JULY 2019 SE
Magnetic
north
Can you resist the lure of Blackpool, Liverpool and North Wales?
FUN OF THE FAIR Enjoy the thrills and spills of theme parks from Club sites
On Test Adria, Wellhouse and Volvo models rated
Dog-tastic! Selection of essential kit for man’s best friend
Woodland Wonder Will you be tempted by Germany’s Black Forest?
ONLY BUY THE BEST!
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COMMENT EDITOR’S VIEW
TOURING: NORTH-WEST ENGLAND/NORTH WALES CLUB SITES AND CLS
TOURING: DORSET CLUB SITES AND CLS
TOURING: CORNWALL CLUB SITES AND CLS 05/04/2019 11:55
On Test Bailey caravan and used campervans rated
No Limits Why caravanning is accessible to all
PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1
Member Photos Your perfect moments caught on camera
09/05/2019 15:20
Magnetic
north
Can you resist the lure of Blackpool, Liverpool and North Wales?
FUN OF THE FAIR Enjoy the thrills and spills of theme parks from Club sites
www.camc.com
Special Offers Super money-saving deals for members
Dorset rocks!
Follow the Davey family on a seven-site tour of the Jurassic Coast
Find your ideal spot on site with our expert guide
TESTED: VOLVO XC40/ADRIA ADORA 623 DT/WELLHOUSE TRENTO
Level Best Straight-talking advice on levelling your outfit
PITCH PERFECT
www.camc.com
www.camc.com
On Test We rate Peugeot, Gobur and Auto-Trail vehicles
PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1
Surf ‘n’ turf
Enjoy the best of coast and country on a seven-site tour of Cornwall
TESTED: VW AMAROK/BAILEY UNICORN VIGO/SECOND-HAND CAMPERVANS SPECIAL
TESTED: PEUGEOT 3008/FOLDING CARAVANS SPECIAL/AUTO-TRAIL TRACKER EB
Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs on the Jurassic Coast
JULY 2019 SE
JUNE 2019 SE
CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JULY 2019
CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2019
CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE MAY 2019
MAY 2019 SE
SE
SE
SE
Welcome
FOSSIL HUNTING
Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.
On Test Adria, Wellhouse and Volvo models rated
Dog-tastic! Selection of essential kit for man’s best friend
PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1
This month’s cover credit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Woodland Wonder Will you be tempted by Germany’s Black Forest?
10/06/2019 14:52
Gary Martin says:
I
President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE Director General: Nick Lomas
Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)
t’s only a matter of weeks now until the schools break up for their summer holidays, and parents (and grandparents) around the country will be searching for things to do to keep their youngsters busy. Fortunately, as I can vouch from my childhood days, caravanning or motorhoming provides the perfect antidote to this long school holiday. Every year, summer for my brother and I meant touring adventures away with our folks in our motorhomes (a couple of coachbuilts, the first based on a Commer, the second a Ford Transit). Camping beside the Trent near Newark for dinghy fun on the river and discovering the beauty of Snowdonia for the first time are my fondest memories from those holidays.
“Parents around the country will be searching for things to do”
We also used our motorhomes as bases during short breaks away when visiting attractions, just as Sammy Faircloth and her family have utilised their caravan and Club sites to enjoy the thrills and spills of some of the country’s most popular theme parks (see pages 83 and 84). Remember, as a member of the Club, you can take advantage of special offers on admission to hundreds of great family attractions across the UK – including Alton Towers, Chessington and Legoland theme parks – via our Great Savings Guide (see camc.com/ greatsavingsguide). Enjoy the issue!
Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Insurance Caravan 01342 336610 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 Legal helpline 01275 378728
Editorial Editor: Gary Martin Deputy Editor: John Thynne Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis Design: Michaela Easey
Postal address: Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA
Club Magazine editorial: 01342 336640 Advertising enquiries Business Development Manager: Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com
Commercial Executive – Regional: 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
enquiries@camc.com
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
3
NEWS HEADLINES
Member Offer DISCOVER NEW RALEIGH ELECTRIC BIKE RANGES AVA I L A B L E I N STO R E A N D O N L I N E N OW
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10% OFF FREE plus a
adult helmet
camc.com/raleigh
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Motus from RRP: £1,800 | Member price: £1,620 | Other ebikes starting at £1,275 2
JULY CONTENTS
Contents
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36
38
44 79
88 92 96
p24
PLEASE
RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY
Touring UK SITES Blackpool is the starting point for Jonathan Manning’s seven-site tour of North-West England and North Wales DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS Andrew Ditton enjoys a dolphin-spotting trip in Wales FOREIGN TOURING Heidi Fuller-Love’s leisurely trip through Germany’s west takes in castles, museums and glorious countryside REGIONAL SITE SPOTLIGHT We focus on a site in your area (you can see five different site articles on the Magazine App each month)
Tests CAR Volvo XC40 CARAVAN Adria Adora 623 DT MOTORHOME Wellhouse Trento
The wrapping for this magazine is recyclable at larger supermarkets
68 107
Regulars 7 10 23 53 56 62
News 14 352,416 Circulation: Jan-Dec 2018 Printing by Walstead Bicester
20 48 103
HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES News from across the network OVERSEAS Ideas for foreign holidays and tours CENTRES Rallies and news from across the country
Specials 12 60
www.camc.com
CLUB MATTERS The many benefits of membership RED PENNANT How the Club’s overseas insurance can give you greater peace of mind while you are on tour
THE NATIONAL The Club’s flagship annual event is a festival of fun for all the family TICKET OFFER The Norfolk Motorhome and Campervan Show discount
66 72 75 83 87 101 108 122
DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas explains the role of centres and looks forward to the first ever Centre Festival Weekend YOUR PHOTOS The best pictures from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey serves up paella with an Irish twist LETTERS Your comments and views MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members COUNTRY MATTERS The flora and fauna of limestone environments CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens PRODUCT SHOWCASE A selection of accessories for dog owners EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events PRACTICAL Using Club sites as bases for theme park visits ASK YOUR CLUB
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FAMILY MATTERS What to take when you’re heading off to Europe CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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Introducing our award winning range
2019 Special Editions
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February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW
Opinion 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.
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Nick Lomas says:
O
wn a leisure vehicle and not only can you go wherever your heart desires, you are also joining a friendly community. The latter is highlighted by the fact that 45,000-plus Club members belong to one of 69 Centres – groups that are the social lifeblood of the Club. Every weekend, these Centres host events (known as ‘rallies’) across the UK, enticing thousands of members to make the most of their caravans and motorhomes. Some of these rallies are held alongside big national events, such as the Bristol International Balloon Festival, the Melrose Rugby Sevens, the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race and the Royal Windsor Horse Show, while others take in vineyard or whisky tours, or a variety of festivals. And you’re welcome to join in – whether you’re a Centre member or not. The events are all arranged by volunteers as a simple, low-cost and fun way to spend time with fellow members. And they’re held at locations that get you close to the action, or well away from it all in a peaceful, rural setting – the choice is yours. Rallies cost just a few pounds per night and you can search for and book them through the Club website (details can be found online at caravanclub.co.uk/membership/localcentres). You can also find contact details for individual Centres on p682 of your Sites Directory and Handbook. One of the misconceptions about rallies is that they never offer electric hook-up facilities. On the contrary, some do – but if they don’t, the volunteers know plenty of ways to help you enjoy your home comforts using a leisure battery and a few pounds-worth of gas. If you have never considered rallying before, we have the perfect opportunity for you to give it a try... Our Centre Festival Weekend, from 30 August to 1 September, has been organised with newcomers in mind. Some 11 events are taking place simultaneously, from Perthshire in the north to Hampshire in the south, to not only enable you to experience rallying for the first time, but to also give you the chance to
“You might get hooked... and with over 1,700 rallies each year, you are spoilt for choice” make new friends (see p64-65 of the May issue for further details, including contact information). You never know, you might get hooked – and with over 1,700 rallies held each year, you are literally spoilt for choice. Indeed, as a taster of what’s to come, one of the highlights of next year’s calendar is a rally being held to coincide with the Open Golf Championship at Royal St George’s in Kent. This rally would make an ideal base from which to see Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose et al battle it out for the famous old Claret Jug. You never know, you may enjoy rallying so much that you decide to join a Centre – in time, you might even like to organise a rally yourself or help with the running of your local group. Enthusiastic volunteers are always welcome. Happy touring!
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NECCaravanShow
For the biggest adventures.
Organised by
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*£7.75 Senior (over 60s), £8.75 Adult when booking before 23:59 hrs 14/10/19 after which time prices revert to the on-the-door price of £12.00 Senior (over 60s) and £13.00 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.
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To discover more and book your tickets, visit mcshow.co.uk or call 0844 873 7333 Calls costs 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES
YOUR PHOTOS
Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera – here Ian Scoon and his partner Liz bring you highlights of the Americas leg of their world caravanning tour Canada
Canada
2. ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY The poor man’s cruise! Alsaka Marine Highway ferries serve communities in the south-east of the state that have no road access. We stopped a number of times before finally disembarking in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, having seen glaciers, icebergs and whales, and having met lots of very interesting people.
1. DEMPSTER HIGHWAY This truly amazing 457-mile road connects the Klondike Highway in Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories on the Mackenzie River delta. At Tuktoyatuk, within the Arctic Circle, we dipped our feet in a very warm (20°C) Beaufort Sea.
3. UTAH After crossing the border into the USA, we travelled south to Seattle in Washington before carefully negotiating the Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Range in the snow. It was then flat out to Utah to spend eight weeks in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This out-of-this-world site is Lower Onion Creek Campground.
Ecuador
United States of America
4. MANTA We decided to ship our outfit around Central America, and here we are disembarking at the port of Manta in Ecuador. The local TV station got wind of our adventures and filmed our arrival.
Ecuador
5. PUERTO MISAHUALLÍ Making the ascent into the Andes, we followed the amazing Avenue of the Volcanoes, pitching for the night at 12,615ft in the Cotopaxi National Park. What goes up must come down, so we then made the descent into the Amazon Basin, staying at Sinchi Warmi Amazon Lodge campground (pictured).
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 10
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
Argentina
6. HUASCARÁN NATIONAL PARK Crossing the border from Ecuador to Peru, we toured many ancient sites before stopping awhile in the Huascarán National Park for some serious hiking. Here it is warm during the day but near-freezing at night.
Norfolk
7. PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Peru
America has Route 66, Scotland the North Coast 500 – Argentina’s equivalent is Ruta 40, which runs for more than 3,000 miles in the west of the country. One of its many highlights is the Perito Merino Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province.
Argentina
Chile
9. CARRETERA AUSTRAL
8. USHUAIA The ‘Longest Road in the World’. At its fullest extent the PanAmerican Highway is a network of roads stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, a distance of around 30,000 miles – and we proved it can be done with a caravan. The Land Rover Discovery 4 proved itself an excellent towcar, crossing the Andes at between 3,000 and 4,000 metres six times!
The epic Carretera Austral (or Southern Highway) runs for nearly 800 miles from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins through rural Patagonia. Here we are having just disembarked the ferry at Puerto Yungay, heading for the new Patagonia Park – a truly wonderful example of conservation.
Chile
10. ATACAMA DESERT Winter is a great time to visit the Atacama Desert, which stretches for 600 miles along the Pacific coast – we headed over the Paso de Jama mountain pass between Argentina and Chile. After extending our stay in South America by visiting Foz do IguaçU, a city in Brazil which is home to the famed IguaçU Falls, we shipped our outfit to South Africa to continue our amazing world tour – but that’s another story altogether!
FREE PRIZE DRAW: Send us a photo and you will be automatically entered into a free monthly draw to win some fantastic prizes! See camc.com/competitions for full prize draw terms and conditions July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS
What it means to be part of our Club Joining the Club not only opens up the possibility of exciting new touring adventures, it means so much more. Here is a flavour of what membership brings... When Dr William Gordon Stables commissioned the construction of The Wanderer, the first ever purpose-built caravan, way back in 1885, touring was a great way to enjoy the outdoors and escape the pressures of everyday life. This still rings true today. So what does it mean to be a member (for just £52 a year) of the Caravan and Motorhome Club in the 21st century, some 112 years after the organisation was founded? Well, put simply, our ethos is to inspire you and make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you are travelling in the UK, Europe or further afield. Here’s just a taste of the services on offer... 1. UK SITES NETWORK Club sites are at the heart of your outdoor experience. Not only do you have the peace of mind that you are staying on quality sites that are well presented and maintained, rest assured you will receive a warm and friendly welcome from our staff who will be on hand to assist you for the duration of your stay. Indeed, judging by the results of our Welcome Home Survey which members complete after a site stay, you rate our network highly – you gave us 9.5 out of 10 for ’customer service‘; 9/10 for ’quality of facilities‘, ’pitch condition‘, ’likelihood to stay again‘ and ’overall experience‘; and 8/10 for ’value for money‘. More details: camc.com/uk-holidays 2. REINVESTMENT OF FUNDS Since the Club is a not-for-profits organisation, all monies raised by membership fees, site fees, insurance premiums etc are reinvested in the Club for the benefit of all members. For example, we spend
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
approximately £10 million each year on site renovation and improvements to ensure we maintain the high standards you have come to expect. In addition, where possible, we buy new sites to provide you with an even greater choice of destinations – in 2018, we added Bridport Bingham Grange in Dorset and Cayton Village in North Yorkshire to our network. 3. TRAINING COURSES Whether you’re a new or seasoned tourer, we want you to feel comfortable you can drive your outfit safely each time you embark on an adventure. That’s why we have 16 locations across the country offering caravan or motorhome manoeuvring courses (available to members and non-members alike), making it easy for you to hone your skills and grow your confidence no matter where you live. Our courses are run by experts – indeed, most are well-seasoned tourers – so rest assured you’ll be in very capable hands. More details: camc.com/training 4. COVER/INSURANCE Whether you need to cover your caravan, insure your motorhome or want peace of mind when travelling abroad, we have products that have been designed with you specifcally in mind. Indeed, we believe our award-winning Caravan Cover and Red Pennant overseas holiday insurance offerings are the best you can find in the marketplace. More details: camc.com/insurance 5. OVERSEAS TRAVEL Our trusted Overseas Travel Team is on hand to help you plan your foreign adventures. What’s more,
book an overseas site and caravan/motorhome Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club and you’ll get the best price – guaranteed! If you do find the same site or crossing at a cheaper fare, let us know and we’ll match it. More details: camc.com/overseas 6. ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION Recognising that some of you are retiring from touring but still love to enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors, Experience Freedom from the Club gives you the opportunity to stay in a luxury glamping pod, an iconic Airstream, rustic yurt or cosy camping pod instead. And why not bring friends and family away with you to share your adventures? More details: experiencefreedom.co.uk AND NOT FORGETTING... n Savings you can make from member offers, the Club Shop and Great Savings Guide n Our award-winning Contact Centre and Health & Safety teams n The National – our big festival held in the grounds of a historic estate each year n Those who work behind the scenes to lobby at government level on your – and the industry’s – behalf n Our unpaid volunteers who help run your Club and Club events n Our towcar, caravan and motorhome awards, which challenge manufacturers to create the best vehicles possible n The chance to meet like-minded people and make new friends... plus much more
www.camc.com
Clockwise from above: gain confidence on a training course; choose from a range of overseas sites; we offer excellent ferry deals; non-caravanning friends and family can enjoy alternative accommodation on some sites; the Club runs a series of awards; site staff guarantee a friendly welcome
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256
ÂŁ10M
How you rate your overall experience of our sites out of 10 in our Welcome Home Survey
Extra pitches made available to you thanks to the purchase of Bridport and Cayton Village in 2018
Approximately how much we reinvest in our sites network each year
www.camc.com
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS HEADLINES
Meet the stars at BBC Countryfile Live
On the MAGAZINE APP this month: videos of our Volvo XC40, Adria Adora 623 DT and Wellhouse Trento tests, a cycle ride from Thirsk Racecourse and features on five different Club sites
BBC Countryfile Live – the familyfriendly show linked to the popular, long-running BBC TV programme Countryfile – is coming to Castle Howard in North Yorkshire this August, and you can stay at the heart of the action on the Club’s pop-up campsite. The show celebrates the UK’s countryside and regional farming, and popular Countryfile presenters John Craven, Anita Rani, Matt Baker, Ellie Harrison, Adam Henson, Tom Heap
and Charlotte Smith will be there, signing books, recalling stories, answering questions and discussing the much-loved TV programme. Elsewhere, a Livestock Zone, a Wildlife Zone and an Equine Arena will keep nature-loving visitors of all ages entertained, while vintage lovers will enjoy the antique farming equipment and traditional fun fair. Countryfile Live at Castle Howard runs from 15-18 August. The
Club-operated campsite will be situated within the grounds of Castle Howard, and Club members can buy entry tickets at ‘early bird’ discounted prices before 31 July 2019. The campsite will include showers and toilets, drinking water and waste disposal, and it will be open from 14-19 August. Pitches are selling fast, so please see camc.com/countryfilelive if you would like to attend.
Sutton-on-Sea re-opens Popular Lincolnshire Club site Sutton-on-Sea is scheduled to re-open on 19 July 2019* following redevelopment work. Less than a mile from the beach, the site is perfect if you are looking for coastal fun or a dose of fresh sea air. Members can now utilise a brand-new toilet block, 16 newly-converted serviced pitches, a new motorhome waste point and upgraded service points, additional play equipment in the children’s play area, a refurbished reception and resurfaced roads. Sutton-on-Sea Club site will be open until 4 November 2019 this year, and we encourage members to visit the upgraded site, perhaps taking advantage of the ‘50% off midweek’ or ‘Kids for £1’ discounts on offer. For the latest information, and to book, see camc.com/ searchandbook or call our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. *Date correct at the time of going to press.
CARFEST – DON’T MISS OUT! The family music and motoring events CarFest North and CarFest South will be entertaining thousands of people this summer, and you can camp at either of these hugely popular events at the Club-operated pop-up campsites. CarFest is the brainchild of TV and radio personality Chris Evans, and it’s a must for all automobile fans, with track demonstrations, supercars, hot rods, vintage Formula 1 models and much more to see. What’s more, there will be mouthwatering food demos from celebrity chefs, a circus, a steam fair, a Kids’ Kingdom and live performances from the likes of Beverley Knight, Jools Holland, Texas and Sister Sledge (please note line-ups vary between CarFest North and CarFest South – see carfest.org for the full lists).
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CarFest North takes place at the Bolesworth Estate in Cheshire from 26-28 July, while CarFest South will be at Laverstoke Park Farm in
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Hampshire from 23-25 August. All the information about the Club’s pop-up campsites – which will be sited within the festival grounds – can be
found at camc.com/carfest. As we went to press a limited number of tickets were still available – so don’t delay if you would like to go!
York to host October AGM The Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 2pm on Saturday 26 October 2019 at the York Racecourse Conference Centre, York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX. The business to be transacted shall be in accordance with Bye-Law 14.4, ie consideration of the accounts, balance sheets, the report of the Executive Committee and (where applicable) the auditor’s report, including their appointment and the fixing of their remuneration by the Executive Committee on behalf of the members. Nominations for office and notices of motion are also invited in accordance with Bye-Laws 16, 17 and 18, and must be received by the Director General not later than Saturday 31 August 2019. The agenda, together with the Annual Report and Financial Statements, will be published in the October issue of the Club magazine and on the website. Full members have a right to vote on key matters affecting the Club, which can be done online or by post. If Full
members would prefer to vote in person, we would be delighted to see you at the AGM. Other categories of members are also very welcome to attend, but are unable to vote. A Full member is entitled to appoint another person as his/her proxy to exercise all or any of his/her rights to attend, speak and vote at the Meeting in accordance with Bye-Law 19. Details about the voting arrangements will be sent out by email to members in September and will also be in the October Magazine. The Club’s Articles and Bye-laws can be found on the Club’s website. The Club’s East Yorkshire Centre will be organising a rally at the Racecourse (pictured), adjacent to the venue, from 23-27 October, with a warm welcome promised for all who would like to come along. Please note that spaces are limited but still available at the time of going to press. EHU will be available and you can walk into the centre of York in around 20 minutes. Further details including booking information can be found at eastyorkshirecentre.co.uk.
Brian Richardson We are sad to report that Brian Richardson, the Club’s Executive Secretary from 1999 to 2010, passed away on 28 April 2019 aged 69. Prior to joining the Club, Brian had a successful career as a Commander in the Royal Navy, seeing active service in both the Falklands conflict and the first Gulf War before heading up the 70 units of the Southern Area Sea Cadet Corps from 1995 to 1999. Within the Club, Brian was responsible for managing governance, including all Committee, Annual Members’ and Annual General Meetings, as well as Club Council. His department also looked after the 69 Club centres, and as a
www.camc.com
result he was widely known and respected across the organisation. An inspiring advocate for caravanning and motoring, Brian helped to raise the Club’s profile in the tourism industry. He represented the Club by providing responses to Government consultations on all manner of relevant issues and was a regular on the judging panel for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. The Club sends its sincere condolences to his wife Jacquie, sons James and Oliver and their families.
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS HEADLINES
In brief Motorists in Great Britain can use a new DVSA online service to obtain a free copy of an MOT certificate if they’ve lost theirs, instead of paying an MOT centre up to £10 for one. Certificates issued after 20 May 2018 can now be viewed, printed and saved by visiting gov.uk/replace-motcertificate. You will need your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit reference number from the vehicle’s log book (V5C). Dorset theme park Adventure Wonderland was recently named Best Family Attraction, Best Value Attraction and Best Party Venue in a survey of readers by Primary Times, the magazine distributed to primary schools across the UK and Ireland. The nearest Club site is New Forest and Club members can enjoy a three-for-the-price-of-two entry deal at the park – see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more information.
SHOWTIME
Pick your favourite dog-friendly sites
JULY 5-7 Monmouthshire: The South Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show, Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk) 19-21 Norfolk: The Norfolk Campervan and Motorhome Show, Norfolk Showground, Norwich (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk) 26-28 Devon: The Caravan and Motorhome Show, Exeter Racecourse, Exeter (Apple Tree Exhibitions, details as above)
The Club is launching a brand new ‘Paws of Approval’ campaign, which will see our best UK dog-friendly sites given a ‘paw rating’ – as voted for by members (or AUGUST your four-legged friends). 16-18 Worcestershire: The Over 40% of Club members own dogs, and this initiative has been designed Western Motorhome Show, to highlight the sites that best cater best for your faithful pooches, such as those Three Counties Showground, with accessible dog walks and dog washes. Using a rating system of ‘one paw’ Malvern (Warners Group, details to ‘five paws’, the sites that go the extra mile for canine guests will be as above) recognised and easily identifiable. Harvey Alexander, the Club’s Director of Marketing, said: “We know there is Note: details subject to change – please a high demand from dog owners and we already state on our website telephone event Africa which sites are dog friendly. However, this is the first time we have asked organisers in tour offer: members for their feedback to help us formally rate sites. The ‘paw’ advance for up-to-date Save £200 per person on logo will make it immediately visible which sites are judged the best.” info. selected escorted tours of If you would like to rate your favourite site, please fill in the survey Southern Africa when sent after your stay and give your Paws of Approval. booked by 31 July 2019. Check out our dog product special on pages 72-73. See camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 779 349 for more information
From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection Huddersfield-based van converter Wellhouse Leisure has opened a second branch in Redruth, Cornwall. Customers will be able to order and collect any Wellhouse new or used camper from the Redruth facility, which will also stock four or five new campers. See wellhouseleisure.com for details. Contrary to information on page 52 of the June magazine, please note that ferry crossings from the UK mainland to Dún Laoghaire are no longer possible – thank you to the members who pointed out the error.
