Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

Focal points We show you how to take the perfect twilight photo on tour

WONDER OF WALES Fall under the spell of this enchanting country

On Test French Toast!

Volkswagen, Bailey and Raise a glass to France’s Hymer vehicles rated sparkling south-east

Sporting Chance Use your outfit as a base for outdoor activities

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COMMENT EDITOR’S VIEW OCTOBER 2019

AUGUST 2019 SE

SEPTEMBER 2019

TESTED: VOLKSWAGEN POLO/BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-4/HYMER BMC-T 600

Put County Durham and Northumberland at the top of your touring list

PITCH PERFECT Use your van as a base for a music festival

On Test Unique extendable BeauEr caravan rated

Great Dane!

Accessible Touring Why Zealand is the jewel Anyone can enjoy an in Denmark’s crown overseas adventure

PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

08/08/2019 16:19

Focal points We show you how to take the perfect twilight photo on tour

WONDER OF WALES Fall under the spell of this enchanting country

www.camc.com

09/07/2019 14:52

TOURING: CENTRAL/NORTH WALES CLUB SITES AND CLS

Legal helpline 01275 378728

Family Values Creating perfect Club sites for those with kids

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2019

Technical advice 01342 336611

PASS p1 SE Cover.indd 1

Full Steam Ahead Get on the right track with a railway walk

Great North run

www.camc.com

Brochures on Club services 01342 327410

TESTED: MAZDA6 TOURER/BEAUER 3X/SWIFT KON-TIKI SPORT 560

Insurance Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335 Travel Service 01342 316101

TOURING: NORTH-EAST ENGLAND CLUB SITES AND CLS

Cover Caravan 01342 336610

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019

Site booking (members only)/UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490

On Test Unique, all-electric micro-caravan rated

www.camc.com

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

Our idyllic seven-site Scottish tour is sure to leave you in high spirits

TESTED: SUZUKI VITARA ALLGRIP/WHEELHOME DASHAWAY/ADRIA CORAL 670 DC

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

TOURING: SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS CLUB SITES AND CLS

For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019

Club contact details

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

SE

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

Perfect blend

On Test French Toast!

Volkswagen, Bailey and Raise a glass to France’s Hymer vehicles rated sparkling south-east

PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

Cover: Polperro at dusk Credit: David Chapman

Sporting Chance Use your outfit as a base for outdoor activities

09/09/2019 09:42

Gary Martin says:

W

ith the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars due to come into effect in 2040, there is an ever-increasing focus on electric cars – especially by the caravanning fraternity. Letters from you, our members, highlight the concerns you have that these cars might not be up to the job of towing your outfits.

So we were eager to see how the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace would perform in the Club’s 2020 Towcar of the Year awards.

To say it left all the competition’s driving judges gobsmacked by its capabilities around the Millbrook Proving Ground test track is an understatement.

Granted, it does have limitations in terms of the weight and, therefore, size of trailer it can tow (it has a limit of

“To say it left all the driving judges gobsmacked is an understatement” Editorial Editor: Gary Martin Deputy Editor: John Thynne Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis Design: Michaela Millar

Postal address: Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA

750kg, which means all bar the lightest of tourers are out its ’reach‘), but with the little Wheelhome Dashaway hooked-up to it, the I-Pace took absolutely everything in its stride.

Judges were so impressed by its acceleration and refinement that they voted it the winner of the Caravan Weight Under 1,150kg Class – an historic first Towcar of the Year Class win for a plug-in car. And perhaps a glimpse of the future... a future that sees electric cars as effective towcars!

For all the Towcar of the Year results and details, see the free supplement bagged with this issue.

Club Magazine editorial: 01342 336640 Advertising enquiries Commercial Manager: Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com

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

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

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

enquiries@camc.com

www.camc.com

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

3

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OCTOBER CONTENTS

Contents

p24

PLEASE

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Regulars

Touring 24 36 38 44

80 82 86

UK SITES Andrew Ditton enjoys mountain biking, steam railways and lots more on a seven-site tour of Wales DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS A ‘photo walk’ helps you to appreciate the world around you – it‘s a tonic for both body and mind!

FOREIGN TOURING Heidi Fuller-Love heads for the magical regions of Provence and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in southern France

7 10 23 53 54 58

Tests

62

CAR Volkswagen Polo CARAVAN Bailey Discover D4-4 MOTORHOME Hymer B-Class MC-T 600

66 68 72 75

News 14 352,416 Circulation: Jan-Dec 2018 Printing by Walstead Bicester

20 48 107

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

105 109 122

The wrapping for this magazine is recyclable at larger supermarkets

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas sings the praises of Scandinavia YOUR PHOTOS The best pictures from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey rustles up a hearty pork stew FAMILY MATTERS The ‘Are we there yet?’ problem PRODUCT SHOWCASE Watches for outdoor enthusiasts LETTERS Your comments and views COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman offers tips on twilight photography CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members ASK YOUR CLUB Answers to your essential questions PRACTICAL Using your outfit as a sporting base EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

p54

Specials 78 91 www.camc.com

TICKET OFFERS Discounts for Malvern Caravan Show and the NEC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGM details and financial report

5

Introducing our award winning range

2019 Special Editions

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February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW

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

Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation.

Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.

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

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

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

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

www.camc.com

Nick Lomas says:

O

ur family summer holiday this year was an epic 2,350-mile Scandinavian road trip. I’m a caravan owner, but this year I was lucky enough to be able to borrow a Bailey Advance motorhome – it was a great new experience that proved popular with my teenage children.

Think of Sweden and you imagine cuttingedge technology and design; Norway conjures up a nation rich in oil resources, generous living standards and open landscapes; and Denmark gives us ‘hygge’ – a word that is difficult to translate but represents something like ‘comfort and well-being’, appropriate for a country said to be one of the happiest in the world.

Travelling to cities such as Copenhagen and Stockholm, and enjoying the experience of driving along the breathtaking (if expensive) Øresund Bridge and Drogden Tunnel (8km and 5km long, respectively), made us appreciate the achievements of our fellow humans. But for me, more importantly, those roads and bridges led towards vast forests, glittering lakes, fertile fields and quaint fishing villages. Scandinavia is certainly a holiday destination to savour.

Our tour also gave us a glimpse of the future.

Over the course of eight days in Sweden we didn’t pay for anything with cash – not even when using the public loos (a contactless swipe of your payment card takes care of it all, so do some research into overseas usage fees with your provider before you travel).

Sweden is becoming the very embodiment of the cashless society, and claims to have reduced fraud, speeded up payment and limited petty theft and crime. In one museum I was greeted by a sign which read: “We accept you for whoever you are, but we do not accept cash”!

In Denmark I noticed that towbars were far more common than in the UK, and I was delighted to see that the campsites were as spotlessly clean and as well cared for as those on the Club’s UK network. Everyone seems to cycle on short trips, either on a conventional bicycle or, increasingly, on an e-bike.

Driving towards the Norwegian border I saw lots of Tesla electric cars (some

“I saw a sign that read, ‘We accept you for whoever you are, but we do not accept cash’!”

Model X versions towing twin-axle caravans).

In fact, you may have heard the statistic that more than 50% of all cars sold in Norway this year are electric.

Things are changing in the UK, too. On my return, I visited Millbrook in Bedfordshire for Towcar of the Year testing, and for the first time we had diesel, petrol, hybrid and fully electric cars to test. The electric Jaguar I-Pace, for example, was an impressive (if, admittedly, pricey) taste of the towcar of tomorrow. Other manufacturers are set to follow suit and towing limits and range are steadily increasing.

So I might be so bold as to speculate that it won’t be too many years before electric models become a regular sight on Club sites. The UK will have to respond to the challenges of range and the distribution of charging points, and this will also apply to Club sites and electricity supplies. It’s something we are already planning and will be asking members about.

Happy touring!

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

7



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Any day advance tickets are *£7.75 Senior (over 60s), £8.75 Adult when booking before 23:59 hrs 14/10/19 after which time prices revert to the on-the-door price of £12.00 Senior (over 60s) and £13.00 Adult; a £1.25 transaction fee applies. Car parking included in ticket price. No dogs (except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying Adult/Senior. Tickets are non-refundable. Free show guide and tuition is subject to availability. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SCO38885).

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Visit the show on 15 October 2019, present this Caravan and Motorhome Club day voucher and receive tickets for £6.50 Seniors (60+) & £7.00 Adults^.

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Voucher terms and conditions ^Club day admission price is £6.50 Senior (60+) and £7.00 Adults. Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult/senior. Simply bring this completed voucher with you. One completed voucher per couple. ­is special offer is exclusive to Caravan and Motorhome Club day (Tuesday 15 October) and is not valid on any other day of the show. No cash alternative. No photocopies. ­is voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

West Scotland

Hampshire

OBAN SESAME!

VICTORY CELEBRATION

On our first ever motorhome tour of Scotland we stayed at several Club sites and saw some amazing places. This is Oban, a picturesque, small resort town on Scotland’s west coast near North Ledaig Affiliated Site.

Jan Brown

Using the Club’s Rookesbury Park site as a base, we enjoyed a wonderful touring holiday in Hampshire recently. The highlight was a brilliant day out at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, with Lord Nelson’s famous Battle of Trafalgar flagship HMS Victory the focal point.

Pam

BUZZING AROUND DEVON A touring holiday enables me to indulge my favourite two interests – photography and nature. I captured this colourful scene in Kingsbridge, while on a tour of south-west England. Nearest Club site: Start Bay. Leighton Daintree

Lake District

South Devon

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Our DIY-converted Renault Master-based campervan takes us all over the UK, allowing us to enjoy our two favourite sports – e-mountain biking and paragliding. This photo was taken while we were flying from the 735m-high Jenkin Hill, which overlooks Keswick and Derwentwater in the Lake District. Stunning. Nearest Club site: Borrowdale.

Viv and Phil Fouracre

Want to see your photo in a future issue? Send your images to camc.com/inspiringadventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #inspiringadventures 10

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

WORK OF ’ART The village of Killin enjoys an almost unrivalled location.

Situated at the western head of Loch Tay, the village is famous for the dramatic Falls of Dochart. But did you know that Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are both on the doorstep? Nearest Club sites: Maragowan and Clachan.

Bob Gunning

Norfolk

Denmark

DANISH DELIGHT Lovely to see Denmark covered in your September issue. We spent six weeks touring there this summer, staying at Hillerød Camping which was featured in your article. We enjoyed cycling along well-planned and flat off-road paths, splashing around on the beautiful beaches and walking along the well-marked hiking trails.

Highlights included Copenhagen, Frederiksborg Castle (pictured) and Ribe, the oldest surviving town in the country.

Margaret and Tim Nelson ds Scottish Highlan Hampshire

Lake Distr ict

WALKING WONDERLAND In June we enjoyed a 10-day stay at Troutbeck Head Club site, which gives access to some outstanding walks – either from the site or within a 20-minute drive. This photo was taken on our walk towards Helvellyn, one of the higher peaks in the Lake District.

Graham Woolrich

COMMON SENSE Ibsley Common, on the Hampshire-Dorset border, looks mystical and serene as the sun sets, creating a truly tranquil scene. There was not another soul about as I took this photo.

Just breathtaking. Nearest Club site: New Forest Centenary.

Andy Pattenden

FREE PRIZE DRAW: Send us a photo and you will be automatically entered into a free monthly draw, giving you the chance to win some fantastic prizes! See camc.com/competitions for full prize draw terms and conditions October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

11

NEWS HEADLINES

Volvo picks up Towcar title for second year in a row The winner of the Club’s prestigious Towcar of the Year Competition is the Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro, which means back-to-back victories for the manufacturer in the annual competition (the XC60 emerged triumphant a year ago).

As well as picking up the overall prize, the compact SUV also won its class (Caravan Weight 1,4001,500kg). Judges felt that it was a “great looking, sporty SUV with good all-round towing credentials”. Praise was also forthcoming for its interior design and “punchy” engine, among other factors.

The 2020 competition, which attracted 36 entries, was held at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire during the summer.

The panel of judges assessed vehicles on a test route that allowed

NEC: what to see

for towing at various speeds as well as hill starts and climbs.

Additionally, assessors considered each vehicle’s ‘caravanability’ – for example how much boot space it

provided and availability/accessibility of a spare wheel.

For a full round-up, see the free 16-page supplement that accompanies this issue.

Following the appointment of administrators in July (see p15, September issue), it has been confirmed that a buyer has been found for Preston-based manufacturer Lunar.

The new company will be part of MEWA, a South Africa-based engineering group.

Nicholas Marks, Director of newly-incorporated Lunar Automotive, said: “The MEWA group has been involved in specialist engineering and component manufacture for 100 years. This experience and capability, coupled with the manufacturing expertise acquired with the existing team at Lunar, bodes well for the brand.”

In a statement, the company announced that production of caravans was scheduled to begin in September and that motorhomes would continue to be a part of Lunar’s product range.

At the time of going to press it is unclear whether Lunar Automotive will be accepting the liabilities of the previous company, such as warranty support. If you are concerned about an existing warranty on a Lunar model, we recommend contacting your dealer in the first instance.

14

MaxDarkins

Lunar finds a buyer

Great new trail for cyclists and walkers A new 800-mile-long trail running between the Peak District and the northern coast of Scotland has been launched for cyclists and walkers.

Named the Great North Trail and unveiled by cycling charity Cycling UK, the route enables greater access to the countryside and is largely away from busy traffic – around 98% is on bridleways, byways, cycle routes, unpaved roads and minor roads. Some established trails are used, but these have now been linked together using a network of paths, forest roads and abandoned railway lines. The route takes in some of England and Scotland’s most iconic beauty spots, including the Yorkshire Dales, Kielder Forest, Corrieyairack Pass, Loch Ness and Cape Wrath.

Sections of the Great North Trail are within easy reach of the following Club and Affiliated sites: Carsington Water, Buxton, Castleton, Hebden Bridge, Hawes, Lidalia, Melrose Gibson Park, Edinburgh, Blair Drummond, Clachan, Maragowan, Altnaharra, Dunnet Bay. For more information and to see a full route map – which may also be of help if you would like to find Certificated Locations close to the trail – please visit cyclinguk.org/great-north-trail.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

The Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC runs from 15-20 October 2019, and all the major touring manufacturers will be showcasing their new vehicles and related products. Do you have a long wish list or just a few models in mind that you would like to check out?

As reported in our New Model News update last month, Adria has overhauled its Altea series of caravans, Bailey will be showcasing the new Alicante Grande and Discovery ranges and there will surely be examples from Coachman’s 10-strong Acadia line-up. Swift and Elddis will also be there – it may be a good chance to look around the former’s 8ft-wide Eccles X/Challenger X and the latter’s Avantgarde CV60 van conversion.

Also worthy of your attention is a special-edition 4x4 off-road campervan from Shrewsbury-based converters Rolling Homes; RP Motorhomes will be showcasing the telescopic BeauEr 3X caravan, as reviewed in this magazine last month; and German manufacturer Morelo will unveil its new, luxurious Loft and Home motorhomes.

To find out more, see mcshow.co.uk.

An exclusive Club member ticket offer can be found on page 78.

If you are attending the NEC show, you might like to consider staying on the Club’s temporary site. At the time of going to press a limited number of ‘Super Sunday’ pitches were available for 20 October.

A stay at the site is ideal if you have a long journey ahead of you. A free shuttle service will take you from the site to the NEC halls and back, and the pitch price includes access to electric hook-up, fresh water and waste facilities. Pitch fees for ‘Super Sunday’ are £30 per night on paved surface and £25 per night on shingle.

Please visit camc.com or call 01342 336666 to secure your spot.

In brief

FabrizioTroiani/Alamy

Site staff and members raised a fantastic total of £1,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance and a local animal sanctuary when Englethwaite Hall held a fête in June to celebrate 50 years as a Caravan and Motorhome Club site. A ‘birthday’ cake was cut by Margaret Marsh, a member who has used the site regularly over the years, and a great time was had by all.

Irish National will be a ‘cultured’ affair The next Irish National will take place from 9-14 April 2020 (Easter weekend) in Galway city (above), which is one of the two European Capitals of Culture in 2020.

An easy drive from Dublin on the relatively new M6 motorway, the city is situated around the mid-point of the famed Wild

Atlantic Way – considered by some to be Europe’s most dramatic coastal drive.

The rally site is at Ballybrit Racecourse and, as well as activities throughout the weekend, there will be a special dinner held on the Saturday night at nearby Cloonacauneen Castle.

Attendees could also easily visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the wilderness of Connemara.If you would like more information, please contact the Irish Division via its website (thecaravanclub.ie), where a booking form will be available from September.

Altnaharra Club site welcomes dignitaries Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross (right), and Kirsteen Currie, Member of the Highland Council for North, West and Central Sutherland (left), paid tribute to the welcoming atmosphere created by staff Paul and Linda Metcalfe during a visit to Altnaharra Club site in July.

After praising the facilities provided by the site, Cllr Currie commented: “I really enjoyed my morning spent with Linda and Paul... normally I only get to whizz by the site on my way to meetings, so it was fantastic to enjoy the morning in the incredible surroundings that the site offers.”

Recalling her own caravan holidays as a child, Gail Ross added that the visit “brought back many happy memories, as the peace, tranquillity and many opportunities for adventures here are second to none!”

www.camc.com

October is Tyre Safety Month. The campaign, which is organised annually by road safety organisation TyreSafe, encourages all motorists to check the air pressure, condition and tread depth of tyres on a monthly basis, and before any long journeys. For more information see tyresafe. org, and for tyre safety-related Club member offers see pages 68-69 of this issue.

The team at Bladon Chains Club site has installed charity ‘Joy Ribbon’ arches in the quiet ‘Woodhenge’ area of the site.

Members can buy a yellow or green ribbon and tie it to one of the arches, perhaps also taking time to reflect upon a special person in their lives while sitting on the bench nearby. All proceeds go to MacMillan and Marie Curie.

Leeds-based Vantage Motorhomes will be showcasing two new models at the October NEC show. The new rear-lounge Vantage Rio will have four travelling seats and three berths, while the Vantage Sky has four travelling seats and five berths. For more information see vantagemotorhomes. co.uk after the show, or visit the company at the NEC in Hall 11 at Stand 60.

New Forest Club site held a 1940s tea party in June, to boost funds for local charity Friends of the New Forest Airfields. (Parts of an original Second World War airfield runway still exist at the Club site.) A total of £220 was raised through the sale of tea, cakes and tickets for a tombola.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

15

NEWS HEADLINES

Local Club representatives needed You recommend…

Overseas sites located near ferry terminals “50 minutes from the ferry and quite easy to find... what a wonderful site set in a rural valley with fantastic views.”

(El Molino de Cabúerniga (E28), near Santander) “You could easily spend a week here and not leave the site, but the towns of Carentec, Roscoff, Morlaix and St-Pol-de-Léon are nearby and definitely worth visiting.” (Les Mouettes (B14), near Roscoff) “The whole area is stunning (and flat – a massive bonus for part-time cyclists like us) with all manner of wildlife to see on your travels.” (Delftse Hout (H06), near Hook of Holland/Rotterdam) “Bruges is about [a] half hour away as [are] famous sites like Tyne Cot Cemetery and Menin Gate.” (Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort (H19), near Zeebrugge/Dunkirk) “Ideal for the tunnel or ferry as only about 15-20 mins from both.

Had a massive pitch! ...on our return the excellent reception staff let me pick the same one again.” (La Bien Assise (P05), near Calais)

Did you know that the Caravan and Motorhome Club has three Divisions and seven Regions? They represent Club matters to Club Council at a local level and offer all members an opportunity to have their voices heard.

Each Division and Region has an elected Committee and up to three Independent Members, who perform a valuable role within the Council. An Independent Member cannot be registered with a Centre, but they do frequently use Club products and services, such as sites, CLs, insurance, travel, etc.

The following Divisions and Regions currently have vacancies for Independent Members on their Committees: Welsh Division, Northern Region, Central Region, South West Region, South East Region, Anglia Region, West Central Region and Northern Home Counties Region.

If you are a Club member living in an appropriate area who would like to be involved in the running of the Club, please email governance@camc.com with a covering note (no more than half a page) and your CV, which will be forwarded to your local Division or Region. The closing date for applications is 6 December 2019.

The Woods Affiliated Site near Alloa is planning an on-site Hogmanay ceilidh to celebrate the arrival of a new decade. ‘Eilidh’s Ceilidh’ will take place in a large, heated marquee from 8pm on 31 December with music from the Jim Jam Ceilidh Band. A charge will be made towards the cost of the band and marquee.

Party-goers will be asked to bring their own chairs as well as snacks and drinks. Contact The Woods AS for details and pitch bookings on 01259 762802.

The teams at Rookesbury Park and St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club sites managed to cool off during the late-August hot spell with the help of some enthusiastic members. At Rookesbury Park the team received a soaking during the annual charity hog roast, which raised a superb total of £2,408 for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance; meanwhile, at scorching St David’s, a water fight was organised for children staying on site – they didn’t need a second invitation!

From 1 October 2019, you must have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in order to travel to New Zealand. An ETA can be requested online via immigration.govt.nz with a fee of NZD$12. If you are entering New Zealand, you must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This is NZD$35 per person and will be charged at the same time as the ETA application.

From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection The Club’s archive, hosted by the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, contains a treasure trove of fascinating photographs, documents and objects relating to the history of the Club and its members.

The Curator and volunteers are currently cataloguing and scanning an interesting collection of logbooks, compiled by Club members Graham and Doris Goodey between 1951 and 1965. The Goodeys, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, toured in a 1949 10ft 6in nonproprietary caravan built by Graham himself. The books offer a fascinating personal insight into their tours, undertaken with son David. For the 1952 National at Overstone Park in Northamptonshire they noted:

16

In brief

and wonder oven). Off she goes to fetch the prize, a splendid barometer very suitably engraved.”

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

Richard Noyce

“Doris has won first prize in a cake-making contest (surprising what can be done with a gas ring

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

On the MAGAZINE APP this month: video reviews of the Hymer B-Class MC-T 600 and the Bailey Discovery D4-4, plus an extra page of Tail Lights

Club members and visitors to St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club site have raised £262 by using a book and DVD buy/exchange, with funds going to the local RNLI station. Thank you to all who have contributed and continue to contribute!

