Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

DERBY DAYS From soaring peaks to crooked spires, a tour of Derbyshire will live long in your memory ON TEST Models from Auto-Trail, Compass and Seat rated

DEAR SANTA...

Fun Christmas gift ideas for the ‘vanning fan

MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive money-saving deals just for you!

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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ALL XXVIEW November 2019ADRIA

VEHICLES

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www.camc.com

COMMENT EDITOR

camc.com/enquiries Editorial Editor: Gary Martin Deputy Editor: John Thynne

WELCOME

Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis Design: Michaela Millar

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm) Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance Car/motor caravan 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335 Travel Service 01342 316101 Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728 Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 779378 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive: Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com Commercial Executive: Steve Walters 01342 779377 steve.walters@camc.com Production Controller: Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com Digital Advertising Co-ordinator: Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com

Patron: HRH The Prince Philip President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE Director General: Nick Lomas

Gary Martin says: As I write this, Christmas Day is just seven weeks away – with winter and the festive season in mind this issue is packed full of ideas for you to enjoy your touring well into the off season.

Colder temperatures and shorter days needn’t signal the end of your touring adventures for the year. Did you know that more than 55 UK Club and Affiliated sites, as well as 1,424 Certificated Locations (CLs), remain open all year round?

and attractions “areSitesmuch quieter, pitch fees are cheaper too

”

So, whether you want to savour a winter break in Cornwall (pitch up at Carnon Downs AS) or an off-season getaway in Scotland (Edinburgh Club site gives you great access to the historic city), we can promise you a great place to stay.

Not only will you notice that sites and attractions are much quieter at

this time of year, but also that pitch fees are cheaper – so your money will go even further.

Two of the sites (Poolsbrook Country Park and Chatsworth Park) featured in our nine-page tour of Derbyshire in this issue are open all year – so how about following in the footsteps of Jonathan Manning and discovering what this county in the heart of England has to offer?

And while you are enjoying a winter break, perhaps you need some inspiration for a special gift for that caravanning/motorhoming fanatic in your family! Well, turn to pages 68-69 of this issue for some great touringrelated present ideas.

Merry Christmas and enjoy the magazine!

Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.

Cover image: David Chapman

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December 2019 3

20 November 2016

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CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

TOURING 20

30 34 38

UK SITES Jonathan Manning searches high and low for things to see and do in the Peak District DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS A climbing adventure like no other in the beautiful Lake District FOREIGN TOURING Lee Davey toasts the fabulous Alsace region of France

PLEASE

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

The wrapping for this magazine is recyclable at larger supermarkets

20

TESTS 76

80 84

CAR Seat Ateca Xcellence CARAVAN Compass Casita 454 MOTORHOME Auto-Trail Adventure 65 LB

NEWS 12

16 42 94

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES News from around the network OVERSEAS Foreign holidays and tours CENTRES Rallies and news from across the country

42

SPECIALS 50

88

CARAVAN DESIGN AWARDS We round up the winners from the 25th edition of our competition at Birmingham’s NEC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Report from key Club event

REGULARS 7

10

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas talks about the value of our Mayday breakdown service YOUR PHOTOS The best photos from your touring adventures

19

THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey rustles up a quick and easy pad Thai 48 LETTERS Your comments and views 60 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens 62 MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members 64 COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman goes festive with a look at the turtle dove 68 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Christmas gift ideas 71 FAMILY MATTERS Lee Davey and co look back over seven years of adventures 72 PRACTICAL Touring home and away 74 ASK YOUR CLUB Answers to your essential questions 93 EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events 95 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 106 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring December 2019

5

Member Offer

XX November 2019

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COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

OPINION Nick Lomas says:

camc.com/enquiries This magazine is also available at £2.29 (Google Play) or £2.99 (App Store) per issue to non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app.

Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.

The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements addressed to the public, their true surname or full company name, together with the address from which the business is managed.

Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.

352,416

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2018

Printing by Walstead Bicester

www.camc.com

One of the most comical stories relating to Club staff is the tale of Jack Armstrong, who set up the Club’s breakdown service, Mayday, 40 years ago. On launch day, Jack managed to have an accident and skidded off the road – so as well as being Mayday’s founder, he was also its first customer!

Most of us purchase some form of vehicle recovery package – and many of us assume everything will be okay if we break down on our way to or home from a holiday destination.

Caravanners*, though, need to be extra careful – even if you have a newish towcar which has manufacturer or dealer-supplied breakdown cover, it’s worth checking what ‘covered’ really means. If your car breaks down, does

“

Mayday also covers you for

”

mishaps such as misfuelling

the policy include recovery of an attached caravan or trailer?

What if the problem is not the car at all, but the caravan or trailer itself? What if the lights are faulty on the caravan, or there’s a problem with the hitch, brakes or tyres – or even with a jammed motor mover? Such things are generally not covered by ordinary car breakdown policies. The same can be true of cover supplied alongside bank accounts.

Designed specifically for Club members’ needs, we have a range of cover levels available, but all include Dual Recovery – so if you have a problem with your car or caravan en route to a pre-booked holiday, we’ll

make sure you reach your destination; and if the problem can’t be fixed while you are away, your return journey is covered too. And we recently introduced Double Drop Off – if your car needs to be taken to a garage, your caravan or trailer can be recovered to a storage site or other destination within a 75-mile radius of your home address.

Mayday also covers you for mishaps such as misfuelling your car, or getting stuck on a pitch or event field due to bad weather (we don’t charge extra if specialist lifting equipment is required off-road). And there are no size or weight restrictions on your outfit either, often a feature of the policies of other companies.

Over 96,000 members have Mayday cover. And providing 40 years of peace of mind to millions of members is something we are proud of.

Happy, and hopefully stress-free, touring.

*Mayday is also available for motorhome owners.

December 2019 7

Before you get out there.

Organised by

Partners

Better get in here.

With hundreds of new products, top tips and advice, free features and attractions, plus all the accessories and gadgets you could ever need, we’re sure you’ll leave the show feeling ready for your next adventure.

It’s a great day out for the whole family and kids 15 years and under go FREE!*

Parking Included FREE Show Guide FREE Entry for Kids* Tickets from £6.25* with code CMC2.

For more information and to book tickets visit ccmshow.co.uk or call 0844 873 7333† *£6.25 Senior (over 60s), £7.25 Adult when booking before 23:59 hrs 17/02/20 after which time prices revert to the on-the-door price of £9.00 Senior (over 60s) and £10.00 Adult; a £1.25 transaction fee applies.

Car parking included in ticket price. No dogs (except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying Adult/Senior. Tickets are non-refundable. Free show guide and tuition is subject to availability. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Our social media team asked you for your best activity-themed photos earlier this year – here are the finalists and our competition winner WINNER

SKYE HIGH This is Ruby at the top of the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

The pools contain crystal clear spring water and are fed by waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains – add them to your must-visit list when touring this beautiful part of Scotland.

Morvich Club site gives access to Skye.

Keith Hedley (winner of a £250 Mountain Warehouse voucher)

Inner Hebrides

DOGGY PADDLE! My daughter Liz and Miss Tibbs, her dog, make the most of the evening sunshine as they prepare to go for a paddle in an inflatable kayak on Loch Lomond, near the village of Gartocharn. Gartfairn Farm Certificated Location is just 4 miles away.

Peter Meager

West Dunbartonshire

MAKING A SPLASH

FULL STEAM AHEAD

My daughter and I enjoyed a dip in Crummock Water during a fabulous Easter touring break in the Lake District – what an amazing experience and what incredible countryside! Nearest Club sites: Dockray Meadow and Borrowdale.

Nicola Norton

One of the highlights of a stay at Broadway Club site in the heart of the Cotswolds is a visit to the train station right next door, which forms part of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

Great fun for all the family – no matter how young or old.

Sarah Bennett

Lake District

Worcestershire

FEAR TODAY...

North Wales

10 December 2019

While enjoying a touring holiday in beautiful Snowdonia, FREE I attempted a grade 2 scramble PRIZE DRAW for the first time – and had Send us a photo and you to overcome my fear of will automatically be entered heights to do so. What an into a free monthly draw, giving incredible experience. you the chance to win some Nearest Club sites: fantastic prizes! See camc.

Coed-Y-Llwyn, com/competitions for full Gaer Hyfryd and prize draw terms and Gwern-Y-Bwlch. conditions Elizabeth Rees www.camc.com

Scottish Highlands

ROCK STEADY Here I am pushing the boundaries by traversing the infamous Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe – a rocky ridge (the narrowest on the British mainland) that runs for just over six miles, linking the Munros of Meall Dearg and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh. It gives hikers and scramblers a spectacular and thrilling experience. Nearest Club site: Bunree.

Rachel Wojcik

Switzerland

ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

THOR BLIMEY! We – my husband, two-year-old daughter and I – cycled along the Manifold Way in the Peak District, then climbed the 200-odd steps to Thor’s Cave, an amazing natural cavern offering stunning views of the valley below. I love that my little girl seems to know the way – and walked up all those steps! Nearest Club site: Buxton.

Beth Cook

Peak District

How about this for a view? My wife and I felt on top of the world at the summit of Mount Pilatus, which overlooks Lucerne in central Switzerland.

Both Camping Vitznau (Club booking code S05) and Camping Sempach (S08) are a short drive from Lucerne.

Paul Hart

Scottish Highlands

SNOW GETTER! Just over an hour’s drive from Camping L’Escale (M07), Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc offers winter sport enthusiasts unrivalled opportunities to enjoy their favourite activities – in my case snowshoeing. What a great way to explore the Alps!

Geoff Peck www.camc.com

MUNRO BAGGING I love to ‘bag’ Munros (mountains in Scotland over 3,000ft high) while on touring holidays. This is me having climbed a Munro in the west Highlands of Scotland. I love the shifting clouds high up in the mountains.

Pauline Jones Want to see your photo in a future issue? Send your images to camc.com/inspiringadventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using South-East Franc e

#inspiringadventures December 2019 11

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines

The latest stories from the touring world

BIG WINNERS

THE 2020 NATIONAL TAKES SHAPE Last month we reported that The National – the Club’s flagship event – will be taking place at stunning Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire from 22-26 May 2020. This month we’d like to tell you about some of the great, free daytime entertainment that we have planned... and all these activities are included in the price of your ticket!

Regular attendees will know that the Club puts on a packed programme of events each day to suit all ages and interests. The ‘Have a Go Arena’ will return, with laser clay pigeon shooting, Segway sessions and a traditional helter skelter just a taste of what’s available.

The Activities Marquee will be as fun-filled as ever, with photography, baking and craft competitions, a tea

dance, a dance fitness class and plenty more scheduled. Meanwhile, children will be entertained in the Tourer Explorer Zone, where the ever-popular climbing wall and bungee run will help to tire out energetic youngsters. There will also be bushcraft sessions – not to be missed!

But that’s not all. With inter-Centre competitions, displays from over 70 exhibitors, a Street Food Garden (with live music) and an on-site bar, you’ll probably be wishing you had an extra couple of hours each day.

We’ll have more on The National during the coming months – including details of the evening entertainment – but if you would like to find out more now, and book your tickets, please see camc.com/national.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Caravan Design Awards 2020 took place in October at Birmingham’s NEC, and you can read a full report on pages 50-58 of On the MAGAZINE APP this issue. (Please note that Dealer Special this month: video categories will appear in the January issue of the Club magazine, along with the to accompany our Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards 2020.) tour of Derbyshire Pictured here are some of the winners and the Peak – Francis Velten, Wendy Lake and Mike District (see p20), Lake of Knaus (above left), and, a bike ride near representing Elddis, Emma Howe and Blackshaw Moor Rachel Moncrieff (above right).

VIDEO

Club site, and extended reviews of the Seat Ateca and Auto-Trail Adventure 65 LB

Going... going... gone!

An original Toylander kit Land Rover and caravan combo proved a hit at an auction held at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, in October.

The Land Rover, built in 2012, had been renovated earlier this year following seven years or so of gentle family use. The caravan had been added in 2018.

The tourer boasts 1.25m of headroom, a play kitchen, bench seats and a table that lowers to form a bed. The Land Rover – powered by a pair of 12 December 2019

5mph, even with two children on board.

Eventually, the lot sold to the highest bidder for £5,750. It seems that one enthusiast (or perhaps a son or daughter) will be enjoying a very special Christmas present this year.

24V electric motors – features forward and reverse gears as well as a handbrake. As many Land Rover owners will attest, it’s a capable tugger, and this particular model has a top towing speed of

GLAMPING TREATS A cosy Christmas glamping break at one of our Experience Freedom sites costs from as little as £52 per night*, so why not try a camping pod at Abbey Wood, an Airstream in Brighton or a glamping pod in the picturesque Cotswolds this winter? We have a range of options to suit – simply head to experiencefreedom.co.uk for inspiration and information. Also, if you are looking for a perfect Christmas present for a loved one, why not treat them to glamping gift vouchers?

To purchase visit experiencefreedom.co.uk/ glamping/gift-vouchers. *Price is per night for stays in a camping pod between 23 and 26 December 2019 at Abbey Wood Club site. A minimum stay of two nights applies. Terms and conditions apply.

www.camc.com

PERFECT HARMONY

MEMBERSHIP FEES As of 15 December 2019, the annual membership fee for the Caravan and Motorhome Club will increase to £54. Additional family members remain at £8 per person.

Over the last year we’ve added more campsites and a wide range of benefits to the membership to ensure it remains great value for money. As a Club member you’re able to take advantage of the following... n The UK’s largest network of sites, numbering more than 2,400 n Our award-winning Caravan Cover and motorhome insurance n More exclusive member offers than any other UK touring membership club n Access to over 340 hand-picked and thoroughly-inspected touring sites across Europe n Our Price Match Guarantee on European sites, ferries and Eurotunnel n A 10%discount on our glamping accommodation n Discounts on 900 UK attractions

That’s not all! To see a full list of member benefits, visit camc.com/membership.

SCOTTISH AGM The Scottish Division of the Caravan and Motorhome Club – The Scottish Caravan Club (SCC) – held its 74th AGM on 12 October at the Dewars Centre in Perth.

Outgoing SCC Chairman Fraser Todd welcomed 126 members to the meeting, including Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Grenville Chamberlain and Director General Nick Lomas, as well as eight former SCC Presidents and two Honorary Members.

SCC Officers, Scottish Centre Chairmen and Mr Lomas all gave reports, while the new SCC Chairman, Ronnie Duff, was duly elected. The meeting was closed by SCC President Dave Smith.

SCC Divisional Council. Front row (l-r): Kenny Robertson (Secretary), Ronnie Duff (Chairman), Liz Ross (Treasurer), Dave Smith (President) Back row (l-r): Alistair Fisher (Editor), Bruce Fenton (Vice President), Fraser Todd (Vice President), Jim Ferguson (Vice President), Fred Sewell (PRO)

IN THE KNOW...

Tips for members from site staff across the network. This month: Bourtonon-the-Water Club site

“Although a cycle route starts with a short ride on the main road, once you are on the back roads the rides and views are excellent.

Walks with or without a dog are various, with easy access to the bridle path direct from the site. It’s possible to walk into Bourtonon-the-Water along the Windrush Way.” Robin Thornton

GARDENERS’ WORLDS Club sites across the network entered this year’s Sites In Bloom awards, with judges once again expressing praise for the high overall standard. The winners were Ashridge Farm in Hertfordshire and York Beechwood Grange, with presentations made at the

York Beech

ng wood Gra

www.camc.com

e

Ashridge Farm

House of Commons on 19 November.

The annual awards were set up by the late Alan Payne OBE, an Executive Member and Club Life Member, to recognise the creative, horticultural skills of site staff. In recent years it has been divided into two classes –

a ‘Single Couple’ category and a ‘MultiCouple’ category.

Ashridge Farm achieved first place in the former with York Beechwood Grange triumphing in the latter.

Congratulations to the talented, green-fingered site staff who worked on the beautiful displays at these sites, as well as those at worthy runner-up sites Minehead and Edinburgh.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Singers enjoyed a ‘golden’ time when they met for rehearsals in Leicestershire.

Three couples in the Singers – Jane and Trevor Cowling, Carol and Brian Kyle and Barbara and David Clay – are celebrating 50 years of married life, and to mark the triple achievement the group stalwarts made everyone present ‘sing for their suppers’ – laying on delicious pie and peas... with bubbly!

STATICS STUDY A new book by Andrew Jenkinson charts the history of the static caravan holiday.

The Static Caravan Story – priced £12.99 and sold by The History Press – looks at the growing popularity of the holiday home during the 20th century, as well as the early days of the touring caravan. Fully illustrated and with more than 150 pages, more information can be found at thehistorypress. co.uk (copies can be purchased via links to the Amazon and Waterstones websites).

December 2019 13

SHOWTIME KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY

A tranquil view near Nunnykirk Club site

YOU RECOMMEND… Club sites away from the hustle and bustle

“

No morning rush to get to the showers, a quieter more peaceful way of caravanning, we love it. Wildlife on your doorstep in abundance, deer, hare, pheasants, lots of birds. Earlier in the year we even heard a cuckoo.

(Nunnykirk, Northumberland)

“

”

Beautiful location, brilliant wardens and the tranquility we desired in the Walled Garden.

Perfect.

(Garlieston, Dumfries & Galloway)

“

”

There is no electric hook-up but it was nice to get back to basics a little bit and think of and manage our power consumption, spending time chatting and reading more.

(Steamer Quay, Devon)

”

“

Possibly the best campsite we have ever stayed at – just couldn’t fault anything about it... both the site itself and the little town of Dulverton possess a relaxed, laid back and very friendly atmosphere.

(Exmoor House, Somerset)

”

“

The laid back feel and slow pace lends itself to a refreshing break... a swim in the loch is a lovely experience surrounded by the mountains.

Enjoy.

(Altnaharra, Highlands)

”

History was made in the Irish Division at the end of this year. Brian Condell of Munster Centre was elected as the Division’s Chairman in October, but he is not the first Condell to hold the position. Back in 2006 his father Ron, who had been Chairman of Leinster Centre, also had the honour. We wish Brian every success for the coming year.

PARTY TIME AT CHEDDAR

Cheddar Club site is fully booked on New Year’s Eve, but if you are staying and looking to celebrate, a party with a live band and late bar will be held at the adjacent Cheddar Football Club. For tickets call 01934 707271; please mention that you are staying at the Club site when booking.

JANUARY 16-19 Manchester: Caravan and Motorhome Show, EventCity, Manchester (Clarion Events, see caravanshows.com) 24-26 Peterborough: The Motorhome and Campervan Sale, East of England Arena and Events Centre, Peterborough (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk) 24-26 Devon: Caravan and Motorhome Show, Westpoint, Exeter (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletreeexhibitions.co.uk)

FEBRUARY 6-9 Glasgow: The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, SEC, Glasgow (QD Events, call 0141 248 3000 or see caravanshowscotland.com) 18-23 Birmingham: Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (NCC Events, call 0121 780 4141 or see ccmshow.co.uk) Note: details subject to change – please check with event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

STORIES FROM THE CLUB’S COLLECTION An exciting new research project is underway at the historic Club Collection – located at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – to uncover the personal stories of the Club’s founder and the pioneering first members. Founded in 1907 by 11 horse-drawn caravan enthusiasts, in just three years the Clubʼs membership numbers grew to almost 150. This project will help us gain a better understanding of these people, who shaped the early days of the leisure caravan and motorhome holiday.

The collection is home to a vast number of publications, photographs and archive material relating to high profile members, such as founder and long-standing Honorary 14 December 2019

Secretary J Harris Stone and the famous author and caravanning pioneer Dr William Gordon Stables.

Yet much less is known about the majority of names listed in the membership rolls that were created in the years before the First World War. Nick Hargreaves, a Club member who volunteers at the collection, is drawing on his vast experience of uncovering his own family history to discover more about these Club personalities. Nick will be weaving census records together with documents and photographs held in the collection to build pictures of their lives. Watch this space to discover some of their stories in the future.

Club members gather at the inaugural meet, held at Ockham, Surrey, in 1908

You can find out more on our blog at nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/blog.

Angela Willis www.camc.com

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November 2016 XX

NEWS UK SITES

Sites redevelopments Development work will be taking place during the coming months at three popular UK Club sites. New facilities will be added at each, while it is hoped a selection of glamping units will be made available at one location...

