Motor Caravanner December 2021

Motor Caravanner THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB DECEMBER 2021

Merry

s a m t Chris s r e b m e m b u l C to all

SCAN HERE TO JOIN THE CLUB

renewals & much more visit for news • group rallies • membership

o.uk www.themotorcaravannersclub.c

£1.95 where sold

INSIDE

DECEMBER 2021

From the Chair

42

F 14

CLUB NEWS

20

6 Council update Christmas office opening hours CL Sites update Obituaries 8 A tribute to David Denham and Allan Hidderley 11 Casual campsites return for 2022

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Motor Caravanner THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB DECEMBER 2021

Merry

Christmas ers

to all Club memb

SCAN HERE TO JOIN THE CLUB

for news • group rallies • membership

NEW MODEL NEWS

18 The Auto-Sleeper group

SHOWROOM SHORTLIST

20 A bit more on top

OUT & ABOUT

42 Winter touring: Sun chasers 50 Threesy does it

REGULARS

13 For gadget lovers 14 For her 17 For him

renewals & much more visit

o.uk www.themotorcaravannersclub.c

£1.95 where sold

50

29 Group News & Diaries 58 Tea Break Teasers 62 Juniors festive puzzles 65 Bazaar 66 Classifieds Countrywide Publications Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk Advertising: Danny Lewis T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk Sinead Taylor T: 01502 725865 E: sinead.taylor@micropress.co.uk Cover photo: www.shutterstock.com/TeamDAF

irstly, some changes to CoM: Jacci Durkee is now our Vice Chair, Sue Pilkiw is the Chair of Membership Services and Graham Durkee is the Chair of Marketing.

It hardly seems a year since I took over this post, time has flown. There have been some ups and downs, but we still manage to meet and enjoy our ‘vans.

At the time you read this many of the Goup's Christmas Parties will be in full swing. I hope you all have a good time being able to share celebrations after a couple of years without.

At the November meeting of CoM, the topic of Groups holding rallies outside their own area was discussed and it was agreed to reverse the decision to restrict numbers that could be held. However, I would like to stress that written permission must be received before bookings are finalised and that permission requests should be responded to in a timely manner (possibly 21 days).

Still on rallies, please ensure that if there is a need to lock gates that all members have returned to the site or a contact telephone number is available to get the gates opened.

A suggestion has been put forward that singleton members may like to have some form of discussion group or online presence. Please let me know if you think this is needed.

On a sadder note, you will see in this issue that we have lost two ex-members of CoM, Allan Hidderley and David Denham (see p8). Both worked hard for the good of the Club and they will be greatly missed.

To finish off I hope you all have a good Christmas.

Kate Jones Club Chairman

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 3

MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern WR13 6NA T: 01684 311677 E: info@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Office opening: Mon-Thu 9-5pm Fri 9-2pm MCC Office Administration: Julie Stanbridge

Club Contacts www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT Chairman: Kate Jones (07747 000587 or 01935 863815) Vice Chairman: Jacci Durkee (07931 527691) Members: Carol Biggs (01473 620933) Tina Botterill (07946 596059) Maurice Brooks (07956 814339) Derek Clarke (07931 733656) Graham Durkee (07931 527691) Peter Johnston (07810 434110) Les Kendrick (07860 286561) Selma McMullan (07752 678454) Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) Keith Poole (07736 544490) Anne Taylor (07414 852497)

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES Disability Advisor: Maurice Brooks mauriceb@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Exhibition Team: Jacci & Graham Durkees (07931 527 691)

CLUB OFFICIALS Casual Campsites: Ann Bond (07805 795549) CL & Night Stops: contact MC office

grahamd@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Head Show Marshal: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) Homecraft Coordinator: Tina Botterill homecraft@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Magazine/Handbook : Sue Pilkiw

suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Webmaster: Peter Heale (07894 583520)

Financial Officer: Paul McGuire (07973 827506) Insignia: Marion Brooks (0208 6412283) insignia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Junior Leaders: Maria Hill & Gill Crosby juniors@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

National Rally Site Manager & Head Show Marshal: Mick Pilkiw

To email a member of the Council of Management please use first name & first letter of surname followed by @themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk ie katej@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST Please note that Secretary details may have changed due to AGMs. 1 West Country 2 Sussex 4 Kent 6 Essex 7 Anglia 8 East Wessex 9 Chiltern 10 East Midlands 11 Severn Valley 12 NW Mids & NW 13 Lancashire 14 Yorkshire 15 N. Counties 16 Scotland 17 West Wessex 18 Avon 20 SWP 21 S.& W.Wales 22 Nene Valley 23 Isle of Wight 24 N. Ireland 40 The rest of Europe 42 Ireland 53 SERG 54 Motorcycle

Secretary

Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH

07817 916904 07769 944009 07831 659951 07727 100456 01473 620933 07971 888492 07399 552452 07562 324325 07585 044802 07518 271742 07707 256287 07544 327193 07794 177410 07771 845199 07754 131893 07971 540909 07722 885018 01873 857542 07790 779024 07875 191797 07880 736307

As N. Ireland Group Andrea Barker 01914 104227 Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725839 Advertising: Danny Lewis E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725862

Telephone

Heather Bubb Carole Bennett Janice Wellard Barbara Mossman Derek Clarke Diane Milton Steve Wynn Sue Pilkiw Hayley Scarborough Penny Feeney Jeff Gainford Julie Broughton Helen Edwards Aileen Clark Alastair Bartlam Karen James Barbara Noble Pauline Greaves Peter Moore Heather Jennings Irene Hewitt

E-Mail westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk avon@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk serg@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the Editor and his contributors and do not necessarily represent official Club policy. All Material copyright. The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd 2009. All Rights reserved. While every care is taken when accepting advertisements neither the Club nor the Publisher can accept responsibility for unsatisfactory transactions which arise. Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd. The opinions, advice and information contained in this publication are offered solely to inform members as to matters which will be of assistance to them.

The Motor Caravanners’ Club and Countrywide Publications accepts no responsibility for any opinion, advice or information expressed by any person in any article contained herein and members should seek their own counsel on matters before acting or relying on any opinion, advice or information.

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CLUB NEWS

Council update

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96

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ond Jubil

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back to the previous rules, that is ask for permission for the rally wanted outside your area.

And a reminder that Groups not CoM decide if a rally is bookable.

Restrictions may be in place due to venue or catering arrangements.

Each Group has a supplementary document which will state reasons for doing so.

1

CoM had their first face to face meeting for over a year in November. National rally committee announced the fees for the June National at Stafford Showground. £18 per night with a £2 reduction for single occupancy and that includes 4 nights entertainment. There will be an option of 3 coach trips at additional cost.

It was also agreed that there would be no subscription increase next year, think we have all been through enough!

The rules for Groups rallying in each other’s areas are to revert

Diamond Jubilee National Rally and AGM Stafford County Showground 9-14 June 2022

Office opening hours The office opening hours are as follows for the Christmas & New year break

Thursday 23 Dec Friday 24 Dec Monday 27 Dec Tuesday 28 Dec Wednesday 29 Dec

9am-5pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

Thursday 30 Dec CLOSED Friday 31 Dec CLOSED Monday 3 Jan CLOSED Tuesday 4 Jan (re-open) 9am-5pm Back to normal there after.

Linda Slatford I have to notify the sad passing of Linda Slatford, wife of Alan. We the Essex members send condolences to him and family after her long battle with cancer.

Brian Shaw We have just been informed of the sad passing of our ex Chairman, President of the Essex Group, Brian Shaw, after a long illness.

He will be sadly missed, all our condolences to Carol and family at this sad time.

Bob Thorne, Essex Chairman

Steve Wilson Essex group members have to notify the sad passing quite unexpectedly of Steve Wilson, who was a new member, but attended with Sandra as many rallies as they could. He was actually on his way to a rally and became unwell. We send our condolences to Sandra and his family at this sad time.

Damian Gallagher It is with great sadness that I have to report the unexpected passing of our Treasurer, Damian Gallagher, after a short period of illness. Although new to the MCC, Damian stepped forward and took on the role of Treasurer at a time when we had difficulty in forming a committee. In doing so he helped

OBITUARIES

6 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

CL SITES UPDATE CHESHIRE BELMONT HALL (CL94397) New phone contact 07496 408032 and 07530 450019. cost: £17 for electric hook-up and £19 for a fully serviced pitch for MCC members. All pitches are hard-standing. Discount for MCC members is applied at booking through the website.

FREE PRIZE DRAW WINNERS As a special thank you for your continuing support the Club will be running a free lucky draw every month until March 2022. Five lucky members will win £10 off the cost of their next membership subscription.

Congratulations to November’s winners: Mr PS Withham, Anglia; Dr PL Walker, Yorkshire; Mr T Averill, West Wessex; Mr P Waymont, Essex; Mr GA Voss, East Midlands to ensure the group continued, which we all greatly appreciate.

He will be fondly remembered for the sight of the mobile garden perched on his van's cycle rack, full of herbs, flowers and strawberry plants.Our thoughts are with his wife Carolyn and their family.

Diane Milton, Secretary, E Wessex Group David Denham We are very saddened to hear that Dave Denham, one of our long standing committee members, sadly passed away on the 8th November. He will be sorely missed by all. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

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CLUB NEWS

A tribute to David Denham and Allan Hidderley It is with great sadness that the Club announces the passing of two long-standing members, David Denham and Allan Hidderley. They will be greatly missed and we thank them for their contribution in helping run the Club over many years.

D

avid Denham was a member of the Club for many years. He held the position of Vice Chair in the West Country Group and hosted many rallies with friends. He then went on to join the Council of Management, working on several committees, becoming the National Rally Chairman for several successful Nationals. He recently stood down from CoM but this did not stop him from working for the benefit of members, acting as a supporting officer responsible for co-ordinating Certified Locations and Night Stops. As well as this, he acted as Secretary and Scribe for the West Country Group and was a committee member until the end.

He was a popular person, willing to give a hand whenever he could and he will be sorely missed by the Group and the Membership Services Committee

of the Club.

He was a family man and his three children, their partners, their children and stepchildren will find a large hole in their lives, as will his friends. We hope that knowing how much he will be missed will be of some comfort to his family at this sad time.

A

fter a long and hard fight against a brain cyst, the CoM sadly announces the passing of our hard-working and trusted colleague Allan Hidderley.

Supported by Lynda, he first joined the Marshalling Team at Warners shows before he was unanimously voted on to CoM. Alan volunteered to put his considerable talents into different positions on CoM, always ensuring his work was carried out to a high standard.

During his time on CoM, he took over as Head Show Marshal and National Rally Site Manager, building a good relationship with his team of volunteers. He also took on the role of Chair of Finance. Our sincere condolences go to Lynda and his family at this sad time.

Council of Management.

David Denham

Allan Hidderley

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CLUB NEWS

Casual campsites return for 2022 Ann Bond reports

T

he first campsite of 2022 will see us return to Gloucestershire from 25 March to 8 April at Croft Farm Water Park, Bredons Hardwick, Tewksbury, Gloucester Gl20 7EE. Arrival from 12 noon, departure by 12 noon.

Unfortunately this will still have to be bookable due to site preference.

Booking from 25 March to 8 April (2 weeks) or one week – 25 March to 1 April or 1 April to 8 April.

Full facility site, the bar and restaurant is open from Friday to Sunday, also club room and bar will be open to us on Wednesday evening (own drinks not allowed).

All pitches have 10 amp hook-ups, max of 2 pets per van.

I have 50 pitches in total,

A special price of £20 pupn inclusive of hook-up. Full payment in cash to be paid to hosts on arrival at MCC reception, not the site.

This is an early spring CCS to dust off the winter blues, in a lovely part of the country with some pretty villages within walking distance; bring your wellies or walking boots to get out and enjoy the area either on foot or bikes. Bus stop easy walk from site entrance into Tewksbury where buses can to be taken to other towns making good use of your bus passes.

Croft Farm is ideal for exploring To book please email me at the Forest of Dean (above).

MCH14A M&D Services_Layout 1annbond83@gmail.com.

13/12/2013 15:33 Page 1 Names, 30 hard stand for heavier vans membership number, vehicle for which you will need heavy registration, van length, any pets, pegs for awnings etc and 20 on grass dates required. As no deposits are fronting roadside so no problem as taken and we only have limited it's well drained ground. Pop-ups are places, please check your 2022 allowed. diaries before booking.

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MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN HABITATION DOORS AVAILABLE 1,500 DOORS IN STOCK OVER 500 LOCKER DOORS IN STOCK, AVAILABLE IN ALL SIZES

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47485 external fit, stable R75 Silver frame, hull white panel 1675 x 540 (aperture size)

Left or right hand 1675 x 540, bin available, sold separately

Internal fit, stable, (split barn), silver frame, hull white panel, 1675 x 540 aperture, left or right hinge available

47412 int fit one piece R90 - Fixed window, TFP, blind 1675 x 540

1920 x 570 aperture, bin available, sold separately

Left hand hinge, appature (hole in motorhome) 1740 x 570, all in one, hull white

47417 int fit stable R90 - Fixed window, TFP, blind 1675 x 540

COACHMAN door with frame 1995x620

1850 x 570

Replacement Hobby entrance door 1755x580

46883 88 stable R75 - Plain stable door, silver frame, hull white panel 1675 x 540

Autosleeper etc Auto sleeper etc 1990x620 with frame habitation door & & mosquito net frame 1925x570

IN LEFT & RIGHT HAND, TO FIT BAILEY, ELDDIS, SWIFT, AUTO-TRAIL, LUNAR, COACHMAN, FLEETWOOD, AVONDALE, ABI & MORE

Contact us: 07860 449303 01482 868632 / 01482 880044 info@olearymotorhomes.co.uk www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Portable Fold-Away BBQ £29.99 | www.amazon.co.uk Hanging Toiletries Bag £13.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Campfire Gin Gift Set £47-£59 www.puddingstonedistillery.com

ts f i g s a m t s i r Ch Never underestimate an old man with a motorhome T-Shirt £17.99 | www.amazon.co.uk

Great British Adventure Map & Guide £10.99 | www.amazon.co.uk

for him

Stainless Steel 16-in-1 Portable Camping Tool £15.99 | www.amazon.co.uk

Beanie Cap with Rechargeable Headlamp £11.99 | www.amazon.co.uk

Spending my Kids Inheritance Mug £15.99 | www.spreadshirt.co.uk

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 17

NEW MODEL NEWS

the

Auto-Sleeper group Gentleman Jack is our guide…

MOBILVETTA DESIGN

Two new K-Yachts for 2022. Firstly, the 59 (pictured) which is a compact 5.9m (19’ 4”) and features a rear washroom layout. Secondly, the 7.45m (24’ 5.5”) 95 which includes a palatial Brit-friendly ‘U’-shaped rear lounge. The central heating is changing from the blown-air Truma Combi to the ‘wet’ domestic-style Alde radiator system.

