Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

BORDER PATROL Discover the best of southern Scotland and northern England on a seven-site tour

TEST TRIO Models from Hyundai, Swift and Murvi rated

WALK IN THE DARK Why a night-time stroll can be good for the soul

TOP TOURING TIPS Vital holiday ‘hacks’ to save you time and money

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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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 336817 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: Well we’ve done it! After analysing feedback in member surveys, correspondence with the magazine and comments received online, we have made a big step towards becoming a greener organisation.

You will notice that we have done away with the old plastic covering and that this issue of the Club magazine arrived on your doormat sealed in a paper wrapper. While the plastic we formerly used was recyclable at larger

We know that you care “passionately about the environment

”

supermarkets, we are continually looking at ways to improve our sustainablity and reduce our impact on the environment.

You may be interested to know that all the paper used in the magazine is sourced from ISO 14001-registered companies and is PEFC-certified.

This means that our suppliers are

continually working to improve their environmental performance.

Our paper is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable – and the water used in its production is returned to the environment even cleaner than before.

In keeping with your love of the outdoor lifestyle, we know that you care passionately about the world around you. This initiative is just one of a series of projects in the pipeline – the Club has big plans for the future in terms of facilitating the charging of electric vehicles and implementing on-site sustainable energy solutions.

Watch this space.

Enjoy the issue!

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: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Garry Solomon/EyeEm/Getty

www.camc.com

February 2020 3

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2020

PLEASE

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

26 TOURING 26

38 40 46

UK SITES A fine tour of Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and East Lothian DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS Join Jonathan Manning on a late-night ramble!

FOREIGN TOURING Heidi Fuller-Love visits France’s Loire Valley and Atlantic Coast

TESTS 80 84 88

CAR Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE CARAVAN Swift Challenger X 880 MOTORHOME Murvi Pimento XL

NEWS 15

HEADLINES Club and industry updates 22 SITES Suggestions for sites to visit and news from around the network 50 OVERSEAS Foreign holidays and tours 100 CENTRES Rallies and news from across the country

4 February 2020

Your magazine is now delivered in a recyclable paper wrap

SPECIALS 12

54 68 73 78

CLUB MATTERS How the Club caters for all ACCESSIBLE TOURING The cold weather does not affect Karla Baker’s caravanning plans INTERVIEW The Club President discusses his love of touring TICKET OFFER Discount for February’s NEC show CARRY ON TOURING John Sootheran has tips for those looking to make life easier

REGULARS 7

10 25

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas shares his thoughts YOUR PHOTOS The best photos from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey has a curry recipe and a fun game for you to try

56

LETTERS Your comments and views 62 COUNTRY MATTERS Wildlife-rich wetland 70 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Jane McGowan tests a selection of sleeping bags 74 MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members 76 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens 92 ASK YOUR CLUB Questions relating to the increase in use of electric/hybrid vehicles 95 PRACTICAL Useful ‘hacks’ to consider 98 EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events 102 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 114 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

70

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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

Over the years I’ve seen caravans pitched at some remarkable locations.

For the Club’s Centenary, thanks to our Patron, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we were invited to pitch The Wanderer (the first-ever touring caravan) and the miniature Royal Caravan (owned

by HRH the Princess Royal) in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace.

This created quite a stir and ensured our 100th birthday made national headlines.

The horse-drawn Wanderer had previously been the star of the Club’s 75th anniversary, appearing in a splendid live display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and on BBC’s Pebble Mill at One.

“

It took centre stage in the

Royal Childhood exhibition

”

In 2014 the Royal Caravan was actually hoisted by crane to the first floor of the Palace so it could take centre stage in the Royal Childhood exhibition. The following year it was given pride of place inside the Royal Automobile Club when the UK Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) member clubs jointly hosted the annual Mobility Conference.

Editor Gary Martin and I visited Club President, Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester, at Holkham Hall to talk about his long association with the Club and caravanning. Tom, who has been our President since 2006, owns a 1965 vintage Airstream caravan. For the day, the caravan was given a photogenic spot on the south terrace at the Hall, on what I can honestly say was the smartest hardstanding I have ever seen! The September weather was perfect, with

blue skies and billowing clouds reflecting off the shiny surface of the polished ‘van.

Being President of our Club is an honorary position elected by Club members at the AGM. The role is to be a guide and figurehead and to act as an ambassador for the touring lifestyle.

Caravanning and motorhoming provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to meet like-minded people (regardless of their age, sex, status or background) at Club events and rallies or on sites and CLs, all of whom share a love of touring and a passion for the great outdoors.

Later in this issue, you can read Gary’s interview with the Earl and find out about his love of touring. If you’d like to see The Wanderer, you can visit it any time of the year at Broadway Club site in the Cotswolds. The Royal Caravan, meanwhile, is on show at the National Motor Museum in the New Forest (show your membership card for discounts on entrance fees). Add another trip to Norfolk to visit Holkham Hall and the surrounding estate and beach (using your Great Savings Guide voucher).

Three ideas for your breaks in 2020!

February 2020 7

Before you get out there.

Organised by

Partners

*£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.

Better get in here.

Come and explore the UK’s biggest indoor display of leisure vehicles, caravan holiday homes, tents, trailer tents and must have gadgets and accessories. Plus, whilst you are at the show enjoy lots of FREE family friendly attractions.

Parking Included | FREE Show Guide | FREE Entry for Kids*

Tickets from £6.25* with code CMC4.

For more information and to book tickets visit ccmshow.co.uk or call 0844 873 7333†

Save 50% off the on the door

price with this Club Day Voucher Admission price is £4.50 Seniors (60+) and £5.00 Adult valid on Tuesday 18 February 2020 only^. Simply bring the completed voucher with you.

FIRST NAME

SURNAME

ADDRESS TOWN COUNTY

POSTCODE

EMAIL ^Club Day Voucher admission price is £4.50 Seniors (60+) and £5.00 Adults. Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult/senior. One completed voucher per couple. This special offer is exclusive to Caravan and Motorhome Club Day (Tuesday 18 February 2020) and is not valid on any other days of the show. No cash alternative. No photocopies. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Be the first to receive updates from NCC Events. Please contact me by post

or by email

New to caravanning and motorhoming? Freedom to Go is the industry initiative to help newcomers get started.

If you would like to receive emails from Freedom to Go please tick here

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS

Our social media team asked you for your best beach-themed photos last year – here are the finalists and our competition winner WINNER

Kent

BOARD GAMES I love this shot of four boys balancing on a paddle board for a photo in Whitstable on the Kent coast as I captured the photographer as well as the subject. The boys were having a great time. Nearest Club sites: Bearsted and Black Horse Farm.

Zoe Gaze

FREE PRIZE DRAW

Send us a photo and you will automatically be entered into a free monthly draw, giving you the chance to win some fantastic prizes! See camc. com/competitions for full prize draw terms and conditions

Devon

SURF’S UP Two surfers striding out over the glorious expanse of sand at Westward Ho! on the North Devon coast during an early summer’s evening after the bucket and spade brigade had packed up and left for the day.

Nearest Club sites: Ilfracombe and Willingcott.

Adilla Allebone Parish

10 February 2020

FULL OF BREANS

Somerset

I’m not sure what is more impressive – the stunning sunset or the elegant move of this lone dancer.

The beach? Well, that is Brean Sands, a beautiful 6.5-mile stretch on the North Somerset coast.

Nearest Club site: Hurn Lane.

Natasha Watkins

www.camc.com

Devon

ON REFLECTION...

PERFECT TONES This sunset over the beach at St Anne’s was so beautiful I didn’t even need a filter to emphasise the glorious colours.

This was one of many highlights of a tour of Lancashire in our self-converted VW T5 campervan.

Nearest Club site: Blackpool South.

Rachel Oddie

BY GEORGE!

Lancashire

Despite its name, Blackpool Sands beach in Dartmouth is stony, but that didn’t stop my young son, George, having a fun time with his new board during our fabulous family holiday in Devon last summer. Nearest Club site: Start Bay. Lisa Stock

Yorkshire

Northumberland

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 #inspiringadventures

SPECIAL MOMENT

TROT ON A solitary horse and rider enjoy a relaxing evening canter along the beach at Whitby as the sun sets. Nearest Club site: North York Moors.

Chris Baldock

www.camc.com

Located in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Alnmouth beach is a long and wide expanse of sand ideal for dog walking. I love the way the sun is reflected in the beach like a mirror. The dog in the distance is our spaniel, Casper, enjoying the freedom and fresh air. Nearest Club site: River Breamish.

Sally Margerison

Cornwall

This photo captures a very special moment for me – it was the first time in four years that I was able to enjoy time on a beach, thanks to this special wheelchair.

Perranporth is within easy reach of Treamble Valley Club site.

Linda Steel

February 2020 11

One Club for all

No matter what type of touring outfit you own, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is on hand to help you make the most of your chosen lifestyle

M

embership of the Caravan and Motorhome Club gives you so much more than access to Britain’s biggest network of top-quality campsites – regardless of whether you are a caravanner, motorhomer, campervanner or ‘glamper’.

So, let’s take a look at the benefits on offer to you, depending on your choice of touring outfit/accommodation.

CARAVANNER

1. Whether you are new to the pastime or an experienced tower, we have a practical course to suit your needs. What’s more, complete a course at one of our 13 different UK locations and you’ll save 5% on your Caravan Cover premium.

2. Each year a team of independent, expert judges scrutinises around 100 different models in the Club’s Caravan Design Awards. This competition gives valuable feedback to both manufacturers and members – inspiring companies to make improvements which in turn benefit you, the user.

3. Without a car, caravanners can’t get far – that’s why the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition is of such importance. Again, expert judges put each vehicle through its paces, so you – the towcar buyer – can make a more informed buying decision.

MOTORHOMER

1. Become more confident behind the wheel by taking a manoeuvring course at one of 13 UK locations and save 5% on your insurance premium to boot.

2. Results from our annual Motorhome Design Awards are fed back to manufacturers who use them to improve their products. They also provide members with invaluable information.

3. You, our motorhome members, asked us to provide more hardstandings and motorhome waste points on site – so that is exactly what we have done. Indeed, 68% of pitches across the network are now hardstanding.

12 February 2020

BENEFITS FOR ALL MEMBERS

1. Our award-winning Contact Centre 2. Overseas Travel – use our new and improved online service to book your ferries and sites 3. A fantastic choice of exclusive worldwide tours 4. Great UK locations – choose from 160 Club sites and 2,300 CLs 5. Expert advice from our Technical team 6. Super savings from Club Shop, Member Offers and Great Days Out 7. Monthly magazine, website, online forum and social media channels...

WE’VE GOT IT COVERED Caravanners, motorhomers and campervanners can take advantage of award-winning Caravan Cover and Motorhome Insurance as a member of the Club – giving you total peace of mind should your vehicle be stolen or damaged in an accident. See the Club website for further information.

4. In government we are lobbying against the new vehicle excise duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, for motorhomes.

Watch this space.

CAMPERVANNER

1. Highlighting the recent growth of the campervan sector, our Motorhome Design Awards have been retitled Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards for 2020.

Judging for this takes place at February’s NEC show – look out for results in our April and May issues.

2. Not an experienced campervan driver?

Take your camper along to a Motorhome Manoeuvring Course at one of 13 UK locations.

3. Festivals and campervans are a marriage made in heaven. That is why we expect a high percentage of campervanners to pitch up at pop-up sites we will be operating alongside two BBC Countryfile Live and two CarFest festivals in 2020. We hope to be able to bring our expertise of running pop-up sites to other festivals this year, too.

4. In a recent Club survey of more than 2,000 campervanners, one-third of respondents told us they use their vehicles as a base to enjoy activities – with cycling and mountain biking the most popular. That is why our 2,300-strong Certificated Location (CL) network is such a popular draw with campervanners. Look out for details of new CLs opening each month in the magazine.

GLAMPER

1. We will be extending our Experience Freedom (EF) offering to eight sites in 2020 by adding glamping accommodation at both Cayton Village (see News for more details) and Troutbeck Head.

2. Share your experiences of a Club holiday with non-touring friends and family at our EF locations. While you stay in your caravan, your fellow holidaymakers can enjoy the comfort of a glamping pod, Airstream, yurt or camping pod. Members benefit from a 10% discount on each EF booking.

3. Alternatively, if you fancy trying our EF glamping accommodation for yourself, you can take advantage of our fantastic ‘Free Member Wednesdays’ offer – book a midweek stay of two nights or more before 31 March and your Wednesday night will be free.

4. Book that trip you have always dreamed of by hiring a fully kitted out motorhome/ campervan from one of our three UK depots in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (in partnership with Swift Go). Embark on Scotland’s North Coast 500 or explore the Peak District and make memories to last a lifetime.

5. During August and September 2020 we will have nearly 97,000 tent pitch nights available at over 50 stunning UK locations. www.camc.com

“

Club membership gives you so much more than access to Britain’s biggest network of top-quality campsites

For more details

See camc.com and experience freedom.co.uk

”

1,700 68% 97k The number of pitches on our pop-up campsites at one of four massive UK events in 2020 www.camc.com

The percentage of pitches across the Club’s UK sites network that are hardstanding

During August and September 2020 we will have nearly 97,000 pitch nights for tent campers February 2020 13

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NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines

The latest stories from the touring world

CAYTON VILLAGE UPDATE As previously reported in our December issue (see News, page 16), an exciting, multi-million-pound redevelopment project is underway at Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Site in North Yorkshire – and we are delighted to share an early photograph of the work with you here.

The site, which is close to Scarborough, is scheduled to re-open in August this year, and we’re looking

forward to welcoming members through the gate again. Upon completion, Cayton Village will be a high-quality site with:

Two new central washroom facility buildings, an enclosed playground and a multi-use games area An increased number of touring pitches Redesigned and reconstructed pitch layouts and roads

Brand new ‘premium’ pitches Four service points, two drive-over motorhome waste points and electric vehicle charging points A refurbished reception and shop A dog walking area A new mixed area for camping and campervans A variety of new, self-contained glamping pods Work is progressing well – look out for more news and photos in a future issue.

POP-UP SITES ARE BACK! The Club successfully ran a pop-up campsite at BBC Countryfile Live last year, and we are delighted to report that this not-to-be-missed festival has asked us to operate two more temporary sites in 2020.

Countryfile Live is a family-friendly show linked to the long-running TV show, Countryfile, and will be held at two separate locations later this year.

The first, at Castle Howard in Yorkshire, takes place from 6-9 August, while the second, at Windsor Great Park in Buckinghamshire, is from 20-23 August.

At both events you’ll be able to see, hear from and even meet Countryfile www.camc.com

presenters like John Craven, Matt Baker and Helen Skelton as well as enjoy live music, cookery displays, a Wildlife Zone and much more.

Our pop-up campsite booking fee will include your pitch, showers and toilets, drinking water and waste disposal (supplement required for EHU). You’ll be close to the action, too – it’s the best way to make the most of this great event!

We’ll have more on Countryfile Live over the coming months, but if you’d like to book your pitch (and show tickets) now, you can do so at camc.com/ countryfile. Places are limited, so we would suggest that you don’t delay!

Our pop-up campsites will also be returning to CarFest North and CarFest South this year – we’ll include more details in the magazine soon, but if you’d like to know more right away please see camc.com/carfest

RIVER BREAMISH

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the Club’s control, redevelopment work planned for River Breamish Club site has been postponed.

We will keep members informed of any changes to the situation – in the meantime, please continue to enjoy this popular site (open from 13 Mar to 2 Nov in 2020).

BOOK YOUR NATIONAL PITCH Tickets are selling fast for The National, the Club’s flagship event, which will take place later this year from 22 to 26 May at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire.

A fun-packed weekend with something for everyone, The National will include lots of free events, displays and competitions, the street food garden, evening shows and a special zone for kids. You can find out more, book a pitch and purchase day tickets and/or evening show tickets by visiting camc.com/national or by calling 01342 336666. See you there!

February 2020 15

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

YOU RECOMMEND…

STORAGE TIPS FOR MEMBERS Sadly, torrential rain towards the end of last year resulted in flooding that affected many people, particularly those in South Yorkshire.

One storage facility (which is neither Club-owned nor operated) experienced significant flooding – with water contaminated by raw sewage – affecting 150-175 outfits.

Forty-seven of these were covered by the Club’s Caravan Cover, and were written off.

Unfortunately, flooding is becoming more frequent, so we’d like to remind members that it is essential to consider where you store your outfit, including the flood risk, flood contingency plans, and security in place to prevent thefts. It’s worth finding out about the history of incidents at the site too before deciding whether to leave your vehicle there.

While no-one wants to be impacted by weather events or thefts (and unfortunately Gold CaSSOA sites are not immune), having adequate cover in place for your vehicle can at least provide financial protection. After the flooding at the site mentioned above, the Club’s claim team were on site as soon as it was safe to be, to help affected members. A large number of resulting claims were settled before the Christmas break and we’ll pay out almost £750,000 in total. It’s easy to forget the importance of keeping your outfit covered while it’s not in use, but thefts and weather events can happen at any time.

Useful pages on the Club’s website for more information include camc.com/storage, camc.com/ caravancover and camc.com/ insurance.

REGIONAL EVENTS Four of the Club’s Regions will be holding ʻ uestion and ns erʼ events in pril These give members the chance to meet and put uestions to a panel hich ill usually comprise representatives o the lubʼs ecutive ommittee, the egion in uestion and sta n all our cases lub members are elcome to attend, but please to the relevant contact in advance details can be ound belo

South East Region

Date and time: pril, am pm Venue: ritish ir ays i , righton Contact: aren hipper southeastregionsec aol com, Other details: limited number o complimentary tickets are available or the i vie ing pod, so please pre book i re uired

Anglia Region

Date and time: pril, am pm Venue: mperial ar useum , u ord Contact: ohn ent chairman angliaregion org uk, Other details: n oy a ree tour o the 16 February 2020

a ter the event id nglia entre ill run a temporary site at o lmere ec round rom pril contact the centre or details

Northern Region

Date and time: pril, am pm Venue: Tullie ouse useum rt allery, arlisle Contact: ylvia oran northernregionsec hotmail co uk, Other details: uests can en oy a ree tour o the museum a ter the event umbria entre ill run a rally to coincide ith this event at arde lees arm, arlisle rom pr contact the centre or details

South West Region

Date and time: pril, am pm Venue: icton ark otanical ardens, nr ast udleigh Contact: aul opkins secretary south estregioncc org uk, Other details: ree entry to the acre park plus train ride or members attending ree on site parking available

Certificated Locations on working farms

“

We’ve just enjoyed a lovely week on this site. Best point was the gorgeous view from the pitches, which sloped down a valley and up the other side to green rolling hills.

(Covert Farm CL, Northamptonshire)

”

“ GOLD STANDARD

e t time you re competing in the intra centre games at The ational, bear in mind that you might be up against a track and ield star o the uture arney orrall, , got his irst taste o sport as a year old at The ational at rest old all, having been invited by ottingham entre s an ilgrim to oin the otts ive a side ootball team early a decade later, arney ho lives in est ridg ord has become a orld champion long umper, most recently inning a gold medal in the orld ara thletics unior hampionships in it erland n he is targeting the uropean hampionships in oland, ith a long term plan or success at the aris aralympic ames in though arney is not yet discounting this year s aralympics in Tokyo e ish him the best o luck

Lots of trees and birds and the odd deer! Everything kept neat and tidy including the recycling centre and rubbish bins. Lots of space for the grandchildren to run around.