Christmas in The Shambles, York

Anna Stowe / Alamy

Scarborough, near Cayton Village

KEEP ON TOURING!

There are many good reasons to continue to tour in the winter months – and we have plenty of sites open to welcome you TOP TIPS

Durham Grange Club site: open all year

As a Club member it’s easy to carry on touring during the winter months. More than 55 of the sites you love are open all year round, costing from as little as £10.45* per night.

You can use many of them as bases for city breaks: whether you’re tempted by the Georgian architecture of Bath, the museums and galleries of Glasgow, the shows and attractions of London or the Roman history of Chester and York.

What’s more, with modern caravans and

motorhomes offering great insulation and heating – combined with facilities such as heated washrooms, hot showers and EHU on offer at numerous sites – touring at this time of year has never been easier, or more comfortable.

If you’d like some tips to help you get even more out of your outfit during the colder months, we have plenty to read at camc.com/wintertips – there’s also a selection on this page (right). Pass the advice on!

*Based on one adult and one standard pitch staying at Ferry Meadows Club site or Castleton Club site before 19 Dec 2019.

16 December 2019

1. If snow’s on the ground, regularly lift and shake the mains cable or it can become frozen to the ground.

2. Good quality sleeping bags or a high-tog quilt are advisable and avoid the need to have a heater on all night.

3. Resist the temptation to block off permanent vents – it’s dangerous. Try to site the vehicle so that fridge vents are away from the prevailing wind.

1. CAYTON VILLAGE, NORTH YORKSHIRE A multi-million pound investment will transform Cayton Village into a highquality site. Members will benefit from more touring pitches being available, new roadways, two large facility blocks, play areas, additional pitch types and electric vehicle charging points. We also plan to introduce glamping units – perfect if you want friends or family members to join you.

Subject to planning consent, Cayton Village is scheduled to re-open in August 2020 and will stay open until January each year. The site is expected to be on sale in February 2020.

Read about 2. PENRHOS, ANGLESEY d all of the planne This site is in the second recent d an phase of a £500,000 t redevelopmen redevelopment. For the om/ c.c m ca at rk wo 2020 touring season we ts redevelopmen will be adding a new accessible facility block including an accessible bathroom, dishwashing area, laundry room and family washroom. Site reception is being redesigned and an information room is being built. A new motorhome waste point and a small number of pitches will also be added. Work is due to be completed by July 2020.

3.RIVER BREAMISH, NORTHUMBERLAND This very popular site will be expanding to 91 pitches – including 16 new serviced pitches.

Work should be complete by April 2020. www.camc.com

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Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Campervan

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journeys around the UK and beyond. This month: a Thai treat in the French mountains

W

e have an on-board LPG tank known as the Route Des Cols. The road took way to relax after a day spent gripping the in our campervan conversion us over the highest passes of the Pyrenees wheel very tightly. which runs the heating, and to some of the region’s famous thermal The only downside was having to wear fridge and cooker. It is very baths, which were amazing. While some French-style swimming trunks. Happily, handy indeed as there are no bottles to of the driving was a little hairy, the views the sight of me in my hastily-bought change, but it can be a pain if there’s no were spectacular.

Speedos (remember to pack yours if you LPG station nearby and you’ve neglected When we stopped for the day at the ‘aire de want to swim in public pools in France) didn’t to top up the tank. camping car’ in Loudenvielle after coming put Lizzy off her dinner, which we We nearly ran into bother on a recent down the hairpin-heavy Col d’Aspin, we enjoyed overlooking the lake from trip to the Pyrenees. With little gas (and had a choice: find LPG or go to the the best seat in the house – our CUT OUT no LPG stations locally) I needed to cook spa and relax. What would you do? van’s dinette. something super quick for our supper.

The Balnea Spa thermal baths Fortunately I was able to whip up a very fast were absolutely fantastic! We pad Thai-style dish using rice noodles I keep soaked in 40º water in a JapaneseRECIPES in the van. They are very useful for low-gas themed outside pool (with bubbles) situations as all you need to cook them is looking up at the mountains that boiling water. If you’ve enough power to boil surrounded us. It was the perfect a kettle and stir-fry a few vegetables you can have dinner ready in no time!

We were deep in the mountains, RECIPE NO. 23 following the Route Thermale, also

AND KEEP

Pad Thai

THE COOK RECOMMENDS...

Le Fournil du Louron boulangerie and patisserie in Loudenvielle. It sells all kinds of artisan breads and an incredible range of fabulous pastries and cakes.

AND AS A TREAT...

Dive inside for a gâteau Pays Basque – the region’s favourite cake – served with locally-picked bilberries. A fabulous combination for an after-spa treat.

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

FEEDS TWO

INGREDIENTS

100g rice noodles 1 tbsp oil opped 6 spring onions, ch opped 1 red chilli, finely ch d pe op ch er, pp 1 pe ely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, fin o thin batons int t 1 small carrot, cu rets opped into small flo ch li, cco bro of 1 head d pe op ch er, sh coriand Small handful of fre oked jumbo prawns 1 x 220g bag of co 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp fish sauce Juice of 1 lime salted peanuts Handful of crushed

nutes, another couple of mi onions and cook for stirring often. ttle and pour over the Meanwhile, boil a ke vered king sure they are co noodles in a bowl, ma one side. with water. Leave to soy chopped coriander, Add the fish sauce, frying the to s wn pra bo d jum sauce, lime juice an . cook, stirring often pan and continue to and add them in dra , dy rea are When the noodles er. g everything togeth the frying pan, mixin to at.

METHOD he a generous m th diu wi sh me a rni er Ga ov s. oil wl the Serve in bo In a frying pan, warm for a couple peanuts. carrot and broccoli rinkling of crushed sp g Stir-fry the pepper, rin sp d an rlic ga illi, ch the d of minutes, then ad

December 2019 19

TOURING UK SITES

A drive through Winnats Pass in the Peak District will live long in the memory

20 December 2019

www.camc.com

Derby days Jonathan Manning searches high and low for the best attractions during a seven-site tour of fabulous Derbyshire

Karl Andre Photography

U www.camc.com

nderground lairs, ancient mines, soaring peaks and crooked spires are just some of the high (and ‘low’) lights of a Derbyshire tour that starts in the county’s former coalfields and finishes in a dramatic quarry. Travelling east to west in the arc of a broad grin, the route skirts the Peak District before diving into some of the most spectacular dales of the national park. The star attractions hang like beads on a necklace, but the gaps in-between are just as beautiful.

Barely two miles from the M1, I pull on the handbrake and lower the steadies at Poolsbrook Country Park Club site. The pitches are flanked by a curtain of broadleaf trees and separated by neatly-tended lawns, making it hard to believe that this was once part of Ireland Colliery.

December 2019 21

TOURING UK SITES 17th-century Bolsover Castle is an impressive sight

1

Poolsbrook Country Park Club site

50%

This immaculate site has OFF MIDWEEK geothermal heating for the wood-clad facilities blocks.

There are great, level, traffic-free bike trails on the doorstep.

Pitches: 85 Open: all year

Member view “We did a bike ride from the site to Rother Valley Country Park along the Trans Pennine Trail and we only had to cross one road.

It’s flat, too!”

David and Teresa Guy

Site view “The two-day Staveley Armed Forces and Veterans Association event in Poolsbrook Country Park is excellent.”

Margaret Daykin

Food & drink Devonshire Arms, Lightwood Lane, Middle Handley, Sheffield S21 5RN Contact: devonshirearmsmiddle handley.co.uk, 01246 434800

Culture Hardwick Hall, Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01246 850430

Outdoor fun Trans Pennine Trail Contact: transpenninetrail. org.uk, 01226 772574

For the family Canal boat trip on the Madeline, from Hollingwood Hub, Works Road, Hollingwood S43 2PF Contact: chesterfield-canaltrust.org.uk, 01629 533020

22 December 2019

Considering its past, it’s interesting to see that the site uses ground source pumps to harness geothermal energy for heating, and solar panels to generate electricity, making it something of an eco-supermodel.

The wood-clad reception and facilities blocks have a clean Scandinavian look, while the well-stocked herb garden is free for foodie campers to plunder. The 165 acres of Poolsbrook Country Park sit immediately on the site’s doorstep, a network of smooth, level paths tracing their way around a central lake. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or gentle bike ride, an hors d’oeuvre for a feast of outdoor activities.

David and Teresa Guy are first-time visitors to a Club site, and are bowled over by the friendliness of the staff and Poolsbrook’s

facilities. “Top notch,” says David. They’re also fans of the pizza van that visits on a Friday evening: “Good pizzas at a good price.” Towing their dog, Nellie, behind them in a trailer, David and Teresa have made the most of their bikes on the traffic-free north-south part of the Trans Pennine Trail, which follows a disused railway line for mile after mile.

“I have never worked on any site where the cycling from the gate is as good as it is here,” says site staff member Margaret Daykin.

FIELD OF DREAMS

She also recommends a trip to Chesterfield, which hosts a bustling open-air market on Monday, Friday and Saturday. The town is accessible by bus from the site and has an eye-catching collection of Tudor-style www.camc.com

“

Bolsover Castle is a rival to local titans Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House

2

Slate House Farm

”

Certificated Location

This 20-acre smallholding with far-reaching views is home to horses, a small flock of sheep, chickens and ducks.

Open: all year Contact: 01246 591935 Sites Directory & Handbook p315

Site view “The walk to Ashover Rocks is lovely and you can see for miles and miles. There are three good pubs in Ashover, including The Old Poets’ Corner, which is famous for its ciders.”

Sandra Poole

DID YOU KNOW?

timber-framed buildings. The standout feature of Chesterfield, however, is its distinctive crooked-spired church.

The twist in the tower has spawned a thousand myths and legends, one describing how a local blacksmith once mis-shod the devil. Satan apparently leapt over the church in pain, knocking the spire as he did so.

The gravitational pull of the Peak District is strong in Derbyshire, but back on site Margaret insists that most campers here have actively chosen not to stay in the national park. She points me in the direction of Bolsover Castle – a rival to local titans such as Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House – which deserves a full afternoon’s visit.

The castle we see today was constructed in the early 17th century by Sir Charles www.camc.com

You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490.

Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly

Christopher Drabble/Alamy

Food & drink Marsh Green Farm Shop and Café, Matlock Road, Kelstedge S45 0DX Contact: marshgreen farmshop.co.uk, 01246 591516

Culture Renishaw Hall & Gardens, Renishaw Park, Chesterfield S21 3WB Contact: renishaw-hall.co.uk, 01246 432310

Outdoor fun The Heights of GREAT SAVINGS Abraham, Dale Road, GUIDE Matlock DE4 3NT Contact: heightsofabraham. com, 01629 582365 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

For the family

Great Masson Cavern, Heights of Abraham

Peak Rail, Matlock Station, Matlock DE4 3NA GREAT SAVINGS Contact: peakrail.

GUIDE co.uk, 01629 580381 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

December 2019 23

TOURING UK SITES Thorpe Cloud

3

Chatsworth Park Club site

This beautiful, leafy site is set in the former walled gardens of Chatsworth House, with parkland on one side and the River Derwent on the other.

Pitches: 120 Open: all year

Member view

Site view “The Wheatsheaf pub, close to the site, gives a 20% discount to Club members from Monday to Friday.”

Tina Nichols

Food & drink Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF Contact: chatsworth.org, 01246 565300

Culture Bakewell Old House Museum (seasonal opening), Cunningham Place, Bakewell DE45 1DD Contact: oldhousemuseum. org.uk, 01629 813642

Outdoor fun Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow, Long Rake, Monyash, Bakewell DE45 1JS Contact: english-heritage.org.uk

For the family Crich Tramway Village, nr Matlock DE4 5DP GREAT VINGS Contact: tramway.co.uk, SA GUIDE 01773 854321 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

24 December 2019

Photo: John Hodgett, Club member

“This site has always seemed a bit of a mystery because it’s always been fully booked! My first impressions are that it’s lovely.”

Doug Bartlett, caravanner

Cavendish, with further additions by his son Sir William, whom even English Heritage describes as a “playboy, poet courtier”. William was responsible for completing the interiors of the ‘toy keep’ or ‘Little Castle’ at Bolsover – its rooms today are largely empty, but the wall paintings are lavish. The excellent, free audio trail whispers that Sir William spent the eye-watering sum of £15,000 on banquets and entertainment for King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria when they stayed here.

SLATE BOOKING

Heading south-west, I arrive at Slate House Farm, a Certificated Location half way down a long farm track, where I’m greeted by owner Sandra Poole and Rocky, her adorable, Jack Russell puppy. If ever a dog has landed on its paws, it’s Rocky, with walks radiating from the site and 360º views of the countryside.

Sandra tells me about Ashover Cider, made locally from Derbyshire apples, and I find the

bottles for sale a mile away at Marsh Green Farm Shop and Café. Here, a slice of mouthwatering chocolate Guinness cake and a very good cappuccino bring my tour to a temporary pause. The café has an outside terrace in a farmyard sheltered by barns, and as the sun breaks out I sit back and relax.

The route from here to Chatsworth, my next stop, brings to mind the era when people would ‘go for a drive’ for something to do on a Sunday afternoon. The road rises and falls through heather-covered moorland and woods, with rocky outcrops framing the horizon. It’s not long before a millstone marking the Peak District National Park’s boundary materialises, followed swiftly by Chatsworth House.

The Club’s Chatsworth Park site is fabulously located in a former walled garden on the magnificent estate. No wonder this is one of the busiest sites on the Club’s network, and not just with campers – there’s abundant wildlife, too. www.camc.com

4

“

Carsington Water

A 7.5-mile tour of Carsington Water on foot or bike is a must

Club site

With scenic views over Carsington Water, this peaceful site features pitches in small pockets between pine trees.

Pitches: 115 Open: 13 Mar-2 Nov 2020

”

Monsal Head

50% OFF

MIDWEEK

Member view

richard wheeler / Ala

my

“Ashbourne is a good place to go, with lots of history, interesting buildings, a good tourist information office and loads of nice places to eat and drink.”

Peter and Rosemary Frohock

Site staff view

Carsington Water

“There’s a requirement if you stay here to buy duck food and feed the ducks,” jokes site staffer Tina Nichols, who adds that the site echoes to birdsong in spring and summer, and to the bellow of rutting stags in autumn.

Chatsworth House itself is a pleasant, 15-minute stroll away. As a day tripper over the years, it’s easy to think that I’ve ‘done’ Chatsworth – yet every visit unearths new treasures. The house is awash with paintings by famous artists, and the £4 taster tour is money well spent, preventing the priceless art on display from smudging into one big, gilt-framed blur. Blink and you could miss a Rembrandt...

It’s not a cheap day out, with entry to the house and garden costing £22 per adult, and it’s a further £4 to park (pre-booking tickets online does save the parking fee), but you’ll enjoy more than a full day’s entertainment. For a full-blooded Chatsworth experience, I buy the ingredients for a picnic at the Farm Shop, www.camc.com

which gives my wallet palpitations. The food from the deli counter is, however, utterly delicious, and provides the cornerstone of a blissful couple of hours dozing by the giant Chatsworth Cascade in the gardens.

There’s more watery fun to the south, where Carsington Water Club site peers down onto the reservoir from its lofty position. The pitches are tucked in clearings between pine trees, and when the sun shines the shadows from the trunks create barcode patterns across the access roads.

A 7.5-mile tour of Carsington Water on foot or bike is a must for visitors to this site, and Sue Thompson who works at the site recommends an anti-clockwise loop so you reach the reservoir’s café later into the circuit.

For days when the weather is more ‘indoorsy’, Sue reels off a suite of National Trust properties within easy drives – Kedleston Hall, Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood, and Calke Abbey.

Sue Burton LRPS/dreams

time

“Middleton Top has a visitor centre and beautiful views, and there’s bike hire, too, for the High Peak Trail.”

Sue Thompson

Food & drink The Nags Head, Main Road, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne DE6 3EF Contact: nagsheadhulland ward.com, 01335 370672

Culture Kedleston Hall, nr Quarndon, Derby DE22 5JH Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01332 842191

Outdoor fun National Archery Derby, Middle GREAT Wild Park Farm, SAVINGS GUIDE Brailsford DE6 3BN Contact: nationalarchery.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

For the family Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth Station, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth DE4 4FB Contact: e-v-r.com, 01629 823076

December 2019 25

TOURING UK SITES Beautiful Bakewell and grazing llamas

5

Taddington Fields Farm

Certificated Location Set in a peaceful spot at the end of a farm track, this site is well located for access to Deep Dale and Monsal Dale.

Open: 1 Mar-1 Oct 2020 Contact: 01298 85322 Sites Directory and Handbook p313

“There’s a footpath right past the farm that goes directly to Monsal, which is where everyone wants to go – walk along the dale then climb up to Monsal Head for an amazing view over the viaduct.”

Helena Allen

Food & drink The Church Inn, Chelmorton, Buxton SK17 9SL Contact: thechurchinn.co.uk, 01298 85319

Culture Thornbridge Hall Gardens, Ashford in the Water DE45 1NZ Contact: thornbridgehall.co.uk, 07500 698795

Outdoor fun Buxton Pavilion Gardens, St John’s Road, Buxton SK17 6BE Contact: parkwoodoutdoors. co.uk, 01298 23114

For the family Go Ape Buxton, Buxton Country Park, GREAT Poole’s Cavern, SAVINGS Green Lane, Buxton GUIDE SK17 9DH Contact: goape.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

26 December 2019

raspu/gety

Site view

Delightful Dovedale Another Trust property waylays me on the next leg of this tour, as I follow a brief diversion to explore Dovedale from Ilam Park.

It’s a National Nature Reserve where, sadly, rangers are having to wield chainsaws to combat ash dieback, but the beauty of the quick-flowing River Dove and steeply-flanked dale remain outstanding. The highlight for Instagrammers is the stepping-stone crossing of the river, although the best view is reserved for those who test their lungs and leg muscles on a climb to the summit of Thorpe Cloud. From here a spellbinding vista opens up over the dale and the Lego-sized people ambling beside the Dove. The riverside walk itself serves up a sequence of photo opportunities, especially when the limestone walls encroach to the edge of the path, forcing walkers onto a boardwalk around the crag.

SEVEN HEAVEN

Returning to the car, I push on northwards to Taddington Fields Farm CL, tucked away down a dead-end farm track. A handsome horse chestnut tree towers above the right-hand side of the entrance and there are open views on all sides from the grassy field.

This is a bolthole for off-grid campers, with no hook-ups or water, with a bargain fee of £7 per night.

“People love the peace and quiet,” says owner Helena Allen, “And when I tell them we

don’t have electric or hardstanding, the caravanners say, ‘Oh good.’”

A footpath leads from the site down the tightly-clustered contours of Deep Dale and into Monsal Dale, where the exquisite River Derwent flows. The Monsal Trail heads to Bakewell in one direction, and through Millers Dale and Chee Dale in the other, along an old railway trackbed. It’s a flat, easy ride, with bike hire available at Hassop and Blackwell Mill.

The lengthy tunnels are great for echoinstigating if no one else is around!

Nearby Highlow Farm is at the other end of the CL spectrum, with neatly-mown grass, hook-ups, fresh water and disposal facilities.

Each pitch has been carefully positioned to give its residents a spectacular view across the www.camc.com

6

Highlow Farm Certificated Location

Set in a pretty paddock, with gorgeous views over the White Peak, this adults-only site is brilliantly located to explore the national park. Pitches have electric hook-ups.

Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct 2019 Contact: 01298 83322 Sites Directory & Handbook p312

Site view

Brian Lawrence / Alamy

Chatsworth House

“Arbor Low stone circle is slightly older than Stonehenge and just a short walk from the site.”

Jo and Tom Scoggins

Crooked spire church in Chesterfield

Food & drink

White Peak, drystone walls parcelling the limestone landscape into a neat series of pastures and meadows. Two little owls are calling to each other across this 30-acre oasis when I arrive, although they remain elusive in the trees that surround the paddock. “We often see curlew and woodpeckers, and swallows in the summer,” says site owner, Jo Scoggins.

This adults-only site has only been open a couple of years but regulars are already booking repeat visits, lured back by the plethora of activities available on the doorstep.