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The Club is the proud owner and custodian of the first caravan made purely for leisure. The Wanderer, built in 1884/1885, is displayed at Broadway Club site in Worcestershire. Even though caravans were available after this date for hire or built to order, caravanning remained a pastime almost exclusively for the wealthy until after the First World War. 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the first caravans made commercially to meet an increasing demand. Surplus military materials from the war were widely available to budding entrepreneurs. Ex-servicemen, such as Richard St Barbe Baker, bought up items like aircraft wheels and wood at cheap prices. Baker formed the
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Navarac (‘Caravan’ backwards) Caravan Company in 1919. Cars were rapidly replacing horses for towing and, after only 12 months, Baker’s designs were already being superseded by lighter, two-wheeled vans, more suited to towing by cars. The famous caravan company, Eccles, also formed in 1919, originally as Eccles Motor Transport Ltd, when W A J Riley and his son W J (Bill) Riley took on a Birmingham haulage business run by H A Eccles. They saw caravan manufacturing as a means to boost the business. Riley senior believed motorcaravans were the future but Bill had seen the uses made of trailer caravans during his time with the
Royal Flying Corps. The Dowager Countess Rhondda, a leading industrial figure in South Wales, purchased their first van and this success encouraged the Rileys to expand into mass production. Find out more about the Club Collection by visiting nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/ collections/camc-collection or follow us on Twitter @camccollection. Richard Noyce
NEWS HEADLINES
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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS HEADLINES
In brief You recommend… Certificated Locations on islands Members staying at the Club’s Bladon Chains site may be interested in the awardwinning Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, which will be popping up in the adjacent grounds of Blenheim Palace between 8 July and 7 September. Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III and A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed, while a ‘Shakespearean Village’ will provide food, drinks and ‘wagon’ entertainment. See blenheimpalace.com for details and tickets. Thousands visited Salop Leisure’s West Midlands Caravan, Motorhome and Destinations Show at the end of May. As well as being a showcase for leisure vehicles and related products, the show managed to raise £600 for the charity, Shropshire Mind. The National Caravan Council (NCC) has produced a new set of model terms and conditions for tourer and motorhome dealerships in the UK. The new conditions will ensure that dealer members of the NCC will continue to operate fairly within current consumer legislation and deliver high levels of customer satisfaction. At present the NCC has more than 100 touring caravan and motorhome dealerships in membership. A new Haynes manual entitled Van Life is a ’practical guide to living life on the road‘, containing buying and refit advice, travel tips and details of spectacular routes. Fully illustrated, it can be purchased for £12.99 from haynes.com.
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Jane on final leg of ‘Victory Walk’ A Club member nearing the end of a major fundraising effort has her own unusual interpretation of the phrase ‘a long, circular walk’. Having served in the Royal Naval Reserve for 37 years, Commander Jane Allen (pictured) hasn’t exactly been taking it easy during her retirement. Instead, she has been raising money for two naval charities by walking around the UK mainland coast, a journey that will see her cover an incredible 5,500 miles in total when completed. Called the ‘Victory Walk’, Jane – accompanied by husband Frank in a support motorhome – set off from HMS Victory in Portsmouth in October 2017, trekking anti-clockwise, and by mid-May this year she had covered over 4,500 miles. In Scotland alone she wore out four pairs of boots! It hasn’t always been ‘plain sailing’. A fracture and severe shoulder dislocation on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path sidelined Jane for 10 weeks
and also led to a period of shorter daily distances during her recuperation. Reflecting on the walk to date, she said: “My highlights have been amazing views from Beachy Head; chancing upon countless monuments and memorials; walking 22 seaside piers; crossing the Thames on Westminster Bridge; reaching the UK’s most easterly, northerly and westerly points at Lowestoft, Dunnet Head and Ardnamurchan Point respectively; breaking my first 1,000-mile barrier at Skegness; clicking 2,000 miles in Wick; reaching John o’ Groats and turning south at Cape Wrath; hitting 3,000 miles at Campbeltown and 4,000 miles at Nant Gwrtheyrn in north west Wales.” Jane will be staying at Club sites where convenient during the final leg of her odyssey, so look out for her if you’re touring on England’s south-west coast. She is raising money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Women’s Royal Naval Service
n “Welcoming and beautifullykept gardens... the views are spectacular and sunrise on our last morning was stunning.” (Pool Farmhouse CL, South Ronaldsay, Orkney) n “This has to be the best CL we have stayed on for years. Great facilities and level, easy-access pitches from which everyone has stunning views” (Gorsgoch Farm CL, Holyhead, Anglesey) n “Lovely, friendly, helpful owners. Great unspoilt part of the island.” (The Bungalow CL, Freshwater, Isle of Wight) n “A really useful base for central Skye at a fair price, which included hook-up, hardstanding pitches with their own water taps, shower, loo and free Wi-Fi.” (Merkadale CL, Carbost, Isle of Skye) n “Could have spent our entire 3-week trip round Scotland in this little piece of heaven... we truly fell in love with Arran and this lovely CL site. Very clean and tidy – and the views!” (Ardlui CL, King’s Cross, Isle of Arran)
Benevolent Trust – to sponsor Jane please visit virginmoneygiving.com/ victorywalk17-18. You can also find out more about her endeavours at victorywalk.uk.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club Concert Band (CAMCCB) at their Spring rehearsal rally – some members of the band can be seen sporting their ‘home band’ uniforms (photo by Ian Clowes). The band has plenty of plans for the future, including a trip abroad to perform at a music festival and the production of a new CD (which will be the third by the CAMCCB). The band meets several times a year for rehearsal weekends and concerts (eg at the National and regional rallies). If you would like to join or if you would like more information, please contact Ian by email (ian@goldy.uk).
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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MEMBER DISCOUNT
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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
20% OFF
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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March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS UK SITES
Summer’s here! You can enjoy summer breaks at Club sites from just £15 per night or £105 per week. The only decisions you need to make are where and when to go...
The first long-term weather forecasts for this summer suggested that one or two heatwaves will see the UK basking in warm temperatures like last year – so, assuming we do see a repeat of 2018’s scorching spells, it could be another touring season to remember.
Whether you’re looking to get away from it all at the weekend or searching for the perfect week-long summer holiday, there are some great sites that won’t break the bank when you book your pitch. Ten of these are listed below, but you can see a bigger
selection at camc.com/summer adults (sites that are also popular with adult couples, solo tourers, etc) and camc.com/summerfamily (sites ideal for families). Whether you’re hitting the beaches with the kids and their buckets and
spades, exploring the countryside with a loved one or simply aiming to stretch out and relax with a good book, we hope you have a wonderful summer... and don’t forget to share tales and pictures of your travels with us using #inspiringadventures!
Top picks for families Children love a seaside holiday, so why not consider a week at Cornwall’s St Agnes Beacon Club site (£186.20†), which overlooks the coast and offers easy access to beaches and towns such as Perranporth and St Ives (pictured below). Alternatively, Sutton-on-Sea Club site (£182†) in Lincolnshire is less than a mile from the beach and you can also play tennis or go bowling nearby. Representing great value for a week’s family holiday at £179.20†, Forfar Lochside Club site in Angus is adjacent to a children’s play area,
Prices are based on stays over the summer months. All sites have availability at the time of going to press.
pitch and putt, crazy golf and football pitches, while the loch itself is great to walk around. White House Beach Club site (£228.90†) in Suffolk offers more seaside delights – in fact you’d be hard pushed to find a pitch nearer to a beach anywhere in the UK. Nearby, the Africa Alive! animal park and Pleasurewood Hills theme park offer entertaining days out. † All prices are per week for two adults, two children and one pitch. (Divide by seven for the per-night price.)
Our ‘Tour for Less for £15’ sites are just £15 per night or £105 per week for a pitch and up to two adults and four children all year round, including this summer! Why not try Nunnykirk Club site in Northumberland? Rated ‘five stars’ online by fellow members, it’s near to National Trust sites and the impressive Alnwick Castle. Alternatively, consider spending time at Aberbran Club site in Powys. With the Brecon Beacons on your
Sandy and Irene Young
Tour for Less for £15
doorstep you’ll be able to see some of the finest scenery in Wales. You can see a full list of Tour for Less for £15 sites at camc.com/tourforless.
Top picks for adults/couples Balbirnie Park Club site (£19.30*) in Fife is located within 400 acres of parkland, so it’s perfect for dog owners, cyclists and keen walkers; some paths are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A similar price at Herefordshire’s Moorhampton Club site (£20.70*) may tempt you to the Wye Valley, the Black Mountains and the West Country’s charming cathedral cities. Or, for just £23.70*, Modbury Club site in Devon might appeal. Sandy coves are within easy reach to the south, while the vast expanse of Dartmoor National Park lies to the north. For the more adventurous, White Water Park Club site (£28.90*) in County Durham is adjacent to the largest white water canoeing and rafting course in Britain (pictured). Perfect if you want to cool off during the hottest summer days! *All prices are per night for two adults and one pitch.
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine
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COLUMN MARTIN DOREY
Cook The Campervan
Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journey around the UK. This month – celebrating Ireland’s shellfish with a Spanish twist My partner Lizzy told me that I’d be even more unbearable if we went to County Cork’s Blarney Castle and I kissed the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who do so immediately get the gift of the gab – and apparently I have plenty of chat already. Who knew? In the end we didn’t get to do the full puckeringup thing during our continuing Irish adventure, but we did stay nearby at the Blarney Caravan & Camping Park – and very nice it was too. We were on our way back to Rosslare, to catch the ferry, and had decided to take a ‘slow road’ route from the Beara Peninsula to Cork via Glengarriff and the Lee Valley. Since we’d bought some lovely shellfish in the busy fishing port of Castletownbere, we decided to
celebrate the end of the trip with a paella. way to travel. Getting to Dursey, even without the We absolutely loved the Beara Peninsula cable car, is an adventure in itself. On the way because it felt completely different from the Ring you pass through mountains and alongside of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula to the north. beautiful, deserted beaches, down tiny, single There were fewer tourists, quieter roads and track lanes with very little traffic. lovely scenery. We also found a pub with the It’s the same as you follow the Lee Valley. finest view ever, at Eyeries, which was about The area around the River Lee’s source, in the Shehy Mountains, is beautiful, and the as good as it gets. drive into Blarney by campervan is At the end of the peninsula lies Dursey Island, which you can get CUT OUT gentle and relaxing. No point in rushing, right? to by cable car (the only one in Ireland). It looks a bit rickety but I am assured it’s a perfectly safe
AND KEEP
RECIPES
RECIPE No.18
An easy paella Serves four Ingredients
The Cook recommends...
Causkey’s Bar in Eyeries. Once you’re inside you’ll soon see the reason why it’s one of my favourites: the picture window at the end of the bar looks out on an absolutely stunning vista. Have a pint and savour.
And as a drink and snack...
They say the Guinness is the finest in Ireland, so start with a pint of that. Accompanied by a bag of Hunky Dory’s salt and vinegar crisps. A divine mid-afternoon snack, with a view to die for.
MEMBER SINCE...
Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016
www.camc.com
1 litre chicken stock 4 chicken thighs 1 tbsp oil ped 1 chorizo stick, chop d pe op ch ely fin , 1 onion chopped 1 clove garlic, finely eded and chopped 1 red pepper, dese e 300g paella ric paprika ½ tsp hot smoked s wn 8 large raw pra ed mussels 2 handfuls of clean d lemon wedges an ey Chopped parsl
paprika. pan, along with the Tip the rice into the en and ick ch the d ad xt, Season and stir. Ne and stock until the rice chorizo and add the require all of n’t wo it – ed erg chicken are subm continue a simmer and then the liquid. Bring to nutes. mi heat for around 10 to cook over a low ck. sto re t, add mo If it starts to dry ou Method d s and th boiling water an tes, add the prawn wi nu ck mi sto 10 ur ter yo Af ke Ma Again, e. e. sid ric e on the to o it them int be. Keep mussels, pushing a chicken stock cu mer for frying sim ge d lar an (or ary n ss pa ce ella ne if Heat the oil in a pa add more stock oil. re all the stock is icken thighs in the 10 minutes to ensu er oth an pan) and cook the ch xt, Ne eck the . de that it’s too dry). Ch the pan and put asi absorbed (but not Remove them from els ve ss mo mu Re . the t tes nu tha ed and a few mi prawns have cook cook the chorizo for ain chicken. rem t the tha th y wi an t de ea asi t n’t have opened (do from the pan and pu make aining th torn parsley and e minutes in the rem closed). Garnish wi er Fry the onion for fiv pp pe red d an . rlic es ga dg the we d on Ad it pretty with lem fat, until browned. nutes. ing for a couple of mi and stir while cook July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TOURING UK SITES
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
QUICK, QUICK,
SLOW
Blackpool Tower and seafront at night
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Paul Melling/Alamy
Jonathan Manning mixes high-energy excitement with peaceful reflection on a seven-site tour starting near Blackpool’s famous tower and ballroom
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TOURING UK SITES
1 Blackpool South Club Site Hedges separate many of the pitches on this level, out-of-town site, which is an ideal basecamp for exploring the attractions of Blackpool and Lytham. Pitches: 95 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019
“...a cocktail of excitement and fun pulses through the veins of Blackpool, from the exhilarating Pleasure Beach theme park to the iconic Tower”
Member view “Like all Club sites it’s really well kept. We came last year and promised our grandchildren we would take them to a football match, so we’ve come back to watch Blackpool.” Maureen and Eric Arscott, caravanners from Greater Manchester
Site staff view “The Lytham Festival, from 10 to 14 July, is amazing!” [This year’s line-up includes The Human League, Stereophonics, Kylie and Rod Stewart.] Julie and Glen Rothney
Food & drink Dahlia’s Kitchen, Cropper Road, Blackpool FY4 5LB Contact: dahliaskitchen.co.uk, 01253 761499
Culture Opera House Theatre, Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HL Contact: wintergardensblackpool.co.uk, 01253 625252 Adrenaline rush: Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park
Outdoor fun Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY4 1EZ Contact: blackpoolpleasurebeach.com, 0333 003 2212
For the family The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, The Blackpool Tower, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool FY1 4BJ Contact: thedungeons.com Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide
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GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
I
t’s the eve of a bank holiday weekend in Blackpool and a procession of caravans and motorhomes is rolling into town. At Blackpool South Club site the pitches have been edged, the chippings raked and the leaflets in the information kiosk replenished. It’s going to be a busy few days… actually, make that a busy few weeks and months. The Blackpool season starts gathering momentum at Easter and intensifies through summer before the famous illuminations light up the autumn nights, keeping the Club site busy until it closes in November.
Blackpool South offers sanctuary from the exuberance of the party town, as it is tucked away in a leafy spot about three miles from the heart of the resort’s action. But that beating heart – the seafront – is something of a wonder: mile after mile of sand and raised boardwalk invite you to meander up and down, either on foot or on the silent trams that patrol the main drag. Some of the hotels that gaze out to the Irish Sea look a little forlorn, but a heady cocktail of excitement and fun undoubtedly pulses through Blackpool’s veins, from the exhilarating Pleasure Beach theme park to the iconic Tower. www.camc.com
2 Southport Club Site Within walking distance of the thriving coastal town’s many attractions, this site has proven so popular it has recently been extended. Pitches: 171 | Open: all year
Member view “There’s very easy access to the town to catch a train to Liverpool and Manchester. We like to cycle the coast road, which is flat and not at all arduous.” Ron Wilkinson, caravanner from Midlothian
Site view “The British Musical Fireworks Championship takes place in Victoria Park, just behind the site, in September.” Colin and Fiona Kenny
Food & drink Bistro Bar Med, 7 Coronation Walk, Southport PR8 1RD Contact: bistrobarmed.com, 01704 512009
Culture
Stephen Lee
GREAT British Lawnmower Museum, SAVINGS 106-112 Shakespeare Street, GUIDE Southport PR8 5AJ Contact: lawnmowerworld.com, 01704 501336 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Outside Madame Tussauds, teenagers squeal with delight at selfies taken on their smartphones with waxy versions of Ed Sheeran and Jodie ‘Dr Who’ Whittaker, while the afternoon tea dance at the Tower Ballroom (of Strictly fame), is a more sedate affair. Loud music pumps out across the promenade, the soundtrack of a town that comes alive at night, though incongruous during the daytime. If you’d rather listen to something gentler, an avian musical chorus can be found down the coast to the south, the skies above Martin Mere Wetland Centre a flurry of activity during the www.camc.com
breeding season. The lapwings win the aerial acrobatics contest, displaying outstanding agility. A wooden canoe unearthed from Martin Mere’s mud has been carbon dated way back to 535AD, evidence that mankind has been fishing these wetlands for millennia. The ancient vessel hangs on display at The Atkinson, a building in nearby Southport where, under one roof, there’s a museum, gallery, library, theatre and highly regarded café – A Great Little Place – which employs a number of staff with autism. The building is the jewel in the crown of Lord Street, where an enticing array of colonnades,
Outdoor fun Southport Pier, Promenade, Southport Contact: visitsouthport.com
For the family Southport Model Railway Village, Lower Promenade, Kings Gardens, Southport PR8 1QX Contact: southportmodelrailwayvillage.co.uk, 01704 538001
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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THE ALL NEW MITSUBISHI
SHOGUN SPORT
Member Offer
UP TO 3.1 TONNE MAX TOW¹
EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MEMBERS 2 • 16% DISCOUNT OFF LIST PRICE EXCL VAT • FREE TOWBAR2
The all new Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is the 4WD SUV for you. Its impressive 3.1 tonne maximum towing capacity1 combined with loads of adaptable space and innovative safety features make it the perfect vehicle whatever your load. Plus with exclusive offers available for Caravan and Motorhome Club members1, this versatile, 7 seat, 4WD SUV really is as talented as it is tough.
Book a test drive Shogun Sport fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban 27.2 (10.4), Extra Urban 37.2 (7.6), Combined 32.8 (8.6), CO2 emissions 227 g/km.
1. 3100kg is the Manufacturer’s braked towing capacity. 2. 16% customer discount offer (based on list price excluding VAT) is only available on Shogun Sport variants, both car and commercial, registered between 28th March and 26th September 2019. Towbar offer available at participating Mitsubishi dealers on new qualifying vehicles registered between 28th March and 26th September 2019, but may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Includes 13-pin electrics and fitting. Fixed tow bar only. Retail customers only. A valid Caravan and Motorhome Club membership card must be produced with at least 3 months of membership to receive the offer. A copy of the card and membership details will be taken as proof of eligibility and for audit purposes. Such audit purposes will include providing a copy of the card to the Colt Car Company Limited (trading as Mitsubishi Motors in the UK), to be used in accordance with its privacy notice: www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/company/data-protection/. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Mitsubishi consumer offer and is available to UK residents only. Shogun Sport air conditioning system contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Chemical name: HFC-134a. Pre-chased weight: 0.79kg. Global-warming potential ratio: 1430. Converted CO₂ weight: 1.13t. Fuel figures shown are official EU test figures, to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
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TOURING UK SITES Dell Bridge, Port Sunlight
3 Lyons Farm Certificated Location Conveniently situated close to the M58, this sheltered, lush site with electric hook-up and drinking water for each pitch is a great launch pad for Liverpool. Open: all year Contact: 07815 946288 Sites Directory & Handbook p403
Site view
DID YOU KNOW?
The immaculately-kept site arcades and flowerbeds woo You can find the most sits next to a public park holidaymakers away from the up-to-date details of the offering play equipment for seafront, at which the sands featured sites on the Club children and a miniature beckon families with buckets website. Alternatively, and spades. turn to the relevant pages railway for kids of all ages! Southport Club site is in your Sites LIVERPOOL BOUND towards the southern end of Directory. Trains head frequently from town, not that it’s an arduous walk Southport towards Liverpool, but I hop to reach the attractions. Dunes Splash behind the wheel and drive in that direction, World – a fitness centre and water park – is on stopping at Lyons Farm CL, where tall hedges the doorstep, while the beach and coastal shelter a grassy paddock. Site owner Chris walks are easily accessed. Gittens has lived here since the 1950s, and has Colin and Fiona Kenny, the site staff, had planted over 300 trees in recent years, creating been visiting Southport as campers for a decade an attractive dog walk for campers. before being posted to this Lancashire resort. The proximity of the site to Liverpool is an “There are events on throughout the year,” enormous plus, with trains running every quarter says Fiona, singling out Southport’s flower show of an hour from Maghull station (just a mile (August), air show (September) and musical away) into the city. The journey takes just fireworks competition (September) as three to look out for. 20 minutes and costs a bargain £3.40 return.
“You can catch a train to Liverpool from Maghull, which is only a mile walk away. Trains run every quarter of an hour and only take 20 minutes.” Jean and Chris Gittens
Food & drink Scrummies Café, 14-15 Treeview Court, Station Road, Maghull L31 3HF Contact: scrummiescafe.co.uk, 0151 345 6209
Culture
“Dive into the eye-catching (and free) Museum of Liverpool”
Tate Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB Contact: tate.org.uk/liverpool, 0151 702 7400
Outdoor fun Another Place by Antony Gormley, Mariners Road, Crosby Beach, Liverpool L23 6SX Contact: visitliverpool.com
For the family
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens WA10 1BX Contact: worldofglass.com, 01744 22766 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TOURING UK SITES
4 Chester Fairoaks Club Site This popular, immaculately maintained site has numerous attractions within walking distance, while Chester is just a short bus ride away. Pitches: 96 | Open: all year Share your love of the great outdoors with friends and family – tent camping available here.
