Motor Caravanner February 2023

i all, February already! For some the rally season has already started, for others it will begin with the Valentine’s rally but which ever it is I hope it means we all have a year of exciting and differing rallies to look forward to. Just to remind all members that none of these rallies are possible without hosts so why not volunteer to help, it can be very enjoyable. Another thing to look forward to is the National Rally, this year at Malvern, with assorted items and entertainment to enjoy over the weekend, including trips out and of course the business end of the AGM. Please note there is a change to the National Rally day trips listed in last month's magazine (see p14 for more

There are also Warner’s shows to attend, Members Casual Campsites to participate in and you can take advantage of the Haven deals (see p6). Also this year there are trips to Europe with the Club. As you can see there is a lot of activities going on but if you want a quiet space why not try visiting a CL or a Safe Nights. It is always sensible to contact the CL in advance to check on any changes. Safe Knights have to be contacted in advance as they rely on the members who offer the facility being available.

All in all there is plenty to do using your motor caravan so I wish you safe travelling and enjoyable adventures.

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)

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)

Steve Wynn (07916 131892)

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

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

CL & Night Stops: Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Exhibition Team: Jacci & Graham Durkee (07931 527 691) grahamd@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Head Show Marshal: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Homecraft Coordinator: Peter Johnston (07810 434110) peterj@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Magazine/Handbook : Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Health & Safety Officer: Keith Poole (07736 544490) keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

CLUB OFFICIALS

Casual Campsites: Ann Bond (07805 795549)

Financial Officer: Paul Maguire (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 Webmaster: Peter Heale (07894 583520)

Haven Liaison: Pet Heal (01454 320924)

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

Please note that Secretary details may have changed due to AGMs.

Jan Wilcox 07833 625740

westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Carole Bennett 07769 944009 sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Janice Wellard 07831 659951 kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Barbara Mossman 07727 100456 essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Derek Clarke 07931 733656 anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Diane Milton 07971 888492 eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Ingham 07815 789909 chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sue Pilkiw 07562 324325 eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Mike Moloney 07480 934191 severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Penny Feeney 07518 271742 nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Steven Wright 07966 224196 lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Jacqui Emmott 07833 393987 yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Tony Edwards 07976 235365 northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Aileen Clark 07771 845199 scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Alastair Bartlam 07754 131893 westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

EGM will be held on 14th Jan 2023 avon@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Barbara Noble 07722 885018 swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Pauline Greaves 01873 857542 swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Moore 07790 779024 nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Jennings 07875 191797 isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Irene Hewitt 07880 736307 northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

As N. Ireland Group

Andrea Barker 01914 104227 serg@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715 motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Contributors: Jack Bancroft, Kavanagh Deville, Frances & Michael Howorth

Advertising: Danny Lewis E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725862

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 2023. 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.

HAVEN DEAL

Exclusive member offers for 2023

Ihave successfully negotiated with Haven a new deal for 2023. We have agreed on a booking code to enable members to access the deal, the URL code for booking on line can be found on the MCC website members area, alternatively just the booking code can be obtained from the office quoting your membership number.

Members must quote this code to enable the 5 night offer, the 5% discount and the free dog offer, providing they are booking the correct dates/duration etc.

A selection of the offers and the URL have been tested and they both worked. If there are any problems please let me know, my number is in the magazine. Pet Heal, Haven Coordinator

Blue Dolphin

Electric grass pitch £40. All offers are subject to availability and any park/date/pitch grade can be removed at any time.

Golden Sands

Haggerston Castle

Electric hard standing pitch £40. The 5 night offer is not combinable with any other offer including any Freedom Trail discounts.

Lakeland

Electric grass pitch £40. The 5% offer is not combinable with the 5 night offer or any other touring promotions run by Haven eg, Haven monthly offers etc.

Seaview Electric grass pitch £40.

Thornwick Bay Electric grass pitch £40. 5 night offer – Sunday to Friday. Start dates: 12/3, 19/3, 26/3, 16/4, 23/4, 14/5, 21/5, 4/6, 11/6, 18/6, 25/6, 17/9, 24/9, 1/10, 8/10.

Haggerston Castle

Electric hard standing pitch with water (21ft) £50.

Dates: 10/03/2023 to 07/11/2023subject to park open/close dates.

Littlesea

Electric grass pitch £50.

The 5% offer is based on a minimum duration of 3 nights.

Marton Mere

Super hard standing pitch £50 Free dog (maximum 2 dogs).

Presthaven Sands Electric hard standing pitch £50.

Perran Sands Electric grass pitch £50.

Electric grass pitch £40. Offer for MCC members ONLY continued on p8

STOP PRESS: HAVEN UPDATE

The Haven deal was released in the middle of January and already Haven has informed to us that one of our members has booked two places, one for themselves and one for another person. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by Haven and is a clear breach of the terms offered by Haven which state that MCC members can only use their membership to book a pitch solely for themselves – no group bookings – even for one other person.

Attempting to book using your membership

number and name for another person’s unit is not allowed and could potentially result in Haven withdrawing their offer from all MCC members. Remember, one membership number, one name, one pitch. Please do not abuse Haven’s offer.