(Holly Oak Farm CL, Essex)

“

”

This new site is laid out beautifully with huge pitches and easy access to taps. Set in a PYO [pick your own] fruit farm.

(Broadslap CL, Perthshire & Kinross)

”

“

We enjoyed two nights at Mollett’s Farm walking out from the site to explore the local countryside and surrounding villages. There are a number of good dog-friendly pubs in the area and we would not hesitate in returning to this friendly and welcoming site. ʼ

”

“

Loved it on first sight. Very enclosed with lots of lovely flowering trees, bushes and flowers. Loved wandering round looking at them. Also chickens providing eggs and two doves, Dave and Doris.

(Kents Farm CL, Lincolnshire)

”

VIDEO

On the MAGAZINE APP this month: Swift Challenger X 880, Murvi Pimento XL and Hyundai Santa Fe video reviews, northern England and Scottish border sites (see pages 26-36 of this issue), cycle route from Poolsbrook Country Park. www.camc.com

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• Instant record on Digital TV or Satellite TV to USB or HDD (not included) • DVB-T2 /S2 Tuners • Frameless design, edge-to-edge HD viewing • Ultra-wide viewing angle • One button tuning • 12v / 24v / mains

SEE US AT THE CARAVAN, CAMPING & MOTORHOME SHOW NEC, BIRMINGHAM. HALL 1, STAND 1415

02920 847670 avtex.co.uk www.camc.com

WHY COMPROMISE?

November 2016 XX

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

GET THE MOST OUT OF THE NEW GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE The latest version of the Great Savings Guide is now available – and by using it Club members can enjoy fantastic discounts at attractions across the UK and Ireland.

The guide – sponsored by the Club Shop in partnership with Prima Leisure – contains offers for hundreds of attractions close to Club sites, from theme parks and animal parks to historic houses and heritage railways. Members saved over £128,000 by using the guide in 2019,

and in 2020 over 40 new attractions have been added. Look out for the ‘Food and Drink’ category that gives details of a 25% discount on your bill total at branches of Belgo, Bella Italia and Café Rouge.

If you would like to find out more, please visit camc.com/ greatsavingsguide, greatsavingsguide where you can browse the list of available attractions, download vouchers, use an online page turner or order a hard copy from the Club Shop.

AWARD AT AGM David and Hazel Ferdinand received the George Clarke Award from Club Executive Committee member Edward Baxter (centre) at the Northern Region Annual General Meeting in November.

The annual award recognises ‘exceptional commitment’ and is presented in memory of George Clarke, a former member of the Club’s Executive Committee. David and Hazel have been members of the Club for 45

years and during that time David has served for 38 years in various centre and region committee posts. The couple are regular and avid ralliers, having attended more than 1,600.

Congratulations!

SHOWTIME FEBRUARY

GOING ABROAD?

We would like to remind members that the new booking system for overseas holidays is now available to use.

The improved booking process is faster and easier than ever before.

Now you can: Book multiple sites in one transaction See lowest prices Compare up to three sites at once Filter results by facilities View your crossing by price and date of departure Search using the new interactive map Review sites in a quick-view panel Booking an overseas holiday has never been easier! If you are planning to go abroad in 2020, try the new system at camc.com/overseas.

1-2 Yorkshire: The Great North Caravan and Motorhome Road Show, Leisure World, Catterick (see caravan-shows.co.uk) 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)

MARCH 20-22 Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk) Note: details subject to change – please check with event organisers in advance.

IN THE KNOW...

Tips for members from site staff across the network.

This month: Ayr Craigie Gardens

“ ul ean astle is a e miles a ay t is situated on a very dramatic backdrop, right on the cli tops ell orth a visit ith antastic grounds and a lovely ca too Ffiona Wrigley

FROM THE ARCHIVES tories rom the lub s ollection

A recent arrival at the historic Club Collection, hosted at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, is a colourful collection of over 50 caravan brochures from the early 1950s.

Housing was in huge demand after the Second World War. Building programmes had been halted for the duration of the conflict and many homes had been destroyed by bombing. In 1945 it was estimated that 750,000 homes were needed; temporary pre-fabricated homes went some way to providing a solution, before large-scale building projects began in the 1950s. The caravan played a huge role in the lives of many people who were without a permanent home at this time.

18 February 2020

The caravan industry began to produce larger models, designed more specifically for family living, in addition to smaller holiday touring ‘vans. The incredible brochures recently received by the Club were gathered by a young married couple, Mr and Mrs Lane of Swansea, in the early 1950s. Due to the housing shortage they were living with parents and a caravan was a potential way of having a home of their own.

Mrs Lane wrote to caravan dealerships across the country for more information and received the brochures and letters in return; these were recently rediscovered by their children. The brochures are from the manufacturers Eccles, Paladin, Bluebird, Berkeley and Rollalong, and feature home

comforts such as a sunken metal bath, separate kitchens and bathroom cubicles.

The family never did buy a caravan, but were able to move into their own home by the 1960s.

Find out more about the Collection at nationalmotormuseum.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @camccollection.

Angela Willis

A selection of 1950s caravan brochures

www.camc.com

Tow before they go.

Member Offer

UP TO £3,000 OFF THE KORANDO FREE

TOWBAR FOR CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MEMBERS†

2 tonne maximum towing capacity‡ Twice class winner in Towcar of the Year 2018/2013 2.2L diesel engine, 400NM torque Year warranty

KORANDO FROM

£18,995*

Fuel consumption figures in mpg, Korando: Low 25.7 – 35.8, Medium 36.2 – 45.6, High 40.1 – 49.6, Extra High 35.3 – 39.2, Combined 35.3 – 42.8. CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 – 185.

Model featured is a Korando 2.2D ELX at £24,545 including optional metallic paint, *including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund Licence & first registration charge. ‡2 tonne maximum towing capacity on diesel models. Offer available at participating dealers only and can be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may be modified or changed at any time. For photographic purposes only towing mirrors weren't used. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles. †Free fixed tow bar offer is available on www.camc.com January 2020 17 Korando C255, while stocks last. Offer available to members of over 3 months.

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK During 2019, more than 63,000 members took part in research or provided feedback to the Club (eg via surveys and forms, Trustpilot ratings, focus groups, etc), and that’s in addition to social media/Club Together discussions, conversations at shows or events and correspondence with the magazine.

This has helped us to continuously try and improve all aspects of the Club, from the sites and services you use to the assistance provided by the Contact Centre.

As a result of your input, we have: Launched the new overseas booking service (with the UK booking service to follow), making it easier and quicker to search and book sites, ferry crossings, etc Planned the redevelopment of Cayton Village Club site (see page 15) with member requirements in mind Worked hard to attract new Certificated Locations

Been able to provide technical knowledge on towcar energy sources and keep you abreast of the latest developments on hybrid and electric vehicles (see also page 92 of this issue) Managed to provide flexible durations for ‘long stay winter sun’ holidays (on offer in 2020) Been able to evaluate contracting decisions and brochure descriptions with regard to overseas sites Made you more aware of savings available through the Great Savings Guide and Club Shop Introduced a ‘double drop’ benefit as part of Mayday Roadside & Recovery Improved the Club’s ‘green’ credentials We would like to thank everyone who took the time over the past year to provide us with feedback and help to shape the future of the Club. Please do carry on sharing your thoughts with us in 2020.

CHERRY PIC

In the ‘CL of the Year’ article on page 12 of the January 2020 issue we published the wrong photo next to the entry for runner-up Cherry Cottage CL, located in Dorset. Here’s the correct picture – and apologies to owner Lynn Pearcey for the mistake.

BAND AID The Club is continuously striving to improve the provision of Wi-Fi across the UK sites network, and with the majority of sites re-opening for the main touring season shortly, we would like to update members on some of the issues we face.

Operating a Wi-Fi system across a site network is a major challenge for most operators, including the Club. It is difficult to provide a similar service to cafés, restaurants, libraries etc, where it is easy to transmit a Wi-Fi signal within a confined space.

The Club’s Sites Co-ordinator is part of a team that looks after our extensive Wi-Fi provision. “We have seen how many hotels struggle to provide strong signals in individual rooms, and that is nothing like the challenge facing an outdoor touring park infrastructure,” she explains.

“Topography of the site, together with the weather and tree screening are all factors, with the member experience also affected by the number of people on site trying to access a given – often limited – bandwidth.

“This means the Club has two main challenges: investment in the infrastructure and transparency as to the quality of Wi-Fi on each individual site. This latter challenge is often dependent on what fibre provision has been rolled out in the locality.

“Quite often the Club has been left in the invidious position of trying to explain why Wi-Fi is poor on some of our flagship sites, yet good in other remote locations. This variance is also reflected in quotes to the Club.”

We realise that Wi-Fi is important to you, and the Club will continue trying to improve Wi-Fi installations and member experiences across the network. You can find more information and updates at camc.com/wifi.

TAKE FIVE!

Historic houses in the Great Savings Guide ave you picked up your copy o the Great Savings Guide yet s a member, you can use it to take advantage o o ers at hundreds o attractions across the There are ive e amples belo , but you can ind out more at camc.com/greatsavingsguide...

1 Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Caerphilly

Step back in time as costumed ‘servants’ re-enact 17th-century domestic and farming life (two for the price of one).

Nearest site: Tredegar House Country Park

2 Russborough House, County Wicklow

Enjoy one of the most impressive private art collections in Ireland as well as family-friendly grounds (two for the price of one).

Nearest site: Hidden Valley Holiday Park

(Terms and conditions apply to all offers. See Club website for details.)

20 February 2020

3 Shakespeare family homes, Warwickshire

See The Bard’s place of birth and four related homes, including Anne Hathaway’s cottage (20% discount on Full Story Ticket).

Nearest site: Warwick Racecourse

4 The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, Somerset

We have two great deals for visitors to this magnificent medieval site in Wells (two for the price of one or 20% off a family ticket).

Nearest site: Cheddar

5 The Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Explore the grand country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen between April and October (one free child when accompanied by one full paying adult).

Nearest site: The Sandringham Estate

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

GOING PLACES In need of inspiration for the touring year ahead? Consider a break at one or more of the following destinations...

Lake District

Julie Carpenter, Club member

NEWS UK SITES

Have you made your holiday plans for this year? If not, now is the perfect time to think about your trips, and with Club sites located close to some of the UK and Ireland’s finest beauty spots, you are spoiled for choice. Here are eight perennial favourites to consider.

COTSWOLDS There are seven Club sites within or on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to choose from – and each one allows you to easily take in the enchanting towns and villages, where the use of Cotswold stone creates a distinctive charm. There are plenty of attractions to visit, too.

Try: Broadway Club site, from £16.20 DEVON AND CORNWALL On-going debate as to the ‘correct’ way of serving a cream tea aside, these neighbouring counties have plenty in common, not least their combined success in providing memorable holidays

Cornwall

Club member

Lake District

Suzanne Kennedy, Club

for hundreds of thousands of people every year. Whether you head for the great beaches or the wild national parks of All prices Exmoor and Dartmoor, you’ll discover why d stated are base ʼ price many insist that ‘south-west is best’. on lo est ʻ rom 20 Try: Trewethett Farm Club site (near throughout 20 Tintagel), from £16.40 or one adult and a standard pitch LAKE DISTRICT Lace-up those walking boots or make your way onto one of the broad bodies of water in this most dramatically scenic part of England – you will not regret it. Don’t forget the towns, though; the likes of Keswick, Ambleside, Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere offer plenty of great shopping and dining opportunities.

Try: Coniston Park Coppice Club site from £10.85 PEAK DISTRICT To the north, the High Peaks offer wonderful walks and views that stretch for miles. To the south, small villages with traditional pubs sit at the foot of rolling hills in lush farmland. The Peaks has natural beauty in spades – and it’s usually

, Cl David Minchin

Charlene Mallet t,

ber

SNOWDONIA Another area with more than its fair share of peaks, Snowdonia offers plenty of high-level walking opportunities and gentler cycle routes, while just beyond the national park lies a coastline dotted with picturesque towns, historic castles and vast beaches. You will never run out of things to do!

Try: Coed-y-Llwyn Club site (near Ffestiniog), from £14.40

22 February 2020

Cornwall

member

Highlands

Pauline Jones, Club mem

HIGHLANDS Soaring peaks, awe-inspiring lochs and diverse wildlife make the Highlands of Scotland one of the best places to spend time if you love the great outdoors – but there’s more to this vast region than nature. Friendly welcomes, vibrant culture, fascinating heritage, amazing food... there is something for everyone.

Try: Bunree Club site (near Glencoe), from £16.80

ub member

quieter than many of the other destinations listed on this page.

Try: Buxton Club site from £12.30 YORKSHIRE DALES Talking of rolling hills... whether you’re driving, walking or cycling, the Yorkshire Dales offers mile upon mile of upland that delights afresh with every bend of the path or road. Why not try a walking or cycling break here this year and follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Manning (see UK touring feature, November 2019 issue)?

Try: Wharfedale Club site (near Skipton), from £15.60 NORFOLK With diverse coastline to the north and east, as well as thriving seaside resorts, the historic city of Norwich inland and the Broads to explore, it’s obvious why many members return to Norfolk again and again. Why not join them and take a break in East Anglia this year?

Try: Seacroft Club site (Cromer) from £15.30 www.camc.com

MEMBER DISCOUNT

EXTRA 5% OFF OUR INTERNET PRICES

SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD IN BRANCH OR ENTER 873175 ONLINE

HALF PRICE

MOT ÂŁ27.42 CLASS 4 CAR AND VAN AT PARTICIPATING BRANCHES

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BATTERIES, BRAKES, STEERING, SUSPENSION, OIL & FILTER, EXHAUSTS

Call your local branch FREE

0800 62 66 66

or visit www.camc.com/nationaltyres MOT offer only available at participating branches, visit www.national.co.uk to find out more or call 0808 271 4123 to book. Terms and conditions may apply. Ask in branch for details. Offer applies to members cash or credit card sales only and may not be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers (including Price Promise). Certain discounts only available in centre (batteries, brakes, steering, suspension, exhausts, oil and filter) and apply to our standard forecourt prices (inc. VAT). MOTs and tyres can be booked online. Discounted tyre prices excludes the cost of valves, balancing & disposal which are charged separately. Members must present their CAMC membership card prior to their invoice being printed in order for the discount to be applied. Discounts will automatically be applied to the invoice at the levels indicated and cannot be claimed retrospectively. MOT tests are Class 4 only for car and van (includes motorhomes up to 3 tonnes). MOT testing facilities / Sunday opening are not available at all centres, please check before travelling. National reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time without prior notification.

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Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Campervan

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journeys around the UK. This month: a tasty curry created using locally-sourced ingredients

H

relaxed the rules so you can include some ave you ever played Roadside items from the cupboard, too.

Roulette? It’s an idea that Roadside Roulette is a brilliant way to test I mooted in my first book, The fresh seasonal produce on your travels. It can Camper Van Cookbook. The plan be a challenge to the chef, of course, but it is very simple: when you’re out and about on always results in unexpected and interesting your travels in your camper, motorhome or dinners. I must confess, though, that one stall caravan, you nominate a chef to cook that I stopped at, in Norfolk, had nothing else for night’s meal (it’s usually me). sale other than fresh free-range eggs and...

Then, stop at the next stall at the kittens. We ate out that night! roadside that sells fresh local produce.

I recently picked up You know the kinds of places: they offer all a butternut squash from sorts of amazing stuff, from home-made jams to fresh vegetables and honey.

CUT OUT Your chef buys whatever he or she can from the stall (don’t forget to pop a few coins in the honesty box if there RECIPE NO. 25 RECIPES is one) and cooks dinner with it. Trust me, it’s fun. Don’t panic – I have since

Butternut squash curry

a local grower in Cornwall, which I used, along with some fresh chard from the garden (it grows well all year round), a tin of lentils and some coconut milk from the cupboard in the van. The result? A delicious veggie curry. Go on – try it!

So, who’s cooking tonight?

AND KEEP

SERVES TWO

THE COOK RECOMMENDS...

Porthminster Kitchen, St Ives, Cornwall. This place is just perfect: friendly staff, stunning location overlooking the harbour and great seafood and veggie dishes.

AND AS A TREAT...

The PK Vegetable Curry with seasonal veg is heavenly.

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

lling d a roadside stall se Even if you can’t fin you like if ipe rec s thi ing try squashes, it’s worth added an As . ers e-pot wond creamy, hearty, on ing-free in the ag ck pa it d fin en bonus you can oft chard, nt. If you can’t find supermarket! Brillia en beans. use spinach or gre

INGREDIENTS cut into 1in chunks

, 1 butternut squash d ard leaves, choppe 1 handful of fresh ch 1 red onion (or sunflower) oil 1 tbsp of rape seed 4 or 5 curry leaves eled 1 clove of garlic, pe ger 1 tsp of ground gin kes Pinch of red chilli fla ric 1 tsp turme nder 1 tsp ground coria n mi cu d un gro 1 tsp as 400 ml tin of chickpe t milk 400 ml tin of coconu opped 8 dried apricots, ch seasoning garnish opped coriander, to small handful of ch top on kle rin sp onds to I tbsp of flaked alm rice Serve with jasmine

METHOD

the medium heat. Add Warm a pan over a ions until they are on the ok Co s. ion oil and the on at for rlic and chilli and he soft, then add the ga curry d an s ice sp Add the a minute or so more.

Add the s. ion on the r ve co leaves and stir to r again, so d chickpeas and sti butternut squash an ions. Add on d an s d with spice everything is coate and season. ots d chopped apric the coconut milk an for about g rin me sim e for il be Then bring to the bo rring sti r, de ten the squash is 20 minutes or until from the ve mo Re . ing ck sti id occasionally to avo ow them ed chard leaves. All heat and add the slic ped op ch the ng. Serve with to wilt before servi ond flakes. alm of g klin rin sp a d coriander leaves an

February 2020 25

TOURING UK SITES

BORDER PATROL Join Jonathan Manning as he wends his way on a seven-site tour of northern England and southern Scotland

S

urely there’s no more evocative wake-up call than the song of the gull. The throaty ‘ke-ow’ instantly conjures memories of seaside holidays, bracing coastal breezes and the shielding of chips from aerial ambushes. From inside a caravan, the sound is fresh and exciting, a summons to get out and explore.

I’m at Berwick Seaview Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, deliciously perched on the River Tweed estuary in the far north of Northumberland. Berwick-upon-Tweed’s strategic importance placed it at the heart of Borders conflicts, and even today its loyalties seem split. Officially, it has been English since

26 February 2020

1482 when Richard Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III) captured the town, but today most of the attacking and defending is done by Berwick Rangers as members of the Scottish Football League.

Magnificent Tudor harbour walls surround Berwick, protecting it from naval strikes, and the town’s historic wealth is evident in the handsome merchants’ houses that gaze out over the river. The famous artist, LS Lowry, treasured for his industrial landscapes, was a regular visitor for over 40 years, and a trail named in his honour links sites that inspired his paintings of the town.

Few of Lowry’s matchstick men look as though they’ve eaten a knockout full English breakfast at the Riverside Café, close to the

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

Phil Seale / Alamy

Walking in the Eildon Hills

February 2020 27

TOURING UK SITES

1

Berwick Seaview Club site

A popular site with views over the Tweed Estuary and easy access to Berwick and beaches.

Pitches: 93 Open: 13 Mar-2 Nov 2020 Tent campers welcome

Member view “It’s a wonderful site with a wonderful location. We’ve come to see the town and the sealife, we’ve been to Lindisfarne, and we might catch the train to Edinburgh.”

