figures on the windscreen tickets. (25ft 3.5in) ■ OVERALL LENGTH: 7.71m Both just managing to shimmy 8.5in) (7ft m 2.35 TH: WID L ■ OVERAL under the 55 grand bar. I say ‘at the time of writing’ because Knaus is a German manufacturer. However, fluctuating currency exchange rates may not have as much of an months that it’s started exporting to the UK impact than with other European brands, again. If memory serves, Lowdhams has been because the company fixes its UK prices for importing and selling these stylish six months. motorhomes since 2000. Although Knaus emerged from bankruptcy Bessacarr, meanwhile has previously been three years ago, it’s only been in the last few the most conservative brand within the Swift www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

1/5/12 10:55:52


On Test Bessacarr E572 & Knaus Sky TI 700MEG BESSACARR E572

SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS Bessie’s big hitter in the low profile single-bed stakes squares up to the Sky Ti, a brand new model from born-again Knaus Words & pictures by Jonathan Lloyd

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his comparison feature focuses on two motorhomes that feature permanent � � single beds. We are aware that � any motorhome with sufficiently � � long rear settees can have semipermanent beds just by leaving the bedding in place and utilising the swivelled ���� ����

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cab seats as armchairs. That, however, misses the point. The permanent beds in both our combatants are equipped with proper mattresses, not dual-purpose seat squabs, Also, each arrives with a spacious lounge. At time of writing, there’s just one per cent difference in the LAYOUT PLAN figures on the windscreen tickets. (25ft 3.5in) ■ OVERALL LENGTH: 7.71m Both just managing to shimmy 8.5in) (7ft m 2.35 TH: WID L ■ OVERAL under the 55 grand bar. I say ‘at the time of writing’ because Knaus is a German manufacturer. However, fluctuating currency exchange rates may not have as much of an months that it’s started exporting to the UK impact than with other European brands, again. If memory serves, Lowdhams has been because the company fixes its UK prices for importing and selling these stylish six months. motorhomes since 2000. Although Knaus emerged from bankruptcy Bessacarr, meanwhile has previously been three years ago, it’s only been in the last few the most conservative brand within the Swift www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

1/5/12 10:55:52


Head-to-head test KNAUS SKY TI 700MEG

Group, though the 2012 model year has seen a significant makeover to the 500 series of low profiles, with warp-factor improvement to spec levels. Both are low-profile coachbuilts with the Knaus stretching the tape to 7.47m and the Bessie to 7.71m. More significant is the difference in underpinnings, which we’ll discuss later. Both ‘vans are easy on the eye. Clever graphics try valiantly, but just manage to fail in disguising what are basically slab-sided bodies. Bessie arrived with some clever 3D stick-on panels, which we liked. In response, the Knaus pitched up with a striking slate grey cab, which we liked even more! Although the Knaus is in right-hand drive format, the conversion isn’t handed for the UK so the entrance door remains on our offside.

MOTIVE POWER

Both are 2.3-litre Euro 5 offerings, though with different engine mapping and turbochargers. The Knaus LAYOUT PLAN motor supplies an extremely (24ft 6in) healthy 130bhp, whereas the ■ OVERALL LENGTH: 7.47m (7ft 8in) Bessie (thanks to a variable ■ OVERALL WIDTH: 2.34m geometry turbocharger and some whizzo ‘black box’ changes) manages an extra 20 horses and a healthy 10 per cent increase in another manufacturer’s overcab coachbuilt torque at 300 fewer rpm. Each has a manual equipped with the different engines. six-speed gearbox as standard, with autos – Unsurprisingly, the 130bhp unit was more Comfort-Matic – as options. than adequate and was never found wanting. As tested, both were well specified thanks The 150bhp motor, meanwhile, allowed the to the inclusion of Lowdhams’ UK Pack on the vehicle to remain in higher gears for longer Knaus and the Swift Group’s Elegance Pack when driving against a strong headwind up on the Bessie. Cruise control, cab airmotorway inclines. conditioning, electrically-operated mirrors and These differences will be less noticeable on windows are appealing. these low profile lovelies than on high and As an aside, is there now a generation of mighty overcabs, but may become more young motorists who can’t operate a manual apparent when towing. window? Whatever, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and To sum up, the difference is noticeable, but automatic control of the division of stopping not as significant as some ‘saloon-bar sages’ power between front and back wheels (EBD) will have you believe. The real USP of the 150 will be rather more important to many than lump is that one can specify Fiat’s classpowered windows. leading Comfort-Matic automatic gearbox.

ROAD MANNERS

These are not live-in tests with a serious amount of miles covered, so my comments on the relative merits of each engine are based on a recent experience of driving two versions of

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1 A fancy new stereo, printed-on dash ‘wood’ and 150 nags under the bonnet mark out this Euro 5 Ducato 2 Only new heater controls announce the Knaus’ Euro 5 base SAMPLER 2012 I 27

1/5/12 10:56:28


COMPACT KIPPING Looking for the convenience of an ever-ready bed, but don’t want a monster motorhome? Van conversions can offer just this and work very well too. Jo Vaughan explains, and assesses the talents of three alternatives

When Adria first launched the Twin, with its fixed transverse bed, no-one knew how the mainstream market was going to react. Smaller UK convertors had previously put fixed beds into van conversions, but it was only when the Twin arrived that other larger producers adopted the concept. Many see permanent beds as wasted space, but I see it differently. I love my VW camper, but would like something a little

RELAXING SPACE

The only trouble with fixed bed van conversions is that its other living areas inevitably have to be compromised to make space. I lived with an Adria Twin for six months and, although I loved the bedroom and the kitchen and bathroom were adequate, I did miss the sprawling space offered by a large lounge. Its half dinette was comfortable, but not the same as having a settee to relax on. But some of these motorhomes do offer a more comprehensive lounge. For example, the 2011 Rapido V56, with its side seat that also hides the gas cylinders, or the Concorde Compact with its full dinette. Meanwhile, the 28 I SAMPLER 2012

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larger, however I don’t want to drive something of coachbuilt dimensions. I often travel late at night, so like an instant bed, and when I’m travelling with my daughter I like to put her to bed and still have a lounge to relax in. The design also provides four belted travel seats and the large storage area under the bed is very useful. Measuring around six metres long, these ‘vans don’t take up too much driveway space either.

Devon Monaco’s cab chairs swivel to create two additional single seats, making four in total. Bespoke conversions might feature alternative lounge configurations. Where you can put your television varies wildly – you’re unlikely to have a dedicated locker in such a small motorhome, so you may have to fix a flat-screen telly to a nearby wall, or sit your set on a counter-top.

COOKING

Again, kitchens are another area of compromise, with most having a very simple galley consisting a two-burner hob, fridge and sink. Rarely do you get an in-built draining

board and there’s often very little worktop space. To counter this, some manufacturers have fitted a flip-up work-surface to the end of the kitchen unit, but this often partially blocks the sliding door, which isn’t great if you’ve got kids running in and out, while some argue this is a hazard in the event of a fire. Again, there are exceptions, such as the La Strada Avanti with its L-shaped galley – made possible due to its fixed double bed that drops from the roof. The more modern versions, such as the Swift Mondial FB, do manage to fit a grill however, and some have compressor fridges rather than the ordinary three-way type. www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Secondhand choice

AVAILABLE AT THE DEALERS... ADRIA TWIN ■ LOCATION LOCATION: Chelston Motorhomes, Chelston Business Park, Wellington TA21 9JE ■ CONTACT: Tel: 01823-662075 Web: www.chelstononline.co.uk ■ YEAR: 2007 ■ MILEAGE: 21,571 ■ BASE VEHICLE: Fiat Ducato ■ BERTHS: 2

SAYS... There’s plenty of well executed storage, the conversion is well built, and this one offers reasonable value too. A drawback is the rather small lounge-diner, where seating is quite upright. The Adria Twin started the modern trend for this layout, and it still remains a favourite today.

This is the marque that’s the easiest to find. Adria was the first of the mainstream manufacturers to produce this layout, and still remains a force to be reckoned with. This three-owner-from-new motorhome is in excellent condition inside and out. It’s basically pretty standard with few optional extras – although an awning has been added, which is a bonus. It’s powered by Fiat’s 2.2-litre, 100bhp turbo-diesel, which is good to drive and pokey enough to easily keep up with traffic flow. There are travel seats for four people thanks to the three-point belts in the half-dinette. The

£29,995 cab seats swivel to face this and make up a four-person lounge-diner. The transverse bed folds up to create a large loading space, big enough for bikes and other bulky items. An opening door on its front edge allows it to become a fantastic kennel if you’ve got a pooch on board.

DEVON MONACO ■ LOCATION: Alan Kerr Ltd, Yalberton Industrial Estate, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7QP ■ CONTACT: Tel: 01803-522098 Web: www.alankerrltd.co.uk ■ YEAR: 2004 ■ MILEAGE: 49,132 ■ BASE VEHICLE: Renault Master ■ BERTHS: 2

SAYS... It’s rare, but not impossible to find a Devon Monaco (later known as Monte Carlo). Don’t let the Renault base put you off, as it’s very good, although test driving any vehicle is essential before purchase. Devon is still going strong so if you have any worries you can easily get help.