If you have any queries about Haven please contact Pet Heal, our Haven Liaison Officer rather than Head Office. Her number is listed under Club Officials at the front of the magazine.

Thornwick Bay near Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire

continued from p6

Reighton Sands

Electric hard standing pitch £50.

Seton Sands Euro pitch £50.

Seaview

Reinforced electric grass pitch £50.

Greenacres Euro pitch £55.

Golden Sands

Extra large hard standing Super pitch £55.

Hafan y Mor Euro Pitch £55.

Haggerston Castle

Electric hard standing pitch with water (28ft) £55.

Kiln Park Electric grass pitch £55.

Littlesea

Reinforced electric grass pitch £55

Marton Mere Euro Pitch £55.

Primrose Valley

Super hard standing pitch £55. Seaview Euro Pitch £55.

Perran Sands

Extra large electric grass pitch £55.

Thorpe Park Euro Pitch £55.

Thornwick Bay Electric hard standing pitch £55.

Kiln Park

Super hard standing pitch £60.

Perran Sands Euro Pitch £60.

CL SITES & NIGHT STOPS

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

ORCHARD LODGE (CL94461)

This site is no longer available to Club members.

LINCOLNSHIRE

THE PADDOCK (CL94328)

Contact is Anne Nash 07906 176808. Fee is now £20 for MCC members, £22 for non members.

DEVON

LAZY BUZZARD (CL94231)

Please note fee is now £15 per night and Paypal is no longer in use for advance paying.

CUMBRIA

TRANBY (CL94480)

Moor Road, Great Broughton Cockermouth CA13 OXB

Mr Ken & Alison Simpson Tel: 01900 815523 Mob: 07484 270658 Email: tranby@btinternet.com www.tranbycl.co.uk cost: £17 pupn including electric Bookings to be made between 9am-9pm.

access: Road and entrance is 12ft wide. No Limit on length of vehicle facilities: fully serviced pitches with fresh water, grey waste, wifi and EHU. Recycling and rubbish bins, chemical disposal (green preferred) Small paddock on a quiet farm adjacent to woodland and a pond.

places of interest: Village shop & Pubs ½ mile away. There is a bus

route. Lake district coast aquarium, Go Ape & Forest Segway at Whinlatter Forest, Senhouse Roman Museum. Wordsworth House, Lakes Distillery etc, are all close by and fabulous walks through the countryside and woodland next to the site.

directions: From the A66 approximately 2 miles west of Cockermouth, turn right, Sign posted for Great Boughton, keep left onto Main Street, keep on the road signed for Broughton Moor, the site is approximately ¼ mile out of the village up a little lane on the right hand side.

NIGHT STOPS

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

THE CROWN INN (NS 54237)

Cerney Wick, Cirencester GL7 5QH. This Night Stop is no longer available to members.

SAFE KNIGHTS

Please note the Safe Knight in Limoges, France, run by Fred Simpson, is no longer avavaible to Club members.

Do you run a CL Site?

Please help us keep our records and publications up-to-date by contacting Carol Biggs and the Club Head Office to inform them of any changes to your CL site.

Primrose Valley

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 f igures 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

While many long-term members will be familiar with the National Rally Homecraft Competition, newer members will probably find some explanation and information is helpful.

We hope the Homecraft competition will encourage you to show your crafting ability. There are a wide range of categories which should give you the chance to find something that suits your interests and skillset. Just choose the ones that best suit you and submit for judging. There are 11 categories for individual entries including Knitting/Crochet, Sewing, Carving, Painting, Drawing, Decoupage, Fresh Flower Display, Papier-Mache,

Woodwork, Men Only Cake, Ladies Only Cake and finally The National Craft category. Entries for this final category will come from the onsite craft workshops at the National. You can sign up for these popular craft workshops at the rally, and we will accept your entries on the day of the competition.

Note that you have to be attending the National Rally to qualify for entering the Individual Homecraft competition.

If you can’t attend the rally, you

can still share your crafting skills by contributing to your Group’s Entry, this year's theme is 'Market Day'.

The full Homecraft rules and Homecraft categories (including the cake recipes) are on pages 78 to 82 of your 2023 Handbook and can also be found on the Club website www.themotorcaravannersclub. co.uk. It is very important that you study these carefully, while they are designed to be as flexible as possible there is nothing worse than spending time and effort creating a great entry only to find that it is ineligible for judging because of a technicality. This has unfortunately occurred from time to time in the past so please study the rules carefully and avoid the risk of this happening to you!

Many Groups appoint a Homecraft Entry Co-ordinator who will collect details of individual member’s entries and send us these and this does make our administration easier! If your Group doesn’t have one, please see the Group Secretary or you can submit your entries yourself.

You must register your entries with Peter Johnston, our Homecraft Co-ordinator, by Friday 10th May 2023, email homecraft@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Happy crafting!

THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS’ CLUB INVITES YOU TO JOIN YOUR FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE OUR 2023 NATIONAL RALLY AND AGM 5-NIGHT RALLY

Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW Thu 25th - Tue 30th May 2023

BOOKING FORM

Number of nights

5 nights £100 per unit 4 nights £80 per unit 3 nights £60 per unit

Single occupancy

5 nights £87.50 per unit 4 nights £70 per unit 3 nights £52.50 per unit

Coach trips all on Friday Ross on Wye and Hop Pocket Shopping Village £10pp Hereford £10pp Morgan Factory Visit £31pp

Lead adult 2nd Adult 3rd Adult Address

Postcode

Van registration

Is your vehicle more than 9m long?