BENIMAR

Benimar’s Benivan 122 is the latest high-top motorcaravan to gain a top-deck bedroom – courtesy of the addition of an elevating-roof to the crown of the high-top. New model is numbered 124, stretches the tape

to 6.36m (20’ 10”), and is powered by the 160BHP latest generation Ducato TD motor. Price: £65,999 OTR and fully-loaded. Benimars are only available from Marquis.

AUTO-SLEEPER

The latest Fiat Ducato facelift has put clear blue water between it and the Peugeot Boxer. In order to address this, Auto-Sleeper has specified a raft of improvements on all Boxer-based motorcaravans.

These include a 9” touchscreen infotainment head unit with a highdefinition adjustable display, DAB, FM, Google Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth and much more. Also upgraded are the cab seats which now get two armrests (about time!) and in addition there will be some new soft furnishing fabrics.

FRESH AIR

New for '22 is the Air. In addition to being our oldest volume motorcaravan converter, AutoSleepers is a past master at building elevating-roof campervans. That said, for some time these have been absent from their line-up, with the possible exception of the extremely short-lived niche Mercedes Vitobased Wave. Now – at last – there is a worthy successor to the long running and hugely popular Auto-Sleeper Trooper, as well as 18 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

a welcome return to a Ford base vehicle. Launch model is based on the short wheelbase Ford Transit Custom to which A-S has added an SCA rear hinged elevating-roof with a roof bed as standard.

Air’s compact car-park friendly footprint (overall length 4.97m/16’ 3.75”) should ensure that it will ‘shine’ as an only vehicle. Suitable for all, but particularly aimed at young families, the Air seats five travellers…four if booster seats for ‘nippers’ are used in the rear. There are two double-beds and plenty of storage. Standard specification is impressive; both on the base vehicle and on the conversion. Space heating is courtesy of a Webasto blown-air unit and the galley features a compressor fridge and two burner hob + grill. There’s even a loo, exterior BBQ point, a cold-

water shower and a mains hook-up.

Prices were not available at time of writing but there is a dedicated website which, by the time you read this, should be offering further information and regular updates www.air-camper.com

CV Range Introducing the NEW EXCLUSIVE 2022 ‘Kensington’ CV Range based on the popular Compass Avantgarde CV Range. ✓ Exclusive eye-catching exterior graphics ✓ Bespoke upholstery and soft furnishings ✓ Many more additional and exclusive features Branches at:

Kimberley Nottingham Tel: 0115 938 2401 Eastwood Road, Kimberley, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG16 2HX

Kimberley Darlington Tel: 01325 383 333 West Auckland Road (A68), Burtree Gate, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL2 2XZ

Kimberley Chesterfield Tel: 01246 931 400 Holbeck Close, Chesterfield, S41 7XH www.kimberleycaravans.co.uk

2021 image for illustration purposes only.

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 19

SHOWROOM SHORTLIST

A bit more on top

1

Buying advice from Gentleman Jack. This month high-top PVCs with added accommodation

F

or some time, it’s been a passionate ambition of motorhome designers to create something that adds room when on-site, but doesn’t increase the 'van’s footprint when on the road. Our friends across the pond rely on slide-outs, though these never really caught on with Blightybased converters, with Moto-Trek being ‘the exception which proves the rule’.

Recently, there has been a trend in adding more accommodation to a standard panel van conversion.

Previously there were three different types of roof fitted to PVCs. These were a standard height ‘tin-top’, a factory-fitted or retro-fitted hightop, [1] and finally the campervan favourite…the elevating-roof, sometimes referred to as a ‘pop-

top’ [2]. Recently an increasing number of new motorcaravans have a combination of the last two roofs [3]. That said, the elevatingroof is not fitted in the same way as it is to a campervan. In those a large aperture is cut out of the roof crown, to give standing height.

There is already standing height in high-top motorcaravans, so only an access hatch is cut out. Most of the original high-top crown is left in place and subsequently becomes the floor for an upper deck bedroom. Three of this month’s offerings gain extra accommodation this way.

Only the Vantage Sky ploughs its own furrow. Sky’s ‘a bit more on top’ is achieved by using the extrahigh roof Ducato derivative. This enables an electrically raised and

lowered permanent longitudinal double-bed [4] to be stored – whilst maintaining full standing height… a neat trick!

Points to ponder Consider the following before getting carried away by the idea of being able to sleep in an upper deck bedroom: • All are four-berth with four travel seats, but some travel seats are more comfortable than others.

Make sure all potential passengers try them!

3

5

4

6

2

20 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

OTR pr

ice fr om

£50,4

69

COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV80 • The extra roof adds both weight and cost. The Compass Avantgarde 80 has the same layout as the Avantgarde 20 but has 196kg less payload and costs £5,500 more, though remains outstanding valuefor-money • Make sure that there are reading lights and a USB power outlet ‘upstairs’ • If considering winter camping, a hot air outlet might also be beneficial • Kick off your shoes and try lying on that upper bed. Remember that access and egress [5] may be more challenging when half-asleep and requiring a nocturnal visit to the loo • All this month’s featured motorcaravans can be specified with automatic transmission, but only Hymer’s Grand Canyon S is available as what they call a Crossover model (to ‘global explorer’ spec) [6] with all-wheeldrive, diff locks, increased rideheight and much more.

We recommend taking a close look at the following inspected and evaluated motorcaravans and suggest you add them to your shortlist! Note that OTR prices are for guidance only and subject to change.

The Erwin Hymer Group UK… that is Compass and Elddis to motorcaravanners…decided some time ago to stop making PVCs and instead to concentrate on narrower coachbuilts, principally the Elddis Accordo, more recently joined by the Compass Navigator.

They were/are very successful, but still a demand existed for PVCs – principally because of body integrity, a choice of entrance doors and improved rear passenger safety. Elddis responded with the Autoquest CV (campervan) range, later joined by the Compass Avantgarde CV range, of which the CV80 is their newest model.

:

Opposite the side entrance door is a half-dinette including two rear travel seats, that are joined by swivelling cab pews. Kitchen and washroom are centrally located and both are ahead of a rear lounge that consists of two double seat inward-facing settees that convert into a transverse double bed. The second double is longitudinal and located on the top deck. Despite its competitive price tag, standard spec has been increased on the base vehicle for 2022 and it now includes a passenger airbag, cruise control, air-con, and auto lights/wipers. In addition, engine upgrades and automatic transmission are available as extracost options Go for it • Under 6.0m overall length • Underfloor mounted space

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 21

>>

SHOWROOM SHORTLIST and water heating • Natty kitchen • Class leading VFM Bear in mind • Rear travel seat backrest is quite upright Spec check Length: 5.998m (19’ 8.25”) Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 Power Train: Fiat Ducato 2.2-litre TD 140bhp FWD, 6-speed manual gearbox Max payload: 399kg In a nutshell Design and development of this Compass is clearly in the right direction.

AUTO-TRAIL ADVENTURE 65 Two variants of Adventure so far, the sub 6.0m 55 and our featured 'van, the XL/LWB 65. Both are similar in concept and layout, though the 65’s extra length allows for a roomier rear lounge, and as a result, a wider double bed.

Auto-Trail maintain a sharp focus on the target market, which they see as actively enjoying the great outdoors – as reinforced by the unique graphics and contemporary interior vibe. Standard fit solar panel will help with off-grid stays and the 25-litre underslung LPG tank is useful. A lot of thought has

OTR price f

gone into allowing easy movement when wearing bulky vestments. The galley is narrower than the norm (thus a wider central aisle) and the forward dinette is equipped with a coffee table for easier circumnavigating. A larger table for dining is also included. Standard spec is high and features the latest 10” LCD head unit for infotainment, a reversing camera and monitor, plus those gorgeous diamond-cut 16” alloy wheels. Although the exterior photographs of the other 'vans feature similar alloys, it is only the Adventure that includes them in the basic price.

Go for it • Contemporary interior vibe

22 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

£62, rom: 995

• High standard spec • Choice of any Ducato colour • Sculpted rear travel seats Bear in mind • Auto-Trail’s Sports spec which includes a one-piece rear panel with boot access is not available on the Adventure

>>

The all new Expedition 68 The Expedition 68 is Auto-Trail’s first foray into the world of dedicated sports campers. With over 38 years of experience in designing and building motorhomes of all shapes and sizes, this is the only campervan they have created specifically for cyclists to travel and transport their bikes, equipment, and themselves.

Starting from £42,538 OTR.

Want to know more? Visit: www.auto-trail.co.uk/expedition TOGETHER WE’RE GOING PLACES

2-4

4

6.36M

SHOWROOM SHORTLIST Spec check Length: 6.36m (20’ 10”) Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 Power Train: Fiat Ducato 2.2-litre 140BHP FWD 6-speed manual gearbox Max payload: 365kg.

In a nutshell Well-equipped as standard, the Adventure is ready for um…er… adventure!

HYMER GRAND CANYON S Very important to say ‘from-theoff’ that the OTR price quoted above is very much a starting price. Hymer’s campervan price-list is closely typed and runs to 38 pages for a reason. It is that many items that one might expect as standard on a premium leisure vehicle are actually extra-cost options. The author couldn’t find a Grand Canyon S with ‘Sleeping Roof’ option for sale in the UK in right hand drive for under £85,000, though obviously these had a higher than basic spec.

This isn’t a criticism,

OTR pr

ice

£59,5 from: 70 it is unlikely that many will buy the Grand Canyon because it is built down to a price, rather because it is built up to a (high) standard.

It won’t have escaped your notice that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been the choice of underpinnings. Whilst it has many advantages, it is also at a disadvantage to its Ducato

24 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

competitors because it is too narrow to allow a sensibly sized transverse double bed. To ameliorate this, Hymer has fitted bulge panels in each side rear window aperture. They are wellexecuted (as you would expect) but won’t have been cheap to achieve as it has been reported that they are made of high-grade carbonfibre.

Go for it • Hymer/Merc cache • Quality cabinetwork

>>

Call us on 01460 63320 www.caravanmotorhomesolutions.co.uk caravanmotorhome@btconnect.com

LITTLECOMBE GARAGE, CHAFFCOMBE ROAD, TOUCHES LANE, CHARD, SOMERSET TA20 1RR

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Motorhome/Caravan Valeting

Many Used Motorhomes Available, Contact the Sales Team TODAY! Guildford: 01483 429999 Southampton: 02380 223322 www.wilmothsmotorhomes.co.uk December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 25

SHOWROOM SHORTLIST OTR pr

ice fr om

£67,9

50

• Good payload • Fold-away ‘permanent rear bed’ • Rear wheel drive (AWD a cost option) Bear in mind • Side habitation door not handed for UK, easy to massively increase the price by ticking a few items on the options list Spec check Length: 5.99m (19’ 8”) Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 Power Train: MercedesBenz Sprinter 2.2-litre 143BHP RWD 6-speed manual gearbox Max payload: 677kg (see text) In a nutshell Premium conversion. Crossover spec facilitates serious green roading or off-road exploration.

VANTAGE SKY Leeds-based Vantage is a multiaward-winning independent converter specialising in high-top motorcaravans, and in this case extra-high high-top motorcaravans!

Sky is the only one in our quartet to feature a socially inclusive ‘U’shaped rear lounge. Above this is Sky’s USP – a generously sized permanent double bed which is electrically raised and lowered.

The lounge itself can be converted into an additional ‘all-over double’ or two easy-access single beds. A further single bed extends across the aisle from the forward half dinette. The latter has two faceforward travel seats, thus four can travel and up to five can sleep. That said we suspect most will prefer to

:

utilise the 'Easy Glide' rear bed (for that is its moniker) because it can be left ‘made-up’ and stores out of the way, next to the ceiling.

It’s great to see that a lot of thought has gone into ‘storage’, both in the provision of plenty, and around retrieving items. A couple of examples: there are top access lockers in the forward dinette floor and the space under the travel seat squab can be accessed without having to lift any cushions.

Go for it • Easy Glide rear double bed • Sociable rear lounge • Great reputation for customer service • Cabinetwork assembled by time served craftsmen/women Bear in mind 300kg payload will be tight for 4 or 5 adults Spec check Length: 6.36m (20’ 10”) Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4/5 Power Train: Fiat Ducato 2.2-litre TD 140 BHP Max payload: 300kg In a nutshell Advantage Vantage. Easy and practical to live in. Commendably short chain of communication with those who build it.