Members may be interested in two special events taking place near Freshwater East Club site this autumn.

A stargazing and astrophotography event – guided by an astronomer – will take place at nearby Bosherton on 20 October (see bit.ly/2kftyIp for information and tickets); and Carew Castle – 15 minutes’ drive from the site – will be hosting ’The Caravan School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’ from 29 October (see carewcastle. com for visiting information).

www.camc.com

NEWS HEADLINES

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

NEWS HEADLINES

Keeping you well covered this winter Although many Club sites and Certificated Locations remain open all year, we would like to remind members who store their caravan during the colder months that it is important to have cover in place.

From just £59*, the Club’s award-winning Caravan Cover product protects you against theft, loss or damage. Notably, it does not specify a particular place that you have to put your caravan; it will be covered whether it’s on your driveway, in a field, at a farm, and so on – giving you peace of mind while you’re away from it.

Making use of more than 45 years’ worth of experience, our team ensures that taking out Caravan Cover, claiming and renewing goes as smoothly as possible. Eight out of 10 people choose to renew1 with us, and we pay out on 95% of claims†, while the Club also offers a 14-day money back guarantee+.

We hope that nothing bad happens to your caravan at any time of the year, but please do ensure that your pride and joy is covered at all times. To find out more and to get a quote, please see camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 607010.

1 Based on renewal data 1 March 2018-28 February 2019. † Based on claims data 1 January 2019-30 April 2019. + A full refund is available provided no claims have been made and you advise us you wish to cancel the cover within 14 days of the start date or receipt of documentation, whichever is the latter. * £59 based on £2,500 limit of cover for caravan and equipment, £800 limit of cover for contents and £50 excess with four years-plus NCD. For full details of cover offered, including limitations and exclusions that apply, please refer to the cover documents. Price applicable to cover beginning on or after 1 September 2019.

18

Castleton arrivals

In a change to information published in the Sites Directory and Handbook, we would like to make members aware that the earliest arrival time at Castleton Club site in the heart of the Peak District is now 1pm. Many thanks for your cooperation.

SHOWTIME

Store your outfit from just £0.92* per day If you’re not touring this winter, over 40 UK Club sites offer storage facilities, some of which have 24-hour CCTV in operation, controlled access and staff on site. You can choose from all-year, seasonal (ie the main touring season) or temporary storage (eg a few weeks or a couple of months) to suit your needs. Why not consider storing your outfit on or near your favourite site, or perhaps keep it closer to home? From just £0.92 per day*, storing your outfit is affordable and we’ve even frozen prices at selected storage facilities for 2020.

See camc.com/storage for more information and a booking form. *Based on indicative price per day when booking storage at Lower Wensleydale Club site or Scarborough West Ayton Club site for 234 days at a total cost of £215.

OCTOBER 4-6 Worcestershire: The Malvern Caravan Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk) 15-20 Birmingham: Motorhome and Caravan Show, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (NCC Events, call 01252 318251 or see mcshow.co.uk) 25-27 Aberdeenshire: Love Touring Expo, P&J Live Arena, Aberdeen (Adventum Events, see lovetouringexpo.co.uk) NOVEMBER 15-17 Devon: Caravan and Motorhome Show, Westpoint, Exeter (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk Note: details subject to change – please telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date info.

Show heads from Hull to Harrogate

There’s gold in them thar hills!

The oldest event on the caravan exhibitions calendar is to move to a new location in September 2020.

After 44 years in the grounds of the University of Hull at The Lawns in Cottingham, the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Expo 2020 – which comprises trade and public exhibitions featuring the majority of the industry’s manufacturers – will be held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate.

Next year’s public show will be held over three days, rather than the traditional two, from 11-13 September 2020, followed by the trade show from

Looking to splurge on a new tourer?

Fancy taking early retirement? Well, if you visit Brora Club site, you may be able to start your search for a fortune by panning for gold at two burns on the nearby Suisgull Estate.

The precious metal was first discovered in this area in 1869. Today, you can apply for a panning permit and buy or borrow equipment locally, although strict rules do apply. (For more information go to helmsdale. org/gold-panning.html or speak to site staff.) Kinlochewe Club site staff Sue and Andrew (pictured) had a go this

14-16 September. The exhibition is run

by HERCMA, a group of Yorkshirebased caravan manufacturers which, along with many other companies in the industry, use the annual event to launch their new-season models.

A spokesman for the group said the move to the much larger site would enable many more exhibitors to be accommodated as well as increase the scope of the show with, in particular, plenty of room for motorhomes.

For more information, please see caravanandholidayhomeexpo.com.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

summer and found gold... albeit just a few flakes, as opposed to a nugget.

“Guess we’ll be working for the Club again next year,” they joked.

www.camc.com

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SURPRISINGLY IT’S A SSANGYONG Fuel consumption figures in mpg: Urban 36.7-47.8, Extra Urban 49.5-54.3, Combined 44.1-51.4. CO2 emissions in g/km 170-144. *Korando ELX including VAT, delivery charge, road fund licence & first registration charge. Model shown is Korando Ultimate priced at £26,545 inc. optional metallic paint at £550. **2 tonnes towing capacity only with diesel automatic transmission (manufacturers’ maximum braked trailer load). †Free fixed tow bar offer is available on all SsangYong vehicles purchased before 31.12.19, 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.

NEWS UK SITES

Open invitation Many sites are open all year, so why not make the most of your outfit this winter?

Summer may be over but, with over 55 Club and Affiliated sites open all year, there’s no need to pack away those touring essentials just yet. These sites are spread throughout the UK and Ireland – from Scotland all the way down to the West Country – so there’s

KIDS GO FREE

If you’re looking for a great-value family holiday or weekend away remember that under-5s stay free at all UK Club sites and you’ll pay just £1 per night for a child aged between five and 17 at selected sites.

Locations offering this fantastic deal include Alderstead Heath, Chester Fairoaks, Malvern Hills* and Brecon Beacons* – all of which are perfect for some autumn walking and leaf-crunching. To see the full list for 2019 and 2020, simply visit camc.com/kidsdiscounts.

*Closes for the season on 4 November 2019.

20

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

plenty of choice available for a weekend break or a longer trip during the coming months. With facilities such as heated washrooms, hot showers and electric hook-ups on offer at numerous locations, as well as advances in modern caravan heating systems, there’s

no reason you can’t tour comfortably this winter... and, as dogs go free, your four-legged friends can enjoy the cosy set-up, too. But, if you still need persuading, we’ve picked out five sites below that we think are great to visit whatever the weather...

1. Burrs Country Park Club site, Lancashire† You can have a great day out riding on a heritage steam train on the East Lancashire Railway (above), which runs next to this site. Meanwhile, day trips to Manchester or Salford Quays (where you’ll find the Lowry gallery/ theatre complex) are easy. Look out for The Brown Cow – which serves up classic pub grub – next door.

2. Edinburgh 4. Brighton Club site, West Sussex Club site† The pace of life in Brighton and Hove rarely slows, so Scotland’s why not take advantage of its vibrant culture while buzzing capital staying at this top site? With glamping pods, camping (right) is great to pods and Airstreams for hire through Experience visit at any time Freedom, your friends and family can join † of the year. As you too!

Our 50% off well as excellent midweek discount can be used at these 5. Cheddar Club site, Somerset shopping sites. See camc.com/ Now open all year, this site on the edge opportunities, fine food and a packed midweekdiscount of the Mendip Hills is great for walks. arts programme, there are ever-popular for details attractions such as the Royal Botanic Garden, Cheddar Village is a few minutes away Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle to enjoy. The Club on foot and Wells makes for a lovely day trip. site is 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

6. White Water Park Club site, 3. The Sandringham Estate Club site, Norfolk County Durham† Club members reviewing The Sandringham Estate White Water Park is perfect for an active or family online often mention the peace and quiet you can stay as it sits right next door to the famous Tees enjoy on site from the comfort of your tourer. “The Barrage International White Water Centre. This is the pitches are large and well spaced with a myriad of perfect location for those wanting to try their hand at wonderful animal sounds coming from the woods, rafting, canoeing or paddle boarding – but make sure very relaxing,” is just one of the comments on the you book your session well in advance. If you don’t website. If you’re after a winter recharge this is a great fancy getting wet, you could have a go at the Air Trail place to visit – just ask the family staying up the road. climbing adventure course.

www.camc.com

NE W

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

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

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

– Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle.

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

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

Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts.

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

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

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

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

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

– Easily pan the map to search for Campgrounds (NEW.) – Shows camp sites, rest areas, attractions or fuel stations up ahead and milestones along your route.

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

available with exclusive member discount from:

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for further information call

02920 847670:

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March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

3

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

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Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Campervan

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey is an expert at rustling up tasty treats on tour. This month he extols the virtues of Cornwall and its scrumpy Autumn is definitely the best time to be in the West Country. Once August has passed and the last of the summer hordes have left, Cornwall gets back on with the business of being sunny, warm, friendly and beautiful.

I love exploring my home county at this time of year as it’s easy to get around and most of the people you meet are local. The sea is at its warmest and the beaches are quiet. We often get great weather in autumn: a last hurrah before the onset of the winter storms. What more reason do you need to head to the coast?

Autumn is traditionally a time for scrumping and scrumpy too. A visit to any of the Certification Locations in the St Merryn area (there are four

nearby with the closest being Trevitha Farm) will lead you to the wonderful winery and cidery at Trevibban Mill. It’s close to the Camel Valley, a place where apples have been grown for centuries. At Trevibban you can sample a number of homegrown ciders along with some very good wines. The restaurant is top notch, too!

Nearby are the wonderful Seven Bays of St Merryn, a collection of Cornwall’s finest beaches.

There’s Constantine for golf and surfing, Booby’s Bay for solitude (and sniggering), Mother Ivey’s for wonderful views, Harlyn for sheltered days when it gets blowy and Porthcothan for long coastal walks.

Treyarnon is the place to go for rockpool swimming and Trevone for rockpooling at low tide.

Meanwhile, if you fancy the best fish and chips this side of Grimsby, head for Padstow, where you can enjoy Rick Stein’s finest sitting on the quayside enjoying amazing views of Rock and the Camel Estuary.

If that makes you feel a tad peckish, take an hour or so to serve up a storm with this month’s recipe – a scrumpy-inspired stew for cool autumn evenings with pork, apple and star anise. Proper job, as they say round these parts!

CUT OUT

RECIPE No.21

Scrump-tious pork stew Serves four

AND KEEP

RECIPES

Ingredients

The Cook recommends...

Appleton’s at the Vineyard, a classy eatery at Trevibban Mill vineyard and cider orchards near Padstow. Set in a lovely, isolated valley in a gorgeous, eco build, it’s a great place for a lunch date!

And as a main...

For a lazy Sunday brunch, go for the Padstow crab and smoked haddock chowder with chipotle cornbread.

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

pork 500g rolled joint of 2 tbsp oil chopped 1 white onion, finely ped op ch 3 cloves of garlic, chopped r, ge gin t roo of An inch 6 star anise pods me A few sprigs of thy d and sliced 2 big carrots, peele red and sliced co d, ele pe 3 apples, mustard in 1 tbsp of wholegra sh rni Co of A bottle scrumpy cider Seasoning

Method

a lid, ge saucepan with In a stock pot or lar h of las sp a in er ov rk all brown the rolled po pork from the e ov rem , ed oil. When brown onion the side. Add the the pan and put to en add the Th ft. so til un ok co to the pan and and a rlic, thyme, ginger star anise pods, ga nutes mi of le ok for a coup little seasoning. Co

e carrots and continu and then add the . tes nu mi re mo few cooking for a the pan and add the Return the pork to Bring rd and the apples. sta mu bottle of cider, wly slo ok co d an lid e the to a simmer, replac tes nu mi 90 minutes (or on the gas for 35 -40 . rk) po ly mb cru r, tende if you prefer very th white rice.

Carve and serve wi

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

23

TOURING UK SITES

Phillip Roberts / Alamy

HAPPY

24

RETURNS

With bicycle and trusty companion Dougal in tow, Andrew Ditton revisits a familiar part of Mid Wales before venturing north into Snowdonia

The Italianate village of Portmeirion

25

TOURING UK SITES

1 Shawsmead Club Site A peaceful, rural site offering nearly 50 pitches (grass and hardstanding) in an open setting edged with trees. There are plenty of walks in the immediate area.

Pitches: 48 | Open: 15 Mar-1 October 2019

Member view “Our favourite days out so far have been to the Dolaucothi Estate and to Llangrannog Beach, just to the south of New Quay.

We’re glad we brought our motorbike as Llangrannog is not motorhome-friendly!”

Tony and Lisa Dean, motorhomers

Site staff view “Our site is popular with peace-seeking couples, and with sporty families who spend their days out and about. People come to this area to enjoy the unspoilt coastline and uncommercialised seaside towns.”

Nadine and Pip Crane

Food & drink Llanina Arms, Llanarth, SA47 0NP Contact: llaninaarms.co.uk, 01545 581276

Culture Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron SA48 8DG Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01545 570200

Outdoor fun GREAT

SAVINGS Cae Hir Gardens, Cribyn, GUIDE Lampeter SA48 7NG Contact: caehirgardens.com, 01570 471116 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

For the family

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Dolphin spotting with New Quay Boat Trips, Main Pier, South John Street, New Quay SA45 9NW Contact: newquayboattrips.co.uk, 01545 560800 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

26

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

I

hadn’t been at Shawsmead Caravan and Motorhome Club Site for long before I was sitting in the sun and chatting to a new-found friend outside his awning.

“Don’t tell anyone about this site! It’s our secret little bolthole!” said my new acquaintance, Jonathan. Sorry Jonathan.

“What I love most about this site is the peace and quiet,” he continued. “When I wake up at seven o’clock, all I can hear is birdsong. Nothing else, just the birds.”

You could argue that Shawsmead lies off the beaten track; indeed, it’s essential to follow the directions in the Sites Directory & Handbook.

Although it is nestled between the popular resort of New Quay and the elegant Georgian seaside

town of Aberaeron, both of which sit on Cardigan Bay, other parts of Wales tend to draw more holidaymakers than the centre of the country.

Those in the know – such as Jonathan – are happy with the status quo.

You won’t find a dog walk or a play area on site, but the staff can tell you about a delightful 15-minute circular ramble from the site gates.

Motorhomers might want to bring electric bikes for getting out and about during the day.

New Quay is an obvious draw for its bustling quayside, from which you can enjoy dolphinspotting boat trips (see p38 of the July 2019 issue). The village can get busy, as can its equally delightful and less well-known neighbour, Llangranog, a few miles further www.camc.com

2 Penygraig Farm

New Quay, Cardigan Bay

Certificated Location A quiet oasis just two miles from Aberystwyth – no EHUs but there is a shower and WC. The slightly sloping grass field commands wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

Open: 1 May-1 Oct 2019 Contact: 01970 612955 Sites Directory & Handbook p539

Site view “People come here for the peace and quiet and the rural views, and also because we are on the Ystwyth Cycle Trail that allows you to cycle into town in 20 minutes.

Alternatively it takes just over half an hour to walk it.

Red kites are frequent visitors to the skies over the CL.” Marilyn Bates

Food & drink Baravin, 1 Llys Y Brenin, Aberystwyth SY23 2AP Contact: baravin.co.uk, 01970 611189

Tony Peacock / Alamy

Culture

south. Still, even the crowds can’t spoil a fish supper spent looking out to sea.

Aberaeron also demands a visit in order to browse the eclectic mix of independent shops, admire the brightly-coloured houses, and take a breather in one of the cosy cafés. The town also plays host to an annual seafood festival in July.

RAIL TRAIL No visit to Wales would be complete without a trip on a steam train or two. Twenty miles up the coast from Shawsmead lies the university town of Aberystwyth, home to the famous Cliff Railway funicular, and also to the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Parking at the latter’s Aberystwyth station is free for train users, and is motorhomewww.camc.com

friendly. Don’t forget to take discount vouchers from the Club’s Great Savings Guide!

We had an enjoyable day riding the steam train up to Devil’s Bridge, the locomotive puffing, panting and toiling up an incline of up to 1 in 50. At Devil’s Bridge you can relax and take refreshment at the Two Hoots Café, or spend an hour or so discovering the Devil’s Bridge Falls. Again, do remember your Great Savings Guide voucher for the latter, as you can get 20% off admission fees. Be aware that there are 675 steps back up from the falls, and if you have your dog with you, you need to get it through a full-height turnstile.

Far less strenuous was the walk I enjoyed with Dougal from Rhiwfron Halt to Rheidol Falls Halt,

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DE Contact: aberystwythartscentre.co.uk, 01970 622882

Outdoor fun GREAT The Silver Mountain Experience, SAVINGS Llywernog, Ponterwyd, GUIDE Aberystwyth SY23 3AB Contact: silvermountainexperience.co.uk, 01970 890620 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

For the family Fantasy Farm Park, Llanrhystud, Aberystwyth SY23 5DA Contact: fantasyfarmpark.co.uk, 01974 272285

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

27

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www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES Newcastle and Gateshead

3 Gwern-Y-Bwlch Club site

David Angel / Alamy

Relaxed, rural ‘biodiversity’ site offering a choice of terraced hardstanding and grass pitches. There are bird feeders and a dog walk.

Pitches: 28 | Open: 15 Mar-14 Oct 2019

Daryl Hutchinson / Alamy

Above: Barmouth lies on the Mawddach estuary Right: the picturesque Vale of Rheidol Railway Below: waterfall at Devil’s Bridge

Member view “We come back to this site again and again. We love the stunning views from the pitches and the wildlife on site. We often see owls, woodpeckers and red kites from our van window.”

Rick and Belinda Burkey, caravanners

Site staff view

Robin Weaver / Alamy

“As a biodiversity site, we allow the flowers to grow and encourage wildlife with bird feeders and a bird hide. Having no facility block, the site attracts those looking for an away-fromit-all experience.”

Peter and Janet Bowler

DID YOU KNOW?

unwind, book a stay here taking in the stunning scenery You can find the most without delay. The lack of and admiring the falls and up-to-date details of the toilet block and play area adjacent salmon ladder. The featured sites on the Club ensure that the site remains walk was well waymarked, and website. Alternatively, peaceful and quiet even during you can pick up the appropriate turn to the relevant pages the peak summer months. guide book at Aberystwyth in your Sites As one of the Club’s station before setting off.

Directory. ‘biodiversity sites’, planting and If you’d prefer to stay a little landscaping is carried out with nature closer to Aberystwyth in order to enjoy its firmly in mind. During our Easter visit, bluebells many attractions, consider the Bates family’s delightful Penygraig Farm Certificated Location carpeted the ground, a variety of great tits and blue tits frequented the many feeders around the (CL), just two miles south of the town. Its site, and red kites frequently surveyed the area proximity to the Ystwyth Trail cycle track from high above. means you can ride to ‘Aber’ in about 20 minutes. There are no mains hook-ups and dogs BIRDS AND BIKES are not permitted, but as recompense the neat-lawned field commands spectacular views If you want a closer encounter with the latter, take a trip to the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest of the surrounding countryside.

Visitor Centre, a leisurely hour’s drive from both The next rural stop on our itinerary was Gwern-Y-Bwlch and Shawsmead sites.

Gwern-Y-Bwlch Club site, 10 miles east of Red kites are fed here at 3pm daily in the Machynlleth. What a gem! If you find yourself summer, and up to 150 of these magnificent birds frazzled by the stresses and strains of everyday of prey swing by for a snack. It’s easy to spend the life and you need somewhere to chill out and www.camc.com

Food & drink Dyfi Roastery, 29 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8EB Contact: dyfiroastery. com, 01654 703947

Culture Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool SY21 8RF Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01938 551944

Outdoor fun Cors Dyfi nature reserve, Derwenlas, Machynlleth SY20 8SR Contact: montwt.co.uk, 01654 781414

For the family Kayaking on Lake Vyrnwy, Bethania Adventure, Capel Bethania, Llanwddyn, Lake Vyrnwy SY10 0NJ Contact: lake-vyrnwy.com, 01691 870615

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING UK SITES

4 Dolgadfan Certificated Location

Andrew Lloyd / Alamy

A rural CL offering a choice of grass or hardstanding pitches, EHUs and a great shower and toilet.

Open: all year Contact: 01650 521245 Sites Directory and Handbook p560

Member view

Site view “We have a lot of members who return every year. There are lots of walks in the area, and we have put together a booklet about them for our visitors.”

Gwenda and Brychan Anwyl

Food & drink The Aleppo Merchant Inn, Carno, Caersws SY17 5LL Contact: thealeppo.co.uk, 01686 420210

Culture Owain Glyndwr Centre, Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth SY20 8EE Contact: canolfanglyndwr.org, 01654 702932

Outdoor fun Llyn Clywedog Trout Fishing, Clywedog Dam, Llanidloes SY18 6NX Contact: clywedogtroutfishing.co.uk, 01686 412890

For the family Machinations, The Old Village Hall, Llanbrynmair SY19 7AA Contact: machinationswales.co.uk, 01650 521552

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

“...in places it really is just like a singletrack roller coaster for bikes” Above: mountain biking at Coed-y-Brenin

David Bratley / Alamy

“We are particularly fond of the owners who always go the extra mile. This is such a beautiful site, the scenery is lovely, and there are so many places to visit in the area.”

Cherryl and Jim Lockhart, caravanners

Right: the water-powered railway at the Centre for Alternative Technology

whole day at the centre if the weather is agreeable, given the wide choice of marked walking trails and mountain bike routes on offer.

The red-graded ‘Pendam Trail’ is one of my favourite mountain bike trails in the United Kingdom; in places it really is just like a single-track roller coaster for bikes. It’s hard not to have a silly grin plastered across your face at the end of the 10km ride. Forget any good intentions you may have before setting off on your walk or cycle ride, as the tempting cakes in the café will probably seduce you as effortlessly as they did me.

Another great place to appreciate the wildlife is the RSPB reserve at Ynys-Hir, offering both woodland and salt marsh habitats. Lapwings, redshanks and pied flycatchers call the area home.