No Adults No Children

The above rally fees are for two adults, extra adults incur a cost of £2.50 per person per night. Are you towing? car n trailer n caravan & car n

Names & age of children Membership No Group Group to park with Tel No. Tick if this is your first National or Rally n

Disabled Parking Area n Badge Ref No (only needed if parking in disabled area)

EHU for medical need only is available in Disabled Parking Area only at £65. Tick if req n

Long EHU cables may be required EHU remittance due: £

Date arriving Date leaving

Total No. of nights

Ross on Wye no of seats Hereford no of seats Morgan Factory no of seats Rally fee due £ Coach fee due £

Total payment due (rally fee + coach trips + EHU): £

Payment:

1. Online booking form on the MCC website – www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk – pay by card at the time of booking.

2. By Post: send your completed form to: The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd, Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern, WR13 6NA giving your telephone number. The Office will contact you for payment by bank credit or debit card. CONTACT NUMBER

Closing date: Thursday 11th May 2023 (booking forms or cancellation refunds will not be accepted after the closing date)

Signature Date

Even if you have not pre-booked, you are still welcome to come and pay on arrival at £22 pupn

NATIONAL RALLY DAY TRIPS

Please note there is a change to the National Rally coach trips published in January’s magazine. The visit to the Hop Pocket Shopping Village is part of the trip to Ross-on-Wye. The trip to Hereford does not include Hop Pocket Shopping Village.

Visit One: Ross on Wye and Hop Pocket Shopping Village, £10 per person

Visit Two: Hereford, £10 per person

Visit Three: Morgan Factory, £31 per person.

F.I.C.C. CAMPING FESTIVAL

23 June to 1 July 2023 Zadar-Croatia

The F.I.C.C. rally arrives in Croatia this year. Here is a brief outline of the event (more information and link to booking form will be available The participation fees are

€140 per person on a pitch (+ tourist tax of €1.33 per person/day) €168 for a single participant on a pitch (+ tourist tax of € 1.33 per

€70 young people (from 12 to 17 years) accompanied by at least 2 adults (+ tourist tax of € 0.67 per person/day (50% of the adult tax) Children under 12 years old are free – Children under 12 years old do not pay tourist tax.

Friday 23 June

Arrival and check-in

Monday 26 June

• Optional day excursion (possible destination Krka National Parc, price TBC)

• Dalmatian Night: at Kalelarga 4. Live music Klapa Leut, Dalmatian food (9-11pm).

Tuesday 27 June

• Optional boat excursions, (National Park Kornati, price TBC). 9-11pm live music at Kalelarga 4.

Wednesday 28 June

• F.I.C.C. General Assembly 2023 at Disco Club Saturnus

• Optional day excursion (possible destination Dugi otok, price TBC). Live music at Kalelarga 4 (9-11pm).

Thursday 29 June

OBITUARY

CATHY GERAGHTY

The Lancashire Group is saddened to announce the death of one of its members, Cathy Geraghty. Cathy had been a member of the Club for many years but had suffered health problems for a few years.

Sadly Cathy was admitted to hospital where she lost her battle in the early hours of Thursday 22nd December, with family members at her side. She will be greatly missed.

Brian Herschell

Saturday 24 June

• Free tour to Nin

• Evening entertainment at Kalelarga 4 (9-11pm live music)

Sunday 25 June

• Optional half day excursion (possible destination Zadar, price TBC)

• Parade of Nations: Parade in the national costumes (8-9pm)

• Opening Ceremony: At Kalelarga 4 (9-11pm)

• Welcome Party: At Kalelarga 4, live music and welcome drink.

• Celebration of World Camping Day and F.I.C.C.'s 90th anniversary events.

Friday 30 June

• Closing Ceremony at Kalelarga 4

• Farewell Party at Kalelarga 4, live music (9-11pm).

Saturday 1 July Departure

A CCI card is required to attend this rally, which are available from MCC office, £6 per card before booking this rally.

The trip to Ross on Wye includes a visit to Hop Pocket Shopping Village

Zadar, Croatia

French fancies

French motorcaravans have always had a loyal British following and they remain very much in demand today. Since Brexit, there have been some headwinds for UK importers, including fluctuating exchange rates and supply chain issues. That said, things are starting to stabilise, although right hand drive examples remain on long lead times if ordered individually. Thus, prospective purchasers may wish to consider a model pre-ordered by their dealer, even if it is not quite to the desired specification, as some

items - such as microwaves and alloy wheels - are relatively easy to retrofit. In addition, those members who spend the winters in their `van on the Iberian Peninsula may be better-off looking at left-hand-drive examples for sale, both at home and in mainland Europe.

All of our featured four are easyto-live-in (that’s one of the major criteria for inclusion), but they are quite different when examined closely. When making comparisons, it is helpful to ask the sales staff to demonstrate each `van’s hidden features. As an example, a cursory glance at the kitchen in the Rapido M96 [1] might suggest that it lacks worktop as there isn’t an obvious hinged extension flap. Actually, there is an additional (removable)

work surface that has dedicated storage when not in use.