Neville Bampton

Site view “There are some stunning coastal walks, and dolphin and seal watching trips from Berwick.”

Caroline and John Corcoran

Food & drink Pot-A-Doodle Do, Borewell, Scremerston, Berwick-uponTweed TD15 2RJ Contact: potadoodledo.com, 01289 307107

Culture

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh NE69 7DF Contact: bamburghcastle.com, 01668 214208 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Berwick Boat Trips, Berwick Quayside, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1HE Contact: berwickboattrips.co.uk, 07713 170845

For the family Flagstaff Park, Berwick-uponTweed TD15 1JG Contact: visitberwick.com

28 February 2020

DID YOU KNOW? 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. further online research reveals Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly that Lewis Carroll and The

Club site, which kickstarts my day. The café is near one of the three bridges that cross the Tweed... a ‘Goldilocks-style’ approach, with a towering railway viaduct, built by Robert Stevenson; a squat, ancient bridge with 15 stone arches; and a middle one that’s just right for viewing its more attractive neighbours.

It turns out that Lowry wasn’t the only celebrity visitor to Berwick. A plaque outside the Kings Arms Hotel proudly announces that Charles Dickens once stayed here, and

Beatles were also guests!

The closest I get to rock n’ roll is the ‘By Beat of Drum’ exhibition, an interesting insight into the everyday lives of British infantrymen from the Civil War to the First World War. It’s one of three small museums for the price of one in Berwick Barracks.

Back at the campsite, staffers Caroline and John Corcoran outline enough attractions to fill a fortnight’s tour: Alnwick Castle and Gardens (just 30 miles to the south), www.camc.com

“

Berwick-upon-Tweed’s strategic importance placed it at the heart of Borders conflicts

2

”

Bee Edge

Certificated Location Sea views and excellent facilities make this a star CL; only a couple of miles from a surfers’ beach.

Open: all year Contact: 07872 629441

Tantallon Castle

Site view “You can walk from the site to the village, with its pub, and there’s a lovely family beach at Coldingham. The guided boat trips from St Abbs are really good fun, and the walk is beautiful to St Abbs Head Nature Reserve, where part of the new Avengers: Endgame was filmed.”

Alisdair, Will and Carol Hamilton

Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland

Food & drink

Seahouses (with boat trips to the Farne Islands), Bamburgh (with its own eyrie-like fortification high above miles of spectacular sand) and The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (just a 12.5-mile bike ride away along the quiet National Cycle Route 1). The tidal causeway to Holy Island demands respect and in summer it can get busy, but out of season there’s a truly captivating otherworldliness to this important historic site of early Christianity in Britain.

A different kind of spirituality is at play at Paxton House, where a ‘Fairy Trail’ www.camc.com

leads youngsters through the grounds of a stately home set in magnificent parkland just upstream of Berwick. Inside you will find the world’s largest collection of Chippendale furniture.

‘BEE’ FOR BEEF

Heading north into Scotland, the A1 narrows to a highway of roundabouts and B-road crossings, one of which turns to Bee Edge Certificated Location (CL). The site opened last Easter and offers the best view on this working beef farm, with pitches looking

The New Inn, 1 Bridge Street, Coldingham, Eyemouth TD14 5NG Contact: 01890 771315

Culture GREAT Gunsgreen House SAVINGS Gunsgreen Quay, GUIDE Eyemouth TD14 5SD Contact: gunsgreenhouse.org, 01890 752062 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Coldingham Sands, Coldingham Bay

For the family Eyemouth Swimming Pool, North St, Eyemouth TD14 5ET Contact: liveborders.org.uk, 01890 750557

February 2020 29

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

and2020 conditions apply, see website for details XX Terms February

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES The three bridges that span the Tweed at Berwick

3

Yellowcraig James R Gibson / Alamy

Club site

50% OFF

MIDWEEK

Hermitage Castle

Member view Paul Tomkins/Visit Scotland

over fields to the sea. For a small site it’s brilliantly equipped, with electric hook-ups (boosted by solar panels), Wi-Fi, a dogwalking area and hardstanding. The village of Coldingham, which boasts two pubs and an incongruously large ruined priory for such a little place, is a 15-minute stroll away, and there’s a lovely sandy bay barely a mile farther, with its own surf school and whitewashed beach café.

Fancying a walk, I nudge the towcar along a narrow lane to St Abbs, a tiny fishing village where the harbour walls offer a protective cuddle for boats sheltering from the North Sea. Teens in tow may recognise the location from a Harry Styles video.

At the top of the village stands a sculpture of tiny brass women and children gazing out to sea, a memorial to three local fishermen who were among the 189 that lost their lives during a violent storm off the east coast of Scotland in 1881. The statue is at the start of a well waymarked circular walk that leads along clifftops to St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, a seabird hangout with a colourful display of wild spring

A nature lover’s paradise next to a small pine plantation, dunes and an outstanding beach.

Pitches: 112 Open: 13 Mar-2 Nov 2020

flowers and a lighthouse. I loop back via Mire Loch to escape a biting sea breeze, and return circulation to my fingers by wrapping them around a cup of coffee at The Old Smiddy Tea Rooms.

St Abbs is four miles and a million light years from the endless trundle of A1 traffic that I join to reach Yellowcraig Club site.

Immediately beyond the campsite’s gates a small pine plantation gives way to dunes that unfold into a fabulous beach. The intriguing Fidra Island stands just off shore,

“The site is perfect for walking the dogs and there are lots of lovely beaches nearby and great places to see. The NB Distillery does a really interesting tour.”

John and Phyllis Philp

Site view “In July and August a pipe band plays every Wednesday evening in North Berwick’s Lodge Grounds. It’s lovely to buy fish and chips and sit and listen to the pipers.”

Andy Holt and Kerry Piper

Food & drink The Puffin Bistro & Wine Bar, 114 High Street, North Berwick EH39 4HE Contact: thepuffin.co.uk, 01620 248240

Culture Scottish Seabird Centre

Tantallon Castle, Near North Berwick EH39 5PN Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01620 892727

Outdoor fun North Berwick Golf Club, New Club House, Beach Road, North Berwick EH39 4BB Contact: northberwickgolfclub. com, 01620 895040

Grant Paterson/Visit Scotland

For the family The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ Contact: royalyachtbritannia. co.uk, 0131 555 5566 GREAT Member offer available: SAVINGS camc.com/ GUIDE greatsavingsguide

www.camc.com

February 2020 31

TOURING UK SITES

4

Crookhouse Farm Certificated Location

A huge grassy paddock with magnificent trees in the middle.

EHU, drinking water and grey water drainage available.

Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct 2020 Contact: 01573 440225 Sites Directory & Handbook p530

Site view “People tend to escape here, and it’s a great place for walking – you can walk directly to the river from the site; even a mobility scooter could get there. Kelso is a fantastic place, and there always seems to be an event happening at its showground.”

Alistair Fleming

“

with a rock arch and lighthouse and a starring role in literature as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

Yellowcraig site staffer Andy Holt describes the beach as “an undiscovered paradise”, and kicking through the sand it’s hard to argue. He adds that the site enjoys a microclimate that sees only half the annual rainfall of Edinburgh, despite Princes Street being only a 30-minute bus ride away.

If the weather does spoil, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

A star attraction is the National Museum of Flight, where I’m astonished to find Concorde in a hangar, as well as a Spitfire, Vulcan bomber and Red Arrow hawk.

Food & drink

Culture Coldstream Museum, 12 Market Square, Coldstream TD12 4BD Contact: liveborders.org.uk, 01890 882630

Fidra Island

Outdoor fun

32 February 2020

Sally Anderson / Alamy

4 Abbeys Cycle Route: Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh Contact: cyclescottish borders.com

Beirhope Farm Alpaca Trekking, Hownam, Kelso TD5 8AP Contact: beirhope.co.uk, 01573 440631

I’m astonished to find Concorde in a

hangar, as well as a Spitfire and Vulcan

The Cobbles – Freehouse and Dining, 7 Bowmont Street, Kelso TD5 7JH Contact: thecobbleskelso.co.uk, 01573 223548

For the family

Illustration: Louise Turpin

”

Wings of a different sort hog the limelight at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, which is a short walk away from Yellowcraig. The Discovery Centre gives visitors control of cameras that are positioned on islands in the Firth of Forth, so you can zoom in for a close look at birds and their nests, while a 3D film theatre plunges viewers into the heart of Attenborough-style documentaries. (Members can enjoy discounts via the Great Savings Guide at both the National Museum of Flight and the Scottish Seabird Centre.)

A BRIDGE NOT TOO FAR

Behind the town, from the summit of volcanic North Berwick Law, views extend to Edinburgh and even the Forth Bridge (I’m disappointed not to see anyone painting it). If I knew where to look, I could probably see my next stop, tucked into a curl in the Borders hills.

First, though, I park in Kelso, a prosperouslooking town with more than its fair share of tweed and shooting/fishing outfitters. Majestic Floors Castle stands a decent walk out of the town. This stately home somehow manages to feel both mighty and homely, with framed family photos of the Duke of Roxburghe and his kin – who still live here – sitting below www.camc.com

“

St Abb’s Head is a seabird hangout with a colourful display of spring flowers Looking west along the fabulous coastal view at St Abb’s Head

”

Jon Sparks / Alamy

www.camc.com

February 2020 33

5

Melrose Gibson Park Club site

A popular site in the heart of a town that hosts several events each year. There are discounts for Club members in many local eateries.

Pitches: 65 Open: all year Tent campers welcome

Member view “We’ve been coming here for 42 years!

It’s a nice site in the centre of Melrose, so you don’t need to use the car, and there are lovely walks by the river and an excellent Italian restaurant, Monte Cassino.”

George and Sandra Main

Site view “We’ve been here for six years and love the atmosphere.

There’s so much going on with the Melrose Sevens, the Book Festival, the Melrose Festival Week, and the Tempest Brewing Company’s beer festivals in Tweedbank.”

John and Linda Smith

Food & drink Monte Cassino, Palma Place, Melrose TD6 9PR Contact: montecassino restaurant.co.uk, 01896 820082

Culture Traquair House, GREAT Innerleithen EH44 6PW SAVINGS GUIDE Contact: traquair.co.uk, 01896 830323 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Leaderfoot Viaduct, Melrose TD6 9DQ (walking available along the river)

For the family The Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary, The Holmes, St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0EL Contact: donkeyheaven.org, 01835 823468

34 February 2020

tapestries and oil paintings. The castle, its walled garden and wider estate deserve a full day, and if you don’t bring your own picnic the Terrace Café serves a fine scone.

It takes less than 15 minutes to drive from Kelso to Crookhouse Farm CL, but the site feels remote, amid hills that are wild but not imposing.

It’s a landscape that clearly tugs at the heartstrings. “Six couples, many of them regulars, have moved to the area after staying here,” says owner Alistair Fleming, perhaps ruing the lost business. An easy access trail leads from the site down to Kale Water, while the hills beckon keener walkers.

Leaving Crookhouse Farm, I nip into the Teviot Game Fare Smokery and Water Gardens. The gardens in particular are a delightful surprise. Lush, colourful plants and flowers surround a series of ponds and waterfalls that tumble in a succession of terraces to the River Teviot. Maybe it’s the type of plants or the small red bridge, but it feels more Japanese than British, an Eastern Eden within the rugged countryside.

One smoked salmon sandwich later I head west, drawn to the distinctive triple humps of Eildon Hill – often referred to in plural – which guards Melrose. The Club site (Melrose Gibson Park) is right in the centre of town, so motorhomers can easily walk to shops and attractions, and catch buses and trains – it’s only 50 minutes to Edinburgh and the last train home leaves the city at 11.45pm. Plenty of time to catch a show.

Not that there’s any need to leave Melrose itself. This is a happening town that hosts a series of first-class events, including the Melrose Sevens rugby tournament (April), the Borders Book Festival (June) – which last year attracted speakers such as David Coulthard, Kate Humble and Ruth Davidson – and Melrose Festival Week (June), featuring a mass horse rideout, piper bands and a community bike ride.

Year-round there are the colossal, haunting ruins of Melrose Abbey, where an excellent free audio trail guides visitors through the site and the history of the Cistercians. The monks combined devout, abstinent religious practice with a powerhouse business model. Formidable sheep farmers, the Cistercians were trading high-quality wool and fleece with Bruges as early as the 13th century, and lavished part of their wealth on the construction of a stunning abbey.

Allan Wright / Alamy

TOURING UK SITES

GREAT SCOTT

Centuries later, Scotland’s favourite author, Sir Walter Scott, attempted a similar architectural transformation of a rather bleak spot by the River Tweed with the construction of Abbotsford. Scott’s former home is a 2.5-mile walk along the riverbank from Melrose, and worth it for a glimpse of the writer’s study and library, as well as the three gardens that surround the house.

The author himself travelled a little farther afield for inspiration, to a viewpoint that now carries his name. Scott’s View gazes down on a loop in the River Tweed, and to the hills beyond. Nearby, an unpromising-looking bridleway leads to a huge statue of William www.camc.com

6

Hermitage Farm House Certificated Location This remote, grassy site in rugged countryside has grey water and chemical disposal facilities.

Open: all year Contact: 01387 321404

DGB / Alamy

Brian Lawrence / Alamy

Site view

Wallace, scourge of the English. If all of this walking sounds like tough tourism, Melrose Gibson Park site staff John and Linda Smith have helped to relieve the pressure on cooks by negotiating a series of useful discounts at pubs and restaurants throughout the town. I’d have liked to have stayed for longer, partly to visit more of these establishments, and it was with a degree of sadness that I watched the exit barrier rise before journeying south.

A twisting, hilly road leads me to Hermitage Farm House CL, a brand new site where a narrow, stone bridge crosses a burn into the farm, and a bumpy track leads to an www.camc.com

Above and far left: Abbotsford – the former home of Sir Walter Scott Left: Melrose High Street

extraordinary 2.5-acre grass oasis, defended from rugged wilderness by a drystone wall.

Hermitage Castle lies within clear sight of the pitches – a squat, windswept, roofless fortress in a once-strategically important location. The official tourist overview describes it as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain”, but today it’s only a brutal gale knifing through my jacket, and there’s not much to see beyond the muscular walls of the ruins.

The final site on this tour wears its national pride on its sleeve – visitors are greeted by a fluttering saltire flag of St Andrew and a fun wooden carving of

“If you love peace and quiet and fresh air, you’ll love this site. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a family of buzzards here, as well as peregrine falcons, owls and woodpeckers.

We’re very well positioned for the abbeys at Melrose and Jedburgh, where there’s also Mary, Queen of Scots’ house.”

Emma Vaughan

Food & drink The Olive Tree, 38 South Hermitage Street, Newcastleton TD9 0QE Contact: 01387 375479

Culture Gilnockie Tower, Hollows, Canonbie DG14 0XD Contact: gilnockietower.co.uk, 01387 371373

Outdoor fun Rock UK, Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton TD9 0TY Contact: 01387 375394, rockuk.org

For the family Kielder Observatory, see website for directions Contact: 0191 265 5510, kielderobservatory.org

February 2020 35

TOURING UK SITES

7

Lidalia

Affiliated Site This neat site features some quirky statues and its own small duck pond. It’s an easy stroll into the village, and there’s excellent mountain biking, walking and fishing nearby.

Pitches: 30 Open: all year

“We come here a lot because it’s quiet and we can chill out. Come here for a weekend and it feels like you’ve had a week’s holiday.

The Blackburn Falls walk is really nice, and it’s short, too.”

John and Katie Gaskell

Galloway cattle near Newcastleton

Site view

a Highland piper. Lidalia AS in Newcastleton – twice voted Scotland’s Best Small Village in the 2010s – bridges the Borders, with a bus service heading to Hawick in one direction and Carlisle in the other. It’s an attractive site with resident ducks, in a village blessed with two cafés and two pubs, one of which (The Grapes) offers a takeaway service to the campsite.

Tracks to the 7stanes mountain bike centre, one of the finest trail centres in the country, lead from the centre of Newcastleton, while hen harriers and wild goats survive on the moorland behind the site. If you’re after outdoor

“We’re right in the heart of the village so motorhomers can leave their vehicles here. Some visitors find it hard to get their heads around Scotland’s right to roam, because they’re used to sticking to paths and bridleways; there’s loads of lovely walking in the area.”

Gillian Jackson

Food & drink Copshaw Kitchen, 4 North Hermitage Street, Newcastleton TD9 0RB Contact: 013873 75250

activities, Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water are within easy reach.

Warden Gillian Jackson tells me of a spot close by, where Northumberland, Roxburghshire, Cumbria and Dumfriesshire all meet, a junction of four counties and two countries. My trip would soon be ending – could there be a more symbolic spot to finish a tour of the Borders?

Culture Liddesdale Heritage Centre, Old Townfoot Kirk, South Hermitage Street, Newcastleton TD9 0QG Contact: 07582 999782, liddesdaleheritage.org.uk

Ruins of Melrose Abbey

Outdoor fun 7stanes Newcastleton TD9 0QD Contact: forestry.gov.uk/7stanes

36 February 2020

Ian Dagnall / Alamy

For the family Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre, Kielder Waterside NE48 1BT Contact: visitkielder.com

Walking | The Trimontium Walk This 4.5-mile circular walk from ViewRanger begins in medieval Melrose before taking you past the abbey and along the Tweed Valley to Newstead, reputed to be the oldest inhabited village in Scotland. The route incorporates the site of the Roman Fortress of Trimontium, and when you return to Melrose you can find out more by visiting the Trimontium Museum of Roman Scotland, situated in the centre of town. (Following the seven-day free trial, Club members save 12% on a PREMIUM + Ordnance Survey Maps for Great Britain subscription with ViewRanger. Visit camc.com/viewranger for details.) www.camc.com

Chris Strickland / Alamy

Member view

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November 2016 XX

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

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.

NEW CLS SCOTLAND

e55evu/Getty

KINROSS (7.5m SW) – Powmill, Mr David Morrill, Craigton Farm Road, Rumbling Bridge KY13 0QG. 56.1384, -3.58139. 07734 047828; damorrill@ aol.com. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; hdstdng; 16A; max o’fit length 8mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; B&B; wc (exc); shwr (exc); Wi-Fi; info rm; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; game fishing, coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; fr £16 (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 numbers refer to the Directory.

38 February 2020

Allan Baxter/Getty

PERTH & KINROSS

Below left: Loch Leven, Kinross, near Powmill CL. Above: Barnstaple on the River Taw, near Collacott Farm CL 101 NANTWICH – Oakdene. This CL has added hardstanding pitches and a drive over waste disposal point.

277 PENRITH – Riverside. Email: riversidetourer@gmail.com.

316 BAKEWELL – Tagg Lane Grange. Please call 07794 496213 instead of landline. Email: tagglanecaravansite@gmail.com.

364 BARNSTAPLE – Collacott Farm. Correct telephone number: 07967 851903.

455 SEATON – Leacroft. New email cl@lcrft.uk.

484 BLANDFORD FORUM – Lower Farm Caravan Site. New email: richardfriendgsm@gmail.com.

508 LYME REGIS – Carnbrae. This CL site is now adults-only.

1694 HORNSEA – Southfield Farm.

New email info@mrmoos.co.uk.

1802 SCARBOROUGH – Granary Farm. Long and Lats correction: 54.263461, -0.571909.

1853 YORK – Upper Helmsley Hall.

Change of certificate holder. New owner Mrs Mary Anne Mackaness.