26 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

1st Motorhome Buyers UK Coverage

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Part of the 4Front Motor Group

Are you driving illegally?

When did you last check your motorhome weight?

Ministry figures suggest up to 80% of motorhomes may be operating overloaded!

Drive an overloaded motorhome and you not only risk a fine, you also risk your insurance and the safety of you and your passengers!

When looking to buy your next motorhome, insist on an accurate, up-to-date weight ticket!

The brochure may state a MIRO or payload allowance, but these figures can be out by as much as 5% (average 125kg).

This is more likely to be against you than in your favour, so it is always recommended that you visit a weighbridge to check your vehicle’s weight.

Need to uprate to carry more payload?

If you think you might have a payload issue, we can help.

SvTech is able to increase/uprate the payload allowance on many makes and models.

Behind the scenes of every SvTech uprate, testing of a vehicle is carried out to create a ministry recognised test report, which is then use to cover subsequent uprates. This report and testing is vital in supporting an uprate, and is a legal requirement. Do not be fooled into thinking it’s just a paperwork exercise, as offered by others.

Reaching 70? Need to consider downrating?

SvTech can downrate your motorhome to 3500kg should you not pass, or wish to take, your medical. You must first weigh the motorhome to find out what payload you will have available at 3500kg. For further guidance on downrating please visit our website at www.svtech.co.uk/motor-home-downrates To promote road safety, SvTech designed a free-to-use, Load Distribution Analysis (LDA) program which helps the user to know their likely laden weight and how best to position their goods about the vehicle to avoid an axle overload. Please visit our website www.svtech.co.uk/lda to find out how you can stay safely within your vehicle limits.

For any questions regarding these matters, please contact 01772 621800 or email, webenquiries@svtech.co.uk

GROUP NEWS & DIARIES DECEMBER 2021 DECEMBER 2021

ANGLIA

GROUP NEWS COORDINATOR: Jade Soanes | T: 01502 725840 E: groupnews@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Post: Motor Caravanner Magazine, Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Next Deadline: December 5 for inclusion in January's magazine

07586 786413

Twenty-one vans came to the Junior School at Wells which we had to use at very short notice owing to roofing works being carried out at our proposed venue at Alderman Peel School. Despite this we all had a good time. Friday evening we had the usual bingo, profitable for some and Saturday most went into town and some even further afield.

Saturday evening we had a music quiz compered in his inimitable style by Mr. Richard Sanders. If we thought that Jan Hague’s quiz the previous rally was devious Richard excelled himself with this one. However it was enjoyed by all with good natured banter. The parking team excelled themselves.

Sunday Chairman's chat, coffee etc. and we all went off having had a good time. Thanks to all who helped sorting the hall out and tea ladies.

Forty-one vans came to Acle Academy, again for our AGM Rally. Keith and helpers set the hall up before members arrived at 1pm. We were able to use the large play area and odd spaces but we all got in. Once again well done to the parking team. Friday evening we had cheese and wine organised by Carol and Derek which went down well and we even promoted Betty Cox to "Betty 3 grapes." After everyone had had the refreshments, including seconds if wanted, we played bingo called by Derek the Diabolical.

Saturday afternoon we had our AGM which went off well eventually. Election results as follows: Keith Poole Chair; Derek Clarke Secretary; Carol Biggs Treasurer; Tony Park Vice Chair; Teresa Poole Rally Officer; Committee Brian and Jenny Wood, Rex and Betty Cox,

Bob Johns and David Seals. During the interval tea and cakes were served.

Saturday evening we were entertained by Steve Moyse who kept us going the whole time. He is a versatile singer with something for everyone’s music or dancing taste. The ghoulies, ghosties and witches were much in evidence with some great get ups. Just as well we had to alter the clocks that night. The extra hour in bed was appreciated by many.

Sunday morning dawned just as the weather forecast with rain, heavy at times, and gusting winds.

Fortunately it did ease off a bit for members to get into the hall (actually the school gym) for tea, cake, Dodgy Dip, a large raffle and Chairman's Chat. Thanks to all who helped to put the gym back in its normal state at the end and the tea ladies. Scribe Derek Upcoming rallies: 3-5 December at Alderman Peel School, Wells next the Sea. Xmas party. 30 December-2 January at Terrington St. Clements Village Hall. New Year. (This rally is fully booked at time of writing but check to see if any cancellations).

28-30 January at Roydon Village Hall IP22 5RB. Starts: 4.30pm. Please note that any 2022 rallies that need booking will be taken from noon on Sunday the 9th January 2022.

AVON Thanks go to Jane and Pat for hosting the Sharpness rally with help from Bob and John, who kindly parked the 35 vans who came along. We enjoyed fine weather and people chose to walk to the marina or along the foreshore with views of the Severn. In the evening >> December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 29

GROUP NEWS many used the docker’s club for drinks and meals.

Saturday evening was the Avon group skittles challenge shield competition which was won by Sue, who had the overall highest score to take the shield, with Chris winning the men’s highest score and a cash prize. This was followed by a skittles knockout roll up, in which Kevin took the cash prize.

At the coffee morning on Sunday, Sue read out the notices and welcomed new members and first time visitors, this was followed by the raffle. Some decided to stay on for the Sunday lunch at the club as the others made their way home or on to other motorhome adventures.

Camerton Community Hall, Avon Group AGM 28-31 October. The committee hosted the AGM rally and Halloween weekend. Vans arrived on Thursday and Friday during sunshine and rain. People ventured off site for a walk around the local village and to the farm shop and café close by.

On Friday we had use of the community hall where we got together with each other for a chat and hot drinks. In the evening we had a delicious buffet with wine on the table provided by the committee, this was followed by an evening of professional entertainment from comedian/singer Phil Charles who was superb.

Saturday morning the Avon Group AGM was held, including the formation of a new committee. Thanks go to everyone who helped in any way on Saturday afternoon during the preparation of the hall, for the evening Halloween fancy dress event. Mark provided the music and nibbles were on the tables. Prizes were awarded for the best costumes/make up, Jane won best woman and Steve the best man. Also during the evening the raffle was held. A good night was had by all and everyone returned to their vans in high spirits.

Keep safe, Allan Upcoming rallies: New Year rally at Whitstone School, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5PF on 29 December-2 January. See Avon website for details and bookings.

CHILTERN The Chiltern Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish all its members a very Merry Christmas. Let’s hope this year we can all have a more normal festive season spent with family and friends.

There are two TCs to report on this month, the first being held at Valley Farm Campsite, Farmoor. This was a new site for Chiltern held on the rally field attached to a commercial campsite. 26 vans attended, 23 Chiltern (including one new member) and three visitors.

The weather was fairly kind to us and much time was spent sitting outside catching up with friends. There was a bus stop quite near and lots of ralliers took the opportunity to visit nearby Oxford. There were lots of nice walks in the area, including one around Farmoor 30 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Reservoir. The evenings were spent in the shelters which weren’t too cold, considering the time of year. This was a pleasant venue and we will be back.

Our next meet was our AGM which was held at St Peter’s School, Old Windsor. Eighteen vans attended for the weekend but several members came by car to the meeting. It was lovely to have a nice warm hall for our evening get-togethers and members were entertained with card bingo and a bean bag boules competition.

During the day some people took advantage of the nearby Windsor Great Park where herds of deer roam free. As it was the rutting season there were some magnificent stags to be seen.

The AGM was quite lively but a full Committee was voted in for the coming year, with all of last year’s Officers and Members re-standing for their previous posts. Details of the 2022 Committee can be found on the Chiltern website. It was good to see that all of our TCs for next year have stewards and we would like to thank all those who have volunteered to host a meet. Our thanks also go to those who have hosted TCs this year.

EAST MIDLANDS

07562 324 325

Committee News – at our AGM, Bernadette and Champa who had both stood for re-election, and Joyce, who had been co-opted after our last AGM, were all elected to continue serving on our Committee.

There has been no change to the Officers and roles undertaken by the committee members.

Many thanks to everyone who helped out at the AGM rally. Special thanks go to Gordon Haigh for auditing our accounts, to Mick Bowyer for counting all the votes, Les and his team for the excellent meal we all enjoyed on Saturday evening and finally to Trish, Hazel, Ron and Nick for ensuring the coffee break ran smoothly.

Congratulations to Yvonne Burridge who was awarded the Hazel Turk trophy. This trophy is given to an East Midlands member who has made a significant contribution to the Group. Yvonne has not only been supporting Brian in his role as Rally Officer, but along with him has stewarded over and above the average number of rallies and taken on the role of Scribe – ensuring reports about our rallies are written and submitted to the magazine.

At the time of writing this, there are a few pitches left for New Year and just one table seat for Springfields.

Full payment required when booking through Anne.

Burns Night at Hose, 21-23 January 2022 is also bookable due to space. To book a rally, contact Anne Taylor: email anneeastmidlandsst@gmail.com or phone 07414 852497. If for any reason you can’t make a rally/TC that you have booked, please contact Anne (or any member of the Committee) to inform us.

Wellingore AGM – Rally opened at 2pm and the

committee hosted the rally. 46 East Midland vans, one Anglia and two Nene Valley vans attended the rally.

Friday evening, Chairperson Anne opened the rally.

A game of bingo was played followed by Barbara’s music quiz which was won by Val’s table. We were then treated to a game of Play Your Cards Right which was hosted by Brian, ably assisted by the Dolly Dealer Anne and was won by Dave.

Saturday morning, the members were treated to a coffee morning before some went into Lincoln or took a walk into the next village to look round the shops.

Saturday evening, we sat down to a pie and peas supper prepared and served by the committee then we were entertained by Steve Clements.

Sunday morning the members attended the AGM before heading home.

Halloween at Collingham – Strong winds and sometimes torrential rain greeted the members on arrival, but this didn’t dampen the spirit (if you pardon the pun) for our Halloween weekend. Paul and Jane had a hot drink ready for the members when they had set up. Our stewards Robin, Barbara, Brian and Yvonne had a full weekend programme planned.

Friday, we had our usual game of bingo followed by a nostalgic quiz which got our memories working overtime, this was followed by a Halloween anagram quiz and plenty of chatter and laughter.

Saturday, we woke up to it raining, but by dinner time it brightened up, so some members walked into the village or caught a bus into Newark whilst the stewards decorated the hall. The members really excelled themselves with their costumes and Yvonne did a Halloween quiz followed by Robin doing the very popular Scattergories quiz. Karaoke singing and dancing concluded the evening.

Sunday morning bought more rain as members went into the hall for a coffee morning. After the raffle and the closing of the rally by Anne, the members managed to get their vans off the wet ground and make their way home. Thanks to the stewards and the helpers for making it a successful rally. Yvonne Upcoming rallies: 3-5 December at Springfields Events Centre, Camelgate, Springfields, Spalding PE12 6ET. 17-19 December at Waddington Village Hall, Mere Road, Waddington, Lincoln LN5 9NX. 30 December-2 January at Royal Arthur Centre, Skegness Road, Ingoldmells, Lincs PE25 1NP. 21-23 January Burns Night, Hose Village Hall, Harby Lane, Hose, Leics LE14 4JR.

EAST WESSEX 15-17 October saw 13 vans at Fort Widley, overlooking Portsmouth, for our early Halloween rally hosted by Chairman Larry and Sheila. The nine East Wessex

vans were joined by visitors from Kent, Sussex and West Wessex. Though late in the year, we sat outside together after arriving. Some had already sampled the mobile chip van, and made plans to go back later in the weekend. In the hall that evening we chatted and played card bingo, with Larry once again expertly whipping up the suspense.

Saturday was sunny, and sitting outside enjoying the warmth was a bonus. Some hiked down into Cosham, returning triumphantly with good charity shop finds.

Others strolled the ramparts of the old, historic fort admiring the panoramic views of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight on one side and the South Downs on the other, whilst sheep wandered around just beyond the fence. Sadly the paranormal society didn't have any tours organised that weekend, so whilst one person swore he had seen Napoleon, it turned out to be our Chairman.

With its layout of old tunnels and buildings, Fort Widley is always spooky which helped as we decorated the hall and tables for Halloween. Assorted outfits turned out that evening – from witches, devils and horns, to spiders and batwings. Sheila provided her lovely homemade soup, followed by cakes from Ed and Sandra to celebrate their birthdays (one of which was a big birthday, but we won't say whose, Ed). We also wished Paul happy birthday.

Yvonne hung up some of Vic's socks (definitely washed!) for us to feel and guess the contents – great fun and not that easy, and Larry and Sheila pinned picture quizzes round the room. More quizzes and a raffle rounded off the evening as Cowboy Pete played his music.

Unfortunately our luck ran out on Sunday morning as the weather changed and the fort's exposed position persuaded most to make a quick getaway. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the weekend a success.

Following discussion about rally prices, the price for one person vans will be reduced at rallies where we have to pay for a room and/or entertainment. Also, at the time of writing, our website www.eastwessex.moonfruit. com is in the process of being moved so will not be updated. We have set up a link on it to a temporary website which we will update.

Upcoming TCs: (Please prebook) 10-12 December at Easebourne School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne GU29 9AG. Christmas rally with professional entertainer Kenny Weaver on Saturday. Heated hall and hardstanding. Bookings: Larry 07789 393829.

Cost £32pu for the weekend, £28pu for singles. 30 December-2 January is a change of venue – Burnham Copse Primary School, Newchurch Road, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 4HN. New Year rally with dancing to the music of The Simpsons. Heated hall and hardstanding. Bookings: Diane 079718 88492. Cost of >> December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 31

GROUP NEWS whole rally £48pu, £42pu for singles to be paid by 12 December, please.