As always, try and predict future usage patterns. ‘Empty nesters’ may think that they will only need accommodation for two. However, grandchildren might ‘arrive’ and/ or other relatives/friends could suddenly decide that they’d like to come along. Older purchasers should be aware that the default position after 70 years of age is that one loses the entitlement to drive motorcaravans between 3,500kg and 7,500kg unless a medical is passed and you can see well out of both eyes.

Point to ponder

There are two common types of heating among ‘French Fancies.

Buying advice from Gentleman Jack.

This month: French Flagship Coachbuilts

Firstly a Truma combination boiler that heats the interior via warm air trunking and outlets [2]. Secondly, Alde ‘wet’ central heating, which relies on pipework and radiators [3] much like most domestic central heating systems. I’ve tested both extensively and have concluded that each has advantages and disadvantages and that there isn’t a clear winner. The important thing to consider is not which type of heating, but rather the location and number of hot-air outlets/radiators, especially in the cab, usually the coldest area in the `van.

We recommend you take 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. RHD is available on all featured `vans purchased, but not on the press images…apparently!

OTRprice from: £72,411

will reveal that this a brilliantly equipped `van at any price, and especially at this one.

Ford is a wise choice of underpinnings for those contemplating long-term ownership as strong sales into the commercial sector will ensure brilliant spares availability for decades.

Go for it

Chausson 777GA

Titanium

Chausson is based in the Ardeche, Southern France and are part of the Global Trigano Group. Established in 1903 as a manufacturer of automotive components, they quickly expanded commensurate with the growth in car ownership. After WW2 they started building buses, and finally leisure vehicles.

Chausson manufacture all types of motorcaravan, but we’ve chosen the 777GA Titanium because it is such a tightly focussed product. Ford’s cab seats are fully adjustable

lounge seating compliment.

Above the lounge is an electricallyoperated rise-and-fall transverse double-bed which can be left made-up. Further accommodation for the somnolent consists of two easy-access permanent longitudinal single-beds at the far rear. Flexible exterior-access and interior-access storage is available underneath the beds. The full-width washroom/ changing area is centrally placed and includes the wardrobe (good call).

Downloading the Titanium specification from www. motorhomes-chausson.co.uk

• Thoughtful design

• Top engine and automatic included

• Spares availability

• Superb to drive

• Generously-sized beds

Bear in mind

It’s not an ‘A’-Class!

Spec check

Length: 7.19m (23’ 7”) Travel Seats:

4 Sleeps: 5 Power Train: 2.0-litre TD 170bhp, automatic transmission Max payload: 378kg at 3,500kg MTPLM (Upgrade available)

In a nutshell

Tightly focussed, exceptional

LE VOYAGEUR

7.9 GJF

Le Voyageur is part of Groupe Pilote and is one of three manufacturers based in the administrative area of Pays de Loire, actually in La Membrolle-sur-Longuenèe, North East of Nantes. They have garnered a lot of respect from the cognoscenti for their build-quality, especially regarding the integrity of their polyester-clad bondedsandwich side walls.

On entering via the habitation door, turn right for the lounge that consists of inward-facing settees and the swivelling cab pews. The adjustable pedestal-leg table has fold-away extensions. Centrally-placed kitchen is mostly on our nearside with just the large fridge-freezer across the aisle. Moving rearwards, one finds a self-contained full-width washroom/ changing area with access from the bedroom or from the main salon.

Washbasin and walk-in shower cubicle are on our nearside, with the loo against the offside wall. These are ahead of a rear bedroom with wardrobe and twin permanent high-level longitudinal single-beds above garage style exterior-access storage. LVX 7.9 is part of their Heritage range based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cowl with Al-Ko chassis extensions.

Go for it

• Quality spec

• Good payload

• Strong residuals

• Front cap has ‘presence’

Bear in mind

Group C1 driving licence required, high-level locker doors have sharp corners.

Spec check

Length: 7.91m (25’ 11.5”) Travel Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 (6 optional)

Power Train: 2.2-litre 177bhp turbo diesel Max payload: 860kg

In a nutshell

Existing owners usually become serial LV purchasers…enough said?

PILOTE GALAXY

G720FC

Pilote has been building ‘A’-Class motorhomes since 1985…and they are very good at it. As with Le Voyageur, they are headquartered in the administrative area of Pays de Loire, this time at La Limouzinière, South of Nantes. Pilote was the first manufacturer to popularise low-profile overcab coachbuilts and has been at the forefront of motorcaravan design ever since. Their experience at building multi-berth ‘family friendly’ VFM coachbuilts at 3,500kg has been invaluable in achieving a rigid lightweight construction that offers a decent payload on a chassis which can be driven by all. Pilote chose Fiat Ducato Al-Ko underpinnings and decided to offer two (declarative) specification levels, ‘Essential’ and ‘Sensational’.

Despite the approachable price

tag, the interior is right ‘up-there’ with those costing up to £100,000 more. We particularly liked the contrasting soft furnishing fabrics on the squabs and seat backrests of the pictured example.