Member view “This is a great site in a convenient location and really well kept. Our hobby is wildlife photography so we will go to Chester Zoo.” Glyn Naylor, motorhomer from Greater Manchester The Beatles Statue, Liverpool Pier Head
Site staff view
“As sunlight dances on the Mersey, the biggest crowds linger around a lifesize sculpture of The Beatles”
“The National Boat [Waterways] Museum at Ellesmere Port is a fascinating place to visit.” Sharon and Dominic Van Den Bos
Food & drink The Galley Restaurant, 1 South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW Contact: thegalleyep.com, 0151 355 1163
Culture GRE
AT Ness Botanic Gardens, SAVINGS GUIDE University of Liverpool, Neston Road, Ness CH64 4AY Contact: liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens, 0151 795 6300 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Outdoor fun Sandy Lane Park and Aqua Park, Sandy Lane, Chester CH3 5UL Contact: yourwestcheshire.co.uk, 0300 123 8123
For the family Chester Zoo, Upton-byChester, Chester CH2 1LH Contact: chesterzoo.org, 01244 380280
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Liverpool feels like a city with the bit between its teeth, the redevelopment of the waterfront and Royal Albert Dock giving it a big lift. As I dive into the eye-catching (and free) Museum of Liverpool, it doesn’t take me long to realise that my tick-list of attractions is wildly overambitious. There’s so much to see and do. The John & Yoko ‘Double Fantasy’ exhibition, which runs until November, offers a fresh perspective for any fans of The Beatles who think they’ve seen it all, although it’s the First World War collection that lingers longest with me – it’s a touching insight into how ordinary people on the Liverpool home front endured the conflict. Sitting in a café watching boats bob in the Albert Dock, I lose my sense of the time and miss my chance to go to Tate Liverpool. However, there’s still an eclectic mix of exhibits to see along the waterfront, from a statue of 1950s rocker Billy Fury (a local lad who worked on tug boats before finding fame) to a vividly striped ‘Dazzle Ship’ and the propeller of RMS Lusitania, Lusitania the ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915. As sunlight dances on the Mersey, the biggest crowds linger around
a life-sized sculpture of The Beatles, the original Fab Four still proving to be a massive hit. Driving south through the Mersey tunnel, it feels a shame to leave Liverpool behind with so many attractions still to see, including the Metropolitan Cathedral with its kaleidoscopic stained glass, the huge Liverpool Cathedral and the homes of both Liverpool and Everton football clubs. CHESTER DRAWS Rolling into Chester Fairoaks Club site, however, it’s hard to feel glum for long. Dappled light quicksteps across flawless pitches as a steady stream of caravans and motorhomes check in. This is one of the busiest sites on the Club’s network, and with good cause. Chester offers compelling year-round attractions, from shops in its famous medieval ‘Rows’ to its zoo. The heart of the city is encircled by fabulous Roman walls, from which you can enjoy arresting views, and the vistas stretch even further from the top of the Cathedral’s 125ft-tall tower. Getting a clear view of the 1,000-year old edifice itself, however, is challenging, as newer www.camc.com
April 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
TOURING UK SITES
5 Stonyford Cottage
Gardens and Nursery Certificated Location
This adults-only CL is a grassy, tree-lined paddock, offering water, toilet, and electric hook-ups. It neighbours Stonyford Gardens and Nursery, which has a tea room. Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct 2019 Contact: 01606 888970 Sites Directory & Handbook p286
Site view “We hold two plant fairs here at the nursery every year and open air theatre productions in August (Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors and Quentin Blake’s Mister Magnolia). For walkers, the Oakmere Way leads all the way to Delamere Forest.” Philip Overland
Food & drink The Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9NE Contact: theicecreamfarm.co.uk
Culture Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Chapel Lane, Beeston CW6 9TX Contact: english-heritage.org.uk, 01829 260464 Illustration: Louise Turpin
Outdoor fun GREAT
VINGS RSPB Dee Estuary Nature Reserve, SA GUIDE Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Ln, Burton, Neston CH645SF Contact: rspb.org.uk, 0151 353 2720 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
For the family GREAT
SAVINGS Go Ape Delamere Forest, Forest GUIDE Park, Northwich CW8 2JD Contact: goape.co.uk, 01603 895500 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
buildings have squeezed up to its walls. So I’m grateful for a Lego model in an aisle behind the choir stalls, which is a work-in-progress brick-by-brick recreation of the entire cathedral complex. A £1 donation buys a brick to add to the construction as part of a fundraising initiative. Peering over the model, I gaze into the cloisters, nave, choir, and lady chapel, gaining a rare sense of architectural perspective on one of the finest buildings in the UK. But Chester is not all about ancient monuments. There are credit card-melting retail opportunities in the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet centre, while events to look out for include CarFest (26-28 July 2019) and the Chester Marathon (6 October 2019), for which the Club site is a very useful basecamp. The staff organise on-site events to enliven weekends too, from a hog roast to a farmers’ market to a Halloween tour, during which
giant webs cover reception and staff wear spooky costumes. The gravitational pull of Chester can still be felt half an hour to the east of the city at Stonyford Cottage Gardens and Nursery CL, a tree-lined site that is home to a tea room and wonderful, walled wetland garden. Small marsh marigolds add a dash of yellow to the murky ponds, while wooden walkways lead visitors through a jungle of willow and alder. Site owner Philip Overland likens it to the Florida Everglades. Tamer woodland within the nearby Delamere Forest offers up superb walking and cycling opportunities. Driving west in the towcar, the road signs swiftly become bilingual as I approach Chapel House, at present the only Certificated Location in Flintshire. It enjoys a wonderfully rural location surrounded by gorse and grazing sheep, www.camc.com
6 Chapel House
travelbild / Alamy
Certificated Location
Clockwise from left: the River Dee in Chester; aqueduct and viaduct side-by-side at Chirk; Southport’s pier
Situated at the end of a long, straight road, there’s only the bleating of lambs and birdsong to break the peace at this CL, which has electric hook-ups and free Wi-Fi. Open: all year Contact: 01352 771621 Sites Directory and Handbook p544
Site view “Take the triangle trip with Mersey Ferries. Catch a ferry from Seacombe, where there’s free parking, to Woodside and the U-Boat Story museum, then hop on a ferry to Pier Head and the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, before sailing back to Seacombe.” Tony Pearce
Food & drink Llandegla Fishery Café, Casgan Ditw, Llandegla, Wrexham LL11 3AA Contact: llandeglafishery.com, 01978 755851
Culture Erdigg, Wrexham LL13 0YT Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01978 355314
DID YOU KNOW? yet has a Wi-Fi dish so guests can keep up to date with their social media accounts. A large, fenced field provides a safe place for dogs to run free, while footpaths radiate from the site.
ON YOUR BIKE Just a couple of miles away are the exhilarating mountain bike trails of Llandegla Forest. Here you will find the full range of biking tracks, coded from easy green to terrifying black – this is not a place to suffer colour blindness. Muddy men wearing knee and elbow protection sport the weary smiles of survivors as they amble into the excellent café, where the flapjacks could feed a family of four. Chapel House owner Tony Pearce presents guests with a four-inch deep welcome pack of maps, takeaway menus and leaflets related to www.camc.com
visitor attractions. He’s been a caravanner himself for half a century and has a profound understanding of what makes for a good tour. Locally, he recommends a trip to Port Sunlight, the Wirral village built by philanthropic soap magnate William Lever for his workers, where there’s parkland, rose gardens and a museum. An alternative outing might involve a triangular ferry trip across the Mersey from Seacombe to Woodside and Liverpool’s Pier Head. Sailing without humming along to Gerry and the Pacemakers is like trying to eat a sugared doughnut without licking your lips. Steering the bonnet south, I head through Welsh border country to the attractive town of Chirk, where there’s a butcher, baker and a greengrocer standing in for the candlestick
You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly
Outdoor fun GREAT
Mud Mayhem Wrexham, address SAVINGS GUIDE is confirmed when booking Contact: mudmayhem.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
For the family One Planet Adventure (mountain biking), Coed Llandegla Forest, Ruthin Rd, Llandegla LL11 3AA Contact: oneplanetadventure.com, 01978 751656
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
33
TOURING UK SITES
7 Lady Margaret’s Park
Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Club Site This lovely leafy site, awash with bluebells in May, is within easy walking distance of Chirk and the Llangollen Canal. Pitches: 103 | Open: all year
Member view
Roger Cope/Alamy
“Cycle along the canal towpath to Horseshoe Falls and then back for refreshments at the Poachers, by the canal just south of Chirk.” Annie Wallace and Ron Hielkema, motorhomers from Scottish Borders
Site view “The British Ironwork Centre and Sculpture Park, just down the A5 past Oswestry, is a great day out – craft shops, workshops and sculptures made from iron and steel.” John Wright
Food & drink Aqueduct Inn, Holyhead Road, Froncysyllte LL20 7PY Contact: 01691 777118
Culture Chirk Castle, Chirk LL14 5AF Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01691 777701
maker. Lady Margaret’s Park Club site is just a five-minute walk from the town centre, shaded by blissful strands of broadleaf woodland, where two red kites are nesting. There’s a set of magnificently ornate iron gates next to the driveway to the site, guarding a pedestrian and cyclist entrance to Chirk Castle, a formidable 13th-century fortress that became a rather lavish palace at the turn of the 17th century. It’s now run by the National Trust (£15 for non-NT members to enter), and boasts topiaried gardens and far-reaching views over the parkland.
at Chirk are arguably even more photogenic – the impressive aqueduct overshadowed by the taller railway line viaduct that runs alongside. I cast my mind back to the exhilarating rides and attractions at Blackpool and Southport, and the museums of Liverpool; then to the thrills of mountain biking at Delamere Forest and Llandegla, before the peace of canalside Chirk. Quick, quick, slow… quick, quick, slow… it seems extremely appropriate for a tour that started at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom.
STAR ATTRACTION Fast-forwarding from medieval times to the Industrial Revolution, there’s another star attraction on Lady Margaret’s doorstep in the form of the Llangollen Canal. Cycling the wide, flat towpath to the north leads to the spellbinding Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, where 19 towering arches support a ‘flying’ channel of water, 126ft above the River Dee valley. The tunnel and aqueduct
Outdoor fun Cycling | Lôn Clwyd – Rhyl to St Asaph
LLangollen Wharf (boat trips), Wharf Hill, Llangollen LL20 8TA Contact: horsedrawnboats.co.uk,01978 860702
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Llangollen Railway, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN Contact: llangollen-railway.co.uk, 01978 860979 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
34X
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Premier / Alamy
For the family
Experience Denbighshire with this seven-mile ride from the coastal resort of Rhyl. Avoid the busy bridge in town by starting near the Glan Morfa Community Woodland, keeping your eyes peeled for lapwings and redshanks as you follow the traffic-free path to the river. Taking in inspiring views of the Clwydian Range AONB, follow the route to Rhuddlan and pass through the local nature reserve. Then it’s on to St Asaph with its impressive 14th-century cathedral (pictured). Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/lon-clwydrhyl-st-asaph
www.camc.com
TOURING UK SITES
www.camc.com
March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
13
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 ENGLAND CUMBRIA PENRITH (9m NE) – Mains Farm, Mr Robert Pickthall, Kirkoswald, Penrith CA10 1DH. 01768 598342; 07957 886778; pickthalls@themainskirkoswald.co.uk; edenvalleycaravan site.co.uk. 54.753104, -2.682293. Open 1 Mar-1 Jan; 1.5 acres; adults only; dogs; grass; enhanced; EHU; commercial site adj; wc (sh); shwr (sh); fr £20 (pitch + all occ).
DERBYSHIRE ASHBOURNE (5m N) – Bassettwood Farm, Mrs Lynn Maule & Mr Gavin Maule, Off Darfield Lane, Tissington DE6 1RD. 07952 432096; 07982 246969; lynn.maule@hotmail.co.uk; bassettwood.co.uk. 53.05792, -1.735525. OAY; 1 acre; adv bkg req; levelling blocks req; 16A; peaceful; views; B&B; dog walk fr site; bus, town & shop within 1m; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).
DORSET WAREHAM (9.4m WNW) – Heatherdown, Anne Colquhoun, Brockhill, Bere Regis, Wareham BH20 7NH. 07849 252140; 01929 471630; anne@tacmusic.com; heatherdown. co.uk. 50.730864, -2.244632. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 0.8 acres; dogs; battery charging; grass; peaceful; B&B; game fishing, coarse fishing, golf & watersports within 5m; fr £10 (pitch + all occ). WIMBORNE MINSTER (8m NE) – Omaha Meadows, Mr Alan & Mrs Jane Bingham, Omaha, Potterne Way, Three Legged Cross, Wimborne BH21 6RS. 07722 209833; firefighterbing@aol. com; omahameadows.com. 50.86716, -1.867536. OAY; 0.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; enhanced; 16A; ideal for families; coarse fishing CL; wc (exc);
WiFi(£); info rm; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing, golf & watersports within 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad + 2 children).
LANCASHIRE GARSTANG (5.5m S) – Moss Lane, Mr Andy and Mrs Lisa Walling, Hallidays Farm, Moss Lane, Bilsborrow PR3 0RU. 07710 815332; 07969 162635; wallang@btinternet. com. 53.843599, -2.768074. OAY; 0.5 acres; dogs; hdstdng; enhanced; 16A; max o’fit length 8mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wc (sh); shwr (sh); WiFi; info rm; dogs walk fr site; town, shop & pub within 1m; game fishing & golf within 5m; fr £17.50 (pitch + all occ).
NORFOLK ATTLEBOROUGH (4.7m NW) – Elm Croft, Mrs Sally Cornwell, Bell Road, Rockland St Peter NR17 1UL. 01953 488690; 07918 674798; elmcroftcl site@gmail.com. 52.540144, 0.922474. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 0.5 acres; adults only; dogs; battery charging; grass; 16A; peaceful; lawned; info rm; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing within 5m; fr £14 (pitch + all occ).
STAFFORDSHIRE STONE (6.6m E) – Woodview, Mrs Claire Wilson, Sherrats Wood Road, Morrilow Heath, Leigh ST10 4PF. 01889 505118; 07974 873014; woodviewsite@gmail.com. 52.912114, -2.021915. OAY; 0.75 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; enhanced; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; lndry facs; dog walk fr site; fr £17 (pitch + all occ).
WILTSHIRE MARLBOROUGH (9.7m SW) – Church Farm, Mr Bryan & Mrs Jacqueline Read, Stanton St Bernard, Marlborough SN8 4LJ. 01672 851326; 07831 168532; bryan.read@ farmline.com. 51.35825, -1.870863. Open 1 Mar-30 Nov; 0.75 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; drive over waste disposal for MH; grass; enhanced; 16A; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub within 1m; game & coarse fishing within 5m; fr £15 (pitch + all occ).
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
36
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
WORCESTERSHIRE PERSHORE (0.8m S) – Goodleigh Hill, Mr & Mrs Matthew & Gina Horton, 1 Pensham Hill, Pershore WR10 3HE. 07866 496076; 01386 555270; matthew.horton@goodleighhill.co.uk; goodleighhill.co.uk. 52.099713, -2.070302. OAY; 1.5 acres; adults only; adv bkg req; dogs; battery charging; hdstdng; enhanced; 16A; peaceful; views; B&B; self-catering acc; WiFi; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing, golf & watersports within 5m; fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).
WALES ANGLESEY AMLWCH (1.4m ESE) – Maen Y Bugail, Mr Emlyn & Mrs Eifiona Hughes, Llaneilan LL68 9LR. 07876 626486; 07799 300180; eleriwilliams12@hotmail.com. 53.40441, -4.319936. OAY; 16 acres; dogs; some sloping pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; max o’fit length 13mtrs; fr £15 (pitch + all occ). BENLLECH (0.2m W) – Sibrwd Y Ffair, Mr Eric and Mrs Louise Pritchard, Tyn Y Gongl, Benllech LL74 8SG. 01248 852114; 07901 688279; ericlloyd@ btinternet.com. 53.322545, -4.231023. Open 1 Mar- 31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; enhanced; 16A; max o’fit length 13mtrs; ideal for families; lawned; self-catering acc; WiFi; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing, golf, watersports & beach within 5m; fr £17 (pitch + 2 ad).
POWYS WELSHPOOL (4m SSW) – Glandir, Mr Graham Davies, Berriew, Welshpool SY21 8AA. 01686 640319; 07483 871368; gdavies91969@gmail.com. 52.613334, -3.180531. OAY, 1.5 acres; dogs; grass; enhanced; 16A; max o’fit length 13mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; rest; bus, town & shop within 1m; golf within 5m; fr £14 (pitch + all occ).
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 with a pub symbol are located on the site of a
public house – some have a pub located nearby (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference number refers to the Directory. 268 MARYPORT – Old Kiln Farm. Change of certificate holder: Vera Williamson. Add mobile: 07747 739442. 438 LYME REGIS – Curlew Farm. Should be under Dorset not Devon. 578 BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER – Lucy’s Field. Has shared wc and shower. 583 CHELTENHAM – Pardon Hill Farm. New email: pardonhillfarm@ icloud.com. 673 RINGWOOD – Upper Kingston Farm. New tel nos: 01425 474466, 07469 732771. 1039 CROMER – Drift Cottage Farm. New owner: Miss Stacey Long. New mobile: 07494 963597. New email: driftcottagebarns@gmail.com. 1362 LANGPORT – Hilltops. Add email: shelley.hilltops@gmail.com. 1846 YORK – Old Station House. Landline no longer in use. New mobile: 07596 640325. 1959 BETTYHILL – Sealladh Na Mara. Plotted in wrong place on the Sites Location Map. CL is in Skerray, Thurso. 1962 DORNOCH – Davochfin Farm. New email: malcolm@lochans.net. P204 NUNNYKIRK CLUB SITE – Knowesgate hotel in the directions has been renamed Greensbury.
CLOSURES The following CLs have closed since publication of the Directory 2019/20 and the June 2019 issue of the magazine unless otherwise stated. 58 HUNTINGDON – Mr S Parsley, Red House Farm 94 FRODSHAM – Ms C M Toler, Yarrangall Green Farm 219 BISHOP AUCKLAND – Mrs E Wilkinson, Carrsides Farm 426 IVYBRIDGE – Mr G & Mrs D Cooper, Windy Ridge 791 TONBRIDGE – Mr W Love, Newbridge Park 888 CAISTOR – Mrs M Roberts, Pelham Arms Farm 956 SCUNTHORPE – Mrs L J Silvester, Roach Farm Park 969 SLEAFORD – Mr M Wood, Wellwood Farm
unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific weight, width or height restrictions. For caravan-friendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites, we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. The reference numbers on this page relate to the 2019/20 edition of the Sites Directory & Handbook.
www.camc.com
STOP TOILET OD URS FAST THE SAFE CHOICE FOR ALL CHEMICAL TOILETS AND CASSETTES For your nearest dealer visit
www.elsan.co.uk
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use www.camc.com
September 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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ACTIVITY BREAKS DOLPHIN SPOTTING
LET’S GO...
Andrew Walmsley/Alamy
DOLPHIN
38
SPOTTING Few sea mammals stir the senses like dolphins, as Andrew Ditton discovered on a recent tour of west Wales
O
ne of the best places in the UK to spot dolphins is Cardigan Bay in west Wales. Shawsmead Club site is conveniently located a few miles from the seaside village of New Quay, from where many dolphin-spotting trips depart. Even better, the Club has got together with New Quay Boat Trips to offer members 20% off the full price of £10 for a one-hour trip or £16 for a two-hour excursion. See camc.com/ greatsavingsguide for more information. To improve my chances of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, I booked myself on the longer trip. Parking by the quayside is limited and there isn’t an awful lot of room for manoeuvre in the narrow streets. A better bet is to park about 10 minutes’ walk away at Church Road pay and display car park. Not only is it motorhome friendly with no height
barriers but you can also (space permitting) park your car and caravan outfit here – very handy if you want to make the most of ‘site departure day’. With a large vehicle, approach the car park from the Synod Inn junction of the A487, not the Llanarth junction. After checking in at the office, boarding the boat is done directly from the jetty if the tide is favourable – otherwise it’s via dinghy transfer. There is no direct access onto the boat for wheelchairs, but if a wheelchair user can be assisted down two steps and sit on a regular bench seat, then they can travel at certain tides. As ever, call ahead for advice. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, so my faithful companion, Dougal, and I took a seat under the sun canopy aboard the open-sided Ermol V on a gloriously sunny spring day.
39
TOURING ACTIVITY BREAKS CLUB SITES DOLPHIN SPOTTING
“...the dolphins put on one last show for us, literally dancing around the boat” Clockwise from above: Ermol V prepares to depart; Andrew and Dougal ready to spot dolphins; expert Sarah on the mic
Jonathan, our enthusiastic skipper, introduced himself, did the necessary safety briefing, and explained how the Marine Code of Conduct would be influencing our experience. In order not to disturb any dolphin behaviour, all boats have to stick to a set itinerary and are not allowed to deviate even if the creatures are spotted. As Jonathan returned to the important business of navigation, he handed over to Sarah who kept us informed and entertained throughout the journey. For younger members of the family, the crew had provided colouring books and crayons – dolphin themed, of course! Within 10 minutes a few of us were sure we had seen dolphins but it turned out to be a flock of razorbills or guillemots that were fooling us – their white sides reflected in the distance as they bobbed about on the ocean. The two-hour trip took us four miles down the coast. It is worth remembering that it’s always cooler at sea and the open sides of the boat allow sea spray to splash up on occasion. I was glad of my pullover and jacket. “Dolphin!” shouted Jonathan almost an hour into the trip. I looked and looked, then suddenly one emerged about five metres in front of me, flashing his fin as if to make sure he or she was being photographed. It was an utterly thrilling experience. Over the next five minutes we stared intently to sea and occasionally saw more dolphins around us. The anticipation and excitement bonded everyone on board (about 40
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
20 of us) and with the dolphins having broken the ice, everyone started chatting to each other. As the pod swam off, we made our way back along the coast, and were soon rewarded with a couple of seal sightings. It always makes me smile to see a seal pop its head out of the water, as if to say: “Yes, may I help you?” Meanwhile, the ledges and sea were awash with kittiwakes, guillemots, cormorants and shags. “We’ve even seen peregrine falcons on occasion,” Sarah told me. Then, as we approached New Quay, the dolphins decided to put on one last show for us, literally dancing around the boat. The atmosphere on board was one of pure joy. Everyone disembarked with a deeper appreciation of the natural world around them. Even if you don’t actually spot a dolphin (sightings are not guaranteed), the two-hour cruise is a superb way to see the coastline from a new perspective – both literally and physically. n To contact New Quay Boat Trips, see newquayboattrips.co.uk or call 01545 560800 (download your discount voucher by visiting camc.com/greatsavingsguide and clicking ‘Log on’ under ‘Offers for Club members’)
WHERE TO STAY Shawsmead Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. See camc.com or p254 of your new Sites Directory for details. To book, call 01342 327490.
Alternative venues for dolphin spotting... SCOTTISH DOLPHIN CENTRE, MORAY FIRTH One of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins. Info: dolphincentre.whales.org Stay at: Culloden Moor Club site PADSTOW SEALIFE SAFARIS, CORNWALL Enjoy a trip off the stunning Cornish coast for a chance to see dolphins, whales and seals. Info: padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk Stay at: Treamble Valley Club site or Camelford Club site UIST SEA TOURS, WESTERN ISLES As well as bottlenose dolphins in the Sound of Barra, you’ll spot puffins on the isle of Mingulay. Info: uistseatours.com Stay at: North Boisdale CL, Western Isles
www.camc.com
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SPECIAL: ADVERTISING FEATURE
Driving down your fuel costs When you’re planning your touring holiday, fuel costs can quickly make a big dent in your budget, so here are some ways to cut down the costs. Saving fuel means driving economically. So, whether you’re in a motorhome or a caravan, here are some simple ways you can drive with cost-saving in mind.
Torque about pulling
Smoothly does it
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Consult your user manual
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their maximum torque at different revs. Check your
slower, particularly on motorways.
car’s user manual to find out the best rev range for your car. Then, when accelerating, change gear towards the top end of that power band. There’s some good news for diesel owners. Diesel engines are said to make towing easier because they produce their maximum pulling power at lower revs than petrol engines.
The slower the speed, the greater the savings – so taking your time isn’t all bad.
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fuel consumption and can lead to premature wear and less safety.
Call 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/insurance/mayday today.
PROVIDED BY
Lines open Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. Mayday UK Breakdown Cover is provided by Green Flag and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, both part of the same group. Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No.1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Visit camc.com/insurance/mayday for more details.