ESSEX At last we had an AGM rally, it seems so long ago since we had one. We arrived at Chelmer Valley School on Friday evening and after seeing the vans in and setting up it was off to the hall for a get together. It was great to be in a hall again. We had a good turnout although a couple of vans arrived Saturday morning.

The coffee point was set up and soup was also on the menu along with tea and coffee. We had a game of bingo and Peter and Teresa were very lucky in winning (I believe it was both full houses). After bingo we had some music with most members catching up with old and new friends. We had some visitors from Anglia and we also had a member of CoM, namely Peter Johnson and his wife. We hope you enjoyed your weekend with Essex.

Saturday saw members off to Chelmsford for some retail therapy and lunch. We had problems with our battery having forgot to turn the fridge over to gas so we had a flat battery. Luckily we started the engine for a while and there was life in the battery. It was a lovely day with the sun shining so the solar panel worked very well and we had power when we arrived back.

The evening saw members going over to the hall. As we did not have a buffet this year at the AGM members brought their own goodies and it seemed to go down well. Our disco we had booked had developed Covid on the Wednesday evening so Bob and Barbara were busy trying to find an alternative. Bob was tearing his hair out but he need not have worried because Tom, his son James, and James' girlfriend stepped in. Tom is Val's son who we have at our Christmas rally. It was much appreciated by all members that Tom came and did the disco and he did a fantastic job.

Sunday dawned and the AGM started on time. The retiring committee stood down and Bob thanked the retiring committee for their support during a difficult time. Barbara then went through the list of nominees.

Bob was voted in as the continuing Chairman, Barbara was voted in as Secretary, Treasurer was Gary and Rally Sec Carol. The rest of the committee were voted in and can be seen on the Essex website.

Coffee and tea were served after the nominations by two members of Anglia. The members' forum was then started which was very short and Bob then closed the meeting. Peter Johnson from CoM asked to say a few words, thanking Essex for a good weekend. Off home after a good weekend. John 22-24 Oct saw our return to Mayflower School, a compact rally but enjoyable, hosts were Jan, Pete, Gary and Yvonne. We started with a minutes' silence due to the unfortunate news of the passing of Steve 32 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Wilson, who was on his way to this rally and became ill, contacting emergency services, but passed away before reaching hospital.

Friday night was the usual bingo, tea, coffee and background music. Saturday everyone was left to their own devices, returning to evening entertainment of an unusual quiz from Jan. Winners were Pete and Maureen's team winning a box of Maltesers. It was Peter's 70th birthday who tried to keep it quiet, along with Paul Goulding's birthday. Sunday morning tea/coffee and usual spill from Bob, cleaning the hall much cleaner than when we arrived.

We welcomed a new member, Phil, to his first rally with Essex Group and hope he will attend more in the coming months. Bob T Upcoming rallies: (all following are bookable) 22-24 October at Mayflower Billericay CM12 0RT. 5-7 November at Bradwell on Sea. 2pm start. 1921 November at Chelmer Valley HS CM1 7ER. 3-5 December is our Christmas Party at Chelmer Valley HS CM1 7ER. 31 December-3 January at Bradwell Village Hall CM0 7QJ.

KENT AGM 8-10 October, Oasis School, Sheerness. Well what a fabulous weekend. We were blessed with wonderful warm sunny weather making the walk along the seafront throughly enjoyable. For those staying local it was a pleasure to sit out, some even having a singalong.

The AGM was held and completed without any contentious issues and the present Committee, apart from John and Janet Macrae, were happy to stand again. The Committee thanked Janet and John for their previous contributions and wish them well on their travels. The Group also welcomed a new President, congratulations to Lee Wood and thank you Julie Viall, the outgoing President.

We had 21 vans, one from Sussex and Essex and 19 from Kent. A few members also arrived as day visitors as varying circumstances meant they could not stay, shame but thank you for coming, it was nice to see you.

In the evening, we were entertained by duo The Great Mates. In no time at all, many were up and dancing to sounds from the 60s to 00s. Excellent.

Member Mr L Swann who no longer uses his motorhome donated several accessories. These items were auctioned and the proceeds will be sent to the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

Please remember to visit our Facebook page, Kent Group of the Motor Caravanners’ Club or kentgroupmcc. weebly.com for the latest updates and further information. If you are aware of someone who does not have internet access, please consider calling them to keep them updated.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 December at Greatstone Primary School, Greatstone. Please do not park or arrive at or near school before rally start of 5.30pm.

30 December-2 January is our New Year TC at Oasis Academy, Sheerness.

LANCASHIRE The TC at Warren Farm Equestrian Centre proved to be a busy weekend with the group’s AGM and a surprise celebration for Beattie’s 70th (a year late). There was one ‘van from Northern Counties and 36 from Lancashire. The entertainment started on Friday with bingo called, in her humorous style, by Lisa K and was followed with a quiz organised by Bill Walsh and then music by Dean.

Saturday morning was busy with the Group’s AGM. After a period of 17 years on the committee of which 12 were as Chairman, Mel Clements stepped down. We all thank him for his devotion to this group and wish him happiness in his retirement. Thanks also go to his wife, Sandra, for her support and also to all the others who stepped down from committee after continuing an extra year to see us through the covid pandemic.

Our new Chairman is Don Hooley with Jeff Gainford as Secretary and Brian Procter is Rally Officer, hope all on the Committee enjoy it.

The evening started with a buffet, then a favourite of our Group, Damon Noone, entertained especially for Beattie, with compliments from husband, Bill. The jackpot in Take Your Pick was won by Patsy Gainford. We had music and dancing to finish a great night, just like the old days. The TC finished with coffee and raffle on Sunday morning.

The second TC of October was the Halloween weekend.

It was very wet and windy but that didn’t spoil the fun, 28 Lancashire and two Yorkshire ‘vans attended. The new Chairman and his committee soon got into their stride.

Friday evening started with getting everyone settled, making sure new people and visitors were invited to join others. We played bingo with Allan calling, followed by Mags’ Halloween quiz which was won by Lisa and Mark with new members Vivienne and Bobby. The evening continued with Dean giving us music for line dancing and then general music for the remainder of the evening.

Saturday afternoon we had games in the club room.

Beattie and Ann beat all challengers at beanbag boules whilst others enjoyed playing triominoes. The evening found many ghosts and ghouls wandering around and after a pie and peas supper they were encouraged to parade around the dance floor. The winner chosen was the clown who was really Rob! Thanks went to all of them. The evening continued with Take Your Pick presented by Brian and Allan, with the jackpot won by a lady from Yorkshire! Dean played music to suit everyone, line dance, country, popular more recent trends and finishing with Best of Friends.

Sunday coffee morning convened with prizes given to winners of bonus ball and raffle. The Chairman gave a plaque to our new members, Angela and Rob, Vivienne and Bob, Siobhan and Stuart. He then closed by thanking everyone who helped and wishing us a safe journey home. Your temporary scribe, Alma Upcoming TCs: 10-12 December at Turnover Hall Farm PR3 0UE. Christmas Buffet. Bookable.

28 December-1 January at Warren Farm Equestrian Centre L37 0AN. Bookable.

MOTORCYCLE 9-13 September, Abingdon Airshow. We finally got to enjoy this charity event after three cancellations by Abingdon organisers, due to Covid. 67 vans were parked up on a smaller site than originally planned for and with a lot of help from our volunteers we settled onto an area at one side of the airfield. The site we had was nestled >>

Lancashire group December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 33

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GROUP NEWS Motorcycle group

between film sets of a new war film being produced by Tom Hanks. Although we could not visit the sets we could see models of war planes in the distance.

On the Friday, Martin led a 42 mile ride out to the H Cafe. Then later that evening 33 bikers and pillion riders rode across the airfield for our photo shoot in front of an original Flying Fortress warplane (see picture). We were all wearing our MCG T-shirts and had a few MCG flags with us. It was a great experience riding down the runway to the warplane, with everyone watching us.

Plenty of smiles too which shows in our photographs.

(See MCG website). Then we returned to our marquee for a quiz and excited chatting.

The Abingdon Airshow was on the next day and the committee had laid on a minibus to ferry us back and forth. Several groups of MCG volunteers manned the entry points for the public and judging by their photos enjoyed their stints. What a great show: aeroplane displays, classic car show, stalls and fly pasts from various aircraft including, The Red Arrows, a Euro Fighter and the B17 Flying Fortress, that was displayed on the airfield.

That evening we gathered in the marquee for the band.

On Sunday we met again for a coffee morning. Then the volunteers helped Abingdon airfield with the site clearance. In the afternoon some people went in the minibus to the Dragon Boat festival on the Thames and walked around Abingdon.

Brilliant weekend! Thanks go out to the Committee and the volunteers for all their help.

NENE VALLEY Just 12 vans and two day visitors attended our mid-week AGM rally meet. The weather could have been kinder to us over the three days, but a big thank you to the members that were able to join us. With no new faces coming forward, the present Committee were re-elected en bloc, and the positions they hold remain unchanged.

Advance notice was given that at the 2022 AGM, over 50% of the Committee will stand down. After the meeting we enjoyed tea, coffee and cakes, with thanks to Jane and Pat for your endeavours in the kitchen.

Our replacement Nene Valley Group website is currently being created by a professional developer and should be up and running very soon, fingers crossed.

With only one temporary campsite left in 2021 (Christmas at Barnstones) Denis has already arranged a full timetable for 2022. Unfortunately he was unable to obtain somewhere with a hall for January so our first TC 36 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

will be 18-20 February at Home Farm, Cardington.

Nene Valley would like to take this opportunity to thank all members that have supported us during the last couple of years and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year.

Upcoming TCs: 18-20 February at Home Farm, Couple Road, Cardington, Beds MK44 3SN. 18-20 March at Geddington Youth Club, Grafton Road, Geddington NN14 1AJ.

NORTHERN COUNTIES Hi everyone, by the time you are reading this, we will have had our AGM and we are pleased to announce our new Committee as follows: Chairman Dave Brown, Vice Chair Graeme Havert, Secretary Helen Edwards, Treasurer Carole Brown, Rally Officer Dave Hird, Safety Officer George Davie, Ast. Rally Officer George Davie, Committee Member Denise Brack, Committee Member / Newsletter Writer Nora Davie, Committee Member Janet Havert, Committee Member, Kevin Pratt.

Bill was presented with an engraved tankard to thank him for seven years as Chairman. Tony and Paula were presented with a glass mounted quartz timepiece engraved for their dedicated service to the Northern Counties group.

The AGM was held on the same weekend as Halloween.

Dave and Pam Brack, Paul and Denise Brack hosted, they delivered a fantastic party night on the Saturday evening when many members dressed up in some quite ghoulish costumes. The room was decorated with many magnificent Halloween themed items, well done to all involved. Mark Lang became our photographer using the photo booth frame to snap ghoulish pictures of our members. Games and quizzes all with a Halloween theme took place throughout the evening and kept everyone guessing what was coming next, along with dancing until late. Take a look at the Northern Counties Facebook page to see some fantastic photos.

Many thanks for reading my newsletter these past few months (if you have!). Following our AGM, as noted above, I am handing over the reins to Nora Davie. Paula Upcoming rallies: We have a change of date for our Christmas weekend at Barnard Castle Auction Mart which is 17-19 December, this is bookable, please check our website for details. Also, the New Year Rally venue is now Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough from 29 December-2 January, again this is bookable with a restriction on numbers so please check our website.

N. IRELAND Regent House Grammar School, Newtownards, 15-17 October 2021. Hosts Flo and Enda Carolan and Bridget and David Gilmore welcomed 45 vans to our rally over the weekend. On Friday night we had access to an excellent hall and a lot of us took the opportunity to relax and catch up with old friends. Background music was provided by Gary for those who got tired talking.

Saturday was spent shopping in the outdoor market or in the many shops the town has to offer. The weather was fine and those not in the shopping mood were able to relax outside their vans.

On Saturday night we gathered in the hall again and Gary once again provided the music. While the dancers were a bit slow to get started a number did eventually take to the floor. Perhaps they were a bit dance rusty since this was their first outing in over a year.

On Sunday the coffee morning was well attended and Irene Hewitt, our new Vice Chair/Secretary, did the honours in Chairman Joe McClure’s absence. Hopefully Joe will be back with us soon. After thanking the hosts for a job very well done Irene welcomed new members Trevor and Mandy Lennox and William and Adeline McClenaghan. She also wished Jim and Eileen Niblock many miles of happy motoring in their new van.

The hosts then conducted the draws. The Entry Draw was won by Paul Leaver. There were eight correct entries for the quiz and the lucky winner was Martin Murphy.

Our thanks to the hosts for an enjoyable rally and to Gary and Yvonne for their help over the weekend.

Bridget and David Gilmore Thirty-eight motorhomes arrived to a warm welcome at the Derry/Londonderry rally at Foyle college by Dessie, Ruth, Mervyn and Maud Ross at the early start time of 11am as the college was closed. We were given plenty of information to browse and plan our time for the next few days and we weren’t disappointed by the amount and variety of festivities, culminating in a fireworks display on Sunday night.

We welcomed new members Pamela and Paul Hanna. Several members struck lucky with the raffle including myself winning a beautiful chocolate cake baked by Ruth. Delicious! Enda Carolan was very lucky wining both the number plate draw and guessing the number of sweets in the jar. The quiz was won by Neil and Ann Tarbotton.

As always best wishes were extended to all members celebrating special occasions. Look forward to seeing more vans at our next rally. Arlene Campbell

NWM&NW The rally at Stone Cricket Club began full of promise – a food and drinks festival in the sunshine. What more

could we want? The festival was on the nearby playing fields and we could hear the music from the various bands floating across on the air. Some took the short walk into town to investigate and sample some of the items on offer. In the evening the club house was open and many enjoyed a convivial drink or two before retiring for the night looking forward to a pleasant day.