Tel: 01759 371310 (site manager is David).

2006 STIRLING – Robertson Lane Farm. Change of certificate holder.

New owner David Fotheringham.

Tel 07753 428755. Long and Lats for entrance are 56.146634, -4.033212.

2210 ST DAVID’S – Treginnis Uchaf Farm. New tel: 07969 178293; new email daviestreginnis@gmail.com.

2255 LLANRHIDIAN – Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre. This CL site is open. Email info@ perriswood.com.

February 2019 Magazine BUNTINGFORD – Mill End Plants.

Opening dates 1 Feb-30 Nov. July 2019 Magazine PENRITH – Mains Farm. Correct tel: 01768 898342.

December 2019 Magazine STALHAM – Bridge House. Site is family friendly.

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.

3 BATH – Mr D S Shears, Tytherly Farm 514 STURMINSTER NEWTON – Mr J Candy, Todber Manor Fisheries 548 COLCHESTER – Mr K Latto, Oldhouse Farm 564 MANNINGTREE – Mrs D Goddard, Flatford Farmhouse 1217 NOTTINGHAM – Mrs A Elkington, Old Manor Farm

1885 WETHERBY – Mrs E M Rooke, Sapele Court 2175 HAVERFORDWEST – Mrs D Brookman, Dr R Tudor-Williams and Mr G Tudor-Williams, Cleddau Estate Caravan Park

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.

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November 2016 21

ACTIVITY BREAKS NIGHT-TIME ADVENTURE

LET’S GO ON A...

DARK SKY ADVENTURE Jonathan Manning embarks on his own ’star trek’ and enjoys a memorable night walk within Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park

D

arkness arrives with the stealth of a pickpocket. One moment the path ahead is obvious and Kielder Water is distinct from its shoreline; the next, the vast reservoir has vanished, the tree tops are indistinguishable from the ink-black sky and only a headtorch can provide sure-footed guidance along the forest trail. This is deepest, darkest Northumberland, 572 square miles of gold-tier International Dark Sky Park. Prized for the absence of light pollution, the park is England’s premier venue for stargazing, a pitch-black nothingness in which the Milky Way sparkles and shines.

Today should be among the darkest nights of all. It’s less than 48 hours until the longest day of the year, and the moon is not due to rise until after midnight, leaving the stars free to enjoy centre stage. With the naked eye we should be free to see in excess of 2,000.

To acclimatise to the impending blanket of blackness, my daughter and I stride out along the reservoir’s perimeter trail to see Silvas Capitalis, a mesmerising giant wooden head that is arguably the most eye-catching of the sculptures that punctuate the path around Kielder Water.

By the time we reach it, night is falling.

40

Walking back to Kielder village, daylight slowly seeps away and the pewter surface of the reservoir stops acting as a 1,000-hectare reflector. It’s impossible to pinpoint the instant that night finally falls but we find ourselves blind as bats and without echo location to find our way. The toecaps of my boots start catching on rocks and stones and, when we miss a turn and take a clumsy step into a shallow channel that borders the trail, we decide it is time to switch on our torches.

Living in a small Lincolnshire village of 65 houses, home is hardly a metropolis of Blackpool-scale illuminations, yet the depth of this Northumberland darkness is unprecedented.

I had anticipated the gloom to be unsettling, but the lack of stimuli feels strangely calming.

A dinner in The Pheasant at Stannersburn marks an interlude in our dark sky adventure before we go back to black. Our destination is Kielder Observatory, two miles up a rain-lashed forest track on the flanks of the Black Fell. At the top a wind turbine spins like a Catherine wheel, and the sky is the colour of coal, without a pinprick of starlight.

It’s an unpromising start, but the staff at the observatory give us a warm welcome and suggest that the gale may clear the clouds before

The author peers out of the eye socket of Silvas Capitalis, an impressive wooden artwork on the path around Kielder Water

41

ACTIVITY BREAKS NIGHT-TIME ADVENTURE

WHERE TO STAY

Lidalia Affiliated Site is less than a 40-minute drive from Kielder Water and Forest Park. For information, see kielderobservatory.org.

Alternative dark sky destinations 1. Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Galloway Forest Park, this observatory boasts the status of a ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Park. It hosts several stargazing events every month.

Info: scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk Stay at: Garlieston Club site

2. Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

There’s no observatory in Exmoor National Park, but find a clear night and a hill and the astronomical views are spectacular. From 16 to 31 October, Exmoor hosts a Dark Skies Festival, with a series of events for stargazers.

Info: exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk Stay at: Minehead Club site

3. Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve

One of only a dozen International Dark Sky Reserves, the lack of light pollution in Snowdonia allows the naked eye to see all the major constellations, as well as nebulas (bright clouds of gas and dust) and, if you’re lucky, shooting stars.

Info: discoveryinthedark.wales/snowdonia Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club site

the night is over. Their well-rehearsed back-up plan suggests they are accustomed to inclement weather, and as our group of about 25 slowly warms to the heat radiating from a woodburning stove, the guides explain what we might see if conditions improve.

UNIVERSE-AL APPEAL

Their theme is the ‘Magnificent Milky Way’, a tribute to the galaxy in which the Sun and its eight planets, including Earth, exist alongside billions of stars and other heavenly bodies.

Fizzing with energy, astronomer Hayden Goodfellow leads us through one mind-blowing set of figures after another.

The temperature of the Sun, we learn, is 6,000˚C at its surface, and 15,000,000˚ C under pressure at its core. Light takes about 8 minutes 20 seconds to travel from the Sun to the Earth, across a distance of 150 million kilometres. Light from the next nearest star takes 4½ years to reach Earth – so if that star were to explode we wouldn’t know until midway through 2024.

Hayden’s slide show includes a spectacular photo of the Andromeda galaxy, which lies over 42

“

It’s impossible to pinpoint the instant that night finally falls

”

2 million light years away and is the only galaxy visible with the naked eye from Earth; or at least in the pristine dark skies above Kielder.

Gradually the presentations start merging in a kaleidoscope of zeros, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of the vastness of deep space and an intimidating perspective of my own insignificance. The mortgage and gas bill no longer seem very important in the context of a galaxy containing 400 billion other suns, a quarter of which have planets.

It takes a degree of commitment to join this event at Kielder Observatory – it’s in a remote spot in a remote national park and it doesn’t start until 8pm – and the guides acknowledge a high level of interest from their visitors. They are delighted to answer questions at whatever level of detail we can cope with before our heads explode.

They also have a sense of humour, poking fun at astronomy’s lack of creativity in naming and labelling. The biggest galaxy discovered, for example, is called IC1101, which fails to do justice to its 100 trillion stars; and state-of-the-art telescopes for peering into the depths of our universe are simply called ELT or OWL, acronyms which stand for Extremely Large Telescope or Overwhelmingly Large Telescope!

Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t improve, so there’s no chance for the observatory to wheel back its retracting roof and let us gaze through its telescopes. It’s just the luck of the draw – spaces on these events fill up swiftly, so there’s little chance of waiting for a clear evening and hoping for late availability.

Nonetheless, the experience is extraordinary, and we leave with a genuine taste of a truly dark sky and a real sense of wonder at what lies in the infinite possibilities of time and space.

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November 2016 XX

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FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

VALLEY Heidi Fuller-Love discovers the many charms of a beautiful region while following the Loire to the Atlantic

The Château of Amboise

46 February 2020

T

here are few greater pleasures than a wander along a sunlit, cobbled alley while munching on a juicy slab of apple-stuffed tarte tatin. We bought the pie from the Aux Délices de Touraine bakery in the atmospheric town of Tours, where we began a week-long trip that would take us through France’s château-packed Loire Valley to the beach-lined Atlantic coast.

After watching brightly-coloured kayaks paddling furiously across the mighty Loire River, we took a tour of the town’s Musée du Compagnonnage, a unique museum celebrating the achievements of a group

of workers from the Middle Ages that travelled throughout the country to learn various trades and crafts. A beguiling space showcases their work, such as a miniature spiral staircase and a dress made entirely from iron. We would find more fine French handiwork to admire during the week ahead.

ROIS’ CASTLES

The Loire Valley is, of course, renowned for its castles, and our first campsite, Le Château de la Rolandière, is a vast shaded park set around a pretty little Napoleon III-era stately home. It made a comfortable base from which to explore some of the best fortresses and palaces in the area. www.camc.com

The River Loire runs through historic Blois

1

Le Château de la Rolandière (L36) Friendly campsite centred around a pretty château and surrounded by lush, wooded parkland Pitches: 50 Open: 16 May-19 Sep 2020

Visitor view “We keep coming back to this campsite because it is such a peaceful, friendly site.

The situation is ideal for countryside walks and cycling with many vineyards within easy cycling distance. And, of course, you can drive out for the day to visit one of the many castles of the Loire Valley.”

Mr and Mrs Woodward

Site view

First on the agenda was Blois. This elegant, red-brick château – home to no fewer than seven kings and 10 queens – was built between the 13th and 17th centuries, so it’s a wonderful hotch-potch of different architectural styles.

It’s difficult to miss the dragon opposite the castle, which pops its six heads out of a set of windows every half-an-hour. This fearsome beast belongs to Blois’ House of Magic, dedicated to the 19th-century inventor and conjurer, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who once lived in this high-fronted abode.

The museum is packed to the rafters with interactive exhibits; there’s even a small theatre where you can watch a magician at work. Stumbling out into daylight, we made a beeline for Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs, a cosy restaurant that was once a hangout for local fishermen. The fresh salmon was fittingly magical. www.camc.com

The following day we headed deep into the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, driving through dense forest where it was easy to imagine French kings galloping in hot pursuit of wild boar or wily hare. A clearing in the trees revealed Saumur, topped by its 14th-century limestone castle, on the south bank of the Loire. Shops in this pretty town sell local specialities such as fouace, a type of brioche stuffed with a range of sweet or savoury fillings.

To the south-west lies Thouars, where the 17th-century Château des Ducs de La Trémoille watches over a bend in the sluggish, tea-coloured Thouet River. Sadly, the castle is only open for visits once a year, so we spent our time exploring the winding streets around it, finding Place Saint-Médard with its ancient half-timbered houses and 12th-century

Food & drink s aiko3p / Getty

HIGH

“This is a wonderful region both for the châteaux and for the wines. There are also many beautiful gardens and it’s not far from [theme park] Futuroscope and Beauval Zoo.” Ghislain Toulemonde

Boulangerie L’Epi Gourmand, 21 Rue Gambetta, 37220 L'Île-Bouchard Contact: 0033 2 47 58 58 57

Culture Museum of Natural History of Tours, 3 Rue du Président Merville, 37000 Tours Contact: museum.tours.fr, 0033 2 47 21 68 08

Outdoor fun La Venise Verte punt hire, Embarcadère la Venise, Rue du Port, 85420 Le Mazeau Contact: la-venise-verte.com, 0033 2 51 52 90 73

For the family Futuroscope Theme Park, Avenue René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou Contact: futuroscope.com, 0033 5 49 49 11 12

February 2020 47

FOREIGN TOURING FRANCE

2

Camping Bel (A34)

Illustraion: Louise Turpin

Close to the coastal resort of La Tranche-sur-Mer, this neat, clean site has a heated swimming pool, kids’ club and a bar.

Pitches: 130 Open: 23 May-5 Sep 2020

Food & drink Starfish and Coffee, 34 Avenue Maurice Samson, 85360 La Tranche-sur-Mer Contact: 0033 2 51 30 16 93

Culture Museum of the Holy Cross Abbey (modern/contemporary art), Rue de Verdun, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne Contact: lemasc.fr/en, 0033 2 51 32 01 16

Outdoor fun Casse de la Belle Henriette natural reserve, Route de la Tranche sur Mer, 85460 La Faute-sur-Mer Contact: 0033 5 46 82 12 34

For the family WaterFun, Avenue Porte des Îles, 85360 La Tranche-sur-Mer Contact: waterfun.fr, 0033 6 78 49 27 82

48 February 2020

Prince of Wales Tower, which was once a prison for salt smugglers.

On our final day in the Loire Valley we drove along roads fringed with apple orchards, to the Royal Château of Amboise. This magnificent castle was once a focal point of the flourishing Renaissance art scene and Leonardo da Vinci is buried here. The house where he lived at the Château du Clos Lucé is now a museum exhibiting models of the various machines he invented during his lifetime, along with a copy of the Mona Lisa that he painted while in residence.

We had dinner that evening in L’Auberge Jeanne d’Arc in the tiny hamlet of SainteCatherine-de-Fierbois, where Joan of Arc is said to have spent the night on her way to the Siege of Orléans. After asparagus mousse dotted with parmesan cheese and drizzled with olive oil, followed by pork fillet slow cooked in a rich wine and onion sauce, we slept like saints ourselves.

ATLANTIC-BOUND

We then headed for the Marais Poitevin, a 970km-long network of canals, dykes and meadows, better known locally as France’s ‘Green Venice’. An hour’s drive inland from the west coast, this region is the country’s second-largest wetland (after the Camargue) and yet very few people know about it. Turning off before Niort, we were soon surrounded by flat land dissected by glittering waterways and polders planted with poplar trees, where storks had built their tyre-sized nests.

With its ornate iron bridges and brightlycoloured punts, the capital, Coulon, is like a bite-sized version of Venice. Renting one of the flat-bottomed boats, known as ‘plats’, we spent an hour splashing about on the mirror-green water to work up an appetite for our lunch: a crispy fricassee of eel and frog served with fat white local beans called mogettes.

Our last destination was Camping Bel, a small campsite on the Atlantic coast.

From here we made day trips to laze on lovely sandy beaches at Châtelaillon-Plage and to visit La Rochelle’s museums, historic buildings and aquarium.

For our final jaunt we took the boat across to Île de Ré. Flat-as-a-pancake and ideal for cyclists, you can ride to the island’s grim 17th-century citadel, where notorious criminal Henri Charrière – alias ‘Papillon’ – was held. We also pedalled to the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve to spot kestrels and other wildfowl.

Sipping the local pineau at the terrace of La Bazenne, a chic crêperie in the trendy resort of Les Portes-en-Ré, made a for fine end to the trip. The flavour of this rich, syrupy fortified wine will always remind us of our wonderful, trip through France’s Pays de la Loire.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017

www.camc.com

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November 2016 XX

TRIP OF A

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Enjoy the best of New Zealand on an exciting escorted or independent motorhome tour

“

The local knowledge was invaluable. We were encouraged to explore and not restricted to a timetable. David and Jenny were always available

Barry Hodges, Wiltshire

” Abel Tasman National Park

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY This incredible 36-day tour takes in the most spectacular aspects of the land of the long white cloud. E perienced local tour leaders will guide you every step of the way as you traverse both the South and North islands on this trip of a lifetime.

Having e plored the e hilarating city of Christchurch and picked up your comfortable Maui motorhome, you will head south-west across the Canterbury plains towards Lake Pukaki in Mount Cook National Park, a region of breathtaking mountain scenery and glacial lakes.

As you follow the coast road, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach to see the mysterious spherical Moeraki Boulders .

It’s then on to Dunedin – from here you can embark on a cruise to the Otagi Peninsula, home to penguins, sea lions and more.

Ne t on the itinerary is Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, where you might like to visit the famed glow worm caves, illuminated by hundreds of tiny bioluminescent larvae.

On the 10th day you will enjoy a full day’s

e cursion to Milford Sound where you will embark on a cruise against a backdrop of mountains, waterfalls and forests.

It’s then on to Queensland, a town boasting e traordinary views of Lake Wakatipu, before you head into Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Here, a guided walk onto the Fo and Fran Josef glaciers is highly recommended.

WILLING AND ABEL

By day 17 you will have reached the Kaiteriteri region, where you can take part in a kayak e cursion to Split Apple Rock it is said that the giant globe-like rock was split in two by warring gods – or enjoy a dolphin-spotting cruise along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.

However, it will soon be time to set sail across the Cook Strait to Wellington on New Zealand’s North Island. While in the capital be sure to visit the Te Papa museum to learn about the country’s history and Maori heritage.

Ne t up is Napier on the east coast, in the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region – take

See penguins on the Sou

th Island

a trip to a vineyard or see the huge gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Rotorua is your ne t destination here you can visit the ‘Champagne Pool’ and Lady Knot Geyser at Wai-o-Tapu or view the boiling mud pools and silica terraces of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve.

As your magical trip nears its conclusion you journey on to the magnificent Coromandel Peninsula.

Here you could dig your very own bath on the sands at Hot Water Beach or head for the huge stone arch of Cathedral Cove.

Then, over on the Hibiscus Coast, you arrive at Orewa with its 3km beach, and then it’s on to Russell in the beautiful Bay of Islands – the perfect spot for three days of rela ation.

Finally, you have the opportunity to e plore the city of Auckland, where a farewell dinner offers the perfect opportunity to reminisce with new friends.

Duration/type: 36 days/escorted motorhome tour Departure: 3 Nov 2020, 26 Jan 2021, 23 Feb 2021 Price: from £5,999pp for 3 Nov 2020 departure, based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire for 29 days, return flights, all transfers, Christchurch and Auckland hotel stays inc breakfast, nightsʼ pre booked campsites, Milford Sound cruise, dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, Hangi feast in Rotorua, welcome/ farewell dinners

For more information on these tours please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 50 February 2020

www.camc.com

LIFETIME Enjoy traditional Maori culture Below right: sea lion; Christchurch tram

WONDERS OF NEW ZEALAND E plore this e traordinary country at your own pace on a 22-day independent motorhome tour. All of your campsite bookings will be taken care of, and you’ll receive a suggested itinerary in your hired motorhome – so all you need to do is enjoy your adventure!

That route takes in many of the same attractions as the New ealand Discovery’ tour on the opposite page, but this time your odyssey begins on the North Island in the magnificent harbour-side city of Auckland – known as the City of Sails . You will have the opportunity to e plore at your leisure, perhaps taking in views from the top of the Sky Tower.

Once you have picked up your motorhome, you will head southwards towards the famous geothermal region of Rotorua. Take the chance to learn more about Maori culture – evening trips can be arranged that involve storytelling, entertainment and traditional food.

As you head onwards to Lake Taupo, be sure to visit Huka Falls, where nearly

a quarter of a million litres of water plunge through a narrow gorge every second.

Your final stop on the North sland is in the capital city of Wellington, where a climb to the Mount Victoria Lookout offers wonderful 0 views.

For many, the Interislander ferry trip across the Cook Strait to the South Island is one of the highlights of the entire tour – if you are lucky you might spot dolphins, whales or seabirds such as albatrosses with their three-metre wingspans.

After arriving in Picton you will traverse the top of the South Island for the coastal town of Nelson. Here you can e plore the local beaches or head off into the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.

Travelling south via the awe-inspiring Fo and Fran Josef glaciers and magical Lake Wanaka, you will eventually arrive in Queenstown – renowned as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Options here include jet boat trips and gondola rides, but we highly recommend you take a day trip to Milford Sound, an area of breathtaking beauty.

Duration/type: 22 days/ independent motorhome tour Departure: all year round Price: from £3,599pp for March 2020 departure, based on two sharing

More jawdropping scenery awaits on the Otago Peninsula (where you might spot seals, sea lions and more) before you reach your final destination – Christchurch. Once you have returned you motorhome there will be time to e plore this magnificent city before catching your flight back to the UK.

