Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - March 2019

MARCH 2019 SE

Magical Scotland

CACHE POINTS

Use your next break to hunt for hidden treasure

Killin to Kinlochewe – our seven-site tour will leave you breathless

On Test Vehicles from Compass, Coachman and Skoda

Overseas Travel Unveiling the hidden delights of the Algarve

Space maker How to choose the best awning for your needs

ONLY BUY THE BEST!

TWIN

ALTEA CORAL

/ ACTION / ADORA / ALPINA

/ COMPACT / MATRIX / SONIC

GOLD AWARD New Motorhomes Best Manufacturer

CARAVAN OF THE YEAR 2019 BEST MANFACTURER OF NEW MOTORHOMES

(Multi-Dealer) ADRIA

Campers who took part in the Owner Satisfaction Survey, and gave feedback on motorhomes they’d bought and owned from new since 1 January 2015, awarded this company a very high satisfaction rating.

WHY CHOOSE ADRIA?

Read the full Owner Satisfaction Awards 2019 report at

www.practicalmotorhome.com

• 10 YEAR WATER INGRESS WARRANTY* AND FULLY WINTERISED FOR ALL YEAR USE • ALL MODELS DESIGNED FOR THE UK • 30 DEALERSHIPS AND 90 SERVICE CENTRES IN THE UK

VIEW ALL ADRIA VEHICLES

www.adria.co.uk

COMMENT EDITOR’S VIEW

TOURING: WEST SCOTLAND CLUB SITES AND CLS

TOURING: SOUTH-EAST CLUB SITES AND CLS

Super savings on cars, guidebooks and much more

Leading Lights Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards results

05/12/2018 11:58

7-stop safari

Coast, city and country: a tour of England’s south-east is packed with surprises

On Test Volkswagen Touareg, Bailey Alliance 70-6

Activity Break Hitting the heights at an indoor climbing wall

PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

Killin to Kinlochewe – our seven-site tour will leave you breathless

Used Caravan Special We look at second-hand tourers for every budget

09/01/2019 14:29

www.camc.com

Nether Enough Join us on a family tour of the Netherlands

www.camc.com

On Test Volvo, Eriba and Benimar models rated

PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

TAKE A PEAK

Climbing challenges in England, Scotland and Wales

CACHE POINTS

Use your next break to hunt for hidden treasure

TESTED: SKODA KODIAQ/COACHMAN LASER 665/COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV20

TESTED: VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG/SECOND-HAND CARAVANS/BAILEY ALLIANCE 70-6

MEMBER OFFERS

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

MARCH 2019 SE

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 SE

SE

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019 SE

SE

New year – new adventures!

Where will you and your family go during the next 12 months?

www.camc.com

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

TESTED: VOLVO XC60/ERIBA NOVA GL 470/BENIMAR PRIMERO 283

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

TOURING: EAST ANGLIA CLUB SITES AND CLS

For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JANUARY 2019

Club contact details

SE

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

Make

2019 great

Magical Scotland

On Test Vehicles from Compass, Coachman and Skoda

Overseas Travel Unveiling the hidden delights of the Algarve

PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1

This month’s cover: Glenfinnan Viaduct Credit: Tomas Marek / Alamy

Space maker How to choose the best awning for your needs

07/02/2019 14:33

Gary Martin says:

F

or me, one of the best aspects of working at the Club is the opportunity to talk to a wide range of members from a variety of fascinating backgrounds.

At the big NEC caravan and motorhome shows – whether I’m judging during one of our competitions, or simply browsing – I am constantly reminded of what a friendly bunch you are. As soon as I mention that I work for the Caravan and Motorhome Club, you’ll have something interesting to tell me about your travels, a site you stayed on recently or a vehicle that I “really must take a look at”. Occasionally you’ll offer valuable feedback on the magazine too.

Via these pages, you’ve told us some great stories over the years as well –

“As soon as I mention that I work for the Club, you’ll have something interesting to tell me”

about how you’ve used your caravan break as inspiration for a novel; about a memorable surfing weekend; or how you travelled across continents in a campervan. You regularly tell us that the Letters pages are some of your favourites – which is why this month I’m appealing to you to tell us some more of your inspirational stories so that we can feature them in the future. Where has your caravan or motorhome taken you? What have you seen out of the windows? Has anything funny ever happened to you?

Please write to me at magazine@camc. com, attaching your high-resolution pictures if you have them – and let’s keep the conversation going!

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

Commercial Manager Tolga Dervish 01342 779368 tolga.dervish@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

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

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

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

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

enquiries@camc.com

www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

3

NEWS HEADLINES

Member Exclusive Club Shop

MEMBERS SAVE

Includes: Groundsheet Rear Skirt Carbon Poles

Rear skirt & groundsheet

10% Reflective doors

Skylights

Introducing the PRIMA Deluxe Infinity Air Awning Experience an immense feeling of space and light with the 3 metre depth of the Deluxe Infinity; giving you even more room to relax.

SAVE

10%

SAVE

10%

NEW features include huge skylights and reflective doorways to illuminate your pitch at night. This exquisite awning is designed in the UK and made to the highest standards with a two year warranty. from from

2

£749.99 full price

£674.99 Regulars for members

PRIMA 4-Pole Windbreak

PRIMA Reclining Chair

£89.99 full price £80.99 for members

£39.99 full price £35.99 for members

Offers are subject to change at any time and are available while stocks last.

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

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

www.caravanclub.co.uk

MARCH CONTENTS

Contents

p48

PLEASE

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

Touring 28 42 44

48 79

UK SITES Jonathan Manning embarks on a tour of western Scotland, staying at a selection of Club sites and CLs DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS With the aid of a mobile phone app, Andrew Ditton goes in search of hidden treasures FOREIGN TOURING Heidi Fuller-Love discovers the secret side of the Algarve REGIONAL SITE SPOTLIGHT We focus on a site in your area (you can see five different site articles on the Magazine App each month)

Regulars 7 11 25 58

Tests

86

90 94

p86

CAR Skoda Kodiaq Scout CARAVAN Coachman Laser 665 MOTORHOME Compass Avantgarde CV20

62 68 75 82 84

News 15 22 352,635 Circulation: Jan-Dec 2017

53 105

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES Latest news from across the network OVERSEAS Ideas for foreign holidays and tours CENTRES Rallies and news from across the country

Printing by Walstead Bicester

98 101 108 122

Our magazine and polythene wrapping are 100% recyclable

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S S VIEW Nick Lomas says the Club is there to help you when you buy a new caravan or motorhome YOUR PHOTOS The best pictures from your touring adventures THE CAMPER VAN COOK Martin Dorey prepares a light lunch for one COUNTRY MATTERS Special report on Hope Farm LETTERS Your comments and views MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events FAMILY MATTERS The Daveys look to the heavens CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens ASK YOUR CLUB Your technical questions answered PRACTICAL Sammy Faircloth’s guide to awnings CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

p58

p8

Specials 8 71 72

www.camc.com

CLUB MATTERS How our booking experience is changing for the better TICKET OFFER Yorkshire Motorhome & Accessory Show offer PURCHASE POINTS Our reporter takes us through the caravan buying process

March 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

SUPERB SPECIFICATION

BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

CALL US 24/7, WE’RE WAITING TO HELP YOU! Tel: 01457 868011

MIKE HODGES 07939 033 974 mike@glossopcaravans.co.uk 10

www.glossopcaravans.co.uk

WE’RE WAITING FOR YOUR CALL

February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

EDDIE COLLINS 07956 970 383 ec1@glossopcaravans.co.uk www.camc.com

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.

www.camc.com

Nick Lomas says:

M

ore than 143,000 people visit the major caravanning and motorhome shows at Manchester Event City, Glasgow SEC and Birmingham NEC in January and February each year. The Club sees them as opportunities to meet members and encourage new families to join us. At each of these events we arrange reduced entrance ticket prices for members, and on our special Club Days at each show we are able to persuade the organisers to guarantee the lowest entry fees exclusively for our members.

Most importantly these events give us the chance to talk personally with members and to share news of site developments, UK and overseas travel inspiration and offers from the Club so that you can make the most of the touring year ahead.

Many come, of course, to look for a new vehicle, be it a caravan, motorhome or camper. Here our experienced team of staff and Committee volunteers are delighted to help with outfit matching and technical advice, quote for motorhome and campervan insurance or caravan cover, or point members in the direction of suitable awnings and other accessories.

The sheer variety of layouts and specifications on offer can be confusing – and the Club thinks it’s important that you have all the information you need when making such a significant purchase. We organise and judge our Motorhome Design Competition at the February NEC event, while at the October NEC show we judge new-model-year Caravans and Lightweight Leisure Trailers.

The awards have been running for over two decades, so even if you’re not in the market for a new vehicle, you can look up past results on the Club website or call our Technical advice team to identify high-ranking vehicles from previous years that fit your budget.

Over the course of event week a team of Club representatives and industry journalists score dozens of vehicles using criteria for kitchen, lounge, washroom, sleeping, storage, safety, security and adherence to

“These events give us the chance to talk with members and share news” relevant standards. These criteria are derived from comprehensive member surveys on quality and reliability which have asked members to rank the importance of the various aspects of the vehicles they use.

I’m told that the judges have collectively walked over 250 miles to assess the 100+ vehicles which are entered into each competition at the NEC. Over the past 10 years we have evaluated over 2,600 vehicles. Quite an exhausting number!

Importantly, we present the awards to the manufacturers at the shows – so the best are rewarded in front of their peers – and inspiring healthy competition improves the product ranges in subsequent seasons.

We also share judges’ feedback openly with companies so they can see what to change to get higher scores. This encourages continuous improvement of the vehicles we all use and enjoy.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

7

BOOKING

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

When you told us your online booking experience could be better, we set to work...

Sneak peek: here is a first look at the new search by map function We are always looking at ways we can improve the services we provide. Over the past year we’ve held a number of focus groups and member feedback sessions, reviewed Club Together forums and sent out various surveys, all with the aim of understanding how you feel the current booking experience could be improved.

We’ve been evaluating all your comments to ensure any changes we make are in the spirit of the membership and best for the Club as a whole.

Turiscampo (E07), Portugal

8

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

WHEN ARE THE CHANGES COMING? We’re really pleased to let you know that changes to the online booking experience are coming in 2019. In the first half of this year we’ll go live with the new booking system for overseas sites and crossings. By the end of this year you’ll be able to book UK Club sites in a fresh, new way too. Exact dates are still to be confirmed and we’ll let you know as soon as everything is ready.

SO WHAT ARE THE IMPROVEMENTS? By the end of the year the new booking experience will enable you to: n Search all types of sites including overseas, UK Club, Affiliated and Certificated Locations via a more user-friendly map and location finder. n Compare sites by location, facilities and price. n Build a holiday itinerary and book multiple UK Club sites, overseas sites and crossings in one session. The system will even let you save your itinerary and come back to it later.

n Search, book or amend via mobile, tablet, desktop or even the CAMC UK Sites App. All devices will share a familiar layout and additional functionality will be added to enable overseas sites and crossings to be booked via the App. In addition, we’re working on the three most common subjects brought up by members when making a booking with the Club – block bookings, cancellations and deposits. Rest assured, we’re evaluating all of your feedback and looking into different options to ensure the next steps we take to evolve the sites booking experience are in the best interests of the membership as a whole.

With a new booking process, planning your next holiday will be easier than ever.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, see camc.com/ newbookingexperience www.camc.com

MADE EASY YOU SAID...

“It would be much easier if I could book a UK site, ferry and overseas site all at the same time”

Clockwise from above: outdoor pool at Los Escullos (E33), Spain; enjoying the tranquillity at Coniston Club site; well-manicured Moreton-in-Marsh; pitched up at Norfolk Broads

“I’d like to create a holiday itinerary that I can save and tweak, before making a booking” “I’d like to book further in advance”

5 & 22

902

100k

Number of focus groups and user experience testing sessions held with members

All Club site staff were consulted along the way (committee members were too)

More than 100,000 new and longer-standing members were invited to share their views in 2018

www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

9

SAVE OVER

25%

Our ultimate cordless cleaning solution AMAZING

OFFER Includes

Gtech AirRam and Gtech Multi

Transform the way you clean your home with our award winning cordless vacuum cleaner and compact hand held∆ Compact and cordless Versatile and robust 6 different cleaning modes HARD-WORKING POWERED BRUSH

EASY-EMPTY BIN

Up to 60 minutes of combined run-time† LED lights to illuminate dirt and dust

Car Accessory Kit

RRP £50 FREE These products should normally cost £399.98 but this bundle can be yours today for just

£299.98

LONG RUN-TIME

Versatile The combination of the Gtech AirRam and Multi helps you to tackle cleaning your entire home.

Transform the way you clean your home with the award winning AirRam, specially designed to glide from carpets to hard-floors with no settings to change. The Multi is a compact hand held vacuum cleaner that puts the attachments from your upright cleaner in the palm of your hand.

Cordless convenience

USE CODE CN42 AT CHECKOUT TO GET THIS OFFER

vacuum is easy “to The assemble and light

weight to use. It’s ideal for me as I live in a small flat. Very good.

”

Evelyn G. - Verified buyer

The AirRam has an ultra-low profile handle design, allowing you to reach under tables, chairs and other furniture with no cord to hold you back. You’re free to spend more time cleaning and less time stopping to change plug sockets.

The Gtech Multi’s powered brush head is ideal for awkward spaces like the stairs, car interior or sofa

AIRLOC TECHNOLOGY

2-year guarantee

cushions. It also includes an extension tube that can be used to reach up high or down low with a choice of two different nozzles.

AirLOC Technology The Gtech AirRam features the unique AirLOC system that effortlessly picks up large debris from the surface as you push the vacuum forwards, and locks on the backstroke to suck up embedded dust. Its powerful rotating brush bar makes it ideal for removing stubborn pet hair.

Long run-time and lightweight‡ Powered by a removable 22V lithium-ion battery, the AirRam and Multi give you a combined run-time of up to 60 minutes† on one charge, long enough to clean the average house twice.

ORDER TODAY for just £299.98 with FREE DELIVERY

The Gtech AirRam weighs just 3.2kg and the Gtech Multi is only 1.5kg, making them both ideal for downstairs and upstairs cleaning.

Order today to save £100 These products should normally cost £349.98 but can be yours today for a bundle price of just £299.98, and, for a limited time only, Gtech are also giving you a FREE Car Accessory Kit worth £50, that allows you to clean your car’s boot, dash, seats and floor, or your caravan, easily and effectively. Important: Please use code CN42 at checkout to get this offer.

0800 030 86 36 24 hour orderline www.gtech.co.uk

Offer ends 31.03.2019. While stock lasts. 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. †Actual run-times may vary depending on the floor surface and the state of charge. Thick or deep pile carpets may reduce run-time. 40 minute run-time for AirRam + 20 minute run-time for Multi. ∆ Refers to AirRam. ‡Refers to AirRam when in use. Winner of Daily Express Best Retirement Living Solution 2017.

xx

www.camc.com

PFCKV1

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

Norfolk

Scottish Borders

ROMAN AROUND The hollow in this field is actually the first Roman military amphitheatre to be recognised in Scotland.

It was attached to the Trimontium Roman fort and camp complex at Newstead. In the background is the impressive Drygrange Viaduct. Nearest Club site: Melrose Gibson Park.

Robert Copeland

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 #inspiring adventures

BROAD APPEAL Just metres from the Club’s Norfolk Broads site, the River Ant at the hamlet of Ludham Bridge is a hive of boating activity. Interestingly, the vessel in the centre of the photo had to lower its mast at every bridge it passed under. Fascinating to watch and a relaxing way to pass the time.

David Weaver

PORT OF CALL The beautiful fishing village of Portpatrick on the Rhins of Galloway on Scotland’s west coast is just a short drive from the Club’s New England Bay site – the lovely little harbour, St Patrick’s church and Dunskey Castle (half a mile south of the village) are all worthy of your attention.

Christine Gregson

Cornwall

South-West Scotland

SKIP TO LOOE Less than two miles from the Club site of the same name, the quaint fishing town of Looe is a joy to explore. We enjoyed our Cornish stay at the end of October, and barely saw another soul!

Nick Dann

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

11

SPECIAL MEMBER PHOTOS

Northumberland

FLOWER POWER I was so impressed by the flowers at Gowerton Club site during an enjoyable stay there last year that I just had to have a go at painting them. I hope the staff at the site think this is a worthy reflection of their efforts.

Christine Williams

Swansea

WILD AT HEART These idyllic scenes show Branton Lakes Nature Reserve, which provides 29 hectares of diverse habitat for numerous species of plants, birds and other wildlife. It is a real hidden paradise. Nearest Club site: River Breamish.

Kathleen Proud

t Lake Distric

Highlands

DUN TOURING! My husband, Neil, and I toured Scotland in our Chausson motorhome last July for almost a month, visiting Loch Lomond, the Kintyre peninsula, Skye, the Western Highlands, Loch Ness and back down through the Cairngorms to the Yorkshire Dales. We were blown away by the beauty of Scotland and loved the freedom of exploring in the motorhome.

We are photographed here at Dunnet Head, the most northerly tip of the UK mainland, having cycled out there from the Club site at Dunnet Bay. So memorable.

Amanda Farnish

12

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

LAKELAND TREAT What could be more perfect? Sitting down on a lovely day and drinking in one of the most stunning views you could ever wish to see on this island of ours! This photo was taken from Hind Crag above Ullswater, looking south-west towards Glenridding in the gorgeous Lake District. Nearest Club site: Troutbeck Head.

Stephen Lunnon

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

Motus from RRP: £1,700 | Member price: £1,530 | Other ebikes from: £1,100

Fall in love with the Motus.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OFFER

10% OFF ON ADULT BIKES PLUS A FREE HELMET Shop online at Raleigh.co.uk T&C’s apply

Are you ready to take on adventure?

Save up to £200 on the Motus range when you buy now 2

July 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

The National: your base for adventure Magnificent Ragley Hall

This year’s National takes place from 24-28 May at Ragley Hall, Park and Gardens in Alcester, Warwickshire, and we are looking forward to seeing you there!

There is a host of activities to enjoy on site (which you can read about at camc.com/national), while those attending will also have a chance to

Stairs Mural Ragley Hall’s South

explore the stunning estate. Ragley Hall is the ancestral seat of the Marquess of Hertford, and the Palladian mansion belonging to our hosts dates back to the 18th century.

There are 26 acres of landscaped gardens – designed by Robert Marnock, the foremost exponent of the ‘Gardenesque’ planting style – and over 400 acres of lush, green parkland to see while you are there. The estate’s popular Rose Garden, which sits at the end of a tree-lined avenue, should be in full bloom by late May. Alcester lies a few miles to the west of Stratford-upon-Avon, so you could easily visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and other important sites relating to the great playwright, actor and poet while you are in the area. Warwick Castle, meanwhile, is around 30 minutes’ drive away, and

the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds are also nearby. To the west of Ragley Hall is Worcester, which could also make for an excellent day out, with lunch by the River Severn, the cathedral and the National Trust’s Greyfriars House popular with visitors.

If you want to extend your stay and see more of the area before or after The National, you might consider the sites listed on pages 148-168 of your Sites Directory & Handbook, or you can visit camc.com/searchandbook.

Additionally, some centres will also be holding rallies before and after The National – see caravanclub.co.uk/ whats-on/the-national/venue-details for more information.

If you would like to attend The National, tickets can be purchased at camc.com/national or by calling 01342 336666.

Join the band!

If you play a musical instrument, the Caravan and Motorhome Club Concert Band would love you to join them – and that applies to beginners, experts and anyone who hasn’t played for a while.

The Club Band is open to all Club members. It is a friendly group that meets several times a year for rehearsals and events, and it features wind instruments (along with a bass guitar).

The band regularly performs at The National, so if you are attending this year be sure to watch it in action – a Sunday afternoon concert on 26 May will have a 1970s theme, while it will also play at the opening ceremony and at the church service.

There may be some spontaneous activity during the weekend, too, and the band will be holding open rehearsals during the five-day event – so please bring your instruments if you would like to join in. All are welcome.

For more information about the Club Band, please contact Ian Clowes (camccbchairman@gmail.com).

Club Chaplain becomes honorary canon Club Chaplain and Nominated Member Reverend Hazel Charlton was installed as an honorary canon on 30 January 2019 in a special service at Worcester Cathedral.

The honour was bestowed in recognition of Reverend Charlton’s work in the Worcester Diocese, as well as her wider contributions to the Church of England. Five other new honorary canons were installed at the ceremony, which was attended by two bishops (representing Dudley

www.camc.com

and Worcester), a choir, the clergy of the Worcester Diocese, parishioners and well-wishers, including Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain.

“When I received the letter from Bishop John inviting me to become an honorary canon, it was a complete shock,” said Reverend Charlton.

“It took a while for the content to sink in but I am humbled to be asked.

In parish ministry you get on with day-to-day duties with those in your community, in my diocesan role

I hopefully serve many more, and now to have this connection with the cathedral, it will be a pleasure to understand more of the people and visitors in this magnificent place.”

In addition to her work with the Worcester Diocese and her volunteer efforts with the Club, Hazel has a passion for singing and has developed a community choir in Lapal, where she is vicar at St Peter’s Church. She also runs an Animal Cafe at Halesowen College.

Reverend Hazel Charlton

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

15

NEWS HEADLINES

Overseas sites honoured at Club awards The Caravan and Motorhome Club and Alan Rogers announced the winners of their annual Campsite Awards at the Vakantiebeurs travel and tourism fair in Utrecht in January.

Every year, a small number of sites from the Club-approved overseas site network are recognised for their progress, friendliness and innovation, among other qualities. Judges take into account comments from site assessors, the head office team and members.

This year’s winners include the beautiful, family-run Nature Parc Lardèchois in the Auvergne-RhôneAlpes region of France and Camping Séquoia Parc in Poitou-Charentes.

Here’s a full list of the successful sites.

You can find out more about each one at camc.com/overseas*, by calling 01342 488378 or by ordering our Venture Abroad 2019 brochure.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite of the Year Award: Nature Parc L'Ardèchois, France Alan Rogers Campsite of the Year

The seventh annual Whitchurch Walking Festival takes place between 10 and 12 May, with a variety of walks and activities planned, including a ceilidh on Saturday 11 May with food, live music and a real ale bar. More details about the weekend will be available soon at whitchurchwalkers.co.uk.

Nature Parc L'Ardèchois

Award: Camping Séquoia Parc, France Progress Award: Sportcamp Woferlgut, Austria Welcome Award: Les Genets, France Innovation Award: Kiko Park, Spain Seaside Award: Camping Las Dunas, Spain (*bookable via Alan Rogers)

Country Award: Camping de Papillon, Netherlands Small Campsite Award: La Campiña Spain All Year Award: Camping de Paris, France Family Award: Les Ormes, Domaine and Resort, France Video Award: La Roche-Posay, France

CamperClean trials underway If you have visited Abbey Wood, Brighton or Coniston Park Coppice Club sites recently, you may have spotted the new CamperClean units, which the Club is currently trialling.

Costing £2 per use, these appliances empty and clean your chemical toilet cassettes in around three minutes, using a jet pressure wash and a smaller amount of blue chemical fluid than would generally be needed during a manual procedure. The system works with a range of Dometic and Thetford cassettes.

Anyone can take advantage of the CamperClean stations; as well as taking away the hassle of manually cleaning the cassette, we believe they will help those who, for various reasons, struggle to empty and clean their removable tanks.

If you would like further guidance before utilising a CamperClean station, please speak to staff at relevant sites or follow the instructions on the front of the units.

16

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

In brief

On the MAGAZINE APP this month: a cycle route, videos of the Coachman Laser 665 and the Compass Avantgarde CV20 and site videos to accompany our Scotland touring feature (p28)

Campervan sales and conversions company Leisuredrive is celebrating its 50th anniversary at its Bolton showground on 30 and 31 March between 10am and 4pm. A variety of discounts worth a combined £50,000 will be offered to tempt potential buyers, including £1,000 off any campervan on display during the weekend.

For more information, see leisuredrive.co.uk.

A charity gala dinner held at Beaulieu during the Holiday Caravan and Park Home Show in September 2018 raised £22,246 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event was hosted by three of the manufacturers at the show – ABI UK, Carnaby Caravans and the Swift Group – and supported and sponsored by other companies. Pictured are Macmillan fundraising manager Tom Quirk (left) and Michael Worger-Ritchie, managing director of Teamwork Professionals, who organised the event on behalf of the manufacturers.