However, this was not to be the case, as we woke to rain pattering on the rooftops. Not to be too dispirited many set off in search of bargains, meals, refreshments etc. The farmers' market in the high street had some good stalls selling locally produced meat, cheeses, wines and even hats. I think the many hostelries and cafes were well supported as members took shelter there to dry off. The evening was far too cold, wet and windy to take advantage of the cricket club marquee on the field as the bar was closed. On Sunday we had a coffee morning in the sun before leaving.

Our AGM was held at Brymbo Sports and Social Club. Unfortunately Rose, our chairperson, was unable to attend due to on-going treatment. The business meeting was very uneventful with the committee being re-elected. Geoff Balshaw was welcomed on to the committee to keep Mike company amongst all the ladies. The Ed Joy Trophy for the highest attendance at rallies by a non-committee member was presented, by Mike, to Darren and Shirley Hill. Martin Wilks presented the Malcolm Griffiths Bowl for a committee member to Mike and Linda Hastilow.

In the members' meeting an interesting rally programme, produced by Mike and Linda against some difficult circumstances as many venues were reluctant to reply, was outlined. Mike read out some late entries to add to the list. We look forward to enjoying these in the coming year. A big thank you all those who volunteered to host or help with booking-in at some of next year's rallies. There are still some rallies needing volunteers. A big thank you all who supported the meeting. Saturday evening quite a few enjoyed the entertainment in the bar. During the day we had been amused by the articulated lorry manoeuvres on the car park during driver training activities.

All venues must be pre-booked until 2022. When booking a venue please supply your name, membership number, group, vehicle registration number and contact number. Look on our website www.nwmandnw.org.uk or Facebook for booking and further updates. If, after booking, you can not attend please let us know so the place can be offered to someone else.

Upcoming rallies: 30 December-2 January is the New Year Rally at Cockshutt Millennium Hall, Shrewsbury Road, Cockshutt, Ellesmere SY12 0JE. Please book this rally with Sue 07974 681428. 4-6 February at Hough Village Hall, Cobbs Lane, Hough, Crewe CW2 5JN. Limited space so please book with Sue 07974 681428. >> December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 37

GROUP NEWS SCOTTISH Hello fellow members I hope you are all well. The nights are closing in and the temperature is dropping as we look ahead to the festive season.

Thankfully I can report the AGM went well and we have a new committee. Your new committee are listed on the website. We now have 10 elected members with a more even split north and south.

Fourteen vans attended the rally at the Scottish Bus Museum. Nine Scottish vans and five visitors were at the rally: Gordon and Janice Burnip, Eric Catherwood, Ian Gibson and John Ternant all from Northern Counties, and Lyn Linay and Charlie Goldthorpe from Yorkshire Group. Thanks for coming and haste ye back.

In total 30 attended the AGM meeting. Decisions were made to continue with booking of rallies and no rally fee for another year. Also our new committee will make a concerted effort and revert to having more social get togethers. The main object of the Club is to provide a Social Group on Wheels. We had two great evenings in the hall, one night we ended up singing, maybe the happy juice helped.

The follow on meet at Noah’s Ark had thirteen vans attending. Eight Scottish vans, Lynn and Ian Norris, Gordon and Janice Burnip, Eric Catherwood and John Ternent all from Northern Counties. Also Lyn Linay and Charlie Goldthorpe, haste ye back. At this meet we managed an outside coffee morning and a visit to Broxden Farm for a meal. Some will have seen a photograph posted by Joan on Facebook, the meal and company was most enjoyable.

We did have another meeting, that of a committee meeting to plan ahead. Two things that arose, were we must improve on marketing our group. New members are required for new blood and hosts are required. Please come forward and host a meet the committee will help if required to do so. Hosting is rewarding and a good way to meet other members. I will take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care, Squeezebox

SEVERN VALLEY Severn Valley 59th AGM 29-31 October. What a great weekend at Christopher Whiteheads School, the rally started Friday evening with an excellent pig roast followed by entertainment.

Saturday morning at 11am we held Severn Valley Group's 59th AGM, most of the old committee stood down. It was marvellous to see members come forward to form a new committee, we hope all group members will give them support and help, which I am sure they will.

Saturday evening the entertainment from Mel & Him duo gave us a brilliant evening and got many up 38 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

dancing. The dressed up tables in Halloween theme again was excellent, with so many dressing up in fancy dress for the occasion, congratulations to the ones who won prizes. We had a boxed buffet supplied, this being a great success.

Sunday morning we held our usual coffee morning and raffle. Thank you to the outgoing committee for running a great weekend, and they wish the new committee a successful term of office and stated if they need any guidance to contact them.

Upcoming rallies: Xmas Dinner at Royal Oak Much Marcle HR8 2NV. New Year 29 December-2 January – The venue that was booked has now been cancelled by the venue hosts and we are currently trying to source a new one. Please check the website for updates severnvalleymcc.co.uk

SW PENINSULA

07722 885018

Our AGM rally was at Trevornick, Holywell Bay over the Halloween weekend, revisiting this venue after a break of some 10 years. There was the bonus of free use of the lounge bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. We welcomed 31 vans (28 SWP and five West Country, including MCC Chairperson Kate Jones) most being on hardstanding pitches. The weather was a mixed bag of sunshine, wind, rain and even thunder and lightning.

On Friday evening the AGM took place followed by the Members’ Meeting when next year’s rally programme was discussed. This programme will shortly be finalised and sent out to all SWPG members, either by email or through the post.

The 2021/2022 committee is as follows:- Chair Ray Noble , Vice Chair Mick Ellis, Secretary Barbara Noble, Treasurer Cathy Gough, committee members Christine Ellis, Ian Lewis (also webmaster) and Pete Maddocks. You may have read in the Motor Caravanner magazine that it is not essential to have a Rally Officer; the committee will see how things pan out during the coming months. The previous committee served for 2 years, working behind the scenes keeping members safe throughout the pandemic as and when we were allowed to meet up. This newsletter is an opportunity to thank them.

A couple of specific rally issues were raised at the Members’ Meeting. One being whether or not to continue with booking for future rallies. There were those for and against, a vote was taken with the majority in favour of bookings. The new committee had a meeting on the Saturday afternoon and felt a fair compromise will be to take bookings and those members not wishing to do so can turn up at the venue and join the rally, provided spaces are available. All future bookings will open approximately one calendar month before the rally start date. Secretary, Barbara

Noble, will take rally bookings either by email, text or phone call. The other issue at the Members’ Meeting was should we continue with envelope payment system? All agreed, therefore all payments will continue to be the envelope system. Let’s see how it goes!

Saturday evening most put on their Halloween fancy dress outfits to enjoy being entertained by Arthur with his guitar. It was not long before tables and chairs made way for dancing and a good time was had by all.

This venue was certainly liked by everyone and we have booked there for 7th to 11th April next year, so make a note in your diaries.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Upcoming rallies: New Year, Trevarrian Holiday Park,TR8 4AQ, 28 December-2 January, cost £15 pupn, including ehu, entertainment provided by the site, fancy dress of your choice (optional). Book your pitch from the 28 November with Barbara (email barbsnoble@gmail.com, text or phone to 07722 885018). Fox & Hounds, Okehampton, EX20 4HF on 20-23 January, cost £15 pupn (NO EHU), Burns Night haggis supper and skittles competition, bookings taken from 20 December.

S&W WALES 15-17 October, Pencoed School, Bridgend. Pencoed was the venue for our ‘proper’ AGM as the 2020 event was virtual due to the covid conditions at the time. As usual at an AGM the hosts were our committee who made the 24 vans who were staying the weekend very welcome.

Friday evening was an opportunity for everyone to catch up and having the use of a hall made all the difference; we have missed not being able to use schools.

The Saturday was blessed with good weather and the numbers were boosted by the members who had driven in especially for the AGM. The meeting commenced with a minute silence in memory of absent friends before our Chair, Betty Bishop, gave her report which included notice of a drop in membership.

This was seen both locally and nationally. This was inevitable due to the circumstances of the pandemic

and older members retiring from motorhome ownership. Presentations were given to retiring committee members Pam and Dave Couldrick for their huge contribution to the group over many years, and to Jenny Pumfleet, our auditor, who agreed to continue as auditor for one more year.

Unfortunately, Tom Burn our rally officer was not able to attend so there was no rally officer report.

However, details of the 2022 programme will be on our website and in the magazine.

Our secretary, Peter Heale, gave his report including stressing the need for all members to be proactive in boosting the membership when we could ‘cash in’ on the increase in motorhome ownership during the covid crisis. Sadly, Peter has stood down from the committee due to his future plans and everyone present thanked him for his sterling work over many years, he will be greatly missed by everyone in our group.

The new committee was elected in accordance with the procedure and comprises Betty Bishop – Chair, Sue Howard – Vice-Chair, Glyn Evans – Treasurer, Pauline Greaves – Secretary, Keith Howard – Rally Officer, Tom Burn – Safety Officer, Committee members – Gerald Wehden, Pam, Eleri Burn, Martin Lewis, Michaela Lewis.

The members were reminded that the raffle for the beautiful quilt made by Mel, and shown to members, would be drawn on New Year’s Day. It is being raffled in aid of our charity, the Welsh Air Ambulance.

The Saturday evening was an opportunity for much singing, dancing and hip grinding when a Tom Jones tribute act entertained everyone. A fabulous evening ensued enhanced by the cheese and wine supplied by the committee. Many thanks to the girls who helped with the food preparation and special thanks to Sue, Mair and Christine who provided Tom with a brilliant backing group.

There was a Sunday coffee morning and raffle before everyone returned home. I wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and hope that this is the beginning of a more normal year.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 December at Baskerville Hall HR3 5LE. Fabulous venue, check our website for details. Bookable. Starts 12noon. 30 December-3 January is our New Year Party at Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly, SA17 4UL. Starts 12noon.

SUSSEX

S&W Wales group

Warm greetings to you all. Twenty-seven vans braved the weather to attend our AGM at Willingdon, as well as a few day visitors. A productive and good time was had by all. We were regally entertained by Mel, a regular performer at Sussex, whose vocal range needs to be heard to be believed. Many members got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up accordingly, with

>>

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 39

GROUP NEWS imaginative table displays. We had two new members, Alan and Sophie Thornton, who were accompanied by their canine companions, Jasper and Ruby. Hopefully this was their first rally of many in the future.

Our Christmas rally is 17-19 December at Saint Richards School, Bexhill. There are still a few places left, so contact Linda Reading (details on Sussex MCC Facebook page) if you have left your Christmas planning till late. Mince pies, mulled wine and disco with a professional DJ are just a few of the activities planned. Hope to see you all there as a good time is definitely waiting for us.

Season’s greetings to one and all and look forward to seeing you soon. Jo Smaje Our 2022 Day Meet this year is at Dial Post Village Hall RH13 8NJ on Saturday 8 January at 1.30pm. An informal get together with home-made soups and rolls.

If you’d like to make a soup please let Carol know.

WEST COUNTRY There has been no meeting in November for the West Country Group. The Rally Officers have been busy getting everything organised for all the meetings next year.

Our next meeting and Christmas Dinner with SWP is to be held at the Riverside Caravan Park South Molton, North Devon EX36 3HQ on 3-5 December. I am sure we will all have a great time.

Look out for your booklets for next years' meetings which are in the process of being printed. They will be sent out as soon as they are ready. We will be looking for hosts to help next year so please if you can help let the rally officers know. The first meeting next year is 10-13 February at Riverside Caravan Park, South Molton Devon Ex36 3HQ. We are continuing with the booking forms and money ready in envelopes on arrival.

We are very saddened to hear that Dave Denham, one of our long standing committee members, sadly passed away on the 8th November. He will be sorely missed by all. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

All that remains is to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a better New Year from all of the committee of the West Country Group.

WEST WESSEX All Covid guidelines will still be strictly applied. We look forward to giving a warm welcome to visitors from other groups.

Henstridge Golf Club, 7-10 October. What a lovely place for a rally with beautiful weather for the weekend.

We were met by our hosts Dawn and Ali Bartlam who settled us onto a pitch overlooking the golf course and lake. Nearest town was Sherborne but unfortunately we were off the beaten track so no bus to town. Once 40 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

hooked up, plenty going on though, if wished you could hire golf clubs and have a game around the 9 hole course, Ali and Ray (from Swindon) had a go, a very close contest I believe with Ali the victor by one stroke. Pam and I settled for coffee and cake in the club house. The club staff were very friendly and offered to stay open for the early evening on both the Friday and Saturday evenings, giving Roger Clarke the opportunity to set up his music gear and us to have a chitchat and a few beers. I recollect over the two evenings we had singing, a bit of karaoke, bingo, a music quiz and a general knowledge quiz. Went to bed content but the poor old brain was hurting.

Pulled the curtains open on Saturday to be met by a peasouper, had to laugh at the club members waiting on the first tee ready to go, I’ll bet a few balls were lost that day. By tennish the mist was clearing so got the maps out to suss out the local trails and lo and behold discovered that a bus did run to Sherborne but a walk of 50 minutes was required. Love Sherborne so off we went for a very enjoyable day in the town. On return we were faced with a 50 min walk from Henstridge Ash to the Golf Club so the local taxi was needed to get us home.

A very pleasant rally looked after by Dawn and Ali as hosts, thanks. Also thanks to Roger for the entertainment.

AGM Stalbridge Hall, 24th October. A successful AGM allowing West Wessex to remain on a firm footing.

