Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - June 2019

JUNE 2019 SE

PITCH PERFECT

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

On Test Bailey caravan and used campervans rated

No Limits Why caravanning is accessible to all

Member Photos Your perfect moments caught on camera

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COMMENT EDITOR’S VIEW

TOURING: DORSET CLUB SITES AND CLS

TOURING: CORNWALL CLUB SITES AND CLS

On Test We rate Peugeot, Gobur and Auto-Trail vehicles

Surf ‘n’ turf

Enjoy the best of coast and country on a seven-site tour of Cornwall

Level Best Straight-talking advice on levelling your outfit

PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1

Special Offers Super money-saving deals for members

05/04/2019 11:55

PITCH PERFECT

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

www.camc.com

08/03/2019 16:31

Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs on the Jurassic Coast

TESTED: VW AMAROK/BAILEY UNICORN VIGO/SECOND-HAND CAMPERVANS SPECIAL

Design Classics Club motorhome awards round-up

FOSSIL HUNTING

www.camc.com

Travel Notes A musical trip through magical Austria

PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1

TESTED: PEUGEOT 3008/FOLDING CARAVANS SPECIAL/AUTO-TRAIL TRACKER EB

On Test Vehicles from Ford, Swift and Elddis rated

Why you’re guaranteed a great break in the beautiful Cotswolds

JUNE 2019 SE

MAY 2019 SE

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2019

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE MAY 2019

APRIL 2019 SE

SE

SE

Wold faithful

Cycling special: five pages of essential tips

www.camc.com

Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded)

TESTED: FORD FOCUS ESTATE/XPLORE 422/SWIFT KON-TIK 649

Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)

TOURING: COTSWOLDS CLUB SITES AND CLS

For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE APRIL 2019

Club contact details

SE

Welcome President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE Director General: Nick Lomas

PEDAL POWER

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 Bailey caravan and used campervans rated

No Limits Why caravanning is accessible to all

PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1

This month’s cover: Durdle Door in Dorset; Stephen Emerson/Alamy

Member Photos Your perfect moments caught on camera

09/05/2019 15:20

Gary Martin says:

A

s I type this, it’s less than three weeks to the Club’s National at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.

This late May bank holiday weekend festival is one my family especially looks forward to at the start of each year. I’m quite tardy when it comes to planning things – I’m a spontaneous type, preferring to see what the weekends bring rather than block out the diary for weeks on end. So to pen in the National the moment I get my calendar for the new year shows you how important this event is to the Martin family.

I share a caravan with my oldest daughter, Holly (now 11 years old).

Regular readers may recall last year’s report in the July 2018 issue was very much from her perspective (the National through the eyes of a child).

“The National weekend is one my family especially looks forward to”

But Holly and I aren’t the only members of our family who will be heading to Ragley Hall. We will be joined by my parents, motorhomers of some 40 years standing, who have been to every National bar one since 2007.

Accompanying them, and us, will be my aunt and uncle (my mum’s sister and her husband) in their 20-odd-year-old Hymer motorhome. Although Diane and Peter don’t live far from me, I seldom get to see them, so the National plays an important role in ensuring I stay in contact with my extended family. I think that’s one of the many things that makes this event so special.

Enjoy the issue!

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 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728

Editorial Editor: Gary Martin

Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 779378

Deputy Editor: John Thynne

Business Development Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com

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

Commercial Executive – Regional Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com

Production Controller Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com Digital advertising co-ordinator Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com

Commercial Executive Steve Walters 01342 779377 steve.walters@camc.com

enquiries@camc.com

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

3

NEWS HEADLINES

Chris Hopwood, Cotswold Outdoor Expert Betws-y-Coed, Wales

Member Offer

“I’ve always been into the outdoors.

I was just constantly walking the dog, playing out with friends or at the beach with family. My love for camping came along later when I started to extend those days out and stay out.

I got to see more of Britain and that really exploded the possibilities.

I didn’t realise we had all that in such close quarters.”

15% discount

for members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Full T&Cs apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

Selected lines are exempt. Maximum 10% discount on bikes. Only valid upon production of your Caravan and Motorhome Club membership identification in-store or use of code AF-CAMC-M1 online. Offer expires 31.12.19.

What’s your outdoors?

Stores nationwide | cotswoldoutdoor.com 2

Let’s go somewhere

JUNE CONTENTS

Contents

p28

PLEASE

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

Touring 28 41 46

50 71

UK SITES The Davey family travel back in time on a seven-site tour of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS Andrew Ditton tries wakeboarding in Kent FOREIGN TOURING Rosemary Boyce goes off the beaten tourist track in Ireland to discover the joys of County Wicklow 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

98 102 106

CAR Volkswagen Amarok CARAVAN Bailey Unicorn Vigo MOTORHOME Nick Harding looks at second-hand VW campervans

Our magazine and polythene wrapping are 100% recyclable

85 94 110

Regulars 7 8 25 59 67

News 15 22 352,416 Circulation: Jan-Dec 2018 Printing by Walstead Bicester

54 113

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 64

www.camc.com

CLUB MATTERS How members can save money on touring essentials by using our Club Shop ACCESSIBILE TOURING Adventures in a wheelchair-adapted outfit

TICKET OFFER The Midsummer Motorhome Show discount TAKING THE PLUNGE Part two of our reporter’s adventures as he buys and equips his first caravan CLUB COUNCIL Report from the latest meeting in April

75 76 78 80 86 91 96 116 130

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas wishes National Parks a happy anniversary YOUR PHOTOS The best pictures from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey rustles up a traditional Irish fish dish LETTERS Your comments and views EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events FAMILY MATTERS A thrilling day at Silverstone MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members ASK YOUR CLUB Guidance on jockey wheels COUNTRY MATTERS The resurgence of the large blue butterfly in the UK PRODUCT SHOWCASE A selection of outdoor accessories PRACTICAL How to find the perfect pitch CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

p86

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

5

Introducing our award winning range

2019 Special Editions

UNIQUE UPHOLSTERY

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS

ELDDIS CHATSWORTH COACHMAN FESTIVAL SWIFT CELEBRATE SWIFT CELEBRATION Unique Styling – Superbly Equipped – Excellent Value

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BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

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WE’RE WAITING FOR YOUR CALL

February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

EDDIE COLLINS 07956 970 383 ec1@glossopcaravans.co.uk

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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:

S

ometimes we Brits have to admit others had a great idea before we did.

That’s certainly the case when it comes to national parks as the Americans got there first in the late 19th century with the awe-inspiring Yellowstone. The idea of designating areas, protecting them for their natural beauty and fostering enjoyment of them through outdoor recreation, was first established in England and Wales by the 1949 National Parks Act. There are now 13 national parks representing the variety and diversity of landscapes in these countries (Scotland created two of its own in the early 2000s).

This year marks 70 years since that landmark Act of Parliament made the Peak District our very first national park. As a Yorkshire lad, born in Sheffield, I remember visits there on weekend rambling trips with my school. I fell in love with the place at first sight, despite my heavy boots and blisters, and have never looked back. The sense of space, well-being and inspiration from a walk in the Peaks is still a joy to me.

In March I was fortunate to be invited by the Campaign for National Parks to a celebratory walk to mark the 70th anniversary, and joined more than 100 people from all corners of the country to recreate a 1940s photograph of walkers at Hollins Cross above Castleton.

BBC Countryfile filmed the event and you may have seen it a few weeks ago. It was great to walk, but also to chat. I was amazed at the work of engineer Tim Morgan, who created Mountain Trike so that wheelchair users can access rocky tracks and muddy trails. I spent a while walking alongside a group of enthusiastic users who explained their excitement at having the countryside opened up to them by such a genius invention.

In between filming stops, Club friend and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker chatted about his family’s love of their campervan, Ruth George, the local MP, joined the crowd, and Accessible Derbyshire explained its work to create recreational trails and facilities for people with disabilities. I enjoyed discussing all sorts of motorhoming matters with a Club member and learned about work to keep

“The sense of space, well-being and inspiration from a walk in the Peaks is still a joy to me” paths open with a Peak District volunteer – just a few of my walking companions.

Back at the Club site in Castleton the team had entered into the spirit of the day by serving anniversary cake to members on arrival and encouraging them to enjoy a walk during their stays. The site is so conveniently located that I was able to visit before heading into the village where the walk started and finished.

Castleton is one of five Club sites in the Peak District while there are more than 100 CLs. With a further 30 or so sites in or adjacent to National Parks across the country you can’t fail to find somewhere to enjoy truly breathtaking expanses of unspoilt countryside. I hope they get your senses tingling like they do mine.

Happy touring!

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

7

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

Somerset

Essex

WELLS LIKED! SILENCE IS GOLDEN This tranquil spot is part of the Stort Navigation at Roydon, near Harlow, a 14-mile canalised section of the River Stort that runs from Bishop’s Stortford to Feildes Weir. There is something about a restful water scene that replenishes the soul! Nearest Club site: Commons Wood.

Jan Brown

BOURNE FREE Bournemouth is home to one of the best beaches in Britain – its eight miles of golden sands attract some 3.5 million visitors during the summer months. But on an evening during the off season you can almost find yourself alone. Nearest Club site: Hunter’s Moon.

Martin Lazenby

Last year, my wife and I enjoyed a tour of south-west England from the Netherlands in our caravan. We pitched up at Cheddar Club site not far from Wells. We were so impressed by this small city that we visited its cathedral twice. The interior is beautiful – you can hardly believe that it was built in the Middle Ages.

Jacques Herwarts

Gloucestersh ire

Dorset

WOLD CLASS It’s not short of challengers, but Lower Slaughter must rank as one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. This building houses a lovely craft and leather shop. Nearby Moreton-in-Marsh Club site makes the ideal base for an exploration of this picturesque part of the world.

Owen Prichard

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 8

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

MOORS THE MERRIER

Isle of Wight

Situated on the border with Hampshire, Dorset’s Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts – waymarked walks and cycle routes, a golf course, lakes, a Go Ape high-ropes course and an adventure playground are all part of the scene here. Nearest Club site: New Forest Centenary.

Andy Pattenden

Dorset Norfolk

WIGHT DELIGHT This is my dog Pippin enjoying the view from Headon Hill overlooking Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight. The Club’s Southland site at Sandown is one of the best-kept we have stayed on.

Joanne Sharman

Scottish

Lancashir

Highland

s

e

SUMMER SAIL Lytham Windmill in the coastal town of Lytham St Annes makes for a fascinating visit. The 214-year-old tower mill, which was designed for grinding wheat and oats to make flour or bran, is open to the public during the summer. The Birley Arms Certificated Location in Warton was the base for our tour of this part of north-west England.

Geoff Shaw

HARRA FOR ALTNAHARRA Imagine waking up to this breathtaking view each morning! This pitch on the Club’s Altnaharra site must be one of the most scenic on the network. Misty mornings only add to the mystique, slowly dissipating to reveal the beautiful Loch Naver in all its glory.

Rob Smallshaw

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 June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

9

i St yle is Ever yth -

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SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

Your one-stop shop As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club you can make savings on thousands of essential leisure and outdoor living products in our Club Shop In February 2018 we launched our new and improved online Club Shop in partnership with industry expert Prima Leisure.

The Club’s Partnerships Product Manager, Laura Cass, tells you all about it here...

How did the new Club Shop come about?

I spent a good year and a half researching the retail market to understand how we can help save our members money. We already had a small shop on our website which sold our publications and a handful of other items – however, I felt we should be doing more. I wanted to give members access to relevant and reliable caravanning, motorhoming, camping and leisure products. My aim was to improve the experience by giving members access to a simple and functional shop that provided an extensive range of products… fast forward to February 2018 and we launched our brand new Club Shop in partnership with Prima Leisure. Prima is the expert and industry leader in the leisure vehicle, outdoor parts and accessories market. Together we have partnered with many trusted brands including Dometic, Thetford, Avtex and Alde, as well as speciallyselected ranges from Cadac, Outwell, Thule and Regatta. Our old shop didn’t have the search functionality or the categorisation that we now have.

The new shop also has greater visibility – it has a dedicated website (shop.camc.com), is promoted regularly in the magazine (look out for the Club Shop badge on relevant adverts) and via the digital magazine live links will take you directly through to the respective products.

How many products are available from the Club Shop?

We have more than 3,000 products, from bolts, brackets and fittings to awnings and tech. You can also get barbecues and barbecuing accessories, outdoor furniture, safety and security products, outdoor games, clothing, cool boxes and even a replacement toilet for your motorhome... plus much more. It is the one-stop shop for everything touring-related.

What type of savings can members make?

Members can save up to 10% on all products – for example, they can save up to £85 on Prima Air awnings and over £300 on tech such as satellite dishes and TVs. Have any products been designed specifically with Club members in mind?

We work closely with Prima and the brands to ensure we are providing members with high-quality products – for example, the Club collaborated with KARTT to design a jockey wheel that will overcome

12

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Partnerships Product Manager Laura Cass many problems experienced by the caravan user.

This brand new and unique jockey wheel is exclusive to Club Shop. Equally we work with the likes of Avtex, the outdoor tech specialist – it preloads its sat-nav units with our Club site data and members can take advantage of an exclusive discount on this product via Club Shop.

What are the advantages of this partnership with Prima Leisure?

The great thing about it is that the Club, Prima and the brands are all working on this together.

We’re very close to everything we do. We’re introducing new brands to Prima, and Prima is introducing new brands to us.

Do we have processes in place where we look at new products being offered to us?

Yes, anything that has some sort of safety element to it, Prima will always run it past us first. We will go and raise it with our Technical Manager or our Insurance Team to make sure it is a good product to have. We have declined products when we didn’t think they were the best ones for our members to have. We want to make sure our members are getting the best products possible at a good price as well.

What are some of the best-selling products?

Some of the best-selling products have been the Avtex sat-navs and TVs. Dometic and Thetford products and accessories are also popular – for example, the Dometic fridge door tray has surprisingly been one of our best sellers. It just goes to show that the parts element of our shop is one of its selling points – one of the things our members told us when we were looking to launch the Club Shop

was that the aftersales market for parts was poor.

Well, our shop has those parts. We haven’t got everything, but we are growing it. The more we see our members need, the more parts we will stock.

How quickly do members get their products once they have placed an order?

There is a next-day delivery service available, so long as the order is processed by a certain time. Pricing and postage will vary depending on the size and the weight of the product.

Any new and exciting products our members should look out for?

There’ll be some new tech coming on board and we’re constantly looking at new things, similar to the jockey wheel. We’re looking at things in the caravan and motorhome world that need improving that we can be a part of. So, watch this space!

EXAMPLES OF MEMBER SAVINGS FROM CLUB SHOP n Save £51 on Outwell outdoor kitchen tables n Save up to £33 on tyre pressure monitoring systems from TyrePal n Save £38 on Fiamma Ultra Box n Save over £75 on air awnings n Save up to £79 on cool boxes from Waeco n Save over £300 on selected solar panels

FOR MORE INFORMATION, see shop.camc.com

www.camc.com

Members can make savings on everything from outdoor cooking accessories and furniture to televisions and sat-nav systems at shop.camc.com

10%

3,000

ÂŁ13,423

As a member you can save up to 10% on every product in C lub Shop

How many products you can browse in Club Shop

The collective amount members have saved through the Club Shop so far this year

www.camc.com

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

13

NEWS HEADLINES

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Fuel consumption figures in mpg, Rexton: Urban 27.1 – 28.8, Extra Urban 40.3 – 42.8, Combined 34.0 – 36.2. CO2 emissions in g/km: 204 – 218. Korando: Low 25.7 – 35.8, Medium 36.2 – 45.6, High 40.1 – 49.6, Extra High 35.3 – 39.2, Combined 35.3 – 42.8. CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 – 185. Models featured are a Korando 2.2D SE at £19,495 and a Rexton Ultimate at £39,595 both including optional

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XX June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

NEWS HEADLINES

Club Chairman honoured at Palace Caravan and Motorhome Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain was presented with his OBE by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in April.

As reported in our February issue, Grenville was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours 2019 for services to the Club and to charity.

Accompanied by his wife Liz (pictured), he said that they had enjoyed “the most incredible day”.

Upon receiving the appointment at the turn of the year, Grenville highlighted the hard work of everyone at the Club as well as the dedication of volunteers and loyal members, adding “many people work incredibly hard to raise much needed funds to help charities, both national and local, and although this award bears my name it is clear recognition of the efforts of them all.”

Book your spot at BBC Countryfile Live As reported in the April 2019 issue of the Club magazine, this year we will be operating a temporary campsite at BBC Countryfile Live.

The family-friendly show – which is linked to the popular, long-running BBC TV programme Countryfile – aims to showcase the UK’s countryside at its best and to celebrate regional farming, giving attendees a weekend that will live long in the memory. There will be chances to see, hear from and possibly even meet presenters such as John Craven, Matt Baker, Ellie Harrison and Adam Henson, while The Countryfile Main Stage will feature fascinating cookery

www.camc.com

demonstrations and talks. Elsewhere, a Livestock Zone, a Wildlife Zone and an Equine Arena will keep natureloving visitors of all ages entertained.

Countryfile Live takes place at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire from 15-18 August. The Cluboperated campsite will be situated within the grounds of Castle Howard, a short stroll from the entrance. With pitches close to the action, by staying at the site you will be able to beat the queues and make the most of your time at the event.

Club members can buy entry tickets to the Countryfile Live show at ‘early bird’ discounted prices before 31 July 2019. To book your pitch at the Countryfile Live campsite, which is open from 14-19 August, head to camc. com/countryfilelive. com/countryfilelive The campsite will include showers and toilets, drinking water and waste disposal; full details can be found via the link above.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay with friends and family this summer Did you know that friends and family of Caravan and Motorhome Club members can save 10% on glamping bookings if they stay at the same site and on the same dates as the member? The Club’s alternative accommodation – under the Experience Freedom banner – consists of glamping pods, camping pods, yurts and Airstream caravans.

Depending on availability, friends and family can stay with you at six

different Club sites: Coniston Park Coppice (Cumbria), Daleacres (Kent), Alderstead Heath (Surrey), Moreton-in-Marsh (Gloucestershire), Brighton (West Sussex) and Abbey Wood (London).

Visit experiencefreedom.co.uk to learn more about the Club’s glamping options and to make a booking – membership numbers can be inserted at checkout, at which point the discount will be applied.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

15

NEWS HEADLINES

Contact Centre – revised hours

Club hosts New Zealand association The Club recently welcomed six members of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association’s senior leadership team in order to showcase its operations and share ideas. The two organisations are planning to collaborate further for mutual benefit.

The delegation from New Zealand – which included the Association’s

CEO Bruce Lochore and President Bruce Stanger – met Club Director General Nick Lomas and various members of staff at the Club’s head office in East Grinstead, West Sussex, before travelling to a selection of Club sites in Surrey and Sussex. Nick said: “We discussed everything from

operations and management to our culture and values, and I think I speak for both sides when I say we all learned so much from the experience. We look forward to working with the association more in the future and believe that our collaboration will benefit all our valued members.”

The Welsh Division is holding a ‘Meet the Members’ event at Lady Margaret’s Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site in Chirk on 8 June 2019, starting at 3pm.

This is a great opportunity to meet and put questions to members of the Club’s Executive Committee and the Welsh Division.

Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain OBE will be in attendance along with fellow Committee members Peter Johnson and John Gass, while light refreshments will be provided.

All Club members are welcome to attend but please RSVP beforehand by emailing secretary@cc-welshdivision.co.uk.

The North Wales Centre will be holding a rally on the Lady Margaret’s Park rally field to coincide with the event. If you would like to attend the rally, please contact Noel or Sue Jones on 07929 622760 for more information.

Local attractions in and around the area include Chirk Castle (pictured), Powys Castle and Pontcysllte Aqueduct – all are well worth a visit.

GavinHaskell/Dreamstime

‘Meet the Members’ in Chirk

Tips for cleaning on Club sites Now that we are well into the main touring season, we would like to offer a few tips to members regarding ‘dry’ outfit washes while staying on Club sites.

Some people like to clean their windows to enjoy a good view on site or before heading off on the road, perhaps for safety reasons. We would advise that you use a cleaning product that has been specifically designed for plastic windows, ideally applying it with a microfibre cloth. It’s best to avoid ordinary household cleaners as these can do more harm than good.

16

Polishing or waxing should take place when your caravan or motorhome is already clean. You might want to avoid polishing over graphics that are peeling, though, as it could make the problem worse.

If you are cleaning lights and mirrors with water, a sponge and light detergent, we would politely ask that the water is not disposed of on your pitch afterwards.

While we understand that some members would like to give their outfits a full-scale wash on a Club site, unfortunately this is not possible

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

unless the site has a storage area with a ‘washdown’ facility. (This ensures that pitches are not damaged and that drainage on site is not affected.) Site staff will be happy to help with any queries, and may be able to recommend a local facility if you would like to thoroughly clean your outfit.

Finally, don’t forget that as a member of the Club you are entitled to savings on a range of exterior and interior cleaning products via the Club Shop – a list of available products can be found at shop.caravanclub.co.uk/category/ exterior-cleaning.

In a change to previously-published opening hours for the Contact Centre in 2019 (see p14 of the January issue), we are pleased to confirm that, with effect from 3 June, our team will be available for an extended period (6pm-8pm, Monday to Friday) to answer queries from members taking advantage of our award-winning Caravan Cover. This means it will be even more convenient to take out new cover, renew or make amendments.

These extra evening hours are a trial and we will confirm the date that the extension is due to finish on the Club website. All other lines will continue to close at 6pm. Full details of how to contact the Club can be found online at camc.com/contact.

Club suits Karen’s kneads The next time an appetising cooking smell wafts over from a neighbouring pitch, it could well be coming from the kitchen of Karen Wright, who appeared in the 2018 series of The Great British Bake-Off. A keen caravanner, Karen recently visited Thirsk Racecourse and Knaresborough Club sites – just down the road from Wakefield, where she lives – with Brighton and Chatsworth Park next on her list. “For me, just getting away for a few days to local Caravan and Motorhome sites is a real boost. I can return home refreshed and raring to go,” she said.

And what did Karen eat in the ’van recently? “I cooked some tasty dinners as I always do in the caravan.

One was a campfire stew which I made in the slow cooker and the other was Greek meatballs with a Greek mashed potato called Skordalia.”

We bet dessert was good, too.

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

WHY COMPROMISE? June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

XX

NEWS HEADLINES

Nigel Houghton It is with sadness that we report the passing of Nigel Houghton, a retired Warden and Volunteer Warden on the network.

Nigel, along with his wife Annette, worked at White House Beach and Mildenhall Club sites in Suffolk and – most recently – at the volunteer-run Aberbran in Powys.