This Devon Monaco is unusual for both its layout and its base vehicle. Based on the Renault Master and powered by a 2.5-litre engine it should be lovely to drive, as Renaults were amongst the best of their ilk a few years back. The comfy car-like cab seats swivel to face the two single seats behind; all offer three-point seatbelts. These easily turn into single beds if you wish to sleep four on-board. And of course, there’s the large transverse bed at the rear – along with its accompanying storage cavern beneath – as the main sleeping quarters.

£25,995 This Monaco has good service history and extras including cab aircon, awning, TV aerial and reversing sensors. The 49,132 miles on the clock may seem a lot but that’s only just over 7,000 miles per year, which isn’t massive. Although there are some small signs of age there appears to be nothing glaring that needs to be dealt with.

WYVERN LEISURE ■ LOCATION LOCATION: Chelston Motorhomes, Chelston Business Park, Wellington TA21 9JE ■ CONTACT: Tel: 01823-662075 Web: www.chelstononline.co.uk ■ YEAR: 2009 ■ MILEAGE: 6,547 ■ BASE VEHICLE: Fiat Ducato ■ BERTHS: 2

SAYS... You’re unlikely to find another Wyvern Leisure ‘van exactly the same, but it just goes to show that if you keep your eye open you might find some oneoffs or unusual campers that meet your requirements. Alternatively, hurry along to Chelston and you may still find this one there!

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Wyvern Leisure is a small bespoke converter based in Somerset that, in this case, has installed a transverse rear bed layout in this Fiat Ducato. The bed doesn’t flip up here, but there is a huge storage area beneath that’s accessed by opening the rear doors. There are small windows at each end of the bed, and two set into the rear doors too. The washroom has a fixed cassette toilet and a flip-down washbasin, while the kitchen very well equipped, with a full domestic-style oven and a generous fridge. The furniture is finished in leather and the cab seats swivel to face an

£35,995 inward-facing settee. Extras on board this two-owner-fromnew camper include a bike rack, aerial, awning, Avtex TV, ladder, roof bars and tow bar. The condition appears excellent inside and out. This unusual fixed bed camper is powered by Fiat’s trusty and common 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine.

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1/5/12 11:16:39


Classic motorhoming Advice from our expert Martin Watts on buying and running an older motorhome

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ecause I tend to immerse myself in the world of older motorhomes, it is sometimes quite easy to forget just how long some of the base vehicles have been around, a case in point being the original Renault Trafic. I see so many Trafic-based motorhomes at rallies, and in general camping use throughout the year, without actually stopping to digest the fact that the Trafic has now been around for a very long time. Yet, despite the rust and corrosion issues surrounding the earlier examples, there are large numbers of models from the 1980s still giving their owners excellent service. Introduced in 1980 to replace the dated Renault Estafette, the Trafic was a welcome addition as a base vehicle for motorhome conversion in the UK, which was dominated by Volkswagen, the MkII Ford Transit, Bedford CF and Dodge Spacevan (formerly the Commer). Whereas the Estafette had not been widely distributed on these shores, and had only been used by one UK converter (Estafette Touriste by Coachwork Conversions), the Trafic with its sleek new look and bigger proportions was pounced upon by the motorhome designers in the UK as a great base for a panel van conversion, with either a rising roof or high-top. Both Auto-Sleepers and Richard Holdsworth developed quality models based on the Trafic and, when the all-new Talbot Express/Fiat Ducato, was released a couple of years later, these two new models fast became the base vehicles of choice among UK buyers, alongside the evergreen VW of course. Few British coachbuilt examples

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utilised the Trafic chassis, with two notable exceptions being the Elddis Eclipse and Holdsworth Ranger. European coachbuilt models included releases from Eriba, Pilote and Rapido. As with most light commercial ranges, the Trafic was available in both SWB and LWB format, with a variety of engine options and several changes over the production years. Engine variants include the 1,397cc and 1,647cc petrol OHV engines as well as the 2,164cc, 2,068cc and 2,499cc OHC units. Only the 2,499cc and 1,870cc diesel units

were available on later models. Gearboxes included both four and five-speed with automatic options. The Renault Trafic-based campers of the 1980s and 90s represent really good value for money, as prices on the used market (especially privately) are reasonable. It’s amazing how much £2,500-plus will get you as there are some very nice Auto-Sleeper and Holdsworth examples around within this price range. The main area of concern when viewing any older Trafic models will be the dreaded rust bug but, despite the early Trafic’s reputation for rust, there are a considerable number still giving good service to their satisfied owners. Check the usual culprit areas such as wheel arches (inner and outer), door bottoms, the bonnet edge and chassis rails/outriggers. As with any used purchase, an example

eorge Stopps is a fan of the older models having owned a very nice Autohomes Avalon for a number of years, a vehicle I featured in the ‘slow’ lane pages back in 2008. He has been busy touring the continent in the Avalon, and has seen several interesting older motorhomes during a holiday in the Netherlands. George kindly took a few pictures of ‘home’ conversions. I can see that the orange motorhome is Mercedes-based, but can’t make out the old bus/coach marque. Does anyone know? It never fails to amaze me the weird and wonderful motorhomes you can see whilst touring, especially in Holland, Belgium and France where they have a real penchant for converting some lovely old vehicles.

30 I FEBRUARY 2012

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1/5/12 11:17:24


Buying a classic RARE CAMPER WINS AWARD I’m sure that most classic vehicle enthusiasts will have visited the wonderful Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford near Yeovil at some point. Last year it held the ‘Rare Breeds’ show, with a number of awards up for grabs in various categories. I was delighted to hear that a rare camper, in the form of the lovely Mini Wildgoose owned by Rob and Audrey Goodwin, took the Curator’s Choice prize. Rob (pictured with daughter, Jennifer) is a classic Mini fan, having purchased the Wildgoose several years ago and carried out a full restoration. Rob and his family camped regularly in the Mini, which is one of only a handful of examples left in the UK, for the first couple of years after its rebuild. It has a large awning attached to the rear. Alas, a

Wildgoose is not the most comfortable of classic campers, especially for three people on holiday, and Rob purchased another classic for longer touring holidays and breaks. The new ‘van was an Auto-Sleeper Leisure Executive, based on the Freight Rover. Rob likes his classic vehicles to be in

excellent order, so the Freight Rover was also given a full rebuild. Rob now has the classic Auto-Sleeper up for sale on the Classic Camper Club forum (www.classiccamperclub.co.uk), and I have no doubt that his next classic ‘van will also be given the complete makeover treatment.

ON THE MARKET THIS MONTH

with previous service history records and receipts for replacement parts will be far more appealing to any prospective buyer. A recent trawl of the internet revealed several Trafic examples which appeared to be in good order. I found a 1994 Eddis Eclipse coachbuilt showing just 52k on the clock with a price tag of £8,995 and a 1992 Auto-Sleeper high-top which had 71k miles, priced at £5,995, both for sale via trade dealerships. On the private scene (where you have no warranty or comebacks) I spotted a couple of possible bargains, notably a 1987 Auto-Sleeper Rapport for £2,000 and a 1983 Holdsworth Romance for £1,200. Both had a current MoT and reasonable mileage given their age. As is the case with any older base vehicle, parts are not always easy to come by, though I believe Renault still carries some stock for the older Trafic, and your local motor factor will be able to source many items. Don’t forget the internet auction site eBay; there is often a selection of parts and service items listed for the Trafic. After talking to several owners of the older Trafic, it seems that new headlights are now like proverbial gold dust and command very high prices when they come up for sale. One older Trafic-based motorhome with a very dedicated following around the world is the 1980s Winnebago Le Sharo. I believe that around 15,000 units were produced between 1983 and 1992, and the Le Sharo became www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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quite popular in the UK and remains so today. Long, sleek and with distinctive exterior styling, this model can be picked up on the used market for anything from £1,500 for a rolling restoration through to £8,000-plus for a real beauty. Renault supplied Winnebago with the chassis cab and conversion work was carried out in the USA. If you want to learn more about the Le Sharo, then www.lesharo.co.uk is packed with information and pictures. The Renault Trafic Motorhome Register (www.rtmr.org) is a group of Trafic owners/enthusiasts dedicated to keeping the earlier models on the road.

As I often say, winter is the best time to pick up a motorhome/camper bargain, and I have seen some really nice ‘vans selling for very little money recently on a certain internet auction site. There is also usually a bargain or three on the classified section of www.outandaboutlive.co.uk and December (when I compiled this column) was no exception. I’m a huge fan of the old Autohomes Camelot, and in the early-90s the Camelot became the Avalon, with near identical layout and slightly improved spec. So, when I spotted a mint example dating from 1991, I could not help lingering on the advert (okay, daydreaming). Showing a mileage of just 47k and with service history, the asking price was a snip at £5,500 for such a well cared for ‘van.

That concludes my take on the used/older/ classic ‘van scene for this month. Please remember to keep your stories, ideas, suggestions and pictures rolling in throughout the winter months. I look forward to hearing from you either via good old-fashioned post or via email (address below). Safe journeys and happy camping until next time.