With the natural world and the state of the environment in mind, I decided to visit the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). No matter what your interests, you are bound to see something at CAT that will open your eyes and mind to how to reduce our impact on the planet.

(There might also be an impact on your waistline, as there’s another delightful café serving good

food. Don’t forget your ‘2 for 1’ voucher from the Great Savings Guide.)

If you fancy staying in the area ofGwern-YBwlch but would prefer a site with facilities, look no further than Gwenda and Brychan’s gorgeous CL, Dolgadfan, just a few miles away.

Open all year, this popular and friendly full-facility site has built up a loyal fan base of returning members. Don’t just take my word for it – check out the reviews on the Club website.

Next on my itinerary was the popular, family-friendly Affiliated Site at Harlech, Min Y Don. This luxury destination really does have it all. Harlech’s expansive sandy beach is about 10 minutes’ walk away. The railway station, allowing access to the Cambrian Coast Line, is also about 10 minutes on foot. There’s also a smashing dog- and family-friendly bar serving great food, and that is also – you guessed it – about 10 minutes’ walk away.

On site you’ll find immaculate facilities, including a stupendous adventure play area for the kids, a luxury amenity block and a fencedoff dog walking area. The beach is, of course, Min Y Don’s main draw, and if the weather is www.camc.com

April 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

TOURING UK SITES

5 Min Y Don Affiliated Site Popular, family-friendly site that is an ideal base for a seaside holiday. All pitches are hardstanding and fully-serviced.

Pitches: 100 | Open: 1 Mar-3 Nov 2019

Site view “Our holiday park is very popular with families... the huge sandy beach has areas that are both dog-friendly and dog-free, while our proximity to the railway station allows members to easily travel further afield. The nearby leisure centre has an indoor climbing wall for wet days.

We pride ourselves on our modern, immaculate facilities.”

Kayleigh and Zac, Park Managers

Food & drink Y Branwen Hotel, Fford Newydd, Harlech LL46 2UB Contact: branwenhotel.co.uk, 01766 780477

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Culture GREAT

SAVINGS Inigo Jones Slateworks, Tudor GUIDE Slateworks, Y Groeslon, Caernarfon LL54 7UE Contact: inigojones.co.uk, 01286 830242 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Harlech Castle, Harlech LL46 2YH Contact: cadw.gov.wales, 01766 780552

For the family Indoor Climbing Wall, Harlech & Ardudwy Leisure, Beach Road,Harlech LL46 2UG Contact: harlechardudwyleisure.org.uk, 01766 780576

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

kind you could spend your entire holiday enjoying the sands. If you can tear yourself away you’ll find plenty more to do in the area, and the station’s proximity goes down a storm with motorhomers who enjoy days out in Barmouth, Porthmadog and Pwllheli. Meanwhile, the local leisure centre (yes, it’s a 10-minute saunter away) features an indoor climbing wall and a swimming pool for family days when the weather is not so kind.

Just a few miles inland lies the Club’s own popular site at Coed-Y-Llwyn, which features mostly hardstanding pitches and offers full facilities including a children’s play area and a dog walk. Beautifully landscaped, the pitches are divided into separate, intimate areas. As such, the site never feels busy, even when it’s full.

No matter how long you stay at Coed-Y-Llwyn, it won’t be long enough. Regardless of how many times you return, you’ll never run out of things to do and discover nearby. Families, couples and

single members all flock to the area for the many outdoor and adventure activities on offer.

“Snowdon is the big draw,” explains Gail, one of the lovely site staff. “The site is on the south side of Snowdonia, so a visit to Snowdon does involve a drive from the site.”

ITALIAN JOB When I last visited the site back in 2017, it took me about an hour to drive to Llanberis in order to climb Snowdon for an article in the Club magazine.

“Bear in mind that you cannot take a dog on the Snowdon Mountain Railway,” Gail reminds me, “and members are also surprised to discover that they cannot take dogs into Portmeirion”.

This news prevented me from visiting the latter on this occasion, but I have been seduced by its charms before. Most popularly known as the setting for the 1960s cult TV series The Prisoner, Portmeirion is a colourful village built in an Italian style. It really is the last place you’d expect www.camc.com

6 Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Site Nestled in the south of Snowdonia National Park, this site is mostly hardstanding with a few grass pitches and a comprehensive amenity block.

Pitches: 90 | Open: 15 Mar 2019 - 28 Oct 2019

Sebastian Wasek / Alamy

Member view

Clockwise from above: fabulous Portmeirion; Caernarfon Castle; adventure at Bounce Below

“We absolutely love this site; there is so much to do!

We come back again and again. We love the walks and the cycling in the area, and keep finding new hidden gems.”

Graham and Hilary Perry, caravanners

Site staff view “There is a phenomenal amount of things to do for families in this area, from Zip World to the steam railways.

This is a very relaxed site, and even when it is full it never feels busy thanks to its informal and secluded layout.”

Gail and Kevin Townsend

Food & drink

DID YOU KNOW? You can book Club site pitches possible to make a day trip via the UK Sites app, at camc. from Blaenau Ffestiniog on com/searchandbook or by the busiest days of the year, calling our Advance Booking when an enhanced ‘red’ Service on 01342 327490. timetable is in operation – Please call Affiliated Sites otherwise you need to start (AS) directly

to find in North Wales – well worth a visit in order to wander around both the village itself and the surrounding 70-acre tropical sub-forest, offering 20 miles of pathway.

Beyond Portmeirion lies the delightful harbour town of Porthmadog. Here there’s a variety of dog-friendly cafés, interesting independent shops, and it’s home to not one, but two more steam railways. A great way to reach Porthmadog from Coed-Y-Llwyn is to drive to Blaenau Ffestiniog, park in the pay-and-display car park near the Co-op, and take a scenic ride on the delightful Ffestiniog Railway. It really is a marvellous way to travel.

From Porthmadog you can also catch a steam train on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon for the day, where you’ll find one of the largest fortifications in Wales. It’s only www.camc.com

in Porthmadog.

CLEAN SLATE In more recent years, this corner of Wales has become known for a very different kind of attraction, which has captured the imagination of the nation. The Slate Caverns near Blaenau Ffestiniog have undergone a huge revamp, and are now home to Europe’s longest zip wire course and an all-weather underground attraction called ‘Bounce Below’. Using a system of nets, trampolines, slides and walkways, participants bounce and slide their way around a disused mine. Nursing a damaged knee, I could only look on and quietly combust with

Bryn Arms, Coed-Y-Llwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4EN Contact: brynarmsgellilydan.business.site, 01766 590655

Culture Criccieth Castle, Castle Street, Criccieth LL52 0DP Contact: cadw.gov.wales, 01766 522227

Outdoor fun National White Water Centre, Frongoch, Bala LL23 7NU Contact: nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk, 01678 521083

For the family GREAT

SAVINGS GreenWood Family Park, GUIDE Bush Road, Y Felinheli LL56 4QN Contact: greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk, 01248 671493 Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING UK SITES sse

7 Gilfachwydd Certificated Location Delightful CL offering lawned grass pitches, although pitching on gravel is an option in wet weather. This peaceful site is a tranquil oasis.

Open: all year Contact: 01341 422664 Sites Directory and Handbook p548

“I have been managing the site for 24 years, and we’ve had members return year on year since I started. People come here for the peace, and because we have many walks on our doorstep.

The wildlife and nature also draw members to our site. We’ve just heard our first cuckoo this year!”

Jan Edwards

Charming Dolgellau

attraction is the town of Dolgellau. An utterly delightful place, I found myself just wandering around and trying to soak up its charm and relaxing vibe as much as possible.

It was time to go home, but luckily Wales isn’t going anywhere, and this magnificent part of the country is the equal of anywhere to the north or south. You should make the journey and fall under the spell of this beautiful, enchanting, fun-filled and friendly part of the world.

Children’s Farm Park, Cae Cethin, Llanfair, Harlech LL46 2SA Contact: childrensfarmpark.co.uk, 01766 780247

envy at the children (of all ages up to about 60) bounding, falling and laughing their way around.

My dodgy knee didn’t stop me from going mountain biking again, though, and one of the best centres in the UK, Coed-y-Brenin, is about 15 minutes’ drive from Coed-Y-Llwyn.

Every kind of ride, from ‘green’-graded leisurely family cycle trails to ‘black’ technical tracks for the seriously skilled (or bonkers) is on offer. I played it safe with the ‘blue’-rated ‘MinorTaur’ which is arranged into loops, enabling you to choose your length of ride.

In need of some relaxation before the long drive home, the final CL on the tour fitted the bill perfectly. Gilfachwydd is the kind of place that many members crave: peaceful and rural, while discreetly offering the facilities that make life easier, such as electric hook-ups and neatly-mown grass pitches.

Arrival at Gilfachwydd was a feast for the senses; the ground and the air smelled so utterly sweet. If only you could bottle and keep the essence of springtime!

The CL is ideally placed for Coed-y-Brenin and the bustling resort of Barmouth, but the closest

Walking | Rhyd-y-sarn

Cycling | Mawddach Trail

Use the ViewRanger walking app to enjoy the ‘Ddualt Semi-circular from Rhyd-y-sarn’ route which takes in waterfalls, dense forestry and a picturesque plateau. Club members can try the PREMIUM version (including unlimited Ordnance Survey Maps) for free for 7 days. Visit camc.com/ viewranger for details.

In the shadows of Cadair Idris and alongside the bird-rich Mawddach Estuary, this nine-mile ride on the National Cycle Network takes you from the attractive stone town of Dolgellau to Barmouth’s sandy beach. Follow the dust path through Abergwynant’s conifer, oak and birch woods before coming to the RSPB Nature Reserve at Arthog Bog. From there it’s over the wooden bridge, where you’ll have great views of the mountains, and on to Barmouth.

Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-thenational-cycle-network/mawddach-trail-dolgellau

Food & drink Cross Foxes Bar & Grill, Brithdir, Dolgellau LL40 2SG Contact: crossfoxes.co.uk, 01341 421001

Culture Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ Contact: moma.machynlleth.org.uk, 01654 703355

Outdoor fun Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne LL38 2EX Contact: fairbournerailway.com, 01341 250362

For the family

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CW Images / Alamy

Site view

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Andrew Ditton joined the Club in 1987

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES

www.camc.com

March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

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

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

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

NEW CLS ENGLAND CAMBRIDGESHIRE CAMBRIDGE (8.7m N) – Lost Acres, Imogen and Elspeth Ash, Twentypence Road, Cottenham CB24 8PP. 01954 251151; 07835 378306; imoash57@ gmail.com. 52.303744, 0.152579.

Open 1 Apr-10 Nov; 0.5 acre; adv bkg req; dogs; unfenced water; hdstdng; grass; EHU; town in 1m; fishing & watersports in 5m; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).

DERBYSHIRE CHESTERFIELD (6m SE) – The Orchard Caravan Site, Mr Jonathan and Mrs Amy Hayes, Locko Lane Farm, Locko Lane S45 8AW. 07810 356797; theorchardcaravansite@ outlook.com. 53.167069, -1.355093.

OAY; 1 acre; adv bkg req; dogs; hdstdng; enhanced pitches – EHU with drinking water; 16A; ideal for families; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).

MATLOCK (5.5m SW) – Sleepy Hollow Farm, Mrs Kate and Mr Randall Cundy, Hopton Lane, Wirksworth DE4 4DF. 07751 249689; katechapman72@btinternet.com.

53.080519; -1.595017. OAY; 2.5 acres; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; ideal for families; wc exc; shwr exc; fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).

KENT BIDDENDEN (2.5m E) – Turks Head Farm, Mr George Duncan Brightling, Pot Kiln Lane, High Halden, Ashford TN26 3HT. 07894 557198; 01233 850673; duncanbrightling@gmail. com. 51.116425, 0.68645. OAY; 1 acre; Adults only; adv bkg req; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; waterside CL; grass; 16A; peaceful; coarse fishing CL; lawned; dog walk fr site;

golf in 5m; fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

HERNE BAY (7m E) – The Field, Melvyn and Allyson Walker, 3 Downbarton Farm Cottages, Downbarton Road, Birchington CT7 0QQ. 07941 138041; 01843 265046; melvin.w@vfast.co.uk. 51.351851, 1.246364. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; info rm; dog walk fr site; public trans in 1m; town, shop & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; sandy beach in 4m; fr £16 (pitch + all occ).

LINCOLNSHIRE GAINSBOROUGH (6.5m SE) – Ashleigh Farm CL, Mrs Caroline and Mr David Leak, 25 Ashleigh, High Street, Willingham-by-Stow DN21 5JZ. 01427 787813; 07578 336037; carolineleak25@sky.com.

53.351212, -0.68543. OAY; 2.5 acres; dogs; unfenced water; hdstdng; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; wc sh; shwr sh; info rm; dog walk fr site; pub trans in 1m; fr £14 (pitch + 2 ad).

NORFOLK DEREHAM (8.6m NW) – Paddock View, Mr Mark Bane and Mrs Kim Proudfoot, Griffin Barn Mill Farm, Old Litcham Road, Mileham PE32 2QB. 07766 223438; 07701 343905; paddockviewcl@gmail. com. 52.733273, 0.820428. OAY; 0.5 acre; adults only; adv bkg req; dogs; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; info rm; dog walk fr site; town & shop in 1m; game fishing in 5m; fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).

NORTH YORKSHIRE STOKESLEY (4.8m NW) – Greenfields Farm, Mr Martin and Mrs Fiona Morgan, Roger Lane, Hilton TS15 9JX. 07767 376939; 07429 388493; mm@pidesign.co.uk.

54.496773; -1.275694. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; 16A; views; wkg fm; town & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).

YORK (7.3m S) – Old Pasture Park, Mr David Atkinson and Mr Sam Atkinson, York Road, Stillingfleet YO19 6HW. 01904 728499; 07836 546557; 07545 543444; info@

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

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

oldpasturepark.co.uk; oldpasture park.co.uk/information. 53.868542, -1.095355. 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.5 acre; adults only; adv bkg req; dogs; grass; 16A; peaceful; fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

OXFORDSHIRE THAME (0.5m N) – Lashlake Barn, Mr John and Mrs Allison Thomlinson, 25 Aylesbury Road, Thame OX9 3AU. 01844 215971; 07884 005007; lashlakecl@gmail.com. 51.752564; -0.979148. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; adults only; waterside CL; grass; peaceful; coarse fishing CL; lawned; wc sh; shwr sh; public trans, town, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).

SCOTLAND SCOTTISH BORDERS HAWICK (15.6m S) – Hermitage Farm House, Mr Adrian Grace and Miss Emma Vaughan, Hawick TD9 0LY. 01387 321404; 07832 143549; hermitagefh@outlook.com.

55.2531952, -2.7813257. OAY; 2.5 acres; dogs; levelling blocks req; waterside CL; grass; max o’fit length 8mtrs; views; lawned; dog walk fr site; fr £8 (pitch + all occ).

WALES ANGLESEY LLANGEFNI (9m SE) – Brambles, Mr Eric and Mrs Sue Marchbanks, Off lane leading to Dwyran Church, Newborough LL61 6TN. 01248 440011; 07887 766146; eric@ marchbanksplanning.co.uk. 53.172874, -4.347223. OAY. 2 acres; adults only; unfenced water; dogs; hdstdng; enhanced pitches – EHU with water and grey waste disposal; 16A; max o’fit length 14mtrs; fr £16 (pitch + 2 ad).

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those stated in the Directory. So please check fees when making a booking. Not all CLs with a pub symbol are located on the site of a public house – some have a pub nearby (up to three miles away), so check before visiting. CL reference number refers to the Directory.

262 KESWICK – Stybeck Farm.

Now adults only.

808 CARNFORTH – Freshfields.

Price now £15 per night.

928 LOUTH – Furze Farm. Correct directions: ‘At rndabt with A16 & A157 S of Louth’ followed by existing wording in directory. Changed to adult only from 1 September 2019.

929 LOUTH – Happyford CL. New owners: Mr Doug and Mrs Louise Home. Tel: 01507 602612; 07801 657591; 07740 152250. Email: happyfordcl@gmail.com.

945 MARKET RASEN – Beechcroft.

Owner Sue Masterman. Tel: 01673 849161, 07775 631476.

971 SLEAFORD – White House Farm CL. Does offer shared wc facs.

1115 NORTH WALSHAM – Commonwood. New owners: Mr & Mrs Lambert. Tel: 01692 650548.

1539 ARUNDEL – Winter Egg Farm.

Pitches are hdstdng and grass.

1985 SOUTH RONALDSAY – Pool Farmhouse. New email: poolfarmhouse@btopenworld.com.

2030 MENAI BRIDGE – Berwyn.

Enhanced pitches now available.

2060 ABERAERON – Tyr-Wennol Rhydroser. Correct directions: ‘take B4337 Lampeter Rd’.

2182 HAVERFORDWEST – The Stables. Correct tel: 01437 710531.

August 2019 Magazine LINCOLN – Barff Farm Fernside. No gaz or pub on site.

August 2019 Magagazine BRIDPORT – Greenacres Marshwood. Address is Greenacres B&B not Greenslades. Price from £10 (pitch + 2 ad).

CLOSURES The following CLs have closed since publication of the Directory 2019/20 and the September 2019 magazine.

21 WOKINGHAM – Mr and Mrs D J Read, 166 The Promise.

429 KINGSBRIDGE – Mr A B Davies, Chapelcombe Farm.

448 OTTERY ST MARY – Mrs A Robin Boyes, The Shute.

696 HEREFORD – Mr Adrian Spong, Cuckoos Corner.

957 SKEGNESS – Caroline and Andrew Town, Rosedale.

1129 NORWICH – Mrs G Reeve, Oakhaven.

1441 FRAMLINGHAM –Mrs F Siddall, Easton Farm Park.

1882 OTLEY –Barnaby Gill, Plantation Farm.

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

www.camc.com

Mablethorpe on the olnshire coast

www.camc.com

September 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING BREAKS ACTIVITY CLUB SITES PHOTOGRAPHY

Andrew gets the shutter bug Opposite: owl carving near Bearsted Club site

38

LET’S GO...

PHOTO WALKING Andrew Ditton discovers the perfect companion to encourage you to get out and about – your camera!

W

alking is just about the best exercise you can get, both physically and mentally. It’s gentle on the body yet gets the blood moving, and, even more importantly, it gets us outside, away from screens and into the fresh air.

Sometimes we all need a little push to venture into the great outdoors, especially if the weather is less than perfect or we find ourselves in uninspiring surroundings. For many of us that push comes from a four-legged friend. However, there is another companion that can give you the necessary motivation to pull on your walking boots – and that is your camera. You don’t have to invest in a pricey, complicated piece of kit – you can simply use the camera on your phone, so photography can be a surprisingly inexpensive hobby.

Photo walking can be experienced in a group, led by a guide who can show you some great locations and offer hints and tips. This is a terrific way to discover an alternative view of established tourist attractions and improve your photography technique at the same time. Of course, you can also enjoy the hobby on your own or with

a partner. It’s a pastime that improves your mood through exercise, mindfulness and a connection with your immediate environment, as I discovered when I gave it a try.

You can go on a photo walk from absolutely any Club site or Certificated Location, be it in a green and rural location such as Altnaharra or Gwern-Y-Bwlch, or in the heart of an urban cityscape such as Baltic Wharf or Crystal Palace. I headed to an old favourite of mine – Bearsted Club site in Kent.

Despite having visited Bearsted on many previous occasions, planning a photo walk allowed me to see the surroundings through fresh eyes. When checking in, I shared my mission with the friendly site staff who immediately knew just the place that would fit the bill – the Bearsted Woodland Trust Area, a mere 15-minute stroll from the site.

It’s a good idea to set a theme or specific challenge for your photo walk. If you are new to photography, it could be experimenting with light and composition, or simply getting to grips with the camera on your phone.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING ACTIVITY BREAKS CLUB SITES PHOTOGRAPHY

“It is only by pushing boundaries that you can improve your skills” This page: a selection of shots from Andrew’s walk in the Kent countryside

RULE BREAKER The more advanced can play around with fixed focal lengths or by deliberately breaking composition rules. I decided that my photos simply had to be different from the kind I usually took. That meant shooting into the light, using manual focus only and creating images that might not tell the entire story in one quick glance.

Even before starting on my walk-proper, I noticed a cobweb dancing in the sun beneath a road sign – a wonderful juxtaposition of the delicate beauty of nature decorating an ugly, functional, man-made structure. I attempted my first capture, deliberately shooting into the light.

Arriving at the Woodland Trust area I was immediately attracted to a majestic tree standing on its own. Rather than take the predictable pretty portrait picture, I got up close and personal with the rough, textured bark and concentrated on that. Already, I was seeing nature through fresh eyes and with a deeper appreciation than if I had simply gone ‘snap’ and hurried on.

Next, I saw a broken tree and had the idea of shooting it with the sun glinting behind, almost like a welder’s torch in the break. Rather than walk past the tree, I walked right up to it, and as I did so I noticed elaborate and beautiful carvings that I would otherwise have missed.

Even the ‘selfie’ that I took with my phone to illustrate this feature had to be something a little different, so I came up with a couple of alternative ideas including an amusing 40

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

composition featuring my disinterested dog, Dougal, sat in a position that would give the image additional depth.

What would have been an hour’s excursion turned into a two-hour walk. It was equally as important to be still and mindful, carefully observing everything in sight, as it was to search for new vistas and angles.

IMAGE RIGHTS... AND WRONGS Back at the caravan, the fun continued as I downloaded and appraised each image.

There were disappointments and there were pleasant surprises. Some techniques worked and others weren’t quite so successful – but it is only by pushing boundaries that you can improve your skills.

One final challenge from your photo walk is to select one, and only one, image from your outing to share on social media. After much deliberation, I went with the selfie I took with my phone as I liked the humour of it more than the considered shots taken with my ‘serious’ camera.

As I relived the walk through the images, I reflected on how much I had enjoyed it, and

taking the camera with me played a huge part in that. Rather than just being the usual frog-march in order to exercise the dog, it had become a time of reflection, appreciation of the natural world and a real mood enhancer.