Nigel embraced and fully enjoyed his volunteering role with the Club, and could always be seen on site cutting the grass, emptying bins and carrying out any checks as required – always keeping himself busy. As a couple, Nigel and Annette were guided, encouraged and supported

by Wardens Bernie and Sandra, who became true friends.

Nigel will be sadly missed by all.

Our condolences go to Annette, as well as family members, friends and colleagues.

In brief

Here is the winning entry in the Club’s recent Ivy & Duke photo competition. ‘Summit of Catbells, Lake District’ was taken by Elaine Roscoe, who wins a luxury dog bed. Presumably Tess the dog will enjoy that as much as she seems to like this stunning view. Congratulations!

Keep an eye on camc.com/competitions for current contests.

Club represented on towing group

You recommend…

Sites near steam railways n “Steam trains stop at the new caravan site stop. What a fantastic day out up and down the line.”(Club site: Burrs Country Park) n “We had a lovely day out on the West Somerset Steam Railway (buy one get one half price offers available from the site reception).” (Minehead) n “The steam train leaves from right outside the site, and takes you directly into Peterborough.” (Ferry Meadows) n “Now the steam line to Broadway Station is complete, this pitch will be the envy of any steam enthusiast.”

(Broadway) n “Brecon Beacons Steam Railway a must.” (Brecon Beacons)

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An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has been created to raise awareness of trailer and towing safety in the UK. The APPG – chaired by Karin Smyth MP – will inform parliamentarians of legislative developments in this area and provide insight on topics such as research, safety initiatives and stakeholder actions. The inaugural meeting saw the launch of the National Towing Working Group (NTWG)’s Towing Framework document – the NTWG being a strategic alliance chaired by Highways England involving many organisations with an interest in safe towing, including the Club. The document outlines the Group’s future plans in terms of the reduction of

towing-related incidents. Martin Spencer, the Club’s Technical Manager, said: “Our industry partners have introduced technical changes to improve the active safety of caravans and towcars, with our support and encouragement.

We can’t be complacent, however, and think the job is done. We have to continue to push forward with safety initiatives while any incidents still occur.”

The work of the APPG can be explored in more detail at trailerappg.org.uk.

Fire at Derbyshire storage site A total of 80 caravans were destroyed or damaged after a major fire at a storage site in Derbyshire in March. Thankfully no one was hurt.

Although the fire was not at a Club-operated facility, we know that at least nine members lost their caravans as a result. The nine, who protected their ‘vans through the Club, will receive payouts totalling nearly £143,000, ensuring financial

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

loss at least is compensated. It’s vital to realise that vehicles need protection when they are in storage – generally, site terms mean that a vehicle is stored at the owner’s risk. Sadly, we sometimes hear of loss or damage in storage where the vehicle was not covered – we urge you to ensure that you do not become a victim of this sort of unexpected event.

On page 20 of our March 2019 issue we reported that some members of the Club will be cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats this summer to raise money for St David’s Hospice Care in Newport. Their journey will begin on 3 July 2019 and they are aiming to collect a total of £8,740 (their route is 874 miles long). If you would like to support them please visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/nathan-reeks – any donations will be greatly appreciated.

In 2013 we featured a product called Rooflock Repair Tape, which permanently bonds to most plastics, metals and construction materials. At the time the manufacturer only sold the tape by the box, but it can now be bought by the roll – see atlastrading.co.uk for details.

Readers who enjoy Martin Dorey’s regular cookery column may be interested in his new book, which highlights the best scenic and fun routes in England and Wales. Written specifically with motorhomers and campervanners in mind and fully-illustrated with photographs and maps, Take The Slow Road: England & Wales can be bought from publisher Bloomsbury (bloomsbury.com/uk) and other retail outlets.

An Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is now in operation within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge. The ULEZ applies at all times. Most vehicles, including cars and vans, need to meet the ULEZ minimum emissions standards – which vary based on the size/type of the vehicle and the type of its engine – or their drivers must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone. See tfl.gov.uk/ulez for a detailed guide.

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

THE NEW PRO SERIES

MULTI-CHANNEL, WATCH & RECORD TECHNOLOGY • Watch one programme and record another on any platform Digital TV or Satellite TV at the same time • Watch a DVD and record a TV programme at the same time • Timer record from programme guide – Pause / Playback live TV

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

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

WHY COMPROMISE? March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

21

NEWS HEADLINES

SHOWTIME JUNE 14-16 Warwickshire: Caravan and Motorhome Show, Stratford Racecourse, Stratford-uponAvon (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletreeexhibitions.co.uk) 21-23 Warwickshire: The Midsummer Motorhome Show, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive. co.uk) JULY 5-7 Monmouthshire: The South Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show, Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow (Apple Tree Exhibitions, details as above) 19-21 Norfolk: The Norfolk Campervan and Motorhome Show, Norfolk Showground, Norwich (Warners Group, details as above) 26-28 Devon: The Caravan and Motorhome Show, Exeter Racecourse, Exeter (Apple Tree Exhibitions, details as above) Note: details subject to change – please telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

From The Archives: News H2 uh oh... from the Club’s Collection

At the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, we have been looking at some of the ways that caravans were used during the Second World War. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, the Commander of the Allied Land Forces in Normandy, used three caravans as a mobile office, bedroom and map room; this allowed him to stay in close contact with the front line.

Two of the caravans were Italian-made and had been captured from senior Italian officers. The third, used as the map room, was custom-made by the British Trailer Company and delivered to Montgomery just seven weeks before D-Day. All three caravans are on display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.

Caravans were also used as temporary accommodation for workers such as Land Girls and for displaced families during The Blitz.

In 1941, Hutchings of Winchester supplied a caravan for use as a ‘garrison theatre’. This caravan could seat 25 and toured the country entertaining the troops.

To find out more about the Club’s Collection visit nationalmotor museum.org.uk/collections/ camc-collection or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/camccollection).

The 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings will be observed on 6 June, with commemorations taking place in the UK and Normandy.

Richard Noyce

On manoeuvres Sparrows are flying high

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)

The Club’s Motorhome Manoeuvring course is now available at Myerscough College, Preston – one of 16 training course venues we operate across the UK. Participants in the six-hour-long course learn the principles of driving a larger vehicle, how to manoeuvre forwards and backwards and much more. To find out more about all of our courses and training venues, please visit camc.com/training.

We would like to extend our thanks to Swift Go for the use of a Swift Escape 695 motorhome (pictured) on the training course earlier this year.

The house sparrow was the most common bird to be recorded during this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch weekend, according to results published by the RSPB. Now in its 40th year, the Big Garden Birdwatch sees people across the UK counting the number of birds that visit their gardens (or local parks, public squares etc) during the last weekend in January, and the logs subsequently help the RSPB to assess how many species are doing. This year, almost 500,000 people took part, counting an impressive 7.5 million birds.

With over 1.2 million sightings recorded, the house sparrow was some way ahead of the other birds making up the ‘top 5’ – namely starling, blue tit, blackbird and woodpigeon. Although numbers have reduced dramatically since the survey began in 1979, sightings of house sparrows have been on the up during the past decade. While some species appeared to be thriving again, the RSPB noted that 15 of the top 20 species returned fewer sightings than in 2018 – small birds in particular may have been affected by last year’s cold weather.

For a full breakdown of the 2019 results, see rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club are entitled to free entry for two adults and two children at RSPB locations across the UK. For more information see camc.com/rspb.

In our April issue we published a picture of a dog swimming in Roadford Lake, Devon. South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) would like to point out that dogs are not permitted to swim in this lake. (Dogs are still very much welcome at Roadford and other lakes cared for by SWLT – see swlakestrust.org. uk/2018/09/21/top-10-dog-walks for suggestions.)

In the ‘Practical’ article in the same issue a picture caption suggested that dual connectors can be used on taps in order to run a separate hose to clean muddy boots, pets etc. We would like to clarify that on Club sites members should clean muddy boots, etc, at the service point areas. Some sites also have dog wash facilities.

Apologies for any confusion caused.

In brief Staff at Kinlochewe Club site have lent their support to the Community Out West Trust, a local organisation that was formed after the public toilets in the village were closed last year. The Trust has taken over the day-to-day running of these public amenities, seen by many as essential in an area that is heavily dependent on tourism.

Club member Carol Kaczor, whose caravan journals have proven very popular (see p16, January 2019 issue), has designed a similar product for motorhomers.

The A5-size laminated book can be used to keep a record of your travels and includes illustrations depicting the lighter side of the touring lifestyle. A version for tent campers will be released later this year. See leisurelogsjournals.co.uk for more information.

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

change this story?

NEWS UK SITES

Peace and quiet This month we’re highlighting 10 sites that plenty of the Club’s adult members enjoy staying at. While younger children are, of course, welcome at all Club sites, we do tend to see fewer families at the ones listed below – so, if you’re looking for a slightly quieter break this summer or autumn, why not try one of these options?

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Hebden Bridge Club site, West Yorkshire A tranquil, rural spot, but one that’s also near to the characterful market town of Hebden Bridge, where you’ll find a host of galleries, independent shops, cafés and restaurants. There’s superb walking country to enjoy in the Upper Calder Valley and the eastern Pennines, too.

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Exmoor House Club site, Somerset A paradise for walkers and anglers, with Wimbleball Lake nearby and the open moorland of Exmoor National Park on your doorstep. Historic Taunton and the resorts on the north Devon and Somerset coasts make for great days out.

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Salisbury Hillside Club site, Wiltshire This intimate, 38-pitch site lies amid rolling fields to the east of the city. Visit the medieval cathedral to see the country’s tallest spire and the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta, while fascinating Stonehenge and the National Trust’s Mottisfont Estate should also be on your list.

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Melrose Gibson Park Club site, Scottish Borders It’s a pleasure to kick back and relax at this site, but you’ll also want to explore the ruins of Melrose Abbey, while some members who stay here enjoy day trips to Edinburgh – less than an hour by train from nearby Tweedbank station.

Garlieston Club site, Dumfries & Galloway This compact, peaceful site has pitches with bay views and a more secluded, sheltered area. Book-lovers will want to visit the haven of Wigtown (with its many book shops), the 50-acre Galloway House Gardens is a must for the green-fingered and Isle of Whithorn (pictured) has an idyllic harbour for relaxation.

QUIET SITES

SWfoto/Getty

Now that the good weather is here, why not get away from it all and enjoy a little ‘me’ (or ‘us’) time?

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Morn Hill Club site, Hampshire At a mere two-and-a-half miles from the centre of Winchester, this site is the perfect spot if you would like to discover both the historic and the modern sides of this charming cathedral city. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is very close to the site, while great walks on the South Downs can be enjoyed to the east.

Lower Wensleydale Club site, North Yorkshire Set within a disused quarry, this site is beautifully decked out with wild flowers, moss and mature trees, while steam trains chug by and ducks and rabbits waddle or hop to and fro. Leyburn town centre is just a mile away, while beyond you’ll find countless walking and cycling opportunities in the Yorkshire Dales.

Bromyard Downs Club site, Herefordshire Roughly equidistant between Worcester and Hereford, this rural

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getaway has lots of walking trails nearby – so it’s a great place to take your dog(s). There are just 30 pitches here, meaning there’s rarely more than a burble to contend with. Bliss.

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Richmond Hargill House Club site, North Yorkshire This site ticks all the boxes: spotless facilities, great views of the Yorkshire Dales, a dog walk and lots to see and do nearby.

Richmond – with its castle and cobbled market place – is just a 10-minute drive to the south and the A1(M) is handily close.

Steamer Quay Club site, Devon Situated by the River Dart on the edge of Totnes, this well-maintained site is an oasis of calm. The river ferry to Dartmouth is walkable from your pitch, while Dartmoor National Park (pictured) is less than seven miles away. Please note that all pitches here are economy, with no EHU.

You can see more sites like the ones listed on Don’t forget that you can get 50% off midweek stays this page at camc.com/ at selected sites, too – visit camc.com/midweek quietsites discount for more information on this fantastic deal.

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

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They’re delivered to your home and then you pop them in the pantry – not the freezer or even the fridge, unlike other meal services, because this is high-tech cuisine.

The dishes, slow-cooked to perfection, can be stored for long periods because of the innovative steam fresh packaging system that’s taken a year to perfect. It’s based on a pressure cooking technique used in Michelin-star restaurants which gives 6 months storage without using preservatives.

Parsley Box is perfect for those who are getting older and who don’t want the trouble of cooking (or even defrosting), and yet it is just as handy for those short of time, whether singles or those with fast-moving families.

It’s the brainchild of Adrienne and Gordon MacAulay who were looking for easy, nutritious food for Adrienne’s mother after the couple and their children (who used to love coming up with desserts for gran) moved away.

The result is a compendium of Adrienne’s favourite recipes reborn into a 21st-century library of dishes for the home.

“They take just 1-2 minutes in the microwave and taste delicious,” says Adrienne. “We have just started on our journey as a family business, so expect lots of new recipes to make the way out of our kitchen.”

NUTRITIONAL BALANCE

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dishes, Mediterranean rice and plenty more curries. Starters too, such as the rich tomato and red pepper soup, as well as side dishes and a number of sponge pudding desserts.

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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 – a traditional Irish dish

I’ve been over the Irish Sea again. This time Lizzy and I went to County Wicklow in our new Crafter conversion to explore the Old Military Road, which bisects the Wicklow Mountains from north to south (see also this month’s Foreign Touring article on pages 50-52). It was built in the early 19th century to open up the area for the British Army at a time when Irish rebels were using the high ground and glens to hide. Consequently, the road – the R155 – passes through some really beautiful scenery. For accommodation, the River Valley site near Wicklow is well placed for day trips to the peaks.

The Wicklow Mountains also have some really good attractions, including Ireland’s highest inn – Johnnie Fox’s Pub. It’s not far from Ireland’s highest waterfall at Powerscourt (great for a picnic) and a downhill mountain bike course at the brand new Glencullen

Adventure Park. If you like your biking, it’s fantastic; the uplift service means you rarely have to pedal, which is exactly my kind of cycling.

We also took to the Avonmore River, south of Rathdrum, in kayaks. With slightly lower-thanexpected water levels the rapids were shallow and ‘interesting’, which was a lot of fun until I got stuck on a rock and had to pull the rip cord to abandon ship. I am pleased to say I suffered little more than a mild bruising of the pride – nothing a

good Irish meal and a pint of Guinness couldn’t cure. We had the latter in The Cartoon Inn, a great pub that has been completely decorated with handdrawn cartoons.

As for this month’s recipe, traditional colcannon (mashed potato with kale or cabbage and spring onions) is hard to beat and it’s easy to make in the van.

It’s amazing served with lovely, creamy, broiled smoked haddock and poached eggs!

CUT OUT

AND KEEP

RECIPES

h colcannon it w k c o d d a h d e Smok For two to enjoy

RECIPE No.17

Ingredients

The Cook recommends...

Johnnie Fox’s Pub, Glencullen, which has been serving since the 18th century. It hosts regular ‘Hooley Nights’ with Irish dancing, there’s live music every night and the walls are covered with fascinating photos and artefacts, making it part pub, part living museum.

And as a main...

Try the Irish stew, of course! A staple with lamb, potatoes, carrots and pearl barley.

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

d 2 big spuds, peele opped 4 spring onions, ch ely sliced fin le, ka of ful A hand ish sauce rad rse ho 1 teaspoon of A knob of butter cream A dash of double haddock ed ok sm of s ce 2 pie lk mi Half a pint of Chopped chives 2 eggs ason Black pepper to se 2 lemon wedges

Method

. a saucepan of water Boil the potatoes in m fro so or tes e minu When they are a fiv kale to the water, being ready, add the a couple of minutes along with the eggs while, soft- boiled). Mean m later (we want the en wh d, an n pa allow heat the milk in a sh s skin the haddock piece nearly boiling, add them n tur , so or minutes side up. After five 10 minutes. t ou ab of al tot a over to cook for

ain , cool and peel. Dr Remove the eggs shing ma e for be le ka d an the potatoes r, a ding a knob of butte them together, ad radish rse ho of a teaspoon dash of cream and xture mi the to s ion on ring sauce. Add the sp fore amy consistency be and mash to a cre m fro s ce pie h fis the plating up. Remove ll. Slice the we as se tho d ad the milk and ason top of the fish. Se eggs and place on with ing sh before garni with black pepper lemon. of e slic a d an s ive finely-chopped ch

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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SPECIAL: ADVERTISING FEATURE

The things every caravanner needs Make touring a true home from home

A caravan or motorhome enables you to explore new surroundings and return to a familiar, relaxing base. But what if you want to make it feel even more like home? Here are some touring essentials and your summer starter pack list.

As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club you’ll already be reassured by having MAYDAY UK breakdown cover provided by Green Flag. Add the following and it could make the difference between a good break and a great one.

Take some tools A screwdriver with a selection of heads, a hammer, pair of pliers, wire cutters and socket set should help you to sort out the most basic problems. A small spirit level will mean you avoid eating, sleeping or showering on a slope. And a selection of cable ties and some gaffer tape can come in remarkably - and unexpectedly - handy.

Bright spark Having a proper gas igniter will help you to get an old or hard-to-start oven going quickly and safely. If you’re confident you don’t need one, think about packing a gas-powered fire lighter. They’re great for outside: igniting barbecues and candles without scorching fingers.

Emergency kit We all love the great outdoors but sadly not all its residents appreciate us quite as much. An insect bite or sting can make a day memorable for the wrong reasons.

Make sure you pack a medical kit that includes plasters, bandages, painkillers, anti-histamines, insect repellent, disinfectant and bite cream.

See what you’re doing You’d be surprised how many jobs require two hands.

A head torch is the perfect solution. Not only will you be able to change gas bottles easily at night, it’ll also come in handy for night-time trips around the camp site.

SPECIAL: ADVERTISING FEATURE

Summer pack list To get you started, here’s a starter pack list for your Summer getaway.

We’ve left some room at the bottom so that you can add to it.

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover and documents Vehicle registration, insurance and breakdown documents (but don’t keep them in the vehicle they apply to) Corkscrew

Plastic bags. Shopping, muddy boots, head covering on way to toilet block because you haven’t brought an umbrella Umbrella. And sunglasses/sunscreen. Possibly for use on the same day Charger(s) and/or spare batteries for phone/ camera and other portable devices

Head torch

Great Savings Guide and vouchers for Club offers (e.g. Roadchef services)

Tin opener Spirit level Tea towels (anti-rattle aids and padding for breakable items) Club membership cards String. You always need string. Para cord is really versatile for everything from washing line to keeping damaged bodywork in place

But even if you do bring all of the above, getting to your pitch is still the most important element of any touring holiday. And that’s where MAYDAY UK breakdown cover comes in. Designed with you in mind, MAYDAY UK lets you choose from three different levels of cover. Prices start from £72 a year with Roadside & Recovery.

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 UK SITES

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

DORSET

ROCKS! The beach at Charmouth, looking towards Lyme Regis

www.camc.com

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Graham Hunt / Alamy

Lee Davey and family journey 185 million years into the past on a seven-site tour of the spectacular Jurassic Coast

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TOURING UK SITES

1 Wood Farm

“Your pitch probably once played host to the occasional iguanodon!”

Affiliated Site An on-site swimming pool and cafe are great attractions at this site near Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

Pitches: 149 | Open: 28 Mar-3 Nov 2019 Share your holiday with friends and family – tent camping available here.

Member view “Wood Farm is a fantastic site. We live in Bristol and it’s only a two-hour trip for us, but allows us to go sea fishing as well as simply relaxing and enjoying this part of Dorset.”

Paul and Samantha Brooker, caravanners

Site staff view “Most of our pitches enjoy views of Marshwood Vale and we have some great walks in the area, either coastal or inland.

Nearby Charmouth Beach is popular with families and we have a swimming pool and café for members who like to relax on site.”

Jane Bremner

Food & drink Charmouth Fish Bar and Pizzeria, The Street, Charmouth DT6 6PU Contact: charmouthfishbar.co.uk, 01297 560220

Culture Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA Contact: lymeregismuseum.co.uk, 01297 443370

Outdoor fun Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton EX12 2WD Contact: tram.co.uk, 01297 20375

For the family Lyme Rib Rides, The Cobb, Lyme Regis Harbour DT7 3JJ Contact: lymeribrides.com, 07790 400300

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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hould you and your caravan, motorhome or campervan be drawn to Dorset, it’s fair to say that the pitch you select probably once played host to the occasional iguanodon, megalosaurus or pelorosaurus (the latter would no doubt have demanded a ‘super pitch’). Archaeopteryx probably swooped overhead, too, bothering one and all with their constant squawking...

The ‘Jurassic Coast’ World Heritage Site, which stretches from East Devon to Dorset’s Studland Bay, is a huge tourist draw, the area boasting 185 million years of geological history and becoming a mecca for fossil hunters. But

the region is not just a paleontologist’s dream come true – its dramatic seascapes, clifftop trails and swathes of quiet countryside make it a major draw for walkers, while families are lured by a host of attractions during the main holiday seasons.

Talking of families, we began our seven-site tour at Wood Farm Affiliated Site (AS) near Charmouth, an independently-owned touring park that has been welcoming Club members since 1972.

Most pitches here offer commanding views across the Dorset countryside, while an indoor swimming pool and cafe are popular with www.camc.com

Chesil Beach near Bridport

2

Warmstall Farm Certificated Location

This wonderfully peaceful site has been accommodating members since the 1970s.

Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct 2019 Contact: 01297 489495 Sites Directory and Handbook p335

Site view “All our visitors come here to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of busy lives. Walking is always popular, and we have a great selection such as The Monarch’s Way. There’s an hour-long walk over the hill that takes you to the Ilchester Arms at Symondsbury.”

Joyce Lyall

Food & drink The Shave Cross Inn, Shave Cross, Bridport DT6 6HW Contact: shavecrossinn.co.uk, 01308 868358

Culture Bridport Museum, 25 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR Contact: bridportmuseum.co.uk, 01308 458703

Outdoor fun Golden Cap coastline (see website for car park directions) Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01297 489481

visitors. The café also has a terrace, allowing you to keep an eye on the kids as they make merry in the playpark (children in the swimming pool need to be accompanied).

Charmouth is a great place to begin our Jurassic journey as the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre houses spectacular fossil collections, including the remarkable ichthyosaur remains that starred in the BBC documentary Attenborough and the Sea Dragon. Best of all, entry is free, though paid-for guided walks are available on which experts will help you find a fossil to take home.