The Southern Motorhome Centre is hosting a ‘WildAx Weekend’ on 13-14 April, with new and used models from independent specialist UK van converter WildAx on display. WildAx’s Duncan Wildman will be present and the weekend will see temporary special offers on selected stock from a wide range of manufacturers.

For information, see southernmotorhomes.co.uk.

NEWS HEADLINES

From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection Speed limits have often been a thorny topic, as an article in a 1933 issue of the Club magazine – bemoaning the introduction of a 30mph limit for trailer caravans – proves.

A speed limit of 20mph for all users had been in place since 1903, but the limit was widely ignored and difficult to enforce, as there was no requirement for speedometers to be fitted. The Road Traffic Act of 1930 abolished the 20mph limit for cars, although buses and vehicles carrying more than seven passengers were now limited to 30mph. Other road users, such as invalid carriages, were limited to 20mph. Caravan owners now found themselves categorised together with bath chair users and, in the words of the article, “not unnaturally there was a rumpus”!

Following representations to the Ministry of Transport requesting permission to go as fast as the car would allow, a 1931 amendment granted a 30mph limit for twowheeled trailers provided both trailer and vehicle were fitted with pneumatic tyres.

The article concludes in a rather sarcastic fashion by stating that nobody should hold back and fear the law, as the police seem to ignore the speed of many heavy commercial vehicles: “Their drivers are supposed to observe limits of 30mph but we are all familiar with the motor coach and the modern lorry, which, where the road is safe and straight, are often hard to overtake with even the fleetest of cars.”

In next month’s ‘From The Archives’ we’ll look at the key role the Club played in raising the towing speed limits. You can also keep up to date with news from the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection on Twitter @ TheCAMCCollection.

Richard Noyce

Peter Young

“A five-year-old Raven three-room model between Kingsbridge and Slapton, Devon. Even big caravans like this can be safely towed at speeds far in excess of the legal limit”

Make tracks for South West Region South West Region will be holding a Members’ Question Time at The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset on 30 March 2019. The event will take place between 11am and 3pm.

All members are welcome to attend – it’s a great chance to socialise with fellow tourers and to discuss Club matters with members of the Executive Committee and staff. A panel comprising John Lefley (Chair of the Sites Committee and Executive Committee member), Tolga Dervish (Commercial Manager), Wayne Brown (Regional Manager) and Martin Spencer (Technical Manager) will be present to take questions.

Parking is available at the event and refreshments will be provided. There is also the chance to explore the museum’s six large halls,

www.camc.com

which contain over 300 vehicles and tell the story of armoured warfare from the First World War to the present day.

Crossways and Hunter’s Moon Club sites are nearby, while the closest CLs are Little Birch,

Heatherdown and Lane End Farm.

If you would like to attend, please contact Lesley Fear, Regional Secretary (secretary@ southwestregioncc.org.uk, 01179 673388).

It is with sadness that we report the passing in November 2018 of Peter Young, a retired warden on the site network.

Along with his wife Rebecca (Becky), Peter started working for the Club in 1999. The couple were initially based at Durham Grange Club site and subsequently spent time at Southport, Chester Fairoaks, Meathop Fell, Edinburgh, Brora, Bunree and Knaresborough before retiring in 2010. They enjoyed their years on the site network and continued to caravan together until August 2018. Peter also loved flying his pigeons and spending Sundays in the local pub with friends.

Peter will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our condolences and thoughts at this time are with Becky, sons Jason, Paul and Robert and their families.

SHOWTIME MARCH 22-24 Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Motorhome & Accessory Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk) APRIL 5-7 Hampshire: The South Coast Caravan & Motorhome Show, Broadlands Estate, Romsey (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk) 26-28 Cambridgeshire: The National Motorhome & Campervan Show, East of England Showground, Peterborough (Warners Group, details as above)

See the tanks at Boving

ton

Note: details subject to change – please telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

19

NEWS HEADLINES

Motorhome depot opens in Edinburgh You recommend…

Walks near Club sites n “Good local walk. Up to Sedgwick, follow the line of the old canal towards Kendal.

Cut down towards the river at the first road crossing and back along the river.”

(Club site: Kendal) n “The Desert Rat walk and museum was interesting.”

(Thetford Forest)

In brief

The Club operates a hire service through Experience Freedom that enables members and non-members alike to tour in brand new motorhomes.

We have recently opened a second motorhome hire depot in Edinburgh (there is an existing base in Manchester) – perfect if you are looking to explore Scotland while making use of Club sites. Whether you choose to spend time in the capital before heading north to see the newly-opened V&A museum in Dundee, explore the glorious Highlands (see pages 28-40 for some inspiration), or see some of Europe’s finest scenery along the popular North Coast 500 route, our depot could be the starting point for a road trip to remember.

The motorhome hire service is in partnership with Swift Go. You can find out more by visiting experiencefreedom.co.uk.

The 2019 National Shire Horse Show takes place at Staffordshire Showground from 22-24 March.

Around 250 pedigree shire horses from across Europe will be on display, and visitors can also enjoy shopping in the food hall and at trade stands. Tickets can be bought at shire-horse.org.uk.

An intrepid group of Club members is planning to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats this summer, raising money for St David’s Hospice Care, based in Newport, at the same time.

Watch this space for more information!

V&A Dundee

n “Grafham Water is encircled by a well-kept and adequately signposted track which is shared by bikes and walkers.

My wife says that we should mention that it is not completely flat all the way round, but at 10 miles approx, it is a comfortable day out.” (Grafham Water) n “Walk the coastal path and go dolphin watching at New Quay.” (Shawsmead)

Brexit guide The Club has a dedicated page online that deals with travelling overseas after Brexit, which can be viewed at caravanclub.co.uk/ overseas-holidays/usefulinformation/travelling-afterbrexit. Our guide is informed by government and ABTA advice, which has been issued to help people prepare for various scenarios, despite the current uncertainty caused by the ongoing political process. At the time of going to press there are FAQs and sections dealing with visas, passports, health cover, travel insurance, driving licences, pets, mobile phone charges and more.

20

Iain Masterton / Alamy

n “Walking along the canal from Mytholmroyd to Hebden Bridge with the dog was lovely, especially having lunch at The Lampost dog-friendly café.”

(Hebden Bridge)

A first for West Central For the first time in the Club’s history, three Independent Members hold positions as officers on a Regional Council. Chairman Terry Denslow, Vice-Chairman Tom Shepherd and Secretary Janet Kelly serve together following recent elections held by the West Central Region.

Regional Councils are made up of representatives from Centres and interested Independent Members from the region. Historically, those representing Centres have, through Regional Councils, been involved in the governance of the Club, supported

by Independent Members.

Between them, Terry, Tom and Janet have a wealth of experience, both in terms of caravanning with their

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

families and in the non-touring sides of their lives. Terry – a Club member for more than four decades – has already spent 10 years as an Independent Member on West Central’s Regional Council, while Tom has similar council experience as an Independent Member. Janet – along with her family – runs Birch Hill Certificated Location in Ellesmere, Shropshire, and has been caravanning since she was a child.

If you would like to get involved with your local Centre or Region, or if you would like to learn more about the way the Club operates, please visit camc.com and select ‘About us’ at the foot of the page, or see pages 674-686 of your Sites Directory and Handbook.

Tom Shepherd, Terry Denslow and Janet Kelly with Executive Committee member Peter Johnson

BMW has unveiled a new-concept camping trailer (above), designed by its in-house Designworks team in collaboration with outdoor equipment specialist The North Face. The waterproof Futurelight trailer (pictured) debuted at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and it makes use of material that has been developed for The North Face’s apparel. At present there are no public plans for large-scale production of this innovative trailer, but perhaps eventually one will be seen on a Club site...

Lovers of fish ’n’ chips will want to head to Whitby this May for the inaugural, free Fish And Chips Festival (discoveryorkshirecoast. com), which takes place over the weekend of 18-19 May. As well as live entertainment, celebrity chefs JeanChristophe Novelli and Brian Turner will be cooking the catch of the day. Why not stay at North Yorkshire Moors Club site and make a weekend of it?

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

HALF PRICE from

£12

FERN GREEN

GRAPHITE

KHAKI BROWN

FAWN

‘‘

Extremely comfortable and well cut trousers in a nice range of colours. I ordered two pairs first, then ordered more.

Online review

• • • • •

’’

Softly peached cotton • Smart-casual pleat front Side elastic for added comfort Zip fly and button fastening to waist Trousers in 5 leg lengths, or shorts Up to 52” waist

Machine Washable

100% Cotton

Fern Green

Fawn

Graphite

Khaki Brown

French Navy

ELASTICATED WAIST SHORTS £24 £12 SAVE £12 FRENCH NAVY

UP TO

52”

”

WAIST

5

8.5” (22cm) inside leg

32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

AF10029 BZB

ELASTICATED WAIST TROUSERS £30 £15 SAVE £15 27” (68.5cm) inside leg 29” (74cm) inside leg 31” (79cm) inside leg 33” (84cm) inside leg 35” (89cm) inside leg

32 32 32 32

34 34 34 34 34

36 36 36 36 36

38 38 38 38 38

40 40 40 40 40

42 42 42 42 42

44 44 44 44 44

46 46 46 46 46

48 50 52 48 50 52 48 50 52 48 48

AC10773 AC10038 AC10039 AC10040 AC10041

BZB BZB BZB BZB BZB

Plus only £3.99 standard delivery POST TO: Cotton Traders, Cotton Hub, Merlin Court, Atlantic Street, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5NL ORDER CODE

SIZE

1ST COLOUR CHOICE

2ND COLOUR CHOICE

QTY

TOTAL

LENGTHS

OPTIONAL (TICK) INSURANCE UK STANDARD DELIVERY TOTAL

Please send me item(s) indicated (BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE) I enclose my Cheque/PO made payable to Cotton Traders Limited for £ Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms

Initial

48p† £3.99

Surname

Address Postcode Telephone

order today, visit cottontraders.com or call 0844 844 1111

calls to 0844 numbers will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

14 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED Registered office: Cotton Traders Ltd, Cotton Traders House, Atlantic Street, Altrincham WA14 5GZ

Fast, reliable UK & International delivery service International delivery available online to over 25 countries worldwide www.camc.com

Signature

Please debit my MasterCard

Valid From

Expiry Date

Visa

Issue No.

Security Code*

Maestro

PLEASE USE THIS PROMOTIONAL CODE TO CLAIM YOUR OFFER

993J

48p guarantees refund or replace if undelivered 7 working days after dispatch. †Tick to select this optional cover. Payment taken at point of order. We aim to deliver within 3 working days from dispatch, stock subject to availability. We comply with Consumer Contract Regulations; you have the right to cancel your order no later than 14 days after the day on which you receive your goods.

Inform us of your wish to cancel in writing, by letter or email. Returns are not free, full details are on your delivery note. Return goods within 14 days of cancellation. Calls to 0844 numbers will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. £3.99 UK standard delivery. International delivery from £6.95. Offer applies to purchases in GBP only. Exception is Ireland orders which will be charged in EUR at the set conversion rate. Prices quoted are correct at time of production but can vary. One promotion per order. *Last 3 digits on back of card. This is mandatory to process your order. Offer ends 14.08.19.

Marketing and Promotions: We want to make sure you don’t miss out on our great products and offers, so we will keep you informed by post. If you do not want to hear from us, please let us know. I do not want to be contacted by Post.

We take your privacy seriously. For details of our privacy policy and full terms and conditions visit cottontraders.com.

July 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

9

NEWS UK SITES

Spring surprises This year’s Easter weekend is 19-22 April – here’s our pick of some fantastic venues and events taking place near Club sites. So, where will you be heading?

Egg-stravaganzas!

Great Yarmouth Beach and Pier

Wherever you are going for the Easter weekend, there’s almost bound to be an egg hunt taking place nearby. Here are three events that caught our eye, but remember that some Club sites will be holding their own hunts – so check with site staff when you arrive.

Prisma by Dukas Presseagentur GmbH / Alamy

1

CAYTON VILLAGE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

ST DAVID’S LLEITHYR MEADOW, PEMBROKESHIRE Just down the road from the city of St David’s lies Solva, where a crowd gathers each year for the charity Easter duck race. This year’s race takes place on 22 April, and ducks will be released at 3pm at Middle Mill before floating downstream to Solva Harbour. Those attending try to pick a winner by buying tickets with ducks’ names on them. A good time is had by all – in fact you’d be quackers to miss it.

22

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

PASS p22 Sites News.indd 2

2

ALDERSTEAD HEATH, SURREY

Children will love Wiglet the Piglet’s Easter Eggstravaganza at Godstone Farm, featuring Shetland pony braiding and a ‘mega egg-dash’ with prizes for all. For entry information, see godstonefarm.co.uk.

3

RAMSLADE, DEVON

Babbacombe Model Village – a fun family day out in its own right – invites amateur sleuths to find 20 hidden eggs stashed among its miniature scenes. See modelvillage.co.uk for more information.

ENGLETHWAITE HALL, CUMBRIA There’s a lot going on in nearby Carlisle during the Easter weekend.

The annual International Market will offer global street food and drink for all to enjoy, while Carlisle Racecourse is holding an Easter Family Fun Raceday on 20 April – children under 17 go free and adult tickets start from as little as £10 per head.

Maximkostenko/Getty

GREAT YARMOUTH RACECOURSE, EAST ANGLIA Is there a better place to spend a bank holiday weekend than the seaside? A day or two on Great Yarmouth’s front could include a few wins on the 2p slots, thrilling rides at the Pleasure Beach, some adventure golf at Pirates Cove, the natural wonders of the Sea Life centre, fish n’ chips and plenty more besides.

Pitches are available at these sites at the time of going to press. If you are booking closer to Easter please see camc. hunters can also LUDLOW TOURING PARK, com/lateavailability SHROPSHIRE visit Ludlow for more options.

An Easter break at this site is Market’s fortnightly perfect for antique enthusiasts. antiques market on On 20 April Ludlow Castle’s Beacon Easter Sunday (21 April), Rooms are the temporary home for where there are usually over 16 stalls of quality antiques and 30 different stallholders. collectibles – with jewellery, silver, militaria, clocks and much more for MARAGOWAN, STIRLING sale. (Entry is £1 for adults, free for The Scottish Crannog Centre in children and well-behaved dogs are Aberfeldy – at the north-eastern end of welcome.) Meanwhile, bargain Loch Tay – is an award-winning, unique reconstruction of an Iron Age loch dwelling. A fun, informative annual Solva Harbour Celtic Spring event, which has included a children’s treasure hunt for ‘fool’s gold’, wire jewellery making, tool repairs, woodworking, grain sowing and bread baking in the past – is due to take place over the Easter weekend.

See crannog.co.uk for details.

Search for eggs at Castle Howard (castlehoward.co.uk), site of the stunning stately home and gardens in North Yorkshire that will be familiar to anyone who has seen Brideshead Revisited, Death Comes to Pemberley and, more recently, ITV’s Victoria. It’s less than an hour’s drive from the Club site.

www.camc.com

08/02/2019 10:56

TOURERONE

THE CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB EDITION

Satellite Navigation for Caravans and Motorhomes Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer One will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads. Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer One will even advise you of traffic jams.

• 7” Frameless Display guides you to your destination with a pinch-to-zoom, capacitive glass display & easy route shaping feature • Caravan and Motorhome Vehicle Profile shows speed limits, height restrictions and driver alerts for sharp curves and more • Three exclusive Caravan and Motorhome Club data bases • Extensive European Caravan and Motorhome site data bases • Free European Lifetime Map updates via PC, Mac, or WiFi • Free Lifetime Digital Traffic

• Road Warnings, Elevation Profile, Fatigue Warning and Driver Alerts ® • Hands-free features include Bluetooth calling, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation • Navigate Complex Interchanges with “spoken turn-by-turn” directions and active lane guidance • TripAdvisor Travel POIs with ratings • BC™30 Wireless Backup Camera compatible (not included)

02920 847670 www.avtex.co.uk

PASS p22 Sites Untitled-18 1 News.indd 3

08/02/2019 07/01/2019 10:56 11:49

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

Member Offer

enquiries@ caravanclub.co.uk

1

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Camper Van

Writer, cook and camper van owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journey around the UK. This month: sampling the delights of the NEC...

By the time this issue drops onto your doormat I’ll be halfway through judging the Club’s Motorhome Design Awards at the NEC’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show. With hundreds of motorhomes and campervans to poke about in, I shall be in heaven. I am always amazed at the range of vehicles, the differences between them and the quality of workmanship on display.

There are plenty of models that I’m looking forward to seeing this year. One of them is the newshape Volkswagen Crafter California, the Grand, which is going to be on display for the first time in the UK. (In fact, I am going to be cooking in it!)

I have recently become a Crafter owner myself so I can’t wait to see what VW has done with it.

I bought mine to convert last year, so that I could spend more time away in winter. While I have always owned little campervans I felt

The Cook recommends...

The Crème Brulee at the Novotel, Birmingham Airport has been visited by the Club’s team of judges in the past.

In recent years it has improved massively and is now one of the best this side of Coventry.

And as a main...

Caesar salad with a side of sweet potato fries is always a post-show fave!

it was time to upsize and enjoy all the bells and whistles on longer trips. At the moment it’s undergoing a full facelift courtesy of Richard Hales in Peterborough and, like the new models at the NEC, I can’t wait to see it – because it means more adventures are just around the corner. My first trip will be another jaunt to Ireland in March, to explore the Wicklow Mountains.

In the meantime, I wonder what the industry will make of the Crafter. Will it become the darling of the converters, like other VW models before it, or will the Boxer and Ducato continue to dominate in the big van market?

If you happen to see me out and about this spring, please

CUT OUT

AND KEEP

RECIPE No.14

RECIPES

Fennel and alad grapefruit s ne A light lunch for o Ingredients

1 fennel bulb 1 large beetroot 1 red grapefruit ts, pumpkin A handful of pine nu seeds er ow nfl su seeds and es ato tom y err ch 6 4 spring onions oots or rocket A handful of pea sh basil chopped mint and lysh fre of A handful g klin rin Icing sugar, for sp Olive oil

Method MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

do come and say hello; and, if you went to the NEC show, let me know what you really enjoyed – I’d love to know what works for other tourers in terms of layouts, new models and so on.

To get you in the mood for the coming camping season, this month’s recipe is all about fresh and zingy ‘California style’ flavours.

This zesty salad is simple and is great with just about any kind of meat or fish, or with halloumi cheese. So, allow me to entice your taste buds out into the sunshine...

lve the nel and beetroot, ha Finely slice the fen cut d an s, ion on spring tomatoes, shred the the g vin mo (re ks un ch the grapefruit into can in of the juice as you pith). Keep as much dressing. the of rt pa me co a glass – it will be s with the nuts, seed Put it all in a bowl fruit juice ) pe gra the m fro and shoots (apart

e mint and basil befor and add half of the gar su g icin of ng sti du a mixing. Then, add a oon) and toss with (approx half a teasp drizzle of olive oil. of herbs to the glass Add the rest of the lfha er oth an th wi ng grapefruit juice, alo over sugar, mix and pour teaspoon of icing lloumi, ha led dd gri th wi ng the salad. (If servi cheese d juice mix over the drizzle the herb an .) lad sa the of top before serving on March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

25

TOURING UK SITES

Awestruck

28

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

ALBA

IN

MORE

The West of Scotland boasts spectacular walking country

www.camc.com

ON THE

APP

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Epic views and eye-catching attractions make Scotland a spectacular destination. Jonathan Manning heads west to enjoy a seven-site tour

29

The NEW WRAITH Wheel Lock Two and a Half Times Tougher than Thatcham Category 3 l l l l l l

High Security Sold Secure Gold Quick and easy to fit Corrosion resistant plastic cover Low mass security “Xxxxxxx bolt for safety Fits steel and alloy wheels 5 Year Warranty included jkhjkhjkhjkhjk

EXTRA LONG COMMERCIAL VERSION NOW AVAILABLE 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 car, Van and Motorhome steering wheels. Available in Silver or Yellow.

Super Heavy Duty Hitchlocks engineered and 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.

Giant Lattice Grip Mat

This is a new extra large set of Grip Mats, designed to provide excellent performance in wet conditions. The Lattice design allows them to be linked together without the need to be tied, offering superior grip along with unrivalled surface area.

Dimensions per mat: Length: 106cm Width: 33cm.

www.camc.com

1 Maragowan Club Site

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Flanked by the River Lochay, this pretty site has the luxury of a well-equipped village on its doorstep.

Pitches: 93 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

Member view

“I’m told that sometimes the river crashes over – as opposed to under – the bridge”

Above: the lovely Falls of Dochart, Killin Below: Ballachulish Road Bridge, near Dallachulish Farm CL

“We’re Munro baggers and trail runners and a friend recommended this site. We’re planning to do Ben Lawers, Beinn Ghlas and Ben Vorlich.”

Miranda and Paul Reeves, trailer-tenters from Hampshire

Site staff view “The Coach House has live music, and a lot of the hotels in Killin give a 10% discount on food to Club members.”

Ann and Brent Eggo

Food & drink VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Coach House Hotel, Lochay Road, Killin FK21 8TN Contact: hotelkillin.co.uk, 01567 820349

Culture

A

li made the earth move for me last night... but, before any outraged readers write to the Editor, I should point out that ‘Ali’ was the name of a storm, rather than a sweetheart, and one which made for an unsettling night’s sleep.

Having uprooted trees and toppled trucks, Ali is now doing its utmost to nudge the River Lochay over its banks. The river borders Maragowan Caravan and Motorhome Club Site in Killin and the staff’s earlier warning echoes through my head: with the Lochay running perilously high, evacuation plans are in place.

Manoeuvring my campervan onto a late arrivals pitch, I make sure the wheels point straight towards the site exit, then draw the blinds, clamber into a sleeping bag, and fall asleep to the sound of rain pounding the side of the van

www.camc.com

as if a giant were hurling gravel at it. Sometimes, though, great tours have inauspicious beginnings.

Thankfully a glassy dawn breaks over the site, the river flows below its bank, and the horizon of Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) dominating the north can be viewed clearly. This site boasts the best of both worlds; a spectacular setting, plus a well-equipped village on its doorstep.

There’s a chemist, newsagent, hardware store, outdoors shop and even a Co-op supermarket; everything a forgetful camper could need.

“It’s a friendly village and we feel part of the community,” says site staffer Brent Eggo. “We took part in the village’s scarecrow competition – ours was a ‘Warden up a Ladder!’” In fact, evidence of the village’s warm welcome can be found in the form of a 10% discount on meals, which Club

Moirlanich Longhouse NTS, Glen Lochay, Killin FK21 8UA Contact: nts.org.uk, 01567 820988

Outdoor fun Loch Tay Safaris, Pier Road, Kenmore PH15 2HG Contact: lochtaysafaris.net, 01887 820071

For the family The Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay, Kenmore PH15 2HY Contact: crannog.co.uk, 01887 830583

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

31

TOURING UK SITES

2 Drummond Fish Farm

Certificated Location On the shore of Loch Earn, this spacious CL with spotless shower block and hardstanding pitches is a trout fisher’s dream.

Open: 15 Mar-6 Oct 2019 | Contact: 01567 830400 Sites Directory and Handbook p531

Right: Cultybraggan Camp near Comrie Below: walkers pass Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe

“We have ospreys here in the summer and a few golden eagles, too”

Site view

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

“About 30 people keep their boats here – they have joined the Club for the fishing. There’s also good walking and cycling, with a Sustrans route from Lochearnhead to Callander. We get ospreys here and a few golden eagles.”

Stuart Mathieson

Food & drink Hansen’s Kitchen, Drummond Street, Comrie PH6 2DW Contact: 01764 670253

Culture Cultybraggan Camp, Comrie PH6 2AB Contact: cultybraggancamp.co.uk, 01764 670769

Outdoor fun The BLiSS art trail, which links Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans Contact: robroycountry.com/blisstrail

For the family Loch Earn Watersports Centre, South Loch Earn Road, St Fillans PH6 2NL Contact: lochearnwatersportscentre.com, 07377 447741

32

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find the most members can receive in various was a pound heavier, up-to-date details of the pubs and hotels. although, as Stuart featured sites on the Club Driving south, I pull over on Mathieson reminds me, website. Alternatively, the edge of Killin to gawp at the turn to the relevant pages angling is “called fishing, Falls of Dochart, a thunderous not catching!” in your Sites torrent of water. A local man notices Whether you plan to cast a Directory. my slack jaw, taps me on the shoulder, line or not (and this is a great base and tells me that sometimes the river crashes camp for walking and cycling), keep your over – as opposed to under – the bridge. The eyes on the skies. “We have ospreys here in the churning, swirling falls are mesmerising, and it summer and a few golden eagles, too,” says takes a real effort to break free of my trance, Stuart. And, as clouds scud across the sky, clamber back into the Volkswagen California and transforming the loch from foreboding point its bonnet towards the Trossachs, driving inkiness to glitterball pizzaz, he adds a comment through the most appropriately named glen in others will soon echo: “If you don’t like the Scotland – Glen Ogle. weather here, just give it five minutes. This is Scotland, after all.”