Is your ‘van 15 years old or over? Write to me with your news, stories, ideas or problems:

+ @ *

Martin Watts, c/o Rachel Stothert, MMM deputy editor, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH Please enclose an SAE if you require a personal reply and for the return of photographs. rachels@warnersgroup.co.uk

SAMPLER 2012 I 31

1/5/12 11:17:35


VW VAN CONVERSION

In this concluding two part review, John Wickersham describes some of the later tasks in a self-build 2006 VW T5 Transporter

L

ast month, plans to start a DIY conversion were described and it was reported that finding a suitable pre-owned panel van can often be frustrating. When a vehicle was eventually purchased, the first task was to carry out the all-important weighbridge checks. This is a job which all self-builders must carry out before commencing constructional work. It is certainly worrying that a surprising number of self-builders claim to be concerned with personal safety, want to comply with the law and then ignore the matter of weight. If you’d like to catch-up with the topics covered in part one, have a look at the MMM website www.outandaboutlive.co.uk or type in tinyurl.com/7gd6uft into your web browser. In the first of this two-part report, issues covered included: • insurance • finding parts and components • different approaches to furniture construction • fitting floor panels • running power cables for later connection • adding thermal insulation • panelling-out the walls • getting auto glass fitted in the rear doors • using a combined hob and sink unit to calculate the dimensions of kitchen furniture. Having made a significant start to the project, the next job was to increase the interior headroom. Unfortunately, there are some cutprice, ‘self-styled’ specialists who are fitting both high-top and elevating roof structures with a total disregard for base vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. The installation work is dreadful and a few months ago, one newlyfitted high-top roof started to part company with its van on the M25 not far from Watford. The distraught owner called a recovery organisation and a strap was passed around the body to hold the ‘lid’ down before the vehicle was towed to a compound. And that’s only one of several reports we’ve received. The point to appreciate is simple. You can’t simply cut away a roof panel with all its reinforcing ribs and then stick on a GRP replacement roof. Structural reinforcement is needed as well.

ROOF MODIFICATIONS

Even though ‘roof-raising’ work isn’t cheap, neither my co-builder nor I wanted a low line vehicle. I prefer well-fabricated high-top GRP roofs but my colleague and his wife both

This steel framework is held in place with riveted plates and bonding sealant such as Sikaflex-252 or Sikaflex512 Caravan 32 I SAMPLER 2012

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After much debate, it was decided to have an elevating roof fitted to the VW Transporter

preferred the idea of a canvas-sided elevating roof. That is usually more costly but a retracting roof does provide a better chance of accessing parking areas equipped with height barriers. Similarly, when a roof is lowered, the improved driving performance in winds and better fuel economy led us to pursue the pop-top option. But there was a snag. Our self-build project had to be constructed outdoors regardless of the weather and on a drive a mere four metres from a major road. The prospect of removing a roof ourselves really didn’t seem wise. So this part of the conversion was one of the few operations that we entrusted to a wellestablished professional installer. We were also insistent that the additional strengthening framework prescribed by VW should be mechanically secured and supported with bonding adhesive. Bearing in mind that Middlesex Motorcaravans had originally tracked-down our pre-owned base vehicle and has converted many of its own VW Transporters this was the specialist that we booked for the job. The company also agreed to take step-by-step photos of the installation in progress for publication. Only one difficulty...there would be several months’ wait before work could start. As the accompanying photograph shows, once the original roof had been removed, a very robust perimeter framework is fixed all around the aperture. These rugged structures are purpose-made for the job and it’s hard to believe that ‘rogue installers’ don’t bother to fit reinforcement at all. A fuller description of this work was reported recently in a step-by-step illustrated article published in MMM (January 2011, p163). To find out more about installations like this, refer back to this earlier article.

WINDOW INSTALLATION

As explained in part one, my co-builder Dave had once worked as a joiner and had no qualms about constructing furniture for this ‘camper van’. However, the idea of cutting apertures to accommodate double-glazed Seitz S4 ‘framed’ windows didn’t appeal to him one bit. So I arranged to install the first window at my ‘place’ to show what the job entails. In a Seitz S4 window, the inner frame (which houses the blind rollers) is tightly screwed to the outer frame (which supports the acrylic panes); these fixings draw the two separate sections tightly together. However, the metal panels of a van are extremely thin and a timber framework has to be constructed to increase the ‘thickness’ of the van’s sides. That was a task for Dave to tackle, and as the modifications were made, some of the lining fabric already used was fitted round the frame as well. The pictures alongside show what this entailed. It’s not unusual for the sides of a van to have

The plastic inner assembly acted as a template when a wooden frame and ply surround were constructed to house it. The resulting structure was covered with lining material www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

1/5/12 11:20:48


Motorcaravanning matters KITCHEN FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Attention now turned to the kitchen furniture unit. It was time to consider the collection and disposal of waste water from the sink. Dave wanted a simple system. After all, it’s seldom easy mounting waste water tanks on vans because there isn’t much under-floor ground clearance. That said, many users of campervans don’t normally expect home-like sophistication, so the waste water issue was dealt with as follows:

The inner blind housing was then removed so that the wooden sub-frame could be offered-up inside. Its final position determined where to drill the metal panel in each corner

The kitchen unit had been fitted, removed, adjusted and refitted on numerous occasions. Now the set-up was making more sense: space for a refrigerator on the left; cupboard on the right

The right-hand cupboard was directly below the kitchen sink and it was decided to use this space to accommodate a standard type of polythene water container to collect the waste water

A non-slip mat was cut to fit the base of the compartment and, as the previous photo revealed, a retaining strap was mounted to the side of the compartment to secure the container

Since there won’t be smells forming in the waste container, there isn’t any need to fit a water trap to the sink outlet. As regards the hose, Supaflex with its smooth lining was purchased from CAK

The 3mm (1/8in) holes drilled in each corner of the frame from inside allowed the cutting lines to be marked and taped on the exterior. Careful work with a jig saw created the aperture

Rough edges were filed later and the inner frame was bonded to the metal panel using black Sikaflex-531 Caravan. Spare timber on the outside prevented the Gcramps from damaging paint

a slight bow on the surface and it helped to flatten the panel a small amount by cautiously cramping-up the struts. Larger discrepancies appearing when a flat frame is bonded to a mildly curving metal panel can also be resolved later by adding more sealant under the outer window frame. Ideally this shouldn’t be needed but van sides are seldom completely flat. Also be aware that to achieve its formidable bonding capacity, a layer of around 3-4mm of Sikaflex must remain between the mating surfaces. Whereas the Gcramps need to be tightened, don’t overdo this or too much sealant gets squeezed out. Equally, remember that it takes up to 24 hours for this type of bonding adhesive to ‘cure’ completely. N.B. Another product often used for this task instead of Sikaflex-531 Caravan is Sikaflex221. Contact the company for details. Thanks to careful preparation, window components on the wall opposite the sliding door were soon screwed together and more detailed information on windows was given in an article in MMM (September 2011, p201). Just in case there might be a later need to tighten the two sections which form the window further, white plastic caps which hide screws in the fly screen frame inside were not fitted until later. Once pressed fully home, these caps can be quite difficult to remove without causing damage. www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Some motorcaravanners might want a water-level monitoring system to warn when a tank needs emptying, but simplicity was the rule of the day in this project. Moreover, a well-specified model will include a waste tank (or jerry can) whose capacity is only slightly less than the capacity of the supply tank. In other words, whenever the fresh supply runs out and needs replenishment, you also empty the waste tank. Then there won’t be any overflows. As regards the fresh water supply, good quality products were required but complication again wasn’t needed. With no shower cubicle in this small vehicle, there were no plans for a hot water heater. Boiling a kettle is fine for washing dishes and that task has never proved a hindrance in the small vans I’ve built. However, were there to be a change of heart in future, a mixer tap was installed at the sink.

This smart tap from Whale needed a large hole in the domestic-type work top. This was formed with a holesaw cutter and if you have doubts about using one, practice first on some scrap wood

Semi-rigid pipe with push-fit couplings is far better than hose-and-clip systems. Cut the ends squarely and to accurate lengths. Push tubing fully home into a coupling when making joints

A Whale Premium pump was ideal for this vehicle and the kit of parts included a short length of flexible hose, together with two braided feeds to the steel tap complete with push-fit ends

Two fresh water tanks are fitted at the rear of the van just inside the door. The submersible pump is coupled alongside and this effective arrangement was copied from Middlesex Motorcaravans

SAMPLER 2012 I 33

1/5/12 11:21:19


Motorcaravanning matters interchange OVEN SWAP

We have a Bessacarr E460 motorhome that we are very happy with. It is fitted with a microwave oven that we would like to replace with a combi (micro/grill/convection) oven of about the same size. Do you consider this would be ok? Should we line out the cupboard with heat-reflecting lining or does it require an extractor fan behind it? We would like to know your thoughts on this possible alteration. John and Margaret Milner by email MMM consultant George Collings: The size of the existing oven housing governs your choice of its replacement. Manufacturers normally make recommendations for the minimum dimensions for a cabinet to allow for adequate ventilation to deal with the heat and moisture produced during cooking. Some microwave cookers are only intended to be free standing. Adding extra insulation and heat shielding may take up space that could be better used for ventilation. Bear in mind that even when vented, the hot air has to go somewhere and headroom in many motorcaravans is limited. A caramelised ceiling lowers a ‘van’s resale value! You need to research manufacturer’s websites. Unsurprisingly the more respected (and expensive) makers seem better at providing technical information than budget brands. Combination microwave cookers have potentially greater power demands (in excess of 3.5kW in some cases) and need proportionate ventilation. Mains supply on most UK sites can cope, but many continental sites have quite low limits, which could compromise a more powerful unit’s usefulness. Unless you feel capable of the necessary research and applying it I suggest you discuss the matter with your supplying dealer’s service department, rather than rely on sales staff at an electrical appliance shop.