Lyme Regis is also a favourite for Wood Farm visitors, and is becoming a hotspot for foodies www.camc.com

thanks to a good choice of venues. The recentlyrefitted Pilot Boat, for example, serves goodquality, affordable fare, while a rooftop sun terrace is a nice addition. Swim, a café on Marine Parade, offers craft beers, cocktails plus lighter bites.

You might be interested to learn that Kate Winslet had been filming in Lyme Regis when we visited. She is set to star in the movie, Ammonite, about famed Victorian fossil collector Mary Anning – so you might very well see some of the locations mentioned here on the silver screen soon.

Just 15 minutes to the east of Wood Farm, Warmstall Farm Certificated Location (CL) is

For the family Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, near Weymouth DT3 4LA Contact: abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens, 01305 871387

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TOURING UK SITES

“The Jurassic Coast

World Heritage Site, which stretches from East Devon to Dorset’s Studland Bay, is a huge tourist draw” Old Harry Rocks off Studland

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find the most up-to-date details of the featured sites on the Club website. Alternatively, turn to the relevant pages in your Sites Directory.

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www.camc.com

3 Bridport Bingham Grange Club Site This new arrival on the network comes complete with a bar and restaurant.

Pitches: 104 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019 Share your holiday with friends and family – tent camping available here.

Member view “The site is incredibly peaceful and from here we’ve cycled to various places, including West Bay. We choose a site based on nearby Sustrans cycle routes and although the going has been hilly, the scenery is spectacular.”

Brian and Valerie Davies, motorhomers

Site view “West Bay – the home of TV series Broadchurch – is a great place to visit, as is the rest of the ‘Jurassic Coast’. Bridport is a thriving town and the market has plenty of stalls. If members don’t feel like cooking, we have an on-site restaurant and bar.”

F Griffiths

Food & drink The Three Horseshoes, Mill Street, Burton Bradstock DT6 4QZ Contact: threehorseshoesburton bradstock.co.uk, 01308 897259

Culture St Catherine’s Chapel, Chapel Hill, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4JH Contact: english-heritage.org.uk

Outdoor fun

David Noton Photography / Alamy

South West Deer Rescue Centre, Dunsham Lane, Crewkerne TA18 8QN Contact: facebook.com/southwestdeerrescue, 01460 64174

www.camc.com

For the family Teddy Bear Museum, Eastgate, Corner of High East St and Salisbury St, Dorchester DT1 1JU Contact: teddybearmuseum.co.uk, 01305 266040 Member offer available: camc.com/ GREAT SAVINGS greatsavingsguide GU IDE

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TOURING UK SITES

4 The Manor House Certificated Location Set on a working farm, this site has a hardstanding pitch or two where required. Impressive optional loo and shower facilities.

Open: all year Contact: 01305 262719 Sites Directory and Handbook p336

Graham Hunt / Alamy

Est

Site view “Our CL is set in a hamlet with Maiden Castle rising above, yet the bus service (that runs every 10 minutes) is just an eight-minute walk from site. Some Club members have spent time on the beaches while others come here to research their family tree in Dorchester’s Record Office.”

Charles and Judy Norman

“Stallholders occupy three streets selling food, clothing, plants, pictures, paintings and more”

Above: market stall at Bridport Below: Seatown Beach with Golden Cap beyond

Food & drink

Culture Hardy’s Cottage, Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester DT2 8QJ Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01305 262366

Outdoor fun Insight Activities Dorset, Tolpuddle Ball, Dorchester Road, Dorchester DT2 7HB Contact: insightactivities.co.uk, 07752 302010 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

For the family The Keep Military Museum, Barrack Road, Dorchester DT1 1RN Contact: keepmilitarymuseum.org, 01305 264066

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

DID YOU KNOW? You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking be a popular venue. An hour’s Service on 01342 327490.

Please call Affiliated Sites walk, for example, can take you (AS) directly to the National Trust’s Golden

nestled in the countryside between Charmouth and Bridport, and is one of the quietest locations I’ve ever visited.

Studying Google Maps beforehand, the last ¾ mile of the approach road looked to be narrow in places, but the only ‘traffic’ we encountered were small groups of walkers who were more than happy to step to one side as the need arose.

GOING FOR GOLD Once on site, it’s easy to see why this area is a magnet for walkers – visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the area on foot. The Lyalls have been offering escapefrom-it-all holidays to Club members for 48 years and it’s easy to see why this continues to

Cap or Seatown Beach (with the handily-placed Anchor Inn).

A further 20 minutes to the east, Bridport Bingham Grange is relatively new to the Caravan and Motorhome Club network, having been acquired in 2018. The site, which was previously adults-only, now caters for members of all ages, and although there was no play area during our visit, plans are afoot to install one. My wife and I visited Bingham Grange a few years back, attracted to some extent by the on-site restaurant and bar. I’m pleased to say that ‘Buzzards’ remains a firm favourite, with members singing its praises.

Head south from the site through Bridport to West Bay and you’ll discover yet another www.camc.com

Steve Taylor ARPS / Alamy

Trumpet Major, Alington Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2AB Contact: trumpetmajorpubdorset.co.uk, 01305 262091

A fabulous vintage music & dance festival, for all

Caravanners and Motorhomers

FREE

“An hour’s walk can take you to the National Trust’s Golden Cap or Seatown Beach”

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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hook-up available.

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

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ONLY “ALL IN”

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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. April 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Illustration: Louise Turpin

5 Crossways Club Site A 35-acre wooded site with pitches divided into open groves. A great site for wildlife lovers as wild birds and deer are regular visitors.

Pitches: 71 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019 Share your holiday with friends and family – tent camping available here.

Member view “We visit Crossways at least 15 times per year as we love the area, the deer and the pitches in wooded areas.

We also catch the train and visit nearby Weymouth which we all enjoy, especially my grandson.”

Sue Watts, caravanner

Site view “We have plenty of room at Crossways. The site is divided into cul-de-sacs which members like and we have a family of deer that visit regularly. For members who want to leave their car or motorhome on site, the train is just a five-minute walk, as is the Frampton Arms.”

Richard and Tracey Allison

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Food & drink The Frampton Arms, Moreton, Dorchester DT28BB Contact: framptonarms.co.uk, 01305 852253

Culture Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens, Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester DT2 8PX Contact: kmc.ac.uk, 01305 215003

Outdoor fun Came Down Golf Club, Higher Came, Dorchester DT2 8NR Contact: camedowngolfclub.co.uk, 01305 813494

For the family

GREAT SAVI

NGS Terracotta Warriors Museum, High GUIDE East Street, Dorchester DT1 1JU Contact: terracottawarriors.co.uk, 01305 266040 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Jurassic fossil-finding hotspot and popular beach. Make sure you visit Bridport Market on a Wednesday or Saturday – from 8am until mid-afternoon stallholders occupy three streets selling food, clothing, plants, pictures, paintings and more (antiques and bric-a-brac lovers should head for lower South Street on the Saturday).

There’s also a vintage market at St Michael’s Trading Estate on the last Sunday of the month from March until October. Just a 10-minute drive from the Club site, it’s a great place for collectables and antiques as well as food, drink and music – just check your MTPLM before you buy that Chesterfield sofa…

Our next stop was 17 miles to the south-east at Winterborne Monkton. The Manor House CL is easily reached from Bridport via the A35 and A354 and offers easy access to the likes of Weymouth, Chesil Beach, the Isle of Portland and the appealing hamlet of Osmington Mills. However, not all members stay here so they can get to the coast easily – some use it as a base for family research at the nearby Dorset History Centre (formerly Dorset Record Office), while others might opt to make the short journey on foot to Maiden Castle – an Iron Age hillfort. For those who like a little luxury, The Manor House offers an www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

6 Trigon Farm

Clockwise from right: Hive Beach, near Bridport; Lyme Regis; Corfe Village; climbing at Dancing Ledge on the Isle of Purbeck

Certificated Location Occupying a four-acre field, space is never at a premium on this CL. Wareham is within easy reach.

Open: 1 Mar-31 Dec 2019 Contact: 01929 552997 Sites Directory and Handbook p338

Darren Galpin / Alamy

Site view “We have a lovely walk within the estate, or Wareham Forest with its hill fort is just across the road. Towards Bere Regis, The Tank Museum and Monkey World are always popular, with the Purbecks, Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth and Studland offering members a choice of coastal locations.”

Jayne Sturdy

Food & drink Steakasaurus, 59 North St, Wareham BH20 4AD Contact: steakasaurus.com, 01929 554953

Culture

optional loo and shower, which means that you don’t have to rely on your own facilities.

STAG PARTY From here it was a short hop to Crossways Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. We’d stayed here on numerous occasions before, each time managing to see the deer which seem to regard the site as their home. If you haven’t brought supplies for these special guests with you, you can buy seed from the on-site shop.

The 35-acre site contains 71 pitches, all set in cul-de-sacs which offer a degree of privacy.

Transport links from Crossways are excellent, with the nearby train station offering travel as www.camc.com

far as London Waterloo. However, Weymouth is proving more popular than the capital, with Rossi’s ice cream parlour (near the clock tower) and historic Nothe Fort being our first ports of call. The snowsports centre at Warmwell Holiday Park is also a short drive from site and if, like me, you’re not a natural skier or snowboarder, lessons are available.

Another 15 minutes to the east, Trigon Farm is an easily-accessed CL. You and your dog can walk for two traffic-free miles around the Trigon Estate but should you wish to increase your step count, or if you’re looking for off-road cycle routes, Wareham Forest is just across the road. Here you can access the Sika Trail – a

Tony Gage

The Tutankhamun Exhibition, GREAT SAVINGS High West Street, Dorchester GUIDE DT1 1UW Contact: tutankhamun-exhibition. co.uk, 01305 269571 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Durdle Door (coastal arch), just west of Lulworth Contact: visit-dorset.com

For the family Monkey World, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH Contact: monkeyworld.org, 01929 462537

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING UK SITES Steam train near Haycraft Club site

7 Haycraft Club Site Steam fans will be in their element as Haycraft is just a short walk from the Harman’s Cross stop on the Swanage Railway.

Pitches: 55 | Open: 1 Mar-4 Nov 2019

Member view

Site view “Haycraft serves as a hub for lots of local activities and members enjoy visiting the coast, nearby Corfe Castle and the steam railway to name but a few. Walking is a favourite and we sell a great guide in the shop. If you want to visit Corfe Castle, there’s a 2½-mile walk along footpaths that avoids roads.”

Trevor and Claire George

Food & drink The Greyhound Inn, The Square, Corfe Castle BH20 5EZ Contact: greyhoundcorfe.co.uk, 01929 480205

Culture GREAT

The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, SAVINGS GUIDE Dorchester DT1 1EW Contact: thedinosaurmuseum.com, 01305 269880 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Swanage Golf Games, Kirkwood Park, Victoria Avenue, Swanage BH19 1AR Contact: swanagegolfgames.com, 01929 426809

For the family Crabbing on Swanage Pier, Swanage Contact: swanagepiertrust.com, 01929 425806

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

family-friendly route featuring areas of woodland and open heath. Generally it is relatively flat but there are a couple of climbs.

You could also head for Woolsbarrow Hillfort – hidden from all but the hardiest explorer, it’s a good destination to aim for if you’ve packed a picnic (but please be sure to leave the area litter-free).

Should you require a bite to eat or something on draught, The Silent Woman Inn (legend has it that a landlady once had her tongue cut out to prevent her spilling smugglers’ secrets!) is an easy walk from site, while The Tank Museum is a large, local attraction that will especially appeal to younger visitors (it’s a firm favourite with my son, Charlie).

Between Swanage and Corfe Castle, Haycraft Club site was the final stop on our journey. Many Club members will walk the short distance to Harman’s Cross station, where they can pick up the steam train headed for the pretty seaside town of Swanage. With just 59 pitches, Haycraft can fill quickly –especially if the Flying Scotsman is making an appearance or there are other big events taking place nearby.

National Trust members are well catered for – the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle are a largely traffic-free walk from site, while if you

Victoria Shmakova Ananchenko/Dreamstime

“We stay at Haycraft at least twice a year as we love the area. Studland Beach is nearby and is always a favourite of ours.”

John and Connie Handford, caravanners

require sand and sea, Studland Bay – where there are four miles of beaches to be explored – is a short drive away. In fact, Haycraft is a hub for members who love walking – if you’re new to the area, or if you would like to find a new route, guide books are on sale in the site shop for just a few pounds.

Just a final thought. As you explore the miles and miles of unspoiled countryside and coastline in this beautiful part of the world, take a minute or two to consider what might have passed this way before...

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

Cycling | Maiden Newton to Dorchester

Pretty Maiden Newton

Looking for an easy ride in an area steeped in literary heritage? This eight-mile meander along country lanes and cycle paths on National Cycle Network Route 26 links two places closely associated with Thomas Hardy. Starting near Maiden Newton railway station, the route largely follows the River Frome, passing pretty villages like Frampton with its idyllic village green. A traffic-free path after Charminster takes you through water meadows before arriving in Dorchester.

Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/maidennewton-to-dorchester

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

www.camc.com

March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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NEWS HEADLINES

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March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

IanWoolcock/Dreamstime

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

Bournemouth

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 CAMBRIDGESHIRE ST IVES (3.5m ENE) – Priors Field Farm, Mr & Mrs Paul & Julie Stovold, Needingworth Road, Bluntisham PE28 3RJ. 07788 584264; 07825 219080; priorsfieldfarm@outlook.com; 52.345828, -0.001717; OAY; 0.5 acre; adults only; dogs; unfenced water; grass; 16A; fr £20 (pitch + 2 adults).

CORNWALL SALTASH (1m N) – Cockles Caravan Park, Mr & Mrs James & Emily www.camc.com

Duckering, Salt Mill, Saltash PL12 6LQ. 01752 849902; 07786 940746; shmizmar@googlemail. com; 50.417899, -4.217233. 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.75 acre; dogs; some sl pitches; grass; 16A; commercial site adj; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; daily public trans, town, shop and pub within 1m; coarse fishing, golf, watersports within 1m; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).

DORSET BOURNEMOUTH (4m N) – The Homestead, Mr & Mrs John James & Natasha Mobey, 355 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 8SH. 01202 574247; 07850 443613; nmmobey@gmail.com; 50.781018, -1.870093. OAY; 2 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; ideal for families; wc (exc); shwr (exc); dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing, golf, watersports & sandy beach within 5m; fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

WAREHAM (2m NW) – Cold Harbour Farm Bungalow, Mr & Mrs Graham & Nichola Rowberry, Cold Harbour, Wareham BH20 7PA. 01929 552753; 07860 701934; horizoncountrywide@ gmail.com; 50.707214, -2.139136.

Open 15 Mar-15 Oct; 1.5 acres; dogs; grass; fr £8 (pitch + all occ).

594106; trishtarver@hotmail.co.uk; 52.580138, -1.409118. OAY; 2 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; waterside cl; grass; enhanced; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wi-fi; dog walk fr site; public trans, town, shop & pub within 1m; fr £18 (pitch + 2 adults).

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ALNWICK (12.5m WNW) – Brandon Ford, Mr Stephen & Mr Cameron Shell, Brandon Farm, Powburn, Alnwick NE66 4LP. 07818 245102; www. brandonford.co.uk; brandonfordcaravansite@gmail.com; 55.44806, -1.93606. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; hdstdng; grass; enhanced; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; town & shop within 1m; fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

CHELTENHAM (9.5m NE) – Elms Farm, Mrs Rosemary Quilter, Gretton Fields, Nr Wichcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5HQ. 01242 620150; 07881 876298; www.elmsfarm.info; roseandmartyn@gmail.com; 51.97917, -1.996405. Open 1 Mar-30 Nov; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; battery charging; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; wkg fm; B & B; public trans within 1m; town & pub within 1m; golf within 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 adults).

LEICESTERSHIRE HINKLEY (3m NNW) – Dadlington House Farm, Mrs Trish Tarver, Shenton Lane, Dadlington CV13 6JD. 07967

NORTHUMBERLAND

NORTH YORKSHIRE BEDALE (6m ESE) – Orchard View Caravan Park, Mr Chris Tarran & Mrs Lindsay Peacock, Smearholme, Burneston, Bedale DL8 2JQ. 07955 560366; orchardviewcaravanpark@

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TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS outlook.com; 54.266644, -1.520378.

OAY; 0.5 acre; adults; dogs; adv bkg req; some sloping pitches; grass; 10A; lawned; wkg fm; info rm; dog walk fr site; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).

UPDATES

JohnDavies49/Getty

LEYBURN (1.3m SE) – Brookfields Farm, Mrs Janet Stirke, Chapel Lane, Harmby, Leyburn DL8 5PQ. 01969 623123; 07703 134285; randj@ thestirkes.co.uk; 54.300508, -1.804881. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; levelling blocks req; drive over waste disp for MH; battery charging; hdstdng; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; wc (sh); dog walk fr site; public trans, town & pub within 1m; fr £14 (pitch + all occ).

-4.287731. Open 1 Mar-30 Oct; 0.5 acre; adults; adv bkg req; hdstndg; enhanced; 16A; max o’fit length- 13 mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wc (sh); info rm; dog walk fr site; game fishing within 5m; shingle beach within 3m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 adults).

Menai Bridge

SUFFOLK WOODBRIDGE (8m N) – Seven Spar Farm, Mr Michael Lloyds, Sandy Lane, Charsfield, Woodbridge IP13 7QN. 01473 737321; 07764 515100; mike. lloyds@btinternet.com; 52.166027, 1.307269. Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; battery charging; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; storage facs on site; wc (sh); shwr (sh); disabled facs; info rm; dog walk fr site; daily public trans, town, shop and pub within 1m; golf within 5m; fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

WARWICKSHIRE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON (7m SSE) – Mansell Farm, Mr & Mrs Richard & Kellie Spencer, Armscote Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8BZ. 01789 450254; 07592 804286; richard@mansell-farm.co.uk; 52.110271, -1.641034. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.75 acre; adults only; dogs; unfenced water; grass; 16A; fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

WILTSHIRE TROWBRIDGE (3m SSW) – Green Hill Park, Mr & Mrs Alan & Sarah Appleby, Green Hill Cottage, Brokerswood Road, Southwick,

Wiltshire BA14 9PR. 01225 753261; 07813 922643; a.appleby05@ btinternet.com; 51.28868, -2.226717.

Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.75 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; ideal for families; views; lawned; town, shop & pub within 1m; coarse fishing, watersports and beach within 5m; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT (2.7m N) – Flaxlands Fishery, Mr Gordon Hunt, Flaxlands, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 8DS. 07774 938502; 07707 789272; gordonthunt@hotmail. co.uk; 51.561282, -1.909709. Open 1 May-14 Dec; 0.5 acre; adults only; dogs; unfenced water; hdstdng; 16A; wc (sh); fr £16.50 (pitch + all occ).

SCOTLAND PERTHSHIRE & KINROSS PERTH (10m SW) – Broadslap Farm, Mr Grant Reid, Dunning PH2 0QL. 07827 343584; www. broadslapfruitfarm.co.uk; enquiries@ broadslapfruitfarm.co.uk; 56.323401, -3.62558. Open 1 Feb-31 Dec; 0.5 acre; dogs; hdstdng; 16A; views; shop and restaurant on site; dog walk fr site; shop within 1m; golf within 5m; fr £20 (pitch + all occ)

DUNDEE (5.4m NW) – Greenacres, Mr Fraser Millar & Mrs Loraine Millar, Backmuir of Liff, Birkhill, Dundee DD2 5QR. 07740 506076; 01382 580147; lorainemillar@hotmail.com; 56.50274, -3.066006. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; levelling block req; hdstdng; grass; fr £12 (pitch + 2 adults).

WALES ANGLESEY BENLLECH (2m WNW) – Rhosydd, Mr Dewi Roberts, Lon Las, Brynteg, LL78 7JG. 07919 255099; 01248 853436; dewi.roberts56@hotmail. co.uk; 53.326228, -4.258345. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; battery charging; hdstdng; grass; enhanced; 16A; max o’fit length - 13mtrs; peaceful; wc (sh); shwr (sh); info rm; dog walk fr site; public trans, town and pub within 1m; coarse fishing & golf within 5m; sandy beach within 2m; fr £16 (pitch + 2 adults).

MENAI BRIDGE (8m SW) – Giddyaunts, Brian & Dawn Harkins, Bwthyn Y Cathid Duon, Lon Las, Brynsiencyn, Newborough LL61 6TQ. 01248 430070; giddy.aunt@ btinternet.com; 53.164064,

DEREKMcDOUGALL/Getty

Carse of Gowrie from Kinnoull Hill, Perth

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

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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.

868 MELTON MOWBRAY – Hill Top Farm Shop. This site now has electric.

1262 BISHOP’S CASTLE – The Lilac House. New email address: debgallimore@outlook.com .

1734 HELMSLEY – Adj Shaw View.

This CL has changed its name to Harome Fields.

2130 CRICCIETH – Llys Ifor Farm.

Error in Handbook: Email is ritaatkinson49@yahoo.com.

2182 HAVERFORDWEST – The Stables. Phone number is a digit short in Handbook. It should be 01437 710531.

2242 WELSHPOOL – Pencraig.New owners: Rupert and Karen Judge.

Tel: 01938 810222, 07854 576371 or 07818 870640. Email: karen.judge13@ outlook.com.

Magazine BURY ST EDMUNDS – Grange Farm. New owner: Grange Leisure Services.

Tel: 07944 822195. Email: grangeleisurewoolpit@gmail.com.

CLOSURES The following CLs have closed since publication of the Sites Directory & Handbook 2019/20 and the May 2019 issue of the magazine unless otherwise stated.

334 CHESTERFIELD – Mrs B M Harrison, Sutton Hall Gardens 456 SEATON – Mrs S E Buttle, Rosamundford 577 BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER– Mr D L Hughes, Lower Farm 1392 CHEADLE – Mrs K Bostock, Springhill Caravan Site 1752 LEYBURN – Mr S Swann, Aysgarth Falls Hotel 1873 HEBDEN BRIDGE – The Secretary, Todmorden Cricket Club

unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific weight, width or height restrictions. For caravan-friendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites, we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. The reference numbers on this page relate to the 2019/20 edition of the Sites Directory & Handbook.

www.camc.com

NE W

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

xx

Crazy80frog | Dreamstime

ACTIVITY BREAKS WAKEBOARDING

46

Wakeboarding is a sport for all ages

LET’S GO...

Wakeboarding Andrew Ditton dons a wetsuit to try an exciting alternative to water skiing in Kent

A

s a child in the 1970s, I spent every summer caravanning near Whitstable in Kent, and would watch the water skiers on the sea in a state of awe. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, and I wondered if I would ever get the chance to give this amazing power sport a go.