TROUT HIDEOUT The hardship of riding out a winter here hits Next stop is Drummond Fish Farm, a home at an unusual tourist attraction on the far Certificated Location that basks on the banks of side of Loch Earn. Cultybraggan Camp, near Loch Earn, to the south of Killin. The loch offers Comrie, was a prisoner of war camp during the great fishing, with 10,000 brown trout stocked Second World War, housing up to 4,000 captured each year, some of which grow to rod-snapping Italian and German soldiers in a battery of weights. The record brownie thumped onto Nissen huts. The huts are still standing, and the scales at 33lb and the heaviest rainbow trout a fascinating, self-guided storyboard tour reveals www.camc.com

SSANGYONG WIN THE DOUBLE BEST VALUE

4X4 OF THE YEAR AWARDED BY 4X4 MAGAZINE

REXTON FROM

£28,995* 3.5 tonne maximum towing capacity† Selectable 4x4 with low range 2.2L engine 420Nm torque† Year warranty

FREE

TOWBAR FOR CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MEMBERS††

KORANDO FROM

£18,995*

2 tonne maximum towing capacity‡ Intelligent 4x4 2.2L diesel or 2.0L petrol engines Year warranty

Fuel consumption fi gures 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

metallic paint. *Korando SE and Rexton EX both including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund Licence & first registration charge. †420Nm torque and 3.5 tonne towing capacity on automatic transmission. ‡2 tonne maximum towing capacity on diesel models. ††Free fixed tow bar offer is available on all new SsangYong vehicles purchased before 30.06.19, excluding Tivoli, Tivoli XLV, and Motability. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may be modified or changed at any time. For photographic purposes only towing mirrors weren't used. www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

3 Dallachulish Farm

“When I pull on the handbrake it’s at the most scenic pitch I’ve ever stayed on”

Certificated Location Set on a small farm with far-reaching views over Loch Creran and neighbouring mountains, this CL has hardstanding pitches and electric hook-ups.

Open: all year | Contact: 07881 934224 Sites Directory and Handbook p518

Eilean Donan Castle at sunset

Site view

Food & drink Creagan Inn, Appin PA38 4BQ Contact: creaganinn.co.uk, 01631 730250

Culture Ardchattan Priory, North Connel PA37 1RQ Contact: ardchattan.co.uk, 01796 481355

Outdoor fun Sutherland’s Grove (forest walks), Barcaldine PA37 1SQ Contact: scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/ sutherlands-grove, 0300 0676478

For the family Bonawe Iron Furnace, Bonawe, Taynuilt PA35 1JQ Contact: historicenvironment. scot, 01866 822432

34

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

“Take a five-minute ferry from Appin to the Isle of Lismore, go on a day trip to Mull or Coll and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, or try a scenic flight from Oban airport to Colonsay or Islay. For walkers and cyclists, we are on the route north to Ballachulish.”

Ross MacPherson

what life was like here during the conflict. There are copies of moving correspondence from Germans concerned about their families in Dresden, following the Russian invasion, which also reveal a dawning sense of horror at the atrocities taking place at home.

Today, the huts provide accommodation for local small businesses; there’s a baker, a cheesemaker and even a pole dancing exercise club (instead of a candlestick maker).

Driving away from Cultybraggan, my campervan seems warm and spacious compared to the prisoners’ bunks, and any lingering thoughts of Red Cross parcels rapidly recede as I chance upon a fantastic deli-cum-café, Hansen’s Kitchen, in Comrie. With lunch and dinner sorted, it’s an easy drive west along the A85 afterwards, alongside the River Fillan, which meanders like an illustration in a geography textbook.

BLAST IT Farther west, on the shore of Loch Etive, the abundance of wood and water were instrumental in the success of the highly-impressive blast furnace at Bonawe. The furnace has been meticulously restored, its beefy stone walls and cathedral-like charcoal sheds a testament to the ambitions of the Industrial Revolution. An information board says more than 600 people worked at the site in its heyday, although it’s difficult to imagine the clamour and heat of an iron works in such a peaceful spot.

Peace reigns, too, at the raised vantage point enjoyed by the five pitches at Dallachulish Farm CL, a Regional Runner-up in the CL of the Year Awards 2017. They overlook both Loch Creran and the towering lumps of Beinn Sgulaird and Beinn Fhionnlaidh, a pair of Munros as tall as any peaks in England. www.camc.com

4 Bunree Club Site A long driveway leads to a spectacular reveal at this wonderfullypositioned site on the shore of Loch Linnhe, with wildlife and walks all around.

Pitches: 99 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

Member view “We’ve been doing the North Coast 500 in our motorhome, and given ourselves three weeks to do it. We had been planning to take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, but it was too windy for the cable car to operate.”

Keith Fletcher, motorhomer from Lichfield

Staff view “We’re very close to Glen Etive, where there’s the famous scene from Skyfall where James Bond gets out of his Aston Martin and looks up the glen with M.” Avril and Dougie Goldie

Food & drink

DID YOU KNOW? You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. get otters here, and herons and Please call Affiliated Sites sea eagles from Mull.”

(AS) directly

“There’s so much to do within 20 miles of here, and you can also catch a boat to Mull or Tiree,” says site owner Ross MacPherson.

Barely six miles to the west I stop the campervan for a coffee at the Castle Stalker View Café, entranced by the fairy-tale castle perched on a small island in Loch Laich. The castle is a photographer’s delight, but privately owned, with only occasional tours available to the public. Coffee over, I follow the compass needle north along the coast road, Loch Linnhe my constant companion all the way to Bunree Club site. When I pull on the handbrake it’s at the most scenic pitch I’ve ever stayed on; through the windscreen I see nothing but beach, loch and mountains.

“On a clear day you can see the Isle of Mull from the site,” says warden Dougie Goldie. “We www.camc.com

It’s worth bringing a rod, too – catch of the day could be pollock from the shore, sea trout in the mouth of the river and mackerel during their summer run.

As the evening draws in, I sit in a deckchair and feast on pasta, dished up with the mouthwatering view – I’m convinced there’s not a finer dining experience anywhere in the country. When dawn breaks I lace up my boots for a walk into Glen Righ Forest, right behind the site, in search of waterfalls and red squirrels. The falls are easy to find from the waymarked path, the Abhainn Righ cascading in a series of foaming, stepped descents down the glen. I spy no ‘wild’ squirrels, but near the car park at the entrance to the woods there’s a viewing spot where a pair of Nutkin’s relatives are hanging from feeders.

Lochleven Seafood Café, Onich, Fort William PH33 6SA Contact: lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk, 01855 821048

Culture Glencoe Folk Museum (open Apr-Oct), Main Street, Glencoe Village PH49 4HS Contact: glencoemuseum.com, 01855 811664

Outdoor fun Corran ferry to Ardgour, Onich, Fort William PH33 6SE Contact: highland.gov. uk/corranferry, 01855 841243

For the family The Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William to Mallaig Contact: westcoastrailways.co.uk

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

35

EXPLORE, DREAM & DISCOVER

At Yorkshire’s largest motorhome and campervan show √ OVER 300 NEW & USED MODELS FOR SALE √ 30+ DEALERS √ 120+ EXHIBITORS √ INDOOR & OUTDOOR EXHIBITION AREAS

SAVE 25% TICKETS JUST £5.00

√ FREE EXPERT SEMINARS √ FREE MANOEUVRING SESSIONS

when booked in advance

WITH THE

MOTORHOMES

CONVERSIONS

CAMPERVANS

FIFTH WHEELS

AWNINGS

FURNITURE

ELECTRIC BIKES

CLOTHING

ELECTRICALS

ACCESSORIES

In advance - Adult: £5.00

On arrival - Adult: £7.00

Children: FREE

FRIDAY - SUNDAY 9:30am - 4:30pm

FREE PARKING, FREE GOODY BAG & FREE SHOWGUIDE | GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND, HG2 8NZ

To Book - www.showgoer.co.uk | 0844 581 1240 Terms & Conditions: Calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Fee applies for postal tickets. E-Tickets are free ofwww.camc.com charge.

TOURING UK SITES

5 Traigh Farm Certificated Location

Dennis Hardley / Alamy

Clockwise from above: red deer by the Glenfinnan Monument; the Five Sisters of Kintail from Mam Ratagan, Loch Duich; the view from Traigh Golf Course, near Traigh Farm CL

It would be easy to spend an entire holiday at Bunree, with wonderful walks from the gate that can offer eye-widening views of Ben Nevis, and zip wire thrills over the waterfalls in Glen Righ also available. Barely 500m from the site a ferry (free for cyclists and pedestrians) crosses the Corran Narrows to the far side of Loch Linnhe, opening up the rugged landscape for those bold enough to explore.

Later on this tour I meet a Swiss couple who holiday in Scotland for what they call ‘proper mountains’ – the Alps may be tall and pointy, but their paths and waymarking tame the experience, whereas, say my new friends, getting off the beaten track in Scotland offers the visceral excitement of genuine solitude and back-to-nature wilderness.

So it’s with some reluctance that I pack up and steer the California further north, stopping briefly in Fort William for supplies, before making a beeline for the Glefinnan Monument. It’s a haunting statue of a kilted Highlander gazing down Loch Shiel, in memory of the clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause, fighting the English. The visitor centre does its best to explain the intrigue and politics of the Jacobite Risings, but these www.camc.com

days there’s a new hero in town to rival Bonnie Prince Charlie, as the distant chuff of a steam train soon reveals.

MAGIC DRAW Glenfinnan Viaduct – near the monument – is now globally famous thanks to its scene-stealing place in the Harry Potter films as the young wizards make their way by train to Hogwarts School. Anyone who thinks trainspotting involves a lonely vigil at the end of a platform with flask, anorak and notepad should witness the hysteria at Glenfinnan when a steam locomotive approaches. Fashionable tourists from Australia, Japan, the USA and Scandinavia scamper up the hillside to the viewpoint so they can take a selfie with the train crossing the viaduct.

The road quietens considerably west of Glenfinnan en route to the coast. But any sense that this is merely a through-route to Mallaig and an onwards ferry to Skye, or the poetically-named small isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum, is instantly dispelled at Traigh Farm CL, where pitches give way to a white sandy beach.

Many campers bring their own dinghies and kayaks to this small slice of off-grid heaven,

Site view “The location makes this site so special, it’s just an idyllic spot. Campers can access the sea directly, and many bring their own kayaks.

There are people who have been coming for 30 or 40 years, and now their children and grandchildren are coming, too. Walking is very popular, with numerous short and long walks in the area, and some peole swim in the sea, too – those people are hardy!”

Eilidh Henderson

Food & drink Arisaig Hotel, Main Road, Arisaig PH39 4NH Contact: arisaighotel.co.uk, 01687 450210

Culture Mallaig Heritage Centre, Station Road, Mallaig PH41 4PY Contact: mallaigheritage.org.uk, 01687 462085

Outdoor fun Sea Kayak Arisaig, Glenuig Inn, Glenuig PH38 4NG Contact: seakayakarisaig.co.uk, 07957 356099

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Enjoying a heavenly location on a white, sandy beach, with views to Skye, Rum and Eigg, this grass-pitch CL (without EHU) boasts its own nine-hole golf course next door.

Open: all year | Contact: 01687 450645 Sites Directory and Handbook p525

For the family Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan PH37 4LT Contact: nts.org.uk, 01397 722250 (Glenfinnan Monument)

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

37

TOURING UK SITES

6 Morvich Club Site Surely one of the most spectacular settings of any campsite in the country, Morvich sits at the foot of towering peaks. The drying room is a real boon, if needed.

Pitches: 77 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019 Share your love of the great outdoors with friends and family – tent camping available here

Member view “We like the more remote sites and we’re here for seven nights. We’ll do a few walks and go to Skye. We’re on a six-week tour, mostly in Scotland, and some of the local roads are so twisty you find half your stuff out of the cupboards when you arrive!”

Tony and Linda Docker, caravanners from Norwich

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Site view “There are some great cycle routes, both on road or mountain bike up Glen Affric, and there are some superb low- and high-levels walks.”

Brian and Jean White

Food & drink Kintail Lodge Hotel, Glenshiel Bridge, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8HL Contact: kintaillodgehotel.co.uk, 01599 511275

Culture Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX Contact: eileandonancastle.com, 01599 555202

Outdoor fun Guided walks with the National Trust for Scotland, next door to the site Contact: nts.org.uk, 01599 511231

For the family Calum’s Seal Trips, 32 Harbour Street, Plockton IV52 8TN Contact: calums-sealtrips.com, 01599 544306

38

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

as well as their irons, putter and wedges – the site has its own nine-hole golf course. It’s a beautiful place.

Heading back towards civilisation, I foolishly let the sat-nav plot my course, only to find myself shepherded away from the direct route through Fort William in favour of a single track road that is beset by logging trucks. Swift progress there is not, but I do at least get to see the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge. It’s an exposed spot in the heart of unforgiving countryside which proved ideal for commando training. A scarlet poppy wreath at the foot of the monument adds a poignant dash of colour to a bleak vista.

From here, northwards stand the Highlands of popular imagination, brooding mountains as intimidating as the Scottish rugby scrum.

“We can have three seasons here in a day,” says Brian White, warden at Morvich Club site, proudly showing me a large and useful drying room for wet clothing. “Every day is different and the views change with the weather.”

The site lies in a valley, and the panorama on offer is magnificently mountainous, dominated by peaks whose names I can’t pronounce – Sgurr a’ Choire Ghairbh, Meall an Fhuarain Mhoi and Sgurr an Airgid, to name but a few. Chief attraction for hill walkers is the Five Sisters of Kintail, a family as gnarly as Cinderella’s siblings, although an out-and-back walk or mountain bike ride along the Affric Kintail Way offers easier access into the foothills. On or off site, look out for red deer, golden eagles and otters, says fellow warden Jean White.

DONAN DUSTED Perhaps the best advice, however, is to keep eyes peeled for ‘68’ and ‘19’ plate cars on the roads – telltale evidence of a tourist hire car that’s likely to stop suddenly and without warning at any viewpoint. Sure enough, as I approach Eilean Donan Castle, there’s erratic braking and eccentric parking from cars ahead. It’s hard to blame them.

This 13th-century fortress, on a tiny island www.camc.com

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

7 Kinlochewe

The road to Kinlochewe

Club Site

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Tucked below the imposing face of Beinn Eighe, this site delivers striking Highland views with easy access to village shops, café and hotel/pub.

Pitches: 56 | Open: 22 Mar-4 Nov 2019 Share your love of the great outdoors with friends and family – camping available here.

Member view “We have come to see Scotland and the scenery has been breathtaking. All the Club sites have been fabulous, both their facilities and the friendliness of the staff. Would I come again? Yes, but for longer!”

Michael Cicatello, motorhomer from Stoke-on-Trent

Site staff “Don’t miss Applecross, a village with incredible views to Skye. Just watch out for the hairpin bends if you go by the Bealach-na-Ba route.”

Tony and Joan Gillibrand

Food & drink Kinlochewe Hotel, Kinlochewe IV22 2PA Contact: kinlochewehotel.co.uk, 01445 760253

Culture Russian Arctic Convoy Museum, Birchburn, Aultbea, Achnasheen IV22 2HZ Contact: russianarcticconvoymuseum.org, 01445 731137

Outdoor fun Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve Contact: nature.scot, 01463 701660

For the family Inverewe (gardens), Poolewe, Wester Ross IV22 2LG Contact: nts.org.uk, 01445 781229

40X

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

accessed by a handsome stone bridge, must be one of, if not the most photographed building in Scotland. It’s such a dramatic setting: here Loch Duich meets Loch Alsh, and the castle is framed by towering peaks and washed by waters that change from pewter to ebony in the flicker of a cloud.

Truth be told, I prefer the castle’s exterior to its interior – Eliean Donan was restored and opened to the public in the 1930s, and while there’s an engaging, lived-in feel to the accommodation, it’s low key when compared with what’s outside.

The campervan’s auto gearbox proves a godsend on the final stretch of this tour, climbing the contours on the A890 north to Kinlochewe Club site, close to the foot of Loch Maree. After the wilderness, the village of Kinlochewe appears like an oasis, offering an excellent café (the Whistle Stop, just around the corner from the site) and a welcoming pub. With the Torridon range on the doorstep, this is an ideal launch pad for hill walkers and Munro baggers looking to tick more summits off their list. A bargain 20p walking guide from the site reception offers step-by-step instructions for easier low-level routes.

Given the gales, I avoid the high life and instead potter through the garden at Inverewe, where the Gulf Stream supports trees and plants that

shouldn’t thrive this far north. As if to underline the point, when I take a blissfully hot shower in the evening, my hair is blow dried by nature before I make it back to the shelter of the California.

Not so long ago, Kinlochewe hosted actors Sean Bean and Miranda Richardson and a film crew working locally, but the site doesn’t need the stardust of celebrities to sparkle. The North Coast 500 route has attracted more touring caravanners and motorhomers, says Kinlochewe relief warden Tony Gillibrand, but he advises any visitors to allow themselves time to appreciate the area, rather than hurry through such a spectacular region.

“It’s 20 years since I had been in Scotland and I had forgotten how stunning it is,” he said.

That’s a line that perfectly sums up my tour.

Cycling | Callander to Killin The pay-off for this challenging 24-mile ride along the National Cycle Network is the wonderful scenery you’ll experience. From Callander, follow the River Garbh Uisge to Loch Lubnaig, then pass the village of Balquhidder. The climb through Glen Ogle can be tough in places, but you will be rewarded with stunning views over heather-clad mountains as you cross the viaduct, before an exhilarating descent to the Falls of Dochart.

Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/ callander-to-killin

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

www.camc.com

March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

15

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL sites updates NEW CLS ENGLAND HAMPSHIRE

Hayling Island

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.

UPDATES

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

218 BARNARD CASTLE – Lodge Farm. Correct email – oliver.tim@sky.com.

358 AXMINSTER – New House Farm. This site does offer EHUs. 487 BRIDPORT – Bide Yer. This site does not offer a shower facility.

504 DORCHESTER – The Manor House. Correct pricing – vans under 6m £14, 6m and over £15, 7m and over £16; 8m and over £17.

626 WINCHCOMBE – Pinnock Wood Farm. New telephone number: 01242 371721.

800 BLACKPOOL – Lakeside Caravan Park. This site does accept dogs.

821 GARSTANG – Dale View. New email: Bellhelen240@gmail.com.

985 SUTTON ON SEA – Dairy Farmhouse. Correct price is fr £15.

1055 DISS – The Grange CL. Correct price is fr £14.

1089 HOLT – Oak Farm. This site does accept dogs.

1238 FARINGDON – Friars Court.

Correct price is fr £8.

1392 CHEADLE – Springhill Caravan Site. New Owner: Mr P Bateman.

Tel: 07762 422532 / 01538 423049.

Email: calgarthlodge@gmail.com.

1427 BECCLES – The Paddocks.

Should display Member Owned banner.

1433 BURY ST EDMUNDS – Mill Farm. No game fishing

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

42

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

nrby and correct price is fr £15.

1635 BEWDLEY – The Bumbles. Site now open all year. Price is for pitch + 2 adults.

1816 SETTLE – Giffords. Should not be listed as ‘ideal for families’. Families welcome but no specific facilities.

1829 WHITBY – Abbey View. Price fr £13.50 is for pitch + 2 adults.

1959 BETTYHILL – Sealladh Na Mara.

The lats/longs should be 58.541087, -4.301052.

1991 PERTH – Fernlea. Correct price is fr £15 for pitch + 2 adults.

2020 BENLLECH – Tyddyn Osgar.

Correct price is fr £14.

2086 CORWEN – Ty Newydd.

CHEDDAR (6.7m W) – Mr & Mrs M Parrett, Waterfront Farm, Biddisham Lane, Biddisham, Near Axbridge BS26 2RS. 07747 625580, marina.parrett495@ btinternet.com. 51.289218, -2.889962. Open 31 Mar-31 Oct; 2 acres; adults only, adv bkg req; dogs; grass; coarse fishing CL; views; wkg fm; lndry; info rm; dog walking fr site; fr £8 (pitch + all occ).

Correct price is fr £16.

2131 CRICCIETH – Penrallt Bach. Site will be closed from 15-24 June 2019.

2146 PWLLHELI – Tyn Coed. Email is jmj46@hotmail.co.uk.

2185 LETTERSTON – Newton East Farm. Price fr £12 is for pitch + all occupants.

CLOSURES The following CL has closed since publication of the Sites Directory & Handbook 2019/20 and the February 2019 issue of the magazine unless otherwise stated.

570 SOUTHEND-ON-SEA – Mrs J Avery, Flemings Farm Camp Site Beach near Bridport

davidmartyn/getty

davidmartyn/getty

HAYLING ISLAND (0.9m N) – Miss Ann Rogers, Mill Rythe Creek, Mill Rythe Lane, Hayling Island PO11 0QG. 07774 940193, annblazerogers@gmail.com.

50.805464, -0.972488. OAY; 0.75 acre; adults only; dogs; unfenced water; hdstndg; grass; enhanced; 16A; fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

SOMERSET

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

Say ‘HELLO’ to the NEW additions to the STATUS and VISION PLUS family For almost 30 years we have been supplying you with innovative, British designed and manufactured market leading products.

In 1992 we launched the first STATUS antenna and it’s been the market leading brand ever since. Here’s what’s new for 2019...

STATUS 570 the jurassic coast world heritage site at West Bay Bridport

STATUS 270

Now in its third generation since its launch in 2001 and still the industry’s No.1 fitted directional antenna; each evolution improving on the previous adding additional features and enhanced levels of performance. Designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £154.45 to £180.45

NEW

Our latest design of omni-directional antenna is a compact, lightweight, streamlined design utilising our latest most powerful dipole array. Our most discrete antenna to date, designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £88.95

VISION PLUS TVs

NEW

Drawing on our years of experience, our latest 18.5” & 21.5” 12 volt TVs combine both satellite and terrestrial tuners with excellent viewing angles, picture quality and lightweight design. They’re great value and made in the UK! MRP £279.00 to £289.00

Available at all good caravan and motorhome accessory shops

...keeping you in the picture VISION PLUS 8 Finch Close Lenton Lane Nottingham NG7 2NN 0115 986 7151 info@visionplus.co.uk www.visionplus.co.uk www.camc.com

TV WALL BRACKETS

NEW

Incorporating our unique Quick Release TV Plate, the InTransit Lock and locking arms, we now offer a bespoke range of four strong, lightweight, fibre reinforced polymer TV brackets. All conceived, designed and manufactured here in Nottingham and aimed specifically at our mobile market. MRP £19.95 to £33.95

September 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

39

TOURING BREAKS ACTIVITY CLUB SITES GEOCACHING

Veryan Dale / Alamy

Geocaching can take you to some fantastic countryside locations

44 2

November 2016 The Caravan Club Magazine

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Geocaching LET’S GO...

There’s more to discover during a good walk than great scenery, says outdoor enthusiast Andrew Ditton

Fill in the log when you find a cache and return it to its container

I

had always considered geocaching to be an activity pursued by ‘other people’. To be honest, until recently, I didn’t really know what it was.

In my mind, geocaching – in short, navigating with the purpose of hiding or finding containers called ‘caches’ – required specialist GPS equipment, detailed OS maps, and a duty to sport garishly-coloured breathable waterproofs from head to toe. How wrong I was! It turns out that anyone with a smartphone and the ability to get outdoors can give it a whirl.

As with all modern adventures, my first foray into the world of geocaching was made while sat comfortably in the caravan in front of my laptop.

I headed to geocaching.com to find out what was involved, and was amazed at the sheer number of caches hidden around the country.

PLAYING CACHE UP So what exactly do you have to do? In a nutshell, people hide containers or ‘caches’ in a variety of places, leaving clues and co-ordinates on geocaching.com, and then anyone with the app on their phone can go and find whatever

it is they have left. (The app, which can be downloaded via geocaching. com or the main app stores, is free to use, although paying a monthly or annual subscription fee unlocks extra features.)