Layout features a forward lounge, centrally-placed kitchen ahead of the full-width washroom/ changing area. Pilote has (thoughtfully) placed the wash basin next to the loo. Finally, the rear bedroom has a permanent longitudinal peninsula double-bed with a wardrobe and nightstand for each occupant.

Go for it

• Sharply-priced for market segment

• Good payload at 3,500kg (upgrades available)

• Two trim levels

• Aguti cab seats

Bear in mind

No leisure battery fitted as standard Spec check

Length: 7.25m (23’ 9.5”) Travel Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 Power Train: 2.2-litre 140bhp TD Max payload: 575kg

In a nutshell Galaxy’s a star!

RAPIDO

M96

Rapido is also based in the Pays de Loire, actually in Mayenne. It is the volume manufacturer in Groupe Rapido…a collection of several independent marques including Blighty-based WildAx. The M Series is based on the MercedesBenz Sprinter cowl, and as with Le Voyager, independently-sprung Al-Ko chassis extensions follow the ‘three-pointed star’. Please note that the quoted price includes the 188bhp engine and Merc’s 9GTronic automatic transmission. It is available at 3,500kg as well as at 4,500kg. The latter will require Group C1 driving licence, and is a more sensible option when one considers the amount and variety of exterior-access storage.

Layout places the lounge forward, the bedroom featuring a low-level peninsula double-bed at the far rear, and the kitchen and comfort station in the middle! However, it is in the execution of the build where the Rapido really shines. Attention to detail and contemporary design

signatures tick all the right boxes. Particularly impressive was the smoothly radiused furniture, aircraft-style overhead lockers, and eccentrically-mounted island leg table. On models equipped with Alde heating, the table leg is also a blown-air heating outlet…neat!

Go for it

• Interior vibe

• Table shape

• Low-level peninsula bed

• Multi-needle stitching on upholstery ‘panels’

Bear in mind

Rear travel seats did not appear to have anti-submarine squabs

Spec check

Length: 7.54m (24’ 9”) Travel Seats: 4 Sleeps: 4 Power Train: 2.2-litre 188bhp TD driving front wheels Max payload: 325kg (MTPLM 3,500kg)

In a nutshell

This Rapido sweats the details… and it shows

Ready, Set,

Go!

Kicking off another season for tourers and explorers of the great outdoors, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is the place to be in February. This must-go-to event with its incredible showcase of leisure vehicles, tents and equipment returns to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 21 - 26 February 2023.

The show is being billed as even bigger than the sell-out 2022 event. It will host over 400 exhibitor stands spread across Halls 1-5 covering almost 20 acres of exhibition space. Hundreds of new leisure vehicles from UK and European manufacturers, and dealers will be on display, ready for visitors to step inside and compare. The show is also the place to discover a whole host of new and exciting holiday destinations, from

the UK and beyond, as well as the chance to get a closer look at the latest and greatest gadgets and accessories.

Tickets are limited and are only available to buy online – not on the door. An early bird deal with tickets priced at £12 (parking included) is available for those booking before midnight on 20th February, after which the price increases to £15. Children under 15 years visit for free but require a ticket to attend. A £1.25 transaction fee applies.

New for the 2023 Show will be the dedicated Tent and Camping Hall with over 150 new-season tents and trailer-tents, pitched and ready to explore across 4 acres (14% more than 2022), as well as brand new features, plus an inspiring speaker line-up, to get you ready for your next adventures. With all these exhibitors under one roof plus

The show will have the motorhome that’s just right for you. If you have adventure in mind, take a look at Globecar’s Summit (pictured above)

a wide range of 2023 launches, unveilings and show exclusives that are sure to catch visitors’ eyes, the list of outdoor essentials available is extensive.

There’s also a brand new Woodland Wildlife feature, Forest Camping, which will host nature talks and camping cooking demonstrations, and an indoor pool which shall return-ready for visitors to try out stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking.

It’s not just products on offer at the Show; free help, and impartial advice for those new to touring and seasoned pros alike, will be on offer from experts across

From awnings to adventure-ready campervans and motorhomes here’s what is new and what you should not miss at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 21 - 26 February 2023. Frances & Michael Howorth take a look at what’s on offer.

the field in the new Leisure Vehicle Advice Centre.

The Inspiration Theatre has a full line-up of dedicated speakers and celebrities with a passion for the great outdoors, travel, and the touring & exploring lifestyle. Speakers announced so far include motorhomers Paul Merton and Suki Webster, as well as former Royal Marines commando sniper, adventurer and TV presenter, Aldo Kane, talking about his recent motorhome tour of the USA and some of his more dangerous assignments.

Inspiration

Holiday inspiration will be in abundance from a fantastic choice of great-value UK and European campsites, holiday parks and tourist boards - all on hand to provide information and pitch availability

for the coming year. Visitors can gather ideas and tips about places to travel to, tour and explore in motorcaravans. And with thousands of outdoor accessories available to buy, the show really is a one-stopshop for those new to motorhoming and old hands alike.

Boasting the UK’s largest start of year display of campervans, and motorhomess, visitors can step inside and compare new

2023 models from leading manufacturers. Here’s a snapshot of what not to miss in the way of Motorcaravans at the first of this year’s shows.