Searching for compositions and considering camera settings fills your brain with what is around you and pushes the worries and frustrations of everyday life out of the frame for a while. Whether or not you have a walking partner, photography can be a great incentive to get out in the caravan or motorhome and discover a new locale. Anyone can do it, so why not give it a go on your next trip?

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Cover limits and product features may vary. 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.

TOURING FRANCE

HEAVEN SCENT Heidi Fuller-Love savours a region of south-east France famed for its lavender fields and great artists from the past

P

rovence – that glorious, lavender-scented region in south-eastern France that stretches from the lower Rhône to the Italian border – is one of those places you simply must visit at least once in a lifetime. Sadly we only had a week to explore this sun-baked region, which once provided inspiration for the impressionist painters.

Time it right and you’ll see the region’s stunning purple lavender fields (roughly mid-to-late June to early August), but the first landscape we encountered was completely different: marshlined roads took us to the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, on the fringes of the remarkable Regional Nature Park of the Camargue.

Founded in part by Louis IX in 1240 as a base for troops bound for the Holy Land, Aigues-Mortes is an architectural gem boasting well-preserved city walls. We spent a lazy morning wandering the

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

ramparts, admiring heat-hazed views of the Camargue salt flats, which shimmered with pink clouds of pretty flamingos that honked like geese.

Reluctantly leaving this pretty medieval city, we drove through lush countryside studded with white horses, black bulls and a bright green patchwork of rice fields, to the city of Arles.

PAINTING BY NUMBERS Arles was the inspiration for many of Vincent van Gogh’s most dramatically colourful pictures – he only lived in the town from 1888 to 1889 but still managed to produce some 300 paintings and sketches. Sadly, none of his works are kept here but the city’s Vincent van Gogh Foundation occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions.

Seeking the spot where the famous Dutch post-impressionist created The Yellow House,

we visited Place Lamartine. We then strolled out to see the place by the river where he painted Starry Night Over the Rhône; and even paid a visit to the hospital, now the Espace van Gogh, where he was committed after cutting off his left earlobe in December 1888.

After our Van Gogh tour, we stepped back a few millennia into Arles’ stunning amphitheatre. Built in 90AD, it was modelled on Rome’s Colosseum and could hold a whopping 20,000 people.

Moving onwards, the D17 road took us from Arles to the Château d’Estoublon in the heart of the pretty, forested Alpilles Natural Regional Park. This magnificent 18th-century building, famed for olive and wine production, is also a boutique hotel. After splurging on a sumptuous gourmet dinner – local lamb in crispy pastry and a delightful strawberry pavlova flavoured with www.camc.com

1

Les Ranchisses (C32)

This lovely campsite is surrounded by glorious unspoilt countryside and has its own spa, swimming pools and restaurant.

Touring pitches: 111 Open: 13 April-23 September; 2020 dates TBA

Visitor view “There is plenty for everyone to do here – lots of activities for families, but also for adults. It’s also very quiet and there’s a very nice spa.”

Patrice Lamouroux

Site view “Our campsite will suit nature addicts and people who love peace and quiet along with a high standard of facilities and a restaurant that is locally renowned.”

Philippe Chevalier

Main photo: blooming fields of lavender for which Provence is famous

Food & drink

Insets: Maison Carrée, Nîmes (below left) and lavender soap (below right)

Sara Winter/Alamy

Château d’Estoublon , Route de Maussane, 13990 Fontvieille Contact: chateau-estoublon.com, 0033 4 90 54 87 34

DID YOU KNOW?

Culture

basil – we spent the night You can book the featured in one of the ornatelysites by calling 01342 316101 decorated rooms. or visiting camc.com/ campsite near Largenti Largentière in the Next morning we drove overseas. For further info, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. With Auvergne-Rh over the castle’s moat and see p102 and p111 of the back to reality. Crossing the a spa and several large swimming Venture Abroad 2019 mighty Rhône, we stopped pools, this well-equipped site brochure in Nîmes to photograph the surrounded by dramatic gorges and dense forests is an ideal base from which to astoundingly well-preserved Maison explore the wild Ardèche region.

Carrée (a Roman temple that looks as if it was The following day we drove out along winding built yesterday), we shopped for crisp, homeroads to the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave – a cavern baked baguette and creamy Tomme d’Arles discovered in 1994 that houses remarkable cheese in the Halles de Nîmes market and prehistoric wall art. We were a bit disappointed to picnicked on a warm rock beneath the find that you can no longer visit the cave itself; magnificent Roman Pont du Gard bridge. luckily a museum, which is housed in a tall white Next we headed northwards, skirting the building that looks like it was made from origami Cévennes National Park, to Les Ranchisses

La Forêt de l’Aventure Leisure Park, 07380 Jaujac Contact: ardeche-aventure.com, 0033 4 75 89 09 09

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Vincent van Gogh Foundation, 35 Rue du Docteur-Fanton, 13200 Arles Contact: fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org, 0033 4 90 93 08 08

Outdoor fun Canoe Ardèche/Action Midi Sports, Route des Gorges de l’Ardèche –Le Pont d’Arc, Chames 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc Contact: canoe-ardeche-canoe.fr, 0033 6 85 13 83 71

For the family

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TOURING FRANCE

2

L’Hippocampe (C09)

Near a pretty river, this family-run site has large shaded pitches and a pool complex with slides.

Touring pitches: 150 Open: 21 April-17 September 2019; 2020 dates TBA

Food & drink La Villa d’Este, 11 Rue Sainte-Ursurle, 04200 Sisteron Contact: 0033 4 92 31 86 76

Culture Sisteron Cathedral, Place du Général de Gaulle, 04200 Sisteron Illustration: Louise Turpin

Outdoor fun Sisteron Adventures, Montée de la Citadelle, 04200 Sisteron Contact: sisteron-aventures.com, 0033 6 63 48 36 10

For the family Palace of Sweets and Nougat, 100 Route de Valence, 26200 Montélimar Contact: palais-bonbons.com, 0033 4 75 50 62 66

“With panoramic views of the surrounding foothills, L’Hippocampe site is an excellent base for those wanting to explore Haute Provence”

ON A HIGH pleats, is excellent, and the original interiors have been carefully DID YOU KNOW? After breakfast in medieval Largentière the following recreated – you really feel like The Club offers overseas day, we left Les Ranchisses you’re marvelling at 30,000-year holiday insurance and took winding back roads old paintings of mammoths, specially designed toward the Haute Provence lions and rhinoceroses. for caravanners and region. Both having a sweet Over the next few days we motorhomers – call tooth, we couldn’t resist visited the lavender distillery in 01342 336633 for stopping at Montélimar, pretty Saint-Remèze – returning a quote France’s ‘capital of nougat’, to watch with shopping bags stuffed full of the almond-based goodie being made at lavender essence and soap – and made the The Palace of Sweets and Nougat. wonderful (if steep) hike to the top of Mont With panoramic views of the surrounding Gerbier de Jonc, a towering hunk of volcanic foothills, L’Hippocampe site, close to the rock that offers breathtaking views over the Durance river in Volonne, is an excellent base peaks of the Massif Central. for those wanting to explore Haute Provence.

The absolute highlight of our stay, however, Enjoying dramatic views from steep and was our canoe trip along the Gorges de l’Ardèche from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. I was a bit nervous at first winding roads we drove out to visit the spectacularly picturesque village of Sisteron, but it was truly thrilling. Passing beneath the known as ‘the pearl of Haute Provence’, jaw-droppingly beautiful 60-metre-high natural crowned by a citadel high on a rocky cliff that limestone Pont d’Arc arch, we wound our way was once the stronghold of the Counts of through dramatic ravines and past spectacular rock formations to Châmes, where we were picked Provence. On another hot and windy afternoon we visited Manosque and took a fascinating tour up and returned to our departure point.

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

of Centre Jean Giono, an attraction dedicated to the great writer, who was born here in 1895.

We finished our wonderful tour in Digne-lesBains, capital city of the Alpes-de-HauteProvence region. As well as being famed for its lavender it’s also known for hot springs, and so the Thermes de Digne-les-Bains baths proved the perfect location in which to relax and reminisce about a remarkable holiday.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017

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Above: xxxxxxxx Below: xxxxxxxxx

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January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

4

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

CALL OF THE WILD As the Club launches its 2020 worldwide tours programme, we take a look at a pair of adventures in southern Africa guaranteed to live long in the memory

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Then why not consider the breathtaking landscapes and scintillating wildlife of southern Africa? The Club is hosting two incredible escorted tours during 2020 and 2021 that will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Call 01342 779349 or visit camc.com/worldwide to find out more. And join us on our Worldwide stand (9-95) at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2019 from 15-20 October at Birmingham’s NEC, where our tour hosts will present talks about these and other incredible overseas adventures!

ROADS OF THE RAINBOW NATION ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 38-day escorted motorhome tour Departure/price: 9 Jun 2020, 29 Sep 2020, 7 Jun 2021/from £3,999 (for 9 Jun 2020 departure) based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, airport transfers, local tour leaders, two nights in a four-star hotel in Johannesburg, welcome dinner, 31 nights’ pre-booked powered campsites, two nights in a four-star hotel in Cape Town, farewell dinner, guided game drive in Kruger National Park, hippo/ croc cruise, guided game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, Featherbed Eco Experience from Knysna

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

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

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

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

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

Main pic: Cape Town Below from left: the Winelands near Stellenbosch; Addo Elephant National Park; on the Garden Route

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

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

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

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

FOR INFORMATION ON THESE TOURS, PLEASE VISIT CAMC.COM/WORLDWIDE OR CALL 01342 488059 48

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

A TALE OF THREE COUNTRIES ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 33-day escorted motorhome tour Departure/price: 7 Jan 2020, 2 May 2020, 7 Nov 2020, 4 May 2021/ from £4,999 (for 2 May 2020 and 4 May 2021 departures) based on two sharing Price includes: outfit hire, return flights from the UK to Namibia, airport transfers, local tour leaders, two nights in a four-star hotel in Windhoek, welcome dinner, 26 nights’ pre-booked powered campsites, boat cruise from Walvis Bay, game drives in Etosha National Park, two nights in a four-star hotel in Livingstone, guided game drive and guided game cruise in Chobe National Park

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

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

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

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

Main pic: Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River Below from left: Sossusvlei Desert; safari in Etosha National Park; Namib-Naukluft National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR INFORMATION ON THESE TOURS, PLEASE VISIT CAMC.COM/WORLDWIDE OR CALL 01342 488059 www.camc.com

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

BREXIT BUSTERS Thinking of going on holiday in Europe after Brexit? The Club will help make your journey as stress-free as possible

There’s no need to let Brexit spoil your plans for an overseas break this autumn and winter. The Club, which is currently taking bookings for ferries and European holidays up until 31 December 2019, has a whole host of Brexit-busting advice on its website designed to make your holidays as easy as possible. Here’s just a taster...

Saint-Malo, Brittany

British passports after Brexit Regardless of whether there’s a ‘deal’ or ‘no deal’, it’s important to check the dates on your passport if you want to holiday in Europe. On the day you travel, your passport should be less than 10 years old and have an expiry date at least six months in the future.

You can find out more at gov.uk/ visit-europe-brexit.

Driving licences and ‘Green Cards’

Pet passports

In the event of a no-deal Brexit you may need one or more international driving permits (IDPs), depending on which country you are going to or through. An IDP is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence which costs £5.50.

You will also need separate ‘Green Cards’ for cars, motorhomes and caravans, which act as proof of third-party insurance cover. So make sure you contact your insurer to obtain them a month before you travel. For more information, see camc.com/brexit and click on ‘Driving in Europe’.

According to the government’s website, as this magazine went to press: “If a deal is agreed and an implementation period is confirmed, you can travel with your pet to the EU under the current pet travel rules using your current EU pet passport.”

However, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal it will become a ‘third country’ for the purposes of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. There are three categories of ‘third country’ and it is likely that the UK will fall into the ‘unlisted’ classification. In this scenario, a “current EU pet passport issued in the UK will not be valid for

Watch this space for winter booking news Members can currently book sites and ferries with us for COMING travel up to 31 December 2019, but there are plans in place SOON – to allow you to make reservations much further in advance. LONG STAY Keep your eyes on camc.com/overseas for updates. In the WINTER meantime, please give us a call on 01342 488101 to register SUN your interest in our fantastic ‘Long Stay Winter Sun’ deals – during 2019 we offered members great prices on two hosted holidays in Spain, and we’re repeating the concept in 2020 at two different sites.

Again, keep your eye on the website for updates!

For more information, including advice on driving and mobile phone use in Europe after Brexit, head to camc.com/brexit.

travel to the EU” and your pet would need an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a blood test showing sufficient levels of the rabies antibody in its system.

You will also need a ‘health certificate’ from your vet no more than 10 days before travel.

Seek your vet’s advice at least four months before travelling and check gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europeafter-brexit for the latest government guidance. There will be no change to the current health preparations for pets entering Great Britain from the EU after Brexit but you should check the above government website for information on documentation.

Travel visas after Brexit The official advice from ABTA is that you shouldn’t need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit. The European Commission announced in November 2018 that even in a no-deal scenario, UK citizens could still visit the EU without a visa for up to 90 days, providing the same is

offered to European citizens visiting the UK. Check both the government (gov.uk/ visit-europe-brexit) and ABTA (abta.com/ tips-and-advice/brexitadvice-for-travellers) websites for the latest updates.

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you the right to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country – although in many situations there are significant limitations regarding the treatment you can receive.

According to the government website “after Brexit your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card may not be valid”. Regardless of the Brexit outcome and given the limitations of the EHIC, the Club always recommends that you have suitable travel insurance in place before you go on holiday.

To book sites visit camc.com/overseas or call 01342 488101. For more info on travel after Brexit, visit camc.com/brexit 50

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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FAMILIES TOURING TIPS

Family matters Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (17) and son Charlie (11) use their caravan to pursue a wide range of interests. This month – keeping kids content on an epic trip

Embarking on a 3,200-mile round trip covering 10 countries is incredibly exciting but isn’t without its challenges.Initial discussions about the holiday highlighted that the biggest potential problem wasn’t one of logistics, towing or crossing multiple borders – it was the children. The “Are we there yet?” factor is worth paying attention to and the effects of boredom can soon be felt in each corner of the car. It can make a holiday stressful, rather than relaxing.

There are ways to not just make a long journey bearable, but something to look forward to in itself.

Asking Poppy and Charlie to help with the early planning stages may seem like a bit of a bonkers idea but it ensured that both were looking forward to sites they’d chosen, even though we had some miles to munch in-between. We also agreed that the initial drive to Croatia would be more pleasant with one or two more stops added to the itinerary.

Our carefully-plotted, circular route would take 24 days with two-to-three nights spent at each site we stopped at, to allow us to enjoy a little more in each of the countries we passed through.

Unsurprisingly, swimming pools and slides ranked

highly on the kids’ wishlist as they selected sites, as did the beach at Zaton Holiday Resort in Croatia.

Fast forward to the holiday itself, and from the front seats we could hear Poppy and Charlie happily discussing the finer points of each destination as we travelled. Such conversations have a limited lifespan, though, so phones and tablets were charged before we left and lunch stops scheduled for longer days on the road. Books made a welcome (and surprising) return with Charlie complaining about difficult reading conditions in tunnels more than he did about predicted arrival times.

In the end, planning a route as a family allowed us to experience so much more than we normally would have on holiday, and made for lots of good memories.

Plus it made for a more relaxing drive for everyone.

Segments of our trip will be covered in more detail in the November and December 2019 issues of the Club magazine.

MEMBERS SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

Charlie’s view We planned the trip months before as Dad said booking ahead would make things cheaper. The worst part was waiting as I was so excited. We’ve been to France a few times in the caravan but I didn’t think I’d see so many different countries in one trip!

We did lots of things ranging from standing behind a waterfall in Switzerland to buying our dessert (a watermelon) from a roadside stand in Croatia.

I can’t wait until we do something like it again!

Helen’s view Our current “Are we there yet?” record is 20 minutes, and that was several years ago on a trip to France.

Avoiding a repeat during three-and-a-half weeks on the road was a top priority, hence we decided to divide the journey into smaller chunks every few days. The countries, and the sites chosen, made for a startling contrast. Some days we were in the Alps surrounded by waterfalls and at other times we were on a beach with a glass of something in hand.

GOING THE DISTANCE TIPS FOR MARATHON JOURNEYS 1 Begin your holiday as soon as you leave the house by making sure there is something to look forward to on each section of the journey.

2 Plan the trip with the kids. It sounds like a recipe for disaster but can work incredibly well.

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3 Phones and tablets help on a long day in the car. Headrest-mounted DVD players are also handy.

4 Don’t over-plan things. Some of the best experiences happen by chance.

5 Break the trip up into smaller, bite-sized distances.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

53

PRODUCT SHOWCASE WATCHES

ABOUT TIME

Jane McGowan looks at a range of watches for outdoor enthusiasts

3 1

2

1

Suunto 5

2

G-Shock GA-2000

3

Wagstaff Yorkshire

This stylish yet hardy-looking watch is aimed squarely at sports lovers. Featuring a thick plastic and stainless steel body and rubberised wrist-strap, it has been designed to withstand everything you and nature can throw at it. It synchronises with a dedicated app that not only monitors your fitness levels but can adapt your training plan depending on performance. You can download bike or running routes to your Suunto (or design your own) and follow them courtesy of GPS technology, while the watch even features a heart-rate monitor. Add steps, calories and sleep analysis to the package and you have a sophisticated piece of kit.

If you are in the market for a rugged, reliable timepiece designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes of an adventurous lifestyle, this G-Shock model could be just what you’re looking for. Featuring a carbon fibre-reinforced case, it is incredibly light (just 64g), shock resistant and water resistant to 200m, while it boasts a three-year battery life. As well as its analogue dial, it has subsidiary digital displays incorporating five alarms, 1/100 stopwatch, world-time feature and 24-hour countdown timer.

Yorkshireman Albert Wagstaff started his own watchmaking business in the 1920s but sadly it fell into decline. His grandson, Peter Foster, thinks he would be proud of the restarted company’s first timepiece, aptly named ‘The Yorkshire’. Chunky and unfussy, yet undeniably elegant, this is a great-looking mens’ watch, made in the UK and containing a quartz Swiss movement. It features a date window and trio of subsidiary chronograph dials, is water-resistant and has a comfortable, plain, real-leather strap. According to Peter, “Sensible and affordable” is how Mr Wagstaff would have described it. I can’t fail to agree.

RRP: £299 Styles: burgundy copper, all black (pictured), white Contact: suunto.com, 020 3608 0534

RRP: £119 Styles: numerous options Contact: g-shock.co.uk, 020 8452 7253

RRP: £95 Styles: steel case/sand leather strap (pictured), carbon-effect case/black leather strap Contact: wagstaffwatches.co.uk, 07909 440001

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6 4

5

4 Carvel Adventure Watch

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Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD F30

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Suunto 3 Fitness

This fun watch comes with an accessory set (not pictured) and is ideal for any parents looking to encourage reluctant young ramblers to get out and about. The watch itself features a clear, cream-coloured face with illuminated main hands, a second hand and a hook-and-loop fastening strap that makes for easy adjustment. Its ‘camo’ design will appeal to young adventurers too! The pack also contains a mini rucksack, binoculars, whistle (with built-in compass), information cards and ID tag. This is great fun for children aged seven to 11 and comes in at a very affordable price.

While one of our pricier models, this ‘smart’ watch has a huge range of functions and features. The chunky design reflects the tough nature of this timepiece, which offers shock and low temperature protection as well as water resistance to up to 50m. A lovely sharp display is recessed to make it harder to scratch.

Functions are accessed by swiping ‘phonestyle’ and full-colour mapping (which can be downloaded and used ‘offline’) can be used in conjunction with a compass, altimeter and barometer. A nice feature is the ability to switch between colour and monochrome displays depending on your battery requirements.

This has a sleeker, more refined appearance than the Suunto 5 (left) – but like its big brother it is packed with features. One of its key selling points is what the manufacturer calls ‘Adaptive Training Guidance’ – the user can choose between three modes designed to ‘maintain’, ‘moderately improve’ or ‘boost’ fitness levels.

The watch then creates a seven-day training plan and when you select an exercise from it, the screen will guide you in real time as to whether you need to raise or lower intensity!

Available in a wide choice of colour schemes, this is a trendy-looking fitness tracker that is guaranteed to draw admiring glances.

RRP: £15.99 Styles: green/camo Contact: argos.co.uk

RRP: £450 Styles: blue/black, black, orange/black (pictured) Contact: casio.com, 020 8450 9131

RRP: £169-£199 Styles: copper, gold, all black, sakura, ocean, black, burgundy (pictured) Contact: suunto.com, 020 3608 0534

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The all new inspiring Autograph offers premium fixtures and fittings both inside and out. Available in eight layouts, with two-six travel seats and with sleeping space for two-six people. The new Autograph offers both style and versatility. Open the door to your sleek ‘Graphite’ cab and position yourself on the comfortable, fully upholstered captain seat with twin armrests and headrests and descend into the great unknown. Unwind the Thule Oministor awning for some al-fresco dining, or get cosy in the all new, front dinette and let the adventure begin.

The ALL NEW Autograph, a motorhome as inspiring as the places it takes you.

your holiday, your way

New ‘Graphite’ cab

Peugeot 2.0 160bhp engine

16� alloy wheels

Dometic reversing camera

Thule Oministor wind-out awning

Alde heating system

Wind down floor mounted spare wheel

Premium quality fabric and sprung seat bases

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

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Your chance to have your say.

The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides All are welcome!

I write in the hope that this letter will encourage more members, especially solo campers like me, to join their local Club Centre and take advantage of the full benefits on offer.

A few weeks ago I attended my first rally, organised by Suffolk Centre, near Ipswich. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but immediately on arrival I was greeted by the marshals

who assisted me to my pitch and gave advice as to where the services, etc were.

Despite the fact that it was a ‘do-as-you-please’ weekend, I was glad there were a couple of get-togethers for introductions, a cup of tea and a chat.

During the weekend, the Centre Chairman came over, introduced himself and welcomed me.

Chance meeting I write with regard to the Star Letter in the September issue from Barry and Sheila Rogers, Gloucestershire.