Normally, when you’ve found the cache, there is a log to sign; you can also record your find at geocaching.com. There may be a small novelty inside which can be left or traded for something else.

Obviously the ‘prize’ is of very little monetary value, but it might make you smile. So now you know what to do with those Christmas cracker gifts!

To summarise, geocaching is like a worldwide treasure hunt for adventure-seekers aged from five to 105.

There are nine hidden prizes within a few hundred yards of the Club’s popular Burrs Country Park site in Lancashire. It seemed like a good place to give geocaching a go, but you can

join in the fun while staying at many Club sites or Certificated Locations.

I began by searching for a cache named ‘Hot Dogs, Jumping Frogs’.

My phone guided me to within six metres of it, but I found nothing. The description of the cache given on the app wasn’t helping, but I found a tab entitled ‘hint,’ which revealed that the container was to be found “under stones next to wall”. Frustration was mounting. It took me another 10 minutes just to find the overgrown wall.

HUNTING HIGH AND LOW I searched high, I searched low. Could I find the cache? A thick carpet of fallen leaves was covering almost everything. However, what I did discover were some amazing mosses and fungus formations that I would never otherwise have noticed. Darkness fell and I left the area without success. I felt pretty deflated and consoled myself with a cup of tea and a slice of cake back at the van.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

45

TOURING ACTIVITY BREAKS CLUB SITES GEOCACHING

Veryan Dale / Alamy

Left: geocaching is a great hobby for people of all ages Right: Andrew’s dog, Dougal, seems impressed with the latest find

Next morning, I was determined to make a better go of it, so I set off in search of ‘Brown Cow Attraction’. The Brown Cow, as Burrs Country Park regulars will know, is the name of the popular pub just outside the site gates.

The clues to locating the cache were cryptic to say the least: “Do not insert anything into the tube… Do not fill with water!” What tube?

I managed to locate a ‘tube’ (I don’t want to give the game away with any further details) and wondered if this was ‘the one’. But how on earth could I access the cache itself – and the log book – if it was a long way down a narrow tube?

EYES ON THE PRIZE While I was searching the area for clues, a walker strolled past and I suddenly felt terribly selfconscious, scrambling about in the undergrowth and eyeing up fence posts. “Have you lost something?” the kind lady called over.

“Er, no,” I stuttered, flushed with embarrassment, “but I am trying to find something.” With my cheeks burning I started to explain geocaching. “Like a treasure hunt for grown-ups?” smiled the lady in return. Within two minutes I’d bagged an invitation to join the local Ramblers group – so, as the lady waved goodbye, I realised that not only was geocaching making me appreciate nature at close hand, it had become an enabler to meet and chat with people, too!

Continuing the search, I looked up the app’s hint: “The magnetic solution is close to hand.”

46

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Aha! More searching led me to the equipment needed to access the prize. It took time and patience to work out how to get to the capsule, but as the plastic container emerged from its hiding place I felt a huge wave of satisfaction.

I’d done it! I’d found my first ever cache!

Excitedly, I signed the log book and recorded my find on the app, before carefully returning the cache to its hiding place.

Buoyed by my success, I decided to try just one more, and set off in search of ‘I Smell Bacon.’

(Apparently, the person who hid the cache could smell bacon coming from a caravan on the Club site.) Judging by the comments in the log, a few Club members had already found this one. Of the three caches I had tried to locate, this one was by far the easiest, and also the closest to the site.

Geocaching – it’s a bit of harmless fun, occasionally frustrating, often rewarding, and costs nothing. Anything that encourages us to get outside, exercise and see the beautiful world around us can only be a good thing.

PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK At the time of writing there are four caches to find listed on the free-of-charge section of the geocaching website (or you can pay to upgrade and access information regarding seven more).

STRATHCLYDE COUNTRY PARK Combine a stroll with a mission to discover the three concealed caches within a few hundred yards of the Club site.

FERRY MEADOWS Currently there are five free-to-access caches nearby, ensuring family entertainment for an entire afternoon.

WHERE TO STAY Burrs Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

See camc.com or page 172 of your new Sites Directory & Handbook for details.

To book call 01342 327490.

Also consider...

BOOK

ON THE

APP

MOORHAMPTON There are many caches in the area around Wyevale Wood and the River Wye to the west of Hereford – not far from the Club site. Can you find them all?

www.camc.com

www.caravanclub.co.uk

TOURING PORTUGAL

THE EDGE OF EUROPE Heidi Fuller-Love leaves Spain in the rear-view mirror and discovers the history, culture and sweeping, sandy beaches of the Algarve

eye35 / Alamy

A

s you cross the border from Spain into Portugal you immediately start to spot differences between the two Iberian countries: taverns serve leitão à bairrada (suckling pig) instead of paella, shops sell Porto (port wine) instead of sangria and brightly-coloured posters advertise fado evenings instead of flamenco nights.

It was a glorious sunny day as we headed into the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, a swathe of soft, sandy beaches, towns and exclusive golf resorts incorporating Faro, Portimão and Lagos.

Seeking a peaceful spot not too far from the main sights (but far enough away to avoid any bustle and noise), we booked into Turiscampo in the small village of Espiche, a top-notch site with elegant grounds, a vast pool complex and a decent restaurant.

Exhausted after a long drive from

Madrid, we opted to spend a day at one of the beaches for which the Algarve is famed. First, though, there was a chance to look around Espiche, where stallholders sell local produce ranging from oranges and figs to almonds and carobs. We grabbed a takeaway of spicy piri piri grilled chicken – which was popularised just down the road in the Algarve resort of Guia – along with some of the local creamy custard tarts and a bottle of white wine, and then we headed for Praia da Luz. ‘Luz’, as locals refer to it, is a pretty little resort town with black and white cobbled pavements and a long curve of palm trees fringing a peaceful sandy bay. Although it was early in the season the sun was hot and there were even a few brave souls swimming in the clear waters of the Atlantic.

WESTWARD, HO! Refreshed after our lazy beach day, we set out to explore. A short drive along the peaceful N268 took us to the windswept tip of Cabo da São Vicente. Climbing to a gaily-painted

lighthouse, we stared in awe at the black cliffs falling far beneath us into frothing waves – it’s easy to understand why this impressive headland, mainland Europe’s most south-westerly spot, was thought to be the end of the known world right up until the 13th century. These days, a bratwurst van wryly announces that it’s selling the ‘last sausage before America’.

In nearby Sagres, you can stand on the beach and watch surfers taking on the powerful swells that roll in from the Atlantic. The briny sea air gave us roaring appetites, so we had lunch at A Sereia (‘The Siren’), a small fish restaurant overlooking the harbour. Watching the fishing boats buzz in and out seemed to give even more flavour to the fresh fish, cooked on hot barbecue coals just across from our table.

To walk off the calories we made the breezy hike to the Fortaleza de Sagres. There’s not a lot

Main image: magnificent Cabo da São Vicente Inset: en route to Sagres, traditonal fishing boats

48

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book the featured site by calling 01342 316101 or visiting camc.com/ overseas. For further info, see p184 of the Venture Abroad 2019 brochure

1

Turiscampo (site ref: E07)

This family-run campsite, with plenty of shaded pitches and a vast pool complex, lies just outside of the pretty beach resort of Praia da Luz. It’s close to many of the Algarve’s golf courses, lively resorts and nature reserves.

Touring pitches: 373 | Open: all year

Site view “The Algarve is perfect all year round – it is warm during the winter with high temperatures in summer during the day but chilly nights as we are close to the Atlantic. We also have two swimming pool areas – one covered and heated – and a Jacuzzi.”

Agnès Coll Isern, owner

Food & drink Casa Chico Zé, N125, 8600 Lagos Contact: 00351 282 798 205

Culture Medieval town of Silves

Visitor view “Sanitary facilities are excellent and regularly cleaned. Nice but expensive restaurant but a good snack bar with a decent menu.

Small shop quite well stocked. Pool is good and they are building a new heated pool.

Staff are lovely and, of course, multilingual.”

ColJacq, motorhomers www.camc.com

Outdoor fun Quinta do Francês vineyard, Sítio da Dobra Odelouca, Cx P 862H, 8300-037 Silves Contact: quintadofrances.com, 00351 282 106 303

For the family Zoo Marine, EN125, KM 65, Guia, 8201-864 Albufeira Contact: zoomarine.pt, 00351 289 560 300 March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

49

TOURING PORTUGAL

DID YOU KNOW?

Illustration: Louise Turpin

to see inside, but it’s well worth visiting this 16th-century fortress. Built on the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator, it enjoys a spectacular position on the cliff-tops.

After a peaceful few days we were itching to track down the livelier side of the Algarve. Lagos – a pretty little town overlooking a harbour dotted with brightly-coloured fishing boats – fitted the bill perfectly. Boasting several thousand years of history, Lagos is probably best known for its role during the Age of Discovery, when explorers – including Vasco da Gama – set sail from here.

After exploring the historic core, which is partly enclosed by 16th-century walls, we paused for sombre reflection by the site of the medieval Mercado de Escravos, Europe’s first slave market. The first slaves from African were brought here in 1444, and a museum sheds some light on their story.

DOCK’S APPOINTMENT Portimão, our next stop, was once a centre of shipbuilding and sardine fishing, and today it’s the Algarve’s largest city. A stroll in Ribeirinha, the city’s revamped dock area, led us to the Museu de Portimão, a museum housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century canning factory, aptly dedicated to the region’s fishing heritage. From here it’s an easy drive, along cork-tree lined roads (cork is used to make hats, handbags and shoes), to the pretty pottery-producing town of Porches.

There are many ceramics stores, but Porches Pottery was my favourite. It was opened more than 50 years ago by renowned artist Patrick Swift, who wanted to reintroduce the art of majolica ware, 50

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

which had been lost to the region for centuries.

The objects here are still produced by Patrick’s descendants and it’s wonderful to watch the delicate, colourful pieces being made. There is, of course, the opportunity to buy some to take home as unique souvenirs.

The southern coast of the Algarve is generally perceived as being overcrowded, so we were astounded the following day when we visited the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This vast protected area, made up of sandbars, salt water lagoons and waterways and extending from Faro in the west to Tavira in the east, is a haven for wintering wildlife, but the park is also home to a number of traditional fishing communities who have lived on a cluster of tiny islands for centuries.

A small boat chugged across the choppy waters of Ria Formosa Bay and took us to the 6km-long Culatra Island. Slender-necked egrets, pinkwinged flamingos and long-legged spoonbills fluttered across our path. Stepping onto Culatra, with its colourful houses, car-free sandy paths and wooden walkways, is like stepping back in time.

Around 1,000 people live here, making money from fishing and tourism, and the main village has a few cafés and restaurants. The main draw for many, though, are the miles of unspoilt beaches.

It was a relaxing way to end our stay at Turiscampo, a superb gateway to this ever-popular region of Portugal.

The Club offers overseas holiday insurance specially designed for caravanners and motorhomers – call 01342 336633 for a quote

Classic Algarve countryside

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017

www.camc.com

www.caravanclub.co.uk

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

4

GR A V

BAR

K

u ce yo ien 1991! ys r since e s sa an av ho uy e ng car vi t mo n’ been ca We’ve

COBBLE

ou’ll e a a e where your caravan will fit!

• Perfect for all single and twin axle caravans.

GRA S

• Manual or Auto roller engagement.

• Our unique design ensures superior power, efficiency and performance all within our lightest mover ever.

•

EL

S

S

NO QUIBBLE 5 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR GUARANTEE.

• Built in the UK to ISO 9001 standards.

• Proud to have over 25 years experience designing and building our movers right here in the UK. • Service engineers throughout the UK. • Powrtouch is the trusted choice of mover for 95% of dealers.

• Member of the National Caravan Council.

o won er owrtouch volution is consistently the UK’s Best Seller!

STILL

DES I

UK

Our lightest mover ever

O VA M can create a bespoke experience for you, whether you want flight upgrades, help selecting your perfect outfit or excursion bookings etc. Call 01342 779349 to N team Our A RO V ER 25 YE

F

O

RS

R

V

D & BUILT I NE G

N

CA

A

UK’s No 1

ER

THE

Call 01283 587900 to find your local powrtouch supplier or visit powrtouch.com Truma Ltd, 2000 Park Lane, Dove Valley Park, Foston, Derby, DE65 5BG

oday!

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

TRIP OF A LIFETIME We’re offering fantastic deals for early bookers on escorted tours in Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. To find out more visit camc.com/worldwide Southern Africa

Save £200 per person

A TALE OF THREE COUNTRIES

Duration/type: 38-day escorted motorhome tour Departs: 29 Sep 2019 Price: now from £4,799pp, based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, two nights in a four-star hotel in both Johannesburg and Cape Town (including breakfast), 31 nights at pre-booked campsites (including electric power), all transfers, local tour leaders, fantastic welcome and farewell dinners

Duration/type: 33-day escorted motorhome tour Departs: 7 Nov 2019 Price: now from £5,799pp based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, four nights’ hotel accommodation (including breakfast), 27 nights at pre-booked campsites (including electric power), welcome dinner in Windhoek, all transfers, local tour leaders

HIGHLIGHTS Panorama Route scenic drive, guided game drive in Kruger National Park, hippopotamus and crocodile cruise on Lake St Lucia, battlefields of KwaZuluNatal, game drive in Addo Elephant Park, drive the Garden Route, Cape Winelands, Cape Town and Table Mountain

HIGHLIGHTS The deserts of Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay including a seal and dolphin cruise,

ROADS OF THE RAINBOW NATION

guided game drives in Etosha National Park (Namibia) and Chobe National Park (Botswana), Victoria Falls, the Makgadikgadi Pan, the Okavango Delta

Save £200 per person

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

Australia

New Zealand

DRIVING DOWN UNDER Save £200 per person

Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour Departs: 6 Sep 2019, 7 Oct 2019 Price: now from £5,599pp for 6 Sep 2019 departure, based on two sharing (7 October 2019 departure £5,799pp, based on two sharing)

Price includes: return flights, four nights’ hotel accommodation (including breakfast), local tour leaders, Maui Ultima Plus Motorhome for 29 days, 28 nights’ pre-booked campsites (including electrical power), welcome dinner in Adelaide, colonial tramcar dinner in Melbourne, Sydney Harbour lunch cruise and guided day tour to Fraser Island HIGHLIGHTS Visit the cities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Cairns, Coorong National Park, drive the Great Ocean Road, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour Departs: 5 Nov 2019 Price: now from £5,699pp based on two sharing

Save £200 per person

Price includes: return flights, all transfers, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, local tour leaders, Britz Venturer Plus Motorhome for 29 days, 28 nights’ pre-booked campsites including electrical power, welcome dinner in Christchurch, Milford Sound nature cruise, gondola ride and dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, traditional Hāngi feast in Rotorua, farewell function in Auckland HIGHLIGHTS Scenic drives through the Southern Alps, national parks including Abel Tasman and Mount Cook, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, Rotorua with its geothermal wonders and Māori culture, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, Auckland

*Terms and conditions apply. Book by 15 Mar 2019 to claim offer. £200pp discount has already been applied to listed prices. www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

53

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

SUMMER LO VE-IN It’s time to start planning your warm-weather getaways. The Club offers more than 330 hand-picked overseas sites – including some great new additions for 2019 Did you know that you can book sites in 16 European countries via the Caravan and Motorhome Club? Each has been

carefully selected and inspected by us – so you can be sure it is up to a very high standard. First up this month we

take a look at four new locations in Croatia (taking the number of sites we offer in this fascinating country to

seven), while on the next page you can choose from destinations in Portugal, Spain, Italy and France.

Croatia

CAMPING PARK UMAG (X11) On Croatia’s north-west coast, just half an hour’s drive from the border with Slovenia, lies Camping Park Umag, an outstanding site offering numerous bars, restaurants and fast food outlets as well as a wide range of sporting facilities. Further attractions include an outdoor swimming pool complex featuring a ‘pirate’s ship’ and children’s playgrounds, making this the perfect site for all the family. There’s plenty to see nearby, including Novigrad with its medieval town walls and Umag’s bustling harbour. The impressive Istralandia waterpark is just a quarter of an hour away.

ZATON HOLIDAY RESORT (X14) Close to the popular tourist destination of Zadar on the Dalmatian coast, Zaton Holiday Resort sits right next to a wonderful sandy beach. A huge array of outdoor pools with added water features will appeal to younger members of your touring party, while a Dalmatian restaurant, self-service restaurant, pizzeria, cafés and bars mean most gastronomic tastes are catered for. If it’s an active break you are after, the site offers tennis, archery, mini golf and table tennis facilities as well as the option to try watersports including windsurfing and waterskiing.

PLITVICE HOLIDAY RESORT (X10) Surrounded by pine trees and rolling hills, this site is just five miles from the Plitvice Lakes National Park – a magical region where spectacular waterfalls plunge into a chain of 16 lakes. This is the ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts with a love of hiking, cycling, fishing or horseriding. On-site you will find a pool bar, while a good-value restaurant serves traditional and modern Croatian cuisine. Further nearby attractions include the cities of Zagreb and coastal Zadar (both within two hours’ drive).

ZELENA LAGUNA (X13) Located about 5km from the ancient town of Poreč, within the wider Zelena Laguna Resort, this site truly has something for everyone. Guests have easy access to the clear waters of the Adriatic and an outdoor pool as well a selection of bars, restaurants and a large supermarket, while entertainment for all ages is organised during high season. Visit Poreč itself, where you will find the Euphrasian Basilica, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.

To book sites and make ferry or Eurotunnel reservations, visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 316101 54

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

Nobody likes a smelly toilet

To banish bad toilet odours quickly use...

Trust Elsan toilet fluids to keep toilets safe and stop odours–FAST

GREAT BRITISH PRODUCTS

To find your nearest Elsan stockist visit

www.elsan.co.uk

For information on all these sites and to order a free copy of our Venture Abroad brochure, visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 316101

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

SUMMER LOVE-IN CONTINUED

Italy CARAVAN PARK SEXTEN (Y03) Located in the Dolomites in north-eastern Italy, this site is the perfect place to rejuvenate body and soul. Guests can escape into the spectacular mountain scenery on foot or two wheels or indulge themselves in the relaxing on-site spa – whether you fancy a sauna, massage, facial, pedicure, or simply a dip in the atmospheric indoor pool, there is an experience designed for you. Add a choice of top-quality restaurants and bars and you have a site that stands out from the crowd.

Spain

France

LA PLAGE (B15) Set on the western coast of Brittany and offering easy access to a lovely stretch of golden beach, La Plage certainly lives up to its name. After enjoying the delights of the coast, why not visit Quimper, the cultural heart of the Finistère department. Highlights here include the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin – built between the 13th and 16th centuries, it is the oldest Gothic structure in lower Brittany. Back on site, you can unwind in the pools (there is a great water slide for the kids) or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Portugal

L’AMFORA (E22) In Spain’s far north-eastern corner, close to the border with France, sits Camping L’Amfora, a spacious site boasting large grass pitches lined with trees and shrubs. Just a short walk away is a lovely stretch of golden sand on the famed Gulf of Roses – the perfect destination for watersports lovers. Also consider a trip on the ‘Roses Expres’ land train, taking in the beautiful bay and Cap de Creus peninsula. On-site facilities include a fantastic pool complex with water slides, tennis courts, mini-golf and a bar and restaurant.

SÃO PEDRO DE MOEL (W18) Set in pine woodland, within easy reach of sandy beaches, this charming site on Portugal’s western coast should be high on your wish list. The swimming pool with fun slide is popular with families, while many will enjoy the short stroll into town where they will find a choice of shops, bars and restaurants. The town of Marinha Grande and its famous glassworks museum is within easy reach, while the capital city of Lisbon is less than two hours away if you fancy a cultural day trip.

For information on all these sites and to order a free copy of our Venture Abroad brochure, visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 316101 6

March 2017 The Caravan and Motorhome Club

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 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club

7

COUNTRY MATTERS FARMLAND

58

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

A NEW HOPE David Chapman introduces Hope Farm – where commercial agriculture and wildlife preservation go hand in hand

T

he latter part of the 20th century saw a dramatic drop in the populations of bird species reliant on farmland for survival, the period from the mid-1970s to mid-’80s seeing the sharpest declines due to rapid changes in farmland management.

Although the speed of the decline has slowed, the implication is that we cannot use our countryside for intensive agriculture and expect to be able to support farmland species at the same time. But we don’t know this for certain. Could it be that with small concessions we might be able to give farmland wildlife a boost and grow a good crop at the same time?

That’s the sort of question that the RSPB set out to answer when it bought Hope Farm – a 440-acre arable farm in Cambridgeshire – in 2000. Last year I met Assistant Farm Manager Georgina Bray (pictured), who showed me around and explained a few of the strategies employed to promote wildlife there.

It is important to stress that the aim of the farm is to grow a commercially viable crop while promoting wildlife – so chemicals are used on the farm, though only when absolutely necessary for a specific purpose.

It has long been known that our farmland birds prefer to nest in spring-sown crops rather

www.camc.com

than those sown in the autumn. This is partly because they will have a longer season during which to raise their broods before the crop is harvested. So where winter barley is grown on the farm they leave small gaps for skylarks.

These ‘skylark plots’ have only a small impact on the yield but enable the birds to increase the number of fledging young by 50%.

Since the early days stubble has been left in fields over winter to help birds find seed, and cover crops have been sown to allow partridges and others to find sanctuary from predators.

Wildflower margins have been created on the least productive parts of the farm and hedgerows left scrubbier to help birds find a place to nest.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

59

COUNTRY MATTERS FARMLAND

MARCH LOOK OUT FOR The following can be spotted on farmland this month... n Brown hares, which are at their most active in spring n Red-legged partridge – an introduced species that is now more common than our native grey partridge n The flowers of Alexanders can be seen in hedgerows around farm fields

Clockwise from above: Alexanders; a corn bunting; red-legged partridge; a brown hare Opposite page: a honey bee on fleabane

The kestrel is one of a number of birds that has been affected by modern farming methods

60

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

BUGS’ LIFE More innovations have been developed to help wildlife. It was noted that having wildflowers around the edge of a field helped insects (and therefore birds) but these bugs are reluctant to venture into the middle of a large field. So now some of the fields contain wildflower strips across their middles instead of, or as well as, around the edges. These areas are positioned to match up with sprayer, so have no impact on the width of the farm sprayer the time it takes to service the crop.

This strategy might actually increase the yield.

It allows ‘good’ insects to tackle some of the damaging pest species, therefore cutting down the need to use pesticides; and it is also very useful if the crop needs to be insect-pollinated.

On Hope Farm it was found that corn buntings nested in greater numbers where the crop was denser – often on ‘headlands’ (those areas where tractors turn at the end of a run).

Unfortunately corn buntings are more Unfortunately, vulnerable to predation on headlands as they are closer to the hedgerows, where predators will be looking for food. An experiment, led by conservation scientist Rosemary Setchfield, has involved double drilling areas in the middle of the field, to see if corn buntings can be encouraged to nest in safer areas.

Hopefully, the level of the project’s success can be measured by the answers to two questions that I put to Georgina. Is the farm making a profit?

“Yes, and anyone can see the farm’s accounts online.” Has there been an increase in the amount of wildlife using the farm? “Yes. Between 2000 and 2017 there has been a 226% increase in the farmland breeding bird index, with almost all farmland indicator species increasing and some, such as lapwing, grey partridge and corn bunting colonising the farm in this period. Wintering birds have increased by an amazing 1,739% and there has also been a 213% increase in the butterfly index over the same period.”

So it seems that Hope Farm does what its name suggests, giving us hope that farming can work alongside nature. Hope Farm holds an Open Day on 9 June this year and all are welcome – see the RSPB website (rspb.org.uk) for more details. n The nearest Club sites to Hope Farm are Grafham Water, Ashridge Farm and Cambridge Cherry Hinton.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

www.camc.com

“So it seems that Hope Farm does what its name suggests, giving us hope that farming can work alongside nature�

www.camc.com

November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club

5

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

Letters Send your letters to Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Alternatively, email us at enquiries@camc.com or magazine@camc.com. Apologies, but due to the quantity of post we receive, we are no longer able to send acknowledgements on receipt of letters. If your letter is not intended for publication, please email or write to the appropriate department (eg Emergency Services, Finance, Insurance, Technical, Travel Services, Sites Operations etc) – see camc.com/contact for further details.

enquiries@ camc.com

62

Your chance to have your say.