Thanks to all the committee for continuing with their good work, but they will need our support. Andy will in due course publish the rally programme for 2022 but he still requires a couple of hosts, contact him if you can assist. Dave Mc TCs to put in your diaries for December are as follows: 29 December-2 January is our New Year Party at St Michael Middle School, Cole Hill Lane, Wimborne BH22 7AN. Bookable via Andy & Gill 07746 058606 or gillyhorder@gmail.com.

YORKSHIRE What a great weekend we had at our annual AGM at Wetherby Racecourse, the weather was kind and lot of our members walked into Wetherby to take advantage of the shops, cafes and pubs. Members enjoyed fun and games in the room at night, buffet evening, everyone had a great time.

We voted in a new committee and hopefully they will be able to take the group forward into 2022 and have a better year than the last, we wish the committee members that have stood down all the best in their future adventures.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 December is our Xmas party weekend at Driffield YO25 9DN. Our new year rally is 29 December-2 January at Malton & Norton YO17 7EY.

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OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Sun

chasers Continental travel is back on the agenda for motorcaravanners and comes just in time for those seeking sunshine on the Mediterranean coast. By Frances & Michael Howorth

F

or far too long we have all been denied our crosschannel trips through France and Spain seeking winter sunshine because of the pandemic. Now that we can do so again, it’s time to hit the road south and chase the sun. Yes, new regulations have come into force, and more are on their way, but do not let the gloom and doom of those and our own winter months dampen the camping spirit that is so strong among us and our fellow Club members.

are easily available when buying online and will cost less than £5.

The second change concerns the contents of your fridge. The rule that bans the importation of meat and dairy products into France is not designed to catch motorhomers who want to stop and have a cuppa and a bacon sandwich. They are there to curtail and prevent commercial operations. We were able to carry milk and cheese into

Regulation Changes

There are two important regulations that have come into force since most of us headed across the channel last. The first concerns the numberplate on your motorcaravan. No longer are you allowed to display the country designator symbol GB. Instead, the rules now state this should read UK. Stickers that cover your existing GB sign on your number plate 42 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

France recently, unchallenged, but we would venture to suggest you only carry enough until you can shop at a French supermarket to replenish supplies for the rest of your stay.

Route

(see p48 box for Route to Spain) The route we traditionally use to drive south through France is from Calais towards Reims then down towards Troyes, Langres and Dijon.

The nasty part of this journey is generally encountered passing through Lyon but after that, we head towards Valence, Orange, and Avignon. As we pass Aix en Provence, we consider the end is in sight. By then, of course, the weather is always a lot better than that we left behind. The roads on this route are always fast and are seldom crowded but they are not cheap to use. On this occasion, we paid over £150 each way in tolls and the same sort of amount on diesel. Driving the 750+ mile >>

Over 30 years experience in providing restful holidays for families, cyclists, fishermen and wildfowlers Our 4 star AA approved flagship site offers: Electric hook-ups • Elsan points Showers (coin operated) • Toilets Laundry facilities (coin operated) Washing up area • WiFi Kid’s play area • Storage available Onsite shop selling essentials, caravan accessories, fishing tackle and bait • Five lakes and private RALLIES WELCOME riverbank fishing we can cater Peaceful village location with for up to 100 pubs, golf course and motorhomes transport links nearby Lakeside Caravan Park, Sluice Road, Denver, Norfolk PE38 0EG Tel: 01366 383491(anytime) 01366 387074 (evenings only) Mob: 07790 272978 bookings@westhallfarmholidays.co.uk www.lakesidedenver.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING (1200 kms) southbound journey involves 12 hours behind the wheel, and we prefer to break that up into chunks. On our most recent trip we chose to use our France Passion book to selected nightly stopovers at three points roughly 400 kms apart. The first in Champagne country, the second in the home of Beaujolais and the third in the Rhone Valley.

could you want? Champagne? Oh yes there was plenty of that too and very good it was to taste. Of course, we bought some and now just weeks later we wished we had bought more. The next morning, we went in search of a boulangerie and bought bread for lunch before setting off again on our journey southwards towards the sun.

Champagne

Located in Fleurie, in the very heart of the Beaujolais crus, Domaine Matray in the village of Juliénas was our next overnight stop. The estate has been in the family for the last five generations and in 2018 the family began to convert it to organic farming. They are wonderfully accommodating hosts whose daughter speaks perfect

Our first stop was in the region surrounding Reims. Just off the motorway and between Tinqueux and Pargny lies the village of Les Mesneux. There, offering views across Villedommange and the hills of Reims is Champagne Trousset Guillemart, an almost perfect overnight spot for just one van. Karine and Jean-Philippe Trousset offer the most wonderful set up to the visitor; custom built hard standing park complete with electricity and water. What more

Beaujolais

44 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

English and she gave us the most valuable tutored tasting of the family made wines. Delighted with what was on offer, we bought several bottles. The site they freely offer for up to three campervans is clean and tidy with a good shower and toilet with the offer of fresh water if needed. A community run Aire nearby made the dumping of our waste easy and the village of Juliénas has a great boulangerie.

Fortified, educated and topped up with goodies, we hit the road again and prepared to do battle with the traffic jams of Lyon.

Snail's Pace

While it is wonderful to have so many wineries to choose from in the France Passion book, every so often it is good to find an alternative. Perhaps it was as we slowly crept through Lyon that we decided on such a change or maybe that is just a thought now, in hindsight! But whatever it was, >>

Ulwell, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3DG Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park is situated in the lovely “Isle of Purbeck” and nestles under the Purbeck Hills. The beautiful coastline is easily accessible, and the park is on the main bus route from Swanage to Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Chain Ferry. Corfe Castle and village are just some 5 miles by road Poole is an easy drive away.

The park has a friendly Village Inn serving excellent meals, an indoor heated swimming pool and a general shop, open in main season.

There are hard standings with electric, water and drainage hook-ups.

Booking for these pitches is essential at all school holiday periods.

There is a modern toilet and shower block and disabled facilities.

There are wash-up areas, chemical toilet disposal and launderettes.

t: 01929 422823 w: www.ulwellcottagepark.co.uk e: enq@ulwellcottagepark.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

it saw us entering the village of Valréas into our Satellite Navigation System. Here we found a slower pace of life and a great food stuff.

Les Escargots de l'Enclave is a snail farm and up to five campervans can stop there overnight without charge. Wonderfully farmed,

preserved and sold at a little shop on site, the snails are a real delicacy and if you have not tried them, you really should! From our point of view, it was a great overnight location with full motorcaravan services available. Our hostess told us all about snails and how they are farmed and of the many ways in which they are cooked and sold.

And having bought some and

Caravan, Camping and Glamping in the heart of the South Hams

Superbly presented, fully serviced pitches provide the perfect base for exploring Cornwall, just a short drive from Newquay. The park offers touring pitches with hardstanding, water, electric and chemical/toilet waste outlet and parking for your tow car. If you are looking for an idyllic holiday park with fantastic countryside views and a restaurant on-site, get in touch today.

01872 510716 www.carvynick.co.uk Summercourt, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5AF

46 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

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cooked them there that evening we can confirm they were truly delicious.

At this point in our journey, we were less than 300 kms from our destination of Cannes and, using the A7 and A8 motorways, we were able to cover that distance in less than 4 hours. It had been an easy and most enjoyable way of driving through France and we arrived at >>

Sorry, no dogs

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KINGSWOOD CARAVANS 01622 842096 Gravelly Bottom Road, ME17 3NU

Level pitches • Electric hook ups • Premier pitches • Toilet blocks • Free showers • Laundry and ironing room • Dish washing room • Seasonal bar, restaurant and takeaway • Seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool & children’s pool • Games and TV room • Outdoor childrens’ play area • Calor gas sales • Reception with shop area • Motorhome service point Leigham Manor Drive, Marsh Mills, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8LL

Storage spaces available for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, boats, trailers etc.

Self-storage 20 foot shipping containers also available.

Rutland Caravan and Camping In the beautiful county of Rutland...

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info@rutlandcaravanandcamping.co.uk • Rallies welcome • Award-winning amenities block • Disabled facilities • Wi-Fi • Shop • Elec hook-up • Hardstanding & grass • Nearby attractions • Close to pubs and walks • Motorhome service point • Children’s park • Self-catered chalet • Barn to hire

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OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Spanish Route

Le Ranch campsite in Cannet (just above Cannes) fully refreshed and ready to enjoy the Cote d’Azur.

Business would occupy the next four days or so and it was for this reason that we chose the fully serviced campsite on which to leave our van each day. It was a great place to return home to each evening and the town of Cannes offers great shopping, wonderful restaurants and a vibrant air in which to enjoy the surroundings.

Once our business was done, we set off into the hinterland and enjoyed rural Provence before it was time to set off northwards back to blighty.

But that is another story!

Freelance travel journalists Frances and Michael Howorth, Club members since 2020, tour in their own custom built campervan.

Converted from a LWB Fiat Ductao Maxi, Voyager is their pride and joy, come mobile office and home from home.

48 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Our tried and tested route through France serves us well when we are heading to southern Spain and in particular the city of Barcelona and its delighful surroundings. Follow our French route until you reach the outskirts of Avignon and then head towards Nimes, Narbonne, and Perpignan before crossing the border into Spain at Le Perthus. The other, slightly shorter, route passes through Paris and then onto Orlean. From there if we were using that route, we would head to Bourges and Riom before joining our original route at Béziers. Of course, neither of these routes work if you prefer to catch a Brittany ferry into Santander or Bilbao from either Portsmouth or Plymouth.

Broadhembury Caravan Broadhembury Caravan oadhembury Caravan Caravan Broadhembury Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park &Camping CampingPark Park & Camping Park && Camping Park

5 star family park and adults meadows • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced pitches 5 star graded separate family park and adults • 5Warm, spacious fully accessible facilities star graded separate family park and adults r graded separate family parkseparate andhardstandings adults meadows • Generous •adults Fully serviced 5 star graded family and adults 5meadows star graded separate family parkpark and • Family & Babies’ bathroom • Park security • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced s • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced pitches •Generous Warm, spacious showers &foopaths toilets •serviced Family meadows • Generous hardstandings • Fully meadows • hardstandings • Fully serviced • Dog friendly • Many local pitches • Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family bathroom • Babies room • for Fully accessible facilities pitches • Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family pitches • •Warm, showers & toilets • Family location exploring Kent bathroom •spacious Babies room • Fully accessible facilities m • Babies room •Excellent Fully accessible facilities •bathroom Campers Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security • Babies room • Fully accessible facilities bathroom • Babies room • Fully accessible facilities • Very convenient campervan & motorhome • Campers Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security ers Kitchen Laundry room• Laundry •location Park security • Excellent exploring Kent ••Campers Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security • Campers Kitchen room • Park security parking in Ashford forfor shops, fast trains • Excellent location for exploring Kentto Excellent location for exploring Kent • Excellent location forelsewhere exploring • Excellent location forand exploring KentKent London, Canterbury in Kent.

T: 01233 620859 | www.broadhembury.co.uk 01233 620859 www.broadhembury.co.uk 33 620859 |T: www.broadhembury.co.uk T: T: 01233 620859 | www.broadhembury.co.uk 01233 620859 | |www.broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk l: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NQ

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December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 49

OUT & ABOUT

Scotland offers some spectacular drives, particularly this time of year. Here are three routes to take your breath away...

Threesy does it Glencoe

Route 1: Glasgow to Glencoe Distance: 92 miles Driving time: 2 hrs 10 mins Recommended travel time: 1 Day Known for: This slow transition from metropolitan to rural Scotland makes this one of the most scenic road trips. Glencoe’s spectacular scenery means it has been used in various films and TV shows, including: Mary Queen of Scots, Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban, and Skyfall.

offers plenty of viewing points where you can park up and appreciate the sights.

At the southern tip of Loch Lomond, you’ll find Balloch Castle and Country Park, a hugely popular tourist attraction and a perfect stop for the first leg of your journey.

Although the castle is closed to the public, the 200-acre country park is a great place to stretch your legs, have a picnic and admire the views.

There are a few places to park up if you want to admire the Loch in all its glory, with several places in Luss to stop for coffee, too. If it’s just a scenic spot you’re looking for, you could park up at the popular Firkin Point, a stunning stop-off with panoramic views of the Loch just

The route The start of your journey will begin in the bustling city of Glasgow, which is a good place to fuel up before your journey gets underway. Your drive will then take you out of Glasgow, over the Erskine Bridge and onto the A82 towards Loch Lomond. The A82 is the main road along the western side of the legendary Loch, and 50 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Loch Lomond

Falls of Falloch

over 15 miles along the A82. You’ll find another great viewpoint at the Inveruglas Pyramid, an innovative structure built in 2015 as part of Scotland’s Scenic Routes project.

The Pyramid is made up of 31 steps which, from the top, offer pictureperfect views of the Loch. >>

By the Way Hostel and Campsite Lower Station Rd, Tyndrum FK20 8RY Call 01838 400333

Find us in the Loch Lomond National Park halfway between Arrochar’s peaks and the grandeur of Glencoe. The site is aimed primarily at outdoor enthusiasts with great walking (the West Highland Way passes by the hostel), climbing, and white water rafting.

Facilities include: Camping pitches (April-end Sept) Village pub, shops, and café nearby Self catering facilities Bike/equipment store (lockable) Drying room • Showers • Shop Clothes washing facilities • WiFi Dogs by arrangement

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 51

• Peaceful and spacious 5 pitch site situated on edge of a Christmas tree and sheep farm • Conveniently located for NC500 route stopover • Back to nature site with pitches designed to maximise privacy • All sites are hardstanding with electric hook up • Free wifi • Bookings on pitchup.com • Motorhome service area with water, grey water and chemical waste disposal

Reraig campsite is ideally located for exploring the stunning West Coast of Scotland, with an enviable position on the shores of Loch Alsh and within easy reach of Skye, Plockton and Applecross. There is also a shop, pub and other amenities nearby. Set within 2.2 acres of well maintained grounds and mature trees, guests can enjoy a range of facilities to ensure their stay is comfortable and relaxing.