I also came across someone at Chapel Lane site about eight years ago. One morning I walked to the toilet block and met an elderly chap who was resiting his caravan using a mover. We got chatting and he asked me where I was from and I replied “Chester”, and I asked him where he was from and he said “St Albans”.

I told him that my wife – who then was Alison Pay – and her family moved to Chester from Bricket Wood, St Albans in 1965, but prior to that had lived at another address, Birchwood Way, St Albans, which they left in 1958 when my wife was five years of age.

Well, it only turned out that this gentleman and his wife moved into the same house on the same day at Birchwood Way that my wife and her family moved out of in 1958.

What a coincidence!

Micky and Alison Hunt, via email

Word on the wire I have, over the last few months, had intermittent problems with the 240V power supply when plugging my motorhome into the pitch towers on Club and CL sites. I’ve had a couple of circuit breakers trip out, some interruptions with TV signals and odd poor heater performance. Nothing

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

came to light on my annual habitation check, all on-board fuses and breakers intact, all equipment in good order and no problems with the Club towers.

I eventually traced the cause when on a site in Scotland two weeks ago during the North Coast 500 (a truly brilliant tour – if done leisurely).

I connected to a tower on a dry, summer’s evening and heard a fizz from my tower plug. How strange thought I. All terminals were clean and dry, so I disconnected and examined the extension cable – a purpose-made, main dealer-supplied standard 25m/2.5mm/240V/16A orange made-up cable, always kept on a rolled drum and fully unwound every time.

Shock horror! There was a gap between the core wires and the brass plug pins. When lightly pushed in and with no weight on the cable the gap closed and made a circuit, but any stress opened this to a small gap (and likely arcing, thus intermittent tripping... also potential for a fire). I re-made the connections but realised the cable core metal was corroded, crumbling, soft and grey (see picture) – not what I would expect from copper.

I felt very comfortable knowing I was with friendly, like-minded campers – all of my fellow rallygoers were welcoming and happy to talk.

I enjoyed my first rally experience so much that I have already booked another rally.

So, please join your local Centre – you might enjoy your Club membership even more.

Andy Graver, Suffolk

This was discussed with my local specialist electrical engineers and I showed them the cable and plug; apparently it is a known industry cable problem. Over the years there have been many cases of fake cable being imported where the core is poor alloy, often not detected by routine habitation checks.

I would urge all members to examine their extension leads (or have them examined) and would now include domestic power reels, not just camping. I have now sourced the correct copper-cored cable and separate ends. I know what is in there now and can sleep at night.

Frightening!

Simon Best, via email Technical Manager’s comment: This is not an uncommon problem; cheap and nasty copper-plated steel cable (often imported) doesn’t have the same resilience to flexing-rated fatigue and will corrode given half a chance. For more information see the Ask Your Club article in the December 2018 issue.

Tech? No! Merve Gaskin’s endeavours for electrical independence, and use of solar power are admirable [‘Off-grid is great’, September 2019 issue].

However, there’s an issue I’d like to raise, and understand from conversations with friends that I may be speaking for other less tech-enthusiastic campers, too.

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My late parents were members of the Club for as long as I can remember.

They sought out and loved the more basic Certificated Locations, and I grew up with wonderful holidays in a series of caravans and campervans. After years of tent camping, I now have a T4 VW campervan of my own. In this, I’ve visited some lovely, quiet CLs and others where sadly, despite the beautiful locations, the experience left me wondering why some people go camping at all.

I camp because I love the outdoors, peace and quiet, living simply, being close to nature, and am ‘off-grid’ in the sense of being electrical gadget-free by choice. However, at several CL sites, I’ve found it difficult to relax, finding myself surrounded by units whose owners retreat inside as dusk falls to watch loud TV – often with all the windows open. Consequently, I hoped things might be quieter if I avoided sites with EHUs altogether, but on these, as often as not, come early evening the generators used by many motorhome users who claim to be ‘off-grid’ start up.

I do realise that for many people camping means a home from very-well-equipped home, but wondered if, whether off-grid or not, those (like Mr Gaskin) who want to operate a “toaster, microwave, blender and vacuum cleaner” whilst watching TV for “2-3 hours at a time” might politely be requested to use the larger sites, or at least those designated areas of smaller sites with hook-ups, leaving the quieter, EHU-free sites and zones for those of us who go camping for the peace and quiet it should bring – and prefer a sense of “roughing it” as Mr Gaskin rather unfairly puts it.

I know he’s not using a generator, and is proud to have freed himself from the need for an EHU and its cost, but surely the whole point of camping is that it should be for everyone, not just those who need electricity, who now, very sadly seem to be taking over many of the more basic CL sites.

Charlotte Philcox, Norfolk

Refreshing Sorbie We recently ventured up to south-west Scotland with our touring caravan, to a little village called Sorbie which is close to Garlieston, Whithorn and the Isle of Whithorn. Now, from almost everywhere we have been in the last 40 years, this new CL is up there with the best and comes highly recommended by us, it just blew us away to be honest.

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Further to Jonty Wild’s letter in the September issue of the Club magazine [‘Storage solutions?’] he, and other members, might find the following suggestions useful with regard to fixed-bed storage in caravans.

Quick fix Jonty Wild asked for solutions to stop stored items under a fixed bed from sliding around.

We’ve been quite successful by using a breathable ground sheet cut to the pattern of the under-bed floor space. This is held in place by a few lengths of strategically placed double-sided carpet tape.

The finish of the ground sheet is sufficiently resistive to stop most things from sliding around.

Michael Lewis, via email

Crate idea My wife and I love the fixed bed in our Bailey Senator California – it’s comfortable and provides oodles of storage just rear of the axle. Ideal for heavier items and keeping noseweight under control. Loading stuff into the storage space and preventing movement can be a problem. This I have solved by using pairs of stackable plastic crates (see pictures).

One of the pair (the ‘holding crate’) is screwed to the caravan floor with four 20mm round-headed screws. The other (the ‘loading crate’) is then filled and dropped into the holding crate.

To prevent the two crates jamming together when loaded, I placed and glued six rings of pipe insulation onto the base of the holding

Timely return

The site [Sorbie Primary School CL] is run by Sue and Les Barrow and affords not only great hospitality by the hosts, also the most highest of specs that visiting caravanners would ever need. It is set just behind an old traditional school house that is being lovingly restored by Sue and Les to the highest of standards and the little CL mirrors this. The washroom facilities are truly awesome, the toilet and shower being the best we have ever seen, plus a vegetable prep area and washing up facility that’s second to none.

From the site we saw deer come very close and birds of prey are also visible. The site boasts five gravel pitches, all nicely landscaped and level, plus some tasteful, distinctive features of the rugged terrain, sympathetically crafted by Les. It is set immediately behind the old school house, by The Pheasant, which is an Italian restaurant that provide delicious meals. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the whole area was a joy to visit but the Sorbie Primary School CL site was the icing on the cake.

Carol and Dave Reynolds, via email

About six years ago you published what subsequently appeared to be a fairly well-received letter lamenting, among other things, the fact that after a ‘hard day’s leisure’ we don’t have a nice comfy armchair to relax in instead of bench seats.

I waited for the subsequent revolution in caravan design with bated breath. Nothing. Well, obviously things are never that simple: squeezing the basic requirements of a home into a shoe-box is bound to be a challenge.

I assumed I’d had my few fleeting moments of fame and I could sink back into obscurity. But no...

Now here’s the thing: for the last three years or more we have been without a caravan while we moved house and renovated our penultimate resting place. Now that’s finished we still have just about enough energy left to return to caravanning, so we toured the showrooms, trawled the private ads and finally bought a perfectly lovely ‘new’ second-hand Coachman VIP. We rejoined the Club and have just received our first monthly magazine in a long time. You could have knocked me down with a jockey wheel when my wife came through shouting “Look at this...!” There was my old letter referred to by Peter and Victoria Jones (August issue). I gasped humbly and had to sit down. Thank you Mr and Mrs

crate. The height of each spacer ring was worked out by some careful measuring, and trial and error! You want the rings just high enough to take the weight of the loaded crate and to prevent the two crates jamming together.

I already had the crates I used to hand (likewise the pipe insulation – I could have cut suitable lengths of wood as spacers). If buying crates for the purpose I would not recommend the cheaper plastic varieties – they flex and split too easily.

Mike Stone, via email

Jones. In a small way I feel you have rescued me from obscurity and made an old man feel very happy.

Martin Francis, via email

Home and away Reading the letter from Tim and Jill Cramp on the use of Certificated Locations (CLs) on April’s Letters pages reminded me that membership of the Club can be played out in a number of ways.

My mum and dad were members of the Club from the late 1950s right through until my dad sadly died of cancer in 1997. In the beginning, they (and I) almost solely used their membership to rally, usually every weekend from February to the first weekend of November.

We did also go on holiday in the caravan. I remember a trip to the top of Scotland when I was about 11 and we stayed on a newly-opened Club site called Altnaharra. My mum and dad retired in the mid-1980s and it was then that they took to using CLs, leaving home in February or March and criss-crossing England, Scotland and Wales throughout the summer until the end of October, calling home from time to time. When my dad died we gave the caravan, a then-12-year-old Abbey, to a cousin who continued to use it for another decade.

My wife and I got our first ’van, a small Monza variant called a Quasar,

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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LETTERS YOUR VIEWS in 1987. It had electrics added and a shower tray. We paid around £4,000 for it and seven years later sold it back to the same dealer we bought it from for more than we paid for it. We have always been users of CLs. Unlike my parents we have always gone abroad for our main holiday, initially every couple of years but from the early 1990s every year. We now go for six weeks at a time, usually out of season, and almost exclusively using the ACSI card. This allows us to have a holiday at CL prices but in places such as Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy.

Don’t let driving on the right put you off, it soon becomes second nature. And it isn’t all tolls either.

We often travel through Belgium and down the eastern side of France into the Black Forest and Switzerland completely toll free using the A16 into Belgium, the A10 to Brussels, the A4 to Luxembourg and then A3/A31 down through France – all without the whiff of a toll. Don’t forget your Red Pennant insurance – invaluable!

So Tim and Jill, while still having great CL adventures in the UK, don’t be afraid to look beyond the shores of the UK for just as interesting adventures abroad.

Dixie Dean, via email

Pump action We are by no means the first to compliment Red Pennant on their service, nor will we be the last, but we have to add our sincere thanks and particularly to Luke for the service we have received.

On the night before an early morning crossing of the Channel for a two-week holiday in France our pump stopped working, leaving us with no water supply in our caravan and, crucially, no means of flushing the loo due to the (in our opinion) daft system of drawing flush water from the main fresh water system.

One phone call to Luke to explain our problem once we had arrived elicited a promise to get a replacement sent out to us as quickly as possible, but a warning that it could take three to five days to arrive. He was polite and friendly, phoning us back to keep us informed about the location and despatch of the replacement pump – excellent service for which we wish to express our extreme thanks.

Imagine our surprise on our return from a day trip only the following day to be told that a parcel had arrived for us.

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

We then received a follow-up call the following morning from Red Pennant to make sure we knew that the parcel had been delivered to the site. Incredible service from all concerned.

We have always bought Red Pennant insurance for our foreign caravanning trips, only once before having to make a claim when a whole holiday had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the hospitalisation of our young daughter. We can attest to how good the cover is that they provide and will never have any hesitation in purchasing and recommending this cover in future.

We would also like to add our thanks to another couple staying on the same site who allowed us to borrow their supplementary water pump so that we could fill our onboard tank to enable us to have some running water available until our new pump arrived.

Sarah and Peter Way, via email

Helping hand On arriving at Warwick Racecourse Club site recently, my husband was instructed to report to Warwick A&E as soon as possible (because of an earlier appointment with his own GP back home). Obviously, being more than slightly concerned about the urgency, we enquired at the office as to the whereabouts of the hospital and how to get there quickly. Driving a motorhome was not an option for him and I had never driven it myself.

Without hesitation, site staffer Bernie offered to take us there, which he did. By late afternoon, my husband had been fitted with a pacemaker and was made aware of the seriousness of the situation.

Heartfelt thanks to Bernie and Sandra for their kindness. It is comforting to have such helpful people on hand.

Alan and Janet Holmes, via email

Emission mission With barely 11 years until the Government’s target for half of all new vehicles to be zero or ultra-low emission it is timely to ask manufacturers what they are doing to cater for our future needs.

Our dealer stocks scores of new motorhomes with a realistic life expectancy of 20-30 years. All are diesel engine-powered and fitted with bottle gas-fired stoves. Many new

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caravans are so heavy that only a large-engined diesel or petrol vehicle is capable of towing them safely.

It is not only motorhome and caravan manufacturers who are failing to keep up with the need to adapt. On a recent holiday we noticed that none of the Club sites we used had solar, wind or other carbon-neutral power.

None had dedicated facilities to charge an electric vehicle.

It is surely time for our internationally-respected Club to take the lead and put pressure on manufacturers to develop new models that we can enjoy without unduly damaging our beautiful, precious planet. The Club should also demonstrate its own commitment through a concerted programme to ensure that all our sites are carbonneutral by 2030.

Peter Wilshaw, Stafford Technical Manager’s Comment: We have been pushing this agenda with the industry for quite a while… I presented to the NCC Annual Conference on similar themes back in April 2013. We cannot dictate their development and sales policies, of course.

We are also actively looking at the Club site implications of issues like changing vehicle technology, through a Site Infrastructure Working Group.

However, we need to plan carefully to ensure the investment of what is fundamentally Club members’ money is done in an effective and timely manner. For instance, we don’t see it as viable to roll out large-scale deployment of electric vehicle charging points at present, but this is likely to come at a time when take-up from members is becoming significant (and we can be confident we’re putting the right technology in place).

To cope with EV charging in additional to habitation and site facilities demands for electricity, we also need to look at how power is brought into sites (and how it’s purchased), how efficiently it’s used on site, and how all of that can be supplemented by on-site energy production (eg solar) and possibly storage (to smooth out peaks and troughs in demand). There is a great deal of effort going into this work at present.

National treasures We have been fortunate enough to attend many Nationals, in fact it will be 22 in 2020. Over the years we have met many other members of the Caravan and Motorhome

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Club who are attending their first National and quite often also their very first rally ever!

As we have been marshals, of one sort or another for about 20 years, we were able to answer questions and put people right over many things.

Here are some of our answers to these questions, and others.

What does a marshal do? These are members who volunteer to help in many ways at the National, paying for the weekend like everyone else.

Block marshals usually carry a radio in case of emergencies in their lines, and are responsible for the well-being of their people, and liaison with senior marshals and Rally Control.

What does ‘lines’ mean? Members are usually grouped together in Centres and Regions, in lines of caravans/motorhomes.

Where are the showers? This is when you must tactfully tell them that the only showers are in their caravans, or, if they are feeling brave, they could use one of those solar water bags outside their unit!

Public toilets? Yes, there are some, but only in the Arena area.

Why bring water? If you arrive at a busy time, you will probably find a long queue at the water tap, and the pressure is often quite low. So, if you can bring some water to start you off, life will be much easier.

‘Grey’ water? This is the used water from showering, washing, washing up, etc. This is to be emptied into the tanks which are dotted about the site. Your marshal will show you where they are.

What is the yellow flag for? If there has been a lot of rain, and the roadways are getting very muddy, then you will see a yellow flag flying on all the flagpoles in the lines. This means that there must be no movement of non-essential vehicles, unless permission has been given.

This helps to keep the roadways intact for emergency vehicles and essential traffic and to avoid damage to the ground.

And the most important advice is... enjoy the weekend!

Lois and Alan Parker, via email

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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COUNTRY MATTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Blue sky thinking Twilight photography poses some challenges – but with a bit of preparation you can take some incredible pictures during the ‘blue hour’, says David Chapman

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September 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Port Isaac, Cornwall

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March 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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COUNTRY MATTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

OCTOBER LOOK OUT FOR If you are out at dusk, here is some wildlife to look out for: The Herald moth (cutout below) can be seen in the autumn Hedgehogs (below) might be wandering the streets; they are busy fattening up for hibernation If you are in the south of England, listen for the stridulation of the great green bush cricket (left) which likes to sit on vegetation under streetlights to ‘sing’

F

or most of us the window for landscape photography starts at sunrise and ends at sunset – but there’s no reason for this outlook.

Digital cameras are increasingly good at capturing images in low light – they just need someone behind them to point them in the right direction!

So this month I am going to look at taking photographs at dusk; next month, I’ll focus on night-time photography.

I can remember the first time I set out to take photographs during the ‘blue hour’ of dusk. The first task was to choose a good location and, as I live in Cornwall, I opted to capture Truro Cathedral from Boscawen Park.

There were three main reasons for my choice.

I wanted somewhere with street lights because the warm tones generated by them would contrast well with the blue hues of dusk. Secondly, between the park and the cathedral is an estuary which, at high tide, fills with relatively shallow water providing the possibility of good reflections on a calm day. Reflections make good foregrounds because they double everything: creating twice as much sky and twice as many streetlights, they make composition easy with the reflection line across the middle of the frame. Finally, I needed a focal point, which, in this case, would be the striking cathedral.

I chose a calm day when the tide was high just after sunset. I set up my camera on a tripod with a remote release and framed a pleasing composition while it was still light enough to do so. With everything in place, I took a photo. It was a dull day and the photo was equally dull! A few minutes later I took another picture and nothing much had changed. It was getting darker but the camera was making longer exposures, so the second photo was just as bright as the first. The streetlights came on

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

and I took another photograph which didn’t look very special.

Over the next half hour I continued taking exactly the same picture. After a while, as I reviewed the images on the back of the camera, I noticed that each was getting ever-so-slightly better than the last.

As time passed, the sky and reflection became bluer and the streetlights became brighter as the ambient light decreased. I could hardly believe my eyes. With the naked eye, the whole scene appeared dark, but the photos taken looked bright and vivid. I carried on with the process until the sky became too dark to carry on – at this point the streetlights were too bright and everything else looked black.

The blue ‘hour’ itself may have only lasted about 10 minutes – but its effect on me has stood the test of time.

TWILIGHT TIPS

Set your camera to ‘manual focus’ because it will find focussing difficult when it goes dark.

Use a tripod and a remote release or self-timer to avoid camera shake.

Set your ISO manually to 100 or 200 for best quality (if you let your camera choose the ISO automatically it will set a much higher one because of the dark conditions).

Your camera might have a ‘noise reduction’ option in the menu – turn this on for better quality (be aware that, after taking a long exposure, the camera will spend a long time processing it).

I tend to use ‘Aperture Priority’ mode (Av) and set an aperture of about f8 or f11. But as it gets darker your exposure time will increase – if it increases beyond your camera’s maximum exposure time (often this is 30 seconds) you will need to put it in ‘Bulb’ mode and use a remote release to make longer exposures.

ON YOUR DOORSTEP Club sites with good dusk photography opportunities Any club site within walking distance of a towns or village could be a good base for dusk photography, particularly where there is water nearby. Consider Baltic Wharf, Bristol; York Rowntree Park and Henley Four Oaks.

If you want to photograph Truro Cathedral from Boscawen Park, the nearest site is Carnon Downs (from which there is a regular bus service).

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

Truro Cathedral – David’s first dusk shot

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Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

Crossword

£90

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 18 October 2019.

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

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NAME: ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

DOWN 1 Show the way (5) 2 Moving as a ball (7) 3 Rough calculation (8) 4 Optical bruising (5,3) 5 Clearly put, capable of being understood (8) 6 Rainwater channel (6) 7 Set upon by a crowd (6) 8 Small and dainty (6) 13 News item update (8) 18 Automobile (3) 20 Female bird (3) 21 Molars and incisors (5) 22 Match official (7) 23 Block of firewood (3) 25 Spoil (3) 26 Legacy (7) 28 Moggies (4) 30 Podded vegetable (3) 31 Artificial head of hair (3) 33 Wicked (4) 34 Show off, boast (5) 36 Allow (3) 37 Bobsleigh (8) 38 Tear open (3) 40 Get older (3) 42 Rodent (3) 44 Indian war-axe (8) 45 Hand and nail care (8) 46 Without any penalty whatsoever (4-4) 47 Small public service passenger vehicle (7) 48 Rarely (6) 49 Four score (6) 50 A good luck symbol (6) 53 Strangely amusing (5)

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

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

ACROSS 1 Wide ravine (5) 4 Pile of overdue work (7) 9 Garden earth (4) 10 Law and _ _ _ _ _(5) 11 Bluish-purple flower (6) 12 Custom (5) 14 Fundamental (5) 15 Half a house? (4)

16 17 19 22 24 26 27 29 32

Meaty fish, often smoked (8) Lessen (6) Hoodlum (4) To mirror (7) Child’s stomach (3) Canal boat (5) Aunt’s husband (5) Pond eggs (9) Ask for (7)

35 37 39 41 43 44 47 48 51

Spendthrift (7) Mandarin orange (9) Dish of raw vegetables (5) Tend the sick (5) Bath (3) Violent storm (7) Encounter (4) Brook (6) Degree of slope (8)

September solution: Across: 1 Landlubber 6 Edible 11 Alarm 12 Saturate 13 Top-notch 16 Netball 18 Ash-can 19 Fair 20 Robot 22 Story 24 Ant 25 Arm 26 Upheaval 28 Alike 29 Dark 30 Amber 31 Enticement 35 Bestseller 39 Extra 40 Nags 41 Ample 42 Isolated 43 Lay 44 Den 45 Curve 47 Nests 49 Plan 50 Ending 51 Amateur 54 Splinter 57 Comedian 58 Grime 59 Remedy 60 Hippodrome Down: 1 Left 2 Dinner jacket 3 Unit 4 Bush 5 Rat-catcher 6 Earthquake 7 Biennial 8 East 9 Lava 10 Employment 14 Orangeade 15 Coo 17 Bat 20 Rampage 21 Bluebells 22 Stare 23 Olive 27 Attitudes 32 Cradles 33 Money-spinner 34 Nightmare 35 Blancmange 36 Super 37 Suede 38 Relatively 39 Extinguish 42 Intercom 46 Vat 48 Tip 52 Arid 53 Ever 54 Snip 55 Logo 56 Race

AUGUST WINNERS £50 first prize: Howard Carnell, South Yorkshire £10 runners-up: Fran Butler, West Sussex; Shirley Horrocks, Lancashire; William Groombridge, Norfolk; Robert Miller, Leicestershire

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

52 Bare (4)

reel or Highland grid C 54 Scottish _ _ _ _ _ (5) 55 56 57 58 59 60

Party snake-dance (5) Colourful hair-tie (6) Brag (5) Get up (4) A thin slow stream (7) Artist’s stand (5)

Send to: ‘October 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

SPECIAL TOWCAR OF THE YEAR

Still hooked...