“We’re only half-a-mile from the High Peak and Tissington [cycle] trails, it’s an easy walk down to Monyash where The Bull’s Head serves excellent food, and the entrance to Lathkill Dale is just outside Monyash,” says Jo. www.camc.com

It was too late in the year for me to see the orchids that bloom in Lathkill Dale, but it was still a gorgeous walk. Limestone cliffs with faint lead seams flank the dale, where the River Lathkill was in vigorous flow. In summer the river only rises above ground part way down the dale, but after recent heavy rain it was burbling away.

An easy 15-minute drive leads to my final destination, Buxton Club site, hunkered in an old limestone quarry in Grin Low Country Park. Rooks dance on a backdraft from the breeze that bounces off the cliff walls, and dotted around the site are attractive little wildlife shelters, bug houses and models, including a funky little caravan on pitch 007.

Buxton benefitted from a major refurbishment

Darren Galpin / Alamy

Heaven Room, Bolsover Castle

Andrew Barker / Alamy

eye35.pix / Alamy

The Bulls Head, Church Street, Monyash DE45 1JH Contact: thebullshead monyash.co.uk, 01629 812372

Culture Haddon Hall, Bakewell DE45 1LA Contact: haddonhall.co.uk, 01629 812855

Outdoor fun Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Near Two Dales, Matlock DE4 5LH Contact: matlockfarmpark. co.uk, 01246 590200

For the family Peak District Lead Mining Museum, The Grand Pavilion, South Parade, Matlock Bath DE4 3NR Contact: peakdistrict leadminingmuseum.co.uk, 01629 583834

December 2019 27

TOURING UK SITES

7

Buxton Club site

50% OFF

MIDWEEK

There are impressive new facilities at this site, where all the pitches are hardstanding. There are good walks right from the door.

Pitches: 118 Open: 13 Mar-2 Nov 2020 Tent campers welcome

Member view

Site staff view “Poole’s Cavern (walking distance from the site) is a great experience for all. They give a really interesting tour of the caverns and their history.”

Karen Eames

Food & drink The Duke, 123 St John’s Road, Buxton SK17 6UR Contact: thedukebuxton.com, 01298 78781

Culture Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton SK17 6XN Contact: buxtonoperahouse. org.uk, 01298 72050

Outdoor fun Segway Trails Macclesfield, GREAT Heaton House SAVINGS Farm, Heaton GUIDE SK11 0RD Contact: segwaytrails.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

For the family Archie’s Farm (seasonal), Staden Grange, Staden Lane, Buxton SK17 9RZ Contact: archiesfarm.co.uk, 01298 70404

28 December 2019

Illustration: Louise Turpin

last year including swanky new washroom facilities and resurfaced roads.

The elegant spa town of Buxton, with its Georgian crescents and beautiful Pavilion Gardens, is about a 30-minute downhill stroll from the site, “so we have arranged a discount with the local taxi firm, ‘A Cabs’, for those who can’t face the walk back,” says site staff member Karen Eames. Solomon’s Temple monument, though, is barely half a mile away in the country park, the tower standing proud over the local countryside.

Queen of Scots came in 1582. The caves are dark and damp, but thankfully airy rather than claustrophobic, and become beguilingly beautiful under sensitive lighting. They take their name from William Poole, a criminal ‘flasher’ who hid from the law down here.

Flashing turns out to involve shaving silver from legal-tender coins, rather than an act involving an unbuttoned mac!

Blinking back in the daylight, I realise this tour has swept from mine to cavern via castles and dales, a wonderful wombling experience both underground and overground.

POOLES WINNER

On Karen’s recommendation I head underground into Poole’s Cavern for a fascinating tour of a natural cave system that has been luring tourists for centuries; Mary,

Cycling | Tissington Trail

Walking | Goyt Valley

If you’re looking to avoid hills, this former railway line on the National Cycle Network offers 13 easy, traffic-free miles through some of the region’s prettiest places. Starting in Ashbourne, there’s an incline near Mapleton, then it’s on to Tissington with its beautiful 17th-century hall. You’ll spy the upper reaches of Dovedale before coming to Hartington Meadows Nature Reserve and finally the hamlet of Parsley Hay. Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/ tissington-trail

Use the ViewRanger walking app for a 5.6-mile Goyt Valley circular that begins by Erwood Reservoir before climbing to Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire. There’s plenty of variety along the way in terms of views and terrain. Club members can try the PREMIUM version (including unlimited Ordnance Survey Maps) for free for seven days. Visit camc.com/viewranger for details.

Paul Kirkwood

“The Cheshire Cheese pub in Buxton serves really tasty home-cooked food, good real ales, and there are no TVs, so it’s ideal to sit and talk or read a paper.”

Simon Patton, caravanner

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

NEW CLS ENGLAND

NORFOLK

STALHAM (3m ENE) – Bridge House, Mr Christopher and Mrs Linda Sterrett, Sea Palling Road, Ingham NR12 0TS. 01692 581815; 07732 194819; linda.sterrett@btinternet. com. 52.782217, 1.573658. OAY; 0.75 acre; adults only; adv bkg req; dogs; grass; 16A; wc (exc); shwr (exc); fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

SHROPSHIRE

BRIDGNORTH (2m S) – Rayland, Mr Ade and Mrs Sue Ordidge, Halfway House Lane, Bridgnorth WV16 5JP. 07807 245210; sjord@hotmail.com.

52.516501, -2.429233. OAY; 2 acres; dogs; grass; 16A; max o’fit length 14mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; self-catering accommodation; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).

WALES

CARMARTHENSHIRE

LLANYBYDDER (1.6m NE) – Ty Lynn, Mr Dominic Brislin, A485, Pencarreg, Llanybydder SA40 9QL. 07731 732907; 00759 226364; https://sites. google.com/site/puritonhorseand animalrescue/home; horseandanimalrescue@gmail.com.

52.089362, -4.131634. Open 1 Mar31 Oct; 1 acre; adv bkg req; dogs; waterside lake; grass; 16A; max o’fit length 14mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing & watersports in 5m; fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

30 December 2019

steved_np3/getty

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – check with the CL owner before booking.

NOTE: CL entries are identified by a unique reference/map number in the 2019/20 Sites Directory & Handbook.

They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise shown.

Marloes Peninsula: a short drive from Little Valley CL

PEMBROKESHIRE

HAVERFORDWEST (6m ENE) – Little Valley, Mr Bruce and Mrs Jan Payne, Haverfordwest SA62 4PJ. 07791 134603; 07890 987259; paybej767@aol.com. 51.817341, -4.871998. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; enhanced pitches; hardstanding; 16A; max o’fit length 7.5mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; storage facs; dog walk fr site; town in 1m; coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference nunbers refer to the Directory.

202 TRURO – Heath Farm. New owner: Anna Gibson; 07845 897765.

260 KESWICK – Kiln Hill Barn. Site now OAY. 290 WIGTON – Howburn Farm Caravan Site. Site now OAY. New email: david@davidwhitson.co.uk.

364 BARNSTAPLE – Collacott Farm.

Correct mobile number 07967 8511903.

646 HAYLING ISLAND – Westcroft Stables. New owner: Sabine Schaefer; 07779 438031; hhpauli12@ yahoo.com.

729 SANDOWN – Borthwood Caravans. Correct tel nbrs: 07973

851532; 01983 855488.

920 LINCOLN – Skybarn Farm. Site adult only from 1 January 2020.

997 WOODHALL SPA – Poplar Farm.

New owner: Fiona Armitage; 07890 980467; armitagefiona@gmail.com.

1019 AYLSHAM – Martintole Farm. New owner: Fleur Dougherty; 01603 873134; 07769 322746; fleurjarred@btinternet.com. Price fr £15 (pitch + 2 adults). No charge for awnings. Now OAY. 1027 BURNHAM MARKET – Leith House. Now run by Max and Andrea Maufe; 07967 180114; leighhouseclsite@gmail.com.

1114 NORTH WALSHAM – Cangate House. New owner: Charlotte and Alastair Drew; 01603 782665; charlotte.alastair@gmail.com.

1153 WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA – Mill Farm. This CL does accept dogs.

1407 RUGELEY – Parchfields Farm.

New email: mpdesconsult@gmail. com.

1810 SCARBOROUGH – Wykeham Grange. Change of certificate holder: Sarah Donnelly and James Cooper; 07949 059513; wykehamgrangefarm@ gmail.com.

1994 EYEMOUTH – Gallows Law. Correct postcode: TD14 5UD. Long & Lats – 55.869798, -2.189561.

2268 RUABON – Riverside. Correct postcode for CL site is LL13 0DD. April Magazine HOLSWORTHY – Holme Farm. Site adult only from 4 September 2019 September Magazine CHESTER – Bank Farm. Site now OAY. September Magazine SAXMUNDHAM – Darsham Cottage. Site now OAY. October Magazine DEREHAM

– Paddock View. Now known as Griffon Barn Paddock View.

CLOSURES The following five-pitch CLs are closed and no longer certificated by the Club. This does not affect any other business that a landowner may be operating.

ASHFORD – Mr J L Smith, Ninn Lodge Farm 1568 BEDWORTH – Mr D Eglin, Bramcote Mains 1705 POCKLINGTON – Mr N Cram, Lynby Caravan Park 2241 WELSHPOOL – Peter Biggs, Mountain View

Please remember that CLs are privately-owned businesses. If you make a booking and subsequently don’t show up, a 20% loss will be incurred by the CL owner if that pitch cannot be resold. So, if you have to cancel your booking, please give the CL owner as much notice as possible.

CL owners have individual cancellation policies so charges may be incurred if you cancel or don’t turn up.

Routes – an important note. Routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific weight, width or height restrictions.

For caravan-friendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites, we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. The reference numbers on this page relate to the 2019/20 edition of the Sites Directory & Handbook.

www.camc.com

NE W

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Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two with its new advanced Dual Core Processor will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads.

Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer Two will even advise you of traffic jams and offer alternate routes when available.

Satellite Navigation for Caravans & Motorhomes • 7” Frameless Display (pinch-to-zoom) • New Dual Core processor for complete enhanced performance • Enhanced Specific routing for Caravans & Motorhomes – Customised routes created for the size and weight of your caravan or motorhome.

– Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle.

• Road Warnings – Caravan / Motorhomes specific road warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades, narrow roads and more.

– Elevation map tool – be prepared for upcoming steep gradiants.

Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts.

• Find the right campgrounds and stopover places with Tourer Two EXCLUSIVE data bases – Exclusive pre-loaded Caravan and Motorhome Club Site rich data bases including Certified Locations and Overseas Sites with detailed information.

– Trailer’s Park’s database of 8,500 of cost-free motorhome parking places across Western Europe (NEW).

– 17,000 NKC customer rated campgrounds and stopover places in 38 countries.

– 9,000 European campsites inspected by ACSI every year and search results based on amenities.

– Get information about prices, facilities, terrain, maximum number of places and more and filter by amenities. Contains pictures of most of the sites.

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• Free European map updates via PC, Mac or WiFi • Free Digital Traffic • Hands-free features include Bluetooth® calling, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation • Navigate Complex Interchanges with “spoken turn-by-turn” directions and active lane guidance • TripAdvisor Travel POIs with ratings • BC™30 and BC™40 Wireless Backup Camera compatible

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November 2016 21

SPECIAL: ADVERTISING FEATURE

You won’t have a single worry with MAYDAY’s Double Drop Off We know that many of you store your caravan or trailer somewhere other than your home, so MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover now has a new feature that will be right up your street.

Actually, it could be up any street you’d like within a 75-mile radius from your house.

You’ll see what we mean.

You asked, we listened: introducing Double Drop Off If you break down we’ll take you, your vehicle, and any passengers wherever you need to go. But, with Double Drop Off, if your caravan or trailer tent needs to be taken somewhere different, we’ll take it there for you, as long as it’s within a 75-mile radius of your home.

So, after a stressful breakdown, you and your vehicle are where they need to be, and you don’t need to worry about finding temporary storage for your trailer or caravan.

This was a problem for some of our members.

But now, we’ve made sure nobody has to deal with this added stress ever again.

How to get Double Drop Off Here’s the best bit. You don’t need to do anything. If you have either Roadside & Recovery, Premium UK, or Premium UK PLUS cover already, then you’ll automatically have Double Drop Off when you next renew your policy, so you won’t need to lift a finger.

If you haven’t got your MAYDAY cover yet, just choose any of the three cover levels and Double Drop Off will be included as standard. It really is as simple as that.

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover with a difference MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover was introduced 40 years ago as a breakdown service with a difference; designed by the Club for Club members’ needs. Every feature, including Double Drop Off, is here to give caravan and trailer tent owners all over the country extra peace of mind when they hit the road.

To get your MAYDAY cover, or to find out more about Double Drop Off, call 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/mayday.

Smell the sea air, not wear and tear.

Tintagel, Cornwall

Call 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/mayday

PROVIDED BY

Lines open Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. Mayday UK Breakdown Cover is provided by Green Flag and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, both part of the same group. Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No.1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Visit camc.com/mayday for more details.

ACTIVITY BREAKS CLIMBING

CLIMBING LET’S GO...

Hold on tight as Jonathan Manning takes on a ‘via ferrata’ – a high-thrills mountain climbing route featuring iron ladders, rails and safety cables

34 December 2019

www.camc.com

Above: heart-in-mouth time Left: hawser this for nerve-jangling?

U

h oh! This isn’t how I’d imagined today.

In my mind’s eye I’d been a gnarlyknuckled mountaineer, squinting into the sun as I scaled a cliff face with the grace of Spider-Man. But now the moment’s here I’m all too aware of my keyboard-soft hands as I cling to an iron rung, jaw clenched in terror, eyes stung by raindrops as I try desperately not to look down. Welcome to the realities of ‘via ferrata’.

The first via ferrata (Italian translation: ‘iron path’) appeared in the Alps in the 19th century, the concept developing significantly during the First World War as a means of moving men and military kit through the Dolomite mountains. When the conflict finished, the via ferrata infrastructure endured, a network of metal rungs, ladders and bridges bolted to the rocks, giving familiar holds to people unfamiliar with finding grip on rock faces.

Here in the Lake District, the Via Ferrata Xtreme is only seven years old, and built for the sole purpose of thrilling the adventurous. Below the rungs and ladders there is a drop of more than 2,000ft to the valley floor, where ant-sized cars rev up the Honister Pass. I’m trussed up in a climbing harness like a festive turkey, with a hard hat under my hood as protection against falling rocks.

‘We’ are a mixed group of four outdoorsy men – walkers and cyclists rather than climbers – plus a father with his 12-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.

LEARNING THE ROPES

Adam briefly explains the deceptively simple technique for using the via ferrata safely. Attached to our harnesses are two cords, each with a carabiner at the end. The carabiners clip to a cable that’s secured to the mountainside. At each junction in the cable we need to execute a one-handed manoeuvre, unclipping one carabiner and reattaching it to the next section of cable before repeating the process with the second carabiner. Practising on the flat it’s easy. With www.camc.com

December 2019 35

ACTIVITY BREAKS CLIMBING

WHERE TO STAY

Borrowdale Club Site is within easy reach of Honister Pass (a Via Ferrata Xtreme session costs £45 and lasts for between 3 and 3½ hours). For a less demanding challenge, try the Via Ferrata Classic, which follows an original miners’ route to the top of the mountain. For information see honister.

BOOK com/via-ferrata or call 017687 77230.

ON THE

“

APP

Each new section is daunting, yet strangely moreish Above: success! Jonathan can finally relax Below: Manning junior traverses the rock face using the cable an iron rungs

300-plus metres of air beneath the soles of my boots, jeopardy seems to infuse every move.

The rungs fixed into the cliff are rigid, but I can’t stop myself from gingerly testing each one before entrusting it with my weight. Later, from the safety of an old mine platform, I’ll be able to admire the clouds dancing around felltops as rugged as a dinosaur’s spine, but right now I stare upwards into the bleak comfort of heavy clouds.

Truth be told, the ups and downs on the rungs and ladders are fine. But the traverses across the rockface are another matter entirely; it’s impossible not to focus on gullies of water as white as candle wax streaming to the valley floor. My progress is slow and my concentration forensic as I cross the cliff.

Each new section of via ferrata is daunting, yet strangely moreish. “On this next stretch there’s actually an overhang,” says Adam, illustrating the angle at which we’ll be hanging from the side of Honister Crag and showing us how to hook one arm over a rung before using our other arm to shift the carabiners. Eek!

Alternative via ferrata venues 1. How Stean Gorge – Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Challenge yourself on an aerial network of metal beams, ladders and cables set in the cliffs of this limestone gorge.

Info: howstean.co.uk Stay at: Knaresborough

2. Vertical Descents – Kinlochleven, Highlands

Clip in and hold tight for 500m of via ferrata around an amphitheatre of rock, over which Scotland’s third biggest waterfall, The Grey Mare’s Tail, flows. It’s close to Fort William and Glencoe.

Info: verticaldescents.com Stay at: Bunree

36 December 2019

”

As the rock literally disappears beneath my feet and my head and shoulders hang a couple of feet further away from the rock than my feet, I begin a cautious shuffle around an outcrop.

INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

Then I see it. A 50m long tightrope or ‘Infinity Bridge’ strung out across a 2,000ft drop. It’s made of no more than a steel hawser, with two hand-height cables, and a line above to hook onto with the carabiners. Uh oh, again!

My heart jumps as the hawser swings one way then the other, bouncing with the footsteps of fellow adventurers ahead and behind. I try pointing my feet at 90˚ to the cable to take advantage of the heels of my boots. I splay my feet ballet-style in the 10-to-two position to see if this offers any more purchase. And I wobble along both feet forward, eager for the quickest route to the far side.

Whatever I try, my progress is glacially slow.

In contrast, the scramble up a long cargo net is quick and easy, followed by blissfully solid footsteps on Fleetwith Pike. Waves of elation wash over me. I gaze out at the magnificent view, watch spotlights of sunshine chase rain across the fells, and give myself an imaginary fistbump.

The via ferrata has been an all-engrossing challenge, a step literally and figuratively outside my comfort zone, and an experience that I’ll brag about for years. Next Easter a zip wire is due to open at the top to whizz people right back to the slate mine, just in case the rungs, rocks and bridge haven’t provided enough thrills!

www.camc.com

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Caravanners and Motorhomers

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November 2016 XX

FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

Raise a glass With plenty on offer for young and old to enjoy, Lee Davey toasts the Alsace region of France

F

amed for its wine, cuisine and brightly coloured, halftimbered houses, the Alsace region in eastern France borders both Germany and Switzerland. This proximity, combined with centuries of regularly re-drawn partitions, has given rise to a mix of architectural styles across its towns and cities, which lends the area a unique feel. Although I’d passed through before – en route to Germany – this was the first time I’d visited with the family, and we were pleased with the variety of activities near our two campsites.

Jürgen Feuerer / Alamy

VOSGES DAYS

Charlie relaxing at Au Clos de la Chaume campsite (top) and picturesque Kaysersberg (above)

38 December 2019

Unsurprisingly, the Vosges – a range of low mountains – is geographically similar to its near neighbour, the Black Forest. It’s an area blessed with many striking views and, as a result, it draws a steady flow of tourists all year round.

When the ski season is in full swing you can choose from around 167km of slopes, with the thriving town of Gérardmer being a hub for winter sports fans. However, during our visit in sunny August, it was hard to imagine a snow-covered landscape as we cruised around Lac de Gérardmer in a hired motorboat. The town stretches down to the lake shore, and from our watery vantage point we could see that the local cafés and shops were doing brisk business.

Our jaunt had been recommended by Mike and Pascaline, owners of the Au Clos de la Chaume campsite, which lies to the north of the town. They possess an uncanny ability to

tailor tours to specific needs, and, as we were travelling as a family, they suggested we visit the two nearby lakes – Lac de Longemer being the other one.

Longemer is just a short drive from the shores of Gérardmer. Low banks and a gently-sloping bottom make it a popular location for wild swimming, and my son, Charlie, duly obliged with a dip while my wife, Helen, daughter Poppy and I watched a stone sculptor at work. www.camc.com

1

Au Clos de la Chaume (J08) A peaceful site where visitors can embrace nature. Owners Mike and Pascaline are happy to make local tour and restaurant bookings.