TOURING GERMANY
Cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
S
pend too long on Germany’s busily efficient autobahns and you can easily miss the beauty of this country. With that in mind we decided to stop as often as possible during a recent, week-long trip, and that turned out to be an excellent plan. We were heading through the wine-producing North-Rhine Westphalia region and on to the bewitching Black Forest. At our first stop – Eifel-Camp near Blankenheim – we caught the sun setting in a glorious splash of red and gold over Freilinger Lake as we arrived. It’s a comfortable site surrounded by forests, and we planned to spend a few days exploring the wider area. From Eifel-Camp it’s an easy drive to Koblenz, the 2,000-year-old city at the heart of Germany’s wine country, where they produce some of the country’s best (and most dangerously-drinkable) beverages. Passing by endless vineyards – surrounded by mountain ranges topped with the crumbled ruins of ‘fairytale’ castles – it was easy to see why the landscape inspired Romantic poets like Friedrich Schiller and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Standing on Koblenz’s Deutsches Eck promontory, I felt like spouting poetry myself. The views over the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers – which thundered beneath us – are breathtaking. After taking a few selfies beside the huge statue of first German Emperor William I on horseback, we wandered along the riverside promenade, primarily to admire three sizeable hunks of the Berlin Wall. After crossing the Rhine, a cable car took us up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a magnificent stronghold that sprawls like a small walled city across the east bank of Germany’s mightiest river. This is the second-largest military fortress in Europe, after Gibraltar. SPITTING DISTANCE Strolling along medieval cobbled streets fringed by half-timbered buildings, we eventually found one of the city’s iconic sights – the Schängelbrunnen. This quirky fountain at the heart of the city’s old town on Willi-HörterPlatz features the bronze statue of a young boy spitting water into the container beneath.
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
FINE
Romance
Join Heidi Fuller-Love on a trip through Germany’s west and discover its many pleasures – including ruined castles, rustic food and Romantic poetry From here it was easy to find Weinhaus Hubertus, one of Koblenz’s oldest buildings, where we had lunch. Built in 1689, it is like a time capsule, with its stunning façade and beautifully-carved, panelled dark wood interiors. This atmospheric restaurant is also renowned for hearty regional specialities – we lapped up thick and creamy kartoffelsuppe (potato soup), followed by leberknödel (liver dumplings) and bratwurst sausage, all washed down with a deliciously
fragrant glass of Riesling. With Eifel-Camp as our base, over the next few days we went hiking high into the hills of the neighbouring Eifel National Park, a vast area of water and woodland that is home to a host of endangered species, including wild cats and black storks. We also visited the magical castles of Eltz and Burresheim and took the wiggly, winding road to the tiny village of Prüm, dubbed ‘Forest City’ because of its enchanting woodland setting. www.camc.com
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Eifel-Camp (siteref:G21)
Close to a host of fascinating sights and attractions and surrounded by lush countryside, this campsite has a games room, restaurant and a good-sized swimming pool. Touring pitches: 185 | Open: all year
Visitor view “One of the outstanding features of the site for us was the high standard of cleanliness and fittings. The reception staff were very pleasant and extremely helpful in advising places to visit.” John and Mary Knox
Site view “With five different kinds of pitches we offer the right choice for everyone. Just arrive and relax! Our customers love to discover the beautiful nature of Eifel National Park and enjoy the picturesque little villages. For motor sports enthusiasts, a visit to the legendary racetrack Nürburgring is an absolute must.” Cora Hetkamp
Food & drink Weinhaus Hubertus, Florinsmarkt 6, 56068 Koblenz Contact: weinhaus-hubertus.de, 0049 261 31177
DID YOU KNOW?
PRESSING ON We left the campsite and headed for Frankfurt, stopping off en route in the modern city of Mainz, where Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. We spent a fascinating hour at the Gutenberg Museum, admiring rare exhibits including the blacksmith, goldsmith and printer’s original 42-line Bible, before continuing on. Situated on the banks of the fast-flowing Main River, Frankfurt’s Museumsufer district is home www.camc.com
Culture
Historic Heidelberg
to some of the best museums in Germany, and most of them are within easy strolling distance of one another. One of the finest is the Städel Museum, which houses an important collection covering some 700 years of European art. Reluctantly leaving the Botticellis, Rembrandts, Monets and Picassos behind, we spent another hour in the Goethehaus, where we learnt about the life and times of the literary giant, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, who was born here in 1749.
incamerastock/Alamy
You can book the featured sites by calling 01342 316101 or visiting camc.com/ overseas. For further info, see p193 and p194 of the Venture Abroad 2019 brochure
Romanticum Koblenz (museum), Forum Confluentes, Zentralplatz 1, 56068 Koblenz Contact: romanticum.de, 0049 261 19433
Outdoor fun Nürburgring, Otto-Flimm-Strasse, 53520 Nürburgring Contact: nuerburgring.de, 0049 2691 302 630
For the family Valley of the Wolves, Eifelpark, Weißstraße 12, 54647 Gondorf Contact: eifelpark.de/en/animals/valley-of-thewolves-eifel-park, 0049 656 595660
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TOURING GERMANY
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Kleinenzhof (siteref:G23)
Spacious, family-run site overlooking a pretty river in the Black Forest – ideal for nature lovers and active families. There are excellent fishing opportunities close by. Touring pitches: 100 | Open: all year
Visitor view
Illustration: Louise Turpin
“The campsite has great facilities – there’s a big sports hall with billiards, table tennis and other games as well as outdoor and indoor pools, a restaurant and a mini market.” Johann Schmidt
Site view “You can choose to spend your leisure time on playgrounds, rafts on the river Kleine Enz, walking trails, distillery visits or just come and stay with us to relax.” Andreas Harter
Food & drink Apfelwein Wagner, Schweizer Strasse 71, 60594 Frankfurt am Main Contact: apfelwein-wagner.com
Culture Gutenberg Museum, Liebfrauenplatz 5, 55116 Mainz Contact: gutenberg-museum.de, 0049 6131 122640
Outdoor fun Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald (elevated hiking path and observation tower), Peter-Liebig-Weg 16, Sommerberg, 75323 Bad Wildbad Contact: baumwipfelpfade.de, 0049 7081 9250940
For the family Sensapolis, Melli-Beese-Strasse 1, 71063 Sindelfingen Contact: sensapolis.de, 0049 7031 2048530
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Apparently Goethe loved DID YOU KNOW? philosophers and poets along the 300-year old grüne sosse, Frankfurt’s The Club offers overseas Philosophenweg legendary green sauce made holiday insurance (Philosopher’s Walk), which with parsley, herbs and sour specially designed is a steep and scenic path lined cream. Since the city is also for caravanners and with cypress, bamboo and famed for cider, we decided to motorhomers – call even lemon trees. It’s not hard try some of both in 01342 336633 for to see why they were inspired by Sachsenhausen, an atmospheric a quote the views of the old town. district with narrow cobblestone From Heidelberg it was an easy drive lanes opening onto medieval squares. A hearty meal of beef and boiled potatoes drizzled to our last stop. As romantic as any poem, with that delicious green sauce was washed down Kleinenzhof campsite at the heart of the Black Forest (on the banks of the Kleine Enz River) was with local Ebbelwoi cider. an ideal spot to end our trip through Germany’s Up early the next day we headed for castle and wine country. Heidelberg, which is the start of the picturesque ‘Castle Road’ that runs for more than 700 miles and ends in Prague. Before long we turned off the MEMBER SINCE... motorway and followed winding roads lined with Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the vineyards and fruit orchards, dotted with the ruins Club in 2017 of beautiful castles. The most spectacular of them all, the red sandstone ruin of Heidelberg, stands high above the Neckar River. This stunning Renaissance castle featured in the work of countless 18th-century romantic poets, including Goethe, who stayed here in 1779 and said that the place had “something ideal” about it. Heidelberg is a picturesque town, packed with plenty of sights, including Germany’s oldest university. We followed in the footsteps of www.camc.com
NE W
Club Shop
Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two with its new advanced Dual Core Processor will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads. Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer Two will even advise you of traffic jams and offer alternate routes when available.
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• 7” Frameless Display (pinch-to-zoom) • New Dual Core processor for complete enhanced performance • Enhanced Specific routing for Caravans & Motorhomes – Customised routes created for the size and weight of your caravan or motorhome. – Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle. • Road Warnings – Caravan / Motorhomes specific road warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades, narrow roads and more. – Elevation map tool – be prepared for upcoming steep gradiants. Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts. • Find the right campgrounds and stopover places with Tourer Two EXCLUSIVE data bases – Exclusive pre-loaded Caravan and Motorhome Club Site rich data bases including Certified Locations and Overseas Sites with detailed information. – Trailer’s Park’s database of 8,500 of cost-free motorhome parking places across Western Europe (NEW).
– 17,000 NKC customer rated campgrounds and stopover places in 38 countries. – 9,000 European campsites inspected by ACSI every year and search results based on amenities. – Get information about prices, facilities, terrain, maximum number of places and more and filter by amenities. Contains pictures of most of the sites. – Easily pan the map to search for Campgrounds (NEW.) – Shows camp sites, rest areas, attractions or fuel stations up ahead and milestones along your route. • Free European map updates via PC, Mac or WiFi • Free Digital Traffic • Hands-free features include Bluetooth® calling, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation • Navigate Complex Interchanges with “spoken turn-by-turn” directions and active lane guidance • TripAdvisor Travel POIs with ratings • BC™30 and BC™40 Wireless Backup Camera compatible
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January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine
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TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL
NEW
HORIZONS
Indulge your spirit of adventure on our escorted motorhome tour of New Zealand Jaw-dropping scenery, spectacular wildlife and fascinating cultural attractions – New Zealand has it all. If you have a taste for adventure but would still like the reassurance of local guides, why not consider our escorted tour – you can be sure that someone is looking out for you every step of the way. Call 01342 779349 or visit camc.com/worldwide to find out more.
NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY ESCORTED TOUR Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour Departure and price: 5 Nov 2019 from £5,899 per person/4 Feb 2020 from £6,699 per person/10 Mar 2020 from £5,599 per person (based on two sharing) Price includes: return flights, all transfers, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, local tour leaders, motorhome for 29 days, 28 nights’ pre-booked
campsites including electrical power, welcome dinner in Christchurch, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, gondola ride and dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, traditional hāngi feast in Rotorua, farewell dinner in Auckland.
DETAILS Your New Zealand adventure begins on the South Island with a two-night stay in enchanting Christchurch. Split Apple Rock
Having had the chance to explore, guests will enjoy a welcome dinner and motorhome orientation before setting off 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 southwards, be sure to stop at Koekohe Beach to see the mysterious Moeraki Boulders – spherical rocks that look like giants’ marbles. It’s then on to Dunedin from which you can embark on a cruise to the Otago Peninsula, home to the royal albatross, yellow-eyed penguin, New Zealand sea lion, seals and more. Next on the itinerary is Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Options here include an exhilarating jetboat ride – stopping at locations used in the Lord of the Rings
films – or a visit to the glow worm caves, which are illuminated by hundreds of tiny bioluminescent larvae. On the 10th day of your trip you will enjoy a full day’s excursion to Milford Sound, perhaps New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attraction. Here you will embark on a cruise, with mountains, waterfalls and forests as a backdrop. It’s then on to Queensland, a town boasting extraordinary views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountains, before you head into Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Here, a guided walk onto the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers is highly recommended. As you approach the mid-point of your odyssey, you will enjoy a scenic drive up the South Island’s western coast. With the Tasman Sea to your left and the Southern Alps to your right
For information on this tour, please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 779349 48
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
“This was the most amazing holiday of our lives. If anyone is thinking about this tour, just go for it. You will not regret your decision. New Zealand is an amazing country and we cannot wait to do a return trip one day, especially if David and Jenny can be our tour guides.” Christine Keylock, Devon
“Superb, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, happy to arrange individual excursions, supportive to all members on the trip, dealt with any and all problems encountered.” Paul Larker, Yorkshire
you will make your way to Westport for an overnight stay. You might like to stop at Punakaiki to see the extraordinary limestone formations and sea blowholes of Pancake Rocks. On Day 17 you will reach the Kaiteriteri region, where you can take part in a kayak excursion 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. 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 Māori heritage or take a ride on the cable car to the top of Mount Victoria. Next up is Napier in the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region. You could pay a visit to a vineyard or take the chance to see the huge gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Rotorua – a city which sits within a geothermal region of volcanoes, geysers, colourful mineral lakes and hot springs – is your next destination. You could visit the ‘Champagne Pool’ and Lady Knox Geyser at Wai-O-Tapu
“The local knowledge was invaluable. We were encouraged to explore and not restricted to timetable. David and Jenny were always available.” Ady and Barry Hodges, Wiltshire
Main image: stunning views at Lake Matheson Below from left: Bay of Islands; Coromandel Peninsula; Abel Tasman National Park; Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu
or view the boiling mud pools and silica terraces of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. You will also be able to enjoy a traditional Māori hāngi (feast) and cultural performance. 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. Travelling further north you arrive at Orewa with its 3km beach, and then it’s on to Russell on the beautiful Bay of Islands – the perfect spot for three days of relaxation.
Finally you have the opportunity to explore the harbour city of Auckland – many believe the best views are from the iconic Sky Tower. A farewell dinner is the perfect opportunity to reminisce with new-found friends.
HIGHLIGHTS Scenic drives through the Southern Alps, breathtaking national parks including Abel Tasman and Mount Cook, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Rotorua with its geothermal wonders and Māori culture, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands and Auckland.
For information on this tour, please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 779349 www.camc.com
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL
LAST-MINUTE BREAK? There’s still time to book a great summer holiday in your caravan or motorhome. Check out our suggestions for late getaways in France... Brittany
Normandy
ssssss
L’AIGUILLE CREUSE (N08)
A heated swimming pool and playground mean this small, friendly site to the north of Le Havre is perfect for families with young children. Less than 10 minutes’ drive from northern France’s Alabaster Coast (beloved of the impressionist painters, it takes its name from the high white chalk cliffs of the region), the site is well placed for day trips to the likes of Étretat and Yport, while the city of Rouen is not to be missed. Within the latter, be sure to visit the elegant Gothic cathedral (which boasts France’s tallest spire at 151m) and the Tour du Gros-Horloge (Big Clock Tower). This region is, of course, rich in history – with visits to the D-Day landing beaches of Sword, Juno and Gold around 90 minutes’ drive from the site.
DE LA PISCINE (B17)
Another site that will appeal to the kids, De La Piscine boasts a superb outdoor swimming complex complete with waterfall and slides. Older guests, meanwhile, will enjoy the spa facilities, which include a whirlpool and sauna. Nearby beaches include Sables Blancs (‘White Sands’) in Concarneau (the region’s fishing capital) and Plage de Kerléven. To the north lies Quimper, the administrative capital of the Finistère department – look out for the half-timbered houses of the old town and the cathedral’s twin spires.
Centre
Ts
Languedoc-Roussillon LE HARAS (C26) LE PARC DE FIERBOIS (L20)
Just to the south of the medieval town of Tours lies Le Parc de Fierbois, a fantastic site surrounded by a vast forest and including a great lake. Facilities include a fitness room, swimming pool, fun water park, restaurant and shop. Visitors are attracted to Villandry Château (35 minutes) and its magnificent geometric gardens, the Abbaye de Fontevraud (60 minutes) which boasts reclining effigies of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart, and, of course, the famous vineyards of the Loire Valley.
Located within the grounds of an old hunting lodge in the LanguedocRoussillon region of southern France, this is the perfect location for a peaceful getaway. The site has an excellent pool surrounded by greenery as well as a restaurant, game room and outdoor play area. Local attractions include the artistic retreat of Collioure and the beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer, while, across the border in Spain, many are drawn to the picturesque town of Figueres and it’s egg-topped Dali Theatre and Museum (50 minutes’ drive). To see more suggestions for last-minute summer holidays, please visit camc.com/overseas/lastminute
To book sites and make ferry or Eurotunnel reservations, visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 316101 50
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
To book your place on this unforgettable tour, please visit camc.com/oberammergau or call 01342 488711 www.camc.com
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
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Terms and conditions apply, see website for details March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
LETTERS YOUR VIEWS
Letters 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. Apologies, but due to the quantity of post we receive, we are no longer able to send acknowledgements on receipt of letters. If your letter is not intended for publication, please email or write to the appropriate department (eg Emergency Services, Finance, Insurance, Technical, Travel Services, Sites Operations etc) – see camc.com/contact for further details.
enquiries@ camc.com
www.camc.com
Your chance to have your say. The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides 99 not out! We recently stayed at Chatsworth Park in Derbyshire, and later this summer we’re booked into The Ranch and Carradale Bay, which will complete the full set of Scottish Club sites and bring us up to 99 in total – so just one more site required to reach our century! We’ve been all around the UK over 17 years, from Looe to Brighton, Dunnet Bay to New England Bay, in caravans and now a motorhome. But the fact is that two
Fond farewell It is with regret and sadness that we have decided to give up offering our treasured grounds, goodwill and hospitality at Cromwellpark House as a Certificated Location due to a family upset. My family, especially my father, made many friends since starting in 1985. He found it a pleasure in all his dealings with the then Caravan Club and we have tried to make your members feel welcome. We have celebrated royal occasions such as the Queen’s birthday, jubilees, weddings and births, baking cakes, offering fruits from our garden and always making members feel at home in our home and grounds. Your members have enjoyed seasonal organic produce: new potatoes, vegetables, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, Worcester berries, apples and red and blackcurrants. They will miss the red squirrels, the roe deer, nesting pheasants and other wildlife that come with a pastime in the Club’s life in the countryside. They have contributed generously to our charity box in the outdoor loo for the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, raising some £1,200 over the years. Sadly the time has come to say that we can no longer offer our little hidden treasure. We will miss the many friends we have made and the new
of our top 10 and most visited sites, Stonehaven and Silverbank, are both within half an hour of home. Also in there is Forfar Lochside, an hour away and on the main route south. As we head that way we pass a transport café in Brechin called ‘Ye May Gang Faur and Fare Waur’, which translates to ‘You may go further and do a lot worse’. That’s the joy of touring – near or far it’s great fun. Shona and Brian Leith, Aberdeen
ones we could have made but it is the right decision, if a hard one to make. Please invite your members to stay in touch should they wish to, or pop in for a cup of tea and a catch-up! We wish everyone at the Caravan and Motorhome Club all the very best. Hilary Mackenzie, Cromwellpark House CL, Perthshire
Saving the day While spending the bank holiday weekend at Welltrough Hall Farm Certificated Location, there were two separate occasions when we were helped by a gentleman who is the epitome of a decent, considerate fellow caravanner. The first occasion was my wife’s birthday. He noticed not all of our guests had seats so he came across and offered to lend us some. The next day we went out walking. While we were away from the site, the wind picked up dramatically. The man not only dealt with his own awning almost blowing away but also saved ours from certain disaster by pegging it down until we returned. He then came out and assisted us to safely take ours down and pack away. Without his help our weekend may have ended in misery both financially and emotionally. Sir, I take my hat off to you. Thank you. Ian and Louise Smith, Staffordshire
Stonehaven Club site
Great Scot In the June issue of the Club magazine, I was interested to read Nick Lomas’s piece on National Parks (page 7). Yes, the Americans did open the first National Park, but Britain can claim some credit as the idea was formulated by John Muir and he was instrumental in the opening of Yosemite. Muir was born in Dunbar, which lies roughly 30 miles east of Edinburgh, and his family emigrated to America when he was 11. Members staying at Yellowcraig Club site in East Lothian can visit the nearby John Muir Country Park on the outskirts of Dunbar. Muir’s birthplace (which is also a museum) is open to visitors within the town itself. L D Grant, Midlothian
Yellowcraig Club site
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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LETTERS YOUR VIEWS
No shows a no-no We have been using Certificated Locations a lot since we bought our caravan a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, this year, we have had to cancel two trips through illness. In both cases the CL owners were extremely understanding when we rang to notify them as apparently most people don’t bother to tell them and just don’t turn up. Come on members – these sites are generous in not taking deposits so the least we can do is to ring ahead to cancel if necessary. We are at risk of losing these valuable sites if we don’t respect their businesses. Marian Rose, Suffolk
wanted to say what a breath of fresh air it has been. Both members of the team I spoke with were friendly, efficient and professional. Debbie held the line for several minutes while I tended to my baby who had woken from her nap midway through our call. I don’t know the last time I ended a phone call to a company feeling happy – actually smiling as opposed to being stressed, frazzled and wondering what had just happened. So, thank you Caravan and Motorhome Club and your polite, caring staff for ensuring that this family shall carry on with our caravan adventures in our rather cramped – we have five daughters! – Swift Charisma 590. Roll on Domaine des Ormes this summer! The Boylan family (Paul, Allicia, Louisa, Lily, Amy, Hazel and Holly), via email
Happy days!