Adria are promising to display their best ever Adria Twin campervan range at the show, including the newest models in the line-up, offering more flexibility and shorter layouts, ideal for those seeking a spacious yet compact vehicle.

Manufactured by Design

Inspired by the latest in yacht, home and automotive design, the company will also display its luxurious Supersonic – a range of A Class motorhomes on a MercedesBenz base vehicle, offered in four layouts, with under-floor space for integrated utilities, insulation, and storage.

Hall 3, Stand 3060

Auto Sleepers will be showcasing a selection of coachbuilt and luxury low-profile campervan models. Launching exclusively at the February Show is the first of two brand new Mercedes Van Conversion models designed to make the most of the open plan space available.

Hall 3, Stand 3075

Auto-Trail’s collection in Hall 3 is extensive, including all six Fordbased F-Line motorhomes and all three Expedition campervans boasting cab air-conditioning and cruise control. From entry-level van conversions to the luxurious Grande Frontier A-Class, there really is something for everyone.

Hall 3, Stand 40

Bailey of Bristol, celebrating its 75th Anniversary, will display several models from its motorhome ranges. On display will be the full

line-up from the innovative Adamo range including two new layouts, plus a selection of models from the best-selling Autograph range - the perfect models for adventures in the great outdoors.

Hall 3, Stand 3060

Bilbo’s turn new Volkswagen Kombi vans into fully equipped campervans. The five models on display include both side and rear kitchen layouts and are offered with a full range of conversion options to suit your lifestyle - such as the adaptable all-rounder, Celex Low-

Lie with spacious design, double bed and seating for 4.

Hall 5, Stand 5098

Carthago will display a five model series of A-Class motorhomes alongside two model series of coachbuilt vehicles at the Show. Visitors will have the chance to find their dream made-to-measure motorhome in their range of almost

Coachman Built for the open road, the Travel Master from Coachman on a Mercedes-Benz base provides a luxurious driving experience whilst the interior function and design will ensure you can relax and unwind wherever the road takes you. With two interior layouts to choose from and compare in-person at the Show, this is a motorhome with exploration and relaxation in mind.

Hall 3, Stand 3000

Chausson presents the exclusive Titanium Ultimate motorhome range. Featuring top-of-the-range performance with an automatic gearbox as standard, the fullyequipped and numbered series has been developed for optimum driving comfort. All the vehicles benefit from carefully thought-out layouts and high-performance insulation, which allows them to be used in all seasons.

Hall 3, Stand 3052

Chausson 660 Grande

Carthago tourer

CoachmanTM565

Adria Supersonic

Frankia will display the 2023 F-line and Titan motorhomes, both built on the Fiat Ducato chassis. The Show will feature its flagship Platin range, with the latest innovations in solar and electrical technology, enabling self-sufficiency on the road. These motorhomes are built on the latest Mercedes rear wheel drive train. A must-see for those wanting a luxurious getaway! Hall 3, Stand 3080

Globecar will offer the perfect vehicle to explore and set out on those adventures. Truly multifunctional, Globecar redefines the motorhome class on a panel van conversion. The Summit Prime and

Marquis line-up

Elegance both continue to lead the way as flagship ranges for Globecar, and new for this season, the Summit ‘Shine’ shows off the latest in innovation and technology. Hall 3, Stand 3077

Marquis will display new motorhomes from Benimar and Mobilvetta, all with enhanced UK

specification for the new season and NCC Approved. Look out for Marquis sales team members on manufacturer stands across the Show, including: Elddis, Auto-Sleeper, Adria, Coachman and Auto-Trail. To celebrate its milestone 50th year in the industry, Marquis will be giving away two years of free Habitation Inspections with all of the new and exclusive ranges. Hall 3, Stand 3075

Moto Trek offers hand-built motorhomes, van conversions and campervans. Award-winning panel van conversions with two to four berths are designed to offer the ultimate in relaxation in your Leisure Vehicle, and let you take the comforts of home with you wherever you adventure. The Three Peaks Camper is no exception, engineered for maximised space inside with everyday usability in mind. Hall 2, Stand 2120

Moto Trek

Morelo will premiere the new Empire Liner motorhome on a Mercedes-Benz Atego 1230 L, featuring a redesigned front that incorporates striking design elements from its “big brother”, the Morelo Grande Empire. Hall 1, Stand 1130

Rapido will showcase highlights across its range including the 2023 compact Rapido Ultimate Line A-Class c55i and c86i. The Itineo range, which has been completely renewed in furniture and outside design over the past two years, delivers big on specific family layouts and low-profile models. The Dreamer range shows off the difference in the details of Rapido’s van conversions with well thought out layouts. Hall 1, Stand 120

Roller Team will let visitors experience Italian style at its

finest on their stand. With a great selection of motorhomes available to view, the next adventure might be just around the corner. The motorhomes are based on the Ford Transit or Fiat Ducato chassis and vary from four to six-berths, with low profile and spacious over-cab bed options. Hall 3, Stand 65

Swift will be returning to the show with its ever popular Monza, an everyday getaway campervan. It comes with the chance to define your style thanks to a choice of four eye-catching metallic colours. The Monza is ideal for those with an active lifestyle and who love seeking adventure, offering Ford performance with Swift luxury and style all in one package. Hall 4, Stand 4050

Vantage Motorhomes are known for manufacturing van conversion

can boast about two new pop-top campervans, the Fuze and the Luna. Both are based on the Ford Transit Custom and deliver big on quality, usable internal space and overall styling. At just under five metres, these offer great manoeuvrability. Hall 5, Stand 5010

Wildax Motorhomes manufactures a range of motorhomes and campervans, from two to four-berth on a variety of base vehicle brands. Wildax Motorhomes offers a range of options including designs incorporating no gas into the vehicle, with the idea of going offgrid in mind. Hall 5, Stand 5080.