Balmacara, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DH www.reraigcamping.com

Inver Caravan Park Houstry Road, Dunbeath, Caithness KW6 6EH

BRAND GUIDELINES

A peaceful, well maintained site in beautiful Suffolk countryside

01502 359550 info@hawwoodfarm.co.uk www.hawwoodfarm.co.uk Hinton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3QT

Haw Wood Farm, Hinton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3QT. Telephone - 01986 784248 www.hawwoodfarm.co.uk

52 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Book online from the website

Inver Caravan Park is right on the NC500, just north of Dunbeath.

We have 10 hard standings with electric hook-ups, a heated facilities block with 3 private shower rooms and a bathroom, an excellent and free-to-use drying room for wet clothing or washing, and free fibre-optic wifi.

www.inver-caravan-park.co.uk 01593 731441

OUT & ABOUT Further along the A82, you may want to stop off for a short walk to the Falls of Falloch. You’ll find a signposted car park just south of the waterfall; the walk from the car park is estimated to take around 20 minutes, giving you a good opportunity to stretch your legs.

Further along your drive, you’ll pass Pulpit Rock, an unusual looking rock which is viewable from the road. If you want to explore more Scottish legends along your drive, you could also take a small detour to The Lochan of the Lost Sword, a small loch which is said to be the resting place for a number of ancient Scottish swords belonging to figures such as Robert the Bruce.

Your journey will continue north, where you’ll pass Lochan na h-Achlaise on your left and the larger Loch Ba on your right; you can stop off at Loch Ba viewpoint for the best view of the water and rolling Scottish mountains. There’s also another viewpoint further along your route at Rannoch Moor Viewpoint, which has a marked car park.

As you near Glencoe, there are plenty of car parks dotted along your drive. Glencoe Valley Viewpoint has a spacious car park on the side of the road and is a wonderful place to take some pictures of the Scottish mountain backdrop and winding waterfalls. Your journey will finish in Glencoe, known as one of the most beautiful glens in Scottish Highlands.

Inveruglas Pyramid

Route 2: North Coast 500 Inverness Castle

Distance: 516 miles

Driving time: 5 Days Recommended travel time: 1 Week + Known for: One of the most famous driving routes in the UK, the Scottish North Coast 500 is a must for any road trip list. The route begins at Inverness Castle and – as the name suggests – promises around 500 miles of beautiful beaches, scenic spots, castles and distilleries.

The route Your journey will begin at Inverness Castle, which in itself is a great place to visit. From the castle, you’ll drive north along the east coast along the A9 across the Cromarty Bridge.

Around 37.5 miles into your journey, you’ll come across Glenmorangie

Distillery, arguably one of the most famous distilleries along the North Coast 500 route.

There are a few other distilleries along your road trip which are well worth a visit, too. Clynelish Distillery, Old Pulteney Distillery, and Wolfburn Distillery are all within easy reach of the road, and would make a great stop for anybody interested in knowing more about Scotch Whiskey.

Around 17.5 miles from Glenmorangie Distillery, you’ll find Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, which is a perfect spot for any Scottish >>

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 53

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Sango Sands

history enthusiasts. Dunrobin Castle is the largest great house in the Northern Highlands, boasting beautiful gardens and stunning coastal views. There are a few other castles dotted along your journey too, such as the Dunbeath Castle and Gardens on the east coast of Caithness, as well as the nearby Castle and Gardens of Mey. Your drive willfollow the A9 along the east coast, breaking off onto the A99 at Latheron. The A99 is a straightforward drive which will lead you to the legendary John O’Groats, a village famous for its north-eastern tip which, together with Cornwall’s Land’s End, forms the longest distance on mainland Britain.

From John O’Groats, follow the A836 westward across the northern coast of Scotland. This is a beautiful section of the drive; you’ll be able to see for miles across the Highlands as the road winds its way across the rural north. Eventually, you’ll break away from the A836 onto the A838, which will take you over the Kyle of Tongue Bridge, dip under Loch Eriboll, and continue on to Durness.

Here, there’s a fantastic scenic spot at Sango Bay Viewpoint, where you can park up and admire the sandy beach and turquoise water of Sango Sands. There are plenty of stunning beaches to take advantage

Route 3: Edinburgh to the Angus coast Distance: 149 miles

Driving time: 4 hours 30 mins Loch Ness

of on your drive down the west coast, such as Clachtoll Beach in Sutherland, Mellon Udrigle Beach north of Gairloch, and Applecross Beach, which is at the southern end of your drive.

Your journey down the west coast will take you through some wonderful Scottish villages and towns, including Lockinver, Gairloch, Fearnbeg, Applecross and Strathcarron, all of which are a wonderful way to experience Scottish culture. The west coast drive may be slightly more difficult than the east coast roads, especially when taking into account the famous Applecross Road, which can prove to be quite challenging.

The last leg of your journey will be the southern stretch from the west to east coast, back to Inverness Castle. Loch Ness is just 13.2 miles away from the castle if you fancy one last adventure.

54 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Recommended travel time: 1 Day Known for: The Angus Coastal Route is known as one of Scotland's most scenic roads, famed for its stunning views and natural landscapes. The drive from Edinburgh to Dundee is also beautiful, and gives you the opportunity to visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

The route Your route will begin in the beautiful capital of Edinburgh, home to Edinburgh Castle: a wonderful place to explore the history and culture of Scotland. The castle is over 900 years old and stands proudly on the imposing Castle Rock, although if you want to walk around the castle you may need to book in advance.

From Edinburgh, your route will follow the A90 towards The Queensferry Crossing, one of >>

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LeoBay Campsite

Highfield, Rushenden, Alsager Avenue, Queenborough, Kent ME11 5LA

A CAMPSITE WITH A DIFFERENCE...

LeoBay is quite unique as it is a campsite with fitting facilities, so if there’s that little something you need doing from replacing a bulb to a complete conversion we do it all. Our experience goes back 40 years.

Our core experience is in auto electrics and vehicle security as well as vehicle diagnostics, we use factory diagnostic software to solve your problems. Trained in both vehicle and mains voltages we can also inspect and test your mains hook up too! Gas that’s no problem either! Now there’s a service that makes life simple, so next time you need help, come and stay at LeoBay, a nice cuppa on arrival, we will sort your problems while you relax on our 1st class site. There’s even a courtesy vehicle to use during your stay at LeoBay! LeoBay is a site in a million, completely built by us and independent, so all are

welcome whether you’re a club member or not. We have drawn on our 25 years as motorhomers, collating all the best bits from the many sites we have visited over the years. The pitches are all wide hardstanding, with a 10amp hook up and your own grass area to spread out on, the site sits up on a hill over looking the sea with amazing views. On site facilities include a unique summer kitchen, where everyone can chat, relax and eat under cover, there’s a barbeque and pizza oven for you to use, or sit and relax by the open fire with a bottle or two. We like to make sure you’re warm and comfortable so the shower block is heated, with two large rooms, and to top it off the gardens are just splendid. Pets are welcome; the dog walks along the shore are great, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch. So as you can see it’s well worth a visit at just £18 per night all in.

For more info or to book call us on 07899 927467 visit the website www.leobay.co.uk or email steve.leobay@gmail.com 56 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

C SE OV CU ID RE

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING three famous bridges connecting Edinburgh to Fife. Your journey will take you northward along the east coast, where you’ll drive through Aberdour. This idyllic seaside village is a picture-perfect place to stretch your legs.

If you fancy a walk on the beach, the beautiful Silver Sands Beach is within easy reach of your route, or for those who enjoy castle visits, Aberdour Castle is a great place to explore some more Scottish history.

Your journey along the east coast is made up of A-roads, making the drive a reasonably straightforward one. Just over 30 miles from Aberdour, you’ll reach the characterful seaside town of Elie.

Here, you might want to stop off at Elie Beach, a popular place for water sports, rock climbing and outdoor activities. If you’re feeling peckish after your visit to Elie, the small town of Anstruther is only 6 miles further along your route, and is famous for having the best fish and chips in all of Scotland.

Just 14 miles further into your journey, you’ll drive through St Andrews, famous for its prestigious university and multiple golf courses.

For any golf enthusiasts, this is a wonderful place to stop and explore.

You can take a tour through the British Golf Museum or visit The Old Course – also known as The Old Lady – which is considered to be the oldest golf course in the world. There’s also Edinburgh Castle

Dunnottar Castle

a beautiful beach nearby called West Sands Beach; the sand stretches for almost two miles, making it the perfect place for a seaside walk.

St Andrews also boasts an 8-acre Botanic Garden, which is only a stone’s throw from the beach and close to the centre of town.

From St Andrews, your driving route will continue through Fife and across the Tay Road Bridge into the city of Dundee. This will mark the second leg of your journey between Dundee to Aberdeen, otherwise St Andrews

Dundee

known as The Angus Coastal Route, one of Scotland’s most popular drives following the length of the A92.

From Dundee, there are plenty of scenic spots to park up and admire the view on your way to Aberdeen, such as St Cyrus Beach, a picturesque sandy beach which is only a short walk from the road. St Cyrus National Nature Reserve viewpoint is just a stone’s throw away from here, and offers panoramic views of the Angus coast. If you fancy exploring more of the coastline before your journey ends, try stopping off at Dunnottar Castle, a popular tourist attraction located a couple of miles south of Stonehaven. The medieval fortress sits on a rocky outcrop, and strikes an imposing figure on the rugged coastline. There are quite a few steps to climb to get the castle, although the climb is definitely worth it to see the beautiful views of the Angus coastline.

Please note parts of this journey may not be suitable for motorhomes, please check route before departing.

This article was kindly supplied by Heritage Car Insurance, www heritagecarinsurance.co.uk

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 57

Tea break teasers See page 65 for solutions

Codeword Crack the code and fill in the grid.

Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a number from 1-26.

Two letters are given as a starter, can you decipher the rest of the code to discover all the words?

-

Sudoku

5

-

5

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game.

A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Medium

58 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Hard

>>

Campsite Directory CAMPING & TOURING PARK IN THE GARDEN

OF ENGLAND

• Outstanding facilities • Hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and caravans • Riverside fishing (seasonal) • Grass and electric pitches • Family park/ childrens entertainment • Restaurants, cafes and pubs on site FROM JUST

£20

Camping Camping Los Los Gallardos Gallardos R.T.A: AL-4-04-0017

R.T.A: AL-4-04-0017

in in sunny sunny Almería, Almería, Spain Spain Europe’s Europe’s sunniest sunniest spot! spot!

www.CampingLosGallardos.com www.CampingLosGallardos.com www.CampingLosGallardos.com AAAfamily 22 campsite in familyrun runcategory category 2 campsite in family run category campsite in the the south of near AA peaceful the south of Spain near Mojácar.

A south of Spain Spain near Mojácar.

Mojácar. peaceful peacefulcampsite community campsite which community which boasts community campsite which boasts bowling bowling boasts bowling greens,and busy bar, full greens, busy restaurant greens, busy bar, bar, restaurant and shop, shop, full restaurant and shop, full services services including UK TV hookup and much services including UKhookup TV hookup much including UK TV andand much more. more. Full Full service service pitches pitches available. available. more. Full service pitches available.

PER PITCH/ NIGHT

01622 870838 www.hopfarm.co.uk

Call Call +(34) +(34) 950 950 528 528 324, 324, email email or or facebook facebook

Widdicombe Farm In the English Riviera

T: 01803 558325 E: info@widdicombefarm.co.uk W: www.widdicombefarm.co.uk

Glen Nevis Caravan Park

BEN NEVIS

YOUR PITCH?

glen-nevis.co.uk

holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk

01397 702191

Ashbourne | Derbyshire

camping | touring | self catering Just 2 mins drive from the lovely market town of Ashbourne. Ideal base for exploring the Peak District.

Coarse fishing lake. Direct access to the Tissington Trail cycle route

www.callowtop.co.uk 01335 344020

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. We have pitches for motorcaravans, tourers and Glamping Pods as well as self-catering bungalows. Within walking distance of the beach. Clubhouse with licensed bar serving meals. Wi-Fi. Grocery shop and laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking is advised for Bank/school holidays.

www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk enquiries@bankfarmleisure.co.uk Tel: 01792 687205 Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL

Highfield Farm Touring Park

www.bagwellfarm.co.uk

A friendly park near Weymouth on Dorset’s Jurassic Coastline

Tel 01305 782575 Email mcv@bagwellfarm.co.uk Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

A quiet, beautiful touring park located just five miles from Cambridge.

Set in attractive undulating countryside, the area boasts a variety of attractions, from ancient buildings to wildlife parks.

Tel/Fax: 01223 262308 www.highfieldfarmtouringpark.co.uk Long Road, Comberton,Cambs, CB23 7DG

7 DAY SPECIALS FOR OVER 50S

“Possibly the friendliest adult only caravan site in Suffolk” Riverside is a quiet, secluded countryside park. Convenient for easy access to the beautiful South Hams’ beaches, Dartmoor National Park, Cornwall and Brittany Ferries port.