Fantastic finds Having read your introduction in the May issue regarding using an outfit for a voyage of discovery, I thought I’d get in contact to show you some of the things I like to find and collect when away in my caravan. If I’m ever near a beach, I take a large bag to collect pieces of driftwood. This may seem strange to some people, and I do get some funny looks, but for me it is normal as I use the driftwood I find to create things like tealight holders (above) to unique pieces of furniture. I have found some amazing pieces of driftwood washed up on beaches throughout the UK. So if you ever see me on a beach picking up pieces of wood, now you know why. Craig Mason, Manchester
Gold-star service I have recently booked the ferries and sites for our summer holiday in France through the Club’s overseas travel service. This job usually falls to my husband so it was the first time I have called myself, and I just
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We have at last, as they say, come to the time when we have to pull up our corner steadies for the very last time. I have one of your stickers showing 25 years of membership, but I recall being a member back in the late 1950s/early 1960s. It was in the early days of my police service. I’m 90 next year and although I retained membership for the past
10 years, we did not have a caravan or motorhome – I think I must just have liked reading the mgazine. For well over 50 years our holidays were on the Continent – sometimes two or three times a year. Living where we do between Portsmouth and Southampton, it was always easy to board a ferry to France – we are only a 20-minute drive or so from either port. I know many other caravanners have done greater things than us, but we’ve camped with the freedom we wanted, from Copenhagen in Denmark to Cap St Vincent in Portugal (being the last in mainland Europe to watch the sun go down). We have also toured Gibraltar, Monte Carlo, Venice, (the former) Yugoslavia, Rome, Florence, the Black Forest... in fact, practically every country in Europe, but mainly France. Happy days. We wouldn’t have missed a minute of it and have been left with plenty of photos and memories. Ron and Gill French, Hampshire
Wight stuff I have recently returned from a stay at Southland Club site on the Isle of Wight and I wanted to put on record my admiration for the site, its layout, maintenance and cleanliness. One example is the way all the hedges are
Southland Club site trimmed with military precision which is no mean feat when you consider that some of them are over 18 feet high! We also found the site staff to be always happy, polite, courteous and helpful. During a casual chat with one of the staff, he mentioned the extensive risk management that the Club does to minimise the fire risk for campers when pitched. He reminded us of why we use Club sites, which do not always have the lowest fees. What we get with the Club is peace of mind, especially when you consider the considerable investment many members have made in their motorhomes, cars and caravans. I have been a member since 1990 and this is the first time I have felt compelled to write to the magazine. I do think that over the years the Club has improved and the danger is that we take everything for granted. Nothing good happens by itself. Geoffrey Goodrich, via email
End of an era It was a very cold and wet March back in 1992 when we left our home in Basingstoke and travelled to Alderstead Heath to join the other 49 couples to train as Assistant Wardens for the then Caravan Club. Health and Safety was held in the site garage, everyone wrapped up against the cold, standing and listening to Jim Coffey explain what we could and couldn’t do! Tractor training saw us driving in between the base pitches, which was very nerve-racking and the accounting system session caused me no end of problems! After four days of training and the rain still pouring down, we set off to Bladon Chains, our site for our first season. Working and living together in our caravan took some adjusting but we settled into the life
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Coed-y-Llwyn Club site with the Club. Our next season was at Tewkesbury Abbey followed by Chapel Lane in 1994. When asked where we’d like to go as wardens, definitely not Wales was the reply. Where did we go? Coed-y-Llwyn in North Wales! What a wonderful season – the scenery was amazing and the people so kind and helpful. During our full-time employment we worked on eight sites, then, in 2007, decided to join the Day Relief staff. In the following 12 years we worked on many more sites as and
when needed. Our final assignment was Littlehampton in April from where we finally retired. During our time we have made wonderful friendships with colleagues and members, laughing at antics and mishaps from both – but what amazing memories. Thank you everyone who helped us along the journey. We have many plans ahead but first is a two-week cruise around the Baltics. So that’s it. End of an era. David and Jenny Hudson, via email
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VISIT FOR THE DAY In advance - Adult: £6.00 On arrival - Adult: £8.00
Children: FREE
SATURDAY NIGH
T
The Dixie D iv The Swing Commande as
rs Steve Cherel le as John D enver Plus 19 bands
£per 1ad2ult*
Thursday: Fools Go ld | Darren Busby | Buckshot | John Do Friday: The Hayley herty Sisters | Cumberlan d Road | Ian Highland Band Souls & Stone | Texa s Tornados | Steve Saturday: Chris Dunn Lovett e Band | The Ray Pe ters Duo | Lass Vegas Sunday: The Rocky | Billy Bubba Road Ramblers | Ka libre | Badlands | Stu bby | Trilogy all included in your pitch
FRIDAY-SATURDAY 9:30am - 5:00pm
SUNDAY 9:30am - 4:30pm
FREE PARKING, FREE GOODY BAG & FREE SHOWGUIDE | THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND, WR13 6NW
Book Online - www.showgoer.co.uk
*£56.00 pitch includes pre-booking, magazine subscriber & club rally area discounts. £12.00 entertainment ticket is when booked in advance. For more information call 01778 391123 www.camc.com July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS
SAVE WITH THE CLUB Bowes Museum
Llangollen Railway
ENJOY FANTASTIC SAVINGS ON DAYS OUT Enjoy fantastic savings on days out this summer with the Caravan and Motorhome Club! We’ve partnered with over 900 attractions across the UK and Ireland to offer you discounts and deals that help your money go further. Whether you’re into theme parks, museums, steam trains or wildlife experiences, we have an offer for you – you can view the full range online and order your free guide at camc. com/greatsavingsguide. In the meantime, here are a few examples to give you a flavour... SAVE 30% AT SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE AND SHAKESPEARE’S NEW PLACE Visit the birthplace of the Bard in Stratford-upon-Avon and explore the rooms in which he grew up. Find out about his life at the Famous Beyond Words exhibition, which features a range of memorabilia, contemporary artwork and a copy of his First Folio. Journey back in time with captivating stories told by costumed guides and enjoy live performances from
resident acting troupe Shakespeare Aloud! The ‘New Place’, meanwhile is the site of Shakespeare’s family home for the last 19 years of his life. Although the house no longer stands, the site has been transformed to include exhibitions, specially commissioned artworks and beautifully restored gardens.
SAVE UP TO 42% AT LEGOLAND The famous Windsor resort boasts a vast array of family rides, live shows and attractions for all to enjoy. Look out too for incredible Lego displays based on landmarks in Europe and the USA, special seasonal events, and the opportunity to purchase and trade Minifigures.
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE AT WHITEHOUSE FARM CENTRE This fun attraction near Morpeth in Northumberland gives visitors the chance to meet, handle and feed a wide variety of animals. Tractor rides and indoor and outdoor play areas all add to the fun.
SAVE 50% AT BROOM FISHERIES At Broom Fisheries in south-west Scotland there are 11 large lakes in a picturesque setting, offering fishing enthusiasts of all levels a chance to enjoy their hobby. Offer is in relation to fishing prices only; an extensive selection of fishing gear and baits is also available.
SAVE 10% AT THE BOWES MUSEUM The highlight of a visit to The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle in County Durham is the chance to see the renowned 18th-century silver swan automaton. Activated just once daily, the mechanical creature twists its neck, preens its feathers and catches a metallic fish in its beak!
10% DISCOUNT AT LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY The Llangollen Railway is a volunteerrun heritage railway that meanders alongside the picturesque River Dee through the Dee Valley to the town of Corwen. Journey along part of the former Ruabon-to-Barmouth GWR route – great fun for all ages!
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE OR 20% OFF A FAMILY TICKET AT THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDENS The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, Somerset, has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Surrounded by a spectacular moat complete with resident swans, visitors can cross a flagstone drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the city. The new ‘Dragon’s Lair’ interactive attraction will appeal to younger visitors. SAVE 10% ON MOUNTAIN GOAT TOURS Mountain Goat offers a wide range of half or full-day minibus tours in the glorious Lake District. With titles including ‘Beatrix Potter’s Favourite Countryside’, ‘The High Adventure’ and ‘Ten Lakes Spectacular’, there is an experience out there for everyone. When you see this icon in the magazine it means that Club members are entitled to a discount with the Great Savings Guide
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for details
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
16% MITSUBISHI DISCOUNT
10% OFF WITH YOU GARDEN Sometimes gardening can be a confusing maze of Latin names and strange words. You Garden aims to make your hobby more straightforward and give you down to earth advice on what to grow and how. The company is offering members a 10% discount on all ‘living’ products, including flowers, roses, plants, trees and shrubs – visit camc.com/yougarden for more information.
The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport was designed to stand out and engineered to perform in the toughest environments. With a powerful, all-aluminium 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 179bhp and 430Nm of torque – allied to Mitsubishi’s tough yet simple to use Super Select II all-wheel-drive – it's equally at home on a long road trip, heading off-road into tricky terrain, or towing a large caravan. The best news is that members receive an exclusive 16% discount and free towbar. See camc.com/mitsubishi for details.
EXCLUSIVE
SAVE £10 ON WI-FI HOTSPOTS
Choose between EE 4G Wifi Mini or EE Car Wifi and save £10. Both devices are designed to help you access the internet quickly and securely, keeping everyone in the backseat entertained – so long trips in the car are a lot more fun for everyone! See camc.com/ee for details.
15% SAVING WITH COTSWOLD OUTDOOR With over four decades of experience in outdoor retail, Cotswold Outdoor offers a comprehensive range of outdoor clothing, camping equipment and accessories. Whether you’re looking for walking boots or waterproof jackets, Cotswold Outdoor has the right kit for your adventures. Use the discount code AF-TCCLUB-M1 and find out more at camc.com/cotswoldoutdoor.
Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details
www.camc.com
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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ADVERTISING FEATURE RED PENNANT
Helping hand Travelling to Europe? Take out Red Pennant Holiday Insurance and our Emergency Services team will look after you if needed
I
t goes without saying that we hope your holidays abroad pass without any unfortunate incidents taking place, but it’s essential to have travel insurance in place, just in case something does go wrong. The Club’s Red Pennant Overseas Holiday Insurance provides a range of features to keep you protected while you’re travelling across Europe, from roadside assistance and holiday continuation to vehicle and passenger repatriation – and we’ve been insuring members for over 50 years. Should you need assistance we are only a phone call away. The Club’s own multi-lingual Emergency Services team will be here to help when you need them. Here are three diverse stories that show how Red Pennant has helped Club members abroad during the past year...
ANDY SINCLAIR’S STORY Andy thanked us for the “excellent service” he received when Red Pennant stepped in to help following a breakdown. On the first day of his holiday in France, Andy experienced a fault with his Volvo (pictured) and had to call our emergency breakdown number. “It was nice to hear an English-speaking operator who assured me help would be on the way,” he writes. “This is a wonderful thing to hear when you’re all on your own in the middle of a foreign country. A recovery truck turned up and I was transported to a nearby campsite, and once the camper had been dropped off and my car unpacked my car was driven away on the transporter.” Andy was informed that his car would have to be returned to the UK for repairs, but instead of having to curtail his trip he was given a replacement rental vehicle complete with towbar. A taxi was sent to pick him up, with the fare being covered under the terms of his insurance policy. “The Red Pennant team had quite a few problems to solve... but they
kept me informed and pulled all the stops out to help me along the way. My poorly Volvo turned up in the UK as promised and was repaired by the time I returned to England. Without your excellent service I would probably have been landed with a huge bill for car repairs and repatriation to England, but most importantly I would not have been able to continue with my four-week trip around France. “The Red Pennant service is worth every penny and I shall most definitely use them for all future European trips that I do.”
GREG CUNNINGHAM’S STORY Greg passed on his “sincere gratitude” for the help and service he received following a heart attack while in Spain. Greg writes: “This episode has clearly defined the necessity for having good and reliable travel insurance! Your care and concern proved invaluable in our time of need in such a stressful situation. My wife has dealt with all the emails, phone calls and paperwork required whilst I have been incapacitated and knowing how approachable and kind all Red Pennant staff are really helped to ease her burden! We were pleased to meet with Roger Harrison who chauffeured our vehicle home – a sterling service!” n Emergency Services Business Manager James Goodyer tells of a rather unusual call taken by our team recently: “A Club member was locked in a DIY superstore in France. They had closed for lunch and locked him in. He called Red Pennant and the Caravan and Motorhome Club to see if we could help. We were able to find the phone number of the store’s head office, explain what had happened and they contacted the store director, who let him out. The member said he was very grateful.”
To find out more about Red Pennant Overseas Holiday Insurance, and to get a quote, see camc.com/redpennant or call us on 01342 336633 60
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
Say ‘HELLO’ to the NEW additions to the STATUS and VISION PLUS family
TOURING: FRANCE
For almost 30 years we have been supplying you with innovative, British designed and manufactured market leading products. In 1992 we launched the first STATUS antenna and it’s been the market leading brand ever since. Here’s what’s new for 2019...
STATUS 570 Now in its third generation since its launch in 2001 and still the industry’s No.1 fitted directional antenna; each evolution improving on the previous adding additional features and enhanced levels of performance. Designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £154.45 to £180.45
STATUS 270
NEW
Our latest design of omni-directional antenna is a compact, lightweight, streamlined design utilising our latest most powerful dipole array. Our most discrete antenna to date, designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £88.95
VISION PLUS TVs
NEW
Drawing on our years of experience, our latest 18.5” & 21.5” 12 volt TVs combine both satellite and terrestrial tuners with excellent viewing angles, picture quality and lightweight design. They’re great value and made in the UK! MRP £279.00 to £289.00
Available at all good caravan and motorhome accessory shops
...keeping you in the picture VISION PLUS 8 Finch Close Lenton Lane Nottingham NG7 2NN 0115 986 7151 info@visionplus.co.uk www.visionplus.co.uk www.caravanclub.co.uk
TV WALL BRACKETS
NEW
Incorporating our unique Quick Release TV Plate, the InTransit Lock and locking arms, we now offer a bespoke range of four strong, lightweight, fibre reinforced polymer TV brackets. All conceived, designed and manufactured here in Nottingham and aimed specifically at our mobile market. MRP £19.95 to £33.95
January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine
2
COUNTRY MATTERS LIMESTONE
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ROCK STARS David Chapman takes a look at the wonderful wildlife that makes its home in sometimes harsh limestone environments
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COUNTRY MATTERS LIMESTONE
JULY LOOK OUT FOR Look out for the following in limestone habitats... n Common rock-rose is a yellow flower with five petals, growing in grassy places n Dark-red helleborine is a rare species of orchid n Bloody cranesbill is a member of the geranium family – it can be found on grassland or in grikes Right: bloody cransebill and rock-rose Below: dark-red helleborine
W
alking around the British countryside, it’s easy to be oblivious to the rocks that lie just below our feet. However, they have a huge influence on the flora, and sometimes fauna, that we see. Different rock types have a greater impact than others but my personal favourite is limestone – in terms of sheer drama, a limestone pavement is top of my rock charts! My limestone love affair began when I was a teenager. Frequently caravanning with my parents in North Yorkshire, while at the same time learning about ‘clints’ and ‘grikes’ in geography lessons at school, I was able to connect theory and practice. STEPPING STONES Rainwater falling on limestone finds weaknesses and disappears down cracks, dissolving the rock as it goes. The cracks, known as grikes, slowly become wider, leaving pock-marked slabs – clints – to act as stepping stones between them. Eventually the grikes become potholes (the biggest I have come across is Gaping Gill on Ingleborough), and these can lead into extensive cave systems. Where water drips, some of the dissolved limestone is left behind, forming stalagmites and stalactites within these caves. The most exposed limestone pavements (stretches of rock that literally appear like pavements due to the slab formations) are devoid
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
of soil. Very little life can exist on the bare rock but a range of plants manage to cling on in the shaded grikes. Hart’s-tongue fern and maidenhair spleenwort are commonly found, while bloody cranesbill, wood sorrel, Solomon’s seal, early purple orchids, hairy rockcress, mossy saxifrage, biting stonecrop, water avens and mountain avens can get a foothold. Shrubs and trees are few and far between but might include juniper, yew, spindle and rock whitebeam. Farther from the most exposed limestone outcrops, a thin layer of soil might play host to a wider range of flowers including wild thyme, rock-rose, lady’s mantle, lady’s bedstraw, bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip and harebell. Some of our limestone grasslands are over-grazed by sheep, but where feeding is less intensive and the climate not too extreme a canopy of ferns, scrub and even trees can develop. These cast shade, protect the soil from erosion and so promote a lusher growth of flowers. In their shelter butterflies can find sanctuary from the worst of the weather. Here we can hope to find lily of the valley, musk thistle, common spotted orchid, fragrant orchid, dark-red helleborine and maybe herb-paris. Butterflies at the best spots in the north-west of England might include grizzled skipper, northern brown argus, high brown fritillary, pearl-bordered fritillary and even Duke of Burgundy.
STONE’S THROW Club sites close to limestone habitats
Site: Kendal Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve near Silverdale (Lancashire) offers great examples of limestone habitat, with everything from exposed pavements to dense woodland. Highlights include lady’s slipper orchid, Duke of Burgundy butterfly and pearl-bordered fritillary.
Site: Wharfedale Malham Cove is arguably our most famous limestone pavement complete with scar and nearby gorge. Look no further if you want to seemthe physical processes associated with this type of rock.. To book, open the UK Sites app, visit camc.com/searchandbook or call our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly.
BOOK
ON THE
APP
MEMBER SINCE... Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000
www.camc.com
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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club
5
PUZZLE CROSSWORD
Crossword
£90
In Club gift tokens to be won 1
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£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 19 July 2019. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.
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NAME: ADDRESS:
DOWN 1 Cardboard container (6) 2 Part played by an actor (4) 3 Group of Scouts (5) 4 Circus animal (8) 5 Lady’s bow to royalty (6) 6 Gruesome, of death (7) 7 Lover (10) 9 Fool (4) 13 Female actor (7) 15 Entrance room (4) 17 Cutting implement (5) 18 Bottom section (4) 20 A bad habit (4) 21 Difficult (4) 23 Dilapidated (3-4) 25 Head parasite (5) 27 Eyelash cosmetic (7) 28 Muddle (4) 29 Auction (4) 30 Tangle (5) 32 Innocently idealistic or agog with wonder (6-4) 34 Yelps (4) 35 Ask an expert (7) 36 Soil scraper (4) 37 Swanky or posh (5) 39 Copious spurt of water (4) 41 Christ’s disciples (8) 42 Jetty (4) 44 Intoxicated state (7) 46 Profession (6) 48 Smoked ham (6) 51 Back of neck (4) 52 Planet Earth (5) 54 Excess of supply (4)
POSTCODE: MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:
For full terms and conditions of entry, please visit our website at camc.com/ competitions
ACROSS 1 Warhorse carriage (7) 5 University grounds (6) 8 Favouring thorough reform in politics (7) 10 Simple board game (4) 11 Repeat from memory (6) 12 Small piece of rock (5) 14 Slap gently (3)
15 16 17 19 22 24 26 28 29
Kid’s jumping contest (3-6) Weeps noisily (4) Drawer handle (4) Covering entire body (3-4) Blend (5) Precisely (7) Public recognition (4) Pit worker (5) Mental strain (6)
31 33 35 38 39 40 43 45 47
Heavy downpour (6) Animated (6) Fondle (6) Torment mildly (5) Chew at a bone (4) Toddler’s enclosure (7) Prepared (5) Variety or breed (7) Lofty (4)
June solution: Across:1 Never-never 6 Mosquitoes 11 Pagan 12 Combinations 14 Knot 16 Giro 17 Tat 18 Alter 20 Stamen 21 Room 22 Scrap 23 Triceps 25 Elm 26 Baptise 28 Glum 29 Slyness 33 Nose-pieces 35 Recompense 38 Elderly 41 Mean 42 Heather 45 Pan 46 Sawdust 48 False 49 Gift 50 Albert 52 Astir 54 Cos 55 Shed 57 Rope 59 Self-catering 60 Chain 61 Girlfriend 62 Horizontal Down: 1 Nepotism 2 Vegetarians 3 Rank 4 Victimise 5 Remnant 6 Moist 7 Stair 8 Universal 9 Tang 10 Schoolmaster 13 Siamese 15 Nut 19 Encumber 20 Spit 24 Rule 27 Seedy 29 Stove 30 Yap 31 Enterprising 32 Bermudas 34 Par 36 Needlecraft 37 Pass 39 Dingoes 40 Last offer 42 Hamburger 43 Tuft 44 Personal 47 Tarnish 51 Rip 52 Aware 53 Trend 56 Deal 58 Echo
MAY WINNERS £50 first prize: Michael Wiatrowicz, West Midlands £10 runners-up: Margaret Coggins, East Sussex; Paul Smith, Nottinghamshire; Clive Bagshaw, Lincolnshire; Gerald Huntley, Perthsire
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
49 Canned food fish (4)
yellow bloom (9) grid E 5350 Giant Furrow (3) 54 55 56 57 58 59
Soiled with dirt (5) Union soldier (6) Long bread bun (4) Everlasting (7) Main meal (6) Garbage can (7)
Send to: ‘July 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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GRID E
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May 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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SPECIAL THE NATIONAL
A FAMILY Gary Martin highlights why The National at Ragley Hall was a festival of fun for all the family Photography: Jenny Cox
F
amilies are not short of choice when it comes to finding ways to spend time together – zoos, theme parks, farms, steam railways, leisure centres and more are usually all part of the mix when days out and gatherings are planned. But for me and my family, the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s annual National – held this year at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire – has become a firm favourite. If you read my report from last year’s National at Sledmere House, you will remember that my oldest daughter Holly, now 11 years old, looks forward to this festival of caravanning and motorhoming more than she does Christmas – it is an opportunity for us both to enjoy quality dad and daughter time (and all for just £102). This year, we were joined not only by my folks, but also by my aunt and uncle – both couples being avid motorhomers. Indeed, my mum and dad have now attended 10 Nationals, my aunt and uncle two.
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What a fabulous family time we had. Enjoying meals together, playing cards and word games, and making the most of the attractions and arena events on offer – even taking Toby the dog for little walks. Looking around at our fellow Nationalgoers, we weren’t the only family that had discovered the joy that this flagship Club festival brings. So many children, eyes wide open and smiles as broad as you’ll ever wish to see, clearly think like my Holly – this is an event that simply must be ringed on the calendar. FREE FREE-FALLING! Where else could you have gone over the spring bank holiday weekend at the end of May and tried your hand at Zumba, zorbs and zip wires? A massive inflatable slide, ‘cannon-ball blaster’, sprint tunnel and free-fall stunt bag gave adrenaline-junkies even more reason to smile. To, er, have a go at these ‘Have-a-Go’ activities at any
other attraction would most likely have seen you digging deep into your pocket; here, at The National, it was all free. Great news for any parent! Children had plenty more to keep them entertained during the long weekend – bush tucker trials, a climbing wall and a SsangYong treasure hunt helped tire them out by day, while Sunday evening’s disco would surely have resulted in your little ones sleeping well that night! Fun themed days – magic, animals and science – in the Tourer Explorer Zone meant that the younger members of your party were educated as well as entertained, while crafts and games were available all weekend to satisfy those kids with arty and competitive natures. There was just as much on offer for the grown-up fraternity – not least access to Ragley Hall itself for a nominal £3 per adult. Built in 1860, it is unlike many of our grand estates today in that it is still lived in – it is the home of the 9th www.camc.com
AFFAIR Whether you are a youngster, parent, grandparent (or a holidaying hound!), you’ll find something to entertain you at the annual National Inset above: John Gass of the Events Committee speaks during the opening ceremony
Marquess of Hertford and his family (they are direct descendants of Edward Seymour, brother of Jane, the third wife of King Henry VIII). While it was fascinating to walk round this historical home, it was the most modern-looking room that really captured my imagination. The South Staircase features an astounding piece of artwork by Graham Rust called ‘The Temptation’. The walls depict a vision of paradise, the ceiling shows Jesus being tempted by the devil. The Marquess and members of his family feature heavily in the piece too, which took Rust 14 years to complete (1969 to 1983). It is quite remarkable. PICNIC IN THE PARK Although a dash of rain briefly threatened to put a dampener on proceedings on the Sunday afternoon, those who promptly headed to the Adria main arena for Ragfest in the Park were soon rewarded, the sun breaking through and the www.camc.com
clouds departing to reveal clear blue skies. With a number of Regions running stalls – Holly and I can vouch for the tastiness of the muffins courtesy of the South East Region – and rally-goers bringing their sandwiches and folding chairs, Ragfest ‘rocked’ to the sound of Meat Loaf and Neil Diamond tribute acts, among others. A lovely way to spend the afternoon. Continuing this musical note, the evening entertainment over the weekend had a real 1970s vibe – tribute acts to the Bee Gees, Electric Light Orchestra (who doesn’t love the classic Mr Blue Sky?) and ABBA got those in the SsangYong Entertainment Marquee clapping and foottapping along. Thank you for the music. The smooth sound of Motown on the Monday brought the curtain down on another year of top-quality National entertainment. Wherever you turn at The National, there is always something to keep you interested or
occupied – from the inter-centre competitions (I’m always in awe of the skills of the drivers in the caravan manoeuvring events) and the trade and food areas to the sounds of the Club Band, Club Singers and other performers. The organising Events Committee (led for the first time this year by Dr John Gass) and the Events staff at East Grinstead HQ never fail to put on a good show. If you’ve never experienced The National before, can I implore you to write the words ‘National, Belvoir Castle’ (in Leicestershire) from 22-26 May on your 2020 calendar? Hopefully Holly, my parents, aunt and uncle and I will see you and your family there... n Special thanks to this year’s National sponsors – Green Flag, SsangYong Motors (UK), Adria Concessionaires Ltd, Calor, Devitt Insurance, Truma (UK), PowrTouch, Whale, Protec Covers, Falcon, Cobb GB Ltd and Tent Box. July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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SPECIAL THE NATIONAL
Competition winners Here are the results from The National’s many inter-centre challenges
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS Harris Cup (Caravan Manoeuvring – Men) Standard Class: Adam James, South Wales Centre Novice Class: Martin Bird, non-centre
Boy (13-17): Josh Goodwin, Northants & Rutland Girl (13-17): Evie Potts, Cheshire Boy (up to 12): William Jones, Devon & Cornwall Girl (up to 12): Ava Evans, non-centre
Barrett Cup (Caravan Manoeuvring – Ladies) Novice Class: Emma Wakeford, South Wales
Children’s Sports Boys’ Sprint (up to 5): Oakley Brannon/Arthur Dalby tied, Worcestershire/Suffolk Girls’ Sprint (up to 5): Kate Stokes, non-centre Boys’ Sprint (6-8): Harvey Watson, Suffolk Girls’ Sprint (6-8): Imogen, non-centre Boys’ Sprint (9-11): Tom Jania/Dan Smith tied, Derbyshire/non-centre Girls’ Sprint (9-11): Ava Evans, non-centre Girls’ Sprint (12-14): Chloe Barnes, Nottinghamshire Boys’ Obstacle (6-8): Aiden, Cheshire Girls’ Obstacle (6-8): Jenny Cox, South West Region Boys’ and Girls’ Muddle Run (9-11): Jay Potts, Cheshire Boys’ and Girls’ Muddle Run (12-14): Chloe Barnes, non-centre Group Obstacle (under 16): Charlie/Henry/William/ Owen, Nottinghamshire Family Obstacle (under 10): Potts Family, Cheshire Family Obstacle (11-16): Aimee/Julie/Dave/Owen, Nottinghamshire
Photographic ‘Earth’: Trevor Bailey, Band ‘Wind’: Gerry Cox, Upper Thames ‘Fire’: Andy Jeffery, Derbyshire ‘1970s Architecture’: Jenny Cox, Upper Thames Overall winner: Jenny Cox, Upper Thames Youth, up to 11: Emily Jeffery, Derbyshire Youth, 12-17: Mollimae Lane, Nottinghamshire Overall youth winner: Emily Jeffery, Derbyshire Homemade Wine Dry White: Brian Cosker, West Wales Dry Red: Jo Burnard, Band Sweet Red: Stan Gelson, North Yorkshire Gin-based Fruit Liqueur: Anne Dickson, Band Overall winner: Stan Gelson, North Yorkshire Baking Apple and Cinnamon Loaf: Gina Hooper, Leicestershire Old-Fashioned Treacle Tart: Jo Ann Bradley, Worcestershire Lemon Curd: Jasmine Kent, Mid-Anglia Sausage Rolls, up to 13: Maverick Rhodes, non-centre BBQ Chef Mike Kent Handicrafts Handmade Card (Graduation Day): Sylvia Dennis, non-centre Knitted Aran Jumper or Cardigan: Lynn Jackson, South Lancashire Christmas Decoration: Alwyn Moorbey, Mid-Anglia Oil, Pencil, Chalk or Watercolour: Peter Willey, Yorkshire Pennine Door Stop: Robert Heath, Band Overall winner: Peter Willey, Yorkshire Pennine Child’s Class (any of above, up to 17): Elis Jones, North Wales Fun Run Male: Phillip Mitchell, Nottinghamshire Female: Leanne Burridge, West Wales
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Fun Dog Show (owners) Junior Handler (up to 10): Ruby Tatnell (pictured), South West Region Junior Handler (11-17): T Dalby, Anglia Region My Dog Does Tricks: Ian Leslie, North Scotland Crossbreed Bitch: Richard Crockford, Cheshire Crossbreed Dog: Daniele Caffrill, Cheshire Pedigree Bitch: Rachael Bird, South East Region Pedigree Dog: Nicola Lie, South Wales Best Rescue: Pauline Talbut, South Essex
TEAM EVENTS National Quiz: East Dorset Volleyball (Men): Mid-Anglia Five-a-Side Football (up to 7): Midland Walking Football (over 35): South Wales Tug o’ War: South Wales ‘B’ Netball (Ladies): mixed centre Junior Netball (up to 16): mixed centre Lawn Darts: Mid-Anglia Petanque: Cheshire Darts: South Wales Cribbage: Singers Presidents Trophy: Nottinghamshire
TRADE DISPLAY STANDS Caravan/Motorhome/Car Dealer: Preston Caravans Caravan/Motorhome Related Components: Whale Caravan/Motorhome Accessories: Camperlife General Accessories: Aussie Graphics Drinks: Cocoa Caravan Goods/Clothing: Love Lea Craft: Seaglass
THE NATIONAL 2020... ...will be held at beautiful Belvoir Castle, a Grade I listed stately home in the heart of Leicestershire, from 22-26 May 2020. For further information, see camc.com/ national or call 01342 336666.