The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides Four Peaks!

The Three Peaks Challenge in the February issue of the magazine is okay, but if, like me, you are getting on in years and you have a young great-granddaughter, then my alternative Three Peaks is a must.

We stay at the Castleton site, a local site for us, which we often use for short breaks. From the site, it's a comfortable walk into Castleton to visit ‘Peak Cavern’. After the cavern trip we walk up Winnats Pass to the

Estate of bliss We have just returned from a truly magical stay over Christmas and New Year at The Sandringham Estate Club site.

From the moment we arrived on Sunday 23 December there was a truly festive feel around the site, from the wonderful illuminations to the welcome from the wardens.

The atmosphere was maintained throughout our stay. On Christmas Eve, the famous orange tractor was transformed into Santa’s sleigh, the wardens and assistants dressed as Santa and elves, [and we enjoyed] lovely drinks and a buffet in the early evening.

The site was maintained in excellent condition over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and come New Year’s Eve we were again treated to an excellent buffet and drinks.

‘peak’ of Mam Tor. From there we walk the 'Great Ridge' to the ‘peak’ of Lose Hill. Then it's a steady downhill walk into Castleton to visit The ‘Peak’ Hotel for well-earned refreshments – their specialist burgers are amazing. Then it’s back to the site and reflect on the day's adventures.

As you can see this is a Four Peaks Challenge!

Bill Palmer, Derbyshire

While we appreciate the Club has a financial input to the proceedings, the effort put in by the wardens made it a very special stay for us. So much so that we have booked to return next year and we would love to see all of them back again. Thank you.

Ferne & Dave Mitchell, via email

A fair market?

I am most concerned at the attitudes displayed regarding future towcars in light of the government’s desire to discourage the use of diesel-engined cars. Diesels have been the overwhelming choice as entrants into recent towcar competitions and almost all have performed extremely satisfactorily.

Petrol hybrids are suggested as suitable replacements for diesel but

Castleton Club site

their trailer weight limit is often significantly less and their potentially poor economy dependent on battery charge. Many hybrids are not even homologated to tow a trailer of any weight. One day all cars will be electric and perhaps some of them will be suitable towcars.

The case against diesel is based on exhaust pollution. Of course these emissions have been vastly reduced over the years as the various versions of the Euro limits have come in to play. Diesel cars should be considered on their current merits – if older diesels and petrols are a problem then they should be sympathetically phased out, and perhaps no combustionengined vehicles should be allowed into urban areas.

No rash decisions should be made – electric cars will come into the market in larger quantities from next year and the whole revolution required for them to satisfactorily replace combustion-engined vehicles should not be rushed. In the meantime, clean diesels (and petrols) should be allowed to compete in a fair market.

Mike Young, Nottinghamshire

Tentative steps The Sandringham Es

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

tate

I lost my husband last August. We have been caravanning since our children were young and continued to do so in spite of his deteriorating

www.camc.com

health until 2017. We even had holidays planned for last year before his final illness.

Over the years I have taken over more and more of the jobs associated with caravanning, and often towed, although he usually preferred to drive. I would like to continue caravanning although I have some trepidation.

Do members in a similar position to myself have any advice or hints to help me take the first step alone.

Ann Hunt, via email Editor’s note: Firstly, may I say how sorry I am to hear about your loss Ann. Many members tour as couples for decades, and I fully understand how a bereavement might put someone off from continuing. That said, we are aware of hundreds of members – young and old – who travel alone and continue to enjoy our great pastime.

Might I suggest you take a look at our online forum, Club Together (see camc.com). There you will find a topic headed ‘Solo Caravanning & Touring’ (an example is shown above) where you can access lots of advice and encouragement from fellow enthusiasts. We’d love to hear how you get on.

Big ‘thank you’ After my two-year-old van was serviced last summer, I mentioned to my wife that we were only using it very occasionally and that our future commitments meant possibly even less future use. We are both slightly impetuous and immediately agreed to sell it.

After the van had gone I collected all my caravan gear together and passed it on to a friend so that it would lessen the chance of me

www.camc.com

buying another van on impulse.

Throughout my van years it is extraordinary how much stuff I had accumulated – the water containers, with pipes and fittings alone, would accommodate any known supply, and I gave two of my four sets of steps to my neighbour, keeping the other two for my wife when gardening.

Here come my caravan memories. The predominant one is the Club membership. Nowhere else have I come across a group that are always so correct (they are nearly up to my standard) and so cross with anyone who commits a perceived misdemeanour – I just show pity. But thank you all – both my wife and I really enjoyed the experience, and we definitely won’t be in the slow car in front of you when you are towing!

G. Sen, via email

Check dimensions before you buy

Top tips Christine Reynolds pleaded, in the February issue, for ‘More tips please’. So here are a few… n To prevent coat-hangers jumping off the wardrobe rail, use yellow scaffolding ‘insulation’ – cut to exact width of wardrobe, push down to cover coat-hanger hooks for travel. n Line cupboard shelves with a non-slip material, to stop items sliding around in transit. n Get rid of wire bottle racks, and instead use supermarket cardboard wine carriers in floor-level lockers. n If sideways-fitted drawers come open on journeys, fit magnetic cupboard-door catches. n For a roof solar panel to continue to work when a roof cover is on – put the cover on and mark where the

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

63

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS panel corners are; cut out the rectangle and machine-sew a replacement piece out of tentwindow material (available online). n Put small blobs of white enamel on corresponding points on Al-Ko wheel-lock parts to help match up for locking and unlocking. n Spray silicone spray in awning track and on awning zips.

Richard Lindley, via email

Shop savvy All ‘mod’ cons In response to Christine Reynolds’ February letter about the lack of information ‘tips’. I hope the details of some of the modifications we have made to our motorhome will fit the bill.

We bought ‘Brian’ (The Magic Roundabout has a lot to answer for!) in the summer of 2017. My wife Linda is registered blind and wanted a good living space with a useable shower.

The Swift Sundance PR 580 from 2007 with the rear U-shaped lounge fitted the criteria nicely.

After a few trips away it became obvious that while the van interior looked amazing, a few modifications would make life a lot easier. There is quite a bit of talk on various forums about keeping vans original to hold their value – not too sure why if a well-thought-out mod is a positive step? So, we had to be sure this was our long-term van. After looking through various magazines and dealer websites we could not see a better layout for our budget, so I got to work. I will say here that I am a qualified vehicle mechanic and experienced DIY-er.

Brian is a low-level coachbuilt conversion on the Fiat Ducato van.

Above the front seats was a pod with two mini spot lamps, right in front of the perfectly good Fiat interior lamp. My head would hit this pod and send a lamp dangling out of its fitting nearly every time I got up to go into the van interior. So, I was very pleased to make up a blanking plate covered in grey vinyl to cover the hole left by removing this troublesome pod. There is a narrow shelf above the windscreen stretching full width which is handy on site for small item storage. But Swift had added two decorative scrolls of fabric-covered coving to cover the shelf either side of the now-removed pod.

These were removed too – welcome useable shelf!

The cab windows were fitted with concertina blinds – fine for the screen

64

I was interested in the ‘Talking Shop’ article (February issue, about buying a caravan or motorhome) but feel one important point was overlooked – namely where you intend to use it. If you intend visiting Certificated

but the side ones rattled and obstructed the view of the mirrors.

So off they came and silver screens were the solution. Individual internal screens for the temperate months and the all-covering external one for extremes of cold or heat. Perfect.

At bed time, we always use the single beds which are very comfy and quite big enough. It soon became a pain putting all the extra cushions down on the front seats every night, and we thought, why?

So, they all now reside in the loft. We bought four good-quality pillows with burgundy pillowcases that now are used day and night. Small red fitted bunk bed sheets are on the seat cushions most of the time and look fine.

I hope you have found it useful and maybe even given you some ideas. Remember it is your unit, so make it comfortable so it works for you. But always ensure it can be put back to its original condition if sale time comes around.

Steve Coppard, via email

Locations, which may be down narrow lanes, the 8ft-wide twin-axle that looked so perfect on the dealer’s forecourt may prove a headache when faced with a tight gateway.

Remember it was your choice, so the problem will be yours, not the site owner’s.

N Butleigh-Jones, via email

Whilst OS maps do feature latitude and longitude coordinates in the margins, they are specified in degrees, minutes, and seconds. So one has to go through the process of converting the quoted decimalised degrees before being able to use the coordinates in the map’s margin. And even then it can be difficult to locate a site precisely, as latitudes and longitudes do not run parallel to the OS grid lines. Admittedly one can resort to a web conversion tool if accessible, but this is a laborious process. So why ditch an easy, wellproven system?

I hope that the Club will consider reintroduction of OS grid coordinates.

Michael North Sites Directory and Handbook Editor’s note: We always try to assess the impact of removing any data from the Handbook. But as more CLs add information such as email and website addresses to their entries, we have to look to cut down detail in other areas to make sure that the directory stays at a manageable

length in terms of production and postage costs. While we know that paper maps are still quite well used, the latitude and longitude coordinates can be used more widely, such as on online mapping tools and sat-nav. We did expect that some members would be disappointed with this decision, and I can only apologise for that. We are keeping a close eye on feedback and will take it into account in the run-up to production of the next Sites Directory.

The spice of life Dear Gary, well done for encouraging us all to go somewhere different [Editor’s Welcome, February issue]. My husband and I don’t own a motorhome but hire one every May. We started in 2016.

Where to go on holiday? We decided there were so many places we had never been, and although in our 60s we had been among the lucky ones as children who had annual summer holidays. So we decided to only go where we had never been before.

Our first trip took us to Bamburgh and River Breamish in Northumberland. Then we headed south to Rutland and across to north Norfolk. Sometimes using CLs, sometimes Club sites.

In 2017 it was Warwick Racecourse, Moreton-in-Marsh, then Tewkesbury Abbey.

Last year we got as far as Berwick and Edinburgh, Teesdale Barnard Castle and Sutton-on-Sea. This year the planning is going well.

We are off to south Wales.

We have met fantastic people, helpful camp staff and had lots of fun. We won’t ever own our own motorhome but it is fun exploring our beautiful country. Happy discovering to you and your family.

Linda Barker, via email

Grid gripe As an avid user of CLs, I am afraid that I am extremely disappointed that the 2019/20 Sites Directory and Handbook omits OS grid references for them.

The retained latitude and longitude coordinates may well be useful for those with sat-navs that accept them, for directions when driving to sites (mine doesn’t). But they are nigh-on useless otherwise, as for instance, when choosing a CL based on location and topography etc.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Bamburgh Castle

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

A fabulous vintage music & dance festival, for all

Caravanners and Motorhomers

FREE

BROCHURE

www.twinwoodfestival.com

AVAILABLE

sic Acts Over 100 Top Live Mu to the ‘70s.

Every genre from the ‘30s

autifully heritage site with 14 be rb pe su a on t se is l iva fest fascinating museums.

Now in its 18th year, the ith w ng alo d, an dl oo w e esqu themed venues, in pictur

s • 16 amp electric ite ps m ca nt lle ce ex th wi y sta hts nig 5

•

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

£288

ONLY “ALL IN” www.camc.com

•

Great for all the family, with superb Children’s

• Comedy &rksCabhopares t • Dance Wo

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. November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

5

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

Your discussions Here’s a sample of the stories and discussions you can find on our Club Together forum. See camc.com for more…

Warwick Castle For our final trip of the year we decided to spend a few days at the Club’s Warwick Racecourse site as our pre-Christmas trip. Although we have been to Warwick before we have never visited the Castle (right), which we did on the first day of our stay.

The Castle is not too far from the site but is uphill, as most things seem to be as you get older! You use what is called the town entrance which saves a long walk around to the main way in but is tucked away behind the High Street. On arrival we decided to have a coffee, which turned out to be a wise move as the heavens opened whilst we were in the café! The best way to buy tickets for the castle is online before your visit as buying them at the gate is quite expensive.

The Club has an online offer which saves a useful amount.

You can climb the battlements if you wish – we tried but found the tight circular staircases quite wet and slippy. We toured the Great Hall and state rooms, some of which have some interesting wax tableaux.

There seem to be some nice gardens as well but the weather was not really in our favour to allow further exploration.

We made our way into the town.

Warwick has some attractive buildings, including half-timbered ones, although these are not always complemented by their modern equivalents.

The next day the weather had refused to brighten up, but at least it was dry. We headed for Royal Leamington Spa. There are a couple of buses that run every half hour from Warwick Bus Station. We got off near to Jephson Gardens which are opposite the Royal Pump Rooms. The springs were known to the Romans but it was not until the late 1700s that they were developed for commercial purposes.

The town has a wonderful array of grand Regency buildings, and the main shopping street is called The Parade. Leamington, I think, will be worth a second visit, but perhaps when there is a chance of better and brighter weather.

If you prefer to leave your car or motorhome on site, the local public

66

transport is quite good with regular services to Coventry and Stratfordupon-Avon. The office also has details of walks from the site so no shortage of things to do.

DavidKlyne Glad you enjoyed Warwick and Leamington David, plenty to see in the area and probably a lot less crowded in the winter months. Brue Another excellent story. We visited a couple of years ago. We spent a lot of hours there and were thrilled by the raptor flying. Oneputt

The First Trip!

A few years ago my wife said we should get a campervan. I wasn’t keen, “It’ll cost too much money”; “Will we actually use it?”; blah, blah, blah…

However, the idea kept floating around in my mind and gradually I started to think that it would be kind of cool to come home from work on a Friday, throw some things in it and clear off for the weekend!

I started to look at what sort would suit and, more importantly, prices and confirmed my initial fear – they are quite expensive!

We did think that it might be a good idea to hire one… so we decided to go to the coast and there the first problem arose – parking! Most car parks wouldn’t allow motorhome parking, so after that we came around to the idea of getting a caravan.

Again, I started to look around at what was available and, one day at work, just over two years ago, I

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

received a phone call from my wife – “I’ve bought a caravan!” Our childminder had decided to relocate to Cornwall and was selling up, so we became the proud owners of a 2001 Elddis Crusader Storm.

I’ll be honest, it was a bit bigger than I’d thought our first caravan would be – in fact it seemed enormous!

Luckily, the car that we had at the time had a towbar, so the day arrived to tow it to our house, which wasn’t far away. This went OK, apart from the fact that it took about an hour to get it onto the front of the drive…

There it sat for quite a while. I booked onto the Club’s basic manoeuvring [course] a year or so ago and then had a panic to get a towbar fitted as we’d changed cars at that point.

The course went well and seemed to make sense but the caravan just sat there still doing nothing…

My wife said that we should either use it or sell it, so a decision was made to go away for a long weekend during the October half-term week.

After reading up on caravan maintenance I then realised that I should get it serviced. This wasn’t something I had considered before but, like a car, a caravan has systems that need regular maintenance and

checks, so it’s pretty obvious when you think about it!

Next job was to wash it as it had stood partially under a tree and next to a hedge so it was a bit green at both ends. The kids helped with this so it wasn’t quite so much of a chore.

The departure day arrived and I nervously hitched up the van to the car. What I’d learned on the course started to come back to me – the green button popping out when the hitch was properly located on the ball, raising the jockey wheel, connecting the breakaway cable and connecting the electrics.

So we set off. We’d picked the Sandringham site to visit as it was only just over an hour away, and on arrival we were greeted by name by the warden.

I ’fessed up that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, and he helped me get the van onto the pitch and took us through the basics of all of the systems.

All in all, we had a great stay and the whole family loved it, so I’m already planning another trip for the first half-term of next year.

Hopefully this might prove useful to other new caravanners – just take your time and, if you’re stuck, people are only too happy to help.

Cheers!

Johnno1O1 Great story and well done for taking the trouble to attend a training course before hitting the road! Hope you have many safe travels and make lots of happy memories with your family. jonray57 You've done it! It'll have you hooked sooner than you think. If possible why not do trips before the next half term? I'm sure your children would enjoy it – you too! Bakers2 Thanks for post – a good story and good luck for future trips.

Whittakerr

We would love to hear more about your touring adventures!

Please email us at

magazine@camc.com

www.camc.com

Escape FOR A kend away AT wee

BO

FO NE K W YO R UR 2 DA 0 Y 19 T

O

NEWS HEADLINES

IC

KE

TS

THE UK’S LARGEST OUTDOOR MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN SHOW - PETERBOROUGH A PLACE TO BUY

575+ new and used vehicles for sale

A PLACE TO SOCIALISE

A PLACE TO PARTY

Rally with your friends

Four nights of free entertainment

FOUR NIGHTS CAMPING FROM £48.00* Plus

FEAT.

Maizie Williams

Earth, Wind for hire

and Roy Carter from Heatwave

book your ticket to avoid disappointment!

Just £15.00 per adult £7.50 per child

THURSDAY

Impromptu • JEEP • Emily Penny

FRIDAY

Darren Busby • The Mods • Steve Thompson

SATURDAY

Jay McGee • Rob Dee as Billy Fury

SUNDAY

The Little Eagles • Explosive Light Orchestra

SAVE 25% ON DAY TICKETS WHEN YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE In advance - Adult: £6.00 Children: FRIDAY-SATURDAY SUNDAY On arrival - Adult: £8.00 FREE 9:30am - 5:00pm 9:30am - 4:30pm FREE PARKING, FREE GOODY BAG & FREE SHOWGUIDE | EAST OF ENGLAND ARENA, PE2 6XE

*

Book Online - www.showgoer.co.uk

www.camc.com November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine 7 £48 pitch includes pre-booking, magazine subscriber & club rally area discount. £15 entertainment ticket is when booked in advance. For more information call 01778 391123

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB SAVE UP TO 10% ON CAR HIRE ACROSS THE GLOBE 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.

SAVE AT SAINSBURY’S Members can save 4% on shopping at Sainsbury’s when they add funds to the Sainsbury’s Everyday Shopping Card and then use it in store. You can order one today by visiting camc.com/sainsburys.

FREE FITTED TOWBAR AND ELECTRICS WITH SSANGYONG Specialist 4x4, SUV and MPV producer SsangYong manufactures a range of tough, good-looking vehicles that are great for towing. All SsangYong vehicles now come with an industryleading seven-year or 150,000-mile warranty. Caravan and Motorhome Club members can receive a free towbar and electrics kit when purchasing selected new SsangYong vehicles. See camc.com/ssangyong for terms and conditions.

20% OFF BIKE MARKING KITS BikeRegister is the UK’s police-approved national cycle database and identification initiative. With over 810,000 bikes already registered, BikeRegister helps to reduce cycle theft and identifies stolen bikes. Find out more at camc.com/bikeregister.

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

68

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

SAVE 8% ON NATIONAL TRUST GIFT CARD The National Trust looks after more than 500 special places across the country. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, discover historic homes, relax in a holiday cottage or simply take in fantastic views over a cream tea, there is a National Trust property waiting for you. Members can add funds onto a National Trust gift card and receive an 8% discount on the amount added. See camc.com/ nationaltrust for details.

15% DISCOUNT WITH MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE Whether you are heading off skiing, walking the dog or enjoying a family day out in the countryside, Mountain Warehouse has the right clothing for you. Members can save 15% on all products (including already reduced items) such as jackets, trousers, fleeces, footwear and more! See camc.com/mountainwarehouse to access your discount code.

SAVE 10%

ON FULLY FITTED MOTOR MOVERS Whether you don’t have space to easily manoeuvre your caravan at home, or you simply find it too heavy to position correctly on a pitch or hitch up confidently, a caravan mover provides the perfect solution. Find out how you could save on a fully-fitted motor mover at camc.com/motormover.

50% OFF BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION MEMBERSHIP Club members can claim 50% off the cost of their first year of Butterfly Conservation membership. Join today and receive a welcome pack containing information about butterflies and moths, your first copy of Butterfly magazine (issued three times a year) and the Gardening for Butterflies and Moths booklet by garden writer Kate Bradbury. Two-thirds of the UK’s butterfly and moth species are in decline. With your support Butterfly Conservation can maintain and enhance landscapes for butterflies and moths, provide advice to landowners, managers and gardeners, gather data and conduct research.

Visit camc.com/butterflyconservation for more information.

www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

69

Cover designed with you in mind For the things that matter to you We have over 50 years’ experience in providing quality cover that is trusted by our members.

We are a Club in the true sense of the word, and our products are designed to reflect the needs of our members. Any surplus generated goes back into improving and maintaining the Club.

Caravan Cover

Motorhome Insurance

01342 488 338

0345 504 0334

Car Insurance

Home Insurance

camc.com/insurance/caravan

0345 504 0334

camc.com/insurance/car

camc.com/insurance/motorhome

0345 504 0335

camc.com/insurance/home

Mayday UK Breakdown and Recovery

Overseas Holiday Insurance

0800 731 0112

01342 336 633

camc.com/insurance/mayday

camc.com/insurance/overseas-holiday-insurance

By understanding more about you we can improve our service – ensuring you receive information and news that’s tailored to your needs. Make sure your profile on the Club’s website has the correct details such as your renewal dates and your outfit type etc.

Simply visit camc.com/myprofile

Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. Motorhome, Car and Home Insurance are arranged by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Mayday is provided by Green Flag.

xxx

November 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

The Yorkshire Motorhome & Accessory Show saving Visit this March show in Harrogate and save on admission using the voucher below Head for the Yorkshire Event Centre on the Great Yorkshire Showground near the spa town of Harrogate over the weekend of 22-24 March and you will be able to browse more than 300 new and used motorhomes and campervans, from 30-plus national and local dealers. There will also be a huge selection of accessories, making this the perfect opportunity to stock up in preparation for your summer of touring.

A visit to this event is also an education, for organiser Warners Shows is running a number of free expert seminars for you to attend – topics include ‘Getting Built-in WiFi for Your Motorhome’, ‘Motorhome Security’ and ‘Tips on Buying Your First Motorhome’.

If a more practical approach is your preferred way of learning, qualified instructors from the Caravan and Motorhome Club will be offering free 20-minute manoeuvring courses – don’t forget your driving licence.

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 voucher below

at the pay gate upon arrival.

Alternatively, advance tickets are available at just £5 per person (order before noon on 21 March) – simply call 0844 581 1240 (calls are charged at 7p per

minute, plus your phone company’s access charge).

For more details about the show, see showgoer.co.uk.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

71

SPECIAL BUYING A CARAVAN

TAKING

THE PLUNGE

Caravan tester John Rankin’s knowledge was placed under scrutiny recently when his wife suggested they buy their own tourer. Here’s the start of their story...

Fixed double was a must

I

want to buy a caravan.” Not a particularly controversial statement in itself, but it wasn’t one that I saw coming when my wife Clare made that proclamation a few months ago. She’s always enjoyed the times she’s joined me on trips away in various test caravans and, after a lot of serious thought, she’d decided to dip into her inheritance and get one of her own.

She already knew what she wanted – a new model with a permanent bedroom and a big washroom. My job was to get online and show her some of the available layout options. Clare very quickly narrowed these down to a shortlist of one – the end bedroom/centre washroom configuration, due to its user-friendliness should we have friends or family staying over. That was quickly followed by a stated liking for the Coachman Vision 545, which was right on the limit of our (oops, sorry… her) budget.

Next job, then – find a dealer with a Vision 545 in stock so Clare could go and do some locker opening/closing, comfort checking and equipment evaluation. Our buying plan coincided with the tail end of the season, with dealers’ annual allocations all but gone; so it looked like we might have a bit of a trek on our hands to find a forecourt boasting that exact model.

I found myself perusing the stock list of Coachman dealer Norwich Caravans, just an hour away from home. The end-of-season sale list included a 545 in mid-range Pastiche guise – on offer for entry-level Vision money. We left for Norwich straight away.

Sales executive Denis Kemp unlocked the caravan and left us to it. Clare was clearly

72

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

The new combo!

thrilled by the Pastiche, especially the impressive centre washroom with its ‘his ’n’ hers’ sliding doors opening on to each side of the island double bed. The extra equipment you get compared to the Vision included some worthwhile stuff – Al-Ko ATC, Alde wet central heating, scratch-resistant Fenix worktops, pleated fabric blinds, exterior gas barbecue point – which obviously added to the appeal.

Satisfied that this was indeed the right layout for us, we were ready to do the deal. With the caravan already so heavily discounted, there was limited scope to practise my rusty haggling skills. But the dealer agreed to include a new, heavy-duty 110Ah leisure battery as part of the asking price – proof that it’s always worth asking!