T: 01752 344 122 E: office@riversidecaravanpark.com www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk

www.runcottage.co.uk Call 01394 411 309 info@runcottage.co.uk

• Site open all year • A large family run touring park • A collection of self catering cottages and static caravans • Seasonal, heated enclosed outdoor/indoor swimming pool • Children’s play area • State of the art over 18s health club with gym, adult indoor pool, steam room and sauna • Coffee house serving refreshments • Bar and takeaway with entertainment Charmouth, Dorset DT6 6QL | 01297 560226 www.manorfarmholidaycentre.co.uk

MIRROR ARMOUR PROTECTION FOR MIRRORS

AVAILABLE FOR A CLASS & COACHBUILD

FORD TRANSIT, HYMER, PILOTE, PEUGEOT, FIAT, RAPIDO, FRANKIA, MOBILVETTA, AUTO-ROLLER ETC

TEL: 0117 9677920 07946 115876 | activedesignsolutions@hotmail.com

www.mirrorarmour.co.uk 60 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

Quick Crossword

Across

4 Fit out (5) 9 Release (7) 10 Capital of Tibet (5) 11 Sift (5) 12 Italian little one (7) 13 Covered with water (5) 14 Thin fogs (5) 17 One or the other (6) 18 Receiving device (6) 19 Gemstone (4) 20 Separated (6) 22 Vast (6) 25 Inspires dread (4) 26 Best (6) 29 Swordsman (6) 31 Forest god (5) 34 River horse (Abbr.) (5) 35 Doctors (7) 36 Obscure road (5) 37 Chocolate ingredient (5) 38 Place in order (7) 39 Pertaining to the kidneys (5)

Down

1 Unsustainable boom (6) 2 Curved sword (8) 3 Long-haired cat breed (8) 4 Derby venue (5) 5 Consumers (5) 6 Make happy (6) 7 Adventurous expedition (6)

8 Universal in extent (8) 15 Irreverence (7) 16 Baby powder (4) 20 Prediction (8) 21 Individual facts (4) 23 Capsize (8)

24 Tubular pasta (8) 27 Themes (6) 28 Line on a weather map (6) 30 Dared (6) 32 West Welsh seaside resort (5) 33 Saudi Arabian currency (5)

Anagram Crossword Just like normal crosswords – except that each clue is an anagram of answer.

Across

7 Lorre (5) 8 Panels (6) 9 Shin (4) 10 Elisions (8) 11 Actuator (8) 13 Aral (4) 15 Miss (4) 17 Name-drop (6,2) 19 Die on pew (4,4) 22 Kids (4) 23 Actors (2-4) 24 Andie (5)

Down

1 Reunites (8) 2 Goring (6) 3 A lot (4) 4 Flat Iron (8) 5 Plains (6) 6 Debs (4) 12 Prepares (8) 14 Streamer (8) 16 Steely (6) 18 Loader (6) 20 Lido (4) 21 Dune (4)

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 61

s a m t s i r h C y M e r r to all our s r e b m e m r o i n Ju e fun to get iv t s fe e m o s Here's onal mood s a e s e h t in you

Word Search

gonal

dia ontal, vertical or

riz Words may be ho

holly chimney fireplace wreath reindeer carolers snow lights bells tree

elf mistletoe sleigh candy cane snowman santa candle christmas stocking gingerbread

Cracker Jokes

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?

One that’s deep pan, crisp and even Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?

A mince spy Why did the turkey join the band?

Because it had the drumsticks What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

Frostbite!

What do snowmen wear on their heads?

Ice caps Who delivers presents to cats?

Santa Paws Why did the turkey cross the road?

Because it was the chicken’s day off What says Oh Oh Oh? Santa walking backwards What’s a child’s favourite king at Christmas?

A stocking!

Who is Santa’s favourite singer?

Elf-is Presley

62 MOTOR CARAVANNER December 2021

know?

Did you Jingle Bells was the first song played in space

Maths riddle

on

5 for soluti

See page 6

Spot the 10 differences

Sudoku

numbers Fill in the free cells with that in each so 8, to 5 from 1 to 4 and square, all sm row, each column and e onc ur occ y onl s ber the num

See page 65 for solution

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 63

•'":��- Eco Tree �11�� Lithium F•�{g·

Helping to save our planet & providing a renewable energy battery solution

DOUBLE THE POWER AND HALF THE WEIGHT SAVE ·ON HOOK UPS AND WILD CAMP FOR LONGER

NEW LOW HEIGHT UNDERSEil 11OAH BATTERY GREAT FOR VW'S £699

£749

£1,399 inc. VAT

inc. VAT

11111

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IM

IIMI

inc. VAT

inc. VAT

12V 100 Amp Hour weltht approx.

Dimensions AppUeatlon

13.1kg 328 x 1n x 220rrm

Q@OO©fi

12V

110 Amp Hour

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LOW HEIGHT - FITS UNDER SEAT!

12V 216 Amp Hour welct,t approx.

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12V 320 Amp Hour Dlmen1&on1 AppUeatlon

29.5kg 522 x 238 x 220mm

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THE LATEST LITHIUM LiFePO4 BATTERY TECHNOLOGY � 01158 990760

m info@ecotreelithium.co.uk

WWW.ECOTREEllTHIUM.CO.UK

Bazaar

Private sale advertisements

SILVER SCREEN FRONT WINDSCREEN COVER to fit Fiat Ducato, £75. Pair of LEVELLING RAMPS, £25. Both good condition.

Tel: 07941 603 219 (South Wales) THULE ELITE G2 SHORT BIKE RACK, new condition £200. SWIVEL ROUND TABLE oatmeal in colour £50. MILENCO WHEEL CLAMP MI6, brand new £125. Tel: 07753 661301 (Norfolk)

2013 PEUGEOT 107 ALLURE 53,200 miles, free tax, fitted with Armitage A frame, MOT June 2022, good condition, selling due to sold motorhome. £2,750.

Tel: 07799 623978 (Wiltshire)

MOTORHOMES ELDDIS AUTOQUEST 115 2011, 2 berth Peugeot boxer, manual transmission, 2198cc diesel engine. 24,458 miles only, one owner, full service history, good condition inside and out, white maroon stripes. £29,500 ONO. Tel: 07582 360549

Club members are entitled to a FREE classified lineage advertisement of up to 30 words. To be included, please send your listing along with this form to: Motor Caravanner, Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH or email: bazaar@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. If you wish to include a photograph, please enclose a cheque for £12 inc vat payable to Countrywide Publications.

FREE ADVERT

FOR SALE

WANTED

ADVERT WITH PHOTOGRAPH (£12 inc. VAT)

I enclose my cheque payable to Countrywide Publications (please write name and address on back of cheque) PLEASE NOTE: • Advertisements will be placed in the next available issue.

• Emailed listings that include photos will not be used until the cheque is received.

• Listings will not be used unless a valid membership number is provided

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Members'private sale advertisements

Please indicate whether your item is:

Anagram Crossword Across: 7 Errol, 8 Naples, 9 His'n, 10 Oiliness, 11 Autocrat, 13 Lara, 15 Isms, 17 Pardon me, 19 Wide open, 22 Disk, 23 Co-star, 24 Diane.

Down: 1 Retinues, 2 Gringo, 3 Alto, 4 Inflator, 5 Spinal, 6 Beds, 12 Repapers, 14 Remaster, 16 Sleety, 18 Ordeal, 20 Idol, 21 Nude.

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SNOW CHAINS to suit 215/70-15 tyres, £50. MAXVIEW SATELLITE DISH ARM 8205012PC £30.

AWNING STRAP DOWN KIT £10.

Collect or can arrange delivery to mainland UK. Tel: 07903 468903 (Cambs)

Quick Crossword Across: 4 Equip, 9 Unclasp, 10 Lhasa, 11 Sieve, 12 Bambino, 13 Awash, 14 Mists, 17 Either, 18 Aerial, 19 Opal, 20 Parted, 22 Cosmic, 25 Awes, 26 Outwit, 29 Fencer, 31 Satyr, 34 Hippo, 35 Interns, 36 Byway, 37 Cocoa, 38 Arrange, 39 Renal.

Down: 1 Bubble, 2 Scimitar, 3 Balinese, 4 Epsom, 5 Users, 6 Please, 7 Safari, 8 Catholic, 15 Impiety, 16 Talc, 20 Prophecy, 21 Data, 23 Overturn, 24 Macaroni, 27 Topics, 28 Isobar, 30 Risked, 32 Tywyn, 33 Riyal.

Codeword

VEHICLES

(from p 58)

Sudoku – Hard

ACCESSORIES

Tea Break Teasers

Juniors (from p62)

Name: Address:

Postcode: Telephone:

128

Club membership number:

December 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 65

Classifieds

& SERVICING 6/01/2014 REPAIRS 12:48 Page 1

AW Motorhome Replacement Body Panel Specialists • Rear Bumpers • Corner Panels • Fairings • Shower trays/sinks • Side Skirts • Wheel Arches • Motorhome Body • Repairs & Remoulding

• Obsolete Panels • Insurance Quotes • Trims • Fast Service • Swift, Hymer, Ci, Rapido etc • Most Motorhomes • Competitive Prices • DIY & Trade

Email: awmarine@btinternet.com Phone: 01268 680606 www.motorhomebumpers.com The Marina, The Point, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7TJ

TYRESAVE .co.uk Tel: 07831 365 412 www.tyresave.co.uk We are based in Deeside, North Wales, close to Chester, Cheshire and the Wirral.

Enhance and smarten your Motorhome with Alloy Wheels.

15” and 16” heavy duty wheels to fit most vans from £440 for 4.

We can supply by Mail Order or fit in our tyre depot near Chester.

See our website for more choice.

Accident Repair Specialists

alists

Insurance approved specialist motorhome repairers and re-finishers since 1987 motorhome nce 1987 ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE REPAIRS INSURANCE CLAIMS PAIRS HABITATION SERVICING All makes & models catered for G

Make this space work for you Call Danny on 01502 725862

d for 170 Stafford Road, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 4AH

Tel: Tel: 01543 01543 572686 572686 www.motorhomerepairs.co.uk www.motorhomerepairs.co.uk WS11 4AH erepairs.co.uk

MOT’s. repairs and servicing to all makes of Motorhomes Habitation Inspections carried out

RUBBER SEALS

NEW CATALOGUE ISSUE 16

M & D SERVICES (BRISTOL) LTD. Unit 1 Balaclava Road Industrial Estate (off Ridgeway Road) Fishponds, BRISTOL BS16 3LJ

SOLVE YOUR SEALING PROBLEMS MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

Tel: 0117 9651900 Fax: 0117 9650651 Email: tony@mdservicesltd.co.uk

Rubber seals and trims for caravans & motorhomes FREE, fully illustrated catalogue Please visit our website or call

01425 617722

Seals+Direct Ltd, Unit 6, Milton Business Centre Wick Drive, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6RH Email: sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

REPAIRS & SERVICING

Motorhome insurance

£275 +

01422 396 742

Please mention ‘Motor Caravanner’

www.caravanguard.co.uk/mc

Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

WANTED

si

nc Es e t.

19 77

MERIDIAN MOTORHOMES

Quality Motorhomes & Freedom Caravans Bought and Sold

SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME OR CARAVAN?

Tel: 02380 405122 Top prices paid • Professional, family-run dealership “We BUY motorhomes & caravans that are up to 10 years old”

www.viscountleisure.co.uk • Southampton SO31 8BN

HOYLES

DENHOLME

MOTORHOMES, MOTORHOMES, CAMPERS & 4X4S CAMPERS & 4X4S TOP PRICES PAID TOP PRICES PAID

We can come to you Cash, Bankers We canDraft comeortoBank you Transfer Cash,Contact BankersTim Draft or Bank Transfer Hoyle Anytime

Call 01502 725862 to advertise

01274 832836 07786 735544

WILKINS

MOTORCARAVANS

Established in the Cotswolds (Glos.) since 1970.

MOTORHOME HIRE www.meridianhire.com

01243 572672

Unit 7 Church Farm, Old Park Lane, Bosham, Chichester, PO18 8EX

info@meridianmotorhomes.com www.meridianmotorhomes.com

ALL MAKES AND MODELS CONSIDERED

UK’S BEST BUYER • INSTANT NO RISK BANK TRANSFER PRIOR TO COLLECTION • IMMEDIATE VALUATION COURTEOUS EFFICIENT SERVICE • FREE NATIONWIDE COLLECTION • OUTSTANDING FINANCE SETTLED Motorhome Sellers Advice Line Members.

01274 832836 •07786 735544 Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime

Newly appointed Adria Action (lightweight caravans) and Freedom Caravans Dealer for Southern England

As a national leading multi branch retailer we appreciate the opportunity of buying your motorhome. If you choose to sell outright we will ensure you achieve the top price for your vehicle with recognition for extras fitted and careful ownership.

Call Rob Kirk or Andy Spencer NOW!

FREEPHONE 0800 652 4026 Check out our customer testimonials on the website:

www.m-d-g.co.uk

Open 7 days a week.

SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME? You could be £1,000s better off.

For details and advice about our highly successful brokerage service.

Call us, it will be worth it!

01285 821216

See us at: www.wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk Email: sales@wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk

Cornwall Commercials

For the recovery and transport of motorhomes and RV’s (by Low-Loader) Towing Service for Caravans and Boats on Trailers

UK and Europe 01579 340790 For more information please refer to our website www.cornwallcommercials.co.uk

SmarTrack Vehicle Tracking

Protect your motorhome or caravan with the latest S7 and S5 approved vehicle tracking technology fromSmarTrack Over 89 Thousand vehicles* were stolen over the past year.

Confirming that a vehicle is stolen every 5 minutes in the UK It’s wise to protect your vehicle the best way you can.

Monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

International Roaming

Insurance Approved

Free Android/Apple App

Battery Disconnect and Low Battery Alerts

Geofence Technology

Flexible Subscriptions

Repatriations Network

Contact Max Vehicle Security: 0800 276 1476 sales@maxvehiclesecurity.com

*statistics from www.statista.com for April 2020 - April 2021