Price includes: Outfit hire for 16 days, return flights, all transfers, hotel stays in Auckland and Christchurch, 15 nights pre booked campsites, ferry crossing across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton

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

February 2020 51

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

FRENCH TREATS We’re proud to welcome a number of new sites to the sites network in France. Let’s take a closer look...

B40 BRITTANY

Belle Plage

The belle plage in this sites name refers to the beautiful semi-circular beach beside which it sits. There are some great attractions nearby, including the 16th-century Citadel of Port Louis and the remarkable standing stones of Carnac.

The more adventurous might like to take the 45-minute ferry ride from Lorient to roi , an intriguing island once famed for tuna fishing – look out for the fish atop the church bell tower!

A great alternative site is Le Lac (booking code B41), just 45 minutes away.

L36

Try out our new, improved overseas booking service today at camc.com/ overseas

PAYS DE LA LOIRE

Le Château de la Rolandière

Set in a park that surrounds a Napoleon III chateau, this site which is run by a charming couple, boasts a swimming pool, mini-golf course and more. Enjoy pretty walking trails and cycling routes as well as easy access to medieval villages and the lovely city of Tours (with its 15th-century cathedral).

POITOU CHARENTES AND AQUITAINE

La Côte Sauvage Within the forested La Tremblade region of western France on the Gironde estuary, this site is perfect for cycling and walking lovers. Offering direct access to the beach as well as swimming and paddling pools, families are also well catered for. Local attractions include the seaport of La 52 February 2020

Rochelle and Royan with its striking Church of Notre-Dame, considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Another great site within a two-hour drive is La Motte (D33) – a perfect location for a stop-over on the way to Spain or Portugal. If you would like to be even closer to the Spain/France border, consider Larrouleta (D34) in the Basque region.

A48

BURGUNDY AND FRANCHE-COMTÉ AND CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE

Au Bois Joli Andryes

A great base for nature lovers, Au Bois Joli Andryes is said to be home to more than 60 species of bird and 100 different plants (including 17 orchids).

There is a swimming pool, bar and restaurant on site, while guests may fancy hiring bikes and cycling a 4km trail along the Canal du Nivernais.

You might also like to consider a stay at the Chalons en Champagne site (J1 ), 1 0 miles to the north-east.

J14

www.camc.com

EURO STARS Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Germany? Where will you head in 2020? Check out these sites that are all new to the overseas network

Z10 IRELAND

Hidden Valley

Just over an hours drive south of Dublin, Hidden Valley sits ne t to the pretty Avonmore River in the shadow of the Wicklow Mountains. The site benefits from its own lake, offering canoeing and fishing opportunities, while the play area will appeal to younger visitors. Aside from the Irish capital, nearby attractions include Powerscourt Waterfall – a 121-metre high cascade on the River Dargle.

BELGIUM

Lilse Bergen

This large site sits beside a lake within dense forest, offering a multitude of walking and cycling opportunities. Theres a great adventure playground on site while an adjacent leisure park will also go down well with families. The city of Antwerp – with its centuries old Diamond District, Grote Markt and Rubens House – is about minutes drive away, while the Netherlands border is within easy reach if you H23 fancy further e ploration.

ITALY

Santa Fortunata Y22 ITALY

Barco Reale

Perched on a terraced hillside above Sorrento harbour in the Bay of Naples, Santa Fortunata enjoys an enviable location. Enjoy a traditional menu on the restaurant terrace with its superb panoramic view, then take a stroll down to the private, rocky beach. Sorrento itself is a charming town, while a coach or boat trip along the dramatic coastline to Amalfi or e pedition to historic Pompeii will live long in the memory.

Ideally situated for day visits to both Florence (31 miles) and Pisa (49 miles), this site enjoys an idyllic location in the rolling hills of Montalbano. Unwind in the swimming pool, which offers spectacular views of the valley below, before enjoying a meal in the on-site restaurant. A shuttle service directly from Barco Reale allows visitors to visit the major towns and other delights such as Vinci and Lucca at their leisure.

Another great newcomer to the overseas sites network – around threeand-a-half hours to the south-east in Perugia – is Il Collaccio (Y21).

Y24

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

February 2020 53

SPECIAL ACCESSIBLE TOURING

Constant craving The great outdoors is always calling Karla Baker and partner Stephen – whatever the weather

A

s the trees begin to lose their leaves and the air turns colder, we are always asked the same question: “When will you be putting the caravan away for winter?”

I’m not sure if this is because some still believe that caravans are only designed for the summer months, or have the other misconception that people with disabilities should be encased in bubble wrap (probably a combination of the two). But neither the season nor any disability should stop you getting out and enjoying your touring holidays.

My partner, Stephen, and I arrived at Poolsbrook Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site as the sun began

54 February 2020

to sink low in a candyfloss sky. We were looking forward to exploring the nearby Peak District over the coming days. This modern campsite is set within the grounds of the eponymous park so, after our long journey up from the south coast, we spent the following afternoon having a relaxed wander around the lake, soaking up the crisp fresh air and the views across the water, before taking the short stroll back to the caravan to cosy up for the evening. It was the perfect start to our winter escape, but the adventure was only just beginning!

One of the main attractions of the Peak District is the many caves and caverns. Underground tunnels and hollows aren’t usually suitable for

Admiring Winnats Pass (above) on a day out; the author’s outfit

wheelchair users, so you can imagine our delight when we discovered that the famous Poole’s Cavern was, in fact, wheelchair accessible! Although I couldn’t get around all of it, the 100-metre-long main chamber was level and easy to manoeuvre in, and we both had a fantastic time learning all about its history and the formation of stalactites. For me, it was another ‘first’ to add to the ever-growing list that began when we acquired the caravan.

As we drove back to the campsite we couldn’t resist a small detour over the hills and through the valleys, and found ourselves stopping at numerous viewpoints along the way. The Peak District has so much breathtaking scenery – you just have to stop and take it all in!

We spent the next day wandering under bright blue skies around the nearby market town of Chesterfield.

Despite it being the middle of winter it was a perfect day, and we meandered around the quiet streets, popping in and

www.camc.com

Poole’s Cavern (above) and Chesterfield’s famous crooked spire

out of the shops before making our way to the Church of St Mary and All Saints with its famously crooked spire. There are numerous theories behind how it became so misshapen, ranging from issues with the lead tiles to stories involving the Devil. Either way, it was an interesting and unusual sight!

The rest of our winter break flew by in a mix of frosty strolls enjoying the fresh air and scenery, and nights snuggled up in the caravan with blankets and books. It provides quite a contrast to touring during the summer months, but I can honestly say that I enjoy it just the same. No matter what abilities you have and no matter what the weather is like, you can always find ways to enjoy getting out and exploring.

So, when will we be putting the caravan away for winter? Never. www.camc.com

OFF-PEAK POINTERS Do your research: I always like to have a rough idea of accessible things to do in the area I am visiting, so usually do internet searches during the planning stages. Most National Parks have great information online regarding accessibility, but the Peak District has a particularly useful ‘Miles Without Stiles’ scheme which lists various routes and details about the terrain.

Be flexible: Although it’s great to have plans, it’s important to make sure those plans are fluid.

Winter weather is changeable so be prepared to change routes to sites etc.

Stay warm: Getting warm inside a modern caravan isn’t an issue at all, but when exploring outside during winter it can get pretty chilly. Thermal layers are definitely great for keeping the heat in, but I’ve also invested in rechargeable hand warmers and hot water bottles for those extra frosty strolls.

February 2020 55

CORRESPONDENCE 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.

STAR LETTER

The time to act is now Geoffrey Beaty suggests, in the January edition, that he fears “that travelling to the far corners will be a thing of the past if we ... are forced… to ditch petrol and diesel vehicles before the technology is in place to replace fossil fuels”, and in his closing paragraph says, “change should be driven by the success of the new technology and not forced upon us with the result that we advance backwards”.

This kind of argument and thinking is, thankfully, receding, but perhaps not fast enough. We are at a pivotal time in our planet’s history, and have passed the tipping point of no return – that is, we have done more damage

than we can recover (widely reported in November’s news media).

We do, indeed, now have to deal with the idea that change is necessary even if the technology is not as we want it, and reconcile ourselves to the fact that we can no longer travel as and when we wish to wherever we please. Caravanning and motorhoming is a leisure pursuit; nothing bad happens if we don’t do it, from an environmental point of view.

At the very least, we (as caravanners and motorhomers) should be considering the role of carbon offsetting to help reduce the rate of environmental decline that occurs as a result of our hobbies.

Ian Garforth, via email

POLAR CARE I was interested to read the ‘Home and Away’ feature in the December magazine by Sammy Faircloth, but was surprised that she did not mention the chances of a site having reverse polarity.

We have toured in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal and have frequently found that this is the case. This is not a problem if you are prepared. We have a special plug which you put in one of your sockets before connecting up and it will tell you if the site has reverse polarity. You can get the test plug at any good caravan accessory supplier, along with the appropriate leads, including two-pin plugs which we have found necessary on many sites in Spain and Portugal. Other members might want to purchase these items, which are quite reasonable, and can save a lot of grief when abroad.

Rosemary Sparrow, via email 56 February 2020

BATTERY BUSINESS Does Mike McMahon (‘Positive Charge’, Letters, January issue) not realise the battery pack in cars (for instance the Tesla, below) is a unit which covers the entire floor plan!

Replacing this would take somewhere near to 12 hours so his suggestion would be quite impossible.

Cars (as yet) do not run on ‘replaceable’ rechargeable batteries as in torches etc. The Renault Twizy (above) allows for this in as much as a rental is charged for its batteries and thus they get replaced when required.

Geoffrey Reed, via email

Editor’s note: Thank you Rosemary.

You can find out more about reversed polarity, as well as information on using electricity and gas overseas, by visiting caravanclub. co.uk/overseas-holidays/usefulinformation/electricity-and-gas.

ELECTRIC NIGHTMARES In the article ‘Home and Away’ (December issue), mention is made of the electricity meters used in Germany and Austria, but not of the eye-watering charges that can result. I have just returned from Austria where I was presented with an electricity bill for €189.75 for eight days’ use.

When I arrived at the reception there was a list of fees, which included €2.70 per day for electricity. No mention of the 55 cents per kw/H that I was charged.

On returning to the UK I have checked my power consumption and have discovered that I use about 50% less kw/H than their meter indicated. So my advice would be to check the cost of electricity first and park with your main windows facing south to make the most of the heat of the sun.

David Roffey, via email

www.camc.com

DAVEY’S DONE IT! Well, to say I’m gobsmacked is the understatement of the century. After our epic European adventure, I’ve now managed to read the December issue of the Club magazine (which arrived after our return), and our man, Lee Davey, has done it again [see Letters, January 2020 issue]! Yes, he has visited another site that we too visited on our way back north to Blighty.

This time it’s Camping de L’Ill Colmar, in the Alsace region of France.

Our visit to this part of France was in the second half of October, so I guess it’s later in the season than when Lee visited? Our stay was in a small lapse of a period of rain and so the site was quite wet.

On the Sunday morning we walked our friend’s Sheltie dog, George, into the village of Horbourg-Wihr, which is just out of the site and on the right. We secured a baguette and a coffee before returning to the site.

On the Monday we explored Colmar and it was lovely.

I attach a photo of Colmar showing a ‘pub’ with a penchant for watering cans!

Incidentally, I have another affinity with Lee Davey. He has an interest in all things 1940s, ie Second World War. I have a despatch rider’s motorcycle, a girder-forked Matchless, which we show at various events around the south of England. Who’d have thought we have similar tastes in European campsites? It’s a small world!

Neal and Barbara Farrow, Kent

Cover notes Four-and-a-half weeks ago, our four-month old, top-of-therange twin-axle caravan was stolen from a storage compound. This was carried out by a gang of five ‘professional’ thieves that smashed their way through electric barriers, crowbarred off the wheel and security locks, removed the van’s alarm and tracker and drove it away. As you can imagine it was a pretty traumatic experience for us.

Luckily, we were covered through the Club, and from www.camc.com

the outset they have been magnificent.

The appointed loss adjuster was superb – not only hugely sympathetic but also extremely understanding of our feelings, and his comments were very encouraging. We received our full settlement today, less than five weeks after the theft, and our new van has been ordered.

I would therefore thoroughly recommend the Club’s Caravan Cover – it has been absolutely tremendous in our experience.

Michael Nicholson, via email

February 2020 57

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Aerial perspective As a retired radio communications and broadcast engineer, it amuses me when I arrive on a site to see how many directions a TV aerial can be pointed. Can I therefore give some tips to fellow members – which, it should be said, do not apply to users of caravans fitted with a ’flying saucer‘ or ’bee-sting‘ aerial as these are omni-directional and dual polarisation.

Firstly TV signals in the UK are only transmitted with vertical or horizontal polarisation – we do not use slant in the UK so your TV aerial should be H or V but nothing in between.

A directional TV aerial points in the direction of the smaller end. If the user is on a site that is very close to a transmitter, then the signal can be attenuated somewhat (to prevent overloading the TV input) by pointing it away from the transmitter.

All main stations (with a few exceptions) use horizontal polarisation. A main station should give in excess of 70 TV channels. Lower powered relays stations – again with a few exceptions – use vertical polarisation and will only provide around 20 TV stations.

If your radio is fed through the TV aerial and has DAB it may suffer if the aerial is horizontal as all UK DAB

WINNATS PASS

transmissions use vertical polarisation.

If the aerial is vertical for TV then it may work quite well on DAB as the radio part of the aerial is effectively omni-directional. Also remember that DAB is not necessarily transmitted from the same site from which you are receiving your TV signal.

It is advisable never to look where other residents point their aerials, but rather use the wardens’ aerial or those on nearby houses as a guide.

Finally – and I suspect this will be found in most caravan handbooks – when travelling, the aerial should be lowered, horizontal and pointed to the rear of the caravan to reduce aerodynamic load on the aerial and on the caravan roof.

Andrew Woodthorpe, Yorkshire

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? I agree with Sammy Faircloth that the [Club’s Caravan Design and Lightweight Leisure Trailer] Competition helps members to make informed decisions about prospective purchases, but it does nothing to eliminate a defect in design that has been in almost every caravan or folding camper for years...

The provision of a seat back that is too low for comfort. Most have a back 58 February 2020

GIVE US A HAND

cushion that only reaches to the small of one’s back while others, though longer, never support the shoulders or have an angle that suits the human frame.

It would be good if our Club representatives could encourage designers to use their product from time to time as most appear to have little idea what their product is like to use.

On page 5 and page 20 of the December Club magazine there is a photograph showing a motorhome on Winnats Pass [in the Peak District].

Members who have travelled in the area may well be aware of the directions in the information for the Castleton site on the Club website: “Please only use these recommended directions for the final approach and not sat nav, due to unsuitable roads for towing. Winnats Pass is unsuitable for caravans and motorhomes.”

It does say caravans and motorhomes. Using images such as this is not appropriate.

Tim Guy, via email

Editor's note: Thank you for your letter Mr Guy. We have approached High Peak Borough Council for further advice.

My wife and I have just taken possession of our first new caravan in 20 years, our old one being gracefully retired. A lot has changed in the intervening years, with new technology, various gadgets etc. What doesn’t seem to have changed is the handbook.

The new caravan handbook is packed with information describing how to safely tow, hitch up, set up on site, how the 240V and 12V electric plugs are wired and details on the cooker, fridge, toilet etc. All this information is readily available in the manufacturers’ instructions supplied with the installed equipment or, in the case of the towing info, is readily available from the internet, the Club website or NCC. What it doesn’t tell you are all the little items specific to the caravan, such as where the light switches are and which switch does what. I spent a couple of hours trying to find how to switch on the light over the sink until I found the tiny touch-sensitive button at one end. I don’t know which internal gas isolation valve operates which appliance, having searched the caravan to find them (tucked away in the corner of a bed box). I don’t know which fuse is for which item – although the electric panel was prominent and easy to find, if I have an electrical fault I wouldn’t know where to start.

Come on caravan manufacturers – I have looked online at other manufacturers’ handbooks and they are all similar. Car dealers can produce model-specific handbooks, why can’t you?

Bob Jobbins, by email

Mike Durrans, North Devon

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

FANTASTIC 50

Kids’ Guide to Uttoxeter I wanted to tell you about a project I did with my Year 1 class over the autumn term. We started off with a visit to Uttoxeter Racecourse Club site, where the warden, Sal, welcomed us. She gave us a tour of the site and the children all looked in a motorhome.

Over the course of the term we did lots of learning about Uttoxeter and other things and have used it all to make a ‘Kid’s guide to Uttoxeter’ that will be put in the information room once the site reopens in the spring.

We hope that visitors to the site will find it interesting, seeing Uttoxeter from the point of view of five- and six-year-olds, and it would be great to finish off our learning by seeing all their hard work mentioned on the letters page of your magazine.

Joanna Barratt, via email Editor’s note: Happy to oblige – I’m sure members will appreciate the extra information! Well done to everyone involved.

SPARE TIME During a recent conversation with my brother, who is also a Club member, we spoke about the location of the caravan spare wheel. He said that in all his years of caravanning he had never suffered a caravan puncture, and would possibly struggle in removing the spare wheel from the carrier beneath the caravan if ever this happened.

While I appreciate that there have previously been letters on this subject, I informed my brother that having suffered with a number of caravan punctures myself, I now adopt the following procedure which other users might like to follow.

Prior to every trip I simply remove the spare wheel from the carrier and place it inside the caravan, on the floor above the axle, along with the jack and wheel brace. Then, if the unfortunate happens, the required equipment is at hand without having to scramble beneath the outfit, wasting unnecessary time, and 60 February 2020

involving possible danger, in trying to remove the spare.

On arrival at your chosen site, and on returning home later, the spare wheel and equipment can either be returned to the normal location, or stored in some other safe place.

Many may consider this an unnecessary task, but it also enables members to keep an eye on the condition of the spare tyre and the carrier.

I hope this suggestion is helpful, as being a retired motorway traffic patrol police officer, I have witnessed on numerous occasions caravan users putting themselves in a considerable amount of danger (especially on motorways) in struggling with the stressful task of trying to remove the spare wheel from the carrier, only to find after doing so that the tyre is unroadworthy (ie under-inflated and cracked).

Graham Randle, Lancashire

I am celebrating 50 years of Caravan and Motorhome Club membership and wondered whether I am one of the youngest people to reach this landmark. You see, I am ‘only’ 67 years of age – yes I joined the Club at the age of 17 and attended my first rally at the end of April 1970 (near Winchester with the Upper Thames Centre).

My parents began caravanning around 1950 and, although they lived in High Wycombe at the time, they joined the Upper Thames Centre.

In 1954 we moved to Blunsdon, near Swindon, so that my father could run a caravan site that he had purchased (Blunsdon Abbey Caravans).

In due course he started selling touring caravans as well and that family business ran for over 40 years.

Many rallies were attended every year, including the FICC rally in Hungary in 1966.

We also did other long tours of Europe in the 1960s, the outfit being Land Rovers and Carlight caravans. This at a time when you waved to other British outfits!

Due to our business I was fortunate to be able to use a touring caravan as soon as I passed my driving test at 17. My first outfit was a Thomson Mini-Glen, 8ft body length, towed by an 850cc Mini (upgraded to a 1,000cc Mini in 1971).

It had one gas light, a double burner gas hob and grill, a foot-powered water pump and a bucket-type chemical toilet. Heat was provided by a small gas radiant heater plugged into a gas tap by rubber hose. Since the Thomson I have had 13 other caravans.