Pitches: 69 Open: mid-Apr to mid-Sep

Visitor view “We originally visited the site in 2009 and we’ve been re-exploring the area... We’ve had a great walk today with lots of fresh forest air, country roads and we can go for a swim in the pool when we get back.”

John and Carolyn Robinson

Site staff view “This site was owned

by Pascaline’s family and we took it over in 2010... There is so much to do in the local area that we can suggest trips and days out and we’ve even negotiated a discount at local restaurants.”

Mike and Pascaline Colin-Wood

Food & drink

The pretty town of Hunawihr sits on the Alsace Wine Route

Back at the site we took the opportunity to explore our immediate surroundings.

Au Close de la Chaume possesses a back-to-nature feel, with a stream separating pitches from a ‘Quiet Zone’, a ‘Barefoot Trail’ and a footpath that leads to the nearby town of Corcieux.

As Mike and Pascaline’s first suggestion had gone down well, we sought them out again, keen to take further advantage of their excellent local knowledge. Mike is from www.camc.com

Yorkshire originally, and Pascaline’s English is excellent, following years spent working in Scotland.

They had plenty of ideas for days out and evening entertainment. For example, ‘Wine Tasting Wednesday’ (with a local producer) is a firm favourite throughout the summer season. In fact, many people come here while journeying along the Alsace Wine Route, which stretches from Strasbourg in the north to Mulhouse in the south.

Brian Jannsen / Alamy

L’Auberge du Houx. 59 Route de la Grande Houssière, 88430 La Houssière Contact: auberge-houx.fr, 0033 3 29 50 74 74

Culture Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, 67600 Orschwiller Contact: haut-koenigsbourg.fr, 0033 3 69 33 25 00

Outdoor fun Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park, 68140 Munster Contact: parc-ballonsvosges.fr, 0033 3 89 77 90 34

For the family Lac de Gérardmer, 88400 Gerardmer Contact: gérardmer.net, 0033 3 29 27 27 27

December 2019 39

FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

2

Camping de L’Ill Colmar (J12)

Illustration: Louise Turpin

The perfect ‘base’ for exploring Colmar on foot. Peaceful, riverside location despite being on the eastern fringes of the city.

Pitches: 75 Open: late-Mar to late-Dec

Visitor view “We stayed in Ardèche and wanted to visit Colmar on our way home as the centre is an easy walk or cycle from the site.”

Jonny, Becky, Emily and Oliver Grayston

Site staff view “Colmar is known as the ‘Capital of Wine’ and our guests like to visit the city as its very close and easy to access... Nearby Kaysersberg is a great place to visit if you’re thinking of exploring the wider area.”

Tony Bonfigli and Celine Naegelen

Food & drink Alsace wine route Contact: for a list of locations please see visit.alsace/en/ itineraries/a-week-on-the-alsacewine-route

Culture Museum of Natural History and Ethnography, 11 Rue Turenne, 68000 Colmar Contact: museumcolmar.org, 0033 3 89 23 84 15

Outdoor fun Colmar Illuminations (Friday and Saturday evenings), Office de Tourisme, Place Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar Contact: tourisme-colmar.com/ en, 0033 3 89 20 68 92

For the family Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum), 40 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar Contact: museejouet.com, 0033 3 89 41 93 10 40 December 2019

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Just beyond the midway point of the route – and approximately an hour to the east of Corcieux – lies the city of Colmar.

The outskirts offered few clues as to what lay at Colmar’s heart. However, as we made our way towards the ‘Little Venice’ area, rows of shops suddenly gave way to criss-crossing canals, brightly decorated historic buildings and al fresco restaurants. Colmar’s Old Town has suffered relatively little wartime damage over the centuries, and the colours and aromas swirling around are a treat for the senses.

There are fabulous eating and drinking opportunities in this stunning corner of France – we even ticked a gastronomic box by trying snails for the first time. (Charlie had been wondering whether the taste resembled that of his favourite dish: mussels.)

Our second site, Camping de L’Ill Colmar, is nestled on Colmar’s eastern fringe; it’s a level, 20-minute walk from your pitch into the city centre and, conveniently, a local wine producer visits for tasting evenings, which are free to attend. You get to sit by the River Ill while sampling the excellent offerings – it’s hard to resist buying a bottle from the site shop or the chap in charge of the tasting afterwards.

The river is shallow and a surprising number of fish can be seen swimming lazily against the weak current. Fishing licences are available from reception and a rod is always on our kit list, so Charlie spent an afternoon trying to hook a few with whatever ‘bait’ we could find (mostly off-cuts of bacon and pieces of baguette).

’Little Venice‘ area of Colmar Part of the Huttopia Group, Camping de L’Ill Colmar has benefitted from recent investment, and in addition to the aforementioned shop and reception it has a new wash-block, bar/restaurant and small swimming pool. The pitches are of typically large French proportions, and although it is close to Colmar the site is surprisingly peaceful, both day and night.

Corcieux, Colmar and the surrounding areas are easy to explore, while Alsace’s Wine Route is clearly a corker that can turn the most hardened beer drinkers into wine buffs! It is well worth adding to your wish-list of destinations.

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Lee Davey joined the Club in 2006

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

New adventures Explore New Zealand’s spectacular landscape on these two epic tours

Queenstown, South Island

Left: see the sights of Christchurch by tram Below: Moeraki Boulders

SOUTH ISLAND DISCOVERY After a two-night stay in the beautiful city of Christchurch with its gardens, fashionable malls, restaurants and iconic tram system, you’ll depart with your hire car and caravan combination in the direction of Dunedin.

On the way you’ll stop in Ashburton – home to an aviation museum and vintage railway – and Oamaru, which boasts beautiful 19th-century architecture. But for many, the highlight of this leg of the journey will be the Moeraki Boulders –a series of spherical rocks that look like the remnants of a giant’s game of marbles.

From Dunedin you head southwards and soon arrive in The Catlins, an area renowned for its sealife – take out the binoculars and try to spot sea lions, seals, dolphins, penguins and other seabirds.

There’s more incredible wildlife to experience in Te Anau near Lake Manapouri. The area is famous for its Glowworm Caves, where tiny bioluminescent insect larvae turn the rockfaces into a virtual starry sky!

Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, a breathtaking wilderness of forests, mountains, lakes and waterways that has to be seen to be believed – we highly recommend you take a cruise on the famous Milford Sound.

The alpine resort of Queenstown is next on the agenda. This is the place for adventure enthusiasts – with bungee jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, sky diving and lots more available. More restful options include wine tasting or a leisurely ride across Lake Wakatipu.

As you head northwards via Wanaka (a lovely town that sits beside a lake of the same name), the scenery changes dramatically to rainforest. A good place to stop is peaceful Lake Moeraki which is just a 40-minute walk from the penguin colony at Monro Beach.

More contrast is provided by the incredible Fox and Franz Josef glaciers – where you could consider a hike or a helicopter experience.

On the dramatic north coast, you can visit Marahau (which skirts the edges of

three national parks) before arriving in Nelson, a town boasting white beaches, palm trees and colourful buildings.

Before you venture south once again, you will stop in Blenheim in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region.

Aeroplane fans will be drawn to the town’s Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to numerous exhibits owned by film director Sir Peter Jackson.

Sadly, your New Zealand odyssey is drawing to a close – but there is a final treat in store as you venture onto the coastal walkway at Kaikoura for the chance to see whales, dolphins, seals and more. A wild finish to a truly wild adventure.

Duration/type: 30 days/independent caravan tour Departure: year-round Price: from £4,199 per person for March 2020 departure (based on two sharing) Price includes: caravan hire, car hire, return flights from the UK to Christchurch, all transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Christchurch, 24 nights’ pre-booked campsites

For more information on these tours please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 42 December 2019

www.camc.com

A tour of New Zealand is like no other – we’re taking bookings now for 2020/21!

Lake Wanaka (main pic), Wainmarie paddle steamer (right) and Lake Pukaki (below)

GRAND NEW ZEALAND CARAVAN TOUR This fantastic tour takes in both the South and North islands of New Zealand.

Following a two-night hotel stay in Christchurch – the South Island’s largest city – you will head for Mount Cook, the highest peak in the country. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, gaze in awe at the icy-blue waters of Lake Pukaki, and take the opportunity to explore countryside that featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies.

Lake Wanaka and the alpine resort of Queenstown are further highlights of this early section of your adventure, before you journey northwards to the remarkable Fox Glacier. Stretching for 13km, this extraordinary ice sheet drops 2,600m in its slow journey towards the west coast. Visitors can embark on professionally-run tours on foot or even enjoy a helicopter experience. The equally impressive Franz Josef Glacier is a further 45-minute drive to the north.

It’s then on to Abel Tasman National Park before taking in the fascinating

www.camc.com

towns of Nelson, Picton and Blenheim, where you will have the chance to visit some of the wineries of the famous Marlborough region.

Picton is your starting point for a memorable journey across the Cook Strait to Wellington and New Zealand’s North Island. You then make your way to Whanganui where you could take a cruise on the Waimarie paddle steamer. Driving up the west coast you approach stunning Mount Taranaki – consider a hike around its lower reaches before exploring nearby New Plymouth.

Still further north are the Waitomo Caves (the venue for exciting walking or boating adventures) and glorious Auckland where art galleries, parks, gardens and historic Maori sites await.

From Auckland you venture south once again to Matamata – where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set – and then Rotorua, an area famed for its boiling mud pools, steaming vents and geysers.

As you head for Lake Taupo, perhaps consider a stop at Huka Falls and take an

Duration/type: 36 days/ independent caravan tour Departure: year-round Price: from £5,299 per person for March 2020 departure (based on two sharing) exciting trip down the raging river.

Taupo is actually a huge volcanic crater – for an unforgettable experience you could head out to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Back in Wellington, highlights include the Te Papa national museum, the iconic harbour area and the Weta Workshop – another treat for movie fans!

Sadly, it's time to head back towards Christchurch on the South Island.

Happily, though, you will have made memories to last a lifetime.

Price includes: caravan hire, car hire, return flights from the UK to Christchurch, all transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Christchurch, 30 nights’ pre-booked campsites, Interislander ferry crossings

December 2019 43

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Essential Winter Upgrades Club Shop

The start of winter is the perfect time to pick up essential upgrades for your caravan to make everything run more smoothly for longer. Head to the Club Shop for a comprehensive range of spare parts, all discounted exclusively for Club members.

The Ultimate Jockey Wheel from KARTT

CLUB

So many features in a ‘simple’ jockey wheel! Developed in collaboration with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and rigorously tested in lab conditions, this wheel overcomes many of the problems of traditional pneumatic or plastic wheels.

Packed with safety features; tough but not too heavy.

EXCLUSIVE

£63.00 RRP £56.70 for members SAVE

10%

Whale Easi-Slide Sockets Upgrade your utility socket with Whale’s new streamline and robust sliding socket. Easily installed, Easi-Slide Sockets can directly replace sockets with flaps, providing a durable and neater finish. Available for a wide range of inlet and outlet options including BBQ, water and electric.

sockets from £16.99 RRP, lids from £6.99 sockets from £15.29 RRP, lids from £6.29 for members

SAVE

10%

Fridge Vent Winter Covers Winter covers help to keep your fridge working properly and efficiently in temperatures below 8°C and will help to keep your caravan free of bugs and frost over the storage season. Both Dometic and Thetford covers are available. from from

£9.99 RRP £8.99 for members

Prices correct at time of print but may be subject to change.

Buy online from Club Shop at: shop.camc.comwww.camc.com

XX November 2019

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Gallipoli is within easy reach of La Masseria

robertharding / Alamy

To book sites and make ferry or Eurotunnel mc. reservations, visit ca ll ca or s ea rs com/ove 01 81 48 2 0134

FRESH IDEAS

Looking for somewhere different to stay next year? Well, the Club has added 16 sites to its European overseas programme –here’s a small selection

G25

W27

Y23

D33

GERMANY

Biggesee

SPAIN

La Pedrera

FRANCE

La Motte

ITALY

Set on the shores of NEW Lake Biggesee in FOR western Germany, 2020 this site is perfect for watersports fans, while walkers and cyclists will enjoy the multiple trails of the surrounding Ebbegebirge Natural Park. If you would rather take it easy, the site boasts spa and sauna facilities as well as a restaurant and bar. The cities of Cologne and Bonn are good day-trip options, while, closer to home, Altena Castle is one of the most beautiful hilltop fortresses in the country.

Just 20 minutes from NEW the beaches at FOR Torrevieja, La Mata 2020 and Cabo Roig on the sunny Costa Blanca, La Pedrera is the perfect spot for a winter escape. Boasting a restaurant – which serves traditional dishes every day except Monday in the low season – and bar, the site is located in the centre of a natural park. There are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities nearby, while the exciting port city of Alicante is less than an hour’s drive away.

This attractive site in NEW south-west France FOR enjoys a rural setting 2020 between forest and vineyards. Quiet roads and paths leading straight from the campsite are perfect for relaxing walks or cycle rides, while the historic towns of La Rochelle, Rochefort and Royan are within reach for day trips. Being just an hour north of beautiful Bordeaux, La Motte is also ideal as a stopover location on your way to Portugal or Spain.

Situated in the ‘heel’ of NEW Italy’s ‘boot’, this high FOR quality site offers 2020 excellent facilities, including an expansive pool, restaurant and bar. The beach is just a few minutes away, while the fascinating port town of Gallipoli (main image above) is just seven minutes’ drive. Here you could explore the Baroque cathedral of Sant’Agata and 13th-century Angevine-Aragonese Castle which stands guard at the waterfront.

La Masseria

For more information, please visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 488101 www.camc.com

December 2019 45

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

Letters

Your chance to have your say. The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides

Send your letters to Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Alternatively, email us at enquiries@camc.com or magazine@camc.com.

WAY TO GO THANKS TO ALL STAR LETTER

No limits

I would like to thank you for transforming my motorhoming life.

I had always assumed that large cities, without campsites, were generally inaccessible unless I wanted to brave unfamiliar inner-city roads and expensive parking fees. So I dismissed the thought of visiting any.

Then I read Jonathan Manning’s feature in the July 2019 issue, about touring in the north-west, and accessing

Liverpool from a CL. Inspired by the article, I decided to give it a go myself.

I was amazed at the ease and speed with which I could arrive in Liverpool and be free to enjoy the docks, the Museum and Tate Liverpool. I will return to Merseyside next year and am inspired to explore more sites with access to the larger cities.

Much appreciated.

Fiona Benson, Gloucestershire

HOPPER STOP I recently read in the magazine that you wanted us to tell you of interesting hobbies we pursue, using our outfits.

I have been a hot air balloon pilot of Bristol-made balloons from Camerons.

Normally, when ballooning, we tow the balloon and basket in a trailer behind us.

Many may not realise that there are smaller, one-man balloons known as ‘hoppers’ – these don’t have conventional baskets and the pilot sits in a seat with the propane tank strapped to his or her back. We fly this hopper all over the country; the beauty is it will pack up small into the back of the car and I can tow the caravan as well!

Recently, it was the ‘One Man Balloon Meet’ (OMM) in Tenbury Wells near Leominster. Like-minded balloonists 48 December 2019

with their hoppers also stayed with their outfits at the CL site of New House Farm, St Michaels. I thought others [might like to see] what a hopper looks like.

Derek Maltby, Bristol

On Saturday 26 October I retired from my role as Club Vice-Chairman. I wish to thank the Club for awarding me Honorary Life Membership – I will treat it with pride.

To all who have helped me, I give great thanks, particularly those I have met at shows offering both questions and ideas, the staff who have supported my role, my fellow Executive members, and especially those who served on my Events Committee over the 11 years I was chair.

Without the great support of my wife, Diane, none of this would have been possible.

I wish all great success in the future and look forward to meeting up along the road.

Rodney Lambert, via email

Earlier this year my husband and I decided if we were ever going to walk the South Downs Way it had better be sooner rather than later as we were both rapidly approaching 70.

We set to one Sunday afternoon poring over a map of the path and the site map to find CL sites we could use along the way.

We found four that were within easy or reasonable reach of the Way near Winchester, Steyning, Kingston and Alfriston and a fifth that unfortunately was not a CL or Club site but had to be used as there was nothing else in that particular area. They were duly booked for the first two weeks of September.

The plan was to book taxis to take us a certain distance away and walk back to the site in each direction then move on to the next site. To our amazement everything went according to plan. To cap it all as we came over the last part of Beachy Head into Eastbourne there was a gentleman practising the bagpipes.

It was as if he was piping us in!

We had 10 walking days and five moving on days and, including the extra mileage back to the sites, covered approximately 120 miles. Needless to say we felt quite pleased with ourselves!

Linda Downes, via email

GRAPE IDEA

Re disposing of the bag in a wine box – I have found a use for it. Having drunk the contents, remove the plastic bag and drain any remaining wine. If preferred the bag can be washed out – hold the tap open and use running water.

Hold open the bag tap and blow into it to inflate, then use it as a cushion or security device. Deflate it so it just slides between coat hanger rail and the shelf or roof above – the coat hangers don’t jump off the rail.

Position above glasses or crockery or around bottles and they are prevented from jumping about. No more chipped mugs or piles of clothes in the bottom of the wardrobe. Simply deflate the bag for storage when not in use.

Andrew Foskett, via email www.camc.com

SURFACE TENSION Outer limits We recently returned from a wonderful Scottish odyssey. After 390 miles on our first, and longest, day we enjoyed two nights at the Edinburgh Club site, then an overnight at lovely Morvich en route for Uig on Skye.

A ferry took us to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, where we set up at the Horgabost site for three nights. We were able to tour Lewis and enjoy lovely walks. Then we caught the ferry to Berneray before driving to the RSPB Balranald site on North Uist.

Then it was down to Eriskay, off South Uist, for the crossing to Barra, where we spent two nights at the Borve site, with waves crashing on the rocks below us. A 5.15am alarm ensured we made it to the ferry for the crossing to Oban. Finally we had a wonderful nine-night stop at your North Ledaig site.

The scenery was wonderful, the pace of life slower and the wildlife… well, golden eagle, sea eagle, otters and a porpoise (or dolphin?)!

Alistair and Jill Dawson, S Wales

www.camc.com

Now that most of us have caravans with wall-to-wall washrooms and many have a fixed bed too, the space left for the kitchen has shrunk. This is bad news for keen cooks like me, so to compensate designers need to make what space remains function as well and safely as possible. For me this means having worktops that are set at a height to suit most users.

For domestic kitchen units there is a long-established

Happy with hybrid The correspondence about electric cars in the November magazine caught my eye.

I am a newbie to caravanning (almost exactly one year in) and tackled the towcar question by simply checking whether our existing car could tow the MTLPM of the caravan we were thinking of buying – a two-berth.

It could, so we didn’t change the car and just fitted a towbar. The car is

industry standard of 36in which meets this requirement but caravan worktops are invariably set significantly higher.

In our own 2012 ’van the work surface and cooker hob are 1.75in higher than the standard so that I have to stand on a purpose-built plinth to use the hob safely and reach into the sink.

My salvation is the sideboard opposite which is lower and used for all food preparation. In fact it is

slightly too low and tends to give me backache, but I notice that this downward trend has accelerated, I assume to take a TV. The first manufacturer to do something different and change to the accepted standard is in with a good chance of selling us, and perhaps others, a new ’van. In the meantime we shall continue tripping over my ‘cooking step’ several times a day!

Jenny Constant, Worcestershire

a Lexus GS petrol hybrid and we have no problems at all towing – other than a noseweight sensitivity of 80kg. And we’ve already towed for three weeks round Ireland and 10 days around Northumberland – from Hampshire – plus had some shorter trips.

The car has plenty of torque at all speeds and tows happily on the electric motor below 25/30 mph.

The car is seven years old with no symptoms of deterioration in the battery. Given my (admittedly limited) experience, I’m just wondering whether the perceived

wisdom that a diesel towcar is essential is really right? And I suspect fully capable electric towcars are not that far away.

David Snelson, via email

Fuel for thought When I received the Towcar of the Year supplement recently I thought it was a joke that you had awarded the Jaguar I-Pace (left) a win for towing a small caravan up to 115 miles! I get the feeling the award was given as a token gesture, just because you had to be seen to be ‘green’.