Fast forward 40 years and I returned to my friends at Action Watersports, the friendliest powered watersport centre you could ever wish to visit. It is located at Lydd, near the border separating Kent and East Sussex, and it’s conveniently situated mid-way between Daleacres Club site at Hythe and Fairlight Wood Club site near Hastings. I had been to Action before, when I experienced the gloriously eccentric sport of flyboarding (see the December 2018 issue). During that visit I had witnessed entire generations, from children to pensioners, whizzing around the lake behind a speedboat, whooping with delight on a pair of water skis.

As I come from a boarding background, from windsurfing to kitesurfing via snowboarding, the thought of separate planks strapped to each foot sends me into a blind panic. Which is why ‘wakeboarding’ immediately appealed. While it’s a bit like water skiing, a single board is ridden in place of skis. As the wakeboard is similar to a kiteboard I felt right at home.

My friendly instructor, Joe, showed me around the centre and kitted me out with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet that incorporated a receiver, allowing him to speak to me from the boat. All you need to bring is a towel and swimming costume.

Once I was suited up, the training began. Joe talked me through the in-water starting process and riding techniques before physically acting

them out on dry land. Once we were both happy, it was time to head to the jetty and attach the board. When the board is secured, it is impossible to move your feet, so getting into a sitting position on the jetty’s edge became an impossible – and hilarious – task. As if by magic, the lovely Di (Centre Manager) appeared and helped lower me down, sparing me any blushes or bruises.

Joe took up his position in the powerboat and, with great skill, brought the boat alongside, so that I could easily grab on to the training boom – a horizontal pole that you can hang on to as you are towed alongside.

Andrew, seated barefoot, gets to grips with the basic technique

ABOVE BOARD Employing the techniques that we had rehearsed, I pulled myself up into a crouching position as Joe gently increased the speed of the boat. As I completed each stage successfully, Joe would go faster and tell me through the intercom system what I needed to do next. By sheer fluke I managed to stand up and ride on my very first attempt. I was, as the cool kids might say, ‘stoked!’

It was terrific fun to be riding the water on a board without needing to worry about a sail or a kite as the power source. However, I am used to sports where the power is transmitted through

47

TOURING ACTIVITY BREAKS CLUB SITES WAKEBOARDING

“I was riding the wake with a ridiculous grin plastered across my face” Clockwise from right: time to put on the kit; the horizontal boom helps you get a feel for things; on the towline proper!

a harness directly to the core of your body, leaving the arms free to steer. When it comes to wakeboarding and water skiing, there is no harness. All the power is transferred through your arms, so good posture and a correct riding position are crucial in order to minimise fatigue.

Alas I had neither, and my forearms and lower back started to tire quite quickly. However, even on this first session, Joe felt I was ready to try the towline proper.

What fun that was! I was towed in the wake of the boat, riding the waves and having an absolute blast. However, all too soon my arms started to feel the burn, and Joe suggested a break.

FUMING? NO...

Back on dry land, I chatted with Di and mentioned that I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of fumes from the boat’s engine.

“That’s because we use proper tournament wakeboard boats,” she explained. “They exhaust well away from the rider, and they have a proper tower that we attached the line to, which means it’s far higher than with other boats, and makes the riding experience far easier and more fun.” Action really has thought of everything.

During the second session, I was riding the wake with a ridiculous grin plastered across my face. At one point, I tripped up and let go of the towing line, and as I tumbled the board slipped 48

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

off my feet. My final anxiety had been banished, as I had originally suspected that the bindings attaching my feet to the board might cause injury. “Not at all!” called Joe reassuringly as he brought the boat back alongside and fed me the tow handle. “The boards are designed to come off when necessary.”

After a few more lengths blasting up and down the lake, with Joe constantly challenging me to try new techniques and tricks, my tiredeness led to some basic errors and I ended up calling it a day.

My experience on the water had been thrilling. While I admit to having a few board skills already, this was my first time being towed and not using a harness. As I relaxed and soaked up the delightfully friendly ambience of the Centre after my session, I watched a mother and her two young children have a go at water skiing, and they did magnificently. If you are physically able to try these exciting activities, you really should give them a go. n With thanks to Action Watersports, Lydd, Kent (actionwatersports.co.uk, 01797 321885)

WHERE TO STAY Daleacres Caravan and Motorhome Club Site or Fairlight Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. Information about sites can be found online and in your new Sites Directory & Handbook.

Alternative venues for wakeboarding...

KERNOW ADVENTURE PARK, CORNWALL Cable-towed wakeboarding in a former quarry, with the added attraction of a cafe for spectators.

Info: kernowadventurepark.com Stay at: Merrose Farm Club site GLASGOW WAKE PARK A funky urban wakeboarding experience on the Clyde and Forth Canal.

Info: glasgowwakepark.com Stay at: Strathclyde Country Park Club site GLASFRYN PARK, GWYNEDD A dedicated lake for beginners makes for a relaxed learning session at this park near Pwllheli.

Info: glasfryn.co.uk Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club site

www.camc.com

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TOURING IRELAND

Land of plenty Rosemary Boyce sets off for ‘the Garden of Ireland’ and discovers a verdant region that lives up to its nickname MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Rosemary Boyce joined the Club in the 1980s

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

I

f planning a trip to Ireland, chances are you will be considering Connemara and the vertical Cliffs of Moher to the west, the Lakes of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry to the south or perhaps one of the cities.

County Wicklow – whose dominant feature is the Wicklow Mountains – lies to the south of Dublin in Ireland’s east. While it may not instantly spring to mind as a holiday destination, it has earned the nickname ‘Garden of Ireland’ due to its incredible mountain scenery, glacial valleys, spectacular walking trails and quaint villages.

At the beginning of our trip, the journey to Redcross gave us an early glimpse of County Wicklow’s beauty. This village is nestled amid gently-sloping hills that stretch far into the distance, and which seemingly act as a ‘starter’ for the scenery that will be served up later, as we move into the higher terrain.

The main street is the hub of the community, and here you’ll find the award-winning River Valley Affiliated Site, the Wicklow Brewery and the neighbouring, characterful Mickey Finn’s Pub and Restaurant, where various heritage music, dancing and storytelling nights are held. www.camc.com

“The journey to Redcross gave us an early glimpse of County Wicklow’s beauty”

River Valley AS A family-run site that’s ideal for all age groups, easily accessible from the ferry ports of Dublin, Rosslare and Dún Laoghaire.

Touring pitches: 120 Open: 15 Mar-28 Oct 2019

Spectacular Wicklow Mountains scenery

Visitor view “We have been coming to this park for the past three years. We enjoy the scenic location, the excellent amenities and the convenience of walking to Redcross village for shopping and eating out. Mostly though we appreciate the ‘Secret Garden’.”

Graham and Monica Harding

Site view “We pride ourselves in offering a holiday environment to suit all ages, whether it be a young, energetic family seeking on-site activities and adventure, older adults who just want to relax in the ‘Secret Garden’, or the more adventurous preferring to go exploring in the area. The staff are always to hand to give advice.”

Violet and Ashleigh Williams

DID YOU KNOW?

The Club offers overseas holiday insurance specially designed camping area, and a ‘Secret The brewery operates tours for caravanners and Garden’ for caravanners and and a range of beers can be motorhomers – call motorhomers that offers sampled as part of your visit...

01342 336633 for tranquillity and perfect views or you could simply have your a quote (complete with an amenity block and own tasting session in the pub. fully-serviced hardstanding pitches) River Valley is a long-established, Anxious to get out and about, we were family-run caravan park, founded by Robert pleased to discover that many of Wicklow’s top and Violet Williams and now managed by attractions are easily reached from Redcross. It the younger members of the Williams family. was only about a four-mile drive to Avoca, a When you stroll around this vast site you can village famed as the location for the BBC TV see almost every type of modern-day holiday accommodation (including a variety of glamping series Ballykissangel, for example. Fans of the show should visit Fitzgerald’s pub, the church units and mobile homes), a dedicated family www.camc.com

Bernard Golden / Alamy

Food & drink Jack White’s Inn, Junction 19, M11, Ballinapark, Brittas Bay Contact: jackwhites.com, 00353 404 47106

Culture Avoca Courthouse Heritage Centre, Avoca Contact: 00353 402 35022

Outdoor fun National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilbride Contact: botanicgardens.ie, 00353 404 48844

For the family Clara Lara Fun Park, The Vale of Clara, Knockrath, Rathdrum Contact: claralara.ie, 00353 404 46161

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

51

TOURING IRELAND

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

estate grounds were named number three in National Geographic’s list of the world’s top 10 gardens in 2010, the publisher drawing attention to waterfalls, pavilions and tree-lined arbours that recall the great estates and gardens of France and Germany.

As our trip came to an end, we made mental notes to see more of the surrounding towns and villages during our next stay at River Valley, not least the 5km-long beach at Brittas Bay, said to

Ben Ryan Photography / Alamy

Bernard Golden / Alamy

INTO THE VALLEY Wide, open spaces beckoned, so taking leave of this romantic setting we headed north-west in the direction of beautiful Glendalough, on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Irish ‘Gleann Dá Loch’ translates into English as ‘Valley of Two Lakes’, and the area is renowned for being the location of an early medieval monastic settlement that was established by St Kevin in the 6th century (you can see the remains of some buildings that date from between the 10th and 12th centuries).

The National Park was established in 1991 to conserve the flora, fauna and outstanding scenery – the latter, especially around Glendalough, is said to attract well over one million visitors per year. There are various scenic drives and walks available that allow you to explore the spectacular landscape – nine of the walking routes are way-marked and maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the ones around the Upper and Lower lakes seem to have the greatest appeal. Today, the National Park – one of six in Ireland – is approximately 54,000 acres in size, covering the centre of County Wicklow and reaching into small areas of South Dublin (extending so close to the capital city that the locals often refer to the peaks as the ‘Dublin Mountains’).

Alternatively, if gardens are more your thing, you should take the R755 to Powerscourt House and Gardens. Set against the backdrop of the Great Sugar Loaf mountain – also known more simply as ‘Sugar Loaf’ – the 47-acre

Illustration: Louise Turpin

and Garda station, while you can find a list of other County Wicklow filming locations at visitwicklow.ie/item/ballykissangel.

For many people, though, the main draw here is Avoca Mill, the oldest working weaving mill in Ireland, operating since 1723 (Avoca is also Ireland’s oldest surviving business). It still produces colourful tweeds, throws, rugs and scarves, all on sale at the mill shop.

Admission to the visitors’ centre is free and you are welcome to watch the weaving taking place during a tour of the mill.

If you’re feeling peckish, the café alongside the shop is a popular stop for good reason, with quality lunches and tempting homemade scones, pastries and cakes on offer. We decided to burn off the calories afterwards by heading for the mountains, but not before a quick stop at another famous tourist spot nearby.

Known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg converge to form the Avoca River here, and the spot inspired poet and songwriter Thomas Moore – known as The Bard of Erin – to pen his famous Irish melody The Meeting of the Waters. A bust created in his honour overlooks the confluence, with the words of the song engraved on a wall.

Left: ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough Above: the Great Sugar Loaf

be the finest on the east coast of Ireland.

Perhaps it’s a region you’ll consider for a future holiday, too... n Visiting Ireland from the UK mainland?

You can book a ferry crossing to Dublin, Rosslare or Dún Laoghaire from Fishguard, Pembroke, Holyhead or Liverpool with the Club – see camc.com/ferries or call us on 01342 316101. www.camc.com

“The estate grounds were named number three in National Geographic’s list of the world’s top ten gardens”

www.caravanclub.co.uk

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

4

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

WILD TIMES!

Indulge your adventurous side and discover the wonders of nature in southern Africa If you are looking for something truly different, consider one of the Club’s African escorted motorhome adventures! Here, we concentrate on two unique experiences – one taking in the diverse landscapes of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa; the other offering members the opportunity to see astonishing wildlife and countryside in three different countries. Call 01342 779349 or visit camc.com/ worldwide to find out more.

ROADS OF THE RAINBOW NATION ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 38-day escorted motorhome tour Departure and price: 29 Sep 2019 from £4,999 per person/9 Feb 2020 from £5,599 per person/9 Jun 2020 from £3,999 per person (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights from the UK to South Africa, all transfers, local guides, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, 31 nights’ pre-booked powered sites, full-day guided game drive in Kruger National Park, hippo and croc cruise, guided game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, Featherbed Eco Experience in Knysna

DETAILS Starting in Johannesburg, this incredible tour takes you to the

world-renowned Kruger National Park, before skirting the east and south coasts, and concluding in Cape Town.

Your holiday is led by experienced local tour guides, who will ensure you get the very best out of your South African experience.

After acclimatising in the country’s largest city, you will be given a motorhome orientation session and enjoy a welcome dinner during which you can get to know your tour hosts and fellow travellers. On day four you hit the road – before long you will be exploring the famed Panorama Route, highlights of which include ‘God’s Window’, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and The Three Rondavels.

Days six to eight are spent enjoying Kruger National Park, home to more than 130 mammals and 500 bird

Main pic: Cape Town Below from left: Addo Elephant National Park, the iconic Garden Route, lion in Kruger National Park

species. This is one of the few places in the world where you might encounter the ‘big five’ – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. The ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ (otherwise known as ‘Swaziland’) is your next destination – a rich country that is home to everything from towering mountains and low-lying savannah to rainforest and lush river valley. You have the opportunity to see more extraordinary wildlife at Bonamanzi Game Reserve or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park during the next section of your trip, before arriving at the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields.

By Day 20, travellers will have reached the majestic Wild Coast, with its hidden coves, secluded beaches and green hills. Explore a traditional Xhosa village or take a walk on a deserted beach – the choice is yours.

Further highlights of your trip include a visit to Addo Elephant National Park – sanctuary not only to elephants but also the southern right whale and great white shark – and a drive along the Garden Route, taking in the town of Knysna and its beautiful lagoon. Your final destination is breathtaking Cape Town, where you will have time to explore the likes of Table Mountain and the gardens of Kirstenbosch at your leisure. Finally, a 14-course farewell dinner gives you the chance to reminisce about your adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS Panorama Route scenic drives, Swaziland, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, the Garden Route, Cape Winelands, Cape Town and Table Mountain

FOR INFORMATION ON THESE TOURS, PLEASE VISIT CAMC.COM/WORLDWIDE OR CALL 01342 779349 54

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

Main pic: Namibian elephants Below from left: Sossusvlei, tree skeletons in the Namib desert, spectacular Victoria Falls

A TALE OF THREE COUNTRIES ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 33-day escorted motorhome tour Departure and price: 7 Nov 2019 from £5,999 per person/7 Jan 2020 from £6,199 per person/2 May 2020 from £4,999 per person (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, all transfers, local guides, welcome dinner, two nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, 26 nights’ pre-booked powered sites, boat cruise in Walvis Bay, game drives in Etosha National Park, two nights at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge in Zambia including breakfast, guided game drive and cruise in Chobe National Park

DETAILS This tour begins and ends in the Namibian capital city of Windhoek.

After two nights in a hotel, a welcome dinner with your tour hosts and a briefing at the motorhome depot, you’ll be itching to embark on this adventure through three countries.

Early in your trip you will see the incredible sand dunes around Sossusvlei. Optional excursions include helicopter flights, hot air balloon rides and 4x4 experiences – it’s up to you.

On day seven you can spot seals and dolphins during a cruise from Walvis Bay – fresh oysters accompanied by a glass of bubbly will only add to the on-board excitement. It’s then on to Uis in the heart of Namibia’s unspoiled Damaraland region – the Brandberg area is the place to spot the likes of desert elephant, mountain zebra, springbok and kudu. You will have the chance to see more wildlife in beautiful

Etosha National Park where waterholes amid an immense salt pan attract all manner of creatures. Next you head for the Otavi Mountains, where you can visit the iconic Hoba Meteorite – weighing about 60 tonnes it is the largest ‘space object’ on earth.

Having traversed Namibia’s narrow but wildlife-rich Caprivi Strip, guests will park their motorhomes in Kasane, Botswana, before being transferred into Zambia and Livingstone – the gateway to the spectacular Victoria Falls. Optional extras here include a Sunset Zambezi Cruise or helicopter flight over the famous cascades.

Botswana’s Chobe National Park is your next destination – an area combining lush floodplains and marshland. A game cruise on the Chobe

River is included, offering the perfect opportunity to see the diverse wildlife.

Further highlights of your African adventure include three nights at Crocodile Camp on the banks of the Thamalakane River, a trip to the Moremi Game Reserve and Ghanzi – where an optional excursion gives you the chance to learn about the San Bushmen. Before arrival in Windhoek, an overnight stop at Zelda Guest Farm is the perfect place to bid farewell to your fellow travellers.

HIGHLIGHTS The deserts of Sossusvlei, seal and dolphin cruise in Walvis Bay, Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, Damaraland, Caprivi Strip, Livingstone and Victoria Falls, Makgadikgadi Pan, Okavango Delta

FOR INFORMATION ON THESE TOURS, PLEASE VISIT CAMC.COM/WORLDWIDE OR CALL 01342 779349 www.camc.com

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

55

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

DON’T MISS OUT

Planning a last-minute European break? With campsite prices starting from £17* per night and great savings available on ferries, here are a few ideas to tempt you...

Italy

North-West France

Lovely Lake Garda

Cancale, Brittany If you don’t fancy travelling too far or are new to overseas touring in general, the north-west of France is the ideal destination.

Normandy, for example, boasts numerous pretty villages, cathedral cities such as Rouen, spectacular Mont Saint Michel and Bayeux – home to the iconic tapestry. Those with an interest in the Second World War might want to visit one of the D-Day landing beaches.

Alternatively, you could opt for the neighbouring region of Brittany, which reaches out into the Atlantic. Attractions include the fortified island of Saint-Malo, historic Rennes, the ancient Carnac standing stones and, of course, vast swathes of beautiful coastline. Or what about Pays de la Loire – an area of fairytale chateaux, impressive vineyards and famous towns such as Nantes and Le Mans?

Member offer: caravans go free/50% discount or 10% off motorhomes on selected French sailings with Brittany Ferries for travel until 5 November 2019.

To find out about sites in the area, visit camc.com/france.

Mountains and lakes, ancient cities, rolling countryside and dramatic seascapes – Italy has them all! The only problem is deciding just where to go in this diverse country. In the north many head for the lakes of Como, Maggiore or Garda, while others travel to Venice – home of St Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. The cities of Florence and Rome will of course be high on many visitors’ wish lists, while, further south, the likes of Naples, the romantic city of Sorrento and the astonishing ruins at Pompeii are major draws.

Member offer: save 10% on P&O Dover-Calais and Eurotunnel crossings all year round.

To find out about sites in Italy, visit camc.com/italy.

The Netherlands

Rüdesheim am Rhein

The Netherlands is a great place for cycling The Netherlands is a country of charming, friendly towns, and cycling fans will be in their element thanks to thousands of miles of dedicated paths.

You might be surprised to learn that there are many wonderful sandy beaches to enjoy – Zandvoort and Scheveningen are two popular options.

The latter is situated within one of the eight districts of The Hague – the capital of South Holland and the country’s seat of government. Attractions in this fascinating city include The Mauritshuis museum (home to famous Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Goldfinch by Fabritius).

Families will love theme parks such as Efteling and Duinrell as well as the miniature world of Madurodam.

Member offer: caravans go free/50% discount or motorhomes at car rate on daytime sailings with Stena Line, Harwich-Hook of Holland.

To find out about sites, visit camc.com/netherlands.

Southern Germany Measuring about 100 miles long by 30 miles wide, southern Germany’s Black Forest is a beautiful region of lakes, mountains and – naturally – vast swathes of woodland that are home to a variety of wildlife. A couple of hours’ drive to the north is Frankfurt, a mix of stylish skyscrapers, green open spaces and classical buildings such as The Römer (city hall) and Old St Nicholas Church. Nearby Rüdesheim am Rhein is perfect for wine lovers – why not visit a vineyard or embark on a wine tasting riverboat trip?

Member offer: exclusive set prices on DFDS Dover routes starting from £74 each way (motorhome) or £94 each way (caravan).

To find out about sites in southern Germany, visit camc.com/germany. *Price is based on two adults + one standard electric pitch staying at Des Abers, Brittany. Travelling throughout June 2019. Price correct at time of going to print.

To book sites and make ferry or Eurotunnel reservations, visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 316101 56

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

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Door Frame To book your place on this unforgettable tour, please visit camc.com/oberammergau or call 01342 488711 www.camc.com

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62

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

Letters

Your chance to have your say.

The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides Warm feeling inside We had a lovely stay at Scarborough West Ayton Club site last October and made friends with whom we still keep in touch. That week it was very cold at night and we suddenly found our campervan heater was not working. We rang the office out of hours and left a message hoping they might have a spare heater we could plug in.

Piling on clothes and getting ready for bed, there was a knock at the door and there was the warden, cheerful and holding a small radiator

Band aid Further to the tip from Richard Lindley (March edition) and Eirwen Ayling (April) regarding keeping clothes hangers on the rail. My method is to use felt-covered hangers and an elastic band over the ‘swan neck’ part of the hanger.

Peter Harrison, Staffordshire

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

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Step change In relation to the letter from Rosanne Richardson (April issue) and her tip about using her garden kneeler to avoid sore knees when pegging out the awning, especially on hardstandings.

This does sound a good idea but I have found it a lot easier just to use the caravan step. This saves you bringing more stuff with you and

– what a kind man! He told us to come to the office in the morning and his staff would help us to purchase one locally. And so they did! They let us use the computer to find a similar radiator in Scarborough.

Today we had our van heater repaired and it made me think again of these kind people and how our holiday stay was not ruined. And also to say our old shih tzu was very grateful too! We have booked up to go again this September.

Kate Harman, via email

doesn’t affect your knees at all.

The only problem with this is if you forget to tell your partner you’ve taken the step and they are in the caravan!

David Neale (appropriate surname I think!), via email

Light bulb moment Please tell me I’m the first to think of this. I went to pick up my caravan today, kept in secure storage. As normal, my partner stayed at home finalising the packing.

Now, hitching up on my own has never been an issue, running through all my checks before getting on my merry way. However, there is always one issue when alone – checking my tail lights are working correctly.

Indicators are no problem – just hit the hazard button, stroll around the back and make sure both sides are winking away. But then it’s brake lights, with absolutely no one around to give you the nod – so what do we do?

We almost all now have a smartphone with photo and video capabilities. I propped my phone against a good-sized stone, pressed record, returned to the car, gave an obligatory ‘tap-tap-tap’ on the brake pedal. Then back to the phone, replay, bingo! All in good working order.