I caravanned on my own until my wife, Linda, took her first caravan trip in late 1972 and fortunately she loves the life as much as I do.

I joined the Upper Thames Centre in 1970 but we changed to the Wiltshire Centre in 1977.

Although we do not go on many rallies now, I have attended at least one rally every year since I was born, with the exception of 2012.

Due to our business I knew/met many of the owners of the older caravan makes – Sam Alper of Sprite, Cecil Gardner of Cheltenham etc.

Obviously, Linda and I hope to caravan for many, many more years!

John Goodearl, Wiltshire

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November 2016 XX

COUNTRY MATTERS WETLAND WILDLIFE

BEST David Chapman reveals his fascination with birdlife-rich wetland environments

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Ham Wall RSPB reserve is a wonderful wetland on the Somerset Levels

The snipe has a remarkably long bill

I A ‘spring of teal’ takes to the air; the lapwing has a beautiful profile and plumage

t had been a cold clear night, and my breath was condensing into small clouds as I set out across the wide expanse of fields. The winter’s rain had caused most of the fields to flood, and in places the shallow water lapped gently across the path. On the surface a thin and ephemeral veneer of ice crunched slightly under foot but the ground beneath the water was soft and giving. The sun was low in the sky; it offered little warmth but its raking light created shadows from the smallest of undulations in this largely uniform landscape.

Stepping over a stile I came across a small ditch, where slightly longer vegetation offered concealment and shelter to a huddle of life.

Suddenly, a bird flew in a panic from close to my feet. Darting from left to right as it took off, it uttered a squelching call not unlike the sound of my boots as I pulled them out of the mud. This was a snipe, and even at high speed its long bill, short tail and flickering wings were visible.

Alarmed by the sudden noise of the snipe, two small ducks swam from the cover of the rushes into the widest part of the ditch and took off themselves. I quickly tried to work out what they were. Very small ducks, on a freshwater ditch in winter. Even without seeing the striking plumage of the male, I knew these were teal, our smallest wintering wildfowl. Collectively known as a ‘spring’ of teal, they had literally ‘sprung’ from the water’s surface into the air.

February 2020 63

COUNTRY MATTERS WETLAND WILDLIFE Shoveler and teal in flight

WHERE TO STAY

“

Even without seeing the striking plumage of the male, I knew these were teal

”

The disruption I had caused created a ripple of activity. A moorhen swam out anxiously from the nearside of the ditch and disappeared again on the other. A fair distance ahead of me, more wildfowl gathered together for safety.

Fortunately they were far enough away that they didn’t feel the need to take flight, so they settled again and I was able to take a closer look at them with binoculars.

There was a group of males and females, the females mostly chestnut in colour while the males had black tails, grey bodies and chestnut heads. Plump-bodied but with beautifully formed, small, rounded heads, these were wigeon, and on closer inspection the yellow foreheads of the males became apparent. This ‘company of wigeon’ swam away and took a side turning, which allowed me to progress without causing further disturbance.

But I wasn’t the only creature to interrupt the birds that morning. In the distance a huge flock took to the sky, a wheeling mass of life designed to confuse. The group appeared to act as one entity but, within, each individual was simply doing what it could to stay alive. Some of the flock had obviously seen a threat, others responding instinctively to the alarm shown by their companions.

I looked around to see what was causing the consternation. I could see a stocky, barrel-breasted bird with short, pointed, 64 February 2020

whippy wings – a peregrine falcon. It was difficult to judge perspective – was the peregrine in the flock or behind it? I could tell that its initial stoop had ended in failure so the element of surprise had been lost. It made a bit more effort to pick out one bird to chase, but, with an equal start, and the advantage of being part of a wheeling flock, its prey had the last laugh.

Now I could begin to identify the birds as they came to land in the wet fields around me.

I could make out just two species. The plainer birds were golden plovers – they have white underwings and golden-brown plumage on their backs.

The more distinct were lapwings. In the air they appear black and white, with beautifully rounded wings and a lolloping flight. On landing, each bird’s profile is enhanced by a wonderful crest, and on closer inspection its wing becomes an iridescent sheen of purple and green. But what lives in the memory is its atmospheric call, summarised somewhat inadequately by its onomatopoeic name – the ‘peewit’.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

My wetland wildlife experience was near Greylake RSPB reserve on the Somerset Levels (stay at Cheddar Club site), but many other naturally flooding lowland areas of the UK are great for wetland bird watching: the Ouse Washes near Peterborough (stay at Fields End Water AS); and Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) reserve near Preston (stay at Southport Club site) for example.

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

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FEBRUARY LOOK OUT FOR Other bird species to look out for on wetlands in winter: Water rail (above) can be seen skulking near rushes and reeds The merlin is a tiny falcon that breeds on moorland but overwinters around wetland areas The drake shoveler (below) is a large, colourful duck with a shovel-shaped bill

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^ Over £3 million Vehicle Maintenance

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

VIEW FROM THE TOP In the first of a two-part interview, Club President Thomas Coke, the 8th Earl of Leicester, talks to Gary Martin about his Airstream and ancestral home As Club Director General Nick Lomas and I pulled into Holkham Hall, the ancestral home of Thomas Coke, we were greeted by one of the many staff working on this grand Norfolk estate.

“Park between the lions,” he told us.

“The lines, you mean,” replied Nick.

“No, no, the two lion statues in front of the house,” came the clarification.

This was just the start of an enjoyable few hours in the company of our Club President, the 8th Earl of Leicester, or Tom as he prefers to be called. He would talk to Nick and me about his beloved Airstream (which has recently been refurbished) as well as his and Holkham Hall’s role in supporting local tourism.

68 February 2020

Caravan and Motorhome Club: How did you come to own an Airstream?

Tom: It was an extremely generous 40th birthday present from my wife, Polly, so we’ve had it for 14 years. The first Airstream she was shown was this one [a 22ft Safari] and when the lady told her it was made in 1965, she said, “Oh, that’s my husband’s year of birth, I’ll have it!” It was brought up here [from Kent] and refurbished first time around into a Mexicana theme [by Polly], which you can still see on the cushions and curtains, but it still had its 1960s electrics – there was a cursory attempt to put British wiring in. Everything functioned for six or seven years, then things started breaking down. It took me quite a long time to find a suitable company to refurbish it and do a good job.

Now it has been refurbished, is it in use?

It has been used a couple of times. The refurbishment was finished this summer.

We haven’t taken it out in anger on a Club site yet, but have camped with some of my children in it and cooked eggs and bacon, and stuff like that. So it is getting used and we’re learning all the time how everything works. And the joy is everything does work.

There is now LED lighting throughout and we’ve got two solar panels on the roof so we can go off-grid, and it survived pretty well off grid for about a week and a half.

Where do you plan to take it?

My wife and I have interminable diary meetings because of the busyness of our lives, but in 2020 we are determined to find some time [to use the Airstream]. I suspect it won’t be too far [from here], though. www.camc.com

HOLKHAM HALL

The President’s Airstream outside Holkham Hall

Renovated interior

Is there a benefit from being in the outdoors – is it important for your wellbeing?

It is, absolutely. All my hobbies are outdoors ones – whether it’s cycling, skiing, country sports, keeping fit or, increasingly now, bird watching – so the outdoors is really important to me. When we’re in the Airstream we leave behind social media and emails, and we’ve purposely not put a TV in here.

So it’s a refuge, a place to escape the modern world?

Absolutely. I enjoy reading a good book, doing a little bit of cooking and just being away from it all. www.camc.com

Log onto camc.com/ to see clubpresident deo a full-length vi Tom ith w w ie rv inte r fo t ou ok and lo in the more from him March issue…

Caravan and Motorhome Club: Tell us about the work you do here at Holkham – how large is the estate?

Tom: The estate is 25,000 acres, which is one of the largest of the lowland estates in Britain. Up until 25 years ago our main activities were farming, tenant farms and forestry, but in the last two decades we have diversified hugely. We’re very lucky with our location in North Norfolk – it’s one of the prettiest parts of Britain. We’ve got an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty all along the coast and we’ve diversified hugely into tourism and leisure, to the extent that 50% of the estate’s income is derived from tourism.

The 8th Earl of Leicester (left) talks with Gary Martin

CLUB PRESIDENT FACTFILE Tom has been President of the Club since October 2006. He has always enjoyed camping and caravanning.

Early memories of touring holidays were with his grandmother who owned a static caravan at Mother Ivey’s Bay in Cornwall – Tom particularly enjoyed visiting the Scilly Isles. “Other less-fun camping holidays involved sitting

in the bottom of a rain-soaked trench with a rifle during my 20s!” he recalls.

Tom runs the family estate at Holkham Hall and in 1996, when Holkham took on the management of Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells-next-the-Sea, he became involved with caravanning again – he stayed in the static caravans on site to test their quality and welcomed owners of tourers when they arrived.

February 2020 69

PRODUCT SHOWCASE SLEEPING BAGS

Bags of fun Jane McGowan tests a selection of sleeping bags designed for adults, children – and dogs!

Trixie 36863 Jasira Snuggle Sack If your four-legged friend needs a little extra warmth at bedtime when camping or caravanning in the colder months, this great value sleeping bag from Trixie could fit the bill! Measuring 45cm x 25cm x 27cm, it’s perfect for a puppy/small dog (or cat).

Featuring a 3cm-deep polyester fleece filling and plush outer, it has a reinforced entrance rim that enables your pooch to enter and exit easily. Weighing just 454g and machine-washable at 30˚C, it could also be used as a blanket or comfy lining for a pet carrier.

RRP: £17.99 Colours: black/beige Dimensions: 45cm x 25cm x 27cm Contact: trixie.de for info, amazon.co.uk

Trespass Double Envelope Sleeping Bag Why take two sleeping bags on holiday when you and your significant other can cuddle up against the chill in this double from Trespass. Unlike the other products on test, this has a classic, rectangular shape rather than a ‘mummy’ design, and measures 190cm long by 137cm wide – so there’s a degree of wiggle room.

Boasting a 400gsm filling, the makers suggest it is suitable for three seasons, including early winter. Obviously it’s not as compact as a single when folded away but it still comes in a stuff sack measuring around 40cm x 24cm x 24cm.

RRP: £54.99 Colours: black/blue Dimensions: 190cm x 137cm Contact: argos.co.uk

70

www.camc.com

Milestone 150 Mummy Sleeping Bag Described as being suitable for late spring/early autumn, this good-value sleeping bag measures a generous 210cm by 75cm.

Adopting a ‘mummy’ hooded design, it features a drawstring at the neck to make things extra cosy, the Milestone 150 has a 150g/m2 hollow fibre lining, polyester shell and double-sided zip which is accessible from both inside and outside the sleeping bag. A fold-over patch with hook and loop fastening keeps the metal fitting away from the skin.

RRP: £22.99 Colours: grey/orange Dimensions: 210cm x 75cm Contact: milestonecamping.uk, amazon.co.uk

MEMBER OFFER AVAILABLE

Mountain Warehouse Summit 300 This two-tone sleeping bag boasts a ‘mummy’ shape – in other words it tapers towards the feet.

It’s designed for three-to-four season use (the makers say its ‘comfort temperature’ is between 4ºC and -2ºC) and it certainly felt nice and warm. The Summit 300 comes in a choice of colours and can be purchased with a left- or right-sided zip – so it can be connected to another bag to make a double. I also discovered a small hook-and-loop-fastening valuables pocket inside which was a useful bonus. In my opinion, anyone over 6ft tall would need to opt for the ‘long’ version rather than the ‘regular’ tested here. Members save 15% at Mountain Warehouse – see camc.com/memberoffers for details.

RRP: £69.99 (members pay £59.50) Colours: cobalt, dark red (pictured), red Dimensions: length – 200cm (regular), 215cm (long) Contact: mountainwarehourse.com; 020 3828 7700

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Regatta Hilo Boost Expandable Sleeping Bag Despite the RRP listed below, there were some great deals to be had online for this clever product as we went to press. Designed to ‘grow’ with your child, the ‘mummy’-design sleeping bag stretches from 170cm to 195cm simply by unzipping the extra inner section. It has a super soft lining and smooth polyester outer which removes the ‘crackle’ factor and aids a good night’s sleep. It comes in a drawstring, compressionstuff stack (measuring 45cm x 25cm when packed) and has two hooks at the base for drying or airing.

A great product for kids, which should survive many an adventure.

RRP: £55 Colours: Vivid Violet Ebony/ Oxford Blue Ebony Dimensions: up to 195cm long Contact: regatta.com, 0161 866 0486

February 2020 71

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xx January 2020

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EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

CARAVAN, CAMPING & MOTORHOME SHOW OFFER

SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION TO THE BIG NEC SHOW THIS FEBRUARY

T

he Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show returns to the NEC in Birmingham from 18 to 23 February – and you could save 50% on the on-the-door price on Caravan and Motorhome Club Day (Tuesday 18 February).

Simply fill in the coupon on this page and adults pay just £5 (adults) or £4.50 (seniors) to enter (normal on-the-door price £10/£9). Once inside you will find five huge halls to explore, filled with the latest caravans, motorhomes and campers from British and European manufacturers as well as hundreds of fantastic camping accessories.

There is plenty to keep everyone entertained for the duration of the show. As well as family-friendly activities including climbing and crazy golf, the Freedom to Go Theatre will be hosting a number of entertaining and informative presentations.

www.camc.com

Special guests this year include actor and television presenter Shane Richie (18 February), journalist and TV personality Matt Allwright (18 February, himself a Caravan and Motorhome Club member), Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain (20 February) and adventurer Darren Hardy (23 February).

A host of cute canines will be showing off their skills in the Top Dog Arena, while the Club will once again host free campervan test drive and motorhome manoeuvring sessions.

OTHER DAYS Club members planning to attend on a different day (19-23 February) can apply the code CMC4 online to purchase discounted tickets at the price of £7.25 for adults and £6.25 for seniors (a fee of £1.25 per transaction applies). Children under 15 go free.

For further information please visit ccmshow.co.uk.

February 2020 73

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB Club members saved more than £3 million in 2019 by taking advantage of dozens of special offers –here’s a sample of some currently available

SAVE 10% WITH JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ Leading mother, baby and children’s boutique JoJo Maman Bébé provides products that are both practical and fashionable.

Members save 10% on JoJo Maman Bébé gift cards, which can be used in store and online. For more details visit camc.com/ jojomamanbebe.

FREE LEVELLING REMOTE CONTROL (WORTH £200) UP TO £40 OFF A TYREPAL SYSTEM TyrePal systems allow you to monitor the tyre pressures on your caravan, motorhome or tow vehicle while you’re on the move. Models include the award-winning TyrePal Solar Colour (First Car Product of the Year 2019) and TC215/B which is available with up to six external sensors. Find out more and read all about an exclusive member discount of up to £40 at camc.com/tyrepal.

The E&P self-levelling system enables you to level and stabilise your motorhome at the touch of a button. With our offer, members receive a free remote control (RRP £200) with every motorhome system installed, complimenting the fixed control panel fitted within the vehicle. For more information visit camc.com/ep-hydraulics.

DISCOUNTS ON WHITE GOODS AND MORE

Save up to 30% on Hotpoint and Whirlpool appliances by joining the Hotpoint Privilege Purchasse Club.

This scheme covers over 850 different products, ranging from washing machines, dishwashers, cookers and fridges to Hotpoint’s small domestic appliance range (including kettles, toasters, juicers and more).

Find out more by visiting camc.com/hotpoint.

Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details 74 February 2020

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FREE TOWBAR OFFER WITH SSANGYONG Now is a great time to buy a SsangYong Korando, a popular towcar choice, as the company is offering savings of up to £3,000 (prices start from £16,995) on limited stock of the previous generation model.

Club members can also take advantage of a free fixed towbar and electrics offer. Two Korando models have been named Class Winners in the Club’s Towcar of the Year Competition (2014 and 2018), while all SsangYong vehicles now come with an industry-leading seven years (or 150,000-mile) warranty. Find out more at camc.com/ssangyong.

SAVE UP TO £18.50 ON AVTEX PRODUCTS AT THE CLUB SHOP Avtex, one of the market leaders in visual and navigational technology for the touring industry, is delighted to offer members a 5% discount on its products, including sat-navs, soundbars, TVs and more. Visit shop.camc.com and use the discount code ‘CS-0218-PRIMA’.

ENJOY A DAY OUT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY As a Club member, you can save more than 10% on the Severn Valley Railway, where majestic locomotives and historic stations bring our heritage to life – all set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Explore the picturesque Severn Valley as you hop on and off, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride in your lovingly-restored vintage carriage. Visit camc.com/ greatsavingsguide to find out more and browse hundreds more attractions across the country.

£30 OFF

a pre-purchase inspection The Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) can provide an inspection before a potential caravan or motorhome purchase, giving you confidence that the vehicle is roadworthy before you take it away. Three inspection packages are available, starting from £160 (Club members pay £130), and with each option an experienced engineer will inspect your caravan or motorhome at an agreed location, before issuing a report. For more information visit camc.com/mcea. *Information correct at time of publication. T&Cs apply – see camc.com/memberoffers and camc.com/greatsavingsguide www.camc.com

February 2020 75

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 Wednesday 19 February 2020. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

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NAME: ADDRESS:

ACROSS 1 Short nap (5,5) 6 Division of the year (6) 11 Martini fruit (5) 12 Germs (8) 13 Knick-knacks (8) 16 Line of height on map (7) 18 Arctic nomad (6) 19 A mid-calf skirt (4) 20 Monies owing (5) 22 Morsel of bread (5) 24 Mineral spring (3) 25 Unwell (3) 26 Provided on an aircraft (2-6) 28 The name of a book (5) 29 Daybreak (4) 30 To lag behind (5) 31 Digital impression (10) 35 Deadly Nightshade, from the Italian ‘fair lady’ (10) 39 Smooth with an iron (5) 40 Rock ‘n’ Roll dance (4) 41 One who attempts (5) 42 Serving lady (8) 43 Light breeze (3) 44 Make a mistake (3) 45 Spectacular bird (5) 47 Cause to be vexed (5) 49 Way out (4) 50 Bank clerk (6) 51 Two-wheeler (7) 54 Wizard (8) 57 Be better class than an opponent (8) 58 Cuban dance (5) 59 Involuntary response (6) 60 A rubbish-dropper (6-4)

POSTCODE:

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

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

January solution: Across: 1 Sock 3 Women 10 Loose 12 Once 13 Fierce 14 Calls 15 Spinach 16 Frock 17 Earl 19 Hiss 21 Understand 24 Asks 27 Favour 28 Coconut 30 Larder 31 Rain 33 Soap 34 Quiz 35 Mate 38 Carton 39 Peacock 40 Attack 42 Mail

76 February 2020

DOWN 1 Reality, not fiction (4) 2 Between stages (12) 3 Beckon by hand (4) 4 Pen tips (4) 5 Having achieved (10) 6 Opportunist criminal (5-5) 7 The ocean edge (3,5) 8 Mid-day (4) 9 Inflatable mattress (4) 10 Sorrow of lost love (10) 14 Put back in same job (9) 15 Fasten (3) 17 Seaman Jack (3) 20 Enlarged the pupil of the eye (7) 21 She ruled the waves (9) 22 Serve food for a party (5) 23 Extremely modern? (5) 27 Entourage leeches (7-2) 32 Sheer bliss (7) 33 Military officer (5-7) 34 Bank of a waterway (9) 35 Marzipan-covered sponge cake (10) 36 Telling untruths (5) 37 Decide jointly (5) 38 Let-down after a rise (10) 39 Before marriage (10) 42 Car, damaged beyond economic repair (5-3) 46 Produce an egg (3) 48 Or nearest offer (3) 52 Unwakeable sleep (4) 53 Cause burn marks (4) 54 Closed (4) 55 Impolite (4) 56 The remainder (4)

44 Compressed 47 Late 48 Gulf 52 Neigh 54 Advance 55 Verge 57 Debate 58 Shut 59 Clean 60 Dotty 61 Feel Down: 1 Safe 2 Clear 3 Wreck 4 Mallard 5 Noise 6 Bliss 7 Began 8 Mothers 9 Peril 11 Origin 18 Chef 20 Spoon 21 Uprising

grid B

22 Rock 23 Tiny 25 Sleet 26 Blizzard 28 Cramp 29 Truck 32 Alarm 35 Metal 36 Camp 37 Vole 41 Keen 43 Infants 45 Orange 46 Scarlet 48 Glass 49 Evict 50 Means 51 Avoid 52 Neddy 53 Graze 56 Peel

DECEMBER WINNERS

£50 first prize: Mrs C Fisher, Flintshire £10 runners-up: Val Hill, West Yorkshire; Andrew West, North Yorkshire; Colin Clark, Essex; Corinne Buxton, Peterborough

Send to: ‘February 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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Exclusive discount code for club members Get 10% discount at Chemist Direct for all your health and beauty needs, plus FREE DELIVERY on orders over £20.* To get your code visit www.camc.com/chemistdirect * Offer valid until 31/03/2020. Chemist Direct discount code must be entered at point of purchase, the discount can’t be applied retrospectively. Free standard delivery when you spend over £20 on Chemist Direct. Discount excludes Specialist and First Baby Milk, Alli, Viagra, Nicorette, fragrance, Regaine and Slimfast. Full T&C’s apply www.chemistdirect.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

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November 2016 21

Andrey Armyagov/Alamy

SPECIAL TOURING TIPS

Take the strain

Check out list of ideas and accessories designed to make your motorhoming/caravanning adventures just that little bit easier

1 AUTOMATIC LEVELLING

No-one wants to sleep with their feet above their ears, or have sinks and showers that don’t drain properly – but why mess with ramps and spirit levels when you can have your van perfectly level at the push of a button? E&P Hydraulics produces systems that precisely level a caravan or motorhome in minutes.