If you really want to see the future I would suggest that the blind alley of battery power is not the way to go, but that Hydrogen-Fuel Cell technology is. I would point to the HFC-powered buses in London and other European cities which are increasingly efficient and the HFC commercial vehicle experiments which have been very successful in the USA. We still do not know the final cost and environmental implications of end-of-life battery disposal, whereas HFCs can be mainly recycled.

Alan Haydock, via email

EPITOME OF HELPFULNESS Just recently I bought a Coachman caravan and found I had no owners’ handbook. Being new to caravanning, I searched the internet but to no avail. As I live in the Hull area, I contacted the manufacturers, but again I was unable to gain any satisfaction.

So, as a last resort, and being a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, I sent an email to the Technical department on a Thursday night. Come the Friday morning I received a reply from a lady called Eileen who had read my email, and in her reply she said she

believed she had a spare copy. To cut a story short I received a copy on the Saturday morning.

In my eyes, Eileen is the epitome of helpfulness and efficiency with an exceptional manner and a credit to the Club.

Graham Whyte, via email

December 2019 49

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS ACTS Judge Mark Sutcliffe runs through the prizewinners in the Club’s hugely-competitive 2020 Caravan Design Awards The 25th edition of the Club’s Caravan Design Awards attracted more than 60 entries, with judging taking place over five days at the NEC during the Motorhome and Caravan Show.

A team of independent judges and two members of the Club’s Technical Committee scrutinised

every aspect of the caravans entered – including bedrooms, washrooms, kitchens, electrical equipment and gas services – while value for money was also taken into consideration.

Entries were divided into price classes, while there were dedicated awards for family, 8ft-wide, two-berth

and fixed-bed caravans, plus a discretionary prize for innovation.

The awards celebrate a diverse range of vehicles: from the compact three-berth Eriba Trolls to the latest extra-wide luxury touring caravans from UK and European manufacturers.

CLASS ONE POP-TOP CARAVANS WINNER

Eriba Touring Troll 530 Rockabilly

Price: £27,880 Eriba’s timeless little Troll just keeps on rocking! Staying true to its original concept of providing super-compact accommodation for two, The Troll’s minimalist design has been gradually refined over six decades. The 530 layout incorporates a transverse fixed bed, which leaves enough room for a surprisingly well-equipped galley and washroom with a compact dinette up front.

The red and white two-tone paint job evokes memories of simpler times.

RUNNER-UP

THIRD PLACE

Eriba Touring Troll 530 Ocean Drive

Eriba Touring Troll 542 60 Edition

Price: £27,880 Identical in every way to the Rockabilly – but with cool ocean blue two-tone paintwork reminiscent of a Californian

Price: £22,180 Built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original Troll – a tiny touring caravan that launched the formidable Hymer empire – the 542 layout is all campervan – the Ocean Drive is every inch the classic design icon. This retro reboot represents a bold alternative to the computer-designed, carefully calibrated crowd-pleasing caravans of the 21st century.

50 December 2019

about the sleeping arrangements.

The massive, longitudinal fixed bed works as a cosy double or virtual twin.

After the compact galley and washroom, there’s precious little space for much else apart from a tiny front dinette. www.camc.com

CLASS TWO CARAVANS UNDER £18,500 WINNER

Swift Sprite Alpine 2

Price: £17,990 One of the classic British layouts, this is hard to improve upon. Compact, space-efficient, lightweight and affordable, the Sprite is also a pretty luxurious contender these days – having shed its ‘budget’ associations a couple of years ago. The Alpine 2 prioritises comfort for couples without getting distracted by expensive accessories and options that just add weight and complexity.

Considering the seemingly inexorable trend towards 8ft-wide 2,000kg behemoths, it’s good to know there are alternatives for caravanners who want to remain agile and fleet of foot.

JOINT RUNNER-UP

Xplore 586

Price: £18,273 The polar opposite of the couplesfocused winner, the Xplore 586 crams six berths into a narrow-bodied, single-axle van that weighs less than 1,400kg fully laden.

Admittedly, with the full complement on board, it’s going to be cosy, but as a four-berth family van this is an awful lot of caravan for the money.

JOINT RUNNER-UP

Bailey Discovery D4-4

Price: £18,064 Bailey’s back with more innovative thinking in a new range of compact lightweight vans. The D4-4 offers four-berth flexibility in a fixed-bed, end-washroom ’van that will perhaps appeal to older couples who want an easy-to-tow-andmanoeuvre tourer that they can share with the grandchildren or the rest of the family. www.camc.com

December 2019 51

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS THREE CARAVANS £18,500-£21,000 WINNER

Elddis Avanté 454 Price: £20,194

This new layout from Elddis is firmly focused on couples who want the comfort and convenience of a fixed bed, without the weight and expense of a big twin-axle tourer. For older couples who want to downsize, it might just be the perfect solution. The L-shaped lounge layout and tiny washroom polarised opinion among the judges, but those who liked it, really liked it because, making no concessions to multi-berth flexibility, it serves the needs of two people extremely well.

THIRD PLACE

Bailey Phoenix 640

Price: £20,293 Bailey’s narrow-bodied, single-axle Phoenix features a longitudinal rear island bed and a space-efficient ensuite central shower and toilet. Offering a two-room ‘studio apartment’ feel for couples, combined with occasional four-berth flexibility, this lightweight caravan is a great all-rounder.

RUNNER-UP

Compass Casita 554 Price: £20,944 The Casita has a standard lounge layout with a larger kitchen and roomier end washroom than its class-winning Erwin Hymer Group stablemate – and all on a single-axle chassis. It features an island bed – so you don’t need to climb over your partner to reach the 52 December 2019

facilities at night – while the twin benches up front can be converted into a further double.

www.camc.com

CLASS FOUR CARAVANS £21,000-£24,000 WINNER

Elddis Affinity 520

Price: £22,794 The new 520 supercharges the classic two-berth, end-washroom layout by offering a truly massive bathroom that sets a benchmark in its class. Perfect for couples who spend much of their time on CLs and out-of-the-way sites with only basic facilities, the Affinity 520 also benefits from a generous central kitchen and an airy and space-efficient lounge. What’s more, it’s well-equipped with Alde central heating, a Sky-Scape panoramic sunroof and efficient mains and 12V lighting.

THIRD PLACE

Knaus Sport & Fun Black Edition

Price: £23,866 Winner of the £18,000-£21,000 price class last year, Knaus’ clever little sports tourer has been given an upgrade for 2020 in the shape of the Black Edition, boasting smooth grey and black panels all round. It’s only a cosmetic tweak, but it brings this super-versatile base vehicle for outdoor adventures bang up to date.

With the capacity to transport bikes, kayaks and more, the Sport & Fun really does offer something different.

RUNNER-UP

Compass Capiro 550

Price: £23,794 The Capiro range is all about luxury at reasonable weights. At 1,463kg, the 550 doesn’t need a large SUV to tow it, yet it sports a huge, fixed island bed, Alde central heating and a generous level of standard equipment. Stylish and contemporary inside, this is another couples-focused van (that potentially sleeps four), designed for regular, year-round touring. www.camc.com

December 2019 53

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS FIVE CARAVANS £24,000-£29,000 WINNER

Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo

Price: £25,789 Bailey’s popular Unicorn range was given a stylish makeover this summer, with new wheels, striking exterior decals and interior design tweaks giving it a more luxurious and contemporary edge. The improvements won over the judges who liked the fresh new feel of this lightweight, single-axle luxury tourer.

The winning combination of pull-out fixed island bed with a roomy end washroom and short front lounge mean this is more of a two-berth than a four-berth, but it’s still a practical all-rounder for couples who want to take their grandchildren for the occasional holiday treat.

THIRD PLACE

Elddis Avanté 868

Price: £24,594 This is one of the first of a new generation of super-sized family vans that brings more space and storage – as well as a fixed bed for the grown-ups – to the multi-berth market. At 8ft wide and weighing in at 1,800kg, the six-berth 868 is a bit of a heavyweight, but extra girth means it has both fixed bunks and a fixed bed – plus extra storage in two full-height wardrobes.

RUNNER-UP

Compass Camino 554

Price:£26,344 Sporting an almost identical layout to the winner, this well-appointed tourer includes all the equipment required for genuine four-seasons touring.

The transverse island bed is a tried and tested space-saving device that frees up room for the full-width end washroom and a modest front lounge, without the need to step up to a much heavier and more expensive twin-axle chassis.

54 December 2019

www.camc.com

CLASS SIX CARAVANS £29,000-£34,000 WINNER

Knaus StarClass 565

Price: £30,686 With multiple caravan design awards to its name, Knaus has established itself as one of the leading alternatives to the British caravan brands. The single-axle, standard-width StarClass 565 features the popular fixed twin bed layout with an end washroom and modest front lounge.

Solidly built inside and out, it features underfloor heating, comfy beds and a well-equipped kitchen.

THIRD PLACE

Elddis Crusader Supercyclone

Price: £29,644 The Supercyclone also offers fixed twin beds, but despite the spaceefficient central en suite washroom, it needs a twin axle chassis to accommodate the large kitchen and lounge, which comes with the contingent weight penalty. When it comes to looks and finish, the champagne metallic side panels and stylish interior mean the Crusader really stands out from the crowd.

RUNNER-UP

Bailey Alicanto Grande Estoril

Price: £29,289 In Estoril guise, the 8ft-wide Alicanto Grande sports the same layout as the winner, but the extra width means a more spacious lounge, wider fixed beds and a bigger washroom. All of www.camc.com

this fits nicely onto a single-axle chassis with an MTPLM well below 1,700kg. The wide body also creates space for a practical L-shaped kitchen, which extends worktop space to best in class.

December 2019 55

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS SEVEN CARAVANS OVER £34,000 WINNER

Knaus StarClass 695

Price: £35,815 With no upper restrictions on price or weight, Knaus’ flagship StarClass 695 is always in the running for this coveted award. If we’re nit-picking, the layout won’t suit everyone and the interior design is looking slightly dated compared to some continental rivals, but for couples in the market for a big, heavy, well-equipped, superbly built luxury tourer that they can use all year round, the StarClass is hard to beat.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR INNOVATION THIRD PLACE

BeauEr UK 3X

Price: £38,195 And now for something completely different. Forget everything you know about caravan design and marvel at this tourer of the future.

The French-designed BeauEr adapts slide-out technology associated with big American RVs to create a ‘concertina’ caravan that offers

abundant living space when extended, then compresses into an aerodynamic ovoid shape for towing.

RUNNER-UP

Buccaneer Barracuda

Price: £35,294 If fixed single beds don’t appeal, but a cosy snuggle in front of a good movie in a lovely L-shaped lounge is more your thing, take a look at the new Buccaneer 56 December 2019

Barracuda. Built on an 8ft-wide chassis, it packs in a generous fixed island bed and a big kitchen with plentiful preparation space. www.camc.com

RUNNER-UP

Knaus Südwind 580 UE

Price: £30,339 This versatile, family-friendly fixed bed layout also has a U-shaped lounge, but this time sitting on a single axle. The Südwind’s proportions are slightly more modest than the Bailey Pegasus Grande Messina and the fixed twin beds at the rear squeeze the kitchen space (which is where the Grande Messina really excels). But if lower

weight is more of a priority for you, the 580 UE is definitely worth a closer look.

THIRD PLACE

Adria Altea Avon 622 DK

CATEGORY ONE FAMILY CARAVANS WINNER

Bailey Pegasus Grande Messina

Price: £25,564 Here is another example of welcome innovation on the 8ft-wide platform – an inviting U-shaped front lounge that’s perfect for families who love to have friends round for dinner.

There’s a comfortable fixed bed out

back for mum and dad and a space-efficient central washroom with separate shower. But it really is all about that gloriously welcoming lounge, backed up by a decent-sized kitchen for rustling up feasts.

Price: £19,995 The Altea Avon 622 DK is a standard-width, single-axle caravan that sacrifices a fixed bed in order to offer six berths. The comfortable lounge converts into a large double bed while the nearside dinette and rear bunks can sleep another four youngsters. With a standard MTPLM of 1,800kg, it’s hardly

a featherweight, but it’s still reasonable, given the accommodation on offer.

CATEGORY TWO LARGE FAMILY CARAVANS

CATEGORY THREE TWO-BERTH CARAVANS

WINNER

WINNER

Price: £24,594 (see p54)

Price:£22,794 (see p 53)

Elddis Avanté 868

Elddis Affinity 520

RUNNER-UP

Knaus Südwind 580 QS

Price: £29,875 Probably the most original layout entered in this year’s competition, the innovative 580 uses its 8ft-wide platform to incorporate a triple stack of generous bunks – which double as storage space in transit – as well as a space-efficient corner washroom,

THIRD PLACE

Price: £28,306

Price: £19,395

Knaus StarClass 480 large forward fixed bed and a roomy central dinette. It’s completely unique in the UK market and once you’ve overcome the shock of the new, this novel layout makes more and more sense.

THIRD PLACE

Xplore 586

Price: £18,273 (see p 51) www.camc.com

RUNNER-UP

This is the German answer to the classic British end-washroom, two-berth tourer – a practical and space-efficient couples’ van that only needs a modest car to tow it.

Combining good build quality with a tried and tested layout, the 480 wants for nothing in terms of specification, although the judges weren’t keen on the table stowage solution – which involves hiding it underneath the lounge seats.

Adria Altea Aire 492 DT Here’s another take on the two-berth end washroom, which brings a breath of fresh ‘Aire’ to this tried and tested layout. The décor is bright and breezy, but it’s in the kitchen where this lightweight and affordable van really changes the game. The high-level dresser opposite the galley offers a huge amount of storage and more than doubles the amount of food preparation space.

December 2019 57

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CATEGORY FOUR CARAVANS OVER 8FT WIDE WINNER

Knaus StarClass 695 Price: £35,815 (see p56) RUNNER-UP

Bailey Alicanto Grande Sintra

Price: £29,064 Bailey takes the 8ft-wide platform and plays to its strengths by slotting a transverse island bed in front of a full-width end washroom onto a single-axle chassis – saving weight and money.

The modest lounge means it’s better suited as a couples’ van with occasional multi-berth versatility, while the L-shaped kitchen provides a welcome boost to food preparation space.

CATEGORY FIVE CARAVANS WITH DEDICATED BED(S) WINNER

RUNNER-UP

Alpina Mississippi Knaus StarClass 695 Adria 623UC Price: £35,815 (see p56) Price: £30,495 (see below left)

THIRD PLACE

Compass Camino 674

Price: £29,644 Standing on a twin-axle chassis, the standard-width Camino concedes little in terms of luxury or practicality.

As you’d expect, the 674 doesn’t feel quite as spacious as its wider-bodied rivals, and the rear fixed singles are

THIRD PLACE

Adria Alpina Mississippi 623UC

Price: £30,495 Sporting the same layout as the Bailey, the Alpina’s smooth, organic lines, contemporary neutral colours and exquisite lighting set high standards in interior design. It won’t 58 December 2019

be to everybody’s taste, but if you like ‘chic beachfront apartment’, it’s well worth a closer look.

a couple of inches narrower than in the Knaus, yet it remains a worthy contender in this class.

For a complete list of entries in all classes and categories, see camc.com/caravandesign www.camc.com

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November 2016 XX

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift tokens to be won

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 20 December 2019. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

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NAME: ADDRESS:

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ACROSS 1 Whip up public feeling (7) 5 Holy (6) 8 Computer screen (7) 10 Mild collision (4) 11 Luxury edition (2,4) 12 Firearm (5) 14 Cushion (3) 15 Male lover (9) 16 Narrow road (4) 17 Stoop (4) 19 Hairy arch on face (7) 22 Spanish square (5) 24 Gear position when disengaged (7) 26 Put into order (4) 28 Entire (5) 29 A slight accident (6) 31 Locomotive (6) 33 Shut (6) 35 The maintenance of buildings, etc (6) 38 Very fat (5) 39 A gag (4) 40 Disperse for school holidays (5,2) 43 Shabby (5) 45 Prickly plant (7) 47 Hurry (4) 49 Nana (4) 50 From Oslo (9) 53 Tiresome chore (3) 54 Mid-day meal (5) 55 Indoors or in prison (6) 56 A queue (4) 57 Bonfire toffee (7) 58 Castle tower (6) 59 How many voted (7)

For full terms and conditions of entry, please visit our website at camc.com/competitions

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

November solution: Across: 1 Battleship 6 Hobnobbing 11 Romeo 12 One-upmanship 14 Tiff 16 Glib 17 Hue 18 Smock 20 Sparse 21 Navy 22 Adapt 23 Stamina 25 Oar 26 Suspect 28 Slot 29 Benefit 33 Emery board 35 Profitable 38 Example 41 Newt

60 December 2019

DOWN 1 Words of wisdom (6) 2 Pipe (4) 3 Vacant (5) 4 Opening in stage (4-4) 5 Bicycle seat (6) 6 Army officer (7) 7 Profoundly based (4-6) 9 No longer wild (4) 13 Adult (5-2) 15 Popular pub drink (4) 17 Painter’s tool (5) 18 Money owed (4) 20 Impetuous (4) 21 Sand hill (4) 23 Tropical pear (7) 25 Not dead (5) 27 Ask for (7) 28 Cry tears (4) 29 Small rodents (4) 30 Scrub with an abrasive pad (5) 32 Say the opposite (10) 34 Nobleman (4) 35 Indefinite number (7) 36 New Zealand bird (4) 37 Damsel or serving girl (5) 39 Poke fun at (4) 41 Lengthen (8) 42 Knock out momentarily (4) 44 Small yappy dog (7) 46 To pass on a disease (6) 48 Hush-hush information (6) 51 Thick cord (4) 52 Tiny island (5) 54 Low-fat meat (4)

42 Statute 45 Toe 46 Mammoth 48 Prime 49 Lido 50 Arrive 52 Strut 54 Got 55 Nosh 57 None 59 Semi-detached 60 Plumb 61 Thirteenth 62 Terracotta Down: 1 Birthday 2 Temperature 3 Loot 4 Hoofprint 5 Pleases 6 Hippo 7 Blank 8 Obstinate

grid E

9 Brig 10 Globetrotter 13 Play-off 15 Imp 19 Cemetery 20 Stop 24 Tale 27 Chore 29 Befit 30 Nit 31 Receptionist 32 Transmit 34 Yep 36 Bathing suit 37 Swot 39 Ageless 40 Limousine 42 Surrender 43 Type 44 Vertebra 47 Hatchet 51 Van 52 Stern 53 Roach 56 Hear 58 Epic

OCTOBER WINNERS

£50 first prize: Eric Decamps, Derbyshire £10 runners-up: Hilary Bough, West Midlands; Susan Jeffery, Lancashire; Tina Watkins, West Midlands; Michael Boyle, West Midlands

Send to: ‘December Crossword’, Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry

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Member Offer

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Motus Kompact RRP from: £2,500 | Member Price from: £2,250 | Other Raleigh eBikes available

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November 2016 21

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB

Did you know you are entitled to a host of deals and discounts? From the start of January to the end of September members have collectively saved more than £2.5 million!

10% discount on Christmas hampers The Cornish Hamper Store is offering a selection of fantastic Christmasthemed hampers that make perfect gifts for family and loved ones. The ‘Merry Christmas Hamper’, for example, contains gingerbread, mince pies, butter fudge, chocolate and nut mixes and a bottle of Prosecco and costs £24.95 exc delivery (you pay £22.46 plus delivery).

Available in a printed carton, magnetic gift box or wicker basket, one of these hampers would make the perfect surprise. See camc.com/ the-cornish-hamper-store for details.

Laithwaite’s Wine offer

SAVE UP TO 10% AT CLUB SHOP

From camping accessories to leisure essentials, the Club Shop, brought to you by Prima Leisure, has all the kit you need to keep you touring – whatever the season. Visit shop.camc. com and use discount code CS-0218-PRIMA to save 10%.

Enjoy special days out with the National Trust

Club members can buy this fabulous quartet of Laithwaite’s wines for just £27.96, saving £21, and receive free delivery (usually £7.99). This flavoursome selection comprises deliciously dry Prosecco from award-winning Alessandro Gallici; zesty, tropical Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand; and two classic, fruit-filled reds from the Côtes-du-Rhône and Rioja.

Find out more at camc.com/laithwaites.

Save 8% on National Trust gift cards which can be used towards entry to properties, cafés and restaurants, gift shops and National Trust membership.