BENT AWNING

Our 2008 Elddis Autoquest 150 is fitted with a Fiamma wind-out awning. On our second outing we went to Minehead, parked on site and wound the awning out. We went into Minehead for a meal but, while away, there was a bad rain storm. When we arrived back on site, we found the awning had filled with water and collapsed under the weight, breaking the right-hand arm.

:

FADED TRIM FIX?

Every new MMM that arrives I always read the Interchange section first; there’s always something to learn. Reference to Dull Skirts in MMM (December 2011, p178). My 1995 AutoSleeper Legend has dark grey skirts that are faded and look shabby. I tried everything I could to no avail before contacting AutoSleepers, who advised I contact Cheltenham Laminates who produce the monocoque body. They in turn referred me to AOC and, after patiently listening to my tale of woe, they surprised me by saying: “No problem.” Peter Riley provided me with full instructions on how to apply Aquabuff 2000 and Aquabuff Glossmaster - I now have a showroom finish! It’s an easy DIY job. Keeping the skirts damp, but not wet, I applied the Aquabuff 2000 on a lambswool polishing disc using my drill, With only light pressure, I removed the fade. Then I rinsed it off to make sure I hadn’t missed any section before drying and applying Aquabuff Glossmaster in the same way. The result appearing before my eyes was amazing. One satisfied customer. Patrick Beaumont by email On our return home I ordered a new arm and fitted it myself, but unfortunately the awning is still not right. It will not return into the case straight, and will not close without physically manhandling into place and is now secured with plastic ties. Do you know what to do or of a company that repairs awnings? Terry Wall by email Having spoken to Pioneer Leisure UK www. fiammastore.com 01495-214501 they agree with me that the case and/or backplate may have also been twisted. The only remedy is replacement; the parts concerned would be by special order with a possible 12-week delay. Cost-wise they advised total replacement, at your cost or by insurance claim. A little late I know, but it’s always wise to wind in awnings in bad weather or at least have one supporting leg higher than the other to enable rain to run off without collecting in the canopy. TDA

ALARMING PROBLEM?

We have a Rapido 709F bought secondhand. The previous owner had fitted a Sigma M series security system, and we were supplied with two remote fobs and the PIN for the small multi-functional keypad situated at the top of the windscreen. Even if the system is not set, it is necessary to use the remote fob to set and unset before the ignition will work. My problem is that the connection within both fobs’ on/off button appears faulty so that I am sometimes struggling to activate/deactivate the system. When I raised my concern with the dealer they

HOT ONLINE TOPICS!

:

you have to remove the Ducato wings to fit “theDoHella daytime running lights kit, or is this only to fit fog lights?”

Thanks Patrick a great tip, AOC (UK) Ltd are based in Manningtree, Essex their details are www.compms.co.uk (tel: 01206390400) and the online shop can be found at www.aoc-resinsuk.co.uk John Dinning advised an equal mix of White Spirit and Linseed Oil recommended by a used car salesman and says it works a treat on his Starspirit, others suggested neat Linseed Oil. While Geoff Cotton recommends ‘Mr Sheen’. Whatever treatment you use, always test it on an inconspicuous area first. TDA told me the following: a) Not covered by warranty (now expired) b) Only the trade can contact Sigma c) It’s not possible to switch the system off. I am writing as the dealer’s advice has not always been accurate on other matters, and I would be most grateful for advice on how to override the system and/or get replacement fobs that I could trust. John Harvey by email MMM consultant Clive Mott-Gotobed: It may well be the batteries in the remote units, as you have run all the way through the warranty period before you had a problem. If you had this problem from the outset, one wonders why you waited until the warranty had expired before raising it with the vendor? If you continue to have a problem after replacing the batteries, then I’d find an established local vehicle alarm installer and get them to remove the system. They can then perhaps fit a current system that they will support. If your base vehicle has a chip within the key, then the vehicle cannot be stolen without one of your keys so an alarm is only of use against intruder access. You do not need a duplicate immobiliser if this is the case. My experience is that some after-fit alarm / immobilisers can be a pain in the proverbial after a couple of years as the relay contacts inside get dirty or burnt. If you do not need it you are better off without it. Scorpion now owns Sigma www. scorpionauto.com Tel: 01257-249928 for nearest authorised dealer / installer TMA

FOGGY FITMENTS Replies ventured included: ‘I don’t understand why we need running lights, if they can’t see a massive white motorhome they shouldn’t be driving!’ Other opinions ranged from waste of money, compulsory reverse camera would be better. Running lights are ideal for pedestrians to better judge speed of vehicle; sidelights are no good instead of running lights. Thanks to these forum users for their responses: rayjsj, starving marvin, chas, art338

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VISIT

ONLINE to get advice from our friendly forums at: www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Posted by: Frank Mcauley

SAMPLER 2012 I 35

1/5/12 11:47:32


TAXING TIMES

Having purchased a 2.3-litre, 3.5tonne Euro IV motorhome in 2010, I had hoped to reduce the road tax, but was wrong, it is still £215. When I raised this with a friend who has a 2.8-litre, 3.85-tonne motorhome of 1998 vintage he told me that he only paid £165. Now what is the logic in that? I contacted Fiat homologation department who told me that for a motorhome there is only one taxation class applicable (PLG) and that any categories based on Euro emission categories (Euro IV or V) only apply to light goods vehicles (i.e. commercial vehicles and not motorhomes). Would your experts please let us have chapter and verse on this? John Walker by email (not the ex-Radio Caroline DJ) MMM consultant Barry Norris: VED (vehicle excise duty) has a multi-layered rate structure. VED is arranged according to the characteristics of vehicles, where design type approval classification provides the identification of cars, vans, motorcycles and other vehicle types. Of course many commercial vehicles, including motorhomes have not until recently been subject to type approval, so vehicle weight has also provided the determinant for classification. For a motorhome where the V5C registration document states body type as ‘motor caravan’ the correct taxation class is either PLGV (private light goods vehicle) taxation class 11 for vehicles with a gross weight not exceeding 3,500kg or PHGV (private heavy goods vehicle) for those in excess of 3,500kg. Green issues play a part in VED, including an earlier scheme with a lifetime rate differential incentive in VED for light goods vehicles which met with more stringent air pollution emissions to encourage the take up of Euro IV and subsequently Euro V vans. In 2009 and 2010 the VED incentive was to register a light goods vehicle with a Euro V compliant engine by 31 December 2010 to qualify for tax class 36, with an annual VED of £130. Your motorhome would not have qualified as it’s Euro IV and even with a Euro V engine being registered post conversion with ‘motor caravan’ body, it would have qualified for the PLG tax class 11, with annual VED of £215 rather than tax class 36. A motorhome could have benefited from this scheme if its (Euro V) base vehicle had been registered prior to conversion and before 31 December 2010, thus qualifying for the preferential rate and the subsequent body conversion would not have changed the entitlement to that rate. Your friend is lucky that his 3.85 tonne motorhome qualifies as a privately owned heavy goods vehicle not in commercial use and the private HGV rate (PHGV) applies. This rate is linked in legislation to the basic goods rate, which was set at £165 in 2002 and has been frozen since. According to the DVLA there are present no plans to alter the existing general rate tax classification of motor caravans and motorhomes because of changes in type approval, ‘although the Chancellor keeps all tax rates under review as part of the annual budget process’. No doubt any campaign to remove the unjust state of affairs between PLGV and PHGV will see the private heavy goods vehicle rate raised. The full structure of VED classifications can be seen by downloading form V149 from Department for Transports website at www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/forms.aspx VED for 2012 to 2013 will be announced in the next Budget in March 2012. TDA 36 I SAMPLER 2012

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2 HRS

WEEKEND WORKSHOP: DOORCARD RETRIM

My motorhome is not simply a means of travelling from A to B. Other than self-adhesive dash trims manufacturers seem to neglect the cab, that said the Sevel cab door trims (some refer to them as door cards) are so bland in dull grey, I set to and trimmed them to match the plush motorhome interior. You can obtain matching trim fabric via the manufacturers’ supplier (details from motorhome manufacturers’ customer service department) or obtain contrasting fabric locally. If you work on one trim at a time you always have a pattern to refer to when refitting. All Sevel cabs (original, phase two or current) are similar in how they are fitted, the earlier being the most easy as the armrest does not have to be removed and the latest

TOOL CHECKLIST

✔ Trim pliers and tape measure ✔ Pozi & Torx screwdrivers ✔ Hex 5mm socket bit ✔ Sharp knife and scissors ✔ Spray adhesive ✔ Fabric (total amount depends on width – make sure you have plenty spare in case you make a mistake)

more complex. Pre-2002 early models require careful removal of handle horseshoe style clip; on the post-2006 fixings are also behind the corner plastic trim and inside switch aperture. Terry Acreman

STEP ONE Note the fixing screws of door armrest and bottle holder. Remove the Pozi screws holding on the door radio speaker grille and disconnect wire

STEP TWO Remove the Torx-headed screws holding on the lower bottle holder cum storage bin then those of the door armrest note one fixing screw is hidden behind the interior door pull

STEP THREE Gently lever off the window switch assembly and disconnect plugs, by squeezing side clip, the driver’s side is more complex than the passenger side. Wiring loom plugs may be colour coded, but will only fit in one position .