TOWCAR TEASER We were happy to agree to a delivery date several weeks down the line, because we still had a bit of sorting out to do. For one thing, we knew that we were going to have to get a beefier car than my Mercedes C180 SE auto. The Merc is a fine vehicle, but it’s no match for the Coachman’s MTPLM of 1,535kg.

That was resolved by trading it in against a smart 2007 Land Rover Freelander 2 HSE TD4 auto, a famously capable towing machine and a serenely comfortable match for the Pastiche. It did have a towbar, but the ball looked like it had come from a shipwreck and it had the old 12N/12S twin electrics. A local towbar specialist fitted a shiny new Al-Ko-compatible towball and replaced the old electrics with a 13-pin set-up for a modest £140.

Stylish bathroom facilities

Next – where to keep the caravan? At home was a non-starter, so we sussed out local storage sites. Our preferred option – a big, secure, self-store centre with a dedicated caravan facility just a handful of miles away – was full when we enquired, but the owner was confident a berth would become available before too long.

So it came to pass.

With car and storage in place, we could sort out insurance. That was painlessly taken care of with one phone call to the Club’s team, which resulted in fully featured, new-for-old cover.

So to the big day. After Denis’s thorough and informative handover, we did a Supermarket Sweep-style trawl of the accessory shop (security devices, water container, fluids et al), fitted the towing mirrors and headed off into our brave new world.

Before our first ‘proper’ outing, there was another essential appointment – this time to have a motor mover fitted. We chose a Purple Line e-go Titanium because it’s light in weight and gets lots of good reviews. It started paying its way almost immediately – getting in and out of our tight-ish slot at the storage compound can sometimes be a little bit challenging using the car.

The mover makes it an absolute breeze, and we’re both agreed we wouldn’t want to be without it now. Remember though, fitting a mover eats into your payload.

So, all the hard work is done – researched, inspected, purchased, homed, insured, mover-ised. Now for the fun bit – the first trip away, and our own little touches added. But more of that anon… www.camc.com

Useful motor mover

Denis shows Clare how various on-board systems are operated

www.camc.com

ESSENTIAL BUYING TIPS 1. Choose the right layout for your requirements. Make a list of pros and cons. Be thorough – you don’t want to get this bit wrong.

2. Don’t wait until you’ve bought the caravan to do your outfit match (hard to believe, but some people do). Use the Club’s Outfit Matching Service – see camc.com/outfitmatching or call 01342 336611.

3. Is the caravan’s payload sufficient for your needs?

This figure varies considerably between models.

4. Shop around for the right deal, of course – but enjoying a good, professional relationship with a reputable dealer within striking distance of home is probably worth more than a big discount. We were lucky to get both.

5. Budget for everything you need to get up and running, not just the caravan itself. If you’re buying used, that may include a service and new tyres.

6. Make up and try out every bed. You shouldn’t settle for: “Well, it’s not too bad, I suppose…”

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

773

OAKTREE MOTORHOMES

7

O P D EN AY S

CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

The used motorhome specialists

£49,995

£53,995

£89,995

£109,995 2017 BURSTNER ELEGANCE I910G 2.3 MJTD 180 BHP 4 BERTH REAR FIXED SINGLE BEDS HUGE GARAGE ELECTRIC DROP-DOWN BED PREMIUM PACK SPORTS PACK WINTER PACK LOADS OF EXTRA’S PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DEATAILS PRICE £109,995

2017 HYMER B778 PL PREMIUM LINE 2.3 MJTD 130 BHP LHD 4 BERTH SINGLE BEDS OVER CAB BED L-SHAPED LOUNGE 4 X SEATBELTS ALDE HEATING SAT & TV REV CAM £18,000 OF EXTRAS JUST 4,000 MILES! PRICE £89,995

£48,995

2013 63 AUTO-TRAIL COMMANCHE 3.0 MJTD 160 BHP AUTO 4 BERTH ISLAND BED LEATHER FRONT LOUNGE GAS & MAINS HOB OVEN & GRILL SEP. SHOWER AIR CON ALLOY WHEELS TV AERIAL SOLAR TOW BAR 31,000 MILES! £53,995

£47,995

£47,995 2016 HYMER CAR GRAND CANYON 2.3 MJTD 2 BERTH REAR DOUBLE BED SINGLE DINETTE 4 SEATBELTS HOB & SINK TOW BAR ONE OWNER JUST 11,000 MILES!FINANCE AVAILABLE £47,995

2018 AUTO-SLEEPER WARWICK XL 2.0 HDI 180 BHP 6 SPEED 2 BERTH REAR LOUNGE HOB & SINK OVEN/GRILL SEP SHOWER AIR CON ALLOYS SOLAR P LPG TANK AIR-RIDE JUST 1,000 MILES! £48,995

2015 RAPIDO 7090DF 2.3 MJTD 150 BHP 3 BERTH REAR ISLAND BED OVER STORAGE L-SHAPED 4 X SEATBELTS OVEN & GRILL HOB & SINK SEP SHOWER AIR CON DOUBLE FLOOR 22,000 MILES! £49,995

2016 ADRIA MATRIX AXESS M670 SL 2.3 MJTD 4 BERTH REAR SINGLE BEDS LARGE GARAGE ELECTRIC DROP-DOWN BED SINGLE DINETTE 4 SEATBELTS OVEN & GRILL SEP SHOWER REV CAMERA CYCLE RACK JUST 5,000 MILES! £47,995

£47,995

2014 64 SWIFT BOLERO 714 SB BLACK EDITION 2.3 MJTD 150 BHP 6 SPEED 4 BERTH REAR TWIN SINGLE BEDS SINGLE DINETTE 4 SEAT BELTS OVEN & GRILL END WASHROOM ALLOYS SOLAR PANEL ONE OWNER JUST 13,000 MILES! £47,995

£43,995

£44,995

£47,995 2008 DETHLEFFS ESPRIT I7870 3.0 MJTD 160 BHP 6 SPEED 4 BERTH OVER CAB BED REAR DOUBLE BED L-SHAPED LOUNGE 4 SEATBELTS OVEN/GRILL ALDE WET HEATING ALLOYS SOLAR JUST 47,000 MILES! £47,995

2009-59 SWIFT KON-TIKI 679 3.0 MJTD 160 BHP 6 BERTH OVER CAB BED REAR DOUBLE BED LARGE GARAGE 4 BELTS OVEN/GRILL SEP. SHOWER REV CAM AWNING ALLOY WHEELS TOW BAR SOLAR TV AERIAL 35,000 MILES! £44,995

2013 SWIFT BOLERO 684 FB 2.3 MJTD 130 BHP 4 BERTH FRENCH BED SINGLE DINETTE 4 SEATBELTS OVEN & GRILL SEP SHOWER AIR CON CRUISE CONTROL REV CAM TOW BAR JUST 9,000 MILES! £43,995

£38,995

£39,995 2014 AUTO-TRAIL APACHE 634 2.3 MJTD 4 BERTH REAR LOUNGE OVER CAB BED OVEN & GRILL SEP SHOWER CYCLE RACK TOW BAR ONE OWNER JUST 14,000 MILES! £39,995

2012 AUTO-TRAIL CHEROKEE 2.3 MJTD 130 BHP 6 SPEEED 4 BERTH FRENCH BED OVER STORAGE FRONT LOUNGE MID KITCHEN SEPARATE SHOWER FULL CAB BLINDS AIR COND SOLAR TOW BAR JUST 17,000 MILES! £38,995

£36,995

0115 858 1140

£35,995

£36,995

2011-61 RAPIDO 7090F 2.3 MJTD 130 BHP 6 SPEED 3 BERTH REAR ISLAND BED L-SHAPED LOUNGE 4 X SEATBELTS OVEN & GRILL SEP SHOWER AIR CON AWNING SOLAR PANEL JUST 22,000 MILES! FINANCE AVAILABLE £36,995

£32,995

£34,995 2009 EURA MOBIL TERRESTRA 690 HB 3.0 MJTD 160 BHP 4 BERTH OVER CAB BED REAR BED OVER A GARAGE DOUBLE DINETTE 6 BELTS OVEN & GRILL GAS HOB SEP SHOWER AIR CON SOLAR TOW BAR CYCLE RACK JUST 49,000 MILES

2013-63 ELDDIS MAJESTIC 175 2.2 HDI 130 BHP 6 SPEED 2 BERTH FRONT LOUNGE WITH SIDE FACING SETTEES MAKE A DOUBLE BED OVEN & GRILL MICROWAVE SEP SHOWER AIR CON REV CAM CYCLE RACK JUST 10,000 MILES!

2012 62 TRIGANO TRIBUTE 650 2. MJTD 100 BHP 6 SPEED 2 BERTH FRONT LOUNGE WITH SIDE SETTEE SEATBELTS END KITCHEN TV/DVD REV CAM TOW BAR SOLAR JUST 16,000 MILES!

FINANCE UP TO 10 YEARS

FREE 3 YEARS RAC EUROPEAN WARRANTY ON EVERY VAN PLUS 1 YEARS TAX & MOT, SERVICE AND CAM BELT

Tel: 0115 858 1140 • Gin Close Way, Awsworth, Notts NG16 2HH www.camc.com 2 mins off Junction 26 M1, near Ikea, Nottingham

June 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

PaulMount/Dreamstime

2009-59 EURA MOBIL ACTIVA 635 LS 3.0 MJTD 160 BHP 4 BERTH OVER CAB BED DOUBLE DINETTE WITH 4 BELTS SOG WASHROOM SEP. SHOWER ALDE HEATING TV/DVD REV CAM TOW BAR AL-KO 51,000 MILES! £36,995

ss

xxxxx

View over 100 vehicles at www.omcmotorhomes.co.uk

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 May 2019 27 MAY The Surrey County Show Combining top-quality entertainment, farming displays and award-winning livestock, this show brings the “best of the countryside” to the town of Guildford. Past highlights have included motorcycle stunt team demonstrations, dog shows, a food theatre and plenty of stalls to browse – whether you’re looking for clothing, jewellery or luxury dog beds.

Web: surreycountyshow.co.uk Club site: Slinfold

Matt Harris

“This show brings the ‘best of the countryside’ to the town of Guildford”

24-27 MAY

5 MAY Salcombe Crab Festival This celebration in the famous Devon resort town is a showcase for local fishing, food, drink and tourism industries. As well as offering visitors the opportunity to crack open some tasty crustaceans, there is also the chance to enjoy cookery demonstrations, live music, children’s activities and more. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Salcombe, profits are donated to local causes.

Web: salcombecrabfest.co.uk Club site: Start Bay

HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2019 Following a successful launch event in London during 2018, great thinkers come together in Hay-on-Wye for a series of discussions with titles including ‘AfterThe God Particle’, ‘The True and theTrivial’ and ‘The Will of the People’. A varied line-up of music and comedy accompanies the debating schedule, making this a unique celebration.

Web: howthelightgetsin.org Club site: Moorhampton

25-26 MAY Malton Food Lovers Festival Set across the streets of Malton in NorthYorkshire, the 11th edition of this popular festival promises to be a great one. Browse 180 market stalls and street food vans, enjoy live music and check out the vintage funfair.

With activities for younger visitors such as ‘Magical Quest’ theatre workshops and face painting, there’s something here for everyone.

Web: visitmalton.com/food-festivalyorkshire Club site: Scarborough West Ayton

31 MAY-1 JUNE Ballymoney Show With a history going back more than 100 years, this two-day show is perfect for all members of the family.

Look out for cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, horse and pony judging, as well as cookery demonstrations and entertainment in the form of music, football, and tug of war. A dog show and ‘bonny baby’ competition are further highlights.

Web: balleymoneyshow.org Club site: Drumaheglis Marina and Caravan Park

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

www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

75

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 23-24 MARCH

bookings, go to berkshirecentrecaravan club.co.uk (a non-returnable £50 deposit will be requested on receipt of booking)

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend Head to the pretty Cambridgeshire village of Thriplow for a charity event that is a mix of traditional village fête and flower festival. As well as looking at the amazing daffodil displays, you can visit open gardens, potter around stalls and enjoy a variety of food and drink – homemade cakes, sandwiches and delicious hot food in the ‘Taste of Thriplow’ – while listening to live music.

The temporary site in the neighbouring village of Fowlmere has fresh water and chemical disposal facilities.

Temporary site open: 22-24 March Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

18-19 JUNE The Royal Cheshire County Show Clay House Farm in Knutsford is the venue for a celebration of farming and the countryside.You will be able to see a variety of livestock, as well as pygmy goats, rabbits, cavies and pigeons, be entertained by monster trucks, dog and horse shows as well as live milking, ice cream making and sheep shearing demonstrations. Add vintage machinery, food and music into the equation and it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular shows of its type in the UK.The temporary site opposite the showground has fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Rally goers have two extra days to take in the scenic Cheshire countryside, stately homes and market towns.

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

8-12 MAY

5-6 MAY Truckfest Peterborough’s East of England Showground welcomes more than 2,000 trucks of all shapes and sizes, including the truck from the classic 1970s film, Smokey and the Bandit.

Watch monster truck and motorcycle stunt displays and enjoy fireworks, a fun fair and music from Madness and Oasis tribute acts.Two nights’ entertainment, including a truck light parade, are included in your rally fee.The temporary site on the showground has hook-ups, toilets, basic washrooms, fresh water and chemical disposal.

Temporary site open: 3-7 May Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

76

Royal Windsor Horse Show Held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, this event is a celebration of all things equestrian. Watch the world’s best horses and riders take part in carriage driving, showjumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions.You will also enjoy the Shetland Pony Grand National and displays from the King’s Troop and the Household Cavalry.

In addition, onThursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, a spectacular 90-minute pageant will take place, featuring a cast of hundreds, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.The temporary site on Windsor Racecourse has hook-ups, fresh water and chemical waste disposal, but no toilets or washrooms. From your pitch, you could walk the one mile to the show, travel by riverboat or take advantage of a private hire service. As a change from the horse action, there will be a variety of optional outings from the temporary site,

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

including a walking tour of Windsor, a boat trip on theThames and exploration of Windsor Great Park’s Valley Gardens.

Temporary site open: 8-12 May Contact: RuthTaylor on 01753 545142 or email taylorg13@sky.com

7-9 JUNE Retrofestival Head for Newark Showground for a celebration of all things retro – from the 1920s to the 1980s. Classic cars, bikes and scooters, steam engines, vintage aircraft and fashion and music from different eras will ensure you are entertained all weekend. Add a vintage funfair and more than 300 stalls into the equation and there really is something for everyone.The temporary site, with hook-ups, is located within 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

29-30 JUNE Bloxham Rally Held at Smiths Fields in Bloxham, near Banbury, this steam fair celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. As well as viewing steam engines and classic cars, visitors to the event will be able to enjoy motorcycle display teams, Spitfire displays, a working farm area, car crushing, an arts and crafts fair, falconry and live evening entertainment.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

See camc.com/centres and p105 of this issue for more centre information and coverage

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

July 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

69

NEWS HEADLINES

Glamping Pod at Abbey Wood, London

Members stay for FREE on Wednesdays With Experience Freedom, when booking a minimum of 2 nights, members stay free on Wednesdays during January, February and March, plus members get an additional 10% off.

Book today from ÂŁ69 per night www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/free-wednesday Terms and Conditions: We are offering a free Wednesday night for all Caravan and Motorhome Club Members when staying a minimum of 2 nights between 14 January and 31 March 2019 on accommodation with Experience Freedom. The offer is only applicable to bookings made between 14 January and 31 March 2019. No other offers or discounts be2017 used Caravan in conjunction with the offer, except the standard member discount of 10% off paid nights. Bookings are subject to our standard Booking Termswww.camc.com and Conditions. ssmay May and Motorhome Club Magazine

TOURING UK SITES

MORE

ON THE

APP

Incleboro Fields

This site on the north Norfolk coast is the perfect base whether you’re interested in sport, wildlife or history

Above: West Runton Below: Sheringham Golf Club Bottom: Felbrigg Hall

n the depths of time, a steppe itself from Incleboro Fields Club mammoth became stuck in site. This large, well-equipped a swampy river channel close to DID YOU KNOW? site offers more than 240 the sea at West Runton in pitches, many with You can book Club site pitches Norfolk. The huge beast – spectacular sea views, via the UK Sites app, at camc. twice the weight of a modern as well as a play area and com/searchandbook or by African elephant – was unable playground – so it’s perfect calling our Advance Booking to free itself (perhaps, as it for a family break.

Service on 01342 327490. turns out, hampered by a For a more modern slice Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly deformed right knee), and was of history, why not head for condemned to a cruel fate.

Felbrigg Hall, just a 10-minute Six hundred thousand years later, local drive away? Highlights within this residents Harold and Margaret Hems were magnificent 17th-century building include the walking on the beach when they came across Great Hall (which contains examples of an enormous bone – exposed by the previous 15th-century stained glass) and a Gothic-styled night’s storm – at the foot of the cliffs. It turned library which contains about 5,000 books, out to be the mammoth’s pelvis and later including Dr Johnson’s famous dictionary. excavations revealed an 85% complete specimen The hall sits within 520 acres of park and which was dubbed ‘The West Runton Elephant’. woodland that are perfect for an extended walk, More information about this fabulous perhaps punctuated with a picnic. Buggy-friendly creature is revealed at Cromer Museum – but paths make the going easier for those with young you can actually walk to the now-famous beach families, while the Squires Pantry is the ideal

www.camc.com

Jamesphotos/Dreamstime

I

Stephen Butler/getty

Andrew Fox / Alamy

SPOTLIGHT ON:

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

79

TOURING UK SITES

Club Site Offering great facilities for kids and easy access to the coast, this is a fantastic family site.

Pitches: 241 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

“Known locally as ‘Beeston Bump’, the summit was home to a vital ‘Y-station’”

wmoorhen/getty

Incleboro Fields

Right: Cromer Pier and beach Below: coastal path on Beeston Hill

Your view “We walked a lot of the coastline over the two weeks. The walks are great and we saw the seals several times. There is excellent transport if you want to use the train or the coast hopper bus service.”

TomSue, caravanner

Your view

Ernie Janes / Alamy

“We have been to Incleboro three times this year, we love it so much. Location (beautiful and quiet), facilities (which, being new, are second to none!), staff (friendly and go that extra mile)... we absolutely can’t fault anything.”

Frosost, motorhomer

Food & drink Marmalades Bistro, 5 Church Street, Sheringham NR26 8QR Contact: marmaladesbistro.co.uk, 01263 822830

Culture Henry Blogg (Lifeboatman) Museum, The Rocket House, The Gangway, Cromer NR27 9ET Contact: https://rnli.org/henryblogg, 01263 511294

Outdoor fun The Links Country Park Hotel and Golf Club, West Runton, Cromer NR27 9QH Contact: links-hotel.co.uk, 01263 838383

For the family Beeston Hills putting green, off Cliff Road, Sheringham NR26 8DJ

80

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

place to relax with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Plant lovers will no doubt be drawn to the pretty walled garden and orangery which houses an impressive collection of camelias.

Moving forwards in history once again, members should consider a walk to the top of Beeston Hill, which dominates the skyline in these parts. Known locally as ‘Beeston Bump’, the summit was home to a vital ‘Y-station’, which helped track the locations of enemy vessels during the Second World War. All that remains today is a concrete octagonal base, but the trek to the top is well worth the effort, if only for the extensive views of Sheringham, Beeston Regis, West Runton and Cromer.

Of course no visit to this part of the world would be complete without a stroll along the grand old pier at Cromer. Competitive types might like to buy a crab fishing kit in the gift shop at the entrance – ‘crabbing’ is a great way to kill an hour or two. If you plan on staying a little longer, why not book tickets for the famous show in the Pavilion Theatre? Now in its 43rd year, the classic ‘end of the pier’ experience showcases dancers, singers, comedians and variety acts from all over the world.

Also in Cromer is Amazona Zoo, a fantastic attraction that is home to more than 200 South American animals, from capuchins and caimans to monkeys and macaws. The exotic creatures found here are primarily sourced from affiliated zoo breeding programmes (ie they are not taken from the wild) and the zoo places a strong emphasis on conservation.

Indoor and outdoor play areas add to the fun for younger visitors, while the Jungle Cafe serves hot and cold snacks.

If you prefer fairways to fur and feathers, you’ll be pleased to learn that you are spoiled for choice in this part of the world. While the Links Country Park Hotel course adjacent to Incleboro Fields (which offers a superb nine-holes for the price of 18 offer to members staying on site) offers an excellent test, famous layouts such as Royal Cromer and Sheringham are within easy reach, and Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk are about an hour’s drive away.

The beauty of a stay at Incleboro Fields is that there is so much to discover right on your doorstep. At the very least you can head down to the beach – just keep a look out for prehistoric bones... www.camc.com

Finding Level

NEWS HEADLINES

Automatic mover and self levelling system

FROM UNHITCH TO LEVEL PITCH IN UNDER 2 MINUTES! Stage 1: Handset shows which side is NOT level.

Stage 2: Place the ramp on the side which is low.

Stage 4: Automatic corner steadies descend and level the caravan front to back.

Stage 3: Press finding level.

Caravan moves up the ramp & levels left to right.

Suitable for single axle caravans up to 2000kg

EM306 Finding Level Kit Includes

+

+

Electric engage mover with Self Levelling, (levels caravan side to side)

Self levelling remote & mother board

4 x Electric Corner steadies, (levels caravan front to back)

Never struggle to move or level your Caravan again!

PATENT PENDING

See the complete mover range - www.emove-uk.com EM303 Easy Wind The Easy-wind roller engagement is the easiest manual-engage system available. It offers FULL adjustment to the tyre tread and pressure and is suitable for ALL large singleaxle caravans & medium sized twin-axle up to 1800kg.

(Flat SWL 2250kg)

5 YEAR

No Quibble Warranty

EM303A Electric Engage

Possibly the world’s most popular electric-engage caravan mover. Suitable for large single-axle and medium size twin-axle up to 1800kg.

(Flat SWL 2250kg)

Affiliated Member

Available from all good caravan dealerships. www.camc.com

Another great product from

telephone: 0161 509 5503

EM305 Electric Twin Axle

If you are looking to move mountains this is the mover for you. Suitable for large single-axle and large twin-axle caravans up to 2000kg.

(Flat SWL 2450kg)

Distributed by

email: sales@streetwizeaccessories.com March 2017 The Caravan and Motorhome Club

4

FAMILIES TOURING TIPS

Family matters Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (16) and son Charlie (11) love the great outdoors and the touring lifestyle. This month – a spot of stargazing...

Main image: the night sky is endlessly fascinating Below: apps can be used to improve your stargazing experience

Helen’s view Although there’s an element of truth in the phrase “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”, I’m not a big fan of rain. Fortunately, as clear skies are required, stargazing is done in the dry.

It would be good to have a go on a warm summer’s evening but that would make bedtime late for the kids. Although darker early evenings can generally be a pain, they do mean we can spend some time looking into the heavens and still get Charlie tucked into bed at a reasonable hour.

Charlie’s view

During winter you can go stargazing – an increasingly popular pastime that costs very little – as early as 4pm or 5pm in the evening. And what a hobby it can be: thousands of stars are visible from Earth with the naked eye, and the aweinspiring celestial views we enjoy have fired imaginations for generations, from ancient philosophers to, more recently, creators of the likes of Star Trek and Star Wars.

A modicum of forward planning is necessary if you want to go stargazing. For starters you should take a quick look at the weather forecast to see when the skies will be free from cloud. Light pollution is a factor to consider, and although it’s probably possible to pick out certain stars and constellations from your favourite campsite, researching a suitably dark location is well worth the effort.

To inspire the kids (and limit any potential eye-rolling at the prospect of going out in cold weather), a quick Google of ‘fun stargazing facts’ informed us that the average star is between one and 10 billion years old, and that it can take millions of

years for a star’s light to travel as far as our eyes.

Effectively, this means that when you’re staring at the night sky you’re looking back in time! We already knew that the sun is our closest star – but discovering that the hydrogen-fuelled colossus is 330,000 times bigger than Earth and boasts a surface temperature of around 5,600°C, enough to heat our planet from 93 million miles away was truly mind-boggling.

Armed with a morale-boosting flask of hot chocolate, our foray onto a nearby grassy knoll –well away from any artificial light – revealed a wondrous snapshot of outer space. This is an easy activity to dip into when time and weather allows, and special trips can be made to the UK’s assortment of dark sky-dedicated areas, where you can gaze at the stars in all their wonder. In fact... they’re out of this world!

It was a clear, crisp evening when we went stargazing and we found the perfect spot a short walk from the caravan. Dad made a flask of hot chocolate in case we got cold and the first thing we did after sitting down was to pour ourselves a mug each!