Visit camc.com/nationaltrust for details.

Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details 62 December 2019

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Save 20% with Young Driver Young Driver offers youngsters aged 10 to 17 the chance to get behind a wheel of a real car before they’re legally allowed to take to the road. Government-approved driving instructors teach youngsters how to start, steer, manoeuvre, reverse and park on a specifically designed road system featuring two-way traffic, roundabouts and road signs.

Club members save 20% on the price of Young Driver gift vouchers (normal price £36.99 for a 30-minute lesson voucher).

Find out more by visiting camc.com/youngdriver.

SAVE 13% ON THE HOBBYCRAFT GIFT CARD Discover tools, materials and inspiration for every craft you can imagine at Hobbycraft. In-store and online you will find everything you need for all those exciting art, knitting and crochet, haberdashery, papercraft, baking and jewellery -making projects.

Hobbycraft has something for every age and every skill level – see camc.com/hobbycraft to find out more.

Butterfly

Conservation 50% off first year’s membership Two-thirds of the UK’s butterfly and moth species are in decline. With your support Butterfly Conservation can maintain and enhance landscapes for these beautiful creatures, give advice to landowners, managers and gardeners on how to conserve and restore habitats, gather data and conduct research. Join today and you will receive: information and a guide to nature reserves; your first copy of Butterfly magazine (issued three times a year); and an exclusive Gardening for Butterflies and Moths booklet by garden writer Kate Bradbury. The normal price of 12 months’ single membership is £36 but you can save 50% (offer also valid on Joint and Family membership). Visit camc.com/butterflyconservation to find out more.

Gift Memberships and vouchers Treat friends or family to Club membership and we’ll send you a £10 Caravan and Motorhome Club voucher, so everyone’s a winner. (Vouchers, which are redeemable against site fees and membership subscriptions, also make great gifts!) Find out more about Gift Membership Packs and vouchers at camc.com/gift.

ART LOVERS SPECIAL

GREAT Russborough – SAVINGS an elegant stately GUIDE home less than half an hour from Dublin in County Wicklow – contains one of the most impressive private art collections in Ireland.

Members can claim two-for-the-price-ofone admission to the guided house tour which takes in 50 paintings and drawings from the famous Breit Collection and Milltown Collection.

Visit camc.com/ greatsavingsguide to find out more and download a voucher.

Now is the time to visit as Russborough hosts a Wilde Christmas House Tour – bringing the stories of Oscar Wilde to life in themed rooms – and introduces a special festive gift shop and menu.

Information correct at publication. Terms and conditions apply to all offers – see camc.com/memberoffers and camc.com/greatsavingsguide www.camc.com

December 2019 63

COUNTRY MATTERS TURTLE DOVE

Love is

AIR IN THE

As Christmas approaches David Chapman takes a look at an endangered bird that inspires warmth and devotion

U

sually, I like to write about an aspect of our natural environment that is appropriate to the season.

This month, I find myself writing about a bird that we won’t see again in Britain until the spring. But when I mention its name you will immediately know why I have chosen to focus on it.

There can be few birds more closely associated with our folklore than the turtle dove. The best-known reference to it is found in the carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, believed to have been written in 1780 – on the second day “...my true love gave to me, two turtle doves...”

There have been many explanations offered for the meaning of the words of this song. Some suggest religious connections to each gift – two turtle doves are referred to as a sacrifice in the Bible for example (Leviticus 14:22). The bird also receives a mention in the Song of Solomon, which was a reading at the marriage of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last year:

64 December 2019

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“

Two turtle doves are referred to as a sacrifice in the Bible

�

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December 2019 65

COUNTRY MATTERS TURTLE DOVE

WHERE TO STAY

I was lucky enough to hear a turtle dove at the lovely Wildemere Farm CL, Suffolk last summer. Here are some other potential viewing spots...

Site: Thirsk Racecourse – there is a population of turtle doves in North Yorkshire. Try Sutton Bank National Park Centre in summer.

Site: Slinfold – this is a good area for seeing turtle doves, and within easy driving distance of the Knepp Castle Estate which is home to a rewilding project.

To book, open the UK Sites app, visit camc.com/searchandbook or call our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490.

Please call Affiliated BOOK ON THE Sites directly.

APP

Turtle doves are found in Britain between April and September

“

A disease caused by a parasite could be contributing to their decline “For lo, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

The turtle dove has long been associated with the theme of ‘devotion’. It is believed that the birds pair for life and even refuse to seek out a partner once their first love has died.

Shakespeare made many references to their fidelity, including in The Winter’s Tale: “I, an old turtle, Will wing me to some wither’d bough and there, My mate, that’s never to be found again, Lament till I am lost.”

The ‘turtle’ of turtle dove is a shortened form of turtur, found in its scientific name, and may derive from the French name for a dove, ‘tourterelle’, which attempts to replicate the soporific purring sound it makes. In fact, our best chance of finding a turtle dove is to listen for its voice – it is quite a shy bird and one which is now rare in the UK. Turtle doves are found in Britain from April to September, being most common in the south-east and east of England; their 66 December 2019

”

preferred habitat is woodland fringing open fields. However, recent surveys suggest a decline of between 91% and 95% in their breeding population since 1995.

The reasons for their decline are numerous.

Across much of Europe, the intensification of agriculture has had a serious impact on their success, while their wintering grounds in Africa are also changing, with fewer trees, more intensive land use and droughts.

It is feared that a disease caused by the trichomonas gallinae parasite could be contributing to their demise, but hunting is also a major problem. It was estimated in 2007 that between two and three million turtle doves were killed on their migration through countries such as Egypt, Syria, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta.

You can learn more about turtle doves and the work being done to try and save them at operationturtledove.org.

DECEMBER LOOK OUT FOR This Christmas you definitely won’t see ‘two turtle doves’ and it’s unlikely that you will see a partridge in a pear tree. But there are plenty of geese around (though not a-laying). Look for: n Barnacle geese (above), most numerous in Dumfries and Galloway and on Islay n Brent geese (below), particularly in the south of England n Pink-footed geese, most common in Lancashire, East Anglia and across Scotland

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

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Include a list of walks to do together over the coming year, in places that are special to you or you know they want to go to. Expert Tip

Member Offer

#8

Something for

The perfect gift, selected by our experts

15% discount

for Caravan and Motorhome Club members For those who like to spend Christmas outdoors, we’ve got just the thing, whatever their adventure and whatever their outdoors.

#12adventuresofchristmas cotswoldoutdoor.com

Full T&Cs apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Selected lines are exempt. Partnership discount is only valid for customers signed up to our free Explore More benefits scheme. Only valid upon production of your Caravan and Motorhome Club membership identification in-store or use of code AF-TCCLUB-M1 online. Offer expires 31.03.20.

Let’s go somewhere

Dear Santa...

PRODUCT SHOWCASE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

From cute cushions to magical moneyboxes, Jane McGowan has some suggestions for your festive wishlist

Caravan Keyring

Make sure you never misplace the caravan or motorhome keys again! Made from heavy-duty nickel, the weighty fob features a bright enamel-style inset displaying a caravan silhouette and attractive rainbow edging.

Very reasonably priced, the keyring comes in a neat gift box and would make a great stocking filler.

RRP: £5.49 Contact: available from Duke Gifts, via amazon.co.uk

Caravan King & Queen Mug Set

Photography: Jon Warman

Hobbycraft Paint Your Own Camper Van Money Box

What could be better than a gift that not only reflects your family’s love MEMBER of touring but also encourages OFFER A VAILABLE children to save their pocket money and gives them something to do should the weather on site take a turn for the worse? This ceramic mini camper comes complete with brush and paints and measures a neat 12cm x 8cm x 8cm – so it won’t even take up much space once it’s completed! Not suitable for children under three years. You can save 13% when buying a Hobbycraft gift card with the Club – see p63 and camc.com/hobbycraft to find out more.

Featuring quirky crown designs and vibrant colours, these ‘his and hers’ mugs are great for those who love all things ‘caravan’. Unhitch, set up the water, gas and electrics, pitch the awning and smugly celebrate the start of another great holiday with the perfect cuppa!

Presented in an attractive box, complete with twine bow, this set would make the perfect gift.

RRP: £8.99 Contact: available from Something Different via amazon.co.uk, 01792 940 288

RRP: £4 Contact: hobbycraft.co.uk, 0330 026 1400

68 December 2019

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Oh So Peachy Drinking Flasks

Available in numerous colours and designs, these drinking bottles from Oh So Peachy are really eyecatching. The double-wall flask holds up to 500ml of liquid and is suitable for both hot and cold drinks – remaining hot for up to eight hours or cold for up to 12. It can be tailored to reflect the buyer’s touring preference. Colours available include: pink, blue, black and rose gold, while the contrasting vinyl writing comes in silver or white. Hand wash only.

RRP: £15.99 Contact: ohsopeachy.co.uk, 07866 976165

Colapz Bucket

With numerous different colours and graphic schemes available, these handy buckets make fun yet MEMBERS practical presents.

SAVE Constructed from food-grade recycled materials (making them safe for carrying drinking water), each one can hold up to 8 litres and, when not in use, squashes down to a height of just 6cm.

UV-resistant – so the vibrant colours should last – and frost-proof, the Colapz comes complete with a reinforced handle for ease of carrying and an elastic drawstring to keep it firmly compressed when not in use. Save on this product at the Club shop (check Colapz’s website for special seasonal deals).

10%

RRP: £20.99 (members can buy from Club Shop for £18.89) Contact: shop.camc.com

Prima Motorhome Scatter Cushion

Measuring 40cm x 40cm, MEMBERS this attractive cushion SAVE would add a lovely finishing touch to your motorhome – and it’d look just as good in your lounge at home as a reminder of your travels! The soft ‘woven-feel’ outer is machine washable at 30ºC and features a repeated modern design in royal blue. The plump pre-filled polyester pad can be easily removed using the sturdy zipper.

Other designs – including caravanspecific schemes – are available.

Save on this product at the Club shop.

10%

RRP: £4.99 (members can buy from Club shop for £4.49) Contact: shop.camc.com

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December 2019 69

FEATURE TITLE SUBTEXT

Treat your friends to the perfect gift With a year’s Club membership

Let your friends discover the joys of touring with the Club and all the fantastic benefits included, when you buy them a Gift Membership.

Plus you’ll receive a £10 Club voucher, so it’s a present guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Find out more at: www.camc.com/gift

Terms and conditions apply, see website for details XX November 2019

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FAMILIES TOURING TIPS

FAMILY MATTERS Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (17) and son Charlie (11) use their caravan to pursue a wide range of interests. Here they look back at seven years of touring fun

S

crolling through my Family Matters photo folder, I’m staggered by the wide variety of activities and experiences we’ve had thanks to our caravan.

Purchased on a whim after deciding that camping wasn’t comfortable enough, our first ‘van allowed us to prise the kids away from the TV and show them what the world, or parts of it, has to offer.

What began as a trial run of just three articles in this magazine back in February 2012 grew into something that has featured in more than 80 issues. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our adventures as much as Helen, Poppy, Charlie and I have enjoyed taking part in the activities featured.

Thankfully, long-lasting memories aren’t necessarily expensive. In fact when I asked the kids what they’ve enjoyed most, it was things like coastal walks in search of ice cream and making a ‘telephone’ from two tin cans and a length of string that popped into their heads first.

Some activities have been gloriously bonkers – a tour of the Brighton sewer system and taking part in Bognor Birdman with a ‘flying’ caravan stand out in particular – and the by-product of many has been ‘health by stealth’ thanks to the unbeatable combination of fresh air and a modicum of physical exertion.

The kids have learned new skills too. Map reading, orienteering and obstacle course races were among Poppy’s favourites and may explain why ‘army medic’ is on her list of potential professions.

Since helping restore our 1960s Bailey Maestro caravan, Charlie has developed the characteristics of a mad inventor, using the skills he picked up to construct a range of oddball contraptions. He’s keen to pursue an interest in engineering.

However, all good things must come to an end and this is our final Family Matters page. We’ve had an absolute blast. Entertaining the family on a budget can be tough but I hope we’ve helped!

HELEN’S VIEW

CHARLIE’S VIEW

From our first white-knuckle caravan trip to Dartmoor to a recent 10-country tour, a lot has changed over the years. Poppy and Charlie have blossomed thanks to the caravan – from gaining social skills on site to becoming more aware of our environment. The Family Matters page has helped me too as, not being a huge fan of water, stepping out of my comfort zone for various activities has boosted my confidence.

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I really enjoyed restoring our 1960s caravan with Dad. I didn’t think the smell would ever go, but now it almost smells like a new caravan. I learnt a lot and going away in it for the first time was absolutely brilliant. Dad recently bought a 1970s caravan for £5.99 and we have lots planned for that!

December 2019 71

PRACTICAL UK AND EUROPE

Whether youre touring in the UK or Europe, its important to get to grips with the basics of gas and electricity

Home and away Sammy Faircloth looks at the differences between holidaying in the UK and in Europe

T Right: consider keeping a table showing the consumption (in amps) of various appliances in the caravan/ motorhome 72 December 2019

ouring in Europe can seem quite daunting at first – with differences in languages, road regulations, site set-up and equipment to contend with. Don’t let any of it stop you from travelling! Over the years I have learned what works and what doesn’t, so I’ve set out some key differences between holidaying in the UK and continental Europe below, in the hope that it encourages some people to try.

ELECTRICITY

Most UK sites have electricity bollards offering up to 16 amps (A), whereas in Europe hook-ups can deliver anything from as little as 3A up to 20A. Some sites may offer the option to increase

the power to 16A for a small charge.

I have produced a chart to help me keep within my limits and prevent me from tripping the hook-up point. To work out how many amps your device consumes, divide its wattage by the voltage on site (usually 230V).

Sites in some countries do not include the cost of electricity in the pitch fee and charge a daily rate instead. Furthermore, in some countries (eg Austria, Germany and Spain) it is not uncommon to have a metered charge for power consumed, particularly during the winter months.

Usually a three-pin IEC 60309 hook-up cable is used to connect to a UK bollard. Although the majority of European sites use the same connector, there are some that have two-pin connection points. It is advisable to purchase an adaptor

before you travel abroad, although you may be able to hire one at certain European sites.

Pitch sizes vary from country to country, but on the whole the dimensions are similar to those we have in the UK. Do watch out for the distance from the pitch to the hook-up point, though. On one trip to France we discovered that our pitch was quite far from the bollard and our 25m-long cable only just reached.

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For more advice about touring in Europe, see camc.com/ overseasadvice

Left to right: this site in France had cables running across an access road; a Calor cylinder with a Campingaz cylinder as back-up; you’ll need the right Gaslow adapter for the country that you are visiting

Europeans can be more relaxed than us Brits when it comes to electrics – I have seen hook-up points with a spaghetti of wires coming out of them as well as hook-up cables running across access roads. If you have any doubts about the safety of an EHU post, then don’t use it.

GAS

It is not possible to exchange or refill any conventional UK gas bottles outside of the UK. Campingaz containers are the exception – empty bottles can be exchanged for full ones (for the price of a refill) in nearly all European countries (including the UK) but the largest available only weighs 2.75kg. It is recommended that you carry a Campingaz adaptor/ regulator just in case you run out of your usual gas abroad and have to change to Campingaz.

For those who use user-refillable bottles (eg Gaslow, Safefill), there are currently three different foreign filling adaptors that you can use on your UK connection to enable you to replenish anywhere in Europe.

Before travelling, check with any ferry companies you may be using (or Eurotunnel) as to their restrictions on the quantity of gas you are allowed to carry.

Eurotunnel does not permit LPG-powered vehicles, and although the cross-Channel ferries do, it is wise to check with the individual company before travelling. Always travel with the gas switched off. www.camc.com

DRIVING ABROAD

It may seem an obvious thing to say but upon arrival on the Continent, remember to drive on the right-hand side (they drive on the left in Cyprus and Malta)! Driving regulations vary from country to country, so check before you leave.

I would always recommend that you travel with a warning triangle, headlamp beam deflectors, high visibility vests for all passengers, a V5C (log book), photo driving licence and passport. You can find comprehensive advice at caravanclub.co.uk/overseas-holidays/ useful-information/compulsory-andlegal-requirements.

TOLL ROADS/EMISSION ZONES

Aside from tolls at some bridges, tunnels and other crossings, the only major toll road in the UK is the M6 Toll.

Toll roads in Europe are more common, with countries such as France, Spain and Portugal charging for the use of most of their motorways (a detailed list can be found at sixt.co.uk/toll-roads/europe).

If you travel regularly to France, Spain or Portugal, then it is worth investing in an Emovis Tag (see camc. com/emovis for a Club member offer).

With the tag fitted you can drive through any ‘T’ toll gate without having to open your window or take a ticket. Payment is debited monthly from your bank account – so you don’t have to worry about finding the correct change and it’s particularly

handy for solo travellers (no more reaching across to pay).

Low emission zones are becoming increasingly common in European cities. You may need to register your vehicle in advance (even if it meets the requirements) in order to drive within one – see urbanaccessregulations.eu for more information.

FINAL THOUGHTS Always research the country you intend to visit (the Club’s Overseas Touring Guides are a great place to start) and ensure that you have the correct travel insurance in place. Red Pennant is the Club’s own overseas travel insurance service and is tailored specifically with caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tent owners in mind.

Carry a warning triangle in case of breakdown; headlamp deflectors are usually needed when driving abroad

The Emovis Tag lets you pay tolls automatically in France, Spain and Portugal

December 2019 73

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Make the move Q The place that I store my caravan is very limited on space. Would an electric caravan mover be worthwhile?

How should I choose one?

A

A mover’s a great addition – for safe and easy manoeuvring in storage or on site, and for trouble-free hitching up. It attaches to the caravan chassis, with electric motors driving rollers against the caravan tyres.

The rollers operate in unison for forward/ backward movement or in opposition for directional control. Choosing a mover is quite difficult, as there are many makes, many of which look similar.

Here are some issues to consider when considering a purchase: Mass: A mover affects your payload capacity.

The lightest movers are about 23kg, but heavy-duty ones can be 37kg. Twin axle movers may have two or four motors. The latter (for the heaviest caravans) can be 70kg.

Actuation: Automatic actuation means pressing a button on a remote control so that the rollers automatically slide into contact with the tyres. Manual actuation means using a lever to position the roller against the tyre.

Cross actuation means rollers on both wheels are engaged from one side by one lever action.

If your caravan is parked in a tight spot (eg close to a wall), cross or automatic actuation may be essential. Don’t leave the rollers pressed against the tyres when not manoeuvring, as this distorts the rubber.

Niggles: The mover may be great, but will it affect access to jacking points or a spare wheel?

Check before you buy.

Cost: Prices range from around £600 to more than £2,500, with fitting usually costing extra.

Most good manufacturers offer at least a five-year warranty. Movers are vulnerable to wear and tear and to minor damage, so good construction and a long warranty are worth paying for.

Effectiveness: Older movers often featured grit-surfaced rollers. Most now have more durable and effective ridged rollers.

In fact, feedback suggests differences in effectiveness between models is relatively

74 December 2019

small. Reliability and warranty/spares back up is what you pay extra for.

Undercarriage: Most movers reduce the caravan’s ground clearance. Take care around high kerbs, speed humps or large potholes.

Old caravans may have a shallow chassis that can’t accommodate a mover without reducing ground clearance excessively.

Velocity: Movers do not achieve high speed, but most now include soft start technology to help fine control and reduce stress on components.

Replacements: Check for parts support.

It’s a good sign if parts are available for a manufacturer’s older models.

Energy: An 85Ah battery is often the minimum recommended, but the most powerful movers may need more.

Safety: A mover lets one person move a large caravan alone. Use it carefully, though, for your safety and for that of others. Also, be aware that you can damage the jockey wheel with a mover, either by trying to push the wheel sideways, or by pushing it against an obstruction. When possible, drive the caravan backwards to minimise this risk, especially on soft or uneven ground.

Movers are useful when manoeuvring space is limited

Please address your questions to:

Technical Information, Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA ...and quote your membership number

camc.com/advice

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November 2016 21

TEST SEAT ATECA XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI DSG

’TECA CHANCE ON ME? Lesley Harris offers her thoughts on Seat’s compact and fun-to-drive SUV

76 December 2019

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S

eat is widely acknowledged as the ‘sporty’ brand within the VW Group – the entire range has always had a distinctive, jaunty style. The Ateca – the company’s first foray into the competitive compact SUV market – was launched back in 2016, contending with models by other manufacturers as well as stablemates such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Škoda Karoq.