John Carroll, via email

Scarborough West Ayton

Box of delights?

We have just returned from four nights at the Club’s delightful Putts Corner site, where we were able to experience probably the best March weather that we can remember since joining some 23 years ago.

However, our final afternoon and evening was disrupted by the arrival of a new neighbour who had erected a large awning in which they sat watching TV! Despite the glorious, warm sunshine, they preferred to do

Putts Corner this until 10.30pm, by which time the outside temperature was down to 4˚C. The volume was not excessively high, but from an awning it was certainly intrusive, even within our caravan with the windows all shut.

We fully appreciate that some members might have hearing

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

59

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS difficulties, but that in itself is a reason to do what most others do, and keep the TV inside their nice comfortable van where there will almost certainly be the proper facilities to set it up.

Putts Corner is a lovely, well-run site where you can watch and listen to a magical selection of wildlife, but not if you choose to stay in the awning watching your TV, and scaring off the birds, squirrels and other creatures that will normally surround your outfit throughout the day and evening.

Bob Rowles, Somerset

Under pressure

Bobbrooky | Dreamstime.com

My wife and I have been caravanners and members for some 38 years, travelling extensively in the UK, France and Spain, and we have some wonderful memories.

One that does bring a smile to our faces when we recall it is our trip a few years ago to Scotland and the Orkney Isles. Our drive up to Gills Bay was uneventful but beautifully scenic. All that was about to change

St Margaret’s Hope when we arrived for our ferry crossing to St Margaret’s Hope.

We were met by a very pleasant young man who announced that the weather was fine and there were no delays. The car park waiting for embarkation was about half full and he asked me, “How are you at reversing sir?” “Okay,” says I, not knowing the reason for the question.

He then directed me away from the car park and asked me to reverse and park in between two articulated lorries on the quayside. So far so good.

Our ferry arrived and shortly started loading. We patiently waited as the car park emptied of cars, vans, caravans and motorhomes. The loadmaster then indicated to the two lorries to reverse down the slipway and onto the ferry. Then there was us, the very last vehicle to be loaded.

The loadmaster came over and indicated that he wanted us to

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More bike tips As a motorhome owner and keen cyclist, I was very pleased to see you extolling the virtues of road cycling in the April edition of the magazine. I very much agree with many of the points made by Jonathan Manning (right), but have a few observations.

First, if you are new to cycling it is important to make sure you have the right gears (as well as the right gear). If you live in a hilly part of the world (such as here in Sheffield), you will need much lower gears than, for example, in Norfolk.

Second, though I definitely agree (as chair of a local club) that riding with a local cycling club is to be recommended, you do need to have achieved a reasonable level of cycling fitness and you should check with the secretary on the nature and likely average speed of

reverse our outfit down the concrete slipway and onto the ferry and park in between the two lorries. It meant reversing down the 30-yard slipway and onto the ferry with minimal clearance either side, with no barriers – just the sea on both sides.

What’s more, all the passengers were lined up on the upper deck watching us making our way. To say you were under pressure is an understatement. However, a perfect manoeuvre was carried out, albeit with my back soaked in sweat, and the loadmaster came over and was full of praise, saying “Well done sir, I can see you have done that before.”

How wrong he was!

We went on to have a great time on Orkney!

Jill and John Marsh, via email

Shelf motivation I really enjoy reading other caravanners’ helpful hints, some of which have been really useful.

When we bought our very first second-hand caravan three years ago, I became very frustrated when, on arriving at our destination, the clothes on hangers were in the bottom of the wardrobe – so the tips on keeping the hangers on the rail have been filed away for when we buy our new van.

However, having decided that we don’t really wear much that needs

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

rides before taking part. Some may be ‘training’ rather than ‘social’ rides. It’s not necessary to become a member in order to tag along, though if you want to ride regularly with the group, you should join.

Third, it’s a bit unrealistic using ‘Fred Whitton’ and ‘Etape du Dales’ as examples of rides to think about.

Much better to look at shorter

Audax rides taking place in your locality (details can be found at aukweb.net). These are group rides, run at a moderate pace, with full route information provided to each rider and food normally available at the start and finish. And they are a lot cheaper to enter than a sportive.

Rob Wormald, via email

hanging up when we are off on our travels, and that folding would do, my husband went to the local garden centre/DIY store and bought a cheap greenhouse with a plastic cover. He then cut down the frame and shelves to make fitted shelves for the wardrobe, which have given us so much more storage space.

Works a treat!

Liz Chapman, Eastbourne

them without having an impact on the general electricity usage on site? Or am I just being a grumpy dinosaur?

Anna Campbell, via email

Power point It is becoming increasingly common to see hybrid towcars on Club sites. I wonder if the Club has begun to devise a policy to address the possible issues charging these vehicles will cause.

We have seen several cars being charged via caravans from the electric hook-up. While I fully accept that members staying on site pay for their electricity and have free choice over how they use it, if increasing numbers of members use the site bollards to charge their towcars, will the impact on power usage mean that pitch fees will have to rise to cover costs?

Should the Club now begin to install a few specific vehicle charging points, as found in many car parks, supermarkets and motorway service stations, to ensure those members with hybrid towcars can recharge

Club response: Thank you very much for your email Anna. At present, levels of on-site vehicle charging are manageable but, as electrified vehicles inevitably become more commonplace, we will have to ensure our policies and facilities adapt to accommodate that.

Our current policy regarding on-pitch charging requires that the towcar (or trailed electric vehicle behind a motorhome) is charged via the caravan/motorhome, which is in turn connected to the standard pitch hook-up. This ensures that no single user can access more electricity than any other. Most electrified vehicle charging will be done overnight, when demands on the site supply as a whole are relatively low. We already have dedicated vehicle charging points at Brighton and Black Knowl Club sites and, longer term, it is probable that we will have more.

You may be interested to know that the Club has established a Site Electrical Infrastructure Forum to address such issues as how electrical wastage can be reduced, the increase in the popularity and capability of electric cars, future capacity requirements, electrical storage options, renewable energy etc.

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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

5

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

On the Go I read with interest the Rob McCabe review on the Gobur Carousel caravan and the Lesley Harris test on the Peugeot 3008 as a towcar (May 2019 issue).

I owned a Slimline and then a Standard-width Gobur caravan for a total of six years and towed them with a Peugeot 3008 Exclusive 1.6 diesel towcar.

I toured extensively in England and visited France numerous times as well as Germany and Spain, crossing the French Alps on more than one occasion. Both car and caravan performed extremely well.

In my opinion you have to own a Gobur before appreciating all the good points, the endearing characteristics and how this folding caravan has evolved and been so brilliantly constructed.

Stuart Burchell, via email

Fully Focused In response to Richard Carey’s email criticising the inclusion of a Ford Focus towcar review. My wife and I just wanted to say that we appreciate reviews of smaller tow vehicles. Not everyone has a big caravan; we happily tow our Freedom with a 1.0 Ford Focus, and if we were looking for a new car we would want a fuel-efficient, non-diesel equivalent. Perhaps even a hybrid or fully electric car as they become increasingly viable as tow vehicles. Thanks for the interesting magazine.

Simon Wells, via email

Glaring error I agree with Martin Bradley (May issue) that awning lights left switched on overnight cause an unsightly glare on site.

I’m sure I’ve been guilty of that – the problem being that in most vans, there is no tell-tale warning light inside the van to show that the exterior light is switched on. So it’s easy to go to bed forgetting that light.

Maybe the Club could encourage manufacturers to add a warning light inside above the door?

There could be a minor saving to the Club in electricity consumption as well...

Chris Humphreys, via email

A site for sore eyes While staying at Cayton Village Club site I went for a walk along the stunning cliffs and took these images (one example above). To me it’s a great site in a fantastic location, the staff are helpful and friendly. Yes, some areas do need updating, but these are coming at the end of the year. Well done Cayton Village staff.

Darren England, via email

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Cache prize Hi, we are the Jellybanners and our hobby is geocaching. We were camped on a CL near Preston and in six days we had found 53 caches!

Then, one evening while away, I opened the April edition of our Club magazine. I was very interested to read the article about geocaching in Burrs Country Park. “Wow, it’s not

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

often you see such a good article about our hobby,” I said to the wife. “How do you fancy going to Bury?”

So we checked availability online and got ourselves booked in for two nights. What a lovely site this is, next to the East Lancs Railway line (above right)! While we were there we found 13 of the 14 caches that we looked for, including those mentioned in the article... and enjoyed a lovely meal in The Brown

Cow (below). Many thanks for this little addition to our last trip away!

Keith and Edwina Bannister, via email

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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

7

SPECIAL ACCESSIBILITY

NO BOUNDARIES Karla Baker recounts how she and partner Stephen have embarked on a series of adventures in their adapted caravan

I

love seeing the look of surprise on people’s faces when I tell them that I travel in a wheelchair-accessible caravan. It may not be the most common way for people with disabilities to get about but, for me, there is no better way.

My partner, Stephen, and I bought our Bailey Unicorn in the autumn of 2017. The day we collected it felt like Christmas morning – we were so excited about starting to tick things off the ever-growing list of places we wanted to visit. But first we had to adapt it and make it an accessible caravan that I could get my wheelchair into.

There are numerous ways to adapt a leisure vehicle, from installing simple grab rails to fitting electric beds and hoists – the beauty of creating an accessible caravan is that you can change as much or as little as you need.

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Wanting to do what we could ourselves, we dismantled the lounge area, altering it from a parallel sofa layout into an ‘L’ shape, giving me a decent amount of room to manoeuvre inside. Then it was time to send it off to a local workshop for more complex adaptations, such as fitting a wider door and moving the fuse box.

It was an anxious wait but thankfully the process went smoothly.

After a little bit of time, a little bit of effort and a whole lot of love, our caravan became a perfectly accessible home-on-wheels, and we were ready for our adventures to begin!

FIRST CLASS Eager to hit the road, we first headed to Haycraft, a local Caravan and Motorhome Club site. The site staff were lovely and offered to help in any way they could, even giving me a tour of the disabled facilities.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Over the course of our long weekend, we had a great time exploring the surrounding area and slowly became accustomed to the whole caravanning thing – but that was just the start of our journey!

Since that first trip we have travelled thousands of miles around the UK. This includes weekend breaks here and there, adventurous getaways to National Parks, and a very wet New Year in Wales, sharing our experiences on my Adventure Wheels blog along the way (adventurewheels.blog). But our highlight so far has to be our three-week tour of Scotland.

We set off from our home on the south coast of England and headed north, taking two days to reach the border. Our aim was to see a bit of everything while we were up there, so aptly the trip became known as our ‘Scratch the Surface Tour’.

We started in Edinburgh and made our way up the east coast, stopping at Inverness on the way. When we reached the most northerly point in mainland Great Britain, Dunnet Head, it felt like such an achievement. I’d lie in bed at night, looking up at the twinkling stars through the skylight, thinking, “Wow, we’re really doing all of this!”

These ‘pinch yourself’ moments continued to happen on our way back south when we stopped off in the centre of the Highlands, surrounded by lochs and snow-capped mountains, and then as we carried on our journey down the west coast.

Every corner we turned presented us with even more stunning scenery – it was truly breathtaking. We were having a fantastic trip but sadly it was time to go home. We’d driven almost 3,000 miles, seen some amazing sights, met some lovely people and

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TOP SPOTS HERE ARE A COUPLE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES ON OUR TRAVELS SO FAR...

Clockwise from left: admiring the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye; Karla on the beach in Studland, Dorset (inset); Karla and Stephen with their adapted Bailey Unicorn; looking out to the Moray Firth at Chanonry Point; in the re-configured L-shaped lounge

made a million memories, which I think sums up caravanning perfectly!

Before we bought our caravan we rarely went away – it was too much hassle finding hotels with accessible rooms; even if they were ‘accessible’ by name, that didn’t necessarily mean that they would be suitable for my particular needs. Now, though, I have my own accommodation designed especially for me, and it’s so easy to hitch up and go that we find ourselves away a few times a month!

Not only has all this fresh air had a positive impact on our physical health, but it’s been good for our mental health too. It has given me a sense of adventure and freedom that I never imagined possible, and it just goes to show that having a disability doesn’t have to be a barrier to getting out there and exploring new places. With determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

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Accessible location: Rutland Water. This is one of the best places in the country I’ve found for wheelchairaccessible walks. You can stroll for miles and miles, taking in the gorgeous views of the glistening reservoir and the grazing sheep – all from the comfort of a smooth asphalt path! The majority of the 24-mile perimeter route is accessible, and there are disabled toilets and cafés en route. Stamford Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is close by – this site is level throughout and has a fantastic decked ramp up to reception, but the main reason I love it so much is its location!

Accessible site: Poolsbrook Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. A great accessible site. Being relatively new, the facilities are fantastic, there is level access into a very spacious reception and a modern disabled shower room. Not only is the site lovely, but it’s set within the grounds of Poolsbrook Country Park. There you can enjoy a scenic stroll around the lake and woodland trails, a bite to eat in the café, a spot of fishing and more. It’s also just a 30-minute drive from the Peak District National Park, where you’d be surprised how much there is for wheelchair users to do.

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June 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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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 August 2019 3-4 & 10-11 AUGUST The Loxwood Joust Experience what life was like in the Middle Ages at this spectacular West Sussex event. See live jousting events and battle re-enactments, wander the Medieval Marketplace where traders vie for your attention, and watch wandering minstrels, dance troupes and a court jester. Youngsters are well catered for in the Children’s Kingdom – here they can try archery, face painting and even ‘Pelt the Peasant’!

Web: loxwoodjoust.co.uk Club site: Slinfold

“Wander the Medieval Marketplace where traders vie for your attention”

10 AUGUST

7-10 AUGUST

Skully/Alamy

Tolkien 2019 Middle Earth comes to Birmingham as the Macdonald Burlington Hotel hosts an event dedicated to the works of Lord of the Rings author J R R Tolkien. Speakers at the celebration, which marks 50 years of the Tolkien Society, include Alan Lee – who won an Academy Award for his art direction work on The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – and authors Christina Scull and Brian Sibley.

Web: tolkien2019.com Club site: Chapel Lane

North Berwick International Highland Games Around 15,000 attendees are expected at the 24th edition of the North Berwick Highland Games. As well as traditional sporting events, visitors can look forward to pipe band and drum major contests, highland dancing, craft stalls, dog agility displays, bouncy castles, sideshows, refreshment marquees and more. The attractions of the seaside are a further draw.

Web: northberwickhighlandgames.org Club site: Yellowcraig

16-18 AUGUST Cornish Steam & Country Fair Stithians Showground nearTruro plays host to a plethora of beautiful full-size steam engines from all over the country.

But there’s much more to this annual show than that – look out for an old-time

funfair, vintage vehicle display, craft and model displays and a Rural Ring with sheepdog displays, birds of prey demonstrations, dog agility sessions and more.

Web: weses.co.uk Club site: Merrose Farm

17-24 AUGUST 2019 Summer World Transplant Games 2019 NewcastleGateshead is the venue for this celebration of sport featuring competitors who have received transplants. Events featuring athletes aged from five to 80+ cover everything from track and field to darts, and take place across numerous venues, including Gateshead International Stadium, Sunderland Aquatic Centre andThe Northumberland Club.

Web: worldtransplantgames.org Club site: Durham Grange

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

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

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 and other animals, you will see monster trucks, dog and horse shows plus live demonstrations.The temporary site opposite the showground has fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Temporary site open: 16-21 June Contact: Paul Bowler on 01782 513276/07974 107078 or email bowler. rallies@btinternet.com

29-30 JUNE

7-9 JUNE Retrofestival Head for Newark Showground for a celebration of all things retro. Classic cars, bikes and scooters, steam engines, vintage aircraft, fashion and music from the 1920s to the 1980s will ensure you are entertained.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: 6-10 June Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260 or email berkshirecc@gmail.com – for bookings, go to berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk (a non-returnable £50 deposit will be requested on receipt of booking)

15-16 JUNE Wings & Wheels Fascinating aircraft and car displays will greet visitors to this Dunsford Park in Surrey show. As well as aerial treats from the likes of the Red Arrows, you will be able to view supercars, military vehicles and monster trucks.There is a children’s zone, while Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio, are sure to be a hit with music lovers.The temporary site is at Loxwood, just a few miles away.

Temporary site open: 14-16 June Contact: Nick and Julie Eagleton on 07947 359691

Bloxham Rally Smiths Fields in Bloxham, near Banbury, brings together steam engines, classic cars, Spitfire displays, a working farm area, falconry and more.The temporary site (no toilets or hook-ups) is adjacent to the showground and your pitch fee includes entry to the show.

Temporary site open: 28-30 June Contact: MarionTanner on 07761 933532 or email honrallysecretary@ middx.co.uk

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

1-7 JULY Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Llangollen in north-east Wales attracts around 4,000 performers for six days of world-class music and folk dance in a unique combination of competition (including the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’), performance and international peace and friendship. The temporary site is within easy walking

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.

“Llangollen attracts around 4,000 performers for six days of worldclass music and folk dance” Clockwise from left: classic vehicles at the Retrofestival; Bournemouth hosts a big air festival this summer; get close to the rowing action at Henley-on-Thames in July

Temporary site open: 3-8 July Contact: Hazel and Andy Bridle on 07789 815299 or email henley@ upperthamescentre.co.uk

19-21 JULY The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show Head for the Norfolk Showground near Norwich to browse new and used motorhomes, thousands of accessories and enjoy live music.The temporary site

18-19 JUNE The Royal Cheshire County Show Clay House Farm in Knutsford is the venue for a celebration of farming and the countryside. As well as livestock

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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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 The Big Cheese The south Wales town of Caerphilly comes to life with street entertainers, living history encampments, a traditional fun fair, fire eating, minstrels, troubadours and much more.The temporary site on the nearby Caerphilly Rugby Football ground will offer toilets and showers and battery charging facilities. For more details and a booking form, visit southglamorgancentre.com.

Temporary site open: 25-29 July Contact: Martin Cawley on 07789 771442 or email chairman@ southglamorgancentre.com

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 60s 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 – for bookings, go to berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk (a non-returnable £50 deposit will be requested 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, plus steam and electric organs for a fun

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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 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

See camc.com/centres and p113 of this issue for more centre information and coverage

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

69

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TOURING UK SITES

Eastbourne is within easy reach

DID YOU KNOW?

HildaWeges/Getty

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

MORE

ON THE

APP

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Broomfield Farm This rural site lies between the Sussex Downs and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

S

ound experts believe that birdsong relaxes the body while simultaneously stimulating the brain, and as you’ll no doubt be aware the natural symphony of tweets and chirps can be heard more clearly at some campsites than others. What about Broomfield Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, specifically? Do those vacating their pitches of a morning look particularly happy and at ease, as if the local songbirds and warblers have induced a zen-like state of mind and enabled the completion of a tricky Sudoku puzzle in record time?

Perhaps... but we can at least say for sure that members who have kindly taken the time to review this Sussex site online often mention birdsong when revealing the highlights of their stays. And it’s something commented on www.camc.com

The Seven Sisters

throughout the ‘main’ touring months – so not simply a case of our feathered friends singing with extra verve as they head into their breeding season.

The site – which has a laid-back feel and is surrounded by farmland – lies a couple of miles east of the nearest major road (the A22), and the peaceful, rural location is a big draw for many Club members. It’s worth mentioning that there is no toilet block and the access roads are a little narrow in places, with passing places, but the advice from fellow caravanners and motorhomers with regard to the latter is to take it slow and you’ll be fine.

As there are no corner shops in the immediate vicinity, you may want to stock up on provisions on your way – supermarkets can be found in Uckfield, Lewes, Hailsham and Heathfield, for example – but basic provisions can be purchased on site.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

71

TOURING UK SITES

Club Site This site in the Sussex countryside is a great option if you’re looking to get away from it all. Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne are within easy reach.

Pitches: 42 | Open: 15 Mar-14 Oct 2019

“You may see Lewes locals taking part in ‘dwyle flunking’” Loop Images Ltd / Alamy

Broomfield Farm

Right: Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne Below: Lewes is great for a day out

Member view “There were plenty of walks to choose from plus plenty of places to visit in the area. We shall certainly use the site again and have already recommended the site to other members! The site fees were superb and a fraction of the cost of nearby camp sites” Andy Wiseman, caravanner

Member view

Food & drink Fusciardi Ice Cream Parlour, 30 Marine Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AY Contact: fusciardiicecreams. co.uk, 01323 722128

Culture Glyndebourne (opera venue), Lewes BN8 5UU Contact: glyndebourne.com, 01273 815000

Outdoor fun Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD Contact: knockhatch.com, 01323 442051 GREAT SAVINGS Member offer available: camc.

GUIDE com/greatsavingsguide

For the family Drusillas Park, Alfriston BN26 5QS Contact: drusillas.co.uk, 01323 874100

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

paul cox / Alamy

“We don’t live far away but the site is set in such a wonderful area we love coming here.

One has the option for a wide open grassy field to watch the sun go down (or rise!) or the wooded glades if you want the shelter is brilliant.” bealy, motorhomer

BOURNE FREE You’ll almost certainly want to visit Eastbourne – the town that is said to have the highest average number of hours of sunshine per day in the UK (though this has been ‘hotly’ contested by rival resorts along the south coast!).

Days out in Eastbourne needn’t be expensive. There are the obvious free attractions on the front, such as the pier and the flower-decked Carpet Gardens, which form part of the elegant Promenade. If you want to soak up those sun rays while staying active, walking along the prom in either direction from the town centre is a pleasant way to while away the hours – head north-east for pretty Pevensey Bay or south-west towards the striking chalk headland of Beachy Head.

Back in the town centre, other free attractions include the award-winning Towner Art Gallery and the small, engaging Lifeboat Museum, while tickets for shows at the bandstand can be purchased for a few pounds. There are usually around 150 performances a year at this seafront staple, to which crowds have been drawn since 1935. Booking in advance is recommended, as Eastbourne can be busy during weekends in the warmer months, but even if you stroll through when there’s

no music on do look out for the commemorative plaque in memory of John Wesley Woodward, who was one of the musicians who played on the Titanic as it sank.

Another Sussex town that’s well worth a visit is Lewes, where a range of shops – from independent boutiques to major names – line the long High Street either side of the River Ouse. If you’re after live music there are plenty of small venues here, from the lively Con Club (lewesconclub.com) to various hostelries offering open mic nights and the like.