Visit ep-hydraulics.co.uk to find out more.

3 CORDLESS DRILLS

2 MOTOR MOVERS

Designed to help you manoeuvre your caravan precisely onto a pitch or driveway, a remotely-controlled motorised mover can make touring life much easier. The cheapest single-axle movers start at around £500, and a professional will charge £100-£200 to fit one.

78 February 2020

A lightweight cordless drill is a boon for winding down steadies, as it saves effort... and the inevitable backache. You can pick up models from established names such as DeWalt, Bosch or Black & Decker for between £45 and £100, while your local supermarket may sell cheaper models.

Cordless drills are easy to store and lightweight, while a full charge should last for several weeks.

www.camc.com

4 SEASONAL PITCHES

If you have a favourite spot that you visit frequently, why not consider bagging a seasonal pitch there? No more towing, levelling or general setting up – just a semi-permanent ‘holiday home’ in your preferred location. Prices vary, but you might typically pay between £1,500 and £3,000 for a full season, while shorter terms are sometimes available. See camc.com/seasonal for more information.

5 SERVICED PITCHES

You don’t have to be older or less mobile to appreciate the benefits of a fully-serviced pitch – imagine having water ‘on-tap’ (literally!) and not having to worry about lugging an Aquaroll around. All you need is a Truma Ultraflow or Whale Aquasource system which connects directly from your pitch’s tap to your vehicle’s water inlet. Meanwhile, you can use an extended pipe to empty your ‘grey water’ waste into the on-pitch drain.

6 FIXED BEDS

Making up a doublebed in the lounge can become a bit of a chore as the years go by. So, why not choose a caravan or motorhome with a ‘fixed bed’, ie one that is permanently in place? ‘Island beds’ that stand alone and can be walked around mean easy access to the washroom at night for both users, while fixed twin single beds are also a good option.

7 ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

Coachbuilt is a company that modifies caravans and motorhomes to make them more accessible and convenient for users with special needs.

Fitting everything from ramps, winches and lifts to extra-wide doorways and wet rooms, Coachbuilt can alter a vehicle to suit a customer’s needs and budget. To find out more see coachbuiltgb.co.uk. The increasing number of super-wide, eight-foot tourers also offer an improved experience for those using wheelchairs or walking-frames.

8 LIGHTWEIGHT FURNITURE

Make life easier for yourself by choosing lightweight camping furniture for use outside the caravan. You can find some useful products in the Club Shop (shop.camc.com) such as the Outwell Kiana Compact Camping Chair. It weighs just 3.1kg, folds flat in seconds and costs £27.22 to members.

9 AIR AWNINGS

Air awnings have revolutionised caravanning and motorhoming – simply slide your awning into the rail, then a dozen or so repetitions of the double-action pump and you have a fully-erect porch or full awning ready for pegging down.

Better still, purchase a 12V electric air pump and there’s even less exertion involved. Air awnings are lighter overall to transport and easier and quicker to erect than pole awnings.

www.camc.com

10 DOUBLE STEPS

Stepping into or out of the van can be tricky and potentially dangerous, especially for anyone who’s unsteady on their feet. Those with limited mobility could consider a double step or even a supplementary hand rail from a company such as Milenco (milenco.com).

February 2020 79

TEST HYUNDAI SANTA FE PREMIUM SE 2.2CRDI

Praise HIGH

Lesley Harris finds plenty to applaud in this fourth-generation family SUV

80 February 2020

www.camc.com

T

he Hyundai Santa Fe – now in its fourth generation – offers not only great practicality (with seven seats as standard) but also more technology and safety features than ever before.

Let’s take a closer look at this impressive family towcar.

Adopting the new Hyundai SUV family face, the Santa Fe now has a bolder look. The ‘Cascading Grille’ is complemented by slim LED daytime running lights that sit above the deep headlight cluster, and a longer bonnet adds to the car’s appeal.

The rear has been simplified too. Reversing, indicator and fog lights are now incorporated into the bumper, while main tail lights have been given a sleeker look.

Chrome trim runs along the door bottoms, adding a touch of panache.

COMFORT

The makeover continues inside, the cabin feeling robust and featuring swathes of good-quality materials. Cloth is used in the lower-spec SE, while Premium and Premium SE – tested here – receive leather as standard.

A deep, curved dashboard and chrome trim contribute an extra dash of luxury.

There is a decent amount of stowage space up front, while the 8in touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use. Lower down, there are chunky dials for the dual-zone climate control system and piano-style keys for the heated/ ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.

There are plenty of charging and connectivity points up-front – a 12V socket, aux-in and USB port – as well as wireless charging.

The full head-up display is very useful, as are the panoramic tilt and slide sunroof, cornering lights, blind-spot mirrors and keyless entry system with engine start/stop button, as well as technical safety functions including Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Assist System.

The Santa Fe is now 65mm longer, so passengers receive a huge amount of legroom, and there’s generous headroom too. The rear seats are comfortable and will easily accommodate three adults abreast, aided by the flat floor. Even when the third-row seats are employed there’s still a fairly generous amount of space.

Deploying those two extra seats couldn’t be simpler – the manual operation is quick and easy. Once in place they are fairly comfortable – an adult would be fine on a short

“

Passengers receive a huge amount of legroom

”

www.camc.com

February 2020 81

TEST HYUNDAI SANTA FE PREMIUM SE 2.2CRDI

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£44,673 Insurance

Group 28 Club insurance

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

Clockwise from above: the curved dashboard; passengers enjoy plenty of legroom; new Santa Fe has ʼ

Engine

2,199cc, 4-cyl, Diesel in line, Power

With thanks to

197bhp (146 kW) @ 3,800rpm

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

325lb ft (440Nm) @ 1,750rpm Transmission

8-speed automatic Spare wheel

trip, for instance – but they are certainly more suited to younger occupants on long journeys.

DRIVING

Hyundai has made choosing your Santa Fe a doddle. There are just three trim levels and two gearbox options (six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic), while the only engine is a turbocharged 2.2-litre CRDi diesel with 197bhp and 325lb ft (440Nm) of torque. Oh, and there’s two- or four-wheel drive too.

The flagship Premium SE 4WD, which comes with the eight-speed automatic as standard, is a delight to drive. The ride is comfortable, even with large 19in alloys, and the self-levelling suspension does a great job of soaking up all the road imperfections.

For a car of its size, there’s little body roll in corners and the Santa Fe feels composed and reassuringly controlled at all times. The engine is refined and very hushed at speed and has all the low-down grunt that

you’ll need when towing. Steering is heavier than expected – but it’s only a small gripe.

Hyundai’s four-wheel drive system – HTRAC – features sport, comfort, eco and smart modes, the digital dashboard cleverly changing colour to denote which one of these you’re in.

625 litres in five-seat mode, rising to 1,625 with all the seats folded.

Even in seven-seat mode there’s enough room for a couple of small suitcases.

TOWING

I enjoyed the Santa Fe much more than I expected I would – it drives really well in all conditions and I loved towing with it. It now has a more ‘premium’ look and feel about it, and its certainly worth popping on your next towcar shortlist.

The Santa Fe proved itself to be a very competent towcar when hitched up to a large twin-axle Bailey Unicorn Barcelona. There wasn’t the slightest hint of movement from the van, which felt stable even in poor driving conditions.

Storming up the steep inclines on my test route, the Hyundai took it all in its stride, delivering a relaxing and comfortable ride. The eight-speed gearbox was smooth and town driving was made simple by the surround-view monitor, which allows you to see around the whole car.

The boot is certainly large enough to take all your family holiday paraphernalia, offering

Space saver Kerbweight

2,003kg Gross vehicle weight

2,594kg Gross train weight

4,594kg Noseweight limit

VERDICT

100kg Towing equipment

Detachable towbar £663 Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/15.62gals (71 litres)/22mpg towing 1,723kg CO2

164g/km

RATINGS

90%

COMFORT

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

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

90%

DRIVING

88%

TOWING

*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.

89%

OVERALL

82 February 2020

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November 2016 XX

TEST SWIFT CHALLENGER X 880

X hits the spot H Rob McCabe tests a new, extra-wide four-berth from the Swift Group

ow do you improve a caravan range that’s already a great success? Simple – make those caravans bigger! That’s exactly what Swift has done with the all-new Challenger X, the ‘X’ in this case standing for ‘extra-wide’; all four Xs are an impressive eight feet across. There are two twin-axle models and two singles, one of which is the island-bed 880 on show here. There is a lot to see – literally – so let’s get cracking.

BUILD QUALITY

All Swift Group motorhomes and caravans are put together using the ‘SMART’ construction method. In essence, this means that the walls, floor, ceiling and front/rear panels are hung on a skeleton entirely devoid of wood – the framework is made of rot-free polyurethane, and there’s a decade-long bodywork 84 February 2020

guarantee to back up the manufacturer’s confidence of resilience to water ingress.

Our test example was impeccably presented. The furniture construction inside is as neat as a pin; peeking inside the wide-opening lockers and hatches reveals just how tidily everything is finished off, and the quality of the joinery is first-class. Most impressive.

TOWING

It’s hardly a lightweight, so the 880 will need a vehicle of substance to undertake towing duties. It’s reassuring to note that weight distribution is spot-on: all the heavy stuff in the kitchen is either directly over or slightly fore of the axle. On a caravan that costs a chunky 27 grand as tested, it’s surprising that Al-Ko’s much-lauded ATC trailer control system isn’t fitted as standard; you have to shell out another £349 for that. The eight-foot width, meanwhile, may mean some careful route-planning is www.camc.com

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£26,935 OTR Beds

Rear fixed double 6ft 2in x 4ft 4in, front double 7ft 5in x 5ft 3in Heating

Alde central heating, programmable Fridge/freezer

Dometic Toilet

Thetford MRO

1,481kg (29.15cwt) MTPLM

1,642kg (32.32cwt) User payload

161kg (3.17cwt)

Top: lounge looks and feels classy Right: half of the base for the front double bed Above: fixed rear bed

needed – access to some tucked-away CLs may only be possible if you hold your tummy in!

DAYTIME

Once you’ve arrived on site, you’ll really reap the benefit of the living space at your disposal, those extra few inches of width making their presence felt most in the lounge. The free-standing table is an extra-wide fitment too, so you can really go to town on dressing the table if you’re having guests round for dinner. For all other occasions, there’s the extension to the front chest.

The lounge really is a beauty. I’ve said many times that Swift’s designers really have the knack when it comes to interior decor, and that doesn’t seem to have changed. It looks and feels classy, and the blending of colours and materials has been done subtly to eliminate any risk of it looking dated in the years to come. www.camc.com

The touchscreen panel over the door controls everything from selecting the fridge’s operating mode (yes, really!), to working the lights and the radio. The latter offers DAB as well as FM and you can pair your phone or tablet with this system via Bluetooth, so you can listen to your own playlists.

Note that our test vehicle’s external gas barbecue point, mains socket and hatch leading to the nearside front seat locker are part of the £625 Lux pack, which also includes an illuminated kitchen splashback, and a keyfob-operated alarm and awning light. An 80W roof-mounted solar panel is included as standard.

Overall length

24ft 9in (7.54m) Overall width

8ft (2.45m) Overall height

8ft 7in (2.61m) Figures from manufacturers literature

NIGHT-TIME

This is pretty much the bedroom with everything.

You get a wide-opening sunroof, a wardrobe each, a substantial bedside shelf each, a TV viewing table and a big illuminated mirror (which opens to reveal a shallow cupboard).

The bed itself is sumptuous – and there’s no need for a shortened daytime mode here. The simple maths is that the caravan is eight feet wide and the bed juts out 6ft 2in – so there’s plenty of room beyond the end to walk past.

The concertina blind that shuts off the bedroom is the one minor let down: it’s not the most attractive colour, for one thing, and it doesn’t convey quality in the way that a proper door would.

If you happen to be more than seven feet tall, the front lounge makes up into a double bed that will accommodate you with room to spare – it’s an astonishing 7ft 5in long. It’s extremely comfortable and there are no slats to be wary of – the base sections slide

With thanks to: Vehicle supplied for testing by Swift Group, Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4JX. Contact: swiftgroup.co.uk, 01482 847332 February 2020 85

TEST SWIFT CHALLENGER X 880

a washroom that’s four-star-hotel roomy and plush might like to look elsewhere: it feels rather corridor-like back here, although there’s a plethora of storage options for such a modest space.

Left: the kitchen is impressive Above: washroom is small, but has good storage options

LIGHTING

out from under each sofa to meet in the middle.

I would think this is more likely to be used as a couples' caravan, though, particularly given the location of the washroom right at the back of the bedroom.

KITCHEN

As you’d expect nowadays, there’s a fitted microwave and you have an electric hotplate on the otherwise gas-fuelled hob – so you can use each of these whenever possible to save on gas while you’re using the hook-up. There’s a separate grill and oven too.

For two people, there’s more than enough good, deep, uncluttered storage space (including sturdy pull-out wire racks) to go around. Work surface is decent too, boosted not only by the little extension that flips up into the lounge area but also by the fitted acrylic sink cover/ chopping board. This is shaped in such a way that you can still use the sink when it’s in place – a welcome, touch. The surface is pleasingly tactile and chunky; granite-effect material also features on the front chest in the lounge and on the bedside shelves.

The aforementioned control panel above the door has a neat feature – a dimmer function for the ambient lighting in the lounge and bedroom. Each tap on the screen nudges the brightness up or down a notch, giving you even more say over how much or how little illumination you want when you settle down for the evening. There are four reading lights in the lounge too, so any overnighting guests are guaranteed one to themselves however they make the bed up.

The kitchen is brilliantly lit, thanks to two sturdy lamps on the underside of the overhead lockers and a trio of flush-fitting pin lights on the ceiling binnacle.

Two readers in the bedroom complement the ambient strips, while the illumination in the washroom includes a separate lamp for the shower cubicle and one for the mirror above the wash basin (the mirror in the bedroom also has its own downlighter, which is good to note).

VERDICT

Those few extra inches of width have been put to outstandingly good use, especially in the beautiful lounge. It’s a well-made, well-presented caravan that offers oodles of practicality and some clever tech too. The washroom is the only area that feels slightly compromised, but that does little to dilute the appeal of this handsome newcomer.

WASHROOM

This end facility is small. That’s not a criticism, just a statement of fact – many would-be buyers will be delighted to see that the 880’s designers haven’t ‘wasted’ space on a room in which such little time is spent. However, those who like their caravans to have

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £332.73* per year. Please see camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details

RATINGS

93%

BUILD QUALITY

85%

TOWING

92%

DAYTIME

90%

NIGHT-TIME

91%

KITCHEN

83%

WASHROOM

93%

LIGHTING

90%

OVERALL

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £27,000 (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.

86 February 2020

www.camc.com

Award winning cover your caravan deserves Protection provided directly by your Club

“

The bed is sumptuous – and there’s no need for a shortened daytime mode here

”

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

Family and friends can use your caravan without any extra charge

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/caravancover 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 MURVI PIMENTO XL

THOROUGHLY

MODERN

MURVI A

The Devon-based conversion specialist has tweaked an already-successful design. Nick Harding takes it for a test drive lthough independent van conversion specialist Murvi has a trophy cabinet that’s close to bursting, it’s been some time since one of its vehicles featured on these pages. Our test camper – the Pimento XL – has actually been around for a while, but there’s been a change to the sleeping arrangements in that you can now opt for two single beds or a double. Prices start at well under £60,000 but you will almost certainly be prepared to spend extra on some of the goodies – on review here.

88 February 2020

BUILD QUALITY

Murvi has long been renowned as a builder of topquality van conversions. There’s a high standard of engineering behind its work and there’s a certain ‘Murvi style’ that few others get close to emulating.

Features such as the underslung gas tank (which saves you money on your gas, and frees up internal storage space) are always appreciated, while, inside, the trimwork is exemplary. Also featured on our test vehicle were: metallic paintwork (£780), an Avtex L168DRS 16-in LCD TV/DVD (£660), a Teleco directional TV aerial (£234) and a Smev 20l oven/grill (£420). www.camc.com

“

At night you have the choice between staggered singles and a large double

ʼ

ʼ

”

leather padded steering wheel and cab air conditioning, will set you back an extra £6,546, which may sound a lot – but kit out other base vehicles to a similar specification and you’ll be looking at a whole lot more.

In terms of economy, relaxed driving should earn you mpg figures in the early-30s. Is it good to drive?

In a word, yes.

DAYTIME

The lounge is brilliant, offering a settee that is more comfortable than most, thanks largely to its high backrest. Slide back the side door and you can bring the whole world into your front room. There’s also a lot of uncluttered floor space – a boon for pet owners, in particular. Both cab seats are on swivels and there’s a small table to go between them. Or, more likely, you’ll use the pedestal leg table with tripod.

Mains sockets are complemented by USBs in convenient places, while Kenwood speakers, a wind-up sunroof, ceiling lamp and upper-level padding (so you won’t hurt your head if you bump it) are nice touches.

Heating and hot water are courtesy of Webasto’s Thermo Top Evo 7 system, operating from the vehicle’s diesel supply or mains electricity; it can also be used while on the move.

Note that you can also tailor your Pimento XL to your tastes with a huge choice of soft furnishings and furniture finishes.