Caravan and motorhome manufacturer Bailey is extremely proud of its 22-year association with the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition As the UK’s premier event of its type, this competition not only supplies caravan owners with important information on potential new tow vehicles, but also provides a practical examination of Bailey’s product performance. In addition to supplying the caravans used in the competition, the Bristol-based manufacturer fields a technical support team, which includes

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representatives from chassis manufacturer Al-Ko Kober, to work at the event.

During the exhaustive four-day test, the caravans are taken on several hundred circuits of the Millbrook Proving Ground, consisting of many laps of the high-speed circular track and a demanding hill route. Throughout this period, Bailey ensures that its caravans remain in

a road-safe condition and that each unit is correctly matched to the relevant tow vehicle.

Working at Millbrook, Bailey has first-hand experience of the lengths to which the Caravan and Motorhome Club goes to ensure that each car entered in the competition is examined thoroughly and fairly. From the initial scrutineering, through the outfit preparation stages, assessment

of ‘caravanability’ and on to the actual driving/towing itself, every aspect of performance is tested rigorously to arrive at the final result.

Simon Howard, Marketing Director of Bailey of Bristol, said: “It is really incredible to see how arduous and thorough the testing is for this important competition, and we are really proud to have been invited to supply caravans for 22 years running.”

October May 2019 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

67 113

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB TYRE SAFETY MONTH When touring it is crucial to ensure that your outfit is roadworthy. As October is Tyre Safety Month, here are several member offers that will help you to stay safe on the road…

SAVE UP TO £40 WITH TYREPAL

SAVE 10%

ON AUTOGLYM INSTANT TYRE DRESSING

TyrePal systems are designed to continuously monitor the pressures and temperatures of your tyres while you are driving, and give clear visual and audible alerts should anything start to go wrong.

TyrePal TC215B allows you to monitor caravans and towing vehicles, while the award-winning TyrePal Solar Colour (named First Car Product of the Year 2019) is perfect for keeping an eye on the tyre pressures of motorhomes, cars and campervans. For more information, visit camc.com/tyrepal.

AutoGlym Instant Tyre Dressing – which contains durable polymer silicone protectants – is designed to clean, protect and preserve the wheels of your vehicle. Club members can save 10% on this and all Autoglym Members products at Club Shop – just have collectively head to shop.camc.com saved £1,517,357 using and search for ‘AutoGlym’.

£30 OFF AN OUTFIT INSPECTION

our offers between 1 January and 30 June 2019

The Mobile Caravan Engineers Association provides inspections to so you can check your caravan or motorhome is roadworthy and safe to tow or drive. For as little as £130 (with a Club member discount of £30 applied), an experienced engineer will inspect your outfit at an agreed location, issue a report and provide rapid feedback. There are three inspection packages available. Find out more at camc.com/mcea.

FREE SAFETY CHECK AND 5% OFF TYRES

50% DISCOUNT ON WICAPS

WiCaps replace the valve caps on your tyres and continuously send information to your smartphone.

So you can check that your tyres are inflated correctly before you set off and a passenger can continuously monitor changes while you’re on the road, detecting potential punctures or overloading issues. Visit camc.com/boo9.

National Tyres and Autocare is the UK’s largest independent tyre and autocare specialist, and it is offering Club members the chance to take advantage of special deals, including: A free safety check – a comprehensive check covering tyres, exhausts, batteries, brakes and shock absorbers; it only takes 20 minutes, and can be carried out at one of 240 branches.

5% off tyres – National Tyres and Autocare has a large range of top-brand and mid-range tyres, ready to be fitted.

50% off an MOT and 20% off autocare including batteries, brakes, exhausts, steering, suspension and oil and filter changes.

Visit camc.com/nationaltyres for more details.

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

68

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

SAVE ON FANTASTIC DAYS OUT WITH THE CLUB As a Club member, you can use the Great Savings Guide to make savings at over 900 attractions across the UK and Ireland. You can view the full range online and order your free guide at camc.com/greatsavingsguide, but in the meantime here are a few examples to consider visiting this autumn…

20% off day tickets at Port Lympne Reserve This award-winning wildlife reserve enables visitors to ‘journey’ to South America, Asia and Africa on an authenticfeeling safari. You’ll see some incredible animals along the way, including the only giraffes in Kent!

Visitors can also get close to life-size pre-historic creatures in the Dinosaur Forest.

Club sites: Daleacres, Black Horse Farm Save up to 49% at Alton Towers Are you brave enough for Alton Towers’ terrifyingly fantastic Scarefest, where there will be spooks, frights and thrills for

everyone? This unmissable event takes place on selected dates during October and November, when the resort becomes home to all things Halloween!

Club sites: Uttoxeter Racecourse, High Onn, Carsington Water, Clumber Park

Two-for-the-price-of-one with City Sightseeing Norwich (until end of October 2019) With distinctive buses and a fascinating recorded commentary, sightseeing has never been so much fun! Hop on and off as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see the sights and attractions of Norwich.

Club sites: Norfolk Broads, Seacroft, Incleboro Fields, Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Fakenham Racecourse AS

Save 30% off the Full Story Ticket at Mary Arden’s Farm (until 4 November 2019; re-opens mid-March 2020) Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Shakespeare’s mother’s working farm – a great day out for all the family in Stratford-uponAvon! Explore the farmyard, see geese herding and falconry displays and have a go at archery.

Club sites: Warwick Racecourse, Harbury Fields AS, Chapel Lane

One free child when accompanied by one full paying adult at DIG – An Archaeological Adventure At DIG you discover exciting archaeological artefacts hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, Medieval and

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Victorian finds – so grab a trowel and unearth clues that show how people lived in each era.

Club sites: York Beechwood Grange, York Rowntree Park, Knaresborough Save 10% on full line return travel with The Strathspey Railway Ride on the Strathspey Railway and experience vintage steam and diesel travel in the Scottish Highlands. There are dining experiences, tours and events all year round.

Club sites: Grantown-on-Spey AS, Culloden Moor, Huntly Castle AS Two free children when accompanied by one full paying adult at Seven Lakes Fishery Owned by Young Estates & Land, the fishery is made up of seven lakes, varying in size from 0.4 acres up to 3.3 acres, in a tranquil setting with ample car parking. Seven Lakes are stocked with carp (mirror, common and crucian), perch, roach, tench and pike.

Club sites: Morn Hill, Salisbury Hillside

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

www.camc.com

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

69

PRACTICAL Q&A

Ask your Club The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions 72

Storage: what to consider

Q

What are the pros and cons of different caravan (or motorhome) storage locations?

A

Storage has to be convenient and affordable, but it must also offer reasonable protection against theft, damage and extremes of weather.

The following options are available.

At home Storing at home is convenient and probably economical (unless you have to build a storage area or means of access). Your vehicle is also generally safe from risk of damage while kept at your property; theft vulnerability depends on exact storage conditions, though. We know that thieves have been seen cruising around residential areas looking for outfits to target later.

It’s probably fair to say that it’s not ideal if your outfit is clearly visible – eg at the front of your house. It is preferable to store it at the rear, or even in a garage (if you have a smaller unit). There are legal restrictions on the storage of caravans at some properties – so check your deeds.

Secure storage site What does ‘secure’ mean? It’s harder to define than you might think and there are numerous things to consider. Relevant factors include location, perimeter security (fences, banks and ditches), lighting and barriers. Access control is also important: who gets a key code or access card, and have checks been made as to their credibility? You may see that a site has CCTV in place, but does it work and do the cameras point in the right direction?

It’s hard to assess effectiveness unless you’re a security expert or a thief, but the best indication is probably accreditation by The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA, cassoa.co.uk), which has a gold, silver and bronze rating system.

Accredited sites aren’t immune to problems, but they do significantly reduce risks, as proven by the Club’s theft claim statistics. Unfortunately, demand for secure storage is strong, and finding space can sometimes be difficult and expensive.

Other storage sites Mainly, this means farm storage that isn’t CaSSOA accredited. Some take great care over security, but sadly

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Above: this CaSSOA gold-rated storage site at Yorkshire Caravans has many security features. One of the more obvious is a large bank just behind the storage area Right: a card-controlled electric gate is just one of the access control features here

others do not. We see more thefts from farms than any other storage type – half of all theft claims we see, in fact – and numbers are rising (there were 20% more thefts from farms in 2019 than 2018). We know that sometimes this may be the only storage option readily available, but we suggest looking very critically at such locations, and only choosing the best you can find.

Club site storage We provide storage on over 40 sites.

Some are CaSSOA gold-rated, but on all of them the presence of site staff and site users most of the time provides a good deterrent to thieves (see camc.com/storage for more information).

Seasonal pitch This is an option if you have a favourite location that you like to visit repeatedly; over 80 Club sites provide seasonal pitches, combining convenience with storage (see camc. com/seasonal for more information).

Wherever you choose for storage, it is good practice to protect your property effectively. Please consider the following advice.

A breathable cover gives weather protection and also safeguards against wind-blown debris. It might even help deter

thieves – if they can’t see what’s underneath, they might give it a miss.

Good mechanical security products slow thieves down.

Wheel locks with accreditation to recognised standards (Sold Secure Diamond, or failing that Sold Secure Gold or SCM MP03) are perhaps the most effective.

An alarm may help if someone hears and reacts to it. A tracker can be very effective, but make sure it is hidden somewhere imaginative.

Make sure valuables are hidden, or preferably removed altogether.

Finally, as recommended on page 18 of this issue, do make sure you have good insurance or cover in place.

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

Finding Level

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Exceptional quality featuring an ultra high security lock in a steel construction. Designed to be compact in size, easy to fit yet extremely strong and resistant to all types of attack. Fits all vehicle Steering Wheels.

New Extra Long Commercial version now available.

Products you can trust For all security ratings see www.milenco.com

February 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

PRACTICAL FAMILY FUN

W? DID YOU KNO e’

Advic The ‘Practical Club section of the a wealth ns ai website cont ion. See at rm fo in of expert ice camc.com/adv

BROAD BASE

A caravan, motorhome or campervan is the perfect mobile headquarters for a wide range of activities – just ask Sammy Faircloth and family Above: Yorkshire is Sammy’s walking destination of choice Far left: the Escape had room for two bikes, and equipment Left: a bicycle holding bay Right: relaxing on site after all the exertion

I

f you are an ‘outdoorsy’ type, a caravan or motorhome can make it easy for you to indulge your passion. A touring vehicle is cheaper to stay in than a fancy hotel, for example, and it also allows you to get as close to the action as you want.

Everyone in my family loves sport and our caravan has served as the perfect base camp for activities on numerous occasions.

TRIATHLON Husband Nigel, and children Emily and Daniel are keen triathletes and competitions can take us to various locations across the UK. Generally, you have to register for races very early in the morning

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– not a problem if you can return to your vehicle for a pre-race snooze. Similarly, once you have put your bicycle in the transition area (a holding bay) it is not possible to retrieve it until the competition is over – this can mean a bit of waiting around, another problem eased by caravan or motorhome ownership.

At a recent triathlon, at Box End Park in Bedfordshire, we were able use a Swift Escape 684 as our support vehicle. (As an added bonus, the event offered camping pitches close to the bicycle transition area.) Both Nigel and Emily were competing and the Escape had a huge garage that could house two bikes and equipment comfortably.

Getting adequate rest is essential for triathletes and Duvalay mattresses meant we all had a good night’s sleep before registration at 5am. And, as we had our own washroom on board, we didn’t have to wait in the long queues for the toilets. There were no food facilities at this event, but that didn’t bother us as we had our own kitchen area to prepare meals and make that all-important cup of tea.

CANOEING Daniel enjoys canoeing and has done since his granddad took him out in a canoe at a very young age.

In May, we used the Lyndor Certificated Location in

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

75

PRACTICAL FAMILY FUN

Clockwise from above left: walking near Malham Cove; Lyndor CL has its own launching point for canoes; the Wye Valley Walk is adjacent to Lyndor; enjoying a gentle canoe to Ross-on-Wye; the Forest of Dean is a superb place to cycle with the family; my son Daniel with his grandad

TIME TO WORK OUT? Why not consider trying one of the following in 2020 during a touring break?

Herefordshire as a base for a canoeing adventure.

Situated on the banks of the Wye, it offers the perfect launching spot for a gentle paddle down to Ross-on-Wye. The site is also close to the Forest of Dean, so provided the perfect opportunity to get out on our bikes and do a bit of training for the triathlons.

WALKING I am one of those people who feels the pull of the hills and I enjoy nothing more than a stroll up some of Britain’s most spectacular peaks. My favourite locations are Malham Cove and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales. We visited in Easter and were blessed with exceptionally hot weather.

We stayed at Layhead Farm CL near Settle – a lovely site in picturesque surroundings. Our journey

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

to the top of Ingleborough started with a train journey from Long Preston (near the site) to Horton in Ribblesdale. After reaching the summit we took in Gaping Gill, Trow Gill and Ingleborough Cave before heading back to the site from the railway station at Clapham.

After a long walk, Nigel cooked up a superb barbecue and Emily even managed to fit in some revision amid the beautiful, peaceful surroundings.

FINAL THOUGHTS We would struggle to afford the costs of hotels in order to indulge our favourite sporting and leisure activities. Leisure vehicles can offer a really comfortable home-from-home – at a fraction of the cost – at the heart of the action.

Bridport Triathlon (Sunday 17 May 2020; see findarace.com/events/ bridport-triathlon). Nearest Club site: Bridport Bingham Grange Canoeing, Coniston Water (Coniston Boating Centre; see conistonboatingcentre.co.uk).

Nearest Club site: Coniston Park Coppice ‘The Beacons Circuit’ circular walk, Brecon Beacons (see breconbeacons. org for information). Nearest Club sites: Aberbran/Brecon Beacons

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November 2016 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

4

EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2019 ticket offers Save on entry to the NEC show by using the voucher on this page or by booking in advance The Motorhome & Caravan Show will be held at the NEC in Birmingham from 15-20 October 2019, and as always it’s a great chance to see the latest models from major UK and European manufacturers.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be among the hundreds of exhibitors at the event, which is a showcase for all the new-season motorhomes, caravans, campervans,

trailer tents, caravan holiday homes and lodges, as well as must-have gadgets and accessories.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the Club’s free motorhome manoeuvring sessions and the chance to test drive a campervan. In addition, celebrity guests including Matt Allwright, Michaela Strachan, Helen Skelton and Monty Halls will take to the stage to

provide advice and inspiration for your next big adventure. Parking is included in the ticket price while entry for children aged 15 and under is free.

TICKET OFFERS The opening day – 15 October – is designated Caravan and Motorhome Club Day, meaning that Caravan and Motorhome Club members who present the completed coupon

below at the box office can buy tickets for only £6.50 (over-60s) and £7 (adults).You can also book advance tickets for the other days for just £8.50 (adults over 60) or £9.50 (adults) by calling 0844 873 7333 or visiting mcshow. co.uk. Tickets must be booked by midnight on 14 October, after which entry prices revert to £12 and £13 respectively.

!

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October 2018 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

The Malvern Caravan Show special offer Use the voucher on this page to save on the entry fee to this Worcestershire show

www.camc.com

If you’re thinking of visiting for the day (exhibition area is open from 9.30am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday), bring this discount voucher.

MEMBER TICKET OFFER The voucher on this page entitles the bearer to day admission to the show at the discounted rate of £8 for two

adults (normal price £5 per person).

For more information on the show or to book a camping pitch see showgoer.co.uk.

!

Whether you’re looking for a great-value break in your existing motorhome or caravan or thinking about buying a new one, the Malvern Caravan Show is a must-visit this autumn.

Taking place at the Three Counties Showground from4-6 October, you can expect to find hundreds of new and used vehicles for sale, as well as a wide variety of accessories.

Those wanting to stay on-site can pitch up for four nights (Thurs 3-Sun 6 October) for just £47. Payable on arrival, your pitch fee also gives you unlimited access to the exhibition area plus three nights of live evening entertainment. Comedian Tank Sherman and the UK’s premier Jersey Boys tribute act, The Ragdolls, are just two of the weekend’s highlights, while Saturday’s headline show (additional ticket fee applies) features Whitney Houston tribute singer Hayley-Ria Christian and nine-piece band The Kommitments.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

79 XX

TEST VOLKSWAGEN POLO SEL 1.0-LITRE DSG

MINI MARVEL Lesley Harris makes the case for a supermini as a suitable towcar for lightweight caravans

I

love the way there is often a curveball amid the entrants to the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition. For example, last year, when the Volkswagen Polo 1.0-litre won its class (Caravan Weight under 1,100kg), mouths were certainly agog. It was a big talking point among the judges, each of whom absolutely loved it.

This sixth-generation Polo is even more like its Golf sibling in both size and stature, making it one of the roomiest cars in the supermini class. But let’s see what it’s like to drive away from the competition test route, and how it performs with caravan hitched.

COMFORT There’s nothing bold and brassy about the Polo – it’s all about classic lines that run the length of the car, with the rear now sporting a much more squared-off look – a nod to its predecessor.

Up front there’s the characteristic Volkswagen front end: a long, sculptured bonnet and stylish, C-shaped LED daytime running lights – which are standard across the range – blend nicely into the front grille.

The latest incarnation of the Polo is only available as a five-door option, so getting all passengers in and out is easy. And it is inside where all the major changes have taken place.

The new dash layout is super stylish and the team at Volkswagen has made everything much more user-friendly: the large-screen infotainment system has not only been redesigned but it has also been repositioned to enable easier (and therefore safer) driver interaction when on the move. The system is slick to operate, with pin-sharp graphics.

Bluetooth connectivity comes as standard, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with DAB radio, sat-nav, air conditioning and driver alert system.

Adding the 10.3-inch Active Info Display (a £355 option) certainly makes a statement, replacing standard dials with a crisp, customisable digital display that sits behind the steering wheel; this kind of tech is usually only found in bigger, more expensive cars.

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

The rest of the interior is exactly what you would expect from VW: good use of highquality materials and plenty of space for the driver and any passengers. However, should you want to jazz it up the ‘Dashpad Pack’ is available in three colour options and allows you to customise your interior trim and seat colours.

Our test car was adorned with ‘Energetic Orange’ (a £140 option).

DRIVING During last year’s Towcar competition, the Polo was enthusiastically praised for its driving

performance, with comments like “Strong, lively performance”, “Superb performance all round” and “Truly amazing” being indicative of the commendations.

Having covered in excess of 800 miles in the Polo I can concur with every word. The ride is supple and soaks up the imperfections in the road without too much trouble. The steering is precise and well weighted, which gives confidence, especially on the twistier routes.

The 7-speed DSG gearbox works well, shifting smoothly through the ratios; however, it can be a little hesitant getting the car off the line. www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

91%

92%

92%

92%

COMFORT

DRIVING

TOWING

VERDICT

Price as tested

Engine

Kerbweight

Fuel/tank/econ

£23,765 Insurance

999cc, 3-cyl in line, petrol

1,175kg (85% = 999kg)

Group 11

Power

Gross vehicle weight

Petrol/8.8gals (40 litres)/ 46.1mpg towing

Club insurance

Clockwise from top, opposite: clean lines; retractable towbar; squared-off rear Clockwise from top, this page: sporty steering wheel; ample passenger room; a relaxed drive; reversing camera is an option; adequate load space

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*.

113bhp (86kW) @ 5,000rpm

1,630kg

Torque

Gross train weight

148lb ft (200Nm) @ 2,000rpm

2,760kg

Transmission

50kg

6-speed automatic

Towing equipment

Spare wheel

Space saver

CO2

111g/km

Noseweight limit

retractable towbar, 13-pin electrics and fitting £795

Figures from manufacturers’ literature unless specified

MORE

ON THE

APP

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

The Polo is a great motorway cruiser – driving between London and Swansea, I was impressed with the low noise levels and the peppiness of the 1.0-litre petrol engine. I was completely relaxed upon arrival.

TOWING Don’t be fooled by its dimensions – the Polo is a great towcar! Granted, it’s not going to be able to pull the biggest caravans, but if you’re looking to downsize or if it’s your first foray into caravanning and you’re starting with a compact tourer, you could do a lot worse. www.camc.com

A retractable towbar, comes with a space-saver spare DID YOU KNOW? electrics and fitting will set wheel as standard.

We guarantee to beat you back £795. Once on your insurance renewal the road, car and VERDICT premium by £25*. caravan were in What’s not to like? If you are See camc.com/ complete unison, in the market for a practical insurance or call 0345 with no pitching or supermini, the Volkswagen 504 0334 to get tugging. On A- and Polo has plenty to recommend your quote B-roads the Polo’s smaller it, including a great engine. It’s also dimensions are an asset, with affordable to insure, it looks good town driving easy. The optional inside and out and it makes for a great, rear-view camera (£255) is a must – the graphics frugal-to-run (we achieved 46.1mpg on our test) are crystal clear and will help with hitching, towcar. Take a close look at the Polo – you may be especially if you’re on your lonesome. as surprised as the competition judges were.

The 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine puts out 113bhp and 148lb ft of torque, so it has enough punch when needed. It actually put in a very respectable 40-60mph time of With thanks to 10.1 seconds during this test, which is useful.

The boot isn’t the biggest but it does offer Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of a capacity of 355 litres with the rear seats in Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. place (these seats have a 60/40 split should co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@ chichester-caravans.co.uk. you require more room). The Polo also October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

81

TEST BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-4

FRESH

DISCOVERY Bailey has resurrected an old range for 2020.