Styling cues are taken from the Seat Leon, and the ‘family look’ of sharp lines and creases is present; these set it apart from less-inspiring rivals. At the front, LED headlamps, Seat’s signature daytime running lights and deep air intakes all contribute to the solid, reliable appearance. When you also factor in the highly-sculpted rear end, the Ateca’s handsomeness is evident from any angle.

The XCELLENCE trim featured here includes microsuede fabric seats, the aforementioned LED headlights, reversing camera, cruise control, voice control, keyless entry and go, wireless phone charging capability and – my personal favourite – a heated windscreen. Ideal for those icy mornings.

COMFORT

“

Inside, it’s functional and practical. The cabin is clean and unfussy, and the dash will be familiar to anyone who has recently driven a VW Group car. Reasonably high-quality soft materials adorn the top, although when you cast your eyes downwards you’ll notice harder, scratchy plastics. That said, it feels well-built and satisfactorily put together.

Chunky heating and ventilation controls are easy to use and you can select various driving modes via a rotary dial located in the central console.

The eight-inch Full Link touchscreen infotainment system is also a carry-over from the Leon hatch, and while the graphics are a tad grainy, it’s intuitive and has smartphone connectivity as standard.

The seats are comfortable and a huge amount of customisation is available for anyone who likes to fiddle with the levers in search of the perfect position.

The driver can also move the rake-and-reach steering wheel to fine-tune their arrangement.

There’s just enough room for three adults to sit comfortably at the back, and the narrow transmission tunnel allows for plenty of foot space.

The ‘family look’ of sharp lines and creases is present

”

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December 2019 77

TEST SEAT ATECA XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI DSG

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£31,225 Insurance

Group 19 Club insurance

The Club’s Car Insurance is guaranteed to beat your renewal premium by at least £25*.

Clockwise from above: functional cabin, intuitive infotainment screen, decent loadspace, sharp lines

Engine

1,968cc, 4-cyl, diesel, in line Power

With thanks to

148bhp (110kW) @ 3,500rpm

Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans.

See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email uckfield@ chichester-caravans.co.uk

Torque

251lb ft (340Nm) @ 1,750rpm Transmission

Seven-speed DSG automatic Spare wheel

Those with families will appreciate the two Isofix fittings to the outer rear seats and the provision of USB ports: two in the rear (along with a little net to hold a phone) and two in the front.

DRIVING

Seat offers a range of both petrol and diesel engines and there’s also a four-wheel drive option. I tested the 2.0-litre TDi seven-speed DSG, which puts out 148bhp and has 340Nm of torque to play with.

It’s a combination that has been used to great effect throughout the VW Group range, but in the Ateca it’s fairly noisy at idle and lower speeds.

That said, the engine is punchy and strong, and it pulls well.

The Ateca is an engaging, entertaining SUV to drive, and employing the DSG paddles for gear changing can further enhance the experience. Plenty of grip inspires confidence, especially when on twistier roads, but there’s an obvious trade-off for this much

fun. Passengers may not enjoy the firm and unyielding ride as much as the driver – any road imperfections will be picked up and transmitted into the cabin.

As a motorway cruiser, it runs along nicely, although again you will notice the effects of any poorly-maintained surfaces.

At lower town speeds, the Ateca behaves well and doesn’t feel too big on the road.

TOWING

A higher ride height gives the driver a good view of everything lying ahead, while great all-round visibility helps when parking and manoeuvring through crowded towns.

Pulling away from lights and junctions is controlled, with no tugging, and generally overtaking is smooth; the Ateca does waver slightly when passing lorries.

Once again the firm ride impinges on comfort when towing. Travelling over rougher surfaces, the dynamics of the car and van become unsettled,

leading to bouncing that ripples through both units. ‘Eco’ mode seemed the best for towing – the time of gear change was shorter.

Ateca’s impressive boot space is 510l with seats in place and 1,605l when they are removed. The seats are easily dropped by the levers in the back; however, unless you purchase the optional split floor you won’t get a flat load area.

VERDICT

If you want an SUV that is fun to drive and comfort of ride isn’t a priority, then the Seat Ateca could be for you.

It tows well enough, but you may hear passengers grumble about their experiences.

We guarantee to beat your insurance renewal premium by £25*.

See camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 to get your quote

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of existing renewal, including cover and price (eg a copy of your renewal notice), when cover is on a like-for-like basis. Please note, terms and conditions, eg excess(es), may vary from your current insurer. Courtesy car is subject to availability. Subject to terms and conditions and the Insurer’s acceptance of the Risk. The Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited.

The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

78 December 2019

Tyre repair kit Kerbweight

1,483kg (85%=1,261kg) Gross vehicle weight

2,010kg Gross train weight

3,810kg Noseweight limit

80kg Towing equipment

Pre-installation with hook, £700 Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/11gals (50 litres)/60.1mpg solo CO2

123g/km

RATINGS

70%

COMFORT

80%

DRIVING

75%

TOWING

75%

OVERALL www.camc.com

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TEST COMPASS CASITA 454

HOUSE

PROUD

Rob McCabe tastes life in a ‘little house’ made for two from the Erwin Hymer Group and discovers an impressive layout that is like few others out there

D

id you know that almost every fixed-bed tourer is a four-berth model, with a front lounge that converts into a double? But, in practice, such caravans are often used by couples. Taking that on board, Compass has gone the whole hog and launched a fixed-double-bed two-berther – the trade-off for having no sleeping option up front being an eye-catching L-shaped lounge.

As a result, the Casita 454 (‘Casita’ means ‘little house’ in Spanish) is one of 2020’s boldest new layouts – and it’s having its first magazine test here.

BUILD QUALITY

If the 454’s layout is new and exciting, the way all Compass caravans (as well as their Elddis and Buccaneer stablemates) are built is now pretty familiar.

80 December 2019

The manufacturer is so confident in its SoLiD construction method it offers a 10-year water ingress and body integrity guarantee.

Our test vehicle came straight from the big NEC show – so it’s a credit to its robustness that it survived several days of up-close-and-personal scrutiny from the Great British caravanning public with not a scuff or blemish to its name.

TOWING

The fact that such a well-equipped, smart new caravan only just tops 1,300kg when laden to its limit is bound to attract interest from potential buyers who don’t have a chunky SUV parked on the drive – and Al-Ko’s ATC is a standard fitment, which is good to see. Towability could be one of the big selling points of this new Casita. www.camc.com

“

The ‘wow’ comes from opening the door for the first time and gazing upon the L-shaped lounge

”

wardrobes, but it takes up nearly all the available floorspace and makes it feel a little bit pinched up here.

Storage is generous for a couple. The space under the L-shaped sofa is accessed via two wide-opening hatches, which should in the most part save you from manhandling upholstery to get in from the top. The warehouse under the double bed can be reached by way of an exterior locker or by lifting up the base on its hydraulic struts. Wardrobes live either side of the bed, with drawers underneath.

The blown-air Whale heating is certainly effective – the test coincided with bitingly cold, rainy weather and it never took long to get the whole caravan feeling nice and warm. A night-time setting on the control panel lives up to its quiet-running promise.

There’s a fitted stereo with USB input, so you can play your own tunes from your phone or memory stick. I was slightly surprised to encounter a new 2020-model-year caravan with no USB charging points anywhere, though.

NIGHT-TIME

The 454’s L-shaped lounge with ’pleasingly supportive‘ upholstery

DAYTIME

The ‘wow’ comes from opening the door for the first time and gazing upon the L-shaped lounge in one direction, and the adjustable transverse double bed in the other.

The lounge is enticingly comfortable: the upholstery is pleasingly supportive, offering plenty of feet-up lounging space for two. If you have a visitor, there’s a corner for each of you to flop comfortably into; with two visitors it’ll start to feel a bit cosy. The deep window shelf gives a home to coffee mugs, wine glasses and the like, and there’s a big, curved shelf on the nearside wall performing the same function.

Anyone sitting over on the offside will have to plonk their glass on the kitchen worktop.

You can, of course, fetch the rather austere-looking freestanding table from its home in one of the www.camc.com

It’s a fantastic bed – at 6ft 3in long, it offers room to spare for all but the loftiest among us, and the mattress feels impressively comfy and substantial.

You can push it in during the day to free up a bit of space at the bottom – you'll still have enough lounging room to enjoy a quiet read of an afternoon – or even to sit up and watch some TV. See those top ‘drawers’ under the wardrobes?

They’re not drawers – they’re cunningly concealed pull-out shelves, substantial enough to accommodate all sorts of night-time paraphernalia; a clever and highly practical touch. Rather less practical is the complete absence of a blind to shut the bedroom off from the rest of the caravan.

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£20,194 OTR Beds

Rear fixed double (6ft 3in x 4ft 5in) Heating

Whale CompleteHeat Fridge/freezer

Dometic 119-litre fridge-freezer Toilet

Thetford MRO

1,182kg (23.27cwt) MTPLM

1,310kg (25.79cwt) User payload

128kg (2.52cwt) Overall length

22ft 7in (6.88m) Overall width

7ft 5in (2.26m) Overall height

8ft 8in (2.64m)

With thanks to:

Kitchen area and fixed double bed

Vehicle supplied for testing by Erwin Hymer Group UK, Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham DH8 7PE. Contact: elddis.co.uk December 2019 81

TEST COMPASS CASITA 454 Left: the ’fantastic‘ bed Below: the designers have made good use of the relatively small washroom space

KITCHEN

Unfortunately, the Casita's kitchen is almost entirely bereft of work surface, and it’s not as if there’s a dresser opposite that can bale you out. And with the walls and door of the washroom just a few inches behind you, it also feels a bit hemmed in.

Equipment-wise, it fares a lot better. The Russell Hobbs microwave is gleamingly attractive, and it has been fitted in very neatly. You get a separate oven and grill, and the hob includes a gas-saving electric hotplate. The sleek Dometic fridge looks cool with its permanently-on blue LED control panel.

WASHROOM

There’s no space for a separate cubicle in this compact caravan, but if you’re just an occasional user of the caravan shower, this one is good enough. It has its own mixer tap and the head is the very good Eco Camel fitment.

Overall, the designers have made very good use of a relatively small space. There’s no window, but the wide-opening sunroof lets in a decent amount of light and air. The wash basin and the swoopy shelf on which it sits create that essential ‘boutique’ look, and the shallow wall cupboard is plenty big enough for a couple’s toiletries. A heating outlet ensures it feels nice and warm in here.

LIGHTING

All bases in the illumination department are covered exceptionally well. The lounge benefits from individually switchable, adjustable reading lights in each of the three corners, and there’s even a little LED strip just above the middle-front window to cater for anyone sitting underneath – a very neat touch.

A flick of the switch on the main control panel by the door brings on the above-locker ambient lighting, plus

the downlighter directly above the big mirror opposite the kitchen.

The kitchen itself basks in the healthy glow of two powerful, flush-fitting lamps on the underside of the overhead lockers, while the washroom gets two flush-fitters, too.

And wrapping up a glowing performance in this category is the bedroom, with its two reading lamps and a bedside switch that turns on ambient lighting above the lockers and the window opposite, plus the flush-fitting light above the corner mirror. Extra points must be awarded for the fact that each of the three mirrors on board has its own dedicated downlighter.

Brilliant – literally.

VERDICT

The attractive L-shaped lounge, superb fixed bed and suitability for a wide selection of towcars are the highlights. But the slightly cramped-feeling kitchen and lack of bedroom blind will give some potential buyers food for thought.

RATINGS

90%

BUILD QUALITY

90%

TOWING

84%

DAYTIME

82%

NIGHT-TIME

75%

KITCHEN

88%

WASHROOM

96%

LIGHTING

86%

OVERALL

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £262.94* per year. Please see camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £20,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected).

Includes security discounts of 15% for Al-Ko ATC, 15% for Al-Ko Diamond Standard wheel lock(s) and 10% for alarm with tilt sensor. Legal protection is an optional extra charged at £9.75 for the year. Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording, including benefits, limitations and exclusions that apply, is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

82 December 2019

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Relax and enjoy the great outdoors knowing you’re covered

Here are just a few of our benefits* – your investment is in safe hands should the worst happen: Protection on and off the road, while on site, at Club events and in storage

Transportation of your vehicle to a garage following an accident

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No claim discounts and bonus protection available

New for old cover available (age limits apply)

Alternative hotel accommodation or caravan hire, if your caravan is damaged or stolen

Get a quote for our award winning Caravan Cover call us on 01342 488 338 or visit camc.com/ r er Terms and Conditions Apply. *A sample of the Caravan Cover booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

The Caravan Club Ltd, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1UA, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting https://register.fca.org.uk Our award winning contact centre is ranked in the Top 50 companies for Customer Service.

TEST AUTO-TRAIL ADVENTURE 65 LB

RAISED

EXPECTATIONS

Nick Harding runs the rule over one of Auto-Trail’s first elevating-roof campers

F

ancy going on an adventure in an Adventure? Well, you can; two suchnamed new models are in Auto-Trail’s 2020 portfolio. They are both high-top van conversions with elevating roofs, based on Fiat’s Ducato. The one tested here – the 65 LB – is the longer of the two.

The high-top plus elevating roof is an interesting proposition – it means that the Adventures can provide full four-berth accommodation in the confines of a van.

BUILD QUALITY

There’s a certain reassurance that comes from knowing that these Adventures are produced here in the UK, in the same factory as Auto-Trail’s V-Lines, Tributes and more. Equally, the elevating roof on each model comes from Germany’s SCA, widely recognised as the leading 84 December 2019

exponent of such fittings. Manually operated, the various clips, buckles and straps might make it seem a bit belt-and-braces, but there is a solid quality to it all. It requires a bit of strength to push it up (and indeed to pull it back down again) and long arms are definitely an advantage. Access inside is via an open hatch and ladder.

‘Expedition Grey’ exterior colouring is standard – as are the alloy wheels – but ‘Sky Blue’ is available as a cost option. All of the top-hinged windows, fitted by Auto-Trail, can be opened.

DRIVING

Fiat’s Ducato guarantees a good drive. It’s hardly a spring chicken, but latest versions have Euro 6d engines; the Adventure 65 gets the 2.3-litre, 120bhp offering as standard. www.camc.com

“

At the back, the medium length settees come with backrest panels and twin scatter cushions DAYTIME

”

The floorplan is instantly recognisable: end and front lounges are linked by a fairly narrow corridor, with a central kitchen and washroom (à la V-Line 636).

Headroom is 6ft 1in throughout and, just as importantly, there’s still plenty of high-level locker storage available. These lockers are all properly lined.

The front lounge comprises a double travel seat plus swivelled cab seats, plus a neat side-fixing table that folds flat against the wall when you’re on the road.

There are concertina blinds plus flyscreens to all the side and rear windows, while the cab has Remis blinds.

There’s also a full flyscreen for the sliding door.

At the back, the medium-length settees come with backrest panels and twin scatter cushions. A pedestal leg table can be used here – the top stows away in a dedicated locker while a clip to hold the leg can be found inside the wardrobe.

A varied choice of soft furnishings will appeal to those who like to put a more individual spin on the interior of their vehicle.

NIGHT-TIME

Clockwise from above: swivelled seats in the lounge; comfortable double roof bed; Ducato cab; roof bed ladder The one you see here has the 140bhp upgrade – the only optional extra fitted to this test vehicle. I’d argue that this is the minimum you’d want on this model, which boasts a healthy 350Nm of torque at 1,400rpm.

It certainly seems quieter than its predecessors, the absence of any rattles offering further reassurance as to the quality of the conversion work.

Engine aside, not much has changed with the latest Ducato. The cab – with its central cup-holder console – will be familiar to many of you. Steering wheel controls and a Zenec Xzent 6.2in touchscreen ‘infotainment centre’ (hosting DAB radio, CD player, Bluetooth, sat-nav and colour reversing camera) are particular highlights.

An electric version of the Ducato is expected to go on sale as early as 2020, but there’s no news yet regarding availability for motorhome converters. www.camc.com

While the Adventure is very much a four-berth, it will be used by a lot of couples, who will get to choose between the two beds. The roof double would be my pick – definitely a contender for ‘Most Comfortable in Class’. The mattress may be thin but it’s on plastic Froli-type springing for extra support and ventilation.

There are two reading lights on stalks up there, each with a USB socket, while ventilation comes from mesh sections to the front and nearside.

Another benefit is there’s space to put at least some of your bedding up here, even when the roof is down.

TECHNICAL

Price

£59,215 (as tested) Engine

2.3-litre Euro 6d Power

140bhp (106kW) @3,500rpm Torque

258lb ft (350Nm) @1,400rpm Transmission

Six-speed manual, FWD MRO

3,135kg (61.71cwt) MTPLM

3,500kg (68.89cwt) User payload

365kg (7.18cwt) Overall length

20ft 10in (6.35m) Overall width

6ft 8in (2.03m) Overall height

9ft 2in (2.79m) (roof down) Max internal height

6ft 1in (1.85m) Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/19.8gals (90 litres)/ 28-34mpg

Vehicle supplied for testing by

Corridor is fairly narrow

Auto-Trail, Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby DN37 9TU Contact: 01472 571000, auto-trail.co.uk December 2019 85

TEST AUTO-TRAIL ADVENTURE 65 LB

You also get a handy flip-up worktop extension and there’s a cutlery drawer. Other storage here comprises a single overhead locker (it could do with a deeper shelving lip or a restrainer strap of some kind for its contents) and two floor lockers, one of which is shelved.

As mentioned earlier, corridor space is lacking – you’ll want to check this before buying to see if it’s an issue.

WASHROOM

Camper/van conversion ‘hybrid’ kitchen features twin hob, oven and grill Somewhat unusually, the roof bed is fixed, so doesn’t hinge upwards when not needed.

A transverse double can be made from the rear lounge settees. It’s fairly straightforward to set up – both bench bases slide out – but the resultant bed, using all the seating sections, isn’t the flattest.

KITCHEN Efficient use of space in the washroom (above); rear lounge is comfortable for dining (below right)

RATINGS

78%

BUILD QUALITY

82%

DRIVING

75%

DAYTIME

78%

NIGHT-TIME

76%

KITCHEN

69%

WASHROOM

81%

DETAILS

77%

OVERALL

The kitchen is a good example of the hybrid camper/van conversion nature of the Adventure.

There’s a typical, camper-style two-ring hob and sink combination in stainless steel, but you also get a grill/warming oven (up to 180˚). Plus, under the wardrobe to the left of the kitchen unit, there’s a Dometic 8-series absorption fridge – and yes, location does allow the freezer box to be removed if you want the 85-litre capacity to be used for chilling only.

Another way that Auto-Trail has bridged the gap between campervan and van conversion is by providing a washroom. It’s not huge, of course, but the available space is used efficiently – there’s a triggeroperated hand-held shower, a swivel-bowl toilet set on a pedestal and a mirrored, double-door vanity unit, under which the panel opens to expose a shallow but serviceable basin.

There’s open shelving underneath, along with hooks and towel and toilet roll holders, plus three bright downlighters for illumination.

The use of somewhat traditional wallboarding and a clingy shower curtain is a tad disappointing. Some folk may find it tricky to access the washroom via the standard door.

DETAILS

Auto-Trail’s approach to the overall equipment levels is spot-on. Standard kit includes a 100W solar panel, permanent gas tank and Auto-Trail Connect tracking system. The Media Pack, which is a £1,000-plus option across the rest of the Auto-Trail portfolio, also comes as standard here.

Then there’s the ‘small stuff’. There are plenty of USB sockets, net pockets in the sliding door are useful, and strip lights over the lockers also shine in when the doors are opened. Rear speakers in the lounge at the back would be nice, considering that most people will probably use this as the main living area.