www.camc.com
NEWS HEADLINES
A fabulous vintage music & dance festival, for all
Caravanners and Motorhomers
FREE
BROCHURE
www.twinwoodfestival.com
AVAILABLE
sic Acts Over 100 Top Live Mu to the ‘70s. Every genre from the ‘30s
autifully heritage site with 14 be rb pe su a on t se is l iva fest fascinating museums. Now in its 18th year, the ith w ng alo d, an dl oo w e esqu themed venues, in pictur
s • 16 amp electric ite ps m ca nt lle ce ex th wi y sta hts nig 5
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Restaurant Huge Dance Floors Great Food & Bars, including Indoor s) Hair & Beauty Salons Vintage Shopping Village (150 Trader
TWO PEOPLE
5 NIGHTS CAMPING 4 DAYS FESTIVAL FROM
£288
ONLY “ALL IN” www.camc.com
•
Great for all the family, with superb Children’s
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Entertainment Area.
Call 01234 824773, or click
23rd to 26th August 2019 Bedfordshire MK41 6AB
www.twinwoodfestival.com For TICKETS, INFO and our FREE BROCHURE. March 2017 The Caravan and Motorhome Club
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE DOG KIT
AHEAD OF THE Your pooch will feel like top dog on tour with these accessories, says Jane McGowan
1
Ruffwear Approach Pack
This ingenious lightweight padded pack features a three-point harness as well as two lead points. The ‘saddle-bag’-style storage pockets are designed for a comfortable fit and efficient load carrying (a dog should not carry more than 25% of its body weight). Ideal for storing treats, a first-aid kit (right) or a small towel, this item is great for longer outdoor adventures.
Photography: Jon Warman; Model: Hamish
RRP: £99.95 Colours: orange poppy/meadow green Sizes: XS-XL Contact: ruffwear.co.uk, 01207 291247
2 Ivy & Duke Travel Mat Available in three sizes, this substanial-feeling, yet lightweight, mat is perfect for providing some home-from-home comfort for your dog. Featuring a 5cm-thick portion of memory foam, it is available in a washable or waterproof fabric covering. You could use it within a crate, car boot, in the awning or outside your tourer. Save 10% by visiting camc.com/memberoffers. RRP: £65 (large, pictured) Colours: grey, burgundy, black, olive, taupe, royal blue (pictured) Sizes: 92cm x 61cm, 108cm x 72cm, 122cm x 78cm (large, pictured) Contact: ivyandduke.co.uk; 0161 660 5534
MEMBER OFFER
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PACK 4 3 Peaks Dog First Aid Kit We always take a first aid kit with us on holiday but it’s easy to forget our four-legged friends might need a little medical care while out exploring. This inexpensive kit contains microporous tape, saline solution, gauze swabs, an alcohol-free cleansing wipe and two tick pickers. Professional help should be sought if your pet suffers a significant injury, but for small cuts or insect bites, this makes a handy addition to your doggy day care kit. The hard shell case can slip into a day pack or glove compartment. RRP: £6 Size: 13.5cm x 10cm x 3cm Contact: petsathome.com; available from various high street retailers
5 MisteSun Small Pet Carrier Suitable for small dogs or puppies (under 5lb), this carrier is made from a breathable, waterproof fabric and features padded sides. Zippable mesh windows provide your dog with fresh air and allow him to see what’s going on. It comes with two handles and an adjustable shoulder strap and contains a removable, wipe-clean base. A small zip storage pocket is handy and, at just 0.6kg, the carrier is easy to store. RRP: £12.99 Size: 40cm x 20cm x 30cm Contact: amazon.co.uk
3 Prima Grey Cushioned Dog Bed 6 Prima Non Spill Dog Bowl This dog bed features a soft, short-pile plush inner fabric and is filled with soft foam, providing your dog with a luxurious snoozing experience. Rubberised dots on the underside are designed to provide stability and should help stop the bed sliding around on caravan floors. Available in three sizes (medium pictured). Save 10% on this product from outdoor leisure specialists Prima. RRP: £53.99 (medium, pictured) Size: 48cm x 41cm x16cm, 62cm x 53cm x 24cm (medium, pictured), 86cm x 64cm x 26cm Weight: 1.41kg (medium, pictured) Contact: primaleisure.com, shop.camc.com
This clever, lightweight dog bowl is designed to reduce the amount of mess your pooch makes at drinks time. It contains a floating inner lid that restricts the flow of water when it’s kicked or knocked. The narrow opening should stop your dog’s ears getting wet too. Easy to clean, the bowl has material fastenings on its base for extra stability. Save 10% on this product from outdoor leisure specialists Prima. RRP: £13 Weight: 220g approx Contact: primaleisure.com, shop.camc.com
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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT
NEW
NEW
NEW High Security Steering Wheel Lock High Security Steering Wheel Lock is a Gold Sold Secure powerful theft deterrent. Exceptional quality featuring an ultra high security lock in a steel construction. Designed to be compact in size, easy to fit yet extremely strong and resistant to all types of attack. Fits all vehicle Steering Wheels. New Extra Long Commercial version now available.
Super Heavy Duty Hitchlocks engineered and
Lightweight Alko Hitchlock This is our NON
Aluminium Level has now been upgraded for even easier
Stacka Corner Feet
Aluminium Double Steps Internal Universal Thermal Blind Top quality Non slip surfaces even when
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The NEW Generation Mirror Protectors now have a thicker multi layer shell with patented ribbed form on the outer edges. This offers greatly improved impact performance to the mirror casing and side indicator lens. Fits Fiat Ducato. Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Available in Black or White. Conforms to all Vehicle Safety Standards
Sold Secure version of our Super Heavy Duty Hitchlock. This design is lightweight and easy to fit. Insurance Approved.
lifting. Will lift 1000kg per wheel (Caravan 2000kg, Motorhome 4000kg). Weighs less than 5kg. Enables precise levelling with the minimum effort. Fits 13-16” wheels and is ideally suited to use in conjunction with Alko. Comes complete with Carry Case.
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designed to be the strongest Hitchlocks on the market. Superior shielding locking system. 5 Year Lock Guarantee. Certified to far exceed Sold Secure Caravan Gold. Carry case included.
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wet. The key to Milenco Award Winning Steps safety performance is the fact that the base is larger than the top – ensuring the step cannot topple over, nor will it sink into the ground or damage awning carpet.
June 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
superior, 7 ply construction Thermal Blinds. Keeps your Motor home cool on hot days and warm on cold days. Prevents condensation. Extreme tested to -50 + 50 degrees. Complete with Milenco easy release suckers. Unique, innovative, universal design to fit every Motorhome standard cab.
PaulMount/Dreamstime
are durable and high quality. These corner feet use a unique ‘clip and lock’ system which incorporates a rattle proof sprung-loaded steel retaining shaft. Can be used with the Milenco Stacka Blocks.
www.camc.com
CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT
Events diary Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while staying on a Caravan and Motorhome Club site? Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in September 2019 21-22 SEPTEMBER Open House London Enjoy free access to some of the capital’s most iconic buildings, such as the Barbican, Royal Albert Hall and 30 St Mary Axe (more popularly known as ‘The Gherkin’) during this popular weekend. Many of the hundreds of buildings that can be explored are not usually open to the public, and range from striking office blocks to the private pads of the rich and famous. Web: openhouselondon.org.uk Club sites: Abbey Wood, Crystal Palace
“Many of the hundreds of buildings are not usually open to the public”
8 SEPTEMBER
6-8 SEPTEMBER
Melica/Dreamstime
Lydiasmajiz/Dreamstime
The Long Road Festival A new festival in Leicestershire (close to the M1/M6 junction), The Long Road is a celebration of country music and Americana, with five stages of live acts (including Jessie Buckley, star of hit film Wild Rose), a honky-tonk bar, southern-style food, an area for children, craft displays and workshops. The event has a dedicated area for tourers... don’t forget your Stetsons! Web: thelongroad.com Sites: Warwick Racecourse, Harbury Fields AS
World Black PuddingThrowing Championships Lancashire and Yorkshire face off – not for the first time – as contestants gather in Ramsbottom to hurl black puddings at a pile of Yorkshire puds resting atop a plinth. The event, which was revived in the 1980s, has its roots in the War of the Roses, when the armies of the rival houses of York and Lancaster ran out of ammunition mid-battle and promptly started to throw food at each other instead. Web: visitmanchester.com Club site: Burrs Country Park
19-22 SEPTEMBER Armagh Food and Cider Festival The city of Armagh – as well as its surrounding orchards – is the destination for a range of mouthwatering events, activities and
producers during this weekend.Tasting dinners, ‘cider discovery’ evenings, orchard walks, hedgerow-foraging sessions, culinary masterclasses and lots more ensure that foodies will be well catered for. Some events have limited capacities and are ticketed. Web: visitarmagh.com CL sites: Cusher Valley, Riverly House
20-22 SEPTEMBER Looe Live The popular Cornish town of Looe is staging a new music event in 2019, which promises an emphasis on local acts and street performers to complement headline acts such as Level 42 and Fisherman’s Friends – the UK’s number one ‘buoy band’. A ‘BBC Music Introducing’ stage on the beach will showcase rising talent. Web: looelive.co.uk Club site: Looe
For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com
www.camc.com
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT HelenSessions/Alamy
Events diary ...Alternatively, why not pitch up on a temporary site? These enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with likeminded members. Please book in advance where possible 1-7 JULY Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Llangollen attracts around 4,000 performers for six days of world-class music and folk dance in a unique combination of competition (including the ‘Choir of the World’), performance and international peace and friendship. The temporary site is within easy walking distance of the town along the canal towpath (there is also a regular bus service to Llangollen and Wrexham just outside the gate). A limited number of hook-ups are available at extra cost. Temporary site open: 28 June-7July Contact: see northwalescentre.co.uk
2-7 JULY RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival Packed with gardening inspiration, stunning floral displays and workshops in a majestic setting, this is a must for all garden lovers. A free bus service takes you from the temporary site at Apps Court Farm in Walton-on-Thames to the show. Facilities on site include toilets and showers, plus two carp fishing lakes. Temporary site open: 30June-7July Contact: Roger Smith on 01403 264155/07768 484821 or email roger. psmith@talktalk.net
descend upon Brechin in Angus.Your temporary site is conveniently located at Brechin Castle Showground. Temporary site open: 5-8 July Contact: Bruce Fenton on 01224 821764/07901 894472 or email bruce23fenton@btinternet.com
19-21 JULY The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show Browse new and used motorhomes, thousands of accessories and enjoy live music at Norwich’s Norfolk Showground.The temporary site on the showground has limited toilet blocks but no hook-ups. All bookings must be made directly with Warners Group, at West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PH10 9PH (see showgoer.co.uk for the official booking form – mark it ‘Beds CC’ to ensure you are pitched together). Temporary site open: 19-22July Contact: Bronya and Martin Findlay on 07818 808115
26-28 JULY Welland Steam & Country Rally Set in the shadow of the Malvern Hills, Woodside Farm hosts a variety of vintage entertainment – see steam engines and classic tractors, cars and motorbikes, enjoy an old-time fairground, browse a farmers market
3-7 JULY Henley Royal Regatta The world’s best-known regatta is just as famous for being a social occasion as it is for being a highlight of the sporting calendar.You will be pitched close to the river, with easy access to the towpath where you can picnic and watch the rowing.There are no hook-ups but water and waste facilities are available. Temporary site open: 3-8 July Contact: Hazel and Andy Bridle on 07789 815299 or email henley@ upperthamescentre.co.uk
6-7 JULY Harley Davidson in the City Festival Harley Davidson fans will be in their element as more than 700 of the legendary marque’s motorbikes
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
and craft tent, watch tractor pulling and a road-making demonstration, and listen to live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.The temporary site is within walking distance of the Steam & Country Rally. Temporary site open: 25-29 July Contact: Mike and Anne Davis on 07902-831754 or download a booking form from gloucestershirecentre.co.uk
“...the men’s road race will evoke memories of the epic opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France”
9-11 AUGUST Retrofestival The second Retrofestival of the year is held at Newbury Showground in Berkshire, and is a celebration of all things from the 1960s to the ’90s – including vehicles, fashion and music. The temporary site, with hook-ups, is on the showground – access to the site is based on each person having a valid festival weekend ticket. Temporary site open: 8-12 August Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260 or email berkshirecc@gmail.com – go to berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk for bookings (a non-returnable £50 deposit required on receipt of booking)
10-11 AUGUST Driffield Steam and Vintage Rally Driffield Showground in EastYorkshire opens its gates to steam engines, vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors,
Clockwise from above right: Harley Davidsons come to Brechin, Angus; Bournemouth hosts a big air festival; Yorkshire hosts the UCI Road World Championships; Classics at Sywell; rowing action at Henley-on-Thames
plus steam and electric organs for a fun family weekend.The temporary site is on the showground. Temporary site open: 7-11 August Contact: Trevor Brooks on 01482 355636/07885 932387
10-11 AUGUST Sunbury Amateur Regatta The temporary site at Apps Court Farm, just two miles from Hampton Court Palace and next to Sunbury Lock, is the ideal venue from which to enjoy this longstanding rowing event. As well as the competitive action on theThames there will be an illuminated flotilla and a firework display.This weekend also sees the West Surrey Centre celebrate its 60th birthday – live entertainment, bingo, cream teas, a tuck shop, a licensed bar and a burger bar will make it an event to remember. Temporary site open: 8-12 August Contact: RogerTupper on 01252 871573 or email westsurreysec@ hotmail.co.uk
29 AUGUST-1 SEPTEMBER Bournemouth Air Festival Action in the sky, on the ground and www.camc.com
on the water awaits visitors to the ‘UK’s biggest air festival’ on the Dorset coast. There will also be plenty of night-time entertainment along the 1.4 miles of promenade between Boscombe and Bournemouth piers, including a firework display. The temporary site at St Peter’s School in Southbourne is a short walk from Southbourne beach, an ideal location from which to watch the action. Please note: no dogs on site. Temporary site open: 26 August1 September Contact: Keith and RosemaryTagg on 01202 433396/07745 225396 or email rosemary.tagg@virginmedia.com
21-22 SEPTEMBER Kop Hill Climb A must for motorsport enthusiasts, the Kop Hill Climb at Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Watch more than 250 cars and bikes from all eras make their way up the famous hill climb. You can also gain a close-up view of the vehicles in the paddock, see hand-built karts competing in the www.camc.com
Soapbox Challenge, listen to live music, browse the trade stands and enjoy hot food and a beer tent. The temporary site is within walking distance of the event – there are no toilet facilities nor hook-ups. Temporary site open: 20-22 September Contact: Colin Henderson on 07808 839795 or email honrallysecretary@ middxcc.co.uk
21-22 SEPTEMBER Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props Historic cars and motorbikes, classic planes and vintage music combine to create an extravaganza at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton. On the ground, watch iconic F1 cars, hot rods, dragsters and motorbikes in action, then look up to the skies to see breathtaking aerial displays and acrobatics. Add live music, a vintage fun fair and a shopping village into the mix, and there is something for everyone. The temporary site on the aerodrome boasts toilet blocks and hook-ups. Temporary site open: 20-23 September
Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com
21-22 SEPTEMBER The Royal County of Berkshire Show Held at Newbury Showground, this traditional county show gives you the chance to see a variety of livestock. You will also find a craft tent, a food fayre, a vast array of trade stands and lots of ‘Have-a-Go’ activities for the whole family to try – from an assault course and crazy golf to circus skills and archery. Horse lovers will, er, love the equine section, while the event will showcase a variety of rural working crafts. The temporary site is within walking distance of the show. Temporary site open: 19-23 September Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260, email berkshirecc@googlemail.com or download a booking form from berkshirecentrecaravanclub.co.uk
22-29 SEPTEMBER UCI Road World Championships Elite cycling comes to Yorkshire for the 92nd UCI Road World
Championships. See the sport’s biggest names compete in time trials and road races. Starting in Leeds, the 284.5km men’s road race will evoke memories of the epic opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France. The riders will tackle iconic climbs like Buttertubs Pass and Grinton Moor, before completing seven laps of a circuit in Harrogate and crossing the line on The Stray. Ripon, Northallerton, Richmond and Doncaster will also host starts of races. The temporary site is at Knaresborough – a £5 deposit will secure your pitch. Temporary site open: 22-29 September Contact: email rallysecmw@gmail. com or visit midwestyorjshirecc.net
See camc.com/centres and p103 of this issue for more centre information and coverage
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
77
Finding Level
Automatic mover and self levelling system
FROM UNHITCH TO LEVEL PITCH IN UNDER 2 MINUTES! Stage 1: Handset shows which side is NOT level.
Stage 2: Place the ramp on the side which is low.
Stage 3: Press finding level. Caravan moves up the ramp & levels left to right.
EM306 Finding Level Kit Includes
+
+
Electric engage mover with Self Levelling, (levels caravan side to side)
4 x Electric Corner steadies, (levels caravan front to back)
Never struggle to move or level your Caravan again!
Stage 4: Automatic corner steadies descend and level the caravan front to back.
Suitable for single axle caravans up to 2000kg
Self levelling remote & mother board
PATENT PENDING
See the complete mover range - www.emove-uk.com EM303 Easy Wind The Easy-wind roller engagement is the easiest manual-engage system available. It offers FULL adjustment to the tyre tread and pressure and is suitable for ALL large singleaxle caravans & medium sized twin-axle up to 1800kg. (Flat SWL 2250kg)
5 YEAR
No Quibble Warranty
EM303A Electric Engage
Possibly the world’s most popular electric-engage caravan mover. Suitable for large single-axle and medium size twin-axle up to 1800kg. (Flat SWL 2250kg)
Affiliated Member
Available from all good caravan dealerships.
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May 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Another great product from
telephone: 0161 509 5503
EM305 Electric Twin Axle
If you are looking to move mountains this is the mover for you. Suitable for large single-axle and large twin-axle caravans up to 2000kg. (Flat SWL 2450kg)
Distributed by
email: sales@streetwizeaccessories.com www.camc.com
TOURING UK SITES
DID YOU KNOW?
Cromer
Moorhen
You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly
SPOTLIGHT ON:
SEACROFT Boasting a pool and restaurant, this Norfolk site is a great holiday base
MORE
ON THE
APP West Runton
ocated just minutes from the beach at Cromer on the north Norfolk coast, Seacroft is the perfect spot for a fun-filled family break. The recently-refurbished site not only boasts a heated outdoor pool, games room and seasonal entertainment programme, but also the new Wanderer Bar & Kitchen, which serves delicious fare sourced from local producers. The site also offers visitors the opportunity to get away from it all on high-quality nearby golf courses or by drinking in the fresh sea air on a clifftop stroll. Seacroft offers a mixture of grass and hardstanding pitches, many bordered by mature shrubs. There is space for tent campers too – perhaps giving non-caravanning friends and family the chance to join you on your holiday. Cromer has been a popular destination for holidaymakers since the mid-19th century and tourism still contributes heavily to the town’s income, alongside its traditional fishing industry. The Blue Flag award-winning beach is
www.camc.com
David Burton / Alamy
L
dominated by the pier, which is home to both the RNLI station and the Pavilion Theatre. Voted 2015 Pier of the Year, the Victorian structure has withstood numerous assaults by the elements and found fame in 2013 as the location for the climactic ending of the Steve Coogan comedy, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.