STEP FOUR Using trim pliers, wide blade screwdriver or broad knife ease off door trim studs from plastic holders being careful not to damage trim or stud.

STEP FIVE Lay trim panel onto reverse of fabric and mark outline with pencil, allowing turn-over fabric, apply spray contact adhesive to face of trim panel and fabric. With help cover with fabric avoiding any creasing

STEP SEVEN Refit trim in reverse of removal procedure, line up studs not forgetting to refit radio speaker wiring when fitting armrest assembly. Refit bottle storage bin, interior handle trims and speaker grille

STEP SIX With sharp knife carefully cut switch aperture holes and cut speaker aperture as photograph and glue to underside. Apply adhesive to underside and turn in all fabric avoiding fixing studs and press firmly

STEP EIGHT Finished reworked upholstered trim panel giving a warm and more finished appeal than original basic cab card, any surplus fabric can be used to trim lower seat panels if desired

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

1/5/12 11:48:04


Motorcaravanning matters interchange GEARBOX GRIEF

I need your help please. I put in a claim to my dealer for gearbox repairs to my 1999 Auto-Sleeper Rambler. This was under their warranty Automarq (36 months’ cover). My claim was two days over year two, so into year three. Year two has £1,000 cover, year three £500 cover. My estimate was £1,002.86. Automarq refused to budge on dates, agreeing to pay £500 as strictly contract, the dealership have given me 100 per cent support even trying to obtain the extra £500. Now we come to the problem, this model suffers from a badly designed gearbox. It suffers from water ingress due to water entering the ‘box by drainage from air vent scuttle. This dilutes the gear oil causing failure to third gear synchromesh. Everything I have done to prevent this happening has been done but to no avail. I feel the damage has been happening over a long period. So I contacted Peugeot Customer Care by email, giving full details. Their email reply was that they had noted my points of view and were sorry they could not help due to van being 11 years old and covered 39,000 miles. I am afraid I feel incensed by their reply. This is a campervan. Covering 39,000 miles over 11 years is nothing, as a base vehicle for original use one would expect 300,000 miles by now. I require all the information on these vans when they first came out circa 1999. I believe you published articles on this problem at the time. I hope by building up a dossier of evidence I can approach Peugeot and receive at least some compensation. As I am a pensioner finding an extra £500 is not funny. Any advice how to approach Peugeot would be very helpful. Thank you in advance. Alan F. Polaine by email MMM consultant Barry Norris I understand that this problem with water ingress into the gearbox was fully reported at the time and the manufacturer operated a recall for a modification. Apparently water was able to drip down from the scuttle onto the gear selector. Under consumer law, latent defects are covered for a period of up to six years (five years in Scotland) after original purchase where a problem occurs, which is down to a manufacturing defect. Unfortunately your unit is well outside the limit so I cannot see you achieving any progress along this route with Peugeot. Even within the six-year limit the success of any action would depend very much on facts such as how old the vehicle was, type of defect and how the vehicle had been treated over the intervening years. Only a court could decide on such issues. It does seem rather hard when such a major fault occurs so soon after a major downshift in the warranty cover, but if they are the terms of the warranty contract there is very little you can do. The chances are that Marquis itself does not fund the warranty, but more likely has sold you an insurance-backed warranty.

When you buy goods from a trader you enter into a legally binding contract governed by the Sale of Goods Act 1979, as amended by the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002. The law gives buyer and seller rights and responsibilities and this applies to the sale of used vehicles in the same way as to any other goods. You thus have the right to expect the vehicle to be of satisfactory quality and as described. The law defines goods as being of ‘satisfactory quality’ if they meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory - taking the description of the goods into account, the price and all other applicable circumstances. As this is not a new motorhome, the law looks on the purchase rather differently to a new purchase and in considering whether the goods are of satisfactory quality you need to take into account lower expectations of secondhand goods. It is likely that a reasonable person will consider an 11-year-old vehicle is unlikely to be completely free from fault, nor will it perform in the same way as a brand new vehicle. In addition secondhand goods could be expected to have part-worn parts which will not be as durable as a new model. Reasonableness is often open to discussion and personal opinion and your view, not unreasonably, is that a unit with such low mileage should not suffer gearbox failure. I have spoken to Leigh Tovey, manager for the rebuild section of specialist transmission company Gloucester Road Gearbox (GRGB) Limited for an expert’s opinion. His experience indicates your gearbox problem is not uncommon and motorhomes tend to be more prone to such gearbox faults than their commercial counterparts at relatively low mileage, largely because motorhomes tend to have infrequent usage and to operate at or near full load. It is possible the problem you have experienced is not related to the original water seal problem at all, but only an inspection can provide further light on the problem. So this route for redress with Marquis looks most unpromising. Leigh’s good news is that with third gear problems, sometimes repairs can be relatively inexpensive as individual parts are available, but again without inspection it is impossible to say how extensive the final remedial work will need to be. If you wish to discuss remedial works with Leigh or other specialists at GRGB they can be contacted on 0117-9541424 at their Bristol base or they can put you in touch with one of their agents throughout the south of England. The above is not an authoritative interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance. You may wish to seek further guidance from your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice Bureau.

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HOT ONLINE TOPICS!

anyone recommend anything to clean and kill “Can the mould that has appeared on my seatbelt and cushion covers?” Posted by: wallace m www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

p34 interchange.indd 37

NORTH EAST RV SERVICING

Approximately four years ago we moved to a village outside Darlington, an area I knew very little of. In a conversation with my new neighbour I asked if he knew of any garage in the area that could take our RV for service and MoT. very fortunately his son-in-law was coowner of such a garage and the relationship began. They are knowledgeable, efficient and clean – they now look after our two cars as well. Contact details are JDM Motors, Unit 8 Riverside Industrial Estate, Darlington DL1 2UH Tel: 01325-485544. Alan Briston by email Thanks Alan, always glad to pass on praise for good service TDA

NITROGEN IN TYRES

Several knowledgeable readers have contacted me regarding the item on nitrogen-filled tyres (Interchange December 2011, p172) it appears that the main reason for the use of nitrogen to inflate tyres of specialist vehicles (such as earth movers that may touch overhead cables) and aircraft is to avoid the risk of combustion and the serious consequences of explosion. Oxygen in the compressed air inflated tyre being an unwanted pressurised aid to combustion. TDA Peter Rosenthal adds: Nitrogen-filled tyres can maintain correct pressure for longer than an oxygen-filled tyre - this is the main benefit in using them in motorhome tyres. The theory is that the larger molecules of nitrogen pass through the sidewalls of the tyres less readily than the smaller oxygen molecules. Nitrogen is used in Formula One for its temperature stability (the pressure changes less with heat making the car’s handling more predictable) and this might have a slight benefit in a motorhome as the tyres will get warm on a motorway. Some garages offer free nitrogen top-ups for life, so this is worth considering if you live near a garage offering nitrogen inflation.

MOULD KILLER? Replies included Milton (applied carefully following the instructions as it contains bleach), bicarbonate of soda mixed to a paste and applied with a toothbrush and also Wizz Mould and Mildew Remover from Home Bargains at £1 a bottle. We’d also suggest you look at the cause of the mould: it could be due to a spilt drink or a localised damp issue. Thanks to these forum users for their responses: peter, maggyd, BGD, George Collings, Brian Kirby, knight of the road, Colin Leake, Dr Dave and John N

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1/5/12 11:48:15


JOIN THE BARBIE-QUEUE

Summer is here, so it’s time to get out the barbecue. Or buy a new one. John Milne dons his apron and gives a selection of barbies a bit of a work-out or at home as well (and indeed how many folk you’re looking to cater for). And then, of course, there’s price. Don’t be too fooled by bigger barbies. Small isn’t just beautiful, it’s sometimes all you need. Remember the aim: seared on the outside (to keep the flavour in), cooked to perfection inside. When outdoor cooking bear the Countryside Code in mind and don’t leave any mess behind. A fire extinguisher and/or bucket of water to hand when you’re cooking outdoors is not a bad idea. You just never know... Meanwhile, here’s your chance to sit back and let me do the cooking...