55th Edition

Selected Sites in Europe

Featuring details on over 400 of the best campsites throughout Europe!

Written by our expert campsite assessors and fully updated with over 380 different sites from the previous edition

Attractive layout including contact details, GPS coordinates, site description, facilities & photos presented in an easy to use one-campsite-per-page view

Full-colour layout including country maps, indexed by campsite name, country and region

Tourist information on featured countries and helpful advice for travelling abroad

Visit us on stand 4027 and mention Motor Caravanner Club for a further discount on our show price or order your copy online at ar.camp/guides

Swift Monza

GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

FEBRUARY 2023

ANGLIA

Forty vans came to Terrington St. Clements Village Hall for our New Year Bash. Van loads of food and equipment was unloaded and stored since we have to take everything there. The urn was on in the hall from 1pm and at 7.30pm we gathered for cheese, biscuits, mulled wine and bingo.

Saturday was an easy going day. Some went out on the bus. The Committee were preparing the buffet. We all gathered in the hall for the evening buffet of gargantuan proportions; you name it it was there. This was followed by our entertainer Mark Shelby who kept us going until 1am. We really saw the new Year in in style with the church bells ringing and fireworks.

Sunday morning the Great British Breakfast cooked by the Committee. Tea and cakes were served later in the afternoon and in the evening we had more bingo.

Monday urn on first thing then home. Thanks are due to Derek and Carol for the logistics and bookings which included “borrowing” a chest freezer so they could get everything in advance for the catering, to Keith and Teresa and the rest of the Committee Betty, Rex, Caz, Ben, Mal and Jean, Tony and Carole. Scribe Derek

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 February at Acle Academy NR13 3ER. Starts: 16.30pm. 24-29 February at Hoveton Village hall NR12 8DU. Starts: 1pm. This rally is bookable through Teresa.

CHILTERN

Well what a year that was. We celebrated our 60th anniversary, had a gathering on the Ile de Re, came between two feuding campsite owners who happened to pick our rally to make an example of! And still ended up

smiling. Sadly though we lost Ray Barrett, who passed away after a very short and sudden illness. Our thoughts go out to his wife Pam.

A busy and sociable year that was led by Mick Mead and Julie Noakes, who have both decided to take a break, thank you to them for all their sterling work. And thank you also to Emlyn Evans for keeping the finances straight and to Steve and Marion Wynn who kept us in order admin-wise. The year was rounded off by the Christmas party gathering at Hurst school, which by all accounts was very much enjoyed.

This year’s rallies include some new venues and give a varied spread of locations which should please most members. The rally booklets have been adjusted slightly, with the addition of the What 3 Words location references.

We kick off the year with a day meet at Great Bourton Community Centre on 11 February, followed by Old Warden village hall on 10-12 March. See you in a field somewhere.

EAST MIDLANDS

To book a rally, contact Anne Taylor: text 07414 852497 or email anneeastmidlands@gmail.com.

Bookable rallies: Valentine’s Night at Waddington Feb 1012, Marshals Yard Feb 24-26 and the Country and Western Rally at Ingoldmells March 23-26. Booking forms are available at rallies or on our website under gallery. A booking fee of £10 is required with each booking. Please let us know as possible if you are unable to attend a rally you’ve booked.

Your rally booklets have been posted out to you. If you haven’t received your booklet by the end of January, please contact me. There is one amendment to the rally booklet. The dates for the Coppice Steam Rally are correct on the back page – please amend the dates in the rally details to 8-11 September 2023. Sue

Springfields Grand Dinner Dance: On Friday members were greeted and parked up by the committee. 47 vans attended this annual event, three of which were first timers.

The hall opened in the evening where the members

received a warm welcome from the chairman Brian. Bingo was played and there was a table quiz prepared by Anne and won by the ‘Chimpanzee’ team table.

Saturday was a day for members to enjoy shopping in the Springfields centre or travel into Spalding before getting themselves ready for the dinner dance in the beautiful surroundings. Dinner was served and then the evening was finished with entertainment by Reverb, a duo who kept the members dancing the night away.

On Sunday morning members joined together for a coffee morning and raffle draw. The chairman thanked everyone for attending and hoped that everyone had had a good time.

Waddington Christmas Party: It was cold and frosty when members arrived at Waddington. 26 vans, one of which was a first timer, arrived ready to party and meet Santa Claus.

Friday evening, members arrived dressed in their Christmas jumpers ready for the best dressed jumper competition and were welcomed by the Chairman Brian. Bingo played and then members welcomed Angie who never fails to keep us entertained. During the evening we held a Christmas Jumper competition which was won by Pete Pilkiw for the men and the ladies’ winner was Sue Fry.