It is worth popping in to the nearby RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, which tells the stories of the brave volunteers who have risked their lives to save those struggling at sea. The building is named after long-serving coxswain Henry Blogg who, over the course of 53 years, carried out 387 rescues, helping to save more than 870 lives. He July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TOURING UK SITES
Club Site The ideal spot from which to explore Cromer, pretty Sheringham and the north Norfolk coast. Pitches: 108 | Open: 15 Mar 2019-6 Jan 2020 Tent campers welcome.
“Henry Blogg carried out 387 rescues over 53 years” Right: handsome Highland cattle on Wiveton Downs Below: bronze bust memorial to lifeboatman Henry Blogg GC BEM with part of his inshore fishing boat
Ernie Janes / Alamy
Seacroft
Member view “I stayed here over the Easter weekend and as a lone camper (towing a touring caravan) I am always aware of the friendliness and atmosphere of a site. I can say without hesitation from the first contact booking in the staff were friendly and helpful.” Lady Christine, caravanner
Member view “We know Cromer well having lived in North Norfolk previously and this site ticks all the boxes. Fantastic walks along the coast, the local amenities are a short walk, however we ate in The Wanderer both nights and the food and service was excellent and good value for money.” AdrianandAnne, motorhomers
Jim Laws / Alam
Food & drink The Foundry Arms, Church Street, Northrepps NR27 0AA Contact: northnorfolkpub.co.uk, 01263 579256
Culture Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Felbrigg, Norwich NR11 8PR Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01263 837444
Outdoor fun GRE
AT Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham SAVINGS GUIDE Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham NR11 6BW Contact: bvrw.co.uk, 01263 733858 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
For the family Karttrak Cromer, The Avenue, Hall Road, Northrepps, Cromer NR27 0HF Contact: karttrak.co.uk, 01263 512649
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
was awarded seven RNLI medals, the George Cross and a British Empire Medal. The museum houses the H F Bailey lifeboat on which Blogg served from 1934 to 1945, and there are plenty of educational and interactive elements to keep children entertained too. A visit to this part of north Norfolk is a must for anyone interested in natural history. Just along the coast from Cromer, for example, is West Runton, where in 1990 the remains of a 600,000 year-old mammoth were unearthed following a storm. One of the favourite pastimes of visitors to this area is beachcombing, and if you’re lucky you could find fossils, ancient coral or even sharks’ teeth. Should your search prove fruitful you are welcome to take your specimens to Cromer Museum for identification. More energetic holidaymakers won’t be disappointed by Cromer and surrounds either. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway offers some beautiful pedalling and you can find out more (and source a map) at North Norfolk Information Centre in Holt Road in the town.
For walkers, the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail allows you to enjoy spellbinding seascapes, while Peddars Way (which connects with the trail at Holme-next-the-Sea) provides some inland diversity. And should you be in the market for a spot of golf, then a round at the Royal Cromer Golf Club is a must. Visitors are welcome seven days a week at this spectacular, cliff-top course, originally designed by Old Tom Morris. After all that action, why not spend the evening stargazing at one of the county’s Dark Sky spots. Wiveton Downs, just over 25 minutes from the Seacroft site, was recently recognised as one of the best places to experience the wonders of the night sky. It is worth noting that a Dark Skies Festival is taking place across the Norfolk coast during September – look out for star gazing events, night walks, bat hunts and more at selected venues. See norfolkcoastaonb. org.uk for more information. Seacroft Club site – a star attraction in so many ways! www.camc.com
TOURING: FRANCE
Club Shop
SAVTEO
Visit our
UP
Club Shop
10%
Save up to 10% on Club Shop The Caravan and Motorhome Club has joined forces with Prima Leisure to bring you the Club Shop. The Club Shop now has over 3,000 products from leisure essentials to outdoor living. What’s more, members receive up to 10% discount on all products! Browse the full range today and start saving now.
shop.camc.com www.caravanclub.co.uk
January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine
4
PRACTICAL BUYING
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PRACTICAL ADVENTURES
‘Wicker Man’ ride, Alton Towers Inset picture: Legoland
DID YOU KNOW? The ‘Practical Advice’ section of the Club website contains a wealth of expert information. See camc.com/advice
PARK
LIFE
Sammy Faircloth says Club sites are the perfect bases from which to enjoy the thrills and spills of a theme park
C
lub members will already be aware that a caravan or motorhome can help you make the most of your hobbies and interests. Whether you fancy a cycling break, a round on a championship golf course, a fishing holiday or simply want to wander within one of our fabulous national parks, you can be sure there is a main site or Certificated Location that will help you indulge your passion. The Faircloths are a bunch of adrenaline junkies who never pass up on an opportunity to visit a theme park. However, many of the big-name attractions are a fair distance from home, so to make the most of our high-octane getaways we book onto Club sites –
www.camc.com
as they’re often far cheaper than staying in hotels. Here’s a guide to visiting three well-known parks...
ALTON TOWERS RESORT Located near the pretty Staffordshire village of Alton, this is perhaps the most famous theme park in the United Kingdom. Fairly easy to reach from both the M6 and M1 motorways, it occupies an incredible 914 acres (walking around it will certainly get your step-count up!) and boasts thrill rides such as ‘Nemesis’ and the newly-opened ‘Wicker Man’. Motorhomes and caravans can be parked in the main car park, but they mustn’t be left overnight
Club sites: Uttoxeter Racecourse Club site is about 10 miles from Alton Towers Resort. Set within the racecourse itself (watch out for restrictions on arrival/departure on race days), it’s great for fans of the gee-gees, while golf lovers can take advantage of a great course nearby. Another option is Carsington Water Club site (16 miles from the theme park), which is set in coniferous woodland close to the reservoir of the same namer. There is a super playground for the kids here – if they still have the energy after a long day! It’s also worth taking the bikes as there is a fantastic
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PRACTICAL ADVENTURES Chessington World of Adventures Inset: Alderstead Heath Club site
VARIATIONS ON A THEME Wherever you go in the UK, you’re not far from an exciting theme park. Here’s just a small selection... M&D’s – Scotland’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell ML1 3RT With a Caravan and Motorhome Club site right on the doorstep, this is the ideal place for family adventures. Attractions include the ‘Moby’s Revenge’ waterslide, the ‘Tornado’ rollercoaster and ‘Amazonia’ – a tropical house featuring free-flying birds and butterflies. Nearest Club site: Strathclyde Country Park Drayton Manor Theme Park, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW The UK’s fourth-largest amusement park is home to thrill rides including ‘Apocalypse’, family experiences such as a 4D cinema and dodgems, as well as ‘Thomas Land’ – a world dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. Nearest Club site: Chapel Lane
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Club members are entitled to discounts at Alton Towers, Chessington and Legoland via the Great Savings Guide...see camc.com/ greatsavingsguide for more information. route around the lake, and the Tissington Trail is not far away either. CL sites to consider: Quarry Walk (p452, Sites Directory & Handbook, 4 miles to Alton Towers), Fieldhead Farm (p456, 4 miles).
CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Close to Leatherhead, within the M25 and just off the A3, this park is also home to a zoo and Sea Life centre. It’s great for families as there are rides to suit both older (‘Vampire’, ‘Dragon’s Fury’ etc) and younger (‘The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure’, ‘Flying Jumbos’ etc) children. You can park motorhomes and caravans here, but stopping overnight is not permitted. Please note that Chessington’s website also states: “Larger vehicles may not be suitable for Explorer Gate Car Park so please park within the Drop Off Zone or at the Lodge Coach Park.” Club sites: Alderstead Heath is just 15 minutes’ drive from the M25, situated within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trip to Chessington from here takes about half an hour.
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The site also offers glamping pods and tent pitches through Experience Freedom (experiencefreedom. co.uk) should non-caravanning friends and family wish to join you on your break. You could also opt for the Club’s Gatwick site, which is around a 40-minute drive from the theme park. Alternative great days out from this leafy sight could involve a trip to Brighton (45 mins). CL sites to consider: Brickyard Meadow (p465, 14 miles), Highams Hill Farm (p466, 19 miles).
LEGOLAND WINDSOR Themed around the famous building-block system, this 150-acre park will particularly appeal to younger children. Rides such as ‘The Dragon’ and ‘Pirate Falls Treasure Quest’ are complemented by ‘Miniland’ – a collection of world-renowned landmarks created in Lego – and ‘experiences’ such as ‘Lego City Driving School’ and ‘Fire Academy’. You can park motorhomes and caravans here in Car Park C. Vehicles may not be left overnight. Club sites: Wyatts Covert Club site in Berkshire is about 14 miles from Legoland. This 50-pitch,
Woodlands Family Theme Park, Blackawton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7DQ ‘Vertigo’ – a tower-drop style ride – is the latest addition to the exciting line-up at this big Devon park. Add watery thrills and plenty of zoo and farm animals and you have a great experience for all the family. Nearest Club site: Hillhead
member-only site is surrounded by the Northmoor Hill Nature Reserve, while the nearby Denham train station gives you access to the attractions of central London. Alderstead Heath is another good alternative, about an hour's drive from the theme park. CL sites to consider: Stroud Farm (p274, 6 miles), Bluebell Farm (p274, 16 miles).
PLAN AHEAD With a little planning, you can use your outfit to gain more precious hours/days at the theme park of your choice. Obviously there is a vast choice of places to visit across the UK – and a few more suggestions are listed above. Members of the Club are entitled to discounts with the three parks we visited by using the Great Savings Guide. The three are part of the Merlin Group so we were able to take full advantage of our Merlin Annual Pass (which gives access to these and a host of other attractions including Thorpe Park in Surrey, Warwick Castle and the London Eye) – see merlinannualpass.co.uk for information.
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NEWS HEADLINES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
www.caravanclub.co.uk
November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS PRACTICAL HEADLINES Q&A
Ask your Club The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions www.camc.com
Cover concerns
Q
Is there any follow-up to the recent letter in the Club magazine about glass hob cover failures (see February 2019 issue, p58)?
A
Glass hob covers have been fitted for many years, with a small number of failures being reported, perhaps where they have become chipped or scratched, or when they’re inadvertently lowered onto a still-hot gas ring. The overwhelming bulk of them are unproblematic in use. The February letter identified an additional risk, however, which several other Club members have now also confirmed. That’s inadvertently turning on the electric hotplate – which many caravan hobs now include – while the hob cover is lowered. It’s clear that some of the controls for these can be knocked ‘on’ very readily, and if you don’t notice the indicator light they’ll heat the cover very quickly. We will raise this with the industry as a concern – any one of a number of small modifications would minimise this risk significantly. In the meantime, it’s perhaps worthwhile noting that some members have found workarounds, such as turning off the isolating switch for the hotplate when it’s not being used, or even removing the knob and only putting it back on while cooking. The hob covers themselves are made of tempered safety glass, similar to that used for car windows, shower screens and fridge shelves. While this is quite tough in order to withstand everyday knocks, if it is broken it will shatter into small, granular chunks. Although still sharp-edged, these are considered to be less dangerous than large shards of normal glass. Small chips and scratches increase the risk of failure, though, especially around the edge of the panel, where the internal stresses in the glass resulting from the tempering process are most unbalanced. We recommend care, therefore, especially if using the cover as an additional work surface. You might want to place a thin chopping board or such like on top of it.
The design of the oven handle on this cooker makes it less likely you’ll brush past the hotplate knob and inadvertently turn it on. Others are much more vulnerable
Please address your questions to: Technical Information, Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA ...and quote your membership number
camc.com/advice
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TEST VOLVO XC40 D4 AWD R-DESIGN PRO
SWEDE SUCCESS Lesley Harris puts another Class winner from the 2019 Towcar of the Year competition through its paces
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
CLASS WINNER
Clockwise from below: the portraitorientated touch screen works in a similar way to a smartphone; a minimalist interior “oozes class”; XC40 remains composed when cornering
V
olvo has enjoyed a long-standing affinity with the caravanning fraternity, and last year’s Towcar of the Year competition proved the Swedish company still knows what the average member wants in a tug. Not only did the XC60 claim the overall title, but its smaller sibling, XC40, bagged an impressive victory in the ‘1,350kg-1,500kg Caravan Weight’ class – and it’s the latter that I am concentrating on this month. When I take delivery of a test car there’s always a posse of friends, colleagues and neighbours who take an interest and tell me what they think. Purely in terms of appearance the XC40 split opinion – some gushed over its chunkier, less www.camc.com
curvaceous design (compared with XC60), its flat-topped bonnet, upright Volvo grille and ‘Thor’s Hammer’-shaped LED headlights, while others were less impressed. It just goes to show you really can’t please everybody! Regardless, the XC40 is unarguably a premium SUV that has made its mark within a crowded market. COMFORT Once inside, you’re immediately struck by the delightfully minimalist styling – it just oozes class. There’s a 9in, portrait-orientated touch screen that works like your smartphone, with swipe and pinch actions activating the functions – of which
there are many. Unfortunately Volvo doesn’t throw in smartphone integration, which is a £300 option. Elsewhere in the cabin, the beautifully simple chrome air vents and fascia detailing are stand-out features, while there is plenty of stowage on offer too, including a very useful pull-out rubbish bin and under-seat drawer. Wide-opening rear doors provide easy access, so getting child seats in and out won’t be a problem. The XC40 offers great leg and head room – even with the optional (£1,000) sunroof fitted a six-footer would be fine. However, the middle seat isn’t the most comfortable and the transmission tunnel eats into foot room. July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TEST VOLVO XC40 D4 AWD R-DESIGN PRO
TECHNICAL RATINGS
80%
78%
81%
80%
COMFORT
DRIVING
TOWING
VERDICT
Price as tested
Engine
Kerbweight
Fuel/tank/econ
£43,030 Insurance
1,969cc, in-line 4-cyl, diesel
1,698kg (85% = 1,443kg
Group 30
Power
Gross vehicle weight
Diesel/54 litres (11.88 gal)/42.3mpg solo/28.7mpg towing
Club insurance
XC40’s boot offers 460 litres of space (above), rising to 901 litres when the seat backs are dropped (below)
The Club’s Car Insurance is tailored to the needs of members using our 25 plus years of know-how. We guarantee to beat your renewal premium by at least £25*.
187bhp (139kW)@ 4,000rpm
2,250kg Gross train weight
CO2
Torque
4,350kg
135g/km
295lb ft (400Nm) @1,750rpm
Noseweight limit
Transmission
Towing equipment
8-speed automatic
Retractable towbar (£1,075)
110kg
Spare wheel
Space saver
Figures from manufacturers’ literature unless specified
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ON THE
APP
*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-forlike 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.
Volvo offers three main trim levels on the XC40 range – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. These can be further enhanced with ‘Pro’ packages adding the likes of heated front seats and active bending headlights.
but has a tendency to be a tad hesitant when you need that extra bit of oomph.
VERDICT o ‘First Sporting smaller wheels, our DID YOU KNOW? Edition’ Edition model performed really We guarantee to beat well in the Towcar competition, so your insurance renewal TOWING opt for similar-sized ‘shoes’ and you premium by £25*. Hitched up to a tourer should be fine. There were a few See camc.com/ kindly provided by other niggles in terms of handling, DRIVING insurance or call 0345 Chichester Caravans, but if you want a premium It’s worth noting here that the test vehicle 504 0334 to get mid-sized SUV, with distinctive during the Towcar competition (labelled ‘First I started my journey around your quote exterior styling and a classy interior, the Edition’) rode on smaller 19in wheels, which Comfort’ the South Downs in ‘Comfort’ XC40 should be on your shortlist. made a surprising difference. So, while the mode, but it seemed slightly competition judges praised the XC40 for its Sport’, fidgety. So I popped it into ‘Sport’, n For special member deals on Volvo cars, see smooth ride, the larger 20in versions on this which weighted everything up a little, and made camc.com/volvo. The average member saving model made things a little more unsettled. At for a much more enjoyable and comfortable drive. lower speeds, I found it was troubled by larger The Volvo was a little susceptible to crosswinds with this offer is £4,000 (for the period 1 January to 30 April 2019) potholes, although, once on the move, it did and when overtaking lorries I noted a slight sway smooth out and became a fairly relaxed cruiser from the caravan on occasion. with little engine noise. However, road noise The boot offers 460 litres of space with the from those larger tyres was noticeable, especially seats in place to the window line – this rises to over concrete sections of motorway. 901 litres when the seat backs are dropped. The steering is light and agile yet, like all There’s no lip, so it’s easy to load and remove With thanks to high-riding SUVs, it can be slightly wafty. luggage. Our car was fitted with electrically However, the XC40 does a good job of keeping folding seat backs – a handy, £350 option. Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of composed when cornering and responds well to While Volvo claims a combined economy of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. inputs. The 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is 55.4mpg, unfortunately we could only muster co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@ chichester-caravans.co.uk. standard across the range, has a smooth change 42.3mpg solo and 28.7mpg while towing. 90
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD
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point of order. We aim to deliver within 3 working days from dispatch, stock subject to availability. We comply with Consumer Contract Regulations; you have the right to cancel your order no later than 14 days after the day on which you receive your goods. Inform us of your wish to cancel in writing, by letter or email. Returns are not free, full details are on your delivery note. Return goods within 14 days of cancellation. Calls to 0844 numbers will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. £3.99 UK standard delivery. International delivery from £6.95. Offer applies to purchases in GBP only. Exception is Ireland orders which will be charged in EUR at the set conversion rate. Prices quoted are correct at time of production but can vary. One promotion per order. *Last 3 digits on back of card. This is mandatory to process your order. Offer ends 14.08.19. Marketing and Promotions: We want to make sure you don’t miss out on our great products and offers, so we will keep you informed by post. If you do not want to hear from us, please let us know. I do not want to be contacted by Post. We take your privacy seriously. For details of our privacy policy and full terms and conditions visit cottontraders.com.
January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
4
TEST ADRIA ADORA SAVA
SUPER SAVA
Rob McCabe finds much to admire in this recent addition to the Adria stable
A
ll four Adria Adoras are named after rivers... although I have to admit that the Sava isn’t one I’d heard of. Appropriately enough, its source lies in Adria’s homeland of Slovenia and it flows for more than 600 miles. The caravan that takes its name has its own impressive numbers – it’s 8ft wide and more than 27ft long on a twin-axled chassis. Indoors, a cabin length of more than 20ft encompasses a flexible five-berth layout that includes two spacious fixed bunks. Let’s find out if the Sava, still relatively new in the top-selling Adora range, should be on the radar of the savvy caravan buyer. BUILD QUALITY Adria’s bodyshells are among the most handsome out there, and the Sava’s good looks are backed by a very reassuring muscular solidity. The sturdy, sleek polyester side walls and roof are mated to ABS panels front and rear,
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
and the whole structure is supported by a quartet of massive corner steadies (they don’t win any prizes for ease of access, though). Indoors, all the furniture has been assembled neatly and there are no irritating squeaks from hinges and the like. The only let-down was the centre front window blind, which creased slightly every time it was lowered. All the window blinds (the big panoramic one excepted) are the PVC type; in a £24k caravan, you’d maybe expect to see the posher pleated ones.
the road and make low-speed manoeuvring so much more predictable. The eight-foot width shouldn’t be a concern most of the time, but it should certainly be borne in mind when route-planning.
DAYTIME The open floorspace around the entrance door and kitchen is the most obvious manifestation of that eight-foot width, and when you’re seated in the comfy wraparound lounge there’s little risk of ankle-clashing with whoever’s opposite you. TOWING The lounge itself may look compact, but Big SUVs only, please – the Adora weighs in at thanks to the absence of a front chest, occupants more than 1,700kg before you’ve so much as put can recline comfortably into the front corners. a pair of socks in it. It’s a bit of a surprise to see The pop-up shelf in lieu of a chest is a decent that there’s no electronic trailer control system enough size for a couple of mugs and cereal fitted, but this is mitigated by the extra-long bowls, and the deep window shelf behind it A-frame, which helps give a more stable tow. is also perfectly useable as a table. The The same can be said for the twin axles, which freestanding table requires practice before obviously give you twice as much ‘footprint’ on you’re able to get it easily in and out of its cubby www.camc.com
TECHNICAL RATINGS
Clockwise from opposite: sleek exterior; comfortable lounge; bunks are roomy; stylish L-shaped hob and sink
90%
82%
86%
88%
BUILD QUALITY
TOWING
DAYTIME
NIGHT-TIME
93%
91%
92%
89%
KITCHEN
WASHROOM
LIGHTING
VERDICT
Price as tested
Beds
MRO
£23,975 OTR
Front double: 6ft 11in × 5ft 3in; fixed single bunks × 2: 6ft 5in × 2ft 6in; Side dinette single: 6ft 2in × 2ft 6in
1,721kg (33.88cwt) MTPLM
1,900kg (37.39cwt) User payload
Heating
179kg (3.51cwt)
Alde central heating
27ft 2in (8.28m)
Caravan and Motorhome Club Cover
Please see quote provided in the ’Did you know?’ roundel on this page*
Overall length
Fridge/freezer
Overall width
Thetford tower fridge-freezer
8ft (2.44m) Overall height
Toilet
8ft 6in (2.59m) Thetford electric Max internal height flush 6ft 5in (1.96m)
Figures from manufacturer’s literature.
*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £23,975 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected). Legal protection is an optional extra charged at £8.75 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.
hole – and it also sits too low for my liking. That huge, sweeping window certainly lets in a lot of light – however, although it does open, it’s only by an inch or so. Mains sockets are conveniently placed throughout the interior – the one in the rear living area is adjacent to the washroom door, convenient for the mirror within the ‘smallest room’. However, given the Sava’s two-room family layout, I think many would-be buyers may bemoan the lack of a second TV bracket and connectivity. The storage allocation is certainly familysized. The wardrobe is immense, as is the shelved cupboard alongside it. Shame the shelves are all fixed, though – even just one or two removable ones would give some welcome flexibility. The space under the lower bunk is also accessible via a wide exterior hatch. And with Alde central heating at your disposal, the Adora’s year-round touring credentials are impeccable. www.camc.com
DID YOU KNOW?
NIGHT-TIME through the bedroom to use You can cover this Another considerable benefit the washroom. caravan with the Club of the extra-wide bodyshell Up front, the two sofa bases for £295.20* per year. is the fact that all three pull out to meet in the middle, Please see camc.com/ single beds are a generous forming the platform for one insurance or call two-and-a-half feet wide, of the longest beds in 01342 336610 for which gives decent shoulder caravanning – an inch short of further details room for fully grown adults – and seven feet. With the kneerolls very comfortable they are too. placed at either end, it’s superbly Additionally, every bed on board is more comfy; and because it’s so long, whoever’s on the than six feet long, so the Sava really cuts it front-window side can easily slide past without having to clamber over his or her partner. as a long-term investment for families – here’s a caravan that your kids won’t grow out of, even KITCHEN with the upper bunk’s 70kg weight restriction I’m a big fan of Adria’s smartly turned-out factored in. kitchens; the slightly L-shaped, stainless steel None of the three beds has any kind of hob and sink unit is cutting-edge stylish and privacy blind or curtain. That may not be such handsome, set off nicely by the glossy white a big deal with smaller children, but plenty work surface (of which there’s not a huge of teenagers would no doubt prefer to have amount). The fitted microwave is hidden behind their own discreet space; and then there’s a locker door, which self-supports to give you the fact that mum and dad have to walk July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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TEST ADRIA ADORA SAVA
Clockwise from above: dinette single bed; 8ft width provides a spacious feel; useful kitchen storage; huge front double; dinner time; glass-effect wash basin
94
two free hands when using it. Three gas rings of varying sizes are more than enough for most mealtimes, although you don’t get an electric hotplate. The separate grill and oven compartments are compact in dimensions, but the sleek, shimmering tower fridge is impressively vast.