BARBIE NEWS

• Grill school, anyone? Give a unique present idea for the barbecue chef in your life? For the second year running, barbie specialist Weber has opened up its Grill Academy to allcomers. Book a place and you get a full day’s tuition in how to cook on gas or charcoal barbecues, from basic grilling up to all kinds of specialist stuff, including international barbecue cuisine techniques. Prices start at £120 and all the courses take place in Oxfordshire. Check out vacancies by calling 01865-341341 or visiting www.grillacademy.co.uk Weber is also out on the road. It’s touring the UK right now with a specially re-fitted Airstream caravan. More details at www.weber.com • Want to know how to start a charcoal barbecue without resorting to firelighters? Visit www.barbequick.com Another website well worth visiting before embarking on a barbecue crusade is www.bbq.co.uk Operated by Calor, it’s a positive mine of information on gas as well as charcoal barbecues, with other buying information, accessories, recipes and lots more. A great starting point, in fact.

ST BU

Lakeland sells all kind of motorhome-friendly products, from plastic boxes of all shapes and sizes to a Build-Your-Own Campervan (it’s true, there’s a model VW Transporter kit in the latest catalogue). Not forgetting another great motorhomefriendly cooker, the Remoska (see MMM Shop January 2011 p200). Well, here’s the barbecue that gets the Lakeland nod of approval, and it’s a brilliant bit of gear, and so much more than just a barbecue. And suited to motorhomes, too. It really is a ‘cooking system’ because this compact unit can roast, steam, boil or barbecue. All it needs is a tabletop, but the exterior always stays cool, so it can be used directly on grass. If you do it might be worth explaining this to site staff before they come over and ask questions). When it comes to barbecuing, you can use conventional charcoal, or go for Cobb’s unique Cobblestones that you pop into the fire basket/pot stand. Made from coconut shells, they’re around £9.99 for six, and are ready to cook in four minutes, offering up to 2.5 hours’ grilling time, with a ‘no smoke, no mess’ rider. It’s also all easy to clean. Admittedly it’s not cheap, but it puts up a good case for being the most motorhome-friendly, real barbecue of them all. That £99.99 offer price runs until 14 August at Lakeland. Among a number of accessories options, the £9.99 roasting rack also comes recommended for larger joints.

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COBB BARBECUE COOKING SYSTEM

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as or charcoal? That’s the big debate when it comes to barbecues. What is a barbecue, anyway? It’s certainly important enough to get its own entry with online know-all Wikipedia, and sure enough, the definition kicks off with mention of the use of charcoal as the source of fuel. But, we’ve moved on, and gas is now seen as a viable alternative, and arguably more convenient when it comes to combining barbecuing with motorhoming. In fact, there’s certainly all kinds of outdoor cooking going on, on all types of cooker. As for charcoal, it’s true you can’t beat the taste, and arguably the whole ‘charcoal experience’ is what true barbecuing is all about. But, it’s yet another fuel source to carry around with you, and a potentially messy one at that. Nevertheless, if it’s ‘the real thing’ that you want, it has to be charcoal. Or does it? Gas aficionados will point to its all-round cleanliness and efficiency, and the lack of wafts of smoke that could potentially upset your on-site neighbours. It could be considered safer, too, with less danger of flare-ups etc. The other big disadvantage of charcoal is you do need to check whether it’s actually allowed on site, especially abroad. Then again, you may find sites (more so overseas) that have their own barbecue areas complete with everything you need to cook al fresco – just bring along your own food and utensils. Whatever fuel source you opt for, there is a wide-ranging choice of cooking units you can go for – priced anything from £2 to well into the hundreds, with things like supermarket-style kettle barbecues kicking in at around £15. Points to ponder include weight, storage dimensions (including where you’re likely to store it and whether you consider a carrybag an essential entity), materials used and overall construction, how easy is it to keep clean, whether it’s self-supporting or may need an additional table to work on, and even considerations like whether it’s just for use in conjunction with your motorcaravanning

TB ES

FROM

£99.99 99.99

38 I SAMPLER 2012

p38 shop bbqs.indd 38

• Target Price: £99.99 (Lakeland) • Key features: Stainless steel dome and bowl, Xylan-enamelled grill – all dishwasher-safe. Carrybag, steel mesh base, rubber feet • Dimensions: 32cm (diameter) x 20cm high • Weight: 4.5kg • Further information: www.cobb-bbq.co.uk & www.lakeland.co.uk www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

1/5/12 11:51:45


Buying shop ROYAL PORTABLE BARBECUE WITH REMOVABLE LEGS

HI GEAR PORTABLE GRILL BUCKET BARBECUE

One up from many supermarket budget offerings, and the type of unit you may well find in your local motorhome accessory shop. A straightforward affair (and there’s a sister model, without the legs), this unit’s removable legs are a key feature here, adding an extra 55cm to the overall height (therefore making it viable as a free-standing unit) and enabling it to be packed away rather more easily than many similar styles. Alternatively, leave the legs off and use it on a suitable outdoors worktop.

Hi Gear is the house brand for megaaccessories store Go Outdoors, with 30 retail outlets across the UK. Actually, you can get all kinds of bucket barbecue designs at various different retailers (check out the Fire Bucket BBQ among a number of designs at www.bucketbbq.co.uk be warned though, it’s pricey). For a bargain price, you’re unlikely to beat this Hi Gear model, and it comes with some pretty useful features, too, not least the detachable legs that take the bucket off the ground and increase its overall height to 25cm. There’s a bit of sturdiness, also, to the steel bucket itself and the chromeplated grids. And it’s simplicity itself to use: add a portion of charcoal (bricks or pieces), light up, wait for the white ash phase and you’re away!

• Target Price: £50 • Key features: Steel-

FROM

£50 £50

coated grill, single steel burner, piezo ignition, 40cm x 28cm cooking area, supplied with gas hose and regulator • Dimensions: 31cm(L) x 57cm(D) x 21cm(H) • Weight: 8kg • Further information: www.royal-leisure. co.uk

FROM

£9.99

• Target Price: £9.99 • Key features: Steel bucket, chromeplated grids, detachable legs, grid handle, carrybag

£85 85

• Target Price: £130 • Key features:

Dishwasher-safe two-part enamelled grill, grease tray, piezo ignition, side tables, heat indicator, 4kW power rating • Dimensions: 112cm (L) x 47cm (D) x 113cm (H) • Weight: 25kg • Further information: www.campingaz. com

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• Target Price: £85 • Key features: Piezo ignition, enamel grid, steel burner, grease tray • Dimensions: 62cm (L) x 22cm (D) x 34cm (H) • Weight: 7kg • Further information: www.campingaz.com

You’ll need a larger vehicle with oodles of spare storage space to carry this and it’s no lightweight, but is a great performer, and could easily be the centrepiece of any gathering. The flames are short and the space between burner and grill is just 25mm, which Campingaz says, means better heat distribution and less chance of smoke and flare-ups. The other bonus is that it uses less gas. Up to 50 per cent less, compared to the models it supercedes. It can operate from the butane or propane cylinders you’ll already have in your ‘van or from an exterior gas barbecue point.

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CAMPINGAZ EL PRADO 1800

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If your ‘van already uses a Campingaz 907 cylinder, or similar, this is perfect, because you don’t need to consider an additional fuel supply (although there’s also a Twinpack version that operates from two small gas canisters). It’s powerful, too, rated at 4.5kW and a running time of eight-and-ahalf hours from a full cylinder. For setting up, you unpin each of the legs/carry handles then fold out the twin lids for useful cool areas either side of the main cooking zone. Campingaz says the firebox design is such that a maximum, even temperature of 250 degrees C is achieved – any hotter and things will burn on the outside, not cooking properly all the way through. And there’s good, easy adjustment from the hand control. A Fargo-owning colleague says: “It’s a great bit of kit, excellent for any general barbecue bits, burgers, sausages, etc. Breakfasts are great on it, especially bacon! I like how it’s small and lightweight for taking in the ‘van. Just set it up on your outside table and away you go. Nice and easy to clean, too.” I would have made this a best buy for smaller motorhomes if it wasn’t a bit of an awkward shape when packed, and it doesn’t come with any kind of carrybag. The enamel grid, however, is easy to clean, and can be put in the dishwasher when you get home.

• Dimensions: 25cm (diameter) x 12cm (H) • Weight: 3kg • Further information: www.gooutdoors.co.uk

FROM

£130 130

G ‘VA BI

CAMPINGAZ FARGO

DISPOSABLE BBQ Here’s a product that really does what it says on the tin (foil). A best buy and, by a long, long margin, the lowest priced product in this review. It’s arguably the perfect barbecue for motorhomes. It’s so light in weight you can store it almost anywhere in your ‘van and simply forget about it until the sun is shining. It comes in cardboard and cellophane packaging, so there’s no chance of any mess in transit. Inside, the charcoal-filled foil tray has a grill top, under which is a treated piece of paper which, once ignited, ensures all the charcoal warms up at the same time. Wait for it all to go white and you’re in business. And you’ll still have a good hour’s worth of cooking time. There are certainly no complaints about performance. It might look small but it’s amazing what you can pack onto one of these, and it cooks pretty well to perfection every time (the supplier recommends an occasional shake to ensure even heat distribution). Just make sure you don’t put it directly on the grass and cause any scorching (some campsites offer up blocks for just such a purpose). One-use, then you simply throw it away (once it’s cool enough to handle). Supermarkets, garage forecourts, garden centres all sell these things during the barbecue season. Economically, it actually makes a lot of sense. One, you won’t be lugging any weight around with one of these. Two, even if you buy, say, ten through the course of the season you’ve still only spent less than £30 all-in. And that’s before any special offers like three-for-theprice-of two set in. Still not convinced? These are British-made and use charcoal from well-managed forests as per Forest Stewardship Council guidelines (see www.fsc.org).