Rob McCabe examines the new-look four-berth

T

o be frank, the first incarnation of the Bailey Discovery wasn’t particularly exciting. It was a perfectly normal – but really rather anonymous – entry-level caravan that enjoyed a run in the Bailey line-up through the 1990s and most of the subsequent decade.

Well, it’s back, and you certainly wouldn’t call it anonymous now. The new Discovery (which comes in two-, three- and four-berth guises) stands out from the crowd with a sharp, attractive bodyshell resplendent in a striking two-tone slate grey and white finish.

Bailey is targeting a younger, more active crowd with this newcomer. Here, we investigate the D4-4 fixed-bed four-berther to see whether it will appeal to the young at heart too.

BUILD QUALITY Bailey’s Alu-Tech construction method has been around for so long that some 60,000 vehicles have been put together this way – and the new

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Discovery models now join their massed ranks. The almost total lack of exterior fasteners means a lengthy anti-water-ingress warranty if you keep to the servicing schedule; and here we have a finely screwed-together caravan that looks and feels bank-vault sturdy, inside and out. Opening the lockers reveals a pleasing absence of unsightly runs of cable or piping; everything is neatly concealed behind trunking. The only thing that needed attention on our test example was the fold-out front table, which didn’t snick into place as securely as it ought to.

A built-in stabiliser is standard but there’s no option to fit the much-admired Al-Ko ATC system. However, that continental-style extended A-frame is a boon to stability, as is the weight distribution; all the heavy stuff (including the gas locker) has been set up over or around the axle. Incidentally, an A-framemounted storage box is an expensive-sounding £599 option, or you can fit a Thule two-cycle bike rack there instead (£349).

TOWING This is one of the Discovery range’s main selling points. The smallest of the trio, the two-berth D4-2, doesn’t even reach 1,000kg fully laden, and the legal limit for this one is just over 1,200kg, so you can choose from a massive pool of suitable towcars.

DAYTIME Fixed-bed caravans often have front lounges that feel a bit pinched. That’s not the case here. The parallel sofas allow full-length, feet-up reclining and they can seat four with room to spare. The upholstery doesn’t feel especially supportive, though; the front edge of the squab dipped quite www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

Opposite: the optional wraparound awning should be a big draw (inset – distinctive graphics) This page from top: kitchen is fairly basic; front bed is sizeable; lounge in day mode

90%

90%

86%

75%

BUILD QUALITY

TOWING

DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME

81%

85%

90%

85%

KITCHEN

WASHROOM

LIGHTING

VERDICT

Beds

MRO

Price as tested

Front double: 6ft 2in x 4ft 6in (or two singles: 5ft 5in x 2ft 1in) Rear fixed double: 6ft 1in x 4ft 4in

1,059kg (20.85cwt)

18,064 OTR

Heating

Truma Combi

MTPLM

1,206kg (23.74cwt)

Caravan and Motorhome Club Cover

See ’Did you know?’ roundel below for quote*

User payload

147kg (2.89cwt) Overall length

Fridge/freezer

23ft 5in (7.14m)

Dometic fridgefreezer

7ft 4in (2.23m)

Overall width

Toilet

Overall height

Thetford

8ft 6in (2.61m)

Figures from manufacturer’s literature.

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £19,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. 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. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected). Legal protection is an optional extra charged at £9.75 for the year.

Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording, including benefits, limitations and exclusions that apply, is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

noticeably under my weight. You don’t get any carpeting as standard with the Discovery range – it’s a cost option.

The huge front window is an attractive focal point that lets in a lot of light, and it’s good to see that it opens fairly wide. With the exception of the tiny one in the kitchen, all the windows and the Midi Heki sunroof are served by pleated blinds, which add an upmarket look when in use.

The window-less stable door is protected by a full-height flyscreen.

There are plenty of thoughtful, practical touches, including USB sockets built into the bedroom and lounge reading lights. Exterior hatches give access to the space under the double bed and the nearside seat locker, and the spare wheel is easily accessible under the offside seat locker. Storage elsewhere is bountiful, including a big wardrobe and lots of open shelving; and there’s the ever-useful (but often absent) key shelf above the door. That will always elicit www.camc.com

a “hurrah” from me. The DID YOU KNOW? upholstery sections that rearrange Truma Combi system to make up the one in the front.

You can cover this provides hot water and If you do occasionally like to have caravan with the Club heating on both gas and guests staying over, the lack of even for £229.03* per year. electric. a curtain to separate the bedroom Please see camc.com/ But a walk around the from the rest of the caravan may be caravancover or call outside of the Discovery a bit of an issue. Similarly, the 01342 336610 for gives a clue as to the main washroom is right at the back – not ideal further details talking point: an awning rail if those sleeping upfront wish to pay that runs right around the rear of a middle-of-the-night visit. These factors the caravan to accommodate an exclusive combine to mean many buyers will only use this wraparound Prima air awning. This eyeDiscovery as a two-berth. catching, optional extra costs £1,199, and it’s The bedroom itself is thoroughly pleasant. no surprise to learn that Bailey expects most I found the bed to be splendidly comfortable and buyers to specify this at the time of ordering. supportive. I’m also a big fan of the slate-coloured wall behind it – it contrasts attractively with the white locker doors/washroom door/sidewalls, and NIGHT-TIME With two double beds more than 6ft in length (and adds an air of panache. Two wall-mounted shelves give a home to overnight paraphernalia but they generously wide, too), the D4-4 guarantees a decent night’s sleep for four, even if the mattress don’t have lips around the edging, so I’m not on the fixed bed is a big step up in quality from the sure I would trust them with a glass of water.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

83

TEST BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-4

Above: fairly roomy washroom can double as a dressing area Left: Discovery’s rear aspect is certainly different from other caravans Right: fixed bed is very comfortable but there is no way of shutting yourself off from the rest of the caravan

And I have to reiterate... while I was in here, nothing flashy about the decor – pure and simple I couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone forgot is the order of the day, and I have to say it’s really to fit the dividing wall and door. none the worse for it.

Given the open-plan layout of the rest of the KITCHEN caravan, this facility will also have a role as This is another sharply dressed area, although a dressing room, and it’s spacious enough to its equipment roster is on the minimalist side: carry out that task comfortably. The shower a fridge, a three-burner hob (no electric hotplate), cubicle is a good size too, although it lacks a combined oven/grill, no microwave and no lid anywhere to plonk shampoo, gels, etc. Other over the sink. That said, if a fully-kitted kitchen is storage provision is very good, thanks to high on your wishlist you probably won’t be looking a decent-sized cupboard and lots of shelving. around a Discovery anyway.

The modest worktop is expanded by a little LIGHTING lift-up extension, although I imagine most cooks As is so often the case with caravans at the bottom will be more grateful for the roomy dresser top on of the pecking order, there are only two reading the opposite wall – it’s the same height as the lights in the lounge. But pecking order or not, this kitchen unit. caravan still costs more than 18 grand – which should really be enough to buy you illumination for WASHROOM all four lounge corners.

The nature of the exterior styling means no That aside, lighting is excellent throughout. The window in here; the sole entry point for daylight mood lights that run along the tops of the overhead is the tiny skylight above the shower, so it does feel lockers look attractive and are also bright enough a little bit gloomy without the lights on. There’s to make a difference. The kitchen is exceptionally 84

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

well served by a couple of flush-fitting lamps, and a tug on the pull-cord in the washroom brings on two bright lights, including one that serves the mirror very effectively; no dedicated light for the shower, though. A pair of reading lights, downlighters above the wardrobe door and a swathe of mood lighting takes care of the bedroom very nicely.

VERDICT Bailey deserves a lot of credit for the exterior design of a caravan that stands out from the crowd – and that optional wraparound awning is sure to win a lot of fans. The interior is a breath of fresh air too, although the one-room nature of the layout won’t appeal to everyone.

With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by Bailey of Bristol, South Liberty Lane, Bristol BS3 2SS. Contact: baileyofbristol.co.uk, 0117 9665967.

www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

Award winning cover your caravan deserves Protecting members for over 50 years

Relax and enjoy the great outdoors knowing you’re covered

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

Transportation of your vehicle to a garage following an accident

Family and friends can use your caravan without any extra charge

No claim discounts and bonus protection available

New for old cover available (age limits apply)

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

Get a quote for our award winning Caravan Cover call us on 01342 488 338 Lines also open on Saturdays 9am – 1pm. or visit camc.com/caravancover Terms and Conditions Apply. *A sample of the Caravan Cover booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

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

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

5

TEST HYMER B-CLASS MC-T 600

Touch of class

When ‘Hymer’ and ‘Mercedes’ are mentioned in the same breath you know you are getting something special. Nick Harding reports on a high-spec two-berth

T

here’s no getting away from it – a motorhome like this is for people who know exactly what they want and are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. What they get for their money is a high-spec, supremely comfortable vehicle that’s built to last.

Hymer announced the launch of the MC series last year, initially as a four-model range of low-profile coachbuilts and A-class equivalents. The 600 seen here is the latest addition, and it’s primarily aimed at the UK market. All MCs are based on Mercedes’

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Sprinter in its latest (and best) guise. ‘MC’ stands for ‘Modern Comfort’ – but there’s a whole lot more to this latest Hymer coachbuilt motorhome than that...

BUILD QUALITY The German manufacturer’s PUAL wood-free, aluminium-clad bodywork construction technique results in a thumpingly solid vehicle with superior insulation and soundproofing qualities. Look underneath and you’ll find a completely flat underside, too.

The B-Class MC-T 600 starts on the 3,500kg Mercedes base with Hymer’s very own SLC chassis extension, but you’ll want to speak to your Hymer dealer about moving up to the Sprinter 414 base, as featured here, which is rated from 3,880kg. You get a superior payload because, frankly, you’re going to need it with all the optional extras available – although you’ll need to double check your licence to see whether you qualify to drive a heavier motorhome.

Different cab and body colour finishes are available – the version you see here has the www.camc.com

TECHNICAL RATINGS

Clockwise from opposite: stylish two-tone body; comfortable cab; swivel seating; compact but well-equipped kitchen

88%

84%

79%

83%

BUILD QUALITY

DRIVING

DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME

75%

84%

90%

83%

KITCHEN

WASHROOM

DETAILS

VERDICT

Price as tested

Base vehicle

MRO

Overall length

£84,397

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 414 CDi

2,945kg (57.97cwt)

23ft 7in (7.19m)

Engine

MTPLM

2.2-litre Euro 6

3,880kg (76.37cwt)

7ft 2in (2.19m)

Caravan and Motorhome Club Insurance

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

Power

Overall width Overall height

9ft 8in (2.96m) 143bhp (106kW) User payload Max internal height @3,800rpm 935kg (18.40cwt) 6ft 5in (1.96m) Torque

243lb ft (329Nm) @1,200Fuel/tank/econ 2,400rpm Diesel/14.3gals Transmission (65 litres)/ 6-speed manual, 28-32mpg FWD

Figures from manufacturer’s literature. *Quote (correct as of 9 September) is for the model as tested worth £84,397.

Based on 55-year-old male living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar/value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps vehicle on a drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £350 damage, fire and theft excess. With factory fitted alarm and immobiliser, and due to value, vehicle must be fitted with a tracker. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

DID YOU KNOW?

Just inside that door, a panel A central 10in touchscreen You can insure this with a trio of hooks can take (standard version is 7in) motorhome with the Club anything up to a 32in controls the stereo system, for £522.19* per year. flatscreen TV (stowed at DRIVING sat-nav, Bluetooth Please see camc.com/ It’s possible that you’re already a Mercedes fan connectivity etc. It also a right-angle for travel). Open insurance or call but, to reiterate, this latest Sprinter is on another displays the best image I’ve shelving is below, while the 0345 504 0334 for level. It’s front-wheel drive and, more seen from a reversing camera, lower section has elasticated further details importantly, there’s a new 9-speed automatic plus the sound quality is great. strapping that holds your footwear. gearbox available that most folk will surely Is it good to drive? In a word, There are, of course, interior scheme yes, and plenty of safety features give want to opt for (it’s the slick-enough 6-speed alternatives, with regard to both hard and extra assurance. manual box here). soft furnishings.

Things have been upgraded inside, as well.

DAYTIME Cab ergonomics are superb, starting with NIGHT-TIME The standard 600 offering comes with a bench captain’s style seats on easy swivels; an The bedroom features one of the neatest step seat in the living area, but most buyers will want designs I’ve ever seen in a motorhome. Folding electronic handbrake option means there’s the optional arrangement shown here – with nothing to get in the way of such swivelling out from its central location, it makes for easy L-shaped settee. This makes the most of the manoeuvres. Another extra here is the leather access to really comfortable single beds, the steering wheel with controls – the rows of blanks room around that fixed pedestal-leg table. offside being slightly longer. Each has It’s a surprise that there isn’t a window in the switches remind you that so much more can a mattress on a loose membrane for support habitation door, although this is overcome to some and ventilation, although a bugbear of mine be ordered from the options list. degree by two large opening sunroofs (one a typical with regard to raised sleeping arrangements It’s ‘MBUX’ (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) that really steals the show, though. Hymer wind-up unit) over the front seating area. is that you can’t sit upright in bed.

Iridium silver cab and white coachbuilt bodywork, for example.

www.camc.com

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

87

TEST HYMER B-CLASS MC-T 600

Clockwise from left: comfortable beds are easy to access; small but well-designed bathroom; airy lounge with pedestal table

A loose plastic panel sits on the upper mattress section between the two beds, offering a handy surface for anything you might like to have within reach during the night. Reading lamps are tucked in each corner, where they won’t intrude, although there’s just a standard rooflight overhead.

A curtain provides a touch of privacy.

There’s two-way access to a wardrobe in the foot end of the nearside bed, while the offside offers a shelved cupboard (with just single door access).

Although this test model has just two beds, it’s worth mentioning that an electrically-operated drop-down double is another option (available on all layouts in the range except for the 580).

KITCHEN Retailer Travelworld has opted for Spinflo’s Caprice cooker, with three-ring gas hob and separate oven and grill. It’s a bit of a squeeze, but a proper cooker is an essential feature for nearly every British motorhomer.

The sink is immediately adjacent to the hob, with the only permanent worktop beyond it. However, the sink cover doubles as a chopping board, and can also protect from accidental splashes when in its upright slotting position.

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Hymer offers floor-level drawers where many manufacturers look to get away with basic (and far less convenient) lockers. Owners will also appreciate details like the sliding hooks, recessed strip light and the large overhead shelved locker design.

To the left, there’s a narrow-bodied Thetford fridge with freezer compartment, boasting a commendably generous 142-litre capacity in total.

WASHROOM It’s unusual these days to see a bench toilet in any motorhome, but I’m happy to defend the idea. It fits in particularly well here, and for those of you who’ve endured the process of trying to clean all around the oftenunreachable base of a typical swivel-bowl design, say no more.

The quality seen elsewhere pervades. There’s a shower cubicle with folding curved doors – it’s an unusual shape but it works. Neat mouldings in here include shelving sections, plus there’s a riser bar for the shower itself. Removable duck boarding underfoot is an option that most will consider essential.

A large mirror enhances the feeling of space in what is otherwise a rather compact room.

There’s good storage, though, with a shelved locker on the wall behind the toilet as well as a locker under the basin.

DETAILS The dual-setting reading lamps. The obvious quality of any mouldings (inside as well as out).

The structure of the overhead lockers. The catches. The curves. The fit. The finish. The overall ambience. The lack of creaks. This motorhome does exude a certain quality that few others can match. Obviously the finer details will depend on the options you select – there are some 75 in total, plus six ‘packs’.

VERDICT Two words – Hymer and Mercedes – were sufficient to ensure that this was never going to be run-of-the-mill. If you’re looking for something just that little bit special, this motorhome should be on your radar.

With thanks to Vehicle supplied for testing by: Erwin Hymer Centre (Travelworld), Valley Drive, Stafford ST16 1NZ. Contact: motorhomes.co.uk, 01785 878787

www.camc.com

TEST: JAGUAR F-PACE PORTFOLIO 2.0D AWD

The Hymer B-Class ModernComfort.

Now available at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld.

2020 New Models Preview EVENT

8TH–10TH NOVEMBER AT THE ERWIN HYMER CENTRE, STAFFORD

INTRODUCING THE NEW

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld

Experience the Hymer B-Class ModernComfort at the 2020 New Models Preview Event at Travelworld Now on display at the Erwin Hymer Centre (Travelworld) is the new Hymer B-Class ModernComfort – a new generation of Hymers defined by beautiful finishes and cutting edge technology. Hymer have collaborated with Mercedes Benz to create the BMC based on the new Mercedes sprinter. The new chassis includes state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz cockpit design and the lounge is finished with stunning ambient lighting and cabinetry designs with drop-down or make-up beds. There are a wealth of options on the BMC enabling customisation of the whole vehicle to your exact specification. Get in touch for more details.

Otherwise, we’d like to invite you to view the Hymer B-Class ModernComfort and the new 2020 Models on display during the 2020 NEW MODELS PREVIEW EVENT, 8TH–10TH NOVEMBER where all our major brands will be represented. Travelworld’s state-of-the-art showroom, the Erwin Hymer Centre, is located just off J14 of the M6 near Stafford, we’ll have free refreshments during the event and look forward to welcoming you!

Visit www.motorhomes.co.uk Call us today on 01785 87 87 87 or email info@motorhomes.co.uk ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ. www.caravanclub.co.uk

January 2017 The Caravan Club Magazine

5

SPECIAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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

Our motorhome insurance is designed with you in mind.

•

New for old insurance for up to 24 months, with no mileage limit

•

Contents cover protects single items up to £500 to a maximum combined £5,000

•

Full policy cover in Europe, for up to 365 days per year

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

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

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

XX

October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.com

CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of The Caravan Club Ltd (trading as the Caravan and Motorhome Club) will be held at 2pm on Saturday 26 October 2019 at the Voltigeur Suite, Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX. As stated in the Notice in the July issue of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, notices of motion and nominations for office had to be received no later than Saturday 31 August 2019 in order to comply with Bye-Laws 16, 17 and 18.

N D J Lomas Director General 2 September 2019 All members are very welcome to attend, but only Full members are entitled to vote. Any Full member may appoint a proxy, who need not be a member, to attend, speak and vote in his or her place.

Proxy voting goes live on 4 October and Full members are advised that proxy forms must be lodged by midnight on 23 October using the secure online form, details of which will be sent at the end of September to all those Full members with a registered email address. The email, with individual voting credentials, will be sent from caravanandmotorhomeclub@mi-voice.com. You may wish to save the email address to your contacts to avoid the email ending up in your junk folder. This will be followed by a reminder email on 16 October. Mi-Voice, which is part of Democracy Technology, is the Electoral Services Company running the process on our behalf. Any member information used by Mi-Voice is being handled in accordance with the Club’s strict data security protocols. For those with no registered email address or those who would prefer to nominate a proxy by post, a form can be obtained by phoning 01342 327410 (Club Shop) from 4 October to 18 October.

The summary Financial Statements for 2018 are published on pages 100 and 102. The full Statements are available online at camc.com and to Full members, free of charge, on written request to: Company Secretary, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. The account of last year’s AGM was published in the December 2018 magazine and can also be found, along with the full minutes of the meeting, in the ‘About Us’ area on the Club’s website.

Admission to the AGM will be by membership card except in the case of non-member proxies.

AGENDA 1. Chairman’s Annual Report.

2. Treasurer’s Financial Report: to approve and adopt the Statement of Accounts for 2018 and the Reports of the Executive Committee and the Auditors thereon (see pages 100 and 102 for the summary).

3. Auditors: to approve the re-appointment of Dixon Wilson and agree that the fixing of their remuneration be left to the Executive Committee.

4. Director General’s Report.

5. Elections: a. President: to re-elect The Earl of Leicester for a one-year term. b. Chairman: to re-elect Grenville Chamberlain* for a one-year term. c. Vice-Chairman: to elect John Gass* for a three-year term.

www.camc.com

d. Treasurer: to re-elect Christopher Macgowan* for a one-year term. e. Executive Committee: to re-elect Barry Sharratt* for a three-year term. f. Executive Committee: to elect Hamish Stuart* for a three-year term. g. Executive Committee: to elect Alison Woodhams* for a three-year term.

6. Club Council: to approve up to 30 members, nominated by the Executive Committee, to serve on Club Council: Phillip Aldridge, Engineer; Glynn Ball, Defence Consultant; Robin Blackford, Training Manager (Retired); David S Brookes, Musician; Rev’d Canon Hazel Charlton, Club Chaplain; Alex Davidson, Sales & Marketing Manager UK & Ireland; Helen Drew, Accountant; Dr Malcolm Finney, NHS Manager (Retired); Paul Funnell, Business

Owner; Bruce Gibson, Managing Director Stockbroking Company & Caravan Site Owner (Retired); Alastair Greene, Chartered Surveyor; Nick Haynes JP, Police Officer (Retired); Prof Adrian Hobbs CBE, Transport Safety Adviser; Rodney Lambert, Civil Servant (Retired); John Leddy, Chartered Accountant MoD; Robin McGarry, Banker (Retired); Charles Patrick, Motor Industry Manager; James Porter, Teacher (semi-retired); Andy Ronaldson, Business Strategy Lecturer; Sue Southwell, Regulatory Analyst (Retired); Katie Tompkin, Insurance Industry; David Turner, Banker and Contracts Manager (Retired); Ann Marie Ward, Head of Business Services, Cadent Gas; Julie Wootton, HR Director.

7. Any other notified business. *See biographical notes on next page

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

91

CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MEMBERS NOMINATED FOR OFFICE AND COMMITTEE GRENVILLE CHAMBERLAIN CHAIRMAN TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5b) Grenville Chamberlain OBE has been proposed by Malcolm Groves and seconded by Janet Moore. Grenville was appointed Chairman of the Club in 2007 and chairs the Executive Committee. He has enjoyed caravanning since the age of seven, travelling the length and breadth of the country with his family. Touring is still a way of life for Grenville and his wife Liz as they frequently attend local and national Club events, and now their grandchildren share their enjoyment of the great outdoors. Grenville was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2019 for his services to the Club and to charity. As Chairman, Grenville is committed to supporting the volunteer network and the events that they organise and is always keen to welcome new caravan and motorhome members to the Club so that they too can experience the delights that our sites network has to offer.