Thinking that we were looking at light that had taken 100,000 years to reach us is absolutely bananas, but not as mad as the age of some of those stars – some could be older than the Earth! We also downloaded an app that told us the names of the stars and we found the North Star that has been used to navigate for many, many years.

MEMBERS SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

TWINKLE, TWINKLE FIVE TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED 1 The International Dark-Sky Association’s website (darksky.org) lists ‘dark sky’ locations worldwide 2 Lots of apps are available, but try the Met Office’s for forecasts and Night Sky or Sky Map to identify stars and constellations 82

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

3 Stargazing is best when there is no moon in the sky 4 Telescopes for beginners can cost as little as £50 5 Try this National Trust site – nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ top-spots-for-stargazing

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

Crossword

£90

In Club gift tokens to be won 1

2

3

4

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Tuesday 19 March 2019.

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

5

6

7

10

8

9

12

11

13 14

15

16

17

18 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26 27

31

28

32

29

33

30

34 36

38

35

37

39

42

43

44

45

49

48

40

46

50

54

41

47

51

52

53

55

56 57

58

59 60

61

NAME: ADDRESS:

DOWN 1 Rescue (4) 2 Before all others (5) 3 An adventurous search (5) 4 Head of an empire (7) 5 Before the due time (5) 6 Chew noisily (5) 7 Small landing wharf (5) 8 A brownish skin spot (7) 9 Festival with fine food (5) 11 Weeping (6) 18 Head cook (4) 20 Seize or clutch (5) 21 British game bird (8) 22 Urges on (4) 23 Story (4) 25 Miniature animal (5) 26 Fall down unconscious (8) 28 Drinking vessel (5) 29 Scornful look (5) 32 Freshwater fish (5) 35 Podgy and stout (5) 36 Seaside walkway (4) 37 Black marketeer (4) 41 Terminates (4) 43 A sweet age to be? (7) 45 Fight between armies (6) 46 Overcome with remorse (7) 48 Named traitor (5) 49 A mummy’s boy (5) 50 Stomach (5) 51 Rise to your feet (5) 52 A jet of vapour (5) 53 Maker’s tag (5) 56 Pierce with a knife (4)

POSTCODE: MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

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

ACROSS 1 Free from danger (4) 3 Tailback (5) 10 An aunt’s husband (5) 12 Impolite (4) 13 A good moral quality (6) 14 Take by theft (5) 15 Tricky crossword clue (7) 16 Begin (5)

17 19 21 24 27 28 30 31 33

Tight tangle (4) Suspend (4) Rate per hundred (10) Assist (4) Woman or girl (6) Protective spectacles (7) Citrus fruit (6) Halt (4) Remain (4)

34 35 38 39 40 42 44 47 48

In good health (4) Playthings (4) Horrible sprite (6) Indoor shoe (7) Round stone (6) Chore (4) To shorten words (10) A 3-foot measure (4) An unlucky curse (4)

February solution: Across: 1 Hacksaw 5 Versus 8 Abysmal 10 Long 11 Catnap 12 Apron 14 Cot 15 Handiwork 16 Ours 17 Writ 19 Abridge 22 Split 24 Related 26 Kick 28 Tutor 29 Verbal 31 Phobia 33 Summit 35 Nitwit 38 Adapt 39 Well 40 Jogging 43 Dense 45 Latrine 47 Peak 49 Free 50 Effective 53 Net 54 Honey 55 Exceed 56 Name 57 Neptune 58 Doctor 59 Road hog Down: 1 Hamper 2 Kiln 3 Wagon 4 Blackout 5 Victor 6 Rat-trap 7 Superstore 9 Memo 13 Mineral 15 Hare 17 Wonky 18 Task 20 Dumb 21 Flap 23 Lettuce 25 Elbow 27 Captain 28 Tart 29 Vest 30 Romeo 32 Paddy-field 34 Trip 35 Neglect 36 Test 37 Slack 39 Weep 41 Greeting 42 Fine 44 Serpent 46 Bender 48 Ageing 51 Flop 52 Inner 54 Head

JANUARY WINNERS £50 first prize: June Bradford, Devon £10 runners-up: Janet Rodgers, Derbyshire; Christopher Atkin, Nottinghamshire; Adrian Beale, Berkshire; Eleanor Blears, Flintshire

84

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

52 Magic formula (5)

Emblem of Scotland (7) grid A 5455 Homeless wanderer (5) 57 Burrowing animal (6) 58 Nagging pain (4) 59 To sense by use of the nose (5) 60 Father (5) 61 Excess body fat (4)

Send to: ‘March 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

www.camc.com

May 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

113

TEST SKODA KODIAQ SCOUT 2.0TDI 4X4 DSG

SCOUT’S HONOUR Lesley Harris checks out the winner of the ‘Best Large Family Towcar’ category in our 2019 Towcar of the Year competition

86

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

S

koda is certainly no stranger to silverware, having picked up numerous class and, indeed, overall winner titles during the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year competition’s 36-year history. And although the Skoda Kodiaq couldn’t quite hold off the Volvo XC60 during the 2019 event to retain its crown, it still fended off some quality rivals to claim the ‘Best Large Family Towcar’ award.

Taking inspiration from its popular stablemate, the Superb, the Kodiaq is certainly stylish, yet it’s cheaper than some of its seven-seater rivals. Sporting a bold grille, sleek headlight clusters and a high waistline, this practical SUV has an understated classiness that makes it stand out in a crowd.

COMFORT The interior looks smart and feels robust. The dash is laid out logically, with all the switchgear within easy reach, and although you can specify a ‘Virtual Cockpit’ as an option, I rather like the traditional dials and controls. That said, there is plenty of useful tech inside, including Skoda’s new Connect System, which features integrated online services such as real-time route planning, weather information and even detail such as parking space availability nearby!

This model even featured a communication facility that enables your rear passengers to hear what you are saying via microphone and speakers – clever, eh?

Speaking of those rear passengers, they certainly won’t have any complaints about space, as both head and leg room are more than adequate... even for the tallest of co-travellers.

Wide-opening rear doors allow fairly easy access for either fixing child seats or gaining access to the third-row seats, although the latter are definitely more suited to younger passengers.

In seven-seat mode, packing space is limited at 270 litres, so you might need to invest in a roof carrier. But in five-seat guise, boot space rises to a fantastic 720 litres, and then there’s a whopping 2,005 litres with all the seats folded.

A neat little stowage area under the boot floor is an added bonus.

Other nice touches from Skoda include the umbrellas stowed inside both the driver and passenger doors, the ice-scraper in the fuel filler flap and the door edge protectors.

DRIVING With no fewer than seven trim levels from which to choose, there’s something to suit everyone’s budget. The Kodiaq has numerous engine options, including the 1.5TSi 148bhp petrol featuring ACT – Active Cylinder Technology – which shuts down the second and third cylinder when not needed, thus saving fuel. Also available are tried and tested 2.0 TDi diesels in three outputs – 148bhp, 187bhp and www.camc.com

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

87

TEST SKODA KODIAQ SCOUT 2.0TDI 4X4 DSG

TECHNICAL RATINGS

91%

93%

93%

92%

COMFORT

DRIVING

TOWING

VERDICT

Price as tested

Engine

Kerbweight

Fuel/tank/econ

£39,810 Insurance

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

1,839kg (85%= 1,563kg)

Group 23

Power

Gross vehicle weight

Diesel/13.2gal (60 litres)/ 35.5mpg solo/27.6mpg towing 1,374kg

Club insurance

Clockwise from above: well laid-out dash; boot space rises to a whopping 2,005 litres when seats are folded; rear three-quarter view – looking good; rearmost seats are better for smaller passengers

The Club’s Car Insurance is tailored to the needs of members using our 25 plus years of know-how.

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

187bhp (142kw) @ 3,500rpm Torque

2,510kg Gross train weight

CO2

151g/km 295 lbft (400Nm) @ 4,510kg Noseweight limit 1,900rpm Transmission 80kg Seven-speed DSG Towing equipment automatic, 4x4 Electric folding MORE Spare wheel towbar £865 ON THE Tyre repar kit with compressor

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.

237bhp. Add to that front- and four-wheel drive options and a seven-speed DSG gearbox – available on most models – and Skoda has just about every base covered. I drove the Kodiaq Scout 2.0 TDi 188bhp 4x4 DSG, which puts out 295lb ft (400Nm) of torque at 1,900rpm.

Once settled into the comfortable seats you really do get a sense of being in a car that belies its price. The high driving position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, and with class-leading visibility all round, it’s already off to a good start.

There’s plenty of grip on offer too, while nicely-weighted and precise steering makes the handling surprisingly agile for such a large car. Even on its 19in wheels, the Kodiaq is nice and controlled, and the suspension does a good job of soaking up any jiggling from rough road surfaces.

The seven-speed DSG gearbox – standard on the Scout – is effortless in its delivery and there’s only the slightest whisper of tyre or road noise in evidence. All this enhances the driving experience, leaving you feeling relaxed on even the longest of journeys.

88

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

There are plenty of optional extras on offer, such as the Driver Assist Package at £1,260 which gives you Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Emergency Assist.

DID YOU KNOW?

VERDICT We guarantee to beat So, if you are in the market your insurance renewal for a seven-seater and want premium by £25*. excellent value for money See camc.com/ (let’s face it, who doesn’t insurance or call 0345 want that?) – as tested, this 504 0334 to get Skoda comes in at under your quote £40,000 – then you really should take a look at the Kodiaq. It It’s refined, dependable and available with a large selection TOWING of engines, transmissions and trim levels.

Once again the team at Chichester Caravans helped me out with the loan of a suitable caravan. A great all-round package – as both a solo I would suggest forking out the £385 for the performer and towcar. rear camera – they really do help when it comes to hitching-up, especially if you’re on your own.

Our test car also had the electric folding towbar fitted at a cost of £865.

Once I had attached the towing mirrors (not the easiest of tasks), the Kodiaq proved a very With thanks to capable towcar and the 2.0-litre diesel engine pulled like a train. The car and caravan were in complete unison and there was never a hint of Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of pitching or tugging. I felt there was plenty of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. power available when needed for overtaking and co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@ tackling inclines. chichester-caravans.co.uk. www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

no quibble warranty

Designed & developed to be the best caravan mover The easy life just got that little bit easier.

Quattro® is more powerful and yet more efficient than other leading brands; as well as being lighter and IP water resistant.

50%

25% 25

15% 15

Meaning less drain on your leisure battery.

Allowing you to tackle steep inclines safely.

Making the most of your payload.

More efficient

More powerful

Lighter

• Quattro® technology is optimised for both single & twin axle caravans.

• The unique twin roller design offers exceptional traction across a wide range of surfaces and weather conditions.

• Available in both manual and automatic engagement.

www.camc.com

UNIQUE TWIN ROLLER DESIGN

January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

4

TEST COACHMAN LASER 665

AIMING HIGH Rob McCabe sets his sights on a top-of-the-range twin-axle model from Hull

A

fter being dropped for the 2018 model year, the Coachman Laser is back – with three flagship twin-axle models which are positively groaning under the weight of their standard equipment; unsurprisingly, given their thirty-plus-grand price tags.

The three permanent-bedroom layouts include a new fixed single-bed model with a massive centre washroom. It’s the Laser 665, and it’s this issue’s featured model.

BUILD QUALITY Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference. Take, for example, the removable shelves that sit in some of the overhead lockers here: they are delightfully chunky and really neatly finished. The bigger stuff is equally well sorted – all the drawers have proper dovetail joints and glide sweetly along on metal runners, while the soft-close operation of the locker doors provides an upmarket touch. Indeed, the quality of the joinery everywhere is commendable.

Outside, this big caravan is supported by heavy-duty corner steadies. The huge expanses of aluminium and GRP are fully bonded together using Coachman’s Advanced Bonded Construction (ABC) method, and hung on to a polyurethane skeleton frame; a theoretically water-impervious barrier that means a 10-year water-ingress warranty comes as part of the deal.

90

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

TOWING Match the right vehicle and towing a twin-axle caravan is as easy as it gets. This is because you have twice the size of footprint on the road compared to a single axle, and the resulting well-planted feel gives rock-solid stability. The hitch-mounted stabiliser and ATC give you belt and braces, and another belt. Same applies to low-speed manoeuvring, such as reversing on to

a pitch: those four wheels mean that turns happen slowly and precisely. A single-axle tourer feels fidgety by comparison. The trade-off in this instance is weight. Fully laden, the Laser tops 1,800kg, so only full-size SUVs need apply. That amount of heft means that trying to move this thing by hand is hernia-inducing – you’re handing over more than 30 grand, so haggle to see if a motor mover can be included as part of the deal! www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

93%

81%

81%

89%

BUILD QUALITY

TOWING

DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME

89%

92%

90%

88%

KITCHEN

WASHROOM

LIGHTING

VERDICT

Price as tested

Beds

MRO

£31,190 OTR

Front: 6ft 9in x 4ft 7in double or two 5ft x 2ft 4in singles. Rear: two 6ft 3in x 2ft 7in fixed singles

1,660kg (32.68cwt)

Heating

Alde wet central heating

MTPLM

1,820kg (35.83cwt) User payload

DAYTIME With so much floorspace devoted to the bedroom and washroom, it’s the lounge that has seen the sharp end of the designer’s scalpel. Sure, you’ll seat four perfectly comfortably but there’s little scope for spreading out – and it’s disappointing that such an expensive, luxury-orientated caravan still can’t stretch to a bulkhead and bolster for the door-side edge of the nearside sofa.

Luckily, it’s peachy in all other regards.

The elegant, deep window shelf is far more glamorous than the traditional front chest, while still offering plenty of stowage space; and the pull-out extension slides out and springs up to sit level with the rest of it. Neat! The free-standing table – whose bespoke locker is conveniently nearby – also rests at the same height as everything else, which is pleasing to see.

The built-in Pioneer stereo with matching speakers is a great-sounding set-up, and offers Bluetooth connectivity for your own devices.

No DAB digital radio, though, which again is www.camc.com

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

160kg (3.15cwt) Overall length

Fridge/freezer

25ft 11in (7.89m)

Dometic tower fridge-freezer

7ft 7in (2.31m)

Overall width

Toilet

Overall height

Dometic

8ft 8in (2.64m) Max internal height

6ft 5in (1.96m) Clockwise from far left: the long single beds and padded headboards; kitchen has lots of storage; the twin-axle 665 has four heavy-duty corner steadies; lounge without and with the free-standing table

Caravan and Motorhome Club Cover

Figures from manufacturer’s literature.

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £31,500 (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 £8.75 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.

something you might have NIGHT-TIME DID YOU KNOW? On two separate occasions during expected to find this far up You can cover this the caravanning food chain. the test at the Ferry Meadows caravan with the Club There are lots of mains Club site, interested fellow for £343.93* per year. sockets sprinkled about caravanners stopped to have Please see camc.com/ (including one outside, next a quick chat about the big new insurance or call to a gas barbecue point), as Coachman. When peering into 01342 336610 for well as USB sockets. The Alde the bedroom, both had the further details wet central heating system is identical instant reaction: “Ooh, quiet and quick. So too is the internal this is nice!” That’s what I thought, too. fresh water tank.

The two beds (impressively long at 6ft 3in and Though a four-berth caravan, the 665 will very comfortable) sit either side of a practical bedside table, while the big, thickly-padded be bought and used by lots of couples, and they’ll be pleased with the immense amount headboards add a warm, home-from-home of storage. There’s plenty of space under each ambience. It’s not just the beds that spoil you: bed, both of which have exterior-access lockers. as well as a wall bracket and socketry for a telly, The front sofa bases support easily on hydraulic there’s another pair of branded speakers for the struts, which makes up for the lack of frontstereo. It’s an undeniably nice feature, but the opening hatches. Outside, you’d be forgiven killer touch would be a power switch – as it stands, for assuming you have two gas lockers – but you’ll need to take it in turns to get up and turn it both bottles live in the nearside compartment. off at the unit in the lounge when A Book At The other is simply a ‘shed’.

Bedtime has finished. A big sunroof, two central March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

91

TEST COACHMAN LASER 665

Left: the washroom has ‘acres’ of space Above: shower cubicle includes an array of shelves

heating radiators under each window, masses of storage and a bedside mains socket set the seal on a brilliant bedroom.

Any guests will be very happy with their enormous double bed up front, quickly brought into being thanks to well-engineered slats that glide serenely in and out of their compartment.

And, of course, the central location of the washroom makes it accessible for all occupants.

KITCHEN A nicely-planned facility, this. There’s already a decent slab of work surface, and a useful fold-up extension that creates a bit more. There’s plenty of storage too, headed up by a huge cupboard that contains a generous pull-out wire rack.

The dual-fuel hob is protected by a suitably upmarket-looking cast-iron pan support, and 92

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

above that is an Omnivent extractor fan. The sleek tower fridge opposite has a cool trick up its sleeve – both the fridge and freezer doors can be opened from either side.

WASHROOM I’m not sure I have ever encountered a caravan washroom as big as this before. With its acres of space, warm ambience and superb lighting, it makes a great dressing room – although the lack of a longer mirror takes the edge off its credentials in this regard. Surprising too that there are no hooks for towels or dressing gowns. The shower cubicle is generously sized and well thought-out, with its own light, a big footrest/shelf and an array of little shelves for all your gels and shampoo. Two domestic-style doors shut the room off from the rear bedroom and the front of the caravan.

LIGHTING The Laser takes mood lighting to a whole new level – quite literally. As well as the usual glow from above the overhead lockers, there’s another layer on the underside of said lockers… and then yet another running along the sofa bases in the lounge. This last one does look rather dramatic with everything else switched off! The bedroom doesn’t miss out either, with over-locker illumination to go with the two reading lamps.

There’s a little pin-hole night light just above floor level in here, too.

The washroom is awash with lamps – there are four altogether, although there’s no means of switching them on/off individually, which is a bit overwhelming in the middle of the night when all you want is a little support to see what you’re doing.

A long strip of LEDs takes care of kitchen duties, and there are two exterior lights – one for the awning and another over on the other side for your services.

VERDICT It’s expensive, but it’s impeccably finished and, a few details aside, you do feel that you’re getting a lot for your money.

With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by Coachman Caravan Company Ltd, Amsterdam Road, Hull HU7 0XF. Contact: coachman.co.uk, 01482 839737

www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

www.caravanclub.co.uk

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

5

TEST COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV20

NEW GUARD

Nick Harding examines a keenly priced two-berth campervan from a resurgent brand

T

he Compass name is back! New offerings comprise six coachbuilt models and two van conversions, all badged ‘Avantgarde’ (only interior décor and exterior graphics distinguish them from their stablemate Elddis Autoquest equivalents).

Here we’re looking at the Avantgarde CV20 panel van – a two-berth offering the twin-settee rear lounge that’s so popular here in the UK. The pricing is keen-as-mustard – you could have a brand-new camper for less than £40,000 (only the presence of alloy wheels pushes this example over that crucial boundary).

BUILD QUALITY The County Durham-based firm has done a fine job with the CV20. There’s doubtless been some guidance from parent company

94

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Erwin Hymer Group UK – some of the interior plastic mouldings, for example, seem of an even better quality than others I’ve seen in recent Elddis products.

Until now, Elddis has built on Peugeot Boxer bases but it has switched to Fiat’s Ducato for its van conversions. The CV20 makes its entrance with the two-litre, 115bhp engine as standard.

comfortable long-haul journeys as well as – in this format – nimble around-town driving and parking, given its overall dimensions. You get what is a standard Ducato cab, although the steering wheel controls and DAB radio are welcome upgrades.

DAYTIME The rear settees layout means you really can DRIVING fling open the back doors and welcome in the I suspect most buyers will happily pay the extra world. For dining, a free-standing table comes £900 for the 2.3-litre, 130bhp unit (which also out of its safe stowage slot behind the driver. means they can go on and specify automatic It’s actually a little bit tricky to manoeuvre transmission). Talking of options, the £1,218 around it when in situ in the lounge.

Lux Pack is another ‘must have’, especially as it I’ve already mentioned the decent-quality includes a passenger airbag, along with cab air plastic mouldings around the windows, conditioning and cruise control. although there’s some painted metal on show The Fiat’s origins may be as a commercial on the back doors to remind you this is a vehicle, but it’s more than capable of ‘budget’ vehicle. And there’s just the one www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

Clockwise from left: CV20 is built on Fiat’s Ducato; cab has some welcome upgrades; lounge with table in place; and without

74%

70%

75%

75%

BUILD QUALITY

DRIVING

DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME

74%

65%

75%

73%

KITCHEN

WASHROOM

DETAILS

VERDICT

Price as tested

Base vehicle

MRO

Overall length

£40,596 OTR

Fiat Ducato

19ft 8in (5.99m)

Engine

2,835kg (55.80cwt)

2.0-litre Euro VI

MTPLM

6ft 9in (2.06m)

Caravan and Motorhome Club Insurance

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

Power

115bhp (86kW) @ 4,000rpm

3,500kg (68.89cwt) User payload

665kg 214lb ft (290Nm) (13.09cwt) @ 1,750rpm Torque

Overall width Overall height

8ft 9in (2.67m) Max internal height

6ft 2in (1.88m)

Transmission

Six-speed manual, FWD

Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/19.8gals (90 litres)/ 30-34mpg

Figures from manufacturer’s literature. *Quote is for the model as tested worth £40,596. Based on 50-year-old banker living in Sheffield with a maximum NCB coming from a vehicle of a similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps vehicle on drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £150 damage, fire and theft excess. Quote is based on vehicle having a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

blown-air outlet in the main sliding doorway is standard, but DID YOU KNOW? seating area, at the forward cab blinds are a £450 option.

You can insure this end of the lounge.

The main upholstery has motorhome with the Club Similarly, the small an ‘Aquaclean’ finish, which for £525.29* per year. rooflight overhead is a bit means it can be wiped clean Please see camc.com/ cheaper than the larger with water, while the foam insurance or call Heki units you get with is light but supportive.

0345 504 0334 for some rivals. Most folk will further details welcome the flatscreen NIGHT-TIME television holder with aerial, mains Those settees are long enough, and 12V sockets to hand. at 1.88m (6ft 2in) apiece, to be worth If you want additional on-site seating for considering as single beds. Alternatively, a couple ofr guests, you can also swivel both cab a double is easy to make – the slatted bases seats – although there’s a step down to floor have a particularly easy slide-out action. At level behind the cab. night there are concertina blinds to the four The gas tank comes as standard, freeing up double-glazed acrylic windows in the lounge; interior storage space – as do the Whale they’re top-hinged for opening, except the nearside one which is fixed (to prevent heating and hot water systems, which are accidental damage if opening the sliding door). also underslung. A flyscreen panel across the www.camc.com

Either of the settee bases can be used to stow your bedding. You can access these via large doors or by hingeing up the slatted sections. In addition, there’s a small hatch at the end of the nearside settee which is accessed when the rear doors are open – it’s ideal for stowing items such as your mains lead.

KITCHEN Compass has struck the right blend of cooking facilities and storage space in the kitchen.

Thetford’s Triplex cooker has a three-ring gas hob and a combined oven and grill, complemented by a deep, circular sink with loose cover that will need to be stowed for travel. A worktop extension to the left of the hob is a useful addition.

For storage, there’s a drawer directly beneath the oven, a shallow floor locker under March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

95

TEST COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV20

“It’s the price that’s all important here and the Erwin Hymer Group has smashed it” Clockwise from left: kitchen has the right blend of cooking facilities and storage space; the double bed is easy to make; washroom includes a fixed basin but storage is limited

that, and a shelved cupboard under the sink that includes a mug holder. Plus, there’s a set of four drawers at the end of the kitchen unit, their location meaning they’re accessible from outside with the sliding door open, too.

Across the corridor, the kitchen facilities are completed by a narrow-bodied Thetford compressor fridge with freezer. It has a 90-litre capacity, which is generous for a van conversion, while its location, set over the wardrobe, makes for easy access.

WASHROOM It’s quite a surprise to see a fixed basin in here (most makers of van conversions go for some kind of fold-away affair). There’s the usual Thetford swivel-bowl toilet, while the shower 96

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

tray has just the one plughole. The only ventilation is via a rooflight.

While the tap’s pull-out extension for the shower is acceptable in a conversion like this, the curtain on the narrowest of tracking suggests a compromise. Storage is somewhat limited, too – there’s a small locker overhead flanked by open shelving, but there’s nothing to hold your shampoo bottles and so on in place.