TECHNICAL

Price

£66,952 OTR Engine

2.0-litre Euro 6 Power

129bhp (96kW) @ 3,500rpm Torque

284lb ft (385Nm) @ 1,500-2,000rpm Transmission

6-speed automatic, FWD MRO

3,000kg (59.05cwt) MTPLM

3,500kg (68.89cwt) User payload

500kg (9.84cwt) Overall length

19ft 7in (5.97m) Overall width

6ft 9in (2.06m) Overall height

8ft 6in (2.59m) Max internal height

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

Diesel/15.0 gals (68.2 litres)/ 28-32mpg

NIGHT-TIME

At night you have the choice between staggered singles and a large double, around which there is space to walk.

Somewhat unusually, you sleep with your heads towards the cab. Whichever arrangement you go for, bed making is pretty straightforward thanks to the smooth action of the seat bases.

DRIVING

The base vehicle for the Pimento XL is Ford’s Transit, which sits higher than rivals and offers a forgiving ride courtesy of softly-sprung suspension. There are three drive options (the front-wheel-drive version features here). while different trim levels are available, starting with the basic, yet surprisingly well equipped, ‘Leader’.

Our test vehicle, though, is the top-level ‘Limited’ variant, with 130bhp engine and automatic transmission. This configuration, which also includes the likes of cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, Ford SYNC infotainment system with 8-in touchscreen, www.camc.com

Vehicle supplied for testing by , 4 East Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9GE Contact: murvi. co.uk, 01752 892200 February 2020 89

TEST MURVI PIMENTO XL

a rooflight with electric fan overhead, mean ventilation won’t be a problem. There are three more overhead lockers, the furthest forward of which houses mugs and glasses supplied as standard by Murvi (a full set of crockery is kept in one of the three lockers below).

WASHROOM

Folding doors make for easy access to the washroom, where there’s a Dometic swivel-bowl toilet. The GRP-moulded fixed basin and shower tray are Murvi’s own designs, while the shower itself is via extended tap, with a curtain for added protection.

Nice touches in here include a soap dispenser, two mirrors, a rooflight, toilet roll holder and toothbrush mug, while the rail for the shower curtain could be used for hanging wet clothing etc.

There’s upper and lower level locker storage, plus a hatch to get into the full-height locker at the very back. in the kitchen ʼ

There are plenty of LED lighting options – adjustable reading lamps, touch on/off downlighters and individually switched strip lights (which also have a night-time blue setting).

Whereas many manufacturers have switched to concertina blinds, these days, the side windows here are fitted with cassette blinds and flyscreens (Murvi stresses it prefers to stick with what’s tried and tested). There are thermal-lined curtains around the cab.

KITCHEN

RATINGS

90%

BUILD QUALITY

83%

DRIVING

80%

DAYTIME

76%

NIGHT-TIME

79%

KITCHEN

74%

WASHROOM

83%

DETAILS

81%

OVERALL

Murvi has honed this kitchen design over many years (and indeed many models). Nevertheless, you have a choice of facilities. This example has the 85-litre compressor fridge and Thetford three-ring triangular hob, along with the Smev oven/grill option, all set across the back. Check with Murvi, because other configurations are available. Plus, the rearmost overhead locker is designed to take a microwave oven.

Along the nearside, you’ll find a stainless steel sink with permanent drainer as well as permanent worktop on either side. Three windows, all opening, plus

DETAILS

One detail is not to be missed – the huge storage locker just inside the offside rear door,. This contains adjustable, removable shelves – there’s a bit of a home-made look to them, but there’s no doubting their sturdiness. There’s service access to the fridge, water pump and more inside the other door.

Murvi is perhaps the only manufacturer that provides a proper, heavy-duty bag for its mains lead, and another neat signature touch is the two scatter cushions in the lounge that double up as full-size pillows at night.

The wardrobe is also home to a first aid kit, the legs for both tables, fuses, circuit breakers, a set of replacement lights for the base vehicle, mains and double USB sockets, and more. And there’s still hanging space for clothing – if you want more, an extended wardrobe is another offering.

VERDICT

A super-quality package that showcases Murvi’s excellence at van conversions.

It’s the quality of engineering that shines through here, along with a dash of individual style. Ford’s Transit base is mighty impressive, too.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £509.66* per year. Please see camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

*Quote (correct as of 1 January 2020) is for the model as tested worth £66,952. 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 and subject to a Tracker being fitted. 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.

90 February 2020

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The Club s Motorhome nsurance is arranged by Devitt nsurance ervices imited, nsurance Brokers. The Caravan Club imited and Devitt nsurance ervices imited are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct uthority.

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Charging about Q Can you shed any more light on the ʼ

a hybrid car on site? Are electric car owners ʼ

A

Hybrid and electric car use is increasing, and while the numbers remain modest at present compared to petrol or dieselpowered models, credible forecasts suggest that they will rise significantly from the early 2020s, and the majority of cars on UK roads by 2030 or soon after will be hybrid/electric.

We recently conducted a survey of cars in use on Club sites. Just under 1% are already hybrid or electric, with around half plug-in capable. That sounds low, but compared to about 2% of all UK cars, it’s a fair number. The total figure of electric and hybrid cars has increased when compared to a previous survey conducted in 2016.

Popular choices include Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV, Volvo’s XC60/XC90 Twin Engine and the Lexus RX 400H/450H – all competent hybrid towcars with at least 1,500kg towing capacity. We saw a handful of electric towcars (Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace) and a larger number of electric and hybrid cars which have low towing limits or aren’t used to tow, such as Nissan’s Leaf, the BMW i3/i8 and Hyundai’s Ionic.

While we’ve had one dedicated vehicle charging point on our Black Knowl site for a while, we know that most on-site charging of plug-in capable cars happens via pitch electric hook-ups.

For safety, convenience, and to keep both habitation and car charging demands within reason, our policy is that you plug the car into a mains socket in your caravan or motorhome, not directly into the site bollard. You must take care not to exceed the site supply limit, especially if using higher-demand habitation devices (eg electric heating), and recommend

“

that you reduce the charge rate to your car if you can. Until now, we haven’t passed on the cost for this, but as numbers of plug-in cars rise, this needs to change. From 2020, if you want to charge a plug-in vehicle on your pitch, please let the site staff know on arrival, indicating the number days of your stay that you’ll need to charge it. The fees for charging will be £2 per day for hybrids and £8 per day for electric vehicles.

As we redevelop our Cayton Village site near Scarborough this year, we’re trialling additional vehicle charging options, including dedicated chargers on some pitches and chargers in car park areas for communal and public use.

Longer term, there’s an additional challenge in balancing power demands from habitation use and increased vehicle charging. On most Club sites, we can’t simply pull ever more power from the grid, either because the supply will not be able to cope with such increases or the economics of doing so makes the electricity too costly.

To address this, sites in 10-15 years’ time may well have smarter control of power usage, on-site power generation from renewable energy sources and on-site energy storage to cope with peaks in demand. We are continuously working so that we are able to address the future demands of our members.

Just under 1% of Club member cars are hybrid or electric, with around half plug-in capable

92 February 2020

”

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a among Club members

Please address your questions to:

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

camc.com/advice www.camc.com

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PRACTICAL BASICS

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PRACTICAL BASICS

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aravanners and motorhomers are a friendly bunch – over the years many have shared a wealth of handy tips that have made my touring life easier. Here are just a few of the handy ‘hacks’ I’ve picked up from them – as well as my technicallyminded father...

3

1

An awning offers great additional space – but the storm straps can create a hazard.

To make trip-ups less likely, cut the base off a plastic water bottle and feed the guy rope through the neck so the peg is completely covered.

It’s important to level your outfit on site so that waste water drains away freely (and you don’t roll out of bed!). You can buy a spirit level or download an app on your mobile phone but you can make a cheap level yourself by partially filling a water container and marking it with tape.

Before putting your ’van into storage for winter, put plugs in the sink, basin and shower tray.

This will prevent nasty smells coming up from the pipes.

You don’t need a fancy gadget to check the noseweight of a caravan. Rest the hitch on a sturdy stick placed on some bathroom scales. Lower the nose using the jockey wheel and record the reading. Make sure the caravan is on level ground with the corner steadies retracted.

2

1

4

3

4

www.camc.com

2

5

It may sound obvious but don't forget to unplug your electrics from the hook-up point before you leave site. Write a reminder on a sticky label and place it on the steering wheel as a gentle reminder.

5 February 2020 95

PRACTICAL BASICS

6

Place a sticker on the inside of the sun shield to act as a reminder of how long and high your outfit is. This is particularly useful for motorhomers when approaching car parks with barriers or tunnels.

Don’t use domestic cleaning products on the plastic lining of a fridge as you could damage it. Try a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda dissolved in a litre of warm water.

7

u a see re s r e Club a camc.com/ advice

6

7

8

Space can be limited in a campervan, so a driveaway awning can be a useful purchase.

As the name would suggest, when you need to do the shopping or explore the area, it only takes five minutes to disconnect from your camper. The added bonus is that, by leaving it in situ, you are reserving your pitch as well.

For added comfort at night, consider a memory foam mattress topper. Companies such as Duvalay offer various sizes with zipped, washable protective covers.

Cooking in a campervan or small caravan can be a little restricted, especially as some vehicles don’t contain an oven. Check out some of the super products out there designed to aid versatility. This sandwich toaster from Ridge Monkey is a good example.

8

9

9

FINAL THOUGHTS Do you have any simple tips that can help take the stress out of touring? Why not share them with fellow members?

Email magazine@camc.com

10

96 February 2020

Thank you to my good friends Mark and Anita Sellick (MackVentures) for your campervan tips!

10

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Glamping Pod at Abbey Wood, London

Members stay FREE on Wednesdays* With Experience Freedom members stay FREE on Wednesdays between October 2019 and March 2020 when booking a minimum of 2 nights.

Book today from ÂŁ59** per night www.camc.com/experiencefreedom *Terms and Conditions: we are offering a free Wednesday night on Experience Freedom accommodation for all Caravan and Motorhome Club members when staying a minimum of 2 nights between 1 October and 31 March 2020, excluding 23 & 30 October, 25 December 2019, 01 January and 19 February 2020. No other offers or discounts can be used in conjunction with the offer including the Caravan and Motorhome Club member discount of 10%. Bookings are subject to our standard booking terms and conditions. www.camc.com November 2016 21 **Price shown is per night for stays Mon-Thur in low season.

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 April...

12-13 APRIL The Festival of Steam and Transport

This fantastic festival returns to The Historic Dockyard Chatham in 2020. Here you can see classic cars in all their polished finery and enjoy working steam engine demonstrations, live music performances and street entertainment. A variety of food stalls will help you keep your energy levels up while a funfair featuring the likes of a carousel, helter skelter, Ferris wheel and swingboats will appeal to younger visitors Web: thedockyard.co.uk Club site: Bearsted

Kerr-Neale Productions Ltd. 1968

7-8 APRIL The Tiger Who Came to Tea

King George’s Hall in Northgate, Blackburn, hosts to this charming Olivier Award-nominated show – a musical play, adapted by David Wood, and based on the book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are settling down for something to eat – who could it be? Magic, sing-a-long songs and ‘clumsy chaos’ are promised in this spectacular performance for all the family.

Web: kinggeorgeshall.com Club site: Blackpool South

25-26 APRIL Scottish National Scale Model Show

Head for the Dewars Centre in Perth to see a vast array of model aircraft, cars, military vehicles and more, many of which are entered into competitive categories. Special attractions last year included an airbrush clinic, figure painting clinic and wargames clubs participating in period battles.

Web: scotnats.org Affiliated site: The Woods AS

98 February 2020

Set against the backdrop of the famous Motorcycle Museum, near Solihull, this event is the perfect opportunity to unearth a treasure or purchase a unique gift. Browse up to 120 stalls selling everything from ceramics, vintage clothing, football memorabilia and paintings to glass, jewellery, clocks and militaria. Once you have finished, why not explore the museum itself, which is home to more than 1,000 classic motorcycles.

Web: swfairs.co.uk Club site: High Onn

RHS/JasonIngram

19 APRIL The National Motorcycle Museum Antiques & Collectors Fair

17-19 APRIL

RHS Flower Show Cardiff This year's show will tie in with the Visit Wales theme – the Year of Outdoors, which promotes the health and wellbeing benefits of being outside in the natural world.

Highlights will include a giant ‘Floral Marquee’ filled with beautiful blooms while guests will be able to brush up on their gardening knowledge in the Talks Theatre. Head to the Floristy Marquee to see displays from local florists and flower arrangers.

Web: rhs.org.uk/shows-events Club site: Tredegar House Country Park

For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com

www.camc.com

...Or, why not pitch up on a temporary site? These enable you to attend a variety of events and meet up with likeminded members. Book in advance where possible

truck extravaganza. Non-stop arena entertainment includes monster trucks and bike displays, while guest celebrities, a truck light parade, fireworks and a fun fair add to the enjoyment. The temporary site on the showground has hook-ups, basic washrooms, toilets, fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Temporary site open: 7-11 May Contact: Sandie Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

Windsor Racecourse has hook-ups, fresh water and chemical waste disposal, but no toilets or washrooms. From your pitch you could walk the one mile to the show, travel by riverboat or use a private car hire service.

Temporary site open: 13-17 May Contact: Ruth Taylor on 01753 545142 or email Taylorg13@sky.com

28-29 MARCH Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair

13-17 MAY Royal Windsor Horse Show

This annual Shepton Mallet show is a celebration of rural life, with livestock, machinery, farming, horticulture, live music and so much more.

The temporary site is on the showground, and facilities include a toilet and shower block. Your fee of £134 covers your six nights on site as well as evening entertainment.

Temporary site open: 25-31 May Contact: John and Kim Dyer on 07890 484817/07583 334234 or email Johndyer8851@gmail.com

As well as the bright yellows of the daffodils, visitors to this Cambridgeshire village will be able to see heavy horses, sheep dogs and birds of prey in action, while a working smithy, arts and crafts, musical recitals and open gardens extend the appeal of this event. The temporary site in the nearby village of Fowlmere has fresh water and chemical waste disposal facilities.

Temporary site open: 27-29 March Contact: Sandie Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

9-10 MAY Truckfest Peterborough

Head for the East of England Showground for a

www.camc.com

This show is a celebration of all things equestrian. Held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, this event sees the world’s best horses and riders taking part in carriage driving, show jumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions. The Shetland Pony Grand National and displays from the Kings Troop and the Household Cavalry add to the appeal. On Thursday to Saturday evenings a spectacular Edwardian-theme pageant will take place. Show ticket discounts will be available for members staying on site. Away from the horses, enjoy a walking tour of Windsor and Eton, a walk into Windsor Great Park’s Valley Gardens and a boat trip on the Thames. The temporary site on

28-30 MAY Royal Bath & West Show

See camc.com/centres and p100 of this issue for more centre information and coverage

February 2020 99

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre Lines All the latest from around the regions HAVING A BALL

A (TWO) GRAND DAY OUT

During their recent AGM, East Yorkshire members presented Martin House Childrens Hospice with a cheque for over £2,200. The cash was raised during a year of frantic fundraising. Pictured left to right are John Holroyd (Centre Charity Co-Ordinator), Emily Sherman from Martin House Hospice and Tim Norris (Centre Chairman).

Notts a bad effort!

Nottinghamshire Centre raised an astonishing £5,655.35 for The Prince William Award and Cancer Research during Steven Widdowsons final year as Chairman.

Fundraising activities included raffles, bric-a-brac sales, craft bonanzas and a fantastic music festival at Southwell Racecourse, while Steven also competed in the London Marathon.

After a little research, past ViceChairman Pete Ward has discovered that the amount raised and donated to charities by the Centre over the years is in excess of £42,000 – a fantastic achievement.

100 February 2020

Hertfordshire Centre is planning a ‘Grand Mid-Summer Ball’ and associated rally at Lilley Village Hall near Hitchin from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June.

See hertfordshire centre.co.uk for more information.

SUE DAVIES The South Glamorgan Centre regrets to announce the passing of longstanding member Sue Davies. Sue, who served on Committee for a number of years, attended more than 1,200 rallies over the course of 40 years Club membership and was a great supporter of the Centre, especially at Welsh Nationals.

The thoughts of everyone are with Terry, as well as family and friends.

ALL ABROAD Details of overseas centre rallies in 2020 FRANCE 9-16 April Location: La Ferme Des Aulnes, Somme* Host centre: Bedfordshire

16-30 August Location: Camping du Letty, Finistère* Host centre: Midland

8-22 May Location: Les Pieux, Manche Host centre: Berkshire

16-30 August Location: La Turballe, Loire-Atlantique Host centre: North Staffordshire

13-27 June Location: La Yole, Vendée* Host centre: Norfolk

16-30 August Location: Camping du Poulquer, Finistère* Host centre: Berkshire NETHERLANDS 10-19 April Location: Delftse Houte, South Holland* Host centre: Derbyshire

15-27 June Location: Le Logis du Breuil (above), Charente-Maritime* Host centre: Suffolk 20 June-4 July Location: Les Saules, Loire-et-Cher* Host centre: Cheshire 18 July-2 August Location: Jard Sur Mer, Vendée Host centre: West Wales

SPAIN 22 June-12 July Location: Spain Host centre: Dyfed *Rallies can be booked through Alan Rogers, part of The Caravan Club Ltd. For more information see alanrogersrallies.com, email rallies@ alanrogers.com or call 01580 214070.

25 July-8 August Location: Saumur, Maine-et-Loire Host centre: South Wales To search for a Centre event or to find your local group’s details, see camc.com/centres

1-15 August Location: Lac de Panthier (right), Côte-d’Or* Host centre: Cheshire

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TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the unusual world of touring

FAR FROM HOME

Dog-tired

Many thanks to Jean Thomas for posting this photograph of her ‘fantastic four’ – Merlin, Megen, Isha and Midge. Though they did not help to erect the awning or blow up the inflatable sofa, they were extremely happy to stretch out and let their holiday R&R begin. It’s tough being a pooch!

CLEAN ME!

“Think theyve overstayed their seasonal pitch,” joke Steve and Joyce Jones. Yes... maybe by a day or two, it would seem...

Imagine you’ve selected your pitch, dropped the steadies, put the awning up and boiled the kettle... and then two fearsome big cats show up next door. The leopard looks particularly aggrieved; perhaps itʼs unhappy at being spotted. (Thanks to Sheila Keatinge for the photo.)

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 or tag @candmclub on Instagram and we’ll print the best.

THATʼS THE STUFF ON YER BIKE!

Mrs K Mahon saw this towing vehicle during a visit to Welwyn Garden City. Using pedal power is, of course, an admirable attempt at ʻgoing greenʼ, but getting to and from each site might take a little longer than usual.

114 February 2020

Maggie and Doug McLellan took part in the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival in August and used their caravan as part of their display! We’re delighted that the scarecrow in question is reading a copy of the Club magazine – presumably he will be making hay while the sun shines in 2020. www.camc.com

If the worst happens, I know that Dogs Trust will care for him.

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From time to time we would like to send you exciting updates about our work, products, services and how you can support us, including fundraising activities and research by post. If you’d rather not receive these mailings, please tick here In order to communicate with you more effectively, better understand your preferences and ability to support our work, we may analyse your data. We do share your information within the Dogs Trust Group; currently Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions. To read our full privacy policy visit dogstrust.org.uk/privacy.

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November 2019 114

Smell the sea air, not wear and tear.

Tintagel, Cornwall

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