FROM

£2.99

ST BU

Y • BE U

Y•B

• Target Price: £2.99 • Key features: Foil tray, impregnated paper for easy lighting • Dimensions: 29cm (L) x 24cm (D) x 5cm (H) • Weight: 1kg • Further information: www.millets.co.uk • Further information: www.gooutdoors.co.uk

TB ES

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

p38 shop bbqs.indd 39

SAMPLER 2012 I 39

1/5/12 11:52:07


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Fiat, ����������������������������������������� ���������������� ��������������� been superseded (see May 2010 issue p41). What’s most �important? A big kitchen, a Toyota, Citroën����� and ����� Peugeot are also getting in ��������� ���������� ���������������� Modern engines are more capable than their spacious lounge or a comfortable bed? Write a on the action. ��� ���� � the thing you can’t live ���� ���� ����� ��� ������ older siblings so don’t instantly priority list, putting think There are also more automatic gearbox about ���and getting the biggest without at the top� anything engine. Most options on the market than ever before, with motorhomes ����� ��������� you are willing ✓ ���� ����� �������� ������ ����� ������ ����� ����� � �� ���campers, �������������� ��� at����� ��� ���� ���� ✗���� ����� ��� mmFiat,����� to compromise on the����� bottom. smallest and the Mercedes, VW and Renault showing�������������� ������ ��all������ ����� � ��� ���� �� ��������� ✓ ����� ���� ����������������(apart from the����� ������ ����� ����������� ����� ����� ����� ��� ������ ����� ��� ����on their �� ��� ������������� �� powered ��� ��������� biggest US RVs) are No motorhome everything, but get by diesel auto options lists. ����� ����� ✗ � ������������������������ ��� �� will ������have mm � ��������� �� �����✓���� ✓ ����� ��������� ���� ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ������ ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� ������ ��� ����� �� ����� �� ����� �� ��� ���� ������������� the big things right and you’ll probably be able ����� ���� ����� ������ �� mm ✗ �������������������������� �� ��������������� � �� �����✓���� ������ ���������� �������� ����� ����������� ����� �������� �������� ������� ��� �������������� ������ ��� to modify the ’van to cater for the small things. ��� ��� ���� ����������� ����� � �� ��������������� mm � �� �����✓���� ����� ��� ���������� ���������� ���������� �������� ��� ��� �� ��� ��� ������ We’ve divided the layouts in this guide into ����� �� ��� ����� ���� ����� ����� � �� �� ������ mm � ����� ���� �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �� �� ��� ����� four key categories:���� front�� lounges, rear����� lounges, ➊ ���� ����➋�������������➌����� �� ��� ����� � �������� ����� � ��� mm ����� ������ ������ ���������� ���������beds. �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ��������� �➍ ����� ��������� fixed single and � fi��xed double ��� ���� �� ��� ��� ������ � ����� �� ��� ����� ���� ����� ����� � �� �� ������ mm � ��������� �� ����� Most fixed double beds will obviously have ���� ������ ���� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �� �� ��� ����� ���� ���� ������ ��� ���������� ���� ����� � �� ➊ ����� ������� ��� ����� ���� � � �➋��������� ����� ������� ������������ ���������� � ���� ������ ��� ������ �� some ����� ����������� mm � ������ a front lounge and rear �➌ ������� ����� ������� ����lounge models �� ����� ��������� ����� ���� �������������������������������������������� ������������ ➍ ����� ����� �������� ��� ��� �� �� ��� ������ �������������� ����� � ������������������������������������������� �� � ��� ����� ���� �������� ����� �������������������������������������������� ��������� ����� � also have a front� ed ��� ��lounge, ��������but we’ve classifi mm �� ��� ����� �������� ���� ��������� �������� �������������������������������� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �� �� ��� ����� �������� ����� ������ �� ��������� ��� ���������� � ������� ��������������� ������������������� ����������� � ���������� the ’vans by the� main layout �� mm���������������������������� ��������� ��� feature. ������ ������������������������ ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �� �� ������������������������������������ �� ����� � �� ��� ������� ��� � ����� Refer to the � panel on the right for some ���� ����� ����� �� �� �������� mm �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �� ��� ��� ��� ������� ��� �������������� ����� �� ������ corresponding layout plans. Motorhomes are��� � �� ����� �� � mm ������������� � ������������ �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� �������� ���� ����� �� sorted alphabetically and by range and price. ��� �� �� ��� ������� ����� ����� �� � ���� ��� ����� � ����� ���� ����� ����� ��� ✓ ������� �� ����� ����� mm ��������� ������������� �� � ����� mm���������� ����� � ��������or����left-hand �� �������� ����� ����� �������� ✗ ����� ������ ����������� �� ����������� ����������� ���������� ������� ���������� ✓ ����������������������������������� Whether right-hand drive drive, ��� ����� ��� ��� ��� ����� ���� �� ��� �������� �������� ����� ����� ����� �� ���� ����� ������ � �� ������� ����� ����� ✗ � ��������� ��� �� ����� �������� ������ mm � ����� � ����� �� �� �� ����� ✓ ���� �� ��������� ����� mm � ��������� ����� � motorhomes �������������� ��� �� ����� ���� ����� �������� �������� ������ � ����� some Continental will have the ��� ���������� ✗ ����� ����� ���� �� ��� �������� �������� ���������� ����� ���������� ��� ��� �� ��������� ��� ����� �������� ����� ����� ����� �� ��� �� ���� ��� ��� ����� ����� ����� � ���� ���� �� ������� ����� ����� ����� � �� �� ������ ����� ����� mm � � ��� � ����� �� �� �� ����� mm ���� �� ����� mmmm � ����� ����� � ��� ���� �� ���� �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ���� � �� ���� ����� ���������� caravan entrance door on the UK offside. ���������������� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� ��� ����� ���� ������ �������� ��������� ��� ������� ��� ����� ����� ����� ���� �������������� ����� ����� ����� ����� ���� �� � ������������� �������� ����� ➊ �� � ��� �� ������ ����� mm ������� � ��� ➋ �������� ���� ➌ �������� �� ������ �� � ������ mm ������� ����� mmmm � ����� ����� � ���� �➍�� ������������ ���� �� ���� �� ����� ����� ����� ����� ���� ���� ���� ����� ����� �� ����� ����� ����� �� ��� ��� ����� ��� ����� ��� ��� �� ���� ������ �������� ������� ��� �������������� ����� ����� ����� ������ �� �� �������� ���� ����� ���� ����� ���������� ����� � ��mmmm �� THE ����� ������ mm � �� mm � � ��� ����� �� ��������������� �� ������ TYPE ����� DECIDE � ON BODY � ����� ����� �� ����������� �� ������������������������ �� ������� ������ ����� ���� ���� ���� �� ����� �������� ��� ��� ����� �� ����� ��� �� ��� �� ��� ��� ����� �� ����� �� ����� ����� �� ��� �������������� ������ ��� mm �� ��� ��������� ���� ��� ������� � ���������� ������ ��� �� ������ Rising roof� – ����� often small van � ����� �� ��������������� ��(RR) ������ panel ����� mm mm � �� �� ����� ������ ����� ���� ���� �� ���������������������������� �������� ������ ��� ����� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� ��� ����� ���� �� ������������� ���������� ����� ����� ����� �� ��� �� ����� ��� ���� �������������� ����� ����� ����� ���� � � ����� ���������� ����� campers with push the � � �� �� up ����� ������ mm � �� � �����that �� ��� �� � ������ mm ���� provide �� ����� mm � ����� ����� � � roofs ���� �� ����� ���� �� ����� ����� ����� ���� ���� ����� ����� �������� �� �� �������������� ����� ����� � ��� 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����� ����� ����� mm ������ � ���� � ����� �� � ��� ����� ����� ���������� ����� ����� ��� ����� �������� ���� ��� ������� �������� ��� ����� ������ ������������ ����� ������ ��� �������������� ������ ��� mm �� ����� ������ �� ��� ��� ����� �� ���������� ����� roofs for headroom��and eye-level storage lockers. � ��� ��������� ���� � �� ������������� ������� �� ��� ����������������� ����� � ���� ����� ������ ����� ����� ����� ����������� ����� ��� ����� ����� ���� ��� �� ��� ����� ��������� � � ����� ����� ������������ ��� ������ �������� ��mmmm ��������� ����� mm �� mm �� � ��� ���� � �� ����� ������ ��� ����� ������ � �� � mm �� ����� ��������������� � ����� � � ����� �� ���� �� ����� ���� � ���� ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ���� ����� � ���� ����� ����� ����� ����� ��� ��� ��� ����� ����� ����� ����� �� ������� �� �� ��� ����� ��� ��� ��� Low profile (LP) – coachbuilt body based on a �������������� ������ ��� mm ����� ����� ������������ ��������� ���� � �� ��� �������� ����� 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���� ���� ����� ���������� moulding over the cab, �which can offer storage. �������� ��� �������� ������������� ��� ����� ������ ����� ���� ����� ����� ��� �������� ��� ����� ����� ��� ����� ��� �� ����� ��� �� ��� ������� ��� �� �� ����� ��� ��� ��� ����� �� ����� ������ ���������� �� ����� ����� �� �� � ���� �� ��� ��� ��� � �� � ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� � �� ���� �� mm ���� �������� � ����� ����� ����� ������������ �� ����� ���� ��mmmm � ���� ����� ����� ����� ��� �� ����� ������ mm �� mm���� � � � �������� ��� �������� ��������� ����� �������� � ����� �� �� ����� � ��� with a large Overcab (OC) � –�� coachbuilts GRP �� ����� ���� ��� ��� ������� ��� ��������� ������ ����� �������� ����� �� mm �� �������� ������ �� �������� ����� ����� ����� ������� � ��� ����� ����� ���� ����� ��� �� ����� ����� ������������� ����� ��� ��� ����� ��� ������� ����� ������ �� ������� �������� ��� ������ �� ��� ����� ��� ��� ����� ���� �� ��� ������ ������� ��������� ����� ����� ���� ����� ���� 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��������� ��������� ������������ �� �� ����� � � ������ ���� � process ����� � �� ��� ��� ������ � � ����� ������ ����� ��� ������� ������ ����� ������������������ ������ ���� ��� ����� � �� ��������� �� � ����� �� ���������� ����� ����� � �� ��� ��������������� � ����� � �� ����� � � ����� �� ��� ������ purchase. Make the bed up in the showroom ����� ��� ����� ����� � ����� � � ����� � ������ ����� � �� ��� ����� � mm � �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ��� �� �������������������� � ������������������ ������ ����� ��� � ���� ��� mm �comfortable ���� �� ��� ����� ����� ���� ����� � ����� and decide if it’s and easy enough ������ ���������� ����� �� ����� ������ ����� �� � ����� ����� ����� � ������� ���� ���� ��� ����� � ����� ����� ���������� � � ���� ���� ���� ���� ��������� �������� ����� ���� � ����� ����� ����������� � ���� ������ �� � � ������������� ������ � � ���� for you to construct. Extra���� infill����� cushions and���������� � ���� � ����� ��� � ������������������������� ������������������������������� � ��������������������� ���������������� ����� ��������� ������������ ������������������ memory foam overlays may smooth out����� a lumpy �������� ������ ������ ������ ��������� ����� ������ ������ �������������� ����� ����� ������ ������ ���� ����� ����� ��� ����� ����� ������ ���� ��� ����� �� ������ ������ ��������������� ���� ������ bed, and could� offer an���� alternative to buying a ��� �������������������������� � ����� ���� ������ ����� ����� ��� ����� ���������� ���� ���������� ��������� ����� ��������� ����� ����� ����� ��� ���������� ��� ������ � ��� ������������ � too big for����� ��� ������ ’van that is really your needs.�������������������������� �� ��� ����������� ��� ��������� ������������ ��� ����� ���� ����������� ��� ����� ����� ��� ����� ��� ����� �� ��� ��� ��� ���� ����� ������ ���� ������ ����� ��� ���� ���������������������� ����� ����� ��������� ����������������� ����� ����� ����� �������������������������� � �� ����������� � ��������������������������� �������������� � ���������� ������������������������� ���������� � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� �������� ����� ���� ���������������� ����� ������ CHOOSE BASE VEHICLE ��� �� A ��� ����� ����� �������������� mmmm �������� � ���������� ��� � ����������� � ���� ����� ������ ����� ������ ������������ ���������� ���������� ��� ����� ������� ����� ������ ��� ����� �� ������ ��� ��� ���� �������� ����� ����� ����������� ��� ���� � The majority of new are ��� ����� �� ����� � ��� mm � ����� motorhomes����� �� �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ��� � ��������� �� ������� �������� ������ ��� ��� � �� ������� ������ �� ��� ��� ������ ����� ���� ������ based on the capable Fiat Ducato. There are �� ��� ��� ����� ����� ���� ��� �� � ��� ����� ����� mmmm � ���� ����� ������� ����� �� ������������������ � �� ��� ����� mmmm � ���� ������� �� ����� ����� ����� � ���� ������ ����� ��� ��� �� ��� ��� ����� ������� ������� ��� ������������ �������������� other options:� Mercedes be more ��� ����� ������ ��� mmmm ����� �� ���������and � VW can ����� �� ���������� �� �� ����� ������ mm �� ��� �� ����� ����� �������� � ���� �������� ����� ����� ��� ����� ����� ���� �� ������� ��� ������������ ��� ����� ����� �� � � ��� ������ ����� ������ �� ���������� � �� � m � �� ���������� �� ����� ���� ����� ����� ����� ������ mmmm � �������� �� ����� ����� ����� ����� ����� ���� ������� ��� ������������ ����� ����� � �� ���www.outandaboutlive.co.uk ������ ������ �� mm 40 I SAMPLER ���� � ����� ������ ��� mmmm�� ��� ���� ����� ����� � � � � �������� �� ���������� �� �� ����� � ���� ������ �����2012 ����� � � � � ���� ����� ����� � ��� ��� ��� � ����� � � �� � ��� �� � ��� � �� � ������ � � � � ����� � ���� ����� ������ ����� ��� ������ � ������ ��� ������ ��� mm � � � �� � � � � � ������ ������ � ����� ������ �� m � ������ ����� ���� � � ���� ���������� ����� ����� ����� ���� ����� � � ���� � �� � � � � � � � � ����� ��� � � � ��� � �� � � � ��� � � � � � � ����� � � � �� � � ��� � � ���� ������ � � � ������ � � � � � � � ����� � � � �� ���������� � � �� � � � � mm � � � �� � ����� � �������� � � � � � � ���� ����� ������� ��� �������������� ������ ��� mm � � �� ����� � �������������������������� ���� ����� � � � � p40 buyers guide.indd 40 1/5/12 12:02:37