Look out for people playing unusual pub games in the town, too: you may see Lewes locals taking part in ‘dwyle flunking’ (which originated in East Anglia and involves teams of dancers trying to avoid a beer-soaked cloth), the World Pea Throwing Championships (held at the Lewes Arms in autumn) and ‘toad in the hole’ (a coin-throwing game with its own keenly-fought World Championship event).

Perhaps after spending your time in these fascinating towns, with their strong but very different identities, you’ll be ready for some relaxation back at tranquil Broomfield Farm. The birds will, once again, provide a welcome soundtrack. www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES NEW

The show...

MUST GO ON! 1st & 2nd June BBQ & bubbly

Second hand bits & bobs sale ££££s of set up cost savings to give to you!

“You may have heard that the UK Summer Motorhome & Caravan show at Detling isn’t going ahead this year. Like us, you might have been left feeling bereft... BUT... don’t despair! We’ve got something to help you forget Detling as we’re giving the money saved on show set-up costs to YOU in discounts across the forecourt. Visit us during the first weekend in June for a better-than-show-deal!”

Paul Santos, Managing Director (right) Dominic Price, General Manager

01227 733557 ~ www.chooseleisure.co.uk Howfield Lane / A28, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7HG

Choose Freedom ~ Choose Adventure ~ Choose Leisure www.camc.com

March 2017 The Caravan and Motorhome Club

4

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 – a need for speed...

Motorsport is a costly affair for participants, and it can be expensive for spectators too, whether you're into Formula 1, MotoGP or Superbikes. However, with a bit of forethought you can use your Club membership to keep outlays down.

Motorcycles have been a passion of mine for many years, and recently we planned a trip to Silverstone to watch the British Superbikes. Pitches at the circuit were too pricey for my budget but fortunately there were a number of Certificated Locations (CLs) in the vicinity.

With any Club or CL site, booking ahead is vital if you want to stay when large events are taking place nearby, and the Superbike calendar can influence pitch availability. However, staying at such a site can save you a pretty penny (especially if you have a caravan – they can attract a premium at race circuit sites).

Charlie is too young to remember watching me ride ‘Enduro’ – a form of motorcycle sport on extended cross-country, off-road courses – and even if he could remember, it’s a far cry from the Superbikes circus. The sizeable crowds prompted him to exert a tighter grip on my hand than usual as

we entered, but as the bikes started howling past and the people thinned out a little, it became apparent just how much of a positive effect the day was having on him.

A friend of mine arranged for Charlie to meet Brad Jones (above left), a 600cc Supersport World Championship contender who rides for the Appleyard Macadam Integro Yamaha team. Despite it being a race day, Brad showed Charlie his bike, allowed him to sit on it and gave him a Pirelli cap he had worn on the podium after an earlier race.

The motorcycle scene has always been a friendly one and it was great to see that this hasn’t changed since my last Superbike visit, several years ago – Brad and his team really went the extra mile to make Charlie’s day. Countless adrenaline rushes, coupled with a relatively long day, wore us all out, but Charlie wouldn’t go to sleep unless he had his Pirelli cap with him!

MEMBERS SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

Helen’s view Huge crowds can sometimes be a problem at big events, especially if you are accompanied by younger children. If we haven’t reserved seats we often head for the far corners of the track, where fewer people make viewing easier. This approach has worked incredibly well at Goodwood Revival in the past – although occasionally it seems as though everyone has had the same idea!

Charlie’s view Silverstone was my first bike race and I witnessed lots of crashes, lots of funny moments and I even got to meet Brad Jones. It was very loud, but it was worth it to watch all the bikes fly around the track leaving black marks from their tyres. We wanted to sit in the grandstands, and we were surprised to find that all but two were free, so we watched different races from different stands.

It was a brilliant day out – 10/10.

BIKER ROVE TOURING TIPS FOR MOTORSPORT FANS 1 Book your Club site or CL in advance. Big events can make pitches scarce.

2 Buy your tickets for the event as early as possible, too. Under-15s were free for the British Superbikes at Silverstone.

www.camc.com

3 To find a CL, visit camc.com and click on ‘UK holidays’ followed by ‘Certificated Locations’. Now search for the perfect spot by postcode.

4 Take a hat and sunscreen. If you are in an exposed area, it’s easy to be caught out by the sun.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

75

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB 50% OFF VOLVO SAVINGS TYRE PRESSURE MONITORS

We are delighted to be working with Volvo to bring members fantastic savings on vehicles including the Towcar of the Year-winning XC60 and ClassAVERAGE topping XC40.

MEMBER See camc.com/ volvo for more SAVING OF information. £4,570 IN 2019*

Flashcaps – clever devices that replace regular valve caps – continually monitor your tyre pressures. If a tyre deflates, the bright LED on the Flashcap flashes to alert you – so for peace of mind you can check with a quick glance before every journey. See camc. com/boo9 for details of an exclusive 50% saving.

*From 1 January to 31 March 2019

FREE TOLL TAG APPLICATION Emovis tag (formerly known as Sanef) can provide UK customers with a tag that automatically raises the barrier at motorway toll stations in certain countries. Club members save one €10 application fee when applying for either a Liber-t tag for use in France or a VIA-T tag for use

in Spain and Portugal (actual toll fees are collected in pounds sterling by direct debit from your UK bank account).

For more information on how the tags work and for full terms and conditions, please see camc.com/emovis.

20% OFF AT LEEDS CASTLE Offering 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens, a maze, free falconry displays, special events and year-round attractions, Leeds Castle provides one of the best days out in Kent. Open all year, there is something new for everyone to discover every day. Find out more at camc.com/ greatsavingsguide.

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

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

SAVE ON

TRAVEL GUIDES AND MORE...

Online map superstore Dash4it is offering members up to 35% off the recommended retail price on selected products. There are great savings to be had on everything from maps, atlases and travel guides to outdoor accessories from the likes of Ordnance Survey, AA, Collins, Bridgedale and more. See camc.com/dash4it.

UP TO 10% OFF CAR HIRE Members can save up to 10% on car hire around the globe with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental.

Whether you need to hire a car from a Club site or at an airport location, there is an option available for you. Visit camc.com/ carhireoffer for more information.

30% SUSTRANS DISCOUNT UK charity Sustrans is offering Club members 30% off its complete range of cycling and walking maps and guide books, plus a whole host of other products. Find out more at camc.com/sustrans.

www.camc.com

SAVE 20% AT ROADCHEF

Motorway service area operator Roadchef is offering Club members a 20% discount when they visit Costa, Fresh Food CafĂŠ or Restbite at any of its 21 locations across the country. Dedicated touring parking facilities are available free of charge for up to two hours at some sites. To download your exclusive Roadchef voucher visit camc.com/roadchef.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

77

PRACTICAL Q&A

Ask your Club

Jockey club

Q

I’ve seen much discussion of jockey wheels online recently. What are the Club’s recommendations for this vital component?

A

You’d think little could go wrong with a jockey wheel, given that all it does is support the front of a caravan (or trailer) when it’s unhitched, and allows it to be manoeuvred at low speed. Yet we regularly receive reports of damaged wheels, detached tyres, bent shafts and broken handles. So what makes a good jockey wheel?

The wheel and its central bearing must be strong. The load on it from the nose when stationary is not that high, but move over rough ground or potholes, let alone kerbs, and the force put through the wheel and axle can be considerable. Side loading when using a caravan mover can also be problematic for weaker wheels.

Plastic wheels are unlikely to be as robust as metal ones. Look for a high overall load rating – typical caravan jockey wheels vary from around 100kg to 250kg ratings.

The big debate with jockey wheels is usually whether to go with a solid wheel/tyre or pneumatic tyre. A pneumatic tyre is probably better than a poor solid one, but a good solid wheel/tyre generally performs better than the former.

To be effective, a solid wheel needs to be relatively broad so that it resists digging in on soft surfaces, and needs a relatively large diameter to easily cope with uneven ground.

Of course, solid tyres won’t puncture or need pumping up.

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions 78

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Pneumatic tyres are vulnerable to pressure loss and wear and tear A key disadvantage of pneumatic tyres is their tendency to roll off the wheel rim if pushed sideways when using an electric caravan mover, causing immediate loss of pressure and risking tyre damage.

A robust wheel/solid tyre is generally preferable in conjunction with movers.

The shaft of the jockey wheel needs to be sturdy, or it will bend if the wheel hits an obstacle. Most are okay in this regard, but lighter designs can be problematic. The standard shaft diameter for caravan use is 48mm. You can put a fair amount of force into the winding handle, so that needs to be strong too.

While travelling, the clamp needs to hold the raised jockey securely in place, or it will vibrate loose and drop down. It’s also possible for vibration to cause the wheel to lower itself by unwinding – some designs incorporate a mechanism to prevent this happening, which is a bonus.

You want most parts of a caravan to be as light as possible. However, this is one component where it’s worthwhile allowing for a bit of weight to ensure reliability. Just remember that a heavier jockey wheel may mean you need to adjust your caravan loading slightly to keep the noseweight correct. Different models weigh from under 5kg to well over 6kg. The heavier ones are likely to be more robust and reliable.

A replacement jockey wheel shouldn’t cost the earth, but those with the more desirable design characteristics mentioned above are also unlikely to be cheapest.

Expect to pay £40-£70 for premium models. You can pay under £20, but don’t expect premium durability at that price.

Replacing a jockey wheel is a straightforward DIY task in most cases, unless the old one has a damaged shaft. Do follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly in terms of safety – apply the handbrake, chock the wheels and support the caravan with the corner steadies before removing the jockey wheel.

Please address your questions to: Technical Information, Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA

Some plastic ...and quote your membership wheels may not number withstand loads imposed while using a caravan camc.com/advice mover

www.camc.com

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

with 4 x pics supplied

www.camc.com

September 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

73

COUNTRY MATTERS LARGE BLUE BUTTERFLY

80

Out of the blue

David Chapman reports on the remarkable resurgence of one of our most striking butterflies

81

COUNTRY MATTERS LARGE BLUE BUTTERFLY

JUNE LOOK OUT FOR Here is a selection of butterflies to spot... n Wood white: quite rare, found at scattered locations in southern England n Common blue: found in wildflower meadows and dunes n Speckled wood: found in hedgerows and light woodlands of England and Wales n Small pearl-bordered fritillary: widespread in Scotland, Wales and western England Right: common blue butterfly Below: small pearl bordered fritillary Inset: large blue butterfly female

L

ast June I paid a visit to Collard Hill near Street, in Somerset. I went specifically to see a very rare species of butterfly – the large blue – which has been reintroduced there.

Changing land management practices in the 1960s and 70s led to its extinction in the UK, with its last population, on Dartmoor, dying out in 1979. At around the same time, a thorough study of the species and its habitat requirements uncovered the incredibly complex life cycle of this butterfly, the largest blue butterfly in the UK. In June, the adult female large blue butterflies lay their eggs on the flowers of wild thyme. The eggs hatch and the caterpillars burrow into the flower head, where they begin feasting. Later they drop to the ground and wait for a specific species of ant to come along. By emitting a sweet secretion, they fool the ants into thinking they are their own grubs.

GREAT PRETENDERS The ants carry the caterpillars to their nests where the latter set about eating the grubs of their unfortunate hosts. The caterpillars hibernate over winter deep in the ants’ nests, where the temperature will remain quite stable.

In May of the following year they pupate and when they emerge as adults in early June they are forced to crawl out before they can unfurl their wings and take to the air.

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Once their life cycle was understood, several conservation organisations began recreating suitable habitat for the large blue. A regime of grazing and scrub control is essential for their survival. Wild thyme was planted at designated sites and the populations of the host ants were monitored. Then, from 1984, large blue butterflies were sourced from Sweden and introduced at a number of locations around the south-west of England.

The UK population had reached about 10,000 across 11 sites in 2006 and a record of 25,000 at 40 sites in 2018. The majority of the British population is now found at reserves in Somerset and Gloucestershire.

The only truly accessible colony for members of the public is at the National Trust’s Collard Hill, within the Polden Hills. Butterflies were introduced here in 2000 and they have fared very well with excellent habitat management and protection.

On site there is a well-signposted butterfly walk and a ranger is available for guidance during the flight season.

You can find out more by visiting nationaltrust.org.uk and typing ‘Collard Hill’ into the search box.

The story of the large blue is a source of great optimism to nature lovers as it shows we are capable of correcting our mistakes.

Flutter by...

Where to stay to spot the large blue butterfly Site: Cheddar This lovely, peaceful Somerset site is about 16 miles from Collard Hill

Site: Longleat Across the border in Wiltshire, this family-friendly Cub site is nevertheless within an hour’s drive of Collard Hill and its large blue population 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

“Quite rare, the wood white is found at scattered locations in southern England” Wood white butterfly

www.camc.com

83

NEW

NEW

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

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

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.

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.

xxx

Sold Secure version of our Super Heavy Duty Hitchlock. This design is lightweight and easy to fit. Insurance Approved.

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.

November 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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.

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. www.camc.com

EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

The Midsummer Motorhome Show special offer Use the coupon here to save on admission to this fantastic Warwickshire event in June If your interests include motorhoming and the rock ’n‘ roll scene, you won’t want to miss out on this popular event at Stoneleigh Park from 21-23 June.

Not only will you be able to browse over 300 new and used motorhomes for sale from more than 30 dealers, you’ll be able to pick up the latest camping accessory or gadget, take advantage of free jive classes and 1950s hair/make-up tuition and take part in or watch vintage clothing parades.

If you choose to camp on site, you can also enjoy up to four nights of live rock ’n‘ roll music from the likes of The Jive Aces, Phil Haley & His Comments and Rockin’ the Joint.

Advanced on-site pitches cost £55 Thurs-Mon or £50 Fri-Mon – but hurry, the deadline is 2pm on 5 June.

www.camc.com

MEMBER TICKET OFFER The voucher on this page entitles you to day admission to the show at the discounted rate of £13 for two adults (normal price £7 per person). Simply present the completed voucher at the pay gate upon arrival. Alternatively,

advance tickets are available at just £5 per person (order before noon on 20 June) – simply call 0844 581 1937 (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.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

85

PRODUCT SHOWCASE OUTDOOR LIVING

BREAK

OUT As the weather improves, it’s time to escape the grind and enjoy the great outdoors. Jane McGowan looks at a selection of products designed to help

1 Prima Lazy Lounger

MEMBER OFFER

These ‘self-inflating’ loungers are the ultimate in summer cool. They are constructed from a rip- and water-resistant material and come in a range of bright colours.

The lounger is split into two compartments which you inflate simply by ‘dragging’ through the air. Roll the ends together, fasten with a clip and, hey presto, you have an airbag-style sofa.

While there are plenty of instructional videos online, we found the process to be harder than it looks! But, once filled, it did prove to be just as comfortable as a regular lounger. It comes with a handy, compact carry sack too.

Members can save on this product by visiting shop.camc.com RRP: £29.99 (Prima website) 29.99 (Club shop); £26.99 (Club members) Contact: primaleisure.com, shop.camc.com

2 ALLCAMP Picnic Basket with Blanket Make a statement on the beach or at an outdoor event with this stylish two-piece set from ALLCAMP. The lightweight, waterproof, basket-style hamper folds down flat, making it ideal for storing in the caravan or motorhome. Unfolded, its 31-litre, insulated compartment offers more than enough space for a feast for four. There is also a handy pouch on the front in which you could store a wallet or phone. The co-ordinating blanket is made from polyester with a light PVC backing and measures 150cm x 200cm when unfurled.

It folds into a neat rectangle (with handle) that is kept secure with a hook-and-loop fastening.

RRP: £24.99 Contact: amazon.co.uk and other online retailers

86

3

Prima Folding Outdoor Directors Chair

RRP: £46.99 (Prima website), £34.99 (Club shop), £31.49 (Club members) Contact: primaleisure.com, shop.camc.com

4 Moji Black Diamond Lantern

Photography: Jon Warman

What could be better than MEMBER relaxing outside your OFFER vehicle with a nice cup of tea? And what if your chair was not only comfortable but offered a table with handy cup holder in which to place said cuppa? The generous-sized ‘Directors’ chair also features a sturdy canvas side panel with three pockets (one zipped) suitable for holding magazines, books, wallets or phones. Its incredibly light (3.33kg) and folds flat for easy storage – remember to tuck-in the table first. A smaller version, without the added panel, is also available.

Members can save on this product by visiting shop.camc.com

5 Regatta Prandeo Folding Table with Cupholders

Easily stowed in a cupboard or glove compartment, this funky little lantern from Moji would be a great addition to your touring kit. Standing just 7cm high and weighing only 122g, this pocketsize powerhouse can deliver 100 lumens over a 6m radius. If you want to prolong your battery life, simply select the minimum setting (four lumens), on which it can burn for 100 hours. Place it on a table or use the metal ‘double-hook’ loop to suspend it from a tree branch or the wall/ceiling of your awning. This superb light will also slip easily into your day pack or coat pocket.

If you are after a lightweight, portable table at a very reasonable price, look no further than the Prandeo from outdoor specialists Regatta. Simply extend the tripod legs and the canvas-topped table opens into position, complete with cup holders. To create a firm, taut surface, you need to tighten the large nut at the base – I found this a little tricky to engage at first but soon got the hang of it. It can hold a maximum of 20kg, and is ideal for use as a side or games table. It’s also perfect for picnics as it weighs just 1kg and comes complete with a lightweight, nylon carry sack.

RRP: £20 Contact: eu.blackdiamondequipment.com (for info), retailers include Blacks (blacks.co.uk)

RRP: £22.50 (£11.20 at regatta.com as we went to press) Contact: regatta.com; 0161 866 0486

87

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

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

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

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

Terms and conditions apply, see website for details

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PRACTICAL BUYING

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Makes easy work for washing vehicles, patios, stonework, etc.

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MAX MIN/MAX TONS HEIGHT EXC.VAT INC.VAT 2 235-360mm £12.99 £15.59 3 325-490mm £21.99 £26.39 3 300-430mm £23.99 £28.79 6 333-500mm £29.98 £35.98 6 400-615mm £34.99 £41.99 3 295-395mm £49.98 £59.98 10 450-750mm £86.99 £104.39

EDINBURGH 163-171 Piersfield Terrace 0131 659 5919 EXETER 16 Trusham Rd. EX2 8QG 01392 256 744 GATESHEAD 50 Lobley Hill Rd. NE8 4YJ 0191 493 2520 GLASGOW 280 Gt Western Rd. G4 9EJ 0141 332 9231 GLOUCESTER 221A Barton St. GL1 4HY 01452 417 948 GRIMSBY ELLIS WAY, DN32 9BD 01472 354435 HULL 8-10 Holderness Rd. HU9 1EG 01482 223161 ILFORD 746-748 Eastern Ave. IG2 7HU 0208 518 4286 IPSWICH Unit 1 Ipswich Trade Centre, Commercial Road 01473 221253 LEEDS 227-229 Kirkstall Rd. LS4 2AS 0113 231 0400 LEICESTER 69 Melton Rd. LE4 6PN 0116 261 0688 LINCOLN Unit 5. The Pelham Centre. LN5 8HG 01522 543 036 LIVERPOOL 80-88 London Rd. L3 5NF 0151 709 4484 LONDON CATFORD 289/291 Southend Lane SE6 3RS 0208 695 5684 LONDON 6 Kendal Parade, Edmonton N18 020 8803 0861 LONDON 503-507 Lea Bridge Rd. Leyton, E10 020 8558 8284 LUTON Unit 1, 326 Dunstable Rd, Luton LU4 8JS 01582 728 063 MAIDSTONE 57 Upper Stone St. ME15 6HE 01622 769 572 MANCHESTER ALTRINCHAM 71 Manchester Rd. Altrincham 0161 9412 666 MANCHESTER CENTRAL 209 Bury New Road M8 8DU 0161 241 1851 MANCHESTER OPENSHAW Unit 5, Tower Mill, Ashton Old Rd 0161 223 8376 MANSFIELD 169 Chesterfield Rd. South 01623 622160

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PRO WHEEL CLAMP

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THE ORIGINAL JUMPSTART® STARTING PEAK EXC. MODEL BOOST AMPS VAT 900 400 900 £64.99 JS1100 500 1100 £69.98 910 400 900 £72.99 JS1100C 500 1100 £79.98 4000 700 1500 £129.98 JS12/24 1000 2000 £159.98 JS12/24Li 600 1200 £179.98 £

AXLE STANDS Ratchet FROM ONLY £ .99 action for quick height £12EX.VAT .59 15INC.VAT adjustment Sold in pairs #per single stand *Aluminium

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• Fast easy folding • Great for caravans , motorhomes, & commuters • 20" lightweight aluminium wheels • Shimano 6 speed

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MIDDLESBROUGH Mandale Triangle, Thornaby NORWICH 282a Heigham St. NR2 4LZ NOTTINGHAM 211 Lower Parliament St. PETERBOROUGH 417 Lincoln Rd. Millfield PLYMOUTH 58-64 Embankment Rd. PL4 9HY POOLE 137-139 Bournemouth Rd. Parkstone PORTSMOUTH 277-283 Copnor Rd. Copnor PRESTON 53 Blackpool Rd. PR2 6BU SHEFFIELD 453 London Rd. Heeley. S2 4HJ SIDCUP 13 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Rd SOUTHAMPTON 516-518 Portswood Rd. SOUTHEND 1139-1141 London Rd. Leigh on Sea STOKE-ON-TRENT 382-396 Waterloo Rd. Hanley SUNDERLAND 13-15 Ryhope Rd. Grangetown SWANSEA 7 Samlet Rd. Llansamlet. SA7 9AG SWINDON 21 Victoria Rd. SN1 3AW TWICKENHAM 83-85 Heath Rd.TW1 4AW WARRINGTON Unit 3, Hawley’s Trade Pk. WIGAN 2 Harrison Street, WN5 9AU WOLVERHAMPTON Parkfield Rd. Bilston WORCESTER 48a Upper Tything. WR1 1JZ

01642 677881 01603 766402 0115 956 1811 01733 311770 01752 254050 01202 717913 023 9265 4777 01772 703263 0114 258 0831 0208 3042069 023 8055 7788 01702 483 742 01782 287321 0191 510 8773 01792 792969 01793 491717 020 8892 9117 01925 630 937 01942 323 785 01902 494186 01905 723451

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Calls to the catalogue request number above (0844 880 1265) cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. For security reasons, calls may be monitored. All prices correct February 2019 Caravan andWe Motorhome ClubtoMagazine www.camc.com at time of going to press. reserve the right change products and prices at any time. All offers subject to availability, E&OE. Terms & conditions apply see machinemart.co.uk/finance for more details

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PRACTICAL PITCHING

DID YOU KNOW? The ‘Practical Advice’ section of the Club website contains a wealth of expert information. See camc.com/advice

Pitch

perfect There are a few things to consider when selecting your pitch. Sammy Faircloth offers some invaluable advice

M

ost campsites – including Caravan and Motorhome Club sites – do not allow you to reserve specific pitches in advance, instead offering them on a first-come-first-served basis. As you are no doubt aware, though, you can choose the type of pitch that you want – ie standard pitch with or without awning, serviced pitch, etc – depending on availability at the time of booking.