VERDICT

A very interesting development from Auto-Trail. You can see the advantages – and there are plenty – of putting an elevating roof on a high-top.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £649.50* per year. Please see camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

*Quote (correct as of 1 November) is for the model as tested worth £59,215. Based on 55-year-old male living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar/value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps vehicle on a drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £150 damage, fire and theft excess. With factory fitted alarm and immobiliser, and due to value, vehicle must be fitted with a tracker. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

86 December 2019

www.camc.com

Get a guaranteed £25 off your existing Motorhome Insurance renewal premium* Created just for you

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£25 off your existing renewal premium so get a quote today* Visit camc.com/insurance/ motorhome Call 0345 504 0334

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of an existing renewal, including cover and price (e.g. a copy of your renewal notice) and when cover is on a like-for-like basis. Offer applies to new customers only. Subject to terms and conditions and the underwriter’s acceptance of the risk. Please note, terms, conditions and excess(es) may vary from your current insurer and excludes Breakdown and Legal cover, which needs to be purchased separately. A sample policy, including the terms and conditions that may apply, is available upon request.

The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.

SPECIAL AGM REPORT

Annual General Meeting Let’s take a look at the highlights from the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s 2019 AGM, held at York Racecourse on 26 October CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

G

renville Chamberlain opened by saying that 2018 was a year of significant development for the Club. We purchased two new sites, put record investment into the sites network and completely changed our way of arranging cover for members’ caravans.

From April members were able to book UK sites of their choice 12 months ahead on a rolling basis.

This is part of a longer-term programme to make the booking process for members better – we have recently launched an improved overseas travel booking system online and via the phone, which will be extended to include UK sites next year.

Members made good use of the site network with 3,000 more bookings than the previous year; occupancy was the highest ever over both May bank holidays, with June, July and August also posting high numbers of bookings.

We grew our Experience Freedom alternative accommodation offering to 57 units (a mix of camping pods,

luxury glamping pods, yurts and Airstream caravans on six UK Club sites) by adding 10 units at both Moreton-in-Marsh in 2018 and Brighton in 2019.

A ‘Try before you buy’ scheme and motorhome hire service (launched with Swift Go) have proved popular with members and non-members alike, but it’s still early days, and the Executive Committee is watching progress carefully.

The initial signs are encouraging that we can attract friends, families and new generations of tourers to Club sites.

Grenville reported that 52,000 new households were recruited into membership and total membership numbers remained strong – over the 350,000 households mark.

Our annual competitions – Towcar of the Year, Caravan Design, Lightweight Leisure Trailer and Motorhome Design awards – all have the aim of helping members make informed choices for their future vehicles, whether they actually buy new or, in a few years’ time, second-hand. Some 254 vehicles

Sites Acquisition and Development

Substantial investment was made in acquiring and improving the Club site network in 2018. This included… n Cayton Village – this site on the North Yorkshire coast was purchased in February 2018. Complete redevelopment is planned and we hope to re-open it in time for summer 2020 n Bingham Grange – this Bridport site in Dorset was acquired, adding nearly 140 pitches to the network n Buxton – completely redeveloped and reopened in August 2018 n Tewkesbury Abbey – completely redeveloped, including new central facilities building, all-weather pitches and roadways n Troutbeck Head – extensive redevelopment n York Beechwood Grange – extensive redevelopment n Penhros – first phase of redevelopment completed, adding serviced and all-weather pitches, plus new roadways and service point. Second phase of a new toilet block due to follow this winter

88 December 2019

were evaluated for these competitions in 2018.

The National at Sledmere House over the late May bank holiday weekend attracted more than 1,400 outfits, as well as 485 day visitors. Membership of the Club’s Centres stood at around 47,000 at the end of 2018.

The 69 Centres do a great deal to encourage people to enjoy caravanning in a social and friendly environment and can provide holidays at very low cost.

Some 1,355 people took a Club training course in 2018, while hundreds more experienced taster sessions at the major caravan and motorhome shows.

In total over 53,000 people have attended a Club training course.

March 2018 saw the launch of the Club’s new Caravan Cover.

Under this new scheme, members’ contributions are held by the Club as a mutual organisation and claims payments are met by us. This meant we could reduce premiums (saving members in excess of £1 million in the first year) and can exercise complete discretion over claims.

Motorhome insurance continued to grow strongly, to record levels.

Recognising these offerings, we have been voted ‘Best Caravan Cover Provider’ and ‘Best Motorhome Insurance Provider’ in the Insurance Choice awards.

The Club worked with Green Flag to launch an enhanced Mayday breakdown cover offering in the autumn. ‘Premium Plus’ is now our best level of cover.

Members venturing abroad with the Club in 2018 could choose from more than 330 sites in Europe, while for those wanting to head further afield, we now

offer both escorted and independent caravan and motorhome holidays to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, America and Canada.

The Club’s Travel team spent a significant amount of time in 2018 assessing the possible impacts of Brexit. We set up a Brexit Project Board and got ourselves onto consultative bodies and workshops attended by other key transport providers so that we could represent members’ interests and answer their questions on the subject.

We were delighted to receive the ‘Most Improved Overall for Email Services’ award and to be voted the ‘Best in the Travel Services and Hospitality Sector’ for the third year running in the Top 50 Programme for Customer Service Awards.

Looking to the future, Grenville said that a challenge facing the Club was the growth of electric vehicles and what charging infrastructure we may need to put in place at our UK sites. We have set up a working group on sites electricity to look at these issues.

£17

m

All-time high investment in Club site acquisition and redevelopment in 2018

www.camc.com

TREASURER’S REPORT

C Chairman Grenville Chamberlain addresses members at the AGM We also have a ‘here and now’ challenge around the consumption of electricity across the sites network. The bill for this in 2018 was £4.4m. The growing use of awning heaters and air conditioning units has a bearing on consumption, so we need members to consider these factors to avoid unnecessary increases in pitch fees.

A similar challenge faces us with Wi-Fi provision. Members often expect us to be able to provide this as hotels and cafés do, but there is a vast difference between providing Wi-Fi in a confined building versus provision over an extensive area. It’s frustrating that rural

broadband provision is so lacking in locations where we have flagship sites. The Club continues to keep its Wi-Fi equipment well maintained and sensible investment will continue, especially where there are opportunities to introduce service to sites which previously did not have robust broadband provision.

Our focus in 2018 included making enhancements to the software which led to members being able to make better use of the available bandwidth, and into ‘Welcome Back’ pages which automatically helped members log onto the website every time they used their device on site.

Certificated Locations (CLs) From a 2018 survey, 42% of Club members said they had stayed at least once on a CL in the past 12 months and 21% of members’ overnight stays in the UK were spent on CLs for the same period. By the end of 2018, the number of CLs on the network stood at 2,252, representing a net loss of 53 sites compared with the previous year. However, 338 CL applications were received during 2018, an increase of 20% on 2017 and these are now joining the network so numbers are once again growing.

2

We won two accolades – ‘Best Caravan Cover Provider’ and ‘Best Motorhome Insurance Provider’ – at the 2019 Insurance Choice Awards www.camc.com

254

The number of vehicles evaluated as part of the Club’s annual awards programme

hristopher Macgowan reported that the Club had another successful though challenging year.

We recorded a deficit of £1.6m in 2018 due to a lower than expected site result and a one-off accounting adjustment related to our new award-winning Caravan Cover product.

A deficit, even an explainable and temporary one, is never welcome but the financial strength and liquidity of the Club remain extremely strong and the outlook for 2019 is very positive.

Statutory revenue dropped by £2.1m to £108.6m, largely as a result of a change in the way we account for the revenue associated with Caravan Cover against our old 5Cs product. Historically the commission revenue from 5Cs could be taken up front at the start of the period of the policy. Caravan Cover is a Discretionary Mutual (DM) product, which means the revenue must be spread over the life of the policy. So although there is a one-off reduction in revenue in 2018, this will be offset by an increase in revenue in 2019. This introduction of Caravan Cover was a great success and meant an increase in the overall underlying annual ongoing revenue and surplus – because the Club gets to keep more of the premium.

UK site revenue, although up by £2m to £53.7m, was down on budget and costs were markedly up. Consequently, site surplus was down £2.2m year-on-year, with growth in site costs of £4.2m exceeding the aforementioned revenue growth of £2m.

UK sites understandably receive the lion’s share of all Club capital investment and, in 2018, it

was recorded at an all-time high of £17m as we continued our major refurbishment and renewal programme and also acquired two new sites. At four sites total refurbishment spend was in excess of £1m in the year (York Beechwood Grange, Troutbeck Head, Buxton and Tewkesbury Abbey).

In terms of membership revenue, there was an increase of £0.3m to £15.6 million after a subscription increase of £2 to £51 per annum.

The Club’s Overseas Travel operation saw a stronger year than 2017 in terms of revenue – up £0.7m. Ferry bookings were up to record numbers as were sales of Red Pennant overseas travel insurance policies. While a successful year is in the bag, the impact of Brexit uncertainty has diminished budget expectations for 2019.

In the consolidated accounts, overall revenue for the Group was £109.7m, some £1.1m higher than the Club revenue due primarily to Alan Rogers travel. After the exceptional costs described earlier, the Group deficit after tax was £1.4m, £3.4m lower than last year.

Alan Rogers hasn’t materially impacted the picture year-on-year, having a relatively stable result.

In 2019 the Club expects a bounce back in the net surplus as the benefits from Caravan Cover flow through, as well as better availability and occupancy on sites. As at September the performance was in line with these expectations. Overall, the Club remains well prepared to cater for any increase in ‘staycations’ and to meet the evolving and diverse demands of lovers of the great outdoors.

2018 Figures

n Statutory revenue dropped by £2.1m to £108.6m. The Club surplus before exceptionals was a £1.1m deficit. n Investment in Club site acquisition and development was an all-time high of £17m. We also invested £6m on central IT infrastructure. n UK sites revenue increased by £2m to £53.7m. n The Club ended the year with net assets of £139m – up £3m from the previous year.

December 2019 89

SPECIAL AGM REPORT

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S REPORT

N

ick Lomas opened by formally congratulating Chairman Grenville Chamberlain on being awarded an OBE and thanking him for everything he does for the Club, driving thousands of miles, spending many weekends away and volunteering at events such as the National.

Nick then mentioned the role of the Sites Committee in using and visiting sites around the country, with many spending a lot of time volunteering so that they can see exactly what is involved in terms of running a site.

Turning his attention to member benefits, the Director General commented on how good it was to have a discount scheme for petrol and diesel at Esso service stations.

Some 10,000 members applied for this offer in the first week and now more than 100,000 members have a fuel card. In the first few months, the administering company had to deal with a significant demand and members are now saving thousands of pounds on a monthly basis.

Looking at electric cars, Nick talked about his family motorhome tour of Scandinavia in the summer and the fact that 50% of new cars sold in Norway are now electric, thanks largely to a Government subsidy scheme. The issue of electric towcars remains their range and availability of charging points but we expect this will improve. The Club needs to keep abreast of the situation and balance criticism with being

positive and encourage manufacturers to develop products that support our sector. Every manufacturer is developing new vehicles – Volkswagen is spending 32bn euros on a range of vehicles while Fiat Ducato and Vauxhall Vivaro electric vans are being piloted, for example. The Club’s working group on sites electricity is watching carefully to ensure we are prepared for the changes ahead.

It’s been a busy year for the Club in terms of lobbying the Government. We contributed to a safety report on whether trailers

“

It’s been a busy year for the Club in terms of lobbying government

”

(including caravans) should be registered and whether a road tax charge should be levied on them.

Just because a trailer is registered doesn’t necessarily make it safe.

We are pleased to say the final report did not recommend a register or roadworthiness testing regime. With regards Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) we have written extensively to the Treasury. The Chancellor has previously visited our Chapel Lane site, so we have been able to write to him personally. We spend a lot of time talking to MPs all over the country and encourage them to visit our sites in their constituencies.

£1 100k m

Total premium savings made by members in 2018 thanks to our new Caravan Cover scheme 90 December 2019

The number of members who have a card for our exclusive discount fuel scheme

Honorary Life Members Two members of the Executive Committee stood down at the AGM after a staggering 83 years’ combined membership. Both were presented with a crystal Wanderer and bestowed with Honorary Life Membership by Chairman Grenville Chamberlain.

n Rodney Lambert, a member of the Club since 1970, retired as Vice-Chairman. Since buying their first caravan – a Thompson Glenelg – in 1970, Rodney and his wife Diane have owned 14 caravans and 11 towcars. Many of Rodney’s early years with the Club were spent on the Committee of the Buckinghamshire Centre, where he served as Rally Secretary, Secretary, ViceChairman and Chairman. He represented the Centre on Club Council for 10 years and was also a member of the Grants Committee.

From 1997 to 2007, he served as Secretary to the Northern Home Counties Region, following which he was selected as a Nominated Member of Club Council. He then joined the Executive Committee and was appointed Chairman of the Events Committee, a role he retired from last year.

n Peter Johnson retired as Chairman of the Technical Committee after 11 years. He joined the Club in 1984 and for over 40 years was employed as a Health, Safety and Environment Professional within a range of industries, making him the ideal candidate to assist and advise the Club on the National and NEC temporary sites from a health and safety point of view. His experience has also been vital at Fédération Internationale de Camping and Caravanning et de Autocaravanning (FICC) rallies.

Peter was instrumental in the growth of the Approved Workshop Scheme too. This gives owners peace of mind that the workshop they choose to repair or maintain their outfit follows a comprehensive service schedule and is staffed by fully trained and competent engineers.

Elections/Re-elections

n The Earl of Leicester was re-elected to be President for a further year n Grenville Chamberlain was re-elected to be Chairman for a further year n John Gass was elected to be Vice-Chairman for a three-year period n Christopher Macgowan was re-elected to be Hon Treasurer for a further year n Barry Sharratt was re-elected to the Executive Committee for a three-year period n Hamish Stuart was elected to the Executive Committee for a three-year period n Alison Woodhams was elected to the Executive Committee for a three-year period www.camc.com

*Terms and conditions apply. See camc.com/experiencefreedom for details **Price is based on a three-night stay in low season. A minimum stay of three nights applies.

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December 2019 89

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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

EVENTS DIARY

Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while visiting a Caravan and Motorhome Club site?

Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in February 2020 21 FEBRUARY-21 JUNE Beyond the Brotherhood: The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy

Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Gallery will be showcasing artworks from the Southampton City Art Gallery and masterpieces from the collections of Tate Britain, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Royal Academy in this exhibition, which will highlight the importance of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its influence on artistic developments such as Realism and Art Nouveau. You can also enjoy a tour of the Russell-Cotes house, East Cliff Hall, one of the last Victorian houses to be built in England.

Web: russellcotes.com Club site: Hunter’s Moon

5-9 FEBRUARY Yorkshire Games Festival

This five-day event at Bradford’s Science and Media Museum is a celebration of video game culture, design and production. A packed schedule will include workshops, the chance to try innovative virtual reality games, big-screen gameplay sessions, keynote speeches from special guests and even a ‘careers bar’ for those looking to find out about jobs in the industry. Fun-packed and informative, it’s a must for gamers of all ages.

Web: scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk Club sites: Burrs Country Park, Knaresborough

5-23 FEBRUARY Leicester Comedy Festival

Featuring top stand-ups like Ed Byrne (right), Rhod Gilbert and Stewart Lee, this annual festival of fun has become a major fixture on the UK’s comedy circuit – and a great way to banish the winter doldrums.

There are also live shows by amateurs: the ‘sister’ event for children – called The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival – might reveal a star of the future, while the UK Pun Championships take place at De Montfort Hall on ‘Punday’ 10 February.

Web: comedy-festival.co.uk Affiliated site: Rutland

www.camc.com

28 FEBRUARY The Harlem Globetrotters

The world-famous basketball team arrives in Cardiff for a fun evening of slam-dunking, sporting showmanship.

As part of their ‘Pushing The Limits’ tour, the Globetrotters will attempt to break a world record during every match, and will also be entertaining crowds with regular displays like the pre-game ‘Magic Circle’ ball-handling warm-up, which takes place in the dark with an illuminated basketball! Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Web: motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk Club site: Tredegar House Country Park

6 FEBRUARY

Mollie Hughes: Tales from the Top of the World and Beyond At 26, Mollie Hughes became the youngest woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both the north and south sides. In this talk at The University of Edinburgh she will discuss her feat and her next adventure – a solo, 700-mile ski trip to the South Pole. (Though we have highlighted the event in Edinburgh, it is part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Inspiring People talks – Mollie and others will be appearing at various venues across Scotland during February.)

Web: rsgs.org Club site: Edinburgh

For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com December 2019 93

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre Lines All the latest from around the regions

Give it some welly

EYES TO THE SKIES

The Hertfordshire Centre hosted a successful temporary site alongside the Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props event in September. Graham Wroe sent in this fantastic picture of a Buchón cruising over the rally field!

TRAM-ENDOUS TIMES

West Hampshire Centre enjoyed a couple of great rallies in Dorset during September.

Twenty units descended on Wilksworth, where afternoon teas, games and evening socials went down a treat (as did access to the open-air swimming pools!).

Later in the month the highlights of a 10-day holiday rally at Rousden near Lyme Regis included cream teas, fish and chip suppers and a skittles evening.

However, the icing on the cake was a trip on a tram – driven by the Centre’s very own Clem Fallows. Bill Hughes celebrated his 80th birthday during the event – congratulations!

South Yorks boosts charities coffers South Yorkshire members have raised more than £4,000 for local charities over the past year. The benficiaries are Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Rotherham’s Friends of Young Onset Dementia, Sheffield Animal Centre and Sheffield’s Cathedral Archer Project, which helps homeless people. Pictured is Centre Chairlady Janet Elshaw (second from left) presenting £1,000-worth of coats, boots, sleeping bags, rucksacks, T-shirts, socks, and underwear to the Cathedral Archer Project.

94 December 2019

NORTH ESSEX NUMBERS North Essex Centre members are celebrating a bumper crop of rallying landmarks.

At the Sizewell holiday event, Les and Jackie Youngs, Toni and Nick Ketley, and Rod and Jan Barrett chalked up 700, 300 and 50 rallies, respectively.

At Birch Park, Barry and Sylvia Ginn received their 200th rally plaque, while Mick and Joy Threadgold picked up a memento marking their 500th at Sewards End. Congratulations to all!

To search for a Centre event or to find your local group’s details, see camc.com/ centres

Binton Social Club near Stratford-upon-Avon was the venue for Upper Thames Centre’s August Bank Holiday Rally. During the day visitors enjoyed welly wanging, ‘Aunt Sally’ and field darts, while evening games included skittles and ‘Play Your Cards Right’. A prize-giving and cheese and wine evening capped off a memorable event.

Air we go again Continuing this month’s aeronautical theme, check out this picture of a hot air balloon taken during an Upper Thames Centre rally at Abingdon-on-Thames.

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December 2019 XX

TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the unusual world of touring

PAINT THE TOWN RED...

Service pitch?

Though home is in Germany, the owners of this retired fire engine and accompanying trailer had made it all the way to Smoo Cave, on the north coast of Scotland. According to Kevin Peters – who was on the North Coast 500 route with his wife when he chanced upon the hefty outfit – the trailer is for the children to sleep in. ”The owner explained that she is an 11.5-litre turbo diesel, so not very economical, but clearly can go anywhere,” he said.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC “Thought you might be interested in Leo doing his bit to recycle at Hillhead Club site,” says Adrian Fuller. Apparently he takes it very seriously and carries a bottle a day to the recycle point! Well done, Leo.

... and that’s exactly what they did in Phalsbourg, France, during a recent music and arts festival. Even this caravan – from which you could buy red wine – wasn’t spared. Many thanks to Peter Gilbert for the picture.

If you’ve seen something unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’ve been out and about, send your picture to magazine@ camc.com and we’ll print the best.

PICK N’ MIX

Feast your eyes on these recent finds by Tony Lago – a couple of conversions, each with their own very distinctive individual style. The chic VW Auto Villa/caravan combo was spotted at Firle Place, East Sussex, while the hefty General Motors truck-based unit – previously owned by one Mad Max of Australia, perhaps? – had chugged its way to the Motorhome and Campervan Show in Malvern, Worcestershire.

106 December 2019

‘DIS IS GREAT! Many happy returns to Lesley Macdonald, who celebrated her milestone with this special Elddis birthday cake. “It was made by my daughter’s friend, Laura,” says Lesley. “Our spaniel is called Purdey, who comes on holiday with us.

She also included my hens, but they don’t!”

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November 2019 114

Smell the sea air, not wear and tear.

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