Curiously, the shower also has a mirror. I can’t speak for anybody else, but categorically the last thing I want to see when I step blearily into the shower first thing in the morning is me! That aside, this end washroom is an attractive, practical (its location at the back of the bedroom notwithstanding) and spacious facility.
WASHROOM As soon as you open the door, your attention is drawn to the very upmarket-looking transparent wash basin with the elegantly lit mirror behind it. Neatly encased in a chrome-finished holder (fixed in place discreetly next to the loo) is a toilet brush – unglamorous, sure, but a user-friendly addition even so. Two tall, skinny cabinets either side of the basin/mirror unit and a big cupboard underneath should easily take care of the family’s toiletries, while the footrest/ shelf in the shower cubicle gives you somewhere to stash gel and shampoo.
LIGHTING So-called mood lighting is very much a characteristic of the caravan of the 2010s, and the Sava has its fair share, with gently glowing strips running above all the overhead lockers in the front lounge, kitchen and separate living/ sleeping quarters. The backlit wall panel in the kitchen is great, adding a really nice ambience of an evening; same goes for the illuminated mirrors in the washroom. There’s a disappointing total of two reading lights in the lounge, but overall everywhere is very well catered for. Ceiling-mounted
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
flush-fitting lamps flood both the living areas with serious light when needed, and the occupants of both bunks have their own wall lights – complete with cartoon elephants. Your adolescent offspring – perhaps more into attitude than cartoons – may rebel. VERDICT Some families won’t give a hoot about the siting of the washroom. If that’s the case, then there’s much to commend this big, handsome, comfortable tourer.
With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by Adria Concessionaires Ltd, Unit 2, Drury Drive, Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury CO10 1WH (adria.co.uk, 01787 888980)
www.camc.com
TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD
Award winning cover your caravan deserves Protecting members for over 50 years
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 Lines also open on Saturdays 9am – 1pm. or visit camc.com/insurance/caravan 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. www.caravanclub.co.uk
January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine
5
TEST WELLHOUSE LEISURE TRENTO
CUSTOM BUILT Nick Harding takes a look at a four-berth campervan conversion based on Ford’s Tourneo Custom people carrier
Y
orkshire-based conversion specialist Wellhouse Leisure has produced a number of vehicles based on Ford vehicles – this month we take a look at the Trento, which is built on the Tourneo Custom people carrier. Provided in luxurious Titanium trim, it’s a clever camper conversion that will take up to five for travel (at a squeeze – that rear seat is more suited to a trio of children) and sleep up to four. This model is the short-wheelbase, elevating-roof version, but Trentos are also available in long-wheelbase and high-top configurations should you desire. BUILD QUALITY Because it’s the Tourneo, you get metallic paintwork (the ‘Orange Glow’ featured here is one of 10 colours), 17in alloy wheels, colour-
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
coded body kit and trim as standard. There are also features such as sliding doors to both sides with hinged windows and mesh blinds. Quality conversion elements are also in evidence, exemplified by a sliding rear seat with three integral three-point belts, from German company Schnierle. The pop-top is from UK company Drivelodge, which has a decades-long history of camper roof production. It’s particularly easy to use, with an acrylic window at the front and mesh screens each side. Keeping the solid section of the roof in black is a cost-saver, but it blends in particularly well here. The furniture is from Italian specialist Tecnoform – the distinctive white gloss finish should be easy to wipe clean and has a good, quality feel to it.
DRIVING This Wellhouse certainly drives and parks like a car – although do note the Ford base means the Trento sits that bit higher than some campers (so beware of car park height barriers). The cab is a dream, featuring the likes of a padded steering wheel with full set of controls, electric folding mirrors with heating function, air conditioning, cruise control, heated seats with eight-way adjustability, heated windscreen, curtain airbags and more. Dominating a very user-friendly dashboard is an 8in touchscreen ‘infotainment centre’ with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity that also acts as a reversing monitor. It also links directly to Google Maps. Elsewhere, there are valuable fittings such as the alarm/immobiliser system with tracker, front and www.camc.com
TECHNICAL RATINGS
Opposite: rear seat slides back to create roomy lounge; tripod table (inset) This page (top to bottom): swivel cab seats; high-spec cab; choice of metallic paint finishes
84%
85%
76%
78%
BUILD QUALITY
DRIVING
DAYTIME
NIGHT-TIME
79%
N/A
80%
80%
KITCHEN
WASHROOM
DETAILS
VERDICT
Price as tested
Base vehicle
MRO
Overall length
£47,000/ £48,500 OTR
Ford Tourneo Custom
2,550kg (50.19cwt)
16ft 3in (4.97m)
Engine
MTPLM
2.0-litre turbodiesel Euro VI
3,200kg (62.99cwt)
6ft 10in (2.08m)
Power
User payload
Caravan and Motorhome Club Insurance
Overall width Overall height
6ft 9in (2.07m) Max internal height
128bhp (97kW) 650kg (12.80cwt) 6ft 3in (1.91m) Please see quote @ 3,500rpm Torque provided in the ’Did you know?’ 284lb ft (385Nm) roundel on @ 1,500opposite page* 2,000rpm Fuel/tank/econ Transmission Diesel/14.30 6-speed manual, gals (65 litres)/ 32-38mpg FWD Figures from manufacturer’s literature.
*Quote is for model as tested worth £48,500. Based on 50-year-old banker living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus coming from a vehicle of a similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £150 damage, fire and theft excess. With factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser. 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.
rear parking sensors, rear wash/wipe, front foglights… it’s a long list. Most importantly, powered by a 128bhp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, it drives well, scoring highly in terms of steering, brakes, handling, acceleration, and even economy. Extras worth considering are auto transmission (£1,620) and the racier 168bhp engine (£1,500). Both could be worth the investment, especially as the otherwise slick and easy manual six-speed gearbox is rather tall-geared. DAYTIME Park up on site and it’s not too hard to swivel both cab seats, push the rear seat back to its farthest point and use one or both of the tables – there’s a dog-leg unit behind the cab passenger’s seat and a pedestal-leg top with tripod (stowed at the back). www.camc.com
The Trento features the air outlet in the cab passenger’s DID YOU KNOW? seat base, a solar panel side-furniture unit format You can insure this found in many campervans. and smoke and CO alarms. motorhome with the Club The largest storage unit, for £470.86* per year. NIGHT-TIME to the right of the rear seat, Please see camc.com/ Without doubt the main has a space-saving tambour insurance or call door and – another neat bed will be downstairs, 0345 504 0334 for touch – two shelves that can where you need to bring the further details be hinged out of the way as seat base forward before folding required, as well as a hanging rail. out flat its three sections. Extra There’s also a separate, small locker width is provided by a padded section above the wardrobe and a drawer in the base along the nearside. There’s a knack to operating the retainer catches for the seat base, but of the rear seat. otherwise bed make-up is a straightforward It’s simple enough to push the roof and enough operation. upper bed up so you can stand comfortably The overhead double only has a slim mattress, during the daytime. Again, standard so is more suited to small children. However, equipment levels are impressive. There’s Eberspächer heating with a single blown it’s a decent size, at 6ft 2in x 3ft 6in. A ladder July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
97
TEST WELLHOUSE LEISURE TRENTO
Clockwise from above: kitchen features the twin-burner hob and sink combination (the grill shown here is an extra cost option); ladder supplied for roof bed – but where do you stow it?; slim mattress but plenty of room in the roof; set up for night-time downstairs
is supplied for access, but there’s nowhere obvious to stow it for travel. A flip-over section of bed board means nothing can fall down with a bump in the night. There’s lots of LED lighting, including downlighters along both sides of the main living area, two reading lamps, ambient strips at floor level, plus a trio of bullet lights to the underside of the roof bed. There are bullet lights over each swivelled cab seat and one downlighter in the upper bed area. Van-X blackout curtains – a neat solution in a campervan – take up very little space. KITCHEN There’s the de rigueur two-ring gas hob and sink combination here under smoked glass lids, along with a Dometic compressor fridge, The grill in the test vehicle was a £400 option – the deep drawer storage arrangements around it meant you didn’t have the usual feeling that you’d lost a locker. The largest 98
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
locker, to the right of the fridge, houses a portable toilet, but there’s some shelf space above that. There are also two very handy eye-level lockers. WASHROOM The portable toilet is all you get in terms of washroom facilities, although an exterior shower fitting is an optional extra. A neat touch is the facility to remove the toilet for emptying via the offside sliding door (it saves dragging it through the van’s interior). DETAILS What lifts a decent campervan to the next level are the little touches and the Trento has them in abundance – from the twin reading lamps with USB outlets over the bed/rear seat, to the fresh water tank filler in the driver’s door plastic-lined footwell. There are lots of grab handles and coat hooks (a reminder the Tourneo was initially conceived as a multi-passenger carrier) which
are bound to come in handy when you’re camping, and, as a show of its faith in its conversion work, Wellhouse provides a three-year warranty, to match that of Ford for the base vehicle. VERDICT If you’re after a campervan that’s well made, practical and boasts a high level of luxury at a keen price, this could be for you. Ford’s Transit Custom Tourneo, providing car-level specification and feel, complements Wellhouse’s campervan capabilities perfectly.
With thanks to Wellhouse Leisure, 1, Skelmanthorpe Technology Park, Station Road, Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield HD8 9GA Contact: wellhouseleisure.com, 01484 861100
www.camc.com
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5
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FAMILIES TOURING TIPS
Family matters Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (17) and son Charlie (11) love the great outdoors and the touring lifestyle. This month – what to take when going to Europe
In the April 2019 issue, we discussed the must-have items that we take almost everywhere, and as we’re currently in the middle of planning a European trip for the school summer holidays, I thought I’d mention a few of the things that make continental touring with the kids a stress-free process – especially if it’s your first time taking your pride and joy abroad. First of all, don’t forget the obvious important things: passports, European Health Insurance Cards, travel insurance, etc. Red Pennant overseas holiday insurance, which is a Caravan and Motorhome Club product, is worth considering – see camc.com/redpennant. Rules and regulations differ from country to country and covering these would take more than a page. Thankfully, guides are available in the Club’s overseas touring publications and on the Club’s website (see caravanclub.co.uk/overseasholidays/useful-information) – it’s worth printing copies or making notes so you’re aware of speed limits and other laws relevant to your journeys. Citronella candles and other associated bug deterrents can prove handy. We learned this lesson
the hard way on the banks of the Rhine in Germany after leaving a window ajar! Also, I find the Google Translate app invaluable. Although check-in staff at Club-listed sites generally speak very good English, I like to make an effort with the basics of a foreign language as it seems polite to do so. You can also use the app to scan a menu and display it in English. As Brexit continues to unfold, things could change, but the beauty of continental Europe will remain, and for that reason we’ll certainly continue to make trips across the English Channel. There’s just one more important factor to consider. For us chaps, continental swimwear rules can challenge British sensibilities, so to speak. The first thing I do after checking in at a continental site is to see if anyone using the pool is in shorts. I’m pleased to report that I’ve yet to use my ‘emergency Speedos’, and shorts above the knee have, so far, passed muster pool-side!
MEMBERS SINCE... Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006
Charlie’s view My favourite thing to take when staying at sites in other countries is a football. Dad says that football is a universal language and I think he’s right – we played a huge football match at a site in France where both teams were a mix of people from different countries and of all ages. It started with just a few of us and grew and grew until we had so many people it was easy to have a rest before joining the game again. Best of all, I had to play as we were using my ball!
Helen’s view A comfortable sun lounger is a must-have when travelling somewhere with weather that’s a touch more reliable than ours, and it’s impossible to relax in a lounger without a glass of something. It makes me laugh now but we actually took wine with us during our first trip to France, along with a daft amount of groceries from Tesco! Now, we do things correctly and travel empty so we can stock up on our top three French essentials – wine, cheese and ice pops!
PACK IT IN TOP 5 CONTINENTAL ESSENTIALS 1 You must display GB stickers or EU number plates when travelling through Europe 2 Take a warning triangle and hi-visibility vests 3 Make sure you have proof of ownership of your vehicle(s),
www.camc.com
your MoT certificate and proof of insurance 4 The Club recommends purchasing a continental two-pin adaptor 5 Take some toilet roll with you – some European sites don’t supply it
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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NEWS HEADLINES
upper thames overmatter
2
January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.co.uk
CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS
Centre lines Welcome to our section dedicated to the Club’s centres. To search for a Centre event or find your local group’s details, see camc.com/centres
www.camc.com
Something for everyone at Lanark
Sun shines on Irish National Killarney Racecourse provided the perfect setting for the 2019 Irish Division National. More than 80 outfits made the journey to beautiful County Kerry, which was blessed with outstanding weather throughout the event. Highlights included entertainment from Celtic Steps, a dinner dance, boat trip, hog roast and race night. An ecumenical service hosted by members of Killarney’s clergy was attended by the town’s mayor as well as Caravan and Motorhome Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain, Irish Division Chairman Mark Doherty, Munster Chairman Brian Condell, Leinster Chairman Kevin O’Hanlon and David Buick, Chairman of Ulster Centre. Ralliers raised a staggering €1,250 over the course of the long weekend for the Irish Kidney Association’s Killarney branch. Next year’s Irish National will take place at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway – organisers look forward to seeing you there!
The West Centre hosted a highly successful Scottish National from 3 to 7 May at Lanark Racecourse. Following an opening ceremony attended by South Lanarkshire Council Provost Ian McAllan, members enjoyed a fantastic evening dance hosted by Squeeze & Teeze on Saturday. On the Sunday, a nondenominational church service was held, after which members showed their competitive sides in the inter-centre sports event. Highland Centre were the eventual winners, while Dumfries and Galloway picked up the cheerleading trophy. The weekend was rounded off with a family concert and a trip to the famous Kelpies sculptures in Falkirk. If you would like to attend next year’s Scottish National, or if you would like to find out more about Scotland’s centres, please visit thescottishcaravanclub.com.
Rally milestone
In the pink West Hampshire members Danny and Sarah went the extra mile at their centre’s ‘Flying and Flamingoes’ rally – by covering their car and caravan with themed wraps! The rally, run by Kate and Clive Dupont and Matt and Alison Tracey at Longthorns Farm near Bovington in Dorset, was a great success, with everyone enjoying the flying attractions and related activities. The fun was aptly summed up in a poem by Brian Pattimore, an extract of which is printed below: Gliders soar high in the sky Pink flamingoes catch your eyes Longthorns Farm, what a nice surprise... Meeting with friends old and new Longthorns rally officers, I’m glad we chose you
Richard and Carol Davis celebrated attending 600 rallies during a Wiltshire Centre event at Coombe Bissett this Easter. The couple frequently visit other centres and have made many friends across the country. A presentation was made to the pair by Jenny Newman (left) on behalf of the Chairman.
Upper Thames Please note that the venue for Upper Thames Centre’s 70th Birthday Rally (advertised on p113 of the June issue) next year has changed to Witney Rugby Club near Oxford. Plenty of fun activities and entertainment are planned for the event from 23-27 July 2020.
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS
All abroad Details of overseas centre rallies in 2019
Return from Oz Barbara and Peter Beeston of the Cheshire Centre were on hand to welcome guests from Western Australia when they arrived at the airport in May. Cheshire members were looked after very well when they headed Down Under last year, so they were anxious to return the favour. A rally was held at Betley Village Hall, the highlight of which was a five-course dinner with entertainment.
FRANCE 22 June-6 July Location: Camping Du Letty, Bénodet* Host Centre: East Dorset Details: This site sits within a distinctive region of dramatic coastlines and pretty fishing villages. Offering far-reaching views across the Bay of Biscay, it is just a 25-minute drive from Quimper, generally regarded as the cultural heart of Brittany. 24 June-14 July Location: Camping L’Océano d’Or, Jard sur Mer Host Centre: Dyfed 29 June-13 July Location: Camping l'Île d’Offard, Saumur Host Centre: Gwent 23 July-15 September Location: Camping L’Océano d’Or, Jard sur Mer Host Centre: West Wales
ITALY 25 August-6 September Location: Camping Fornella, Lake Garda Host Centre: Cheshire
NETHERLANDS 27 July-10 August Location: Allure Park Laag Kanje, Maarn* Host Centre: Buckinghamshire Details: This attractive campsite is a great location for a family rally. Highlights include a welcome meal in the site restaurant, a day excursion to the beautiful ancient town of Arnhem with a visit to the Airborne Museum, and a day trip to a flower auction and afternoon in the lakeside town of Volendam. 7-31 August Location: Resort de Arendshorst, Ommen* Host Centre: Suffolk Details: Located on the riverside in the rural north-east of the country, this campsite is perfect for a family holiday. Take advantage of numerous cycle paths, go in a dinghy on the river, enjoy a dip in the pool or visit the on-site petting zoo which is home to goats and chickens – there’s loads to see and do. 30 August-9 September Location: Camping Liesbos, Breda Host Centre: South Essex *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.
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
Sandy surprise for Yorks youngsters The highlight of South Yorkshire Centre’s Easter rally at Fraisethorpe near Bridlington each year is the creation of a beach picture. Younger members then dig within the giant design in a search for eggs. We think you’ll agree that the 2019 Easter chick is a triumph! An evening social and Easter bonnet competition rounded off another excellent event.
3,500 and counting North Yorkshire Centre is celebrating its 3,500th rally at Wetherby Racecourse from 18-22 July 2019. There will be a full programme of events throughout the long weekend. Please see northyorkshirecentre. co.uk for more information.
That’s loyalty Gloucestershire member Dave Allen (pictured with partner Mary) received a ‘50 years of membership’ plaque while at the centre’s Sharpness Docks rally in May. Many congratulations!
Hope and glory
Welsh reminder There’s still time to book your place at the 67th Welsh National Rally, being held at Brecon Showground from 22 to 27 August. It promises to be a packed weekend full of fun, sports and entertainment for all ages –see westwalescentre.co.uk for information.
Durham Centre celebrated its 60th anniversary in style at Stanhope Showground with live music, a brass band, children’s entertainers, a fun run and more. More than 100 units representing 14 centres were in attendance – many thanks to all who made this such a successful event.
Flash, bang, Wallop – what a picture! East Hampshire member Steve Carr took this striking photograph during the centre’s ‘Wilco Roger’ rally at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop. If you look closely you can just make out the outfit’s owners, Phil and Terri Turner. As Steve says, the picture proves you never “have to travel far for a great sunset”. The following weekend East Hants ralliers could choose from events in Ower (New Forest) and Ragley Hall (Warwickshire).
www.camc.com
MILENCO Aero 3 and Grand Aero 3 Mirrors are now available with a number of improvements for easier and an even more secure fitting, these include upgraded rubber coated clamps along with a newly designed pad which helps ‘lock’ the Aero 3 Mirror into place, even on the most modern design of car and 4x4 mirrors. Also the Aero 3 comes with the very best quality glass available for the clearest view of any towing mirrors on the market. Conforms to all the very latest EC Regulations.
Small 31 Security Handrail Inside/Outside Security Door Lock High Security Door System. Lock the handle left, right or outwards offering you additional security against break-ins or attacks. This Hand Rail is also used for extra stability providing easier access. Door Frame
Lock, which locks from both inside or outside. This new improved design only requires a 25mm gap between door frame
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xx
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EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS
The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show special offer Use the coupon on this page to save on admission to this fantastic Norwich event in July The Norfolk Showground in Norwich hosts the popular Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show from 19-21 July. Not only will you be able to browse over 200 new and used motorhomes for sale from more than 20 dealers, you’ll be able to pick up the very latest camping gadgets from 130-plus accessory exhibitors. If you choose to camp on site, you can also enjoy up to four nights of live music from the likes of The Amazing Blues Brothers, UB40 tribute act Rats in the Kitchen and 80s tribute band Wham! Duran. Three nights of entertainment are free, while Saturday night‘s programme costs £10 per adult and £5 per child. Advanced on-site pitches cost £50 Thurs-Mon or £47 Fri-Mon – but hurry, the deadline is 2pm on 3 July.
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MEMBER TICKET OFFER The voucher on this page entitles you to day admission to the show at the discounted rate of £11 for two adults (normal price £6 per person). Simply present the voucher at the pay gate upon arrival. Alternatively, advance
tickets are available at just £4 per person (order before noon on 18 July) – simply call 0844 581 4912 (calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge). There is no charge for children, while parking and a complimentary show
guide are part of your entry fee. The show opens daily at 9.30am, closing at 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. For more details about camping at the show or attending as a day visitor, see showgoer.co.uk.
July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
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EXCLUSIVE : SPECIAL SAVINGS
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December 2015 The Caravan Club Magazine
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Tail lights A look at the fun and unusual world of touring
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ON THE
APP Rolling Stone We thought members might be interested in this picture – kindly sent to us by Jenny Farrington – of a caravan built by her grandfather, Mr T Norman Stone. According to Jenny, he lived near Horsham, West Sussex, and in Guildford, Surrey, and the photograph would have been taken in the early 1900s. We wonder if he was related to J Harris Stone, the founder of The Caravan Club.
Paws for thought We were hoping to avoid dog puns for an issue or three, but that was before we heard from Andrew and Janet Curry, who were on holiday in Gisborne, New Zealand, when they came across this fellow. “He was on that trailer for over two weeks but didn’t look dog tired,” they joke. Two weeks... a dog hasn’t stood still for that long since the days of Barbara Woodhouse.
Whale of a time Club member Richard Hodgkinson came across this unusual caravan/mobile bar in France last year. Keep an eye out for it if you are in Brittany this summer, specifically the SaintMalo area... and do warn the owner if you happen to spot Captain Ahab during your ferry crossing.
If you’ve seen something unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’ve been out and about, send your picture to magazine@ camc.com and we’ll print the best.
Cosy conversion Here’s an unusual find, made by one of the Club’s honorary life members, Geoff Thomlinson. This smart converted Morris apparently sleeps five – it must be a bit of a squeeze...
Too good to cut! We were very impressed by this cake, made for Club member Pettrice Williams’ dad, Les, on the occasion of his retirement. According to Pettrice, he didn’t want to cut it, which is understandable! Congratulations Les, and we hope you enjoy your new-found leisure time.
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July 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine
www.camc.com
O P D EN AY S 7
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2008 CONCORDE CHARISMA 790H 3.0 IVECO 170 BHP 4 BERTH REAR DOUBLE BED OVER A FULL WIDTH GARAGE DROP DOWN BED ABOVE THE CAB FRONT LOUNGE WITH 3 SEATBELTS OVEN & GRILL ELECTRIC PRIVACY BLIND SOLAR PANEL AWNING REAR LADDER WITH ROOF BARS JUST 51,000 MILES!
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Tel: 0115 930 3140 • Gin Close Way, Awsworth, Notts NG16 2HH 2 mins off Junction 26 M1, near Ikea, Nottingham www.caravanclub.co.uk November 2016 The Caravan Club Magazine
3
Look up at the stars, not under the bonnet. Hope Valley, Peak District
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