DETAILS There are plenty of pluses in this department.

The overhead lockers have positive locks and there are switched LED reading lamps as well as ambient strips over the lockers. The storage space over the cab is handy while smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are set in the ceiling. The only minus I could find was

that the back of the kitchen’s overhead locker flexes too much.

VERDICT It’s the price that’s all-important here and the Erwin Hymer Group has smashed it. You’ll want to budget for engine and Lux Pack upgrades, but that still brings you in under £40,000 – so well worth your consideration.

With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by: Lowdhams, Lowdham Road, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7ES. Contact: lowdhams.com, 0115 966 3838

www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

www.caravanclub.co.uk

5

PRACTICAL Q&A

Ask your Club The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions 98

Refillable tanks and cylinders Q

What are the Club’s recommendations on the use of user-refillable tanks and cylinders?

A

Most caravan and motorhome users use exchangeable gas cylinders (Calor or similar), which can only be refilled at the gas supplier’s facilities. If you use modest amounts of gas per year, that’s fine, with the convenience of exchange facilities on campsites, accessory shops and so on offsetting the relatively high cost of the gas, and the fee payable for loan of the cylinder (which can be partially redeemed if you give the cylinder back). This system works less well if you use a lot of gas (perhaps for winter touring, or staying off grid for significant periods), or if you travel through several countries, all with different cylinder standards.

Such users may opt for a fixed gas tank (usually on a motorhome) or refillable cylinder(s) to substitute for the exchangeable ones on a caravan, campervan or motorhome.

You can refill these yourself using automotive LPG (‘autogas’) pumps at petrol stations and elsewhere that are usually used to fill the propulsion tanks of LPG-powered vehicles. There are around 1,400 such filling stations in the UK, compared to around 8,000 petrol stations. You can also refill abroad, although you may need adaptors to connect the filling gun to the filling point of your tank or cylinder.

As you only buy the gas, rather than also funding a cylinder exchange scheme, and due to favourable taxation of autogas, the relative cost of buying gas this way can be very advantageous. To be worthwhile, though, you need to use a fair amount, as the purchase price of the cylinder or tank is significant – typically from £200 upwards for a cylinder and rather more for a tank.

At filling stations there has been a longstanding debate over the refilling of ‘habitation’ tanks and especially cylinders, rather than the automotive propulsion tanks which the filling points are intended for.

Some stations are accommodating, some have been very negative.

There is some basis for concern, as

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Underslung tank dubious cylinders have previously been sold without the safety valves necessary to prevent overfilling, and the industry best practice guidelines for filling stations have always discouraged user-refilling, other than for propulsion gas tanks.

Thankfully, things moved forward late in 2018 with a revised version of the filling station guidance and revised advice from the UKLPG, the industry’s trade association. This makes it somewhat easier for filling station operators to accept user-refillable cylinders, and should mean more outlets do so. Note that the revised advice does not require refilling of cylinders to be permitted, however.

One issue to consider is whether you want to refill cylinders in situ or not. Most cylinders can be supplied with an external filling point on the outside of the vehicle or gas locker, and this means you don’t need to remove the cylinder to refill it.

These are somewhat less likely to cause objections from filling stations, as you refill exactly as you would an LPG-powered car or van.

We’d recommend these for motorhomes and campervans (it’s the standard arrangement with an underslung fixed tank, of course), and advise that caravan owners consider them too. If you have a cylinder that has to be removed to be refilled directly through its valve, you can take it for refilling by car, but this is more risky – the cylinder must be properly secured and kept upright for safety. There’s also some risk of the cylinder toppling

External filling point while connecting/disconnecting the filling gun, and that alone can sometimes cause filling stations to be concerned.

UKLPG publishes guidance for consumers on safe user-refilling on its website: uklpg.org/resources/ information-sheets/consumerinformation-sheets. Look for Information Sheet UIS037.

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

camc.com/advice

www.camc.com

LETTERS YOUR VIEWS

How has your fence weathered this Winter? with 4 x pics supplied

No painting or repairs for

25 years

†

Install a ColourFence before the Spring and you’ll be maintenance-free until 2044!

The moment a fence falls or breaks, you have to deal with third party damage, security and privacy issues, neighbours, quotes, the expense and inconvenience – all at once. Alternatively, a simple call to ColourFence can head off all your problems for the next 25 years!

The only fence not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel and withstand windspeeds up to 130mph.

To see our great value, colours and designs call today.

“

Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted pretty rapidly, and a recent autumn storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every cloud has a

Guaranteed† not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel Withstands wind gusts of up to 130mph Saves maintenance, time and money – no annual treatment required Guaranteed to look good for up to 25 years† Unbeatable value compared to other fences

LOVE YOUR

No risk professional installation

ALAN TITCHMARSH

more pleased with the ColourFence replacement which was erected a few days ago. As well as looking good, we are looking forward to years of summers without the burden of cleaning and treating this fence.

Mr & Mrs P. Glamorgan

†Hose down occasionally – terms & conditions apply.

0800 644 4113 colourfence.co.uk

AS FEATURED ON TV

GARDEN with

silver lining, and we now couldn’t be

CALL NOW! We’re open 24/7 – to get your FREE GOOD FENCE GUIDE and no-obligation quote – FREEPHONE

www.camc.com

To see our wide choice of sizes, colours and designs – contact us today!

Create your look with a choice of colours, designs and sizes

“

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE.

PLEASE SEND ME

THE GOOD FENCE GUIDE

BLACK CAPITALS PLEASE

MR/MRS/MISS PLEASE CIRCLE

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER (To confirm details in case of non arrival)

MOBILE EMAIL

FREEPOST COLOURFENCE (CC3/19) FREEPOST LON15651, London SE1 1BS

September 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

73

PRACTICAL BUYING Tsn

LAYOUTS

ss

February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

PRACTICAL AWNINGS

Cover

STORY

DID YOU KNOW

?

vice’ The ‘Practical Ad Cl e section of th ub a wealth website contains ion. See at rm fo in of expert camc.com/advice

An awning is a great addition to your touring kit, providing valuable storage, living – and even sleeping – space, says Sammy Faircloth

M

y outdoor adventures with my family started out under canvas. By the time I hit my 30s, I wanted some luxury in my life, so in 2013 we took the plunge and purchased a new caravan. The kids thought this was wonderful, but I still missed my tent (a little!).

As well as being a bit like a tent, an awning is a great addition to a caravan/motorhome, offering extra space and convenience. I own four differentstyle awnings and use all of them throughout the year. Let’s have a look at what’s available...

FULL AWNING If you like to visit one location for a week or more, then a full-size awning is ideal. Perfect for families, they offer extra dining space and a storage area for bikes and other accessories.

Bear in mind that full awnings can be costly, large and heavy, and can be a challenge for one person to erect. If you change your caravan, some awning manufacturers will resize your awning to fit your new vehicle.

www.camc.com

DRIVE-AWAY AWNING A drive-away awning is a self-supporting accessory for campervan/motorhome users.

It is designed to detach from the awning rail on your vehicle and be left in situ while you enjoy your day out.

It provides a great extra space in which to dry a muddy dog or child and is somewhere to hang wet coats or remove shoes in the dry.

Some companies, such as Olpro, provide drive-away awnings with bedroom compartments.

PORCH AWNING

Above: full awnings provide valuable space Below: drive-away awnings are selfsupporting for campervans and motorhomes

A porch awning is perfect for a weekend break as one person can put one up relatively quickly.

On wet days you can dive in from the outside and remove clothing and footwear before retiring to the luxury of your van.

Many people use a porch awning as a conservatory, in which they can relax in a comfy chair, glass of wine in hand, and watch the sun set.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

101

PRACTICAL AWNINGS

Extra space helps keep dirt out of the caravan or motorhome

Canopies are popular campervan and motorhome accessories and ideal for quick stopovers

Versatile drive-away awning

Manual canopies are less expensive Air awnings are quick to errect

Porch awnings are great for weekend breaks

Additional sleeping areas are a bonus

CANOPY Canopies are incredibly popular among motorhome and campervan owners as they are quick to put up, and ideal for a quick stopover. Companies such as Dometic, Thule and Fiamma are some of the main manufacturers of such products. A canopy housing can be permanently fixed to the side or roof of a van.

Look out for automatic or manually-erected versions. Automatic canopies operate at the click of a button – but they can be costly and are, obviously, reliant on power. A hand-crank is used to deploy a manual canopy.

Canopies can be added to caravans too – attached to a full-size awning they can make your footprint even bigger (depending on the size of your pitch)!

We found a canopy was great for keeping the sun off us while we ate during a break in Spain last summer.

102

Canopies can be attached to full awnings

Fibreglass poles are lighter and corrosion resistant

either side of a full awning. Our teenage daughter loves having her own sleeping space away from her brother! Annexes are also handy for storing bikes or as an outdoor larder.

POLES OR AIR Air awnings, featuring integrated inflatable ‘poles’ and separate support poles are becoming increasingly popular. They can be quick and simple to erect but can be very heavy to lift (even the porch awnings) and a challenge to pack away.

More traditional poles are made of steel or fibreglass. Fibreglass is lighter and corrosion resistant, but comes at a price. Steel poles are very strong and perfect for withstanding heavy snowfalls, but they can be prone to corrosion and rust.

ANNEXE

TOP TIPS

If you need extra sleeping or storage space, an annexe is a great addition which simply zips into

n Do some research by visiting one of the many caravan and motorhome shows.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

A show visit is beneficial

Heavy duty pegs are advisable

n Storm straps are a must-buy accessory to prevent your awning lifting in strong winds. n Purchase some heavy-duty pegs to cope with hardstanding pitches. n Invest in a cotton ceiling liner to reduce condensation and offer better insulation. n Thoroughly dry your awning before packing it away – mould and mildew stains are nearly impossible to remove. n Once a year, give your awning a thorough clean using a brush, soft cloth and water. Only use products sold by awning manufacturers for those stubborn stains.

FINAL THOUGHTS There is an old adage that ‘you get what you pay for’ and this is so true where awnings are concerned. Invest in a good-quality product – look after it and it will last you for years. Also, consider going to one of the big trade shows to get an idea of what is available.

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

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

Photos: Photo 1 – Proposed header {3 photos to choose from} Photo 2 – Full awnings are great for those that go away for a week or more {3 photos to choose from} Photo 3 – Full awnings are ideal for families and ideal as an extra dining area Photo 4 – Drive away awnings are self-supporting awnings for campervans and motorhomes Photo 5 – Look out for drive away awnings with bedroom compartments like this Olpro Cocoon Breeze Inflatable awning {Photo courtesy of Olpro Photo 6 – Porch awnings are great for weekend breaks as quick and simple to erect like this Prima Classic Air Awning Photo 7 – Ideal space for putting on muddy boots and keeping the dirt out of the caravan Photo 8 – Canopies are popular on campervans and motorhomes and ideal for quick stopovers Photo 9 – Canopies can be fixed to the roof or side of a van dependent on the amount of room above the vehicle’s doors and windows Photo 10 – For a more affordable canopy, opt for the

manual open/closing option, which uses a hand crank Photo 11 – Canopies can be attached to full awnings, like this Isabella Eclipse and are ideal for keeping the sun off you {2 photos to choose from} Photo 12 – Emily (aged 14 years) love having her own sleeping area in this Isabella annexe {2 photos to choose from} Photo 13 – come with their own pump and are quick to erect Photo 14 – Fibreglass poles are lighter, corrosion resistant, but come at a price Photo 15 – Visit one of the many shows to see the latest innovations in awnings Photo 16 – Storm straps are an essential piece of kit to prevent your awning lifting in strong winds Photo 17 – Heavy duty pegs are a must for hard standing pitches Photo 18 – A cotton liner will help hold back any condensation Photo 19 - Once a year, give your awning a thorough clean simply using a brush, soft cloth and water

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

xxx

Terms and conditions apply, see website for details www.caravanclub.co.uk

November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

4

NEWS HEADLINES

50% OFF EVERYTHING PLUS FREE POSTAGE & PACKAGING

CHOOSE FROM OVER 270 PRODUCTS INCLUDING* Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg

Omega 3 1000mg

Apple Cider Vinegar 500mg

360 Tablets Normal Price £11.89

360 Capsules Normal Price £11.49

180 Capsules Normal Price £17.59

ONLY £5.94

ONLY £5.74

ONLY £8.79

Visit www.simplysupplements.co.uk or call 0800 988 0292 Lines open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm

USE OFFER CODE: CL0319

Freepost: Please complete and return to Simply Supplements, FREEPOST, PO Box 1330, Peterborough, PE2 2PW Code Product

Size

Normal Price

OFFER PRICE

S130 Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg

360 Tablets

£11.89

£5.94

S400 Omega 3 1000mg

360 Capsules

£11.49

£5.74

E521 Apple Cider Vinegar 500mg

180 Capsules

£17.59

£8.79

I wish to pay by cheque/PO made payable to: Simply Supplements I wish to pay: Visa Mastercard Maestro

Qty

Total (£)

Expiry Date

................................................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................................................

DD/MM/YYYY

Post Code........................................................ Date of Birth (optional) ....................................................................

POSTAGE & PACKAGING

Issue No.

Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms) ...................................................................................................................................................

Address ....................................................................................................................................................................

FREE

TOTAL £

Card Number

Valid from

USE OFFER CODE: CL0319

Telephone .................................................................................................................................................................

Email .........................................................................................................................................................................

We would like to contact our customers occasionally with information on future products and services. However, if you prefer not to receive these communications from us, please tick the relevant boxes below: Simply Supplements brochures Marketing emails from Simply Supplements Marketing phone calls from Simply Supplements Marketing SMS from Simply Supplements . For further details of our privacy policy please refer to our website.

Excellent

Security (CVV) Code Last 3 digits on back of card

based on over 34,000 reviews

Terms and Conditions: Offer available until midnight, 31st March, 2019, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 50% off all RRP prices. Website offers may differ from our other promotions. Featured products and prices are correct at the time of print and may be subject to change. Labels and tubs are for illustration purposes only. We reserve the right to replace products with similar or superior items. E&OE. Always read the label. If you are unsure about any of our products always consult your GP or pharmacist. If you are pregnant or lactating please also consult your GP. Always read the recommended dosage and keep all products away from children. All products are delivered using our free 2-3 day delivery service as standard (UK orders only) when placed before 12pm – see our website for other delivery options. Estimated delivery periods exclude bank holidays. Offers on our website may differ from our other promotions. For full details see Terms and Conditions at https://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. Simply Supplements is a trading style of Pinnacle Health Ltd. Registration number FC032269. For full Terms and Conditions see www.simplysupplements.co.uk

2

January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.co.uk

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre lines

Judith Crawford

A lot of bottle!

Fordingbridge ralliers Nick Blake (pictured above), Lead Rally Officer at West Hampshire Centre’s New Year Rally, created this magnificent igloo as part of his snow-themed feature at Forres Sandle Manor School in Fordingbridge. Nearly 700 empty plastic milk bottles were used in the assembly of the structure! The event was a huge success, featuring activities for children, live music and excellent evening meals. Members would like to thank Nick and Julie Blake, Helen, Paul and Brodie Hopkins and Emma Francis for all their hard work.

Tow ho ho!

The South Yorkshire Centre’s Youth Committee arranged a special Children’s Christmas Party Rally at

True commitment

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 West Surrey Centre regrets to announce the passing of Judith Crawford, just before Christmas, at the age of 82.

A lifelong member of West Surrey Centre and beloved wife of Tony, she will be hugely missed.

Judith was treasurer of the centre’s charity committee and a rep for Southern Centres. She represented West Surrey on several occasions in the Inter Centre Quiz at the National, and ran some 10 Christmas rallies as well as numerous holiday rallies with Tony.

She will be particularly remembered for her lovely smile as she worked away at various events behind her prize tombola.

Judith was well known across south-east England within the Caravan and Motorhome Club and will be fondly remembered.

The thoughts of all are with Tony, family and friends at this sad time.

Brian and Pam Mottram are celebrating running Durham Centre’s New Year Rally for 25 consecutive years. The couple were presented with a commemorative plaque by Chairman Barry Dodd during the most recent event at Sedgefield Racecourse.

Hatfield Woodhouse Village Hall.

Members of the committee are pictured alongside a very special guest!

Ken honoured by the Queen West Hampshire member Ken Avery, a Special Inspector in the Hampshire Constabulary, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for “services to Policing and the community in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight”.

Ken, 72, from Waterlooville, was shocked when he heard the news. “I was amazed, flabbergasted and excited.

I feel truly honoured to have been recognised in such a way... I’ve never been in this for the accolades and never thought my name would ever be on the New Year’s Honour list, I just wanted to help my community,” he said.

Ken and his wife, Jan, have been members of the centre since 1971, attending some 600 rallies over the years.

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

105

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Meal appeal

Web address changes We would like to make members aware of changes to two Club centre websites. Derbyshire Centre’s new web address is derbyscmcentre. co.uk, while North Yorkshire

South Essex Centre members have boosted their charity fundraising coffers with a meal and raffle held at the Zen City restaurant in Westcliff-onSea. The evening, run by ViceChairman Will Thursby and his wife, Penny, and supported by Charity Officer Beverley Walker, raised £420 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

information can now be accessed via northyorkshirecentre.co.uk.

Please use these details and not the information published in the latest Sites Directory & Handbook.

Debu55y/dreamstime

Northern exposure

Portugal calling West Hants members wish to send a fond farewell to longstanding members Tony and Jane Mabbott, who are off to Portugal. They’d like to say thanks for the many enjoyable rallies, and hopefully see you again in the future!

Landmarks n Durham Centre is asking you to put 23-28 May 2019 in your diary – the dates of its ‘60th Celebration Rally’!

Highlights of the event at Stanhope Showground will include three nights of professional live music, children’s

The North Yorkshire Centre is to host the prestigious Festival of the North from 23 to 26 August at Newby Hall in Ripon – so make sure you put the date in your diaries! This celebration weekend includes live entertainment

and offers the opportunity to explore the North York Moors and Dales or visit the likes of York and Harrogate.

More details and prices are to be confirmed – keep an eye on northyorkshirecentre.co.uk.

entertainers, a fun run, duck race, hog roast, brass band and vintage car exhibition. For more information please call Barry Dodd on 0191 903 0816/ 07770 956036 or email bidodddairyman@hotmail.com. n West Surrey members would love you to join them at their ‘60th Birthday Celebration by the Thames’ from

8-12 August 2019. The rally will be held at Apps Court Farm in Walton-onThames and will feature day and evening entertainment, a licensed bar, burger bar, cream teas and dancing. Guests will also be able to enjoy an illuminated boat display and fireworks as the event coincides with the Sunbury Amateur Regatta. For more information please

Congratulations Last month we congratulated David and Hazel Ferdinand on receiving their 1,600th rally plaque during an event at Ebberston, but said they were members of the East Yorkshire Centre.

They are, in fact, long-standing members of the Yorkshire Pennine Centre – apologies for any inconvenience caused.

visit westsurreycentre.co.uk. n East Sussex Centre is holding a 50th Birthday Rally at White House Farm in Uckfield from 18 to 23 July. Highlights will include entertainment from Abba and Queen tribute acts, cheese and wine, crafts, games, a disco and more.

For more information, please email 50years@eastsussexcc.org.uk.

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*

106

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

March 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

Member Offer

Connections made more rewarding

YOUR EXCLUSIVE VOLVO XC90 POWERPULSE MOMENTUM OFFER The connections we make have the power to improve our lives. As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, you can enjoy a £6,392.50 saving on our luxury flagship SUV – the XC90 D5 PowerPulse Momentum AWD Automatic. Alongside its commanding presence and on-demand PowerPulse acceleration, you’ll also receive a range of benefits – each one designed to help you get the most from your Volvo car.

XC90 D5 PowerPulse Momentum AWD Automatic, Metallic Paint, Personal Contract Purchase Representative Example* 48 monthly payments

£489.00

Customer deposit

£6,011.36

Finance deposit contribution

£1,000.00

On the road price

£53,110.00

Member saving

£6,392.50

Revised on the road price

£46,717.50

Total amount of credit

£39,706.14

Interest charges

£6,117.74

Total amount payable

VISIT CAMC.COM/VOLVO OR CALL THE VOLVO CAR BUSINESS CENTRE ON 03333 204 147

£52,835.24

Duration of agreement (months) Fixed rate of interest (per annum) Optional final payment Mileage per annum Excess mileage charge Representative APR

49 2.52% £22,351.88 10,000 14.90p per mile 4.9%

Official fuel consumption for the XC90 D5 range, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Low 28.2 (10.0) – 30.7 (9.2), WLTP Medium 33.2 (8.5) – 36.2 (7.8), WLTP High 38.7 (7.3) – 42.2 (6.7), WLTP Extra High 33.2 (8.5) – 35.8 (7.9), WLTP Combined 34.0 (8.3) – 36.7 (7.7). NEDC CO2 emissions 162 – 158g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. Excludes fleet and business users. Subject to availability at participating retailers only on vehicles ordered between 01/01/2019 and 31/03/2019. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR.

www.camc.com March 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

xx

EXCLUSIVE : SPECIAL SAVINGS

XX

www.caravanclub.co.uk

SPECIAL SAVINGS : EXCLUSIVE

December 2015 The Caravan Club Magazine

XX

Tail lights

MORE

ON THE

APP

Your observations on the unusual world of touring

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.

Safari so good

On the January Tail Lights page we featured a vintage caravan that had seen better days, and we asked if anyone could identify the make and model. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. One member believed it to be a Cheltenham Springbok from the late-60s or early-70s, but a couple of retro caravan enthusiasts got in touch to identify it as a Pearman Briggs Safari Four, possibly manufactured between 1957 and 1959. Brian Miller, founder of the Classic Safari Caravan forum and Facebook group, said, “It is a shame to see any old caravan in this condition, but we cannot save them all!” Meanwhile, Chris Beresford of the Retro Caravan Club sent us pictures of his own 1957-issue Safari Four – immaculately kept inside and out, with not a spot of mould to be seen!

Santa tours?

It may be the ski season, but hopefully no-one is daft enough to tackle a black run in a caravan. Tony Boddy came across this unusual customisation in Norway, and says that although there was no sign of the towing vehicle, there were quite a few free-roaming reindeer about, so they may have been utilised. It’s not too far from Lapland, so could this be Santa’s caravan?

Small is beautiful Granted, this outfit might not be ideal for those of you north of 6ft 6in, but it must serve its owner’s needs well enough. Kevin Roberts saw it in Swanage last summer, and tells us that it was hand-built by the owner, complete with a cassette toilet! Ah, that’ll be in the ‘smallest room’, presumably.

Globe trotters Spotted in Normandy last summer: an intrepid group of Chinese families who were on a 150-day round trip from Beijing to Europe. According to Alastair and Sandra Smith, who kindly sent in this picture, “They had already crossed China and central Asia, visiting Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and France before heading back through Belgium, Holland, Scandinavia, Finland and Russia. Phew!” It certainly puts Tail Lights’ legendary 2016 expedition from Maragowan to Clachan Club sites along the A827 (and back again) to shame.

122

March 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

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

DID YOU KNOW?

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £sss.ss* per year.

Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

When I’m not here to love him, I know that Dogs Trust will be.

Now I’ve got my free Canine Care Card, I have complete peace of mind. It guarantees that Dogs Trust will love and look after my dog if I pass away first. Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with 20 rehoming centres nationwide and they never put down a healthy dog.

Apply now for your FREE Canine Care Card.

020 7837 0006 or email: ccc@dogstrust.org.uk Call:

Please quote “334027” or complete the coupon below.

This service is currently only available for residents of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands & the Isle of Man.

Yes I’d like to apply for my free Canine Care Card (Please fill out in block capitals) Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other

Please send this coupon to:

Freepost RTJE-SXGL-BEEJ, Dogs Trust, Moulton House, 10 Pond Wood Close, Northampton, NN3 6DF (No stamp required.)

Address Postcode

334027

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

www.caravanclub.co.uk

www.dogstrust.org.uk Registered Charity Numbers: 227523 & SC037843

November 2016 The Caravan Club Magazine

3

Be stuck in a book, not stuck in the mud.

Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover because you’ve got better places to be.

8 10

We know you’ve got better places to be. So from misfuelling to dual recovery, MAYDAY’s got you covered nationwide. Roadside & Recovery, exclusively yours from £72 a year.

Call 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/insurance/mayday today.

Customers chose to renew with us last year

New & existing customers pay the same

Dual recovery

Specialist recovery

Nationwide recovery

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.