JOHN GASS VICE-CHAIRMAN TO BE ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5c) John Gass has been proposed by Grenville Chamberlain and seconded by Christopher Macgowan. John has been a member of the Club since 1985 and a member of the Executive Committee since 2011. He currently chairs the Events Committee which, amongst many things, has responsibility for the annual organisation of the Club’s National. John and his wife Llinos love touring and attending rallies across the British Isles and overseas, and he sees the Experience Freedom brand as a positive addition to the Club’s services, offering the opportunity for his family to stay on sites in some of the new glamping products.

CHRISTOPHER MACGOWAN TREASURER TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5d) Christopher Macgowan OBE has been proposed by John Lefley and seconded by Rodney Lambert. Christopher was elected Honorary Treasurer in 2011. He is a keen and active motorhomer with extensive experience and knowledge of the sites network, both in the UK and overseas. He also manages to fit numerous stays on Certificated Locations in beautiful and tucked away places into his busy schedule. Christopher, who also drives a Nissan Leaf, is a huge advocate of electric vehicles and is looking forward to the evolutionary steps that the Club will be taking over the next few years to embrace changing technologies.

BARRY SHARRATT MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO BE RE-ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5e) Barry Sharratt has been proposed by Edward Baxter and seconded by John Gass. Barry has been a caravanner and active Club member for more than 35 years. He maintains a personal interest in the UK caravan and motorhome industries, and shares his knowledge as a member of the Technical Committee. Barry supports the Club when it works behind the scenes ensuring that the rights of Club members are represented at government level and within the wider touring community.

HAMISH STUART MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO BE ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5f) Hamish Stuart has been proposed by Rodney Lambert and seconded by Janet Moore. Hamish has been involved in caravanning for more than 30 years, rallying with his wife, children and now grandchildren. Caravanning has been his family’s passion for a long time and he would now love to see the younger generation joining the Club, sharing the passion and enjoying the pastime with their friends and families.

ALISON WOODHAMS MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO BE ELECTED FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD (Agenda Item 5g) Alison Woodhams has been proposed by Peter Johnson and seconded by Christopher Macgowan. Alison’s first home was a caravan – she spent much of her early childhood living in caravans on RAF sites as well as holidaying in static caravans in Cornwall. She still loves touring, spending several months away in her van, and enjoys volunteering for the Club with a particular interest in the Club’s finances and governance.

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October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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SPECIAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Club performance review 2018 We are pleased to report that the Club had another successful year in which we made further progress in our development and maintained a strong balance sheet. We had a record year in terms of investment in our site network and made important progress in our IT infrastructure and other investments to prepare us well for the future.

In 2018 the Club recorded a deficit of £1.4m due to a combination of changes in the way we record the earnings from Insurance and Caravan Cover, not helped by a lower-than-expected site result.

A deficit, even an explainable and temporary one, is never welcome but despite these results the financial strength and liquidity of the Club remains extremely strong and, importantly, the outlook for 2019 is for a substantial and positive bounce-back into surplus once more.

CLUB’S FINANCIAL RESULTS

Statutory revenue dropped by 1.9% to £109.7m as a result of a 22% reduction in Insurance and Caravan Cover revenues recognition caused by the replacement of the brokered third-party 5Cs insurance product with the Discretionary Mutual

(DM) Caravan Cover product. This had the effect of increasing overall annual ongoing revenue and surplus but spreading that revenue and surplus forward over a longer period than previously, creating a one-off adverse timing impact on revenues and surplus in 2018.

Consequently, while the underlying revenue strength was actually up, permitting price reductions to members in the region of £1m in the first year, the full net benefits to the Club will only be properly realised into 2019. So, while Insurance and Caravan Cover revenue was down 22% to £18.8m, affected by the transitional nature of the product mix, the other segments were actually all up: Membership revenue was up 2.3% to £15.6m due to a £1pa price rise and solid renewal rates.

Membership numbers ended very slightly down by 1k.

UK Sites revenue was up by 3.9% to £53.7m, on occupancy of 2.4 million nights, up 19k nights.

This result could have been appreciably better but for some very adverse weather including the ‘Beast from the East’. Average pitch yields were

Total Group revenue Total Group revenue

INVESTING IN CLUB SITES

£111. m 201

£1

. m

201

up 50p per site night, and outfit nights per member also grew to 6.75.

Overseas Travel also had a positive year, with revenue up by 5.5% to £18.1m, seeing higher ferry bookings along with increased sales of Red Pennant.

Marketing revenue was stable at £3.5m despite a challenging environment.

Overall Club surplus for the financial year was £1.4m deficit in 2018 versus £2m surplus in 2017, feeling the impact of both the timing difference on DM of £3.5m and a £2.2m drop in site surplus due to adverse weather and, to an extent, where prices have not kept pace with some rising costs – notably site staff costs and electricity, where factors such as the minimum wage and extra demands on site staff as well as increasing electricity tariffs and consumption per night have been rising more than site prices.

Apart from Insurance and Caravan Cover and sites, the remaining areas grew their net surplus.

The exceptionally high capital investment in 2018 of £23m has reduced the Club’s cash levels back to a more typical historical level of £32m, so cash balances remain strong. Indeed net assets, already robust, have grown by £3m in 2018 to £138.6m.

Overall revenue fell by

1. % to £10 . m

UK sites understandably receive the lion’s share of all Club capital investment and, in 2018, it was recorded at an all-time high of £17.2m as we continued our major refurbishment and renewal programme and also acquired two new sites at Bridport Bingham Grange and Cayton Village near Scarborough. There were a further four sites where the total refurbishment spend was in excess of £1m in the year (York Beechwood Grange, Troutbeck, Buxton and Tewkesbury Abbey). In addition to our UK sites investment, the Club capitalised £6.6m on central IT infrastructure.

Above: Bridport Bingham Grange Club site in Dorset was acquired and added to the network Left: Buxton Club site was improved

www.camc.com

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CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OTHER NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Sources of revenue in 2018 Sources of revenue in 201

3. %

4

Advertising & Marketing services

1 . %

Member subscriptions

INSURANCE

1

1 . %

%

inancial services

Travel services

Club sites investment spend Club sites investment spend

£ m 2015

£ m 201

£1 m £1 201

201

m

m

01

forecast

T o ne sites ere purchased and there redevelopment pro ects in 01

ere four ma or

Surplus/(deficit) Surplus ater after tax tax

£ . m 201

%

Club sites

£1.

201

m

As a members l with no di idends paya le to shareholders and no de ts we can foc s on ma imisin the lon term enefits pro ided to o r mem ers thro h ality sites and ser ices he l needs to enerate s fficient f nds to maintain those standards and ma e on oin in estments

Notable achievements in the year included: Migration of technology to off-site hosted services to achieve modernisation and save money on maintenance and future upgrades.

Full GDPR compliance, ahead of many larger organisations.

Full roll out of the Discretionary Mutual cover model for caravans to achieve greater control over pricing, claims policy and retain a larger share of the revenue for the benefit of members.

Further development of the Experience Freedom alternative accommodation offerings.

Significant progress in developing an automated online booking system.

The Club takes its responsibilities for health and safety extremely seriously and invests in keeping its members, visitors and staff safe from harm. In 2018, the Club was awarded overall winner in the very strong Leisure Sector category in the annual RoSPA Health & Safety Awards, adding to its Gold award in 2017.

The Club also won a top performer award in 2018 for Customer Service and continues to deliver and be recognised for outstanding service to its members.

The Club received a ‘One to Watch’ accreditation in its first entry to ‘Best Companies’, which benchmarks employee attitudes and engagement across some of the best in the world.

OUTLOOK FOR 2019

2019 will see better focus of resources on what really matters and this can be distilled into six key areas: Membership; UK Sites; Insurance and Cover; Experience Freedom; costs control; and making the Club a great place to work and be a member of.

In 2019 the Club expects a bounce back in the net surplus as the benefits from the DM flow through, as well as better availability and occupancy on sites. As at July the performance was ahead of these expectations.

Overall, despite some cost and regulatory headwinds and continued uncertainty about demand for European travel in particular, the Club remains well diversified and well prepared to cater for any increase in stay-cations and to meet the evolving and diverse demands of lovers of the great outdoors.

Above: the Club has received numerous plaudits Left: glamping pod at Brighton

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SPECIAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Drop this pic and run RoSPA, Customer Service and Best Companies logos here - RoSPA we hold other two being sernt by Stuart - G

www.camc.com

October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Summary Financial Statement

Both Troutbeck (left) and York Beechwood Grange (below) were refurbished

This financial statement is a summary of information in the audited annual accounts of The Caravan Club Limited, trading as ‘Caravan and Motorhome Club’, for the year ended 31 December 2018. A copy of the full annual accounts is available online at camc.com and to Full Members, free of charge, on written request to: Company Secretary, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA.

Summary Directors’ Report The information contained in the Club Performance review comprises the Summary Directors’ Report.

The Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the going concern basis has continued to be adopted in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts.

Approved by the Executive Committee on 13 May 2019 and signed on its behalf by: G J Chamberlain (Chairman), C J Macgowan (Hon Treasurer) and N D J Lomas (as Company Secretary).

Extract from the full Independent Auditor’s Report We have audited the financial statements of The Caravan Club Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018 which are summarised in this Summary Financial Statement. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter

3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

50 companiesfor for customer customer service Top 50Top companies service

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1st in Travel Services & Hospitality category of Top 50 national companies for customer service for the third year running.

RoSPA award for Health & Safety www.camc.com

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR

The Members of the Executive Committee, the Directors, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors to the financial statements.

OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2018 and of the Group’s surplus for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Dixon Wilson, Statutory Auditor London

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CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Summary Financial Statement 2018 £ 000

2017 £ 000

109,700 (70,481) 39,219 (40,085) (866) 236 (149) 87 (779) (650) (1,429)

111,781 (70,585) 41,196 (38,532) 2,664 219 (299) (80) 2,584 (552) 2,032

2018 £ 000

2017 £ 000

(1,429) 4,385 2,956

2,032 44 4,370 6,446

2018 £ 000

2017 £ 000

235 125,500 125,735

112,747 112,747

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities Net assets

110 11,567 13,876 18,120 43,673 (27,112) 16,561 142,296 (3,706) 138,590

92 6,152 21,304 20,411 47,959 (18,237) 29,722 142,469 (6,835) 135,634

Capital and reserves Share premium reserve Sites investment reserve Revenue account Total equity

18 106,000 32,572 138,590

18 106,000 29,616 135,634

Consolidated Revenue Account Revenue Operating expenses Gross surplus Administrative expenses Operating (deficit)/surplus Other interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges (Deficit)/surplus before tax Taxation (Deficit)/surplus for the financial year

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Deficit)/surplus for the year Foreign currency translation gains Re-measurement gain on defined benefit pension schemes Total comprehensive income for the year

Consolidated Balance Sheet Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets

Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Short-term deposits

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October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CLUB REPORT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 2018 £ 000

2017 £ 000

(1,429)

2,032

10,193 (64) 650 9,350

9,841 67 552 12,492

5,366 (982) 4,384 (739) 12,995

(2,119) (879) (2,998) (521) 8,973

236 (20,531) (2,419) (22,714) (9,719) 41,715 31,996

219 (15,238) (15,019) (6,046) 47,761 41,715

2018 £ 000

2017 £ 000

Membership Services Club subscriptions Operating costs and allocated overheads Net contribution

15,642 (2,771) 12,871

15,291 (2,666) 12,625

Club UK Sites Site fees and other income Operating costs and allocated overheads Net contribution

53,734 (53,827) (93)

51,721 (49,195) 2,526

Financial Services Premium income and other income Operating costs and allocated overheads Net contribution

18,781 (14,889) 3,892

24,113 (18,956) 5,157

Overseas Travel Services Income from bookings Operating costs and allocated overheads Net contribution

16,937 (19,100) (2,163)

16,332 (19,112) (2,780)

Marketing Services, including the Club Magazine Magazine advertising, The National and other income Operating costs and allocated overheads Net contribution Unallocated central revenue Unallocated central costs Operating (deficit)/surplus before tax

3,451 (14,494) (11,043) (3,729) (265)

3,477 (13,295) (9,818) 27 (4,975) 2,762

Cash flows from operating activities (Deficit)/surplus for the year Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items Depreciation and amortisation Miscellaneous adjustments Taxation Working capital adjustments Net movement in stocks, debtors and creditors Decrease in retirement benefit obligation net of actuarial changes Net movement in working capital Taxes paid Net cash flow from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Net acquisitions of property plant and equipment Acquisitions of subsidiary, net of cash acquired Net cash flows from investing activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December Revenue account – analysis of income and expenditure of the Club

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October 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

A fabulous vintage music & dance festival, for all

Caravanners and Motorhomers

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CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

Events diary Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while staying on a Caravan and Motorhome Club site? Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in December 6-7 DECEMBER Dunster by Candlelight Running annually since 1986, this popular, free event in the village of Dunster, Somerset, is so atmospheric it could even convince Scrooge of the pleasures of this most festive month.

Shop windows are decorated, candles and lanterns provide the light and streets are temporarily made pedestrian-only as local traders and performers take over. This year there will be a Victorian theme.

Web: dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk Club site: Minehead

ShaunDavey/Alamy

“So atmospheric it could even convince Scrooge of the pleasures of this most festive month”

KennyLam/VisistScotland

NationalTrust Images/John Millar

7-8 DECEMBER

6, 13, 20 DECEMBER Christmas HouseTours Enjoy a stroll around the National Trust’s 500-year-old house at Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire while it is dressed in a traditional fashion for the season. After the house tour is complete you’ll enjoy a three-course supper – featuring many Christmas favourites – in the Barn Restaurant, with a complimentary glass of wine.

Booking is essential and menu choices must be provided in advance.

Web: nationaltrust.org.uk Club site: Warwick Racecourse

A Special Christmas Event Visit the Chiltern Open Air Museum and discover how Christmas was celebrated in the past. The rural museum’s Victorian toll house will be decked with holly and ivy gathered from the woods and illuminated by candles and firelight, while you can learn about festivities during the Second World War, and how people entertained themselves in 1940s prefabs and Nissen huts.

Web: coam.org.uk Club site: Wyatts Covert

28-31 DECEMBER TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show This major show at the M&S Bank Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront is a must for equestrian fans.

Showjumping, a Shetland Pony Grand

National, dressage and special ‘Electric Storm’ performances (featuring stunt horses) are among the many highlights, while a shopping village and live music will also keep everybody entertained.

Web: liverpoolhorseshow.com Club site: Southport

29 DECEMBER The Music of Zimmer v Williams Stephen Bell conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in this one-off celebration of two great film music composers – Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Listen to famous scores from the likes of Inception, Gladiator, E.T., Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Superman and many more during a matinee concert at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Web: glasgowconcerthalls.com Club site: Strathclyde Country Park

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

www.camc.com

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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NEWS HEADLINES

2

January 2017 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

www.camc.co.uk

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre lines

Appy days are here again!

Some 306 caravans and motorhomes descended on the Southern Centres Family Weekend at Apps Court Farm in Walton-on-Thames at the end of August.

This biennial event is always a big draw, and it was helped this year by fantastic weather. During the cooler evenings, visitors enjoyed superb entertainment, including a memorable performance by the Club Singers. Following the Sunday service conducted by Club Chaplain Hazel Charlton, a collection for the mental health charity Mind raised £310.

Over the course of the event, ralliers were happy to celebrate a ‘surprise 90th birthday party’ for long-time member Jim Brown. Jim, who joined the Club and West Surrey Centre in 1974, has attended more than 1,800 rallies, and has visited every centre apart from Ulster (which he plans to do one day). Congratulations!

Jim Brown (right) celebrates his 90th birthday with wife Linda (left)

East Hants rally goes down a storm East Hampshire ralliers would like to thank Keith, Lizzie, Graham and Tish for putting on a fantastic rally at Keyhaven despite appalling weather conditions. Unfortunately the duck race and crabbing competitions had to be cancelled but members were still able to enjoy the likes of tasty chicken salad wraps and cakes from ‘Keefie’s Kaff’. Well done to everyone involved – apparently winds as strong as 80mph were recorded across the water at the Needles on the Isle of Wight!

National treasures South Essex Centre is celebrating members’ performances in various sports and competitions at the National (held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire). Representatives took part in boules, darts, lawn darts, walking football, children’s football, volleyball, children’s sports, cribbage, a quiz and gin liqueur making. Among the many successful participants were Malcolm and Jackie Miller (runners-up, boules), Sue and Paul Maran, Claire and Scott Green (semi-finalists, lawn darts) and Jack Thornton (gold medal, children’s football).

Finally, special mention must go to Teddy Boy – winner of the ‘Best Rescue’ class in the dog show.

Breakfast club Upper Thames Centre’s Ross-on-Wye holiday rally got off to a tasty start when the officers cooked a sumptuous breakfast on the opening morning. What an excellent eggsample!

Your magazine needs you

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

Every month, we aim to print two pages of news dedicated to the activities of the 69 Caravan and Motorhome Club centres across the UK and Ireland – but we need your help to fill them!

Please encourage your Committee members to send in stories about your centre’s activities – we would love to hear about memorable rallies, anniversaries, celebrations, sporting achievements, charity successes and more. If you are submitting pictures, please ensure that they are as high resolution as possible – the more colourful the better.

Send articles for consideration to john.thynne@camc.com.

October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

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Previously she struggled to move around her home and, just as importantly, to find comfort once she got there. However, with her new Luggie, she can do it all.

“I can move around our bungalow easily. My Luggie is lightweight, easy to steer, and it’s so narrow! I can ride it right up to my sewing machine, and it’s the perfect height to allow me to work at my craft

desk. And, when I’m done, it folds down quickly, easily and neatly, fitting into a small space between my TV and side cabinet. I really couldn’t be happier and I’m so glad I chose a Luggie!”

Judi, 67, Wilmington

If you would like to discover how a Luggie could enhance your freedom and independence, then contact us today. Freephone 0800 012 4258 to arrange your free, no-obligation home demonstration. Act now to take advantage of our £150 OFF reader offer. Please quote CC2409, expires 22nd October.

Plus...are you VAT exempt?

Ask us when you call.

— THE —

LUGGIE STANDARD

Lightest model in the range, the airline approved Standard folds compact in under 20 seconds flat!

— THE —

LUGGIE ELITE

Unrivalled folding mobility scooter with powerful, long-lasting lithium ion battery and LED display.

Carries up to 21 stone for a distance of up to 12 miles.

— THE —

LUGGIE CHAIR

The compact folding electric wheelchair for travel featuring user-friendly joystick control

Call to find out about our new models The Deluxe and Plus range to enjoy the newest Luggie features Mobility Scooter Finance Available

Discover more online at www.luggiescooters.com

Call 0800 012 4258 to arrange your free no-obligation home demonstration As seen on TV including feature length shows on Ideal World

EXCLUSIVE : SPECIAL SAVINGS

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SPECIAL SAVINGS : EXCLUSIVE

December 2015 The Caravan Club Magazine

XX

Tail lights A look at the fun and unusual world of touring

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ON THE

APP

Rapido response Having read about the Gobur Carousel pop-up caravans in the May and June 2019 issues, Fred Leach got in touch with the story of his Rapido Comfort folding caravan. Over to Fred...

“Our model is the smallest of the three, and being a 1979 vintage it has the single-glazed windows and very retro decor! I attach a picture taken at a campsite just outside Skipton which to get to we went down and then up a 1:4 hill.

In the picture you can see it was being towed by our 1932 Austin 16/6 Open Road Tourer. This was the overnight stop between Cambridgeshire and Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake District for our Car Club (Austin Ten Drivers Club) National Rally.

“The Rapido models were solid plywood walls and roof with aluminium cladding to the outside and a thin layer of foam and vinyl

on the inside. Our model, when being towed, is approximately 4ft 6in wide and, including towbar, no more than 10ft long – perfect for the old Austin! When erected it provides table seating for at least four persons and a sofa on the opposite side of the caravan, both

of which convert into double beds if needed. Included is a cooker unit with sink and running water and a wall cupboard for crockery and cooking pots, etc. It also has a small hanging area. All in all it is a very compact and versatile 12ft caravan when erected.“

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.

Are you sitting comfortably?

This pair of Boston Terriers – Lolly (aged 10, on the left) and Fudge (13) – is pictured chilling out at Casthorpe House Farm Certificated Location in Grantham during the summer. According to owners Andrew and Julie Pattison, the dogs have been caravanning all their lives and sit as good as gold while the awning is erected... because they know that’s when the holiday starts. Due to their age they enjoy sitting and relaxing as much as going for long walks – apparently Lolly knows the fridge is always well-stocked and prefers an extra helping of fries to exercise!

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October 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine

Start your engine This Bedford still starts, apparently, and the owner – who is based in Pocklington, East Yorkshire – plans to restore it to its former glory with plenty of TLC. Even in its rusty, well-used state it looks great . Thanks to Marj and Peter Dawson for the picture.

Loo view Arlene Wilde discovered an unusual cassette toilet emptying point during a recent motorhome tour of New Zealand. This bright and cheerful facility in Queenstown wouldn’t look out of place in the Tate Modern!

www.camc.com

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DID YOU KNOW?

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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

29” (74cm) inside leg 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

AC15256 CZT 31” (79cm) inside leg 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48

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• Comfortable padding to ankle and insole • Air holes for added breathability

DARK TAUPE UP TO

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Fast, reliable UK & International delivery service International delivery available online to over 25 countries worldwide www.caravanclub.co.uk

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Inform us of your wish to cancel in writing, by letter or email. Returns are not free, full details are on your delivery note. Return goods within 14 days of cancellation. Calls to 0844 numbers will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. £3.99 UK standard delivery. International delivery from £6.95. Offer applies to purchases in GBP only. Exception is Ireland orders which will be charged in EUR at the set conversion rate. Prices quoted are correct at time of production but can vary. One promotion per order. *Last 3 digits on back of card. This is mandatory to process your order. Offer ends 31.01.2020.

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.

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November 2016 The Caravan Club Magazine

3

NEWS HEADLINES

Smell the sea air, not wear and tear.

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