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Buyers' guide CHOOSE THE PERFECT LAYOUT FOR YOU Make sure you get the right layout the first time with our simple guide, highlighting the ‘van’s key feature:

➊ ➌

front lounge fixed single

➋ ➍

rear lounge fixed double

Small motorhomes / campers Rising roof, fixed roof and high top campers with no separate toilet compartment. Most have the traditional side kitchen bench seat layout shown.

5

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

Licence restrictions mean that anyone passing their test after January 1, 1997, can only drive motorhomes with a GVW of up to 3.5 tonnes. This also applies to those over 70 years of age and those with some medical conditions, such as diabetes, unless a medical certificate from a doctor can be produced. In Europe there are also road toll and speed limit penalties applying to motorhomes of over 3,500kg, so many Continental motorhomes are rated at this weight anyway. Be wary of buying a large ’van with a 3,500kg chassis, and check the user payload carefully – you don’t want acres of storage you can’t use because it will take you over the chassis’ maximum weight. It’s also worth noting that in the UK motorhomes with an unladen weight of more than 3,050kg are subject to lower speed limits on dual carriageways (60mph instead of 70mph) and national speed limit single roads (50mph instead 60mph).

6

Panel van conversions

Family motorhomes

High top campers with three key layouts, a front lounge, rear lounge and the fixed double bed made famous by the Adria Twin.

� � �

PAYLOAD

Currently, there is no standard for quoting motorhome weight. The unladen weight (MRO, ex works) indicates the weight of a motorhome as it leaves the factory. This sometimes includes water and gas and should always include a nominal driver weight (usually 75kg). The gross vehicle weight (GVW, MAM, MTPLM) is the maximum weight the vehicle is allowed to be, including all holiday kit and passengers. On some vehicles this can be upgraded (UP in the tables) to offer more payload, and you may be able to down-plate a vehicle to come under that increasingly vital 3,500kg limit – as long as that allows you sufficient payload. Gross vehicle weight minus unladen weight is the user payload, although what this includes will vary. Options on new ’vans and accessories eat into your payload. Think bike rack, satellite dish, solar panel, in fact anything you choose to bolt onto your motorhome. It is illegal to drive any vehicle at more than its GVW, so confirm with the supplying dealer exactly what the payload is, what it includes and whether fitting any accessories will affect this before you order. Weights of gadgets you may need to carry include 27kg for an extra 110 amp hr battery, 8kg for a TV, 3.5kg for the hook-up lead and 1kg per litre of water. Public weighbridges can help, check your local council website or contact your town hall. Note: Manufacturers’ payloads quoted in the guide are reproduced in good faith but cannot be guaranteed by MMM.

This means multi-berth motorhomes with at least four berths and enough travel seats for all occupants. The main feature can often be overcab beds and fixed bunks that create flexible sleeping options for all the family. Both options shown below have lower bunks that can flip up to create bike storage.

� Coachbuilts including low profile, overcab & A-class This huge category contains just about every layout option you might be able to imagine. Remember that A-class models are mostly that bit wider than the low profile and overcab coachbuilts, which use the cab and chassis from the original base vehicle.

Disclaimer

All details are supplied by the manufacturer/importer and are all, to our knowledge, correct at time of going to press. Due to fluctuating exchange rates some European and US prices may vary. All information published should be used for guidance only.

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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