When you do arrive at a site, there are some factors you might like to consider before committing to one of the available spots, and also when positioning your outfit. Let’s take a look at some of the issues to contemplate...

NATURAL CONSIDERATIONS It’s worth thinking about the gradient of your pitch. As discussed on these pages in last month’s issue, it is important to ensure that your caravan or motorhome is level. In order to measure the gradient in your leisure vehicle, place a spirit level on the floor; the

www.camc.com

most reliable test zone is as close as possible to the central part of the axle.

There are many products on the market to help with levelling and these were discussed last month. In brief, the most popular products for motorhomes are purpose-made levelling ramps and chocks. For caravans, there is the innovative Lock ’n’ Level system, which employs an airbag to raise and lower your vehicle. Alternatively, for simplicity and cost effectiveness, it is also possible to simply use wooden blocks.

While we all enjoy staying in the great outdoors, Mother Nature can also create some inconveniences! Trees, for example, can offer much-needed shade during hot summer months and shelter on windy days, but can also drop sap, leaves and seedlings, which can potentially stain surfaces if not cleaned immediately, particularly on awning fabric.

Trees are also home to birds and squirrels, and although many people enjoy watching them go

Above: purpose-made ramps and chocks for levelling motorhomes are available Below: Lock ‘n’ Level is a robust air bag that raises one side of a caravan

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

91

PRACTICAL PITCHING

2

1

3

4

1. Trees offer shade and wind protection, but can also drop leaves and sap that can stain your outfit 2. Use a compass to ensure that you are facing your preferred way 3. Families may prefer to pitch near to play parks so they can keep a watchful eye on their little ones

5

6

4. Streams are a natural draw for inquisitive children – make sure they are supervised!

5. A 25-metre hook-up cable should be long enough to comfortably reach an electric point on your pitch 6. Luckily, this motorhome was far enough away from the flooded river

about their daily business, they can of course make a mess. We once pitched underneath an oak tree in the autumn and were rudely awoken by the sound of a squirrel dropping acorns on our caravan roof – I’m sure he was doing it on purpose!

Trees can also affect your television signal, while plantlife and site geography can also make a difference to your Wi-Fi signal strength, should you wish to connect. In terms of Club sites you might like to take a look at the ‘heat maps’ that are available in the reception or information room.

Consider where the sun will be at different times during the day. Some people like to eat their breakfast while enjoying the sunshine, whereas I like to spend an evening watching the sun set.

Take a compass with you, or use a compass app on your smartphone, to make sure that you are facing your preferred way.

Streams can be a lovely natural feature, and a great place for children to explore and play while supervised, but be mindful that on a rainy day they can be prone to flooding.

During wet periods the ground can become soft and boggy, which is not ideal for a heavy motorhome. If the pitch is a little soft under foot,

92

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

position your tyres on grip mats to prevent sinking and also to assist when leaving the pitch. I would recommend this for both caravans and motorhomes – the last thing you want is to get stuck in the mud!

MAN-MADE CONSIDERATIONS You might want to seek out a pitch that is in a quieter spot, and site staff will try to help you find somewhere suitable where possible. Site plans detailing the locations of pitches and roads can be found on the walls in Club site offices and online at camc.com on the site’s page.

Some sites may have road lighting to help keep campers safer when they are moving around after dark. On Club sites these lights tend to be low-level, subdued and spaced to meet local authority restrictions and to adhere to regulations on light pollution. Luckily, most modern caravans and motorhomes come with blackout blinds, so lights shouldn’t be too much of an issue at night.

FACILITIES All Club sites have fresh and waste water facilities and almost all pitches have electric hook-up (unless you choose a non-electric economy pitch). Wiring

regulations in the UK require the use of a 25-metre electric hook-up cable on campsites, and a standard cable should comfortably be long enough to reach the power bollard on our Club sites. Some sites in Europe require cables longer than 25m, so you might need extra cable connected via a watertight safety box. For health and safety reasons on Club sites only single cables are used and no joints or splitters are allowed.

Families may prefer to be close to a play area for convenience and in order to keep a beady eye on their little ones. Those that crave a bit of peace and quiet might like to avoid being near to play parks as children are not known for being quiet, particularly when they are excited!

Some Club sites offer dog walk areas, so pitches near to these are ideal for dog owners; having said that, you won’t be too far from the dog walk wherever you end up pitching.

FINAL THOUGHTS Ultimately, when discussing the ‘perfect pitch’, a lot will come down to personal choice. At the end of the day, everyone is striving to achieve the same outcome – to have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

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NEWS HEADLINES

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8 9

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Photo 2 – Use a spirit level or a spirit level app to test the gradient inside your leisure vehicle Photo 5 – For a cost effective levelling device make up some ramps and chocks from blocks of wood Photo 10 – Grip mats not only prevent sinking, but are ideal for assisting when leaving a soft pitch {Choice of 2 photos} Photo 11 – Blackout blinds prevent street lighting ruining a good night’s sleep Photo 12 – Photo 13 – Take an extra cable and a watertight safety box in case your 25-metre cable does not reach Photo 14 –

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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.

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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

4

SPECIAL BUYING A CARAVAN

TAKING

THE PLUNGE John Rankin continues his story of becoming a first-time caravan owner – in March he took you through the purchase of the van itself, now it’s all the touring essentials...

I

t was good fun (even a bit exciting) doing all the homework and research in the build-up to the actual purchase of our caravan (see March issue).

But it wasn’t nearly as much fun as hitching up and heading off for our first trip away in it. The Club’s Sandringham Estate site – where the quality of the welcome is surpassed only by the tranquillity and attractiveness of the environs – in Norfolk isn’t a million miles from where we live, so will probably become a favourite haunt of ours.

Before I turn to the caravan, the first mention in dispatches should go to the Land Rover Freelander 2, which was bought specifically as a dual-purpose everyday driver and towcar for the relatively hefty Coachman Pastiche 545.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that you can’t tell the caravan is on the back, but the real challenge when towing is to watch that the cruising speed doesn’t creep up past the legal limit – which, given half a chance, it would do with disdain.

The outfit covers the ground with great composure, comfort and stability, and the average fuel economy when towing is working out at 19-20mpg (compared with about 32mpg solo).

In the March issue, I waxed lyrical about the benefits of the e-go Titanium mover we had fitted. It continues to prove its value – and I was pleased to find that there was more than enough juice left in the Coachman’s leisure battery to operate it after the caravan had been sitting unused in the storage compound for two months.

Another purchase we’re very pleased with is the Isabella Shadow sun canopy. Although we didn’t want the weight and time penalties that come with a ‘proper’ awning, we still fancied a modicum of ‘outside space’ connected to the caravan. The Shadow glides along the awning rail and is secured with three telescopically adjustable poles – up and running in under five minutes to give some good, proper shade from the sun. We also invested (expensively…) in the Shadow sides, but have found them infuriatingly

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Scatter cushions are a nice touch

fiddly. (More on these in the next instalment, after we’ve been able to consult with Isabella about just how they’re meant to work!)

However, some of our most useful buys have cost next to nothing. Top of this list is the £2 spent on a couple of rubber car mats to place in the nearside seat locker, in the bit that’s also accessible from the exterior hatch. This is now our outdoor footwear cupboard, into which muddy, sand-covered or grass-sodden walking boots can be abandoned before we even step inside. A quid dearer but no less useful is a watering can, which at a stroke overcomes the messy overflow of water that was the inevitable result of trying to fill up the loo header tank from our regular five-litre water container.

COPY CATS Oh, and talking of water… my wife Clare is a regular user of the on-board shower and we do the vast majority of our washing-up in the caravan

too, so it’s never that long before the Aquaroll needs a refill. We’ve therefore unashamedly copied all those caravanners we’ve seen setting up their units with two fresh water containers, a move that now pretty much sees us through a two-night stay. And, so far, we have managed to successfully break the rule that states you will run out of water just as you’re about to brush your teeth last thing at night. When it’s raining.

The Pastiche interior décor cuts a fine dash, which is one of the attributes that attracted Clare in the first place. But that hasn’t stopped her from adding personal touches to it. A couple of the standard-issue scatter cushions have been put into storage under the seat locker, replaced by two carefully co-ordinated ones from a well-known homeware chain; one is an oversized squidge of a thing that she flops right into every evening and is loathe to emerge from. They do add something to the ambience, as does the soft, fluffy rug that has replaced the carpet section in the lounge. Neither of us is a fan of carpeting in a washroom, so that too has been replaced with a more modest mat that sits in front of the vanity unit. The dark-wood-effect flooring is in any case really attractive, so it’s nice to have some on show.

Before a recent weekend away, we noticed that the rear panel of the caravan had more streaks running down it than Bet Lynch’s cheeks after being caught in a downpour. So, prior to setting off, we treated the Pastiche to half an hour of TLC with a bucket, sponge and some bespoke caravan cleaner, giving it back some of its showroom glamour.

Now is the time where we need to start thinking about booking it in for its first service.

The only bit of ‘snagging’ we have to report (to date, anyway…) is that the little plastic blind on the kitchen window leaves a kink when in use.

In all other regards, its interim report card is sprinkled liberally with ‘A’ and ‘A*’ ratings.

Who’s a clever caravan, then? www.camc.com

Our sun canopy can be set up in minutes

The ideal place for wet boots

Spruced up and ready

Small mat in the bathroom

COMING SOON – MORE ADDITIONS

A great match

www.camc.com

1. We’re going to invest in some permanent feet for the corner steadies – the wooden blocks we’ve been using up until now almost weld themselves to grass, often making them a complete pig to try and lift.

2. In the interest of saving us 90 seconds each time, a corner steady attachment for my cordless drill is on order. Well, that’s 90 seconds you’ll never get back, isn’t it?

3. Three water containers (two fresh, one waste) live under the double bed.

I clean them up a bit before they go in, but they can still leave it looking a bit grubby in there. Three tailored covers, on their way.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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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 Wednesday 19 June 2019.

Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

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NAME: ADDRESS:

DOWN 1 Favouring relatives with privileges (8) 2 Non-meat eaters (11) 3 Status (4) 4 Pick on unfairly (9) 5 End-piece of fabric (7) 6 Slightly wet (5) 7 Series of steps (5) 8 All-encompassing (9) 9 Pungent taste (4) 10 Male teacher (12) 13 Thai, cat or twin (7) 15 Hazel or Brazil (3) 19 To burden or shackle with problems (8) 20 Rotisserie (4) 24 Legal order (4) 27 Shabby and run-down (5) 29 Cooker (5) 30 Snappy bark (3) 31 Full of initiative (12) 32 Knee-length shorts (8) 34 Average (3) 36 Sewing, embroidery (11) 37 Overtake (4) 39 Australian dogs (7) 40 Final bid (4,5) 42 Fast-food item (9) 43 Cluster of hairs (4) 44 To do with one’s self (8) 47 Discolour like silver (7) 51 Rough tear (3) 52 Informed and alert (5) 53 Fashion or tendency (5) 56 Business transaction (4) 58 Repeated sound (4)

POSTCODE: MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

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

ACROSS 1 Hire-purchase (5-5) 6 Malaria insects (10) 11 Heathen (5) 12 Thermal underwear (12) 14 Tie with string (4) 16 Benefit cheque (4) 17 Cheap jumble (3) 18 Change (5)

20 21 22 23 25 26 28 29 33

Flower organ (6) Lounge or kitchen (4) Waste metal (5) Upper arm muscle (7) Tree (3) Christen (7) Down in the mouth (4) Artful deceit (7) Nozzles (4-6)

35 38 41 42 45 46 48 49 50

Compensation (10) Quite old (7) Stingy (4) Moorland shrub (7) Cooking pot (3) Wood shavings (7) Artificial or fake (5) A present (4) Queen Victoria’s consort (6)

May solution: Across: 1 Quack 4 Duchess 9 Axle 10 Atlas 11 Tartan 12 Maple 14 Trike 15 Lean 16 Abattoir 17 Absent 19 Cola 22 Mourner 24 Fog 26 Scrap 27 Weary 29 Saccharin 32 Gallant 35 Testing 37 Stipulate 39 Norse 41 Money 43 Ban 44 Flatlet 47 Tube 48 Abbess 51 Ignorant 52 Arch 54 Grand 55 Ledge 56 Offers 57 Spurn 58 Even 59 Dressed 60 Salad Down: 1 Quake 2 Antenna 3 Kangaroo 4 Devotion 5 Composer 6 Sheila 7 Cactus 8 Jacket 13 Paraffin 18 Nor 20 One 21 Spots 22 Mystify 23 RAC 25 Gag 26 Solvent 28 Arms 30 Ant 31 Imp 33 Ajar 34 Stamp 36 Gab 37 Sun-blind 38 Lit 40 Sob 42 Nib 44 Flannels 45 Averaged 46 Emotions 47 Tearful 48 Abrupt 49 Ending 50 Sailed 53 Cured

APRIL WINNERS £50 first prize: Patricia Hughes, Hampshire £10 runners-up: Sandra Jackson, Nottinghamshire; Mrs S Down, Worcestershire; Christine Howarth, Cheshire; K Mitchel, East Yorkshire

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

52 Out of bed, up (5)

Type of lettuce (3) grid D 5455 Outbuilding for tools (4) 57 Cord (4) 59 Accommodation-only holiday (4-8) 60 Series of links (5) 61 Lady-love (10) 62 Flat or level (10)

Send to: ‘June 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

www.camc.com

Member savings on Cadac BBQs!

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Pizza Stone worth £24.99

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£209.99 full price

£188.99 for members Make 2019 the year you cook on a Cadac with our special member offer.

The Grillo Chef 2 gas BBQ has a cult following for its versatility and small pack size, perfect for your caravan or motorhome. This is more than just a gas BBQ - you can cook, fry, roast, smoke, grill and even bake pizza!

For a limited time and for Club members only, get a FREE pizza stone when you buy the Cadac Grillo Chef 2 Chef Pan Combo.

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£22.00 full price £19.80 for members Offers are subject to change at any time and are available while stocks last.

www.camc.com

Buy online now at: shop.camc.com May 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

113

TEST VW AMAROK HIGHLINE 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION

ROK STEADY Lesley Harris finds good reasons to choose this Category Winner from our 2019 Towcar of the Year competition

W

hile I understand that a roughty-toughty pick-up truck might not be for everyone, there are plenty of reasons you should consider these versatile vehicles as caravan towcars. A good place to start is the Volkswagen Amarok, which fought off the competition to retain its Pick-Up Category crown in the Club’s prestigious Towcar of the Year 2019 competition.

As far as looks go, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever your opinion, Amarok’s rugged but chiselled appearance is certainly imposing – Bi-Xenon lights and chrome touches

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

to the grille and integrated step add a little extra bling that sets it apart from its rivals.

COMFORT Clamber into the driver’s seat and you’ll be surprised at how car-like the Amarok is. Yes, there is perhaps more evidence of functional plastic surrounding the dash and fascia than you’d find in many SUVs. But, to be fair, this is a commercial vehicle and, as such, needs to be robust enough to withstand day-to-day demands. In the Highline version tested here

you do get ‘Vienna’ leather adorning the large, comfortable seats. And there’s more leather to be found on the multi-function steering wheel, gear surround and handbrake. Add chrome trim and the cabin starts to feel more luxurious.

The chunky switchgear is all within easy reach and everything feels well-built and durable.

Storage won’t be a problem – large door bins, cubbies and cupholders are in evidence – and there are plenty of 12V sockets throughout.

A 6.33in touchscreen infotainment system adorns the dash – it’s easy to use and is compatible www.camc.com

Clockwise from opposite: chiselled looks; interior is surprisingly car-like; the Amarok can handle harsher terrain; load space won’t be a problem; room for five adults

www.camc.com

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

99

TEST VW AMAROK HIGHLINE 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION

TECHNICAL RATINGS

82%

88%

90%

87%

COMFORT

DRIVING

TOWING

VERDICT

Price as tested

Engine

£42,897

2,970cc V6, diesel 2,178kg (85%=1,851kg) Power

Insurance

Clockwise from above: touchscreen infotainment system; neat extra cubby; chunky switchgear

Group 46 Club insurance

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*.

Kerbweight

Fuel/tank/econ

Gross train weight

Diesel/17.6gal (80 litres)/ 33.6mpg solo/ 24.5mpg towing 1,630kg (test economy)

Transmission

Noseweight limit

220g/km

8-Speed DSG Automatic

140kg

Spare wheel

Fixed ball with 13-pin and electrics £366

Gross vehicle 254bhp (189kW) weight @3,250-4,000rpm 3,290kg Torque

428lb ft (580Nm) @1,400-3,000rpm 6,000kg

full-size

CO2

Towing equipment

MORE

ON THE

Figures from manufacturers’ literature

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.

with your phone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is just as well as satellite navigation is standard only on the flagship model and is a £684 option on Trendline and Highline.

However, the Amarok does get a fairly comprehensive list of standard equipment – including climate control, voice control and voice enhancer (this helps your rear passengers hear what’s being said up front) – as well as a host of safety systems (post-collision braking, electronic stabilisation and trailer stabilisation).

Our Highline variant also gets heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors along with a rear-view reversing camera and cruise control.

A double cab is now standard on the Amarok range which means there’s plenty of room for five adults in all.

All Amaroks are now powered by Volkswagen’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, and there are two power outputs – 201bhp and 254bhp; the latter offered in our test car. The unit also produced 580Nm of torque, so there was plenty of power available.

It’s mated to a smooth, eight-speed DSG gearbox, while 4Motion all-wheel drive with off-road ABS and Hill Descent Assist come as standard.

There’s very little engine noise, especially on the 100

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

at the time for its poise, stability and acceleration when towing, and I certainly wasn’t We guarantee to beat disappointed during this DRIVING your insurance renewal subsequent test. The whole Although the sheer size of the premium by £25*. experience was effortless and Amarok can be a bit daunting See camc.com/ economy figures were to begin with, once you are insurance or call 0345 surprisingly good – 24.5mpg behind the wheel, it really is a 504 0334 to get towing and a very respectable breeze to drive. The raised driving your quote 31.1mpg in solo mode. A full-size position gives the pilot great all-round spare wheel is the icing on the cake. visibility, while the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre, especially when parking. Push VERDICT it into a corner too fast, though, and you’ll notice The pick-up has come a long way since its humble there’s a fair amount of body roll, and unladen it beginnings – it’s more of a lifestyle vehicle today does have a tendency to become a tad bouncy at and has looked to its smaller siblings for styling speed (although this is less pronounced than in some of its rivals and is not unexpected in this sort cues inside and out. The award-winning Amarok has taken that ethos to another level. of vehicle). That said, the Amarok never felt anything but safe and predictable. motorway, making the Amarok a very civilised cruiser.

DID YOU KNOW?

TOWING I was reminded why the Amarok had fared so well in the Club’s towcar competition last year.

Hitching to a big, twin-axle, four-berth caravan was easy, as was fitting the towing mirrors to the large door mirrors. It had been praised by judges

With thanks to Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@ chichester-caravans.co.uk.

www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

www.camc.com

January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

4

TEST BAILEY UNICORN VIGO

HERE VIGO! Rob McCabe sings the praises of a four-berther from Bailey of Bristol

O

ne thing you’re not getting when you take delivery of your new Bailey Unicorn is exclusivity – this is one of the UK’s bestselling caravan ranges, and the island-fixed-bed Vigo is one of those that flies out of the showrooms quickest of all. The combination of a massively in-demand layout and a standard equipment list as long as a really long-armed bloke’s arm is clearly a big draw, so this month we’re going to take a closer look to see what exactly makes it so popular.

BUILD QUALITY Ten years ago, Bailey launched Alu-Tech, paving the way for almost every UK caravan manufacturer to launch their own nattily-named advanced construction methods. With Alu-Tech, the bodyshell panels – with an outer glassreinforced plastic (GRP) skin to give improved impact resistance – are joined together by a series

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

of aluminium joints that does away with the need for external fasteners. In theory, that means there’s no way for water to get in; you get a six-year bodyshell integrity warranty to back that up.

Indoors, this example put up a very good account of itself. The joinery was all neat and precise, and everything that’s intended to move up and down or open and close did so sweetly, with one exception: a soft-close drawer wasn’t inclined to shut at all without a bit of help.

TOWING Short of actually towing it everywhere for you post-purchase, I’m not sure Bailey could have done anything more for its customers. You get the built-in hitch stabiliser, of course, as well as ATC – Al-Ko’s excellent electronic trailer control system. There’s no front gas locker here – it’s on the offside sidewall, which is good news on the weight distribution front. So too is the

fact that all the heavy kitchen stuff – cooker, microwave and fridge – is directly over the axle.

All that’s left for you to do is to get the match right; and while the MTPLM of just under 1,500kg could hardly be called gossamer-light, it’s perfectly reasonable for a kit-laden, top-of-the-range tourer.

DAYTIME For many of us, much of the appeal of going away in the caravan comes from actually spending time in the caravan itself – and in this regard the Vigo excels. The lounge is lovely, with the three plump individual backrests on each sofa imparting a cosy, drawing-room-like ambience that’s matched by the agreeable comfort. And whaddaya know – there’s even an edge to flop against in the corner nearest the door. Other manufacturers: please take note.

You can fall into any corner you like and enjoy the very-good-quality built-in JVC stereo, which www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

90%

93%

92%

92%

BUILD QUALITY

TOWING

DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME

90%

83%

88%

90%

KITCHEN

WASHROOM

LIGHTING

VERDICT

Price as tested

Beds

MRO

£24,764 OTR

Front double: 6ft 6in x 4ft 1in Rear fixed double: 6ft 1in x 4ft 1in

1,344kg (26.46cwt)

Heating

Alde programmable Fridge/freezer

Dometic fridgefreezer Clockwise from opposite: clean lines on the outside; plenty of plump backrests in the lounge ; the gas locker is on the offside sidewall; comfortable fixed double at the rear

Toilet

Thetford

MTPLM

1,499kg (29.51cwt) User payload

Caravan and Motorhome Club Cover

Please see quote provided in the ’Did you know?’ roundel on this page*

155kg (3.05cwt) Overall length

24ft 2in (7.36m) Overall width

7ft 6in (2.28m) Overall height

8ft 7in (2.61m) Max internal height

6ft 5in (1.96m)

Figures from manufacturer’s literature.

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £25,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected). This includes security discounts of 15% for Al-Ko ATC, 15% for Al-Ko Diamond Standard wheel lock(s) and 10% for alarm with tilt sensor. Legal protection is an optional extra charged at £9.75 for the year. Subject to underwriting – a copy of the policy 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. The Caravan Club Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

DID YOU KNOW?

gives you the full works – DAB radio, CD, USB, aux-in and Bluetooth. Or if you’d rather watch telly, all the necessary socketry is on the wall by the entrance door – it’s a case of fit your own bracket, though. There are two mains sockets right at the front of the lounge, so you can always relocate the gogglebox to the front chest to watch a DVD or Blu-ray. There’s another pair of mains sockets in the kitchen, and two more in the bedroom.

Outside, there’s yet another one, plus a satellite connection inlet and a gas barbecue point.

The front chest has a pull-out extension but it doesn’t sit level with the existing surface, which is a bit of a shame. If you need the freestanding table, it’s super-easy to fetch and carry from its home under the double bed; it simply rests on its supports, so just lift it up and away you go.

Storage is another strong point – exterior-access hatches give entry to all that space under the double bed and the nearside sofa, and in both cases www.camc.com

You can cover this they’re served by big, sturdy, plush 6ft 1in-long transverse caravan with the Club weatherproofed plastic trays. island double pushes back for £470* per year.

One or both of these will no during the day to provide Please see camc.com/ doubt be used as a ‘shed’, given more walking/dressing space insurance or call that there’s no front gas locker around the base, although 01342 336610 for to take on these duties… there’s still enough room to further details The key shelf above the entrance shuffle past when it’s fully door is a welcome, user-friendly touch, extended. The individual padded as is the shoe locker next to the doormat. headrests look good, and the reading lights both include USB sockets (as do two of the four NIGHT-TIME readers in the lounge). Each occupant gets a Caravans of this four-berth configuration are little bedside shelf that’s perfectly big enough to almost entirely used as two-berthers, but any accommodate a glass of water and reading overnighting guests will be pleased with their big, glasses, and they each receive their own pleasantly comfortable double bed. They may be wardrobe too. A wide-opening sunroof lets less enamoured by the washroom’s accessibility, daylight in while you enjoy that first cuppa in given that it’s right at the back of your bedroom. bed. Even in day mode, the bed makes a However, buyers choose the Vigo because, welcome retreat if you want to put your feet up first and foremost, they want a classy en-suite and read for a bit on a rainy afternoon. The bedroom – and that’s exactly what they get. The bedroom closes off by means of a concertina June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

103

TEST BAILEY UNICORN VIGO

Clockwise from above: dual-fuel hob; smart washroom; classy kitchen

fabric blind; effective at what it does, but lacking the finesse of a ‘proper’ door.

KITCHEN The worktop-matching hob cover does a good job of smartening up a facility that is already rather dashing (the plastic Unicorn-branded splashguard notwithstanding), as well as potentially providing more useful work surface.

But if the hob is in use (as it’s bound to be much of the time), it’s obviously out of bounds. Fear not, though – there’s a little fold-up extension that can be brought into play.

When it comes to appliances, usual flagshipmodel rules apply, ie dual-fuel hob, separate oven/ grill, fitted microwave and a sleek tower fridge.

WASHROOM It may sound like I’m damning by faint praise, but this is a perfectly nice washroom. It’s not the biggest, nor the most lavish, but it’s smart in a minimalist kind of way. The illuminated 104

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

mirror is the attractive focal point, but it’s not the most practical shape – a longer one on the inside of the cupboard door would have enhanced the area’s dressing room credentials considerably.

The shower cubicle is good and spacious, but it’s noticeably devoid of anywhere to plonk your gel and shampoo – a curious omission, given the attention to detail that has led to numerous practical additions elsewhere on board.

LIGHTING Much of the interior illumination comes courtesy of concealed strips at ceiling level. As well as helping to give a neat, uncluttered look, you get a pleasing lighting effect thanks to the almostshimmering glow of the LEDs against the glossy, brilliant-white ceiling.

The kitchen even has mood lighting emanating from underneath – maybe not much help if you’re following a recipe, but it does look cool. The washroom is well served: the mirror is attractively

lit from above and below, there’s a flush-fitting ceiling lamp and a dedicated light in the shower.

If you’re off-grid, the standard-fit solar panel helps buy you some valuable extra lighting time (and keeps the battery topped up during periods of inactivity).

VERDICT There’s a lot of fierce competition at the £25k, top end of the market – and the new Unicorn’s blend of agreeably comfortable surroundings and high specification clearly goes down well with caravanners. I don’t see any reason for that to change.

With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by Bailey of Bristol, South Liberty Lane, Bristol BS3 2SS (baileyofbristol.co.uk, 01179 665967)

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 SECOND-HAND CAMPERVANS

VOLK TALES

Nick Harding looks at three VW-based campers for sale on the second-hand market

TECHNICAL Base vehicle/engine

VW Transporter T5/2.5-litre 130bhp MTPLM

3,000kg (59.05cwt) Dimensions (L x W x H)

16ft 1in (4.90m) × 6ft 2in (1.88m) × 6ft 4in (1.93m) Berths/travel seats

2/5 Warranty

3 months (RAC), extendable

Make and model: Bilbo’s Komba Year of manufacture: 2007 (07) Price when new: £35,000 Current price: £27,950

W

ith a manufacturing heritage that spans some four decades, Bilbo’s is one of a handful of converters in the UK that boast ‘Volkswagen-recognised’ status. This means it has access to the windowed version of the Transporter, as used here. Note, also, that this is an earlier version of the T5, with Euro V 2.5-litre 130bhp engine.

As with any motorhome purchase, you’ll want to check the workings of the main fittings – for campervans, that means the elevating roof and the seat/bed in particular.

Both examples here are Bilbo’s own design and testament to its practical approach to making campers.

This Komba is a typical campervan side furniture/rear seat/double bed layout, but there are some things to note. The rear bench is wide enough to offer belted travel for three passengers, which means you get a wider-thanaverage bed (it’s also particularly easy to make up). However, this also means the side furniture unit is necessarily narrower. True, there’s a bit more floor space, but the real downside is you get less storage.

There’s still a two-burner gas hob and sink, plus a compressor fridge. And Bilbo’s is good at details like the upper-level locker provision

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

– they may be small, but boy do they come in handy. The model for sale has covered 58,000 miles, which shouldn’t be any cause for concern, especially as it’s backed by a full service history.

To date there has been just the one owner.

Useful extras like the Webasto heater, working off the base vehicle’s own fuel system, are always great, too.

Items such as the lined curtains tend to betray the vehicle’s age; having said that, they’re particularly effective at keeping the light out, and the warmth in.

Like any Bilbo’s conversion, it has been designed to take the knocks. But there’s very little evidence of damage in this example – the hob and sink in stainless steel, for example, really will last a lifetime. Aspects to look out for in a typical campervan of this age are bumped edges to the furniture, worn canvas in the roof, dodgy hinges etc, but this Komba seems to have

suffered none of that. A test drive will confirm this is some bargain.

VERDICT A frill-free camper from a respected converter.

Keeping things basic means there’s less to go wrong, and five travel seats mean extra versatility.

OTHER VW-BASED CAMPERS FOR LESS THAN £30,000* 1. Bilbo’s Celex 2004, two-berth sleeping, four-berth travel, £21,950 (Bilbo’s Motorhomes, Surrey – bilbos.com, 01342 892499) 2. Bilbo’s Nexa 2008, two-berth sleeping, four-berth travel, £25,995 (Highland Campervans, Highland – highland campervans.com, 01667 493976) 3. Leisuredrive Crusader 2012, four-berth, £26,990 (Leisuredrive Campervans, Lancashire – leisuredrive.co.uk, 01204 574478)

www.camc.com

TECHNICAL Base vehicle/engine

Volkswagen Caravelle T5/2.0litre 178bhp MTPLM

3,000kg (59.05cwt) Dimensions (L x W x H)

16ft 1in (4.90m) × 6ft 2in (1.88m) × 6ft 4in (1.93m) Berths/travel seats

4/4 Warranty

6 months (RAC), extendable

DID YOU KNOW? Make and model: Volkswagen California SE Year of manufacture: 2015 (15) Price when new: £50,000 Current price: £42,950

H

ere’s a VW camper from Volkswagen itself. This example has one former keeper and it is a particularly good second-hand purchase with a full service history.

Californias are based on the Caravelle version of the Transporter, which means a lot more in terms of overall specification, including things you can’t see, like extra insulation and side airbags. Plus, items like the electrically-operated rising roof, pair of camping chairs in the tailgate, the outdoor table stored in the sliding door, the on-board fresh water tank, twin leisure batteries set-up and more really do put the California in a class of its own.

The biggest possible downside is the fact that the conversion isn’t configured for the UK (see also the German-built Westfalia on the following page). In other words, the sliding door remains on

www.camc.com

the UK offside and the interior isn’t switched over. It doesn’t seem to be a particular problem for owners, it has to be said.

You still get a twoburner hob and sink combination, alongside a topopening compressor fridge and a clever table on a side rail, which slides away unobtrusively, alongside the rear seat, when not needed. That furniture construction is unique, too, based on a honeycomb design with aluminium edging that’s as tough as it is light, and there’s just a bit more lower-level storage space than offered in other campers. The diesel-fuelled heating system is standard with the California.

Note that this is the later T5 (sometimes dubbed ‘T5.5’) Volkswagen variant – the T6 Transporter was just around the corner by the time this California was registered. This example has the most powerful 178bhp engine

You can insure all these motorhomes with us.

Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

and DSG automatic transmission upgrades, both of which are highly desirable. Also, those are heavy-duty additional seat covers – again, well worth having; as is that wind-out awning.

VERDICT An icon. The good news is there are always plenty of used examples out there, with prices for T5 examples now starting as low as £30,000.

OTHER CALIFORNIAS OUT THERE FOR UNDER £43,000* 1. Volkswagen California SE 2008, four-berth, £28,995 (VW Kamper Centre, Hampshire – m-d-g.co.uk, 01202 855531) 2. Volkswagen California SE 2015, four-berth, £42,995 (Marquis Leisure – marquisleisure. co.uk) 3. Volkswagen California SE 2014, four-berth, £42,990 (Parkway Volkswagen – parkwayvolkswagen.co.uk)

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TEST SECOND-HAND CAMPERVANS

TECHNICAL Base vehicle/engine

Make and model: Westfalia Club Joker Year of manufacture: 2016 (66) Price when new: £65,000 (with extras) Current price: £49,950

I

f your heart says camper, but your mind says motorhome, how about this Westfalia? It has all the drivability of Volkswagen’s latest T6 Transporter base vehicle combined with the features of a coachbuilt motorhome – although, granted, it’s all just a bit more compact.

Westfalia has a long heritage of building campers, specifically VW-based ones. The ‘Club Joker’ name goes back to the early 1990s, but here is something really quite different from the typical side-furniture camper format.

The Club Joker is a true four-berth – the proper rear travel seat (note the way it’s sculpted) combines with separate bed boards that fold out as you tip it over at night-time (warning – it’s not the easiest of operations).

There’s a very different set-up beyond this lounge area, too. At the back there is a kitchen area along the offside, while the nearside corner contains a Thetford cassette bench toilet, and the whole area can also be adapted for taking a shower.

The kitchen has a two-ring hob with separate circular sink, and the tap extends if you want to use it for showering (a loose floor panel lifts out to reveal an inset plastic shower tray).

Overhead, there’s a front-hinged elevating roof that houses one of the most comfortable

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June 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Volkswagen Transporter T6/2.0litre 148bhp MTPLM

3,000kg (59.05cwt) (upgraded) Dimensions (L x W x H)

16ft 1in (4.90m) × 6ft 2in (1.88m) × 6ft 4in (1.93m) Berths/travel seats

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double beds you’ll get in any camper – thanks not just to a one-piece foam mattress but also the fact it’s on Froli plastic supports.

One benefit of buying a pre-owned motorhome of any type is that there’s a good chance it will come with some handy extras either specified by the first purchaser or added along the way. Here, I counted the best part of £12,000-worth of factory-fitted options. They range from the 148bhp engine and DSG automatic transmission upgrades to Comfort and Exterior options packs from Westfalia, plus plenty more individual touches.

VERDICT The Westfalia name stands for a top quality camper conversion, here in all-but-new condition, with a whole list of lovely optional extras.

OTHER VW-BASED CAMPERS FOR LESS THAN £50,000* 1. Volkswagen California Ocean 2017, four-berth, £49,995 (West Country Motorhomes – wcmh.co.uk, 01278 761200) 2. Redline Active 2018, four-berth, £46,995 (Venture Caravans & Motorhomes – venturecaravans.com, 01327 703371) 3. Camper King Monte Carlo 2017, four-berth, £44,895 (Don Amott Leisure Kingdom, Derbyshire – leisurekingdom.co.uk, 01283 732193)

Featured campervans reviewed at:

Campersales, Unit G, Marchants Way, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 8QY (campersales. co.uk, 01444 243888) *Second-hand models available at time of writing

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5

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

Club Council

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting held in London on 6 April 2019

C

lub Council is the consultative and advisory body to the Executive Committee and meets twice a year to hear reports from Club staff and discuss subjects of interest to all members. Here are the highlights from April’s meeting.

DIRECTOR GENERAL Nick Lomas discussed the rise and increasing take-up of electric-powered vehicles and the future for towing. He welcomed the technological solutions that were being explored but pointed out the need to equip sites with charging points to meet the demand and with this in mind a Working Group had been set up to look into the issue.

Nick talked about the focus on providing experiences for members and highlighted the Centre Festival Weekend this summer, which is an initiative to inspire members to try a rally or temporary site if they’ve never done so before. Nick thanked the 11 centres that had volunteered to host festival rallies over the weekend of 30 August1 September. He also reported how the Club had worked with industry colleagues during 2018 as part of the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance to undertake a UK-wide survey to establish the value of the sector to national and local economies. The findings showed the economic contribution to be £9.3 billion per annum, which is more than double that of the video games sector.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Harvey Alexander reported that the decision to present the Club as more inclusive has paid dividends with more than 50% of new members being motorhome or campervan owners. Overall membership was down very slightly at the end of 2018 but the retention rate remained strong at 86%.

The Club’s Net Promoter Score, which rates how members feel about the Club, increased to 42 which compared favourably to companies like Virgin.

Site occupancy recovered well from a slow start to 2018 caused by periods of extreme cold weather and there were record levels of occupancy across the network during May, June, July and August, which led to an overall increase in bookings of 3,000 for the whole of 2018. Harvey went on to

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BREAK-OUT SESSIONS Attendees at the meeting split into five groups to discuss the following topics: n Raising members’ awareness of increased electricity consumption and managing changing demands for electricity on site n Environmental improvements we could make to the sites network and operating practices n How we can grow the membership n What a site will look like in 2029 n Additional member benefits or products the Club could provide explain how the successful launch of stage one of the Booking Capability project, which brought an end to ‘peak booking’ day by allowing members to reserve their pitches a year in advance on a rolling basis, had produced positive results with 30% more members making bookings in 2018 and a 20% increase in booked site nights. Forward bookings are already up 10% in 2019, contributing to the Club enjoying its best ever first quarter.

Work is continuing on stage two of the Booking Capability project which will further improve the online experience for members and should be completed by the end of the year.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES Mark Pearson explained that extreme weather conditions combined with rising costs had contributed to a challenging year financially.

Overall, revenue had increased by £6.9m to £117.6m in 2018 but the surplus after tax had fallen by £3.3m, leading to a deficit of £1.6m. Site revenue increased by £2m to £53.7m, despite the fact around 38,000 site nights were lost between late February and early April at a cost of £0.7m due to the ‘Beast from the East’. A £4.2m rise in costs meant surplus was down by £2.2m. Revenue from

insurance products rose by £3.9m to £28m while income from Overseas Travel was up £0.7m to £16.8m with record sales for ferry bookings and Red Pennant policies. Mark went on to report that the acquisition of two new sites at Cayton and Bridport Bingham Grange combined with major refurbishment projects at four sites – York Beechwood Grange, Troutbeck Head, Buxton and Tewkesbury Abbey – has contributed to an all-time high capital expenditure of £17.2m in 2018. This is expected to fall back to circa £9m in 2019.

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Brian Savage reported that a trial of Artificial Intelligence technology was undertaken in the Contact Centre during August. This had been a success – a score of 91.8% in regards to members’ satisfaction with the answers they are receiving compares with 50%-60% for most companies in the first few months. Brian went on to explain that the change of the 5Cs caravan insurance product to a model called Caravan Cover in March 2018 had proved a ‘win win’ for both members and the Club. There were reduced contributions for those renewing, the Club retained more of the income to reinvest in sites and it was also able to pay out claims that underwriters might previously have declined.

SELECTED COUNCIL QUESTIONS Brexit: One member noted the strong year for Overseas Travel during 2018 but asked what effect Brexit was having on 2019 activity. The Director of Finance and Management Services confirmed the Club is budgeting cautiously because of the uncertainty.

Club magazine: A Council member asked if there were any plans to use compostable mailing sleeves for the Club magazine. The Director of Marketing said the Club was looking into ways to make the mailing process more environmentally friendly but explained there were practicalities to consider of using a compostable sleeve, including costs in the order of £90k. The possibility of a ‘naked’ mailing (i.e. no cover or envelope) had been looked into but there would be a loss of revenue from inserts.

20%

£16.8m

£7.8m

Site bookings rose as members were able to book a year ahead

Revenue from Overseas Travel increased by £0.7m last year to £16.8m

The Club invested £7.8m in new sites at Cayton and Bridport

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

May 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

11

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January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre lines

Grand evening

Stacks of fun!

Members of the Shropshire Centre enjoyed a private tour of Anglesey's South Stack Lighthouse during a memorable Easter rally. The lighthouse, which was built in 1809, is located on a small island reachable only by 400 steps down a cliff and then across a footbridge. Its light is apparently visible for some 26 miles. The ralliers, who stayed at Benllech, are pictured assembling ready to climb the steps back up the headland.

Gower celebrates unbeaten 400!

Three generations of the same family had reason to celebrate at a recent North Essex Centre event. Brian and Lorraine Gower chalked up their 400th rally, while daughter Louise and her husband, Cliff Pounder, attended their 50th. As the icing on the cake, granddaughter Rachael turned seven years old over the course of the weekend. Many congratulations to all!

The spotlight was on former Chairman Ian Brabiner and his wife Val during East Yorkshire Centre’s Informal Dinner Dance at The Expanse Hotel, Bridlington, in March.

The couple were presented with a special plaque to mark their 1,000th rally – many congratulations!

Advance warning Upper Thames Centre is giving plenty of notice of its 70th Birthday Rally – so make sure you put 23-27 July 2020 in your diary! Plenty of fun activities and entertainment are planned for the long weekend at Holton near Oxford, while visitors will have the opportunity to visit the ‘Dreaming Spires’. Watch this space for more info.

Hampshire haggis East Hampshire Centre members enjoyed a traditional feast of haggis, neeps and tatties during their annual Burns Night event at The Kiln, Badshot Lea. Chairman Jacqui Churcher and her team did a fantastic job of preparing food for the 50 attendees, who also enjoyed party games, music and dancing.

And the winner is...

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

The red carpet was rolled out at Mary Hare School in Berkshire as West Hampshire Centre held its ‘Easter at the Oscars’ rally.

Various awards were handed out during a special black-tie dinner while other highlights included a kids’ breakfast club, pub walk, breakfast rolls , Easter bonnet parades and egg hunts.

Ralliers were treated to some fantastic weather across the weekend and a few brave souls got soaked while enjoying an improvised waterslide.

Many thanks to rally officers Stuart and Julie Huntley, Dan and Zecci Carter and Shaun and Emma Elsey for all their hard work in creating a memorable event.

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

113

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Cracking times

Northern stars Featuring exciting whippet and pigeon-racing events, a ‘Northern-themed’ rally hosted by Durham Centre was a huge success. Members helped rally officers Colin and Bernadette Smith celebrate their 60th birthdays over the course of the weekend at Houghall College. As the magazine went to press Durham ralliers were looking forward to June events in Wolsingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Hats off to Gloucestershire Centre!

David Rowe emerged victorious in the ‘egg jarping’ competition during North Yorkshire Centre’s Easter Rally at Alne. For the uninitiated, in egg jarping, one player holds a hard-boiled egg firmly in their hand while their opponent attempts to crack it by tapping it with their own egg. An eggstatic David was presented with the trophy by John Loughran.

Members took part in an Easter bonnet parade during Gloucestershire Centre’s Easter Rally near Weston-super-Mare. Hot cross buns and a Sunday social were further highlights of a great event.

Please send your Centres news to john.thynne@camc.com

All abroad Details of overseas centre rallies in 2019 FRANCE 1-15 June Location: Riva Bella, Ouistreham Host Centre: Avon 3-24 June Location: Le Coin Tranquille, Les Abrets* Host Centre: East Sussex Details: This campsite has a superb restaurant, while the friendly owners offer an array of excursions and sightseeing opportunities for you to experience. You can choose between stays of 7, 14 or 21 nights.

19 June-3 July Location: Camping Le Patisseau, Pornic Host Centre: Wiltshire 22 June-6 July Location: Camping Du Letty, Bénodet*

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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

June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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.

17-31 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.

www.camc.com

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Tail lights A look at the fun and unusual world of touring A picture of elf “This is Elfie,” says Joy Langford. “He will be travelling with us round the UK and Europe this summer. If you see him in the window give him a wave.” And don’t be startled if you do spot Elfie whiling away the hours somewhere, as opposed to working hard in Lapland, where he should be – he’s just a rebel without a Claus.

Four-legged friendships We always like to see pictures of the animals that pay visits to your outfits while you are out and about. The donkeys, pictured above right, popped their heads in to say hello to Kit Taplin in the Cotswolds, while Graeme Johnson snapped this photo of his wife in a serious conversation with one of the locals at the Kingshouse Hotel (above, near Bunree Club site). According to Graeme, they “listened very attentively to every word she had to say”.

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.

Chevy chaser Here’s an unusual set-up. Alwyn and Judith Kidd were on a campervan tour of New Zealand when they spied this outfit near Westport.

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Last ditch attempt “Whilst travelling through Australia on a tour, we passed this sight,” says Linda Lee. Apparently it was advertising a caravan site farther up the road. Looks like the car might have ‘noseweight’ issues...

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June 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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No vehicle restrictions

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.