On Saturday after the coffee morning members went into Lincoln or just walked into the village. Saturday evening the committee had prepared a meal for the members whilst waiting for Santa to arrive. Santa arrived and presented each child with a present. The members all joined in and sang our annual 12 days of Christmas and then dancing the evening away to the disco.

Sunday morning refreshments and warm mince pies were followed by the raffle draw. The chairman closed the rally wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

New Year Rally at Ingoldmells: The stewards welcomed 35 vans to our annual New Year Rally at Ingoldmells. The weather was windy and the occasional drop of rain but not bad for this time of year.

Friday evening the chairman welcomed everyone to the rally and he welcomed two first time East Midland ralliers and one first timer from Anglia. Bingo was played and then Brian had prepared a “What Happened in 2022” quiz which was won by Paul’s table, followed by karaoke. Also, we had asked the members to bring along their school photos and they were pinned up so all the members could guess who they were. These pictures caused a lot of interest and laughs.

On Saturday after the coffee morning some members went on the usual trail in to Skeg Vegas and some went on a walk to see the sea before getting dressed up for the evening. The theme this year was ‘ Back to School’ and it was fun to see members dressed up in school uniforms. We were entertained by Lindsey Pepper who kept people dancing all night until we let the New Year in.

On Sunday some members went out for lunch then joined the remaining members in the hall for tea, coffee, and cakes. Sunday evening it was fun and games. Play your cards right, Dingbats, Last Man Standing and the result of the picture competition.

Monday morning Brian closed the rally and thanked the

members for attending and making it a brilliant weekend and thanked the stewards Ian, Jean and Yvonne for all the work in making it a lovely weekend. Yvonne

Upcoming rallies: 10- 12 February is Valentines Night at Village Hall, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NX. 24-26 February is Casino Night at Marshalls Sports Ground, Middlefield Lane, Gainsborough DN21 1UU. 10-12 March at Ukraine Centre, Bridge Lane, Weston on Trent, Derbys. DE72 2BU. 23-26 March is Country & Western at Royal Arthur Centre, Ingoldmells PE25 1NP.

EAST WESSEX

Record low temperatures marked the Christmas rally at Easebourne. Graham and Jill greeted five Sussex and 12 East Wessex vans in the bitter cold and parked us up expertly in the dark. We piled over to the hall in the evening for a night of dancing to Pete’s music to warm up.

On Saturday afternoon Caroline held a line dancing class which those who took part thoroughly enjoyed. Saturday night began with a lovely buffet of cider with food loosely based on a ploughman’s to tie in with the entertainment – a barn dance. Caller Helen got almost everyone on the floor and we swung, formed arches, do se do’d and galloped until totally exhausted. Alan and Mary sang a couple of songs and we drew the raffle.

We woke on Sunday morning to -3C and a pristine white world of hoar frost, with huge icicles hanging from vans. Cobwebs everywhere were frozen into beautiful intricate lacework. We ate mince pies with our coffee as new Chairman Allen did his first chit chat.

The temperatures persuaded a couple of boilers to play up by emptying their contents over the school playground where we had parked, so creating a skating rink which remained all weekend. To add to the fun, the outdoor fresh water tap froze up completely, so there was no water until the caretaker arrived to open up the school. Others suffered flat batteries. Despite this, though, we had a great time and once again it was something new.

One Chiltern and nine East Wessex vans came to the New Year rally at Tadley. The torrential rain that had been forecast sadly kept some away; still, the small numbers meant it was more like a house party than a rally. The heated hall was open all weekend so we were able to sit inside together whenever we liked whilst the rain poured outside. We also played card bingo, bean bag boules, indoor skittles, table tennis, board games, and puzzled over Sandra’s food quiz.

New Year’s Eve began with a buffet provided by us all and Larry served his mulled wine which some, who shall remain nameless, enjoyed very much, as shown by their dancing later on. Double Image were the entertainers, playing the style of music we enjoy. Ed and Sandra were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and everyone got to the floor to dance in tribute to them. Allen drew Val’s raffle. All in all a happy start to 2023.

Upcoming rallies: Updated rally information will be posted on our website: eastwessex.uk or contact Brenda.

10-12 February at Ringwood Junior School, Hightown Road, Ringwood BH24 1NH. Valentine’s rally. Dress to impress your Valentine on Saturday (optional); homemade soup and dessert, dancing to Pete’s disco, deck shuffle. Cost £14 pupn; (£13 singles). Arrivals from 5pm and no earlier, due to narrow road. 3-5 March at Easebourne CE Primary School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne, GU29 9AG. Pub and board games – bring games to play. Cost £15 pupn; (£13 singles). Arrivals from 5pm.

ESSEX

Our Christmas party was quite late this year in December, it was cold, snowy and icy. At least the hall was warm and a lovely atmosphere. We started off our weekend with a normal game of bingo with some of us handing Christmas cards out. We ourselves went into Chelmsford Town where the atmosphere was very christmassy with various artists playing and The Salvation Army playing christmas carols and singing. Unfortunately the bus service was not that brilliant due to weather and Christmas shopping, also change of times.

Party night: as people arrived they were greeted with a glass of bucks fizz or orange, and while the disco was setting up, we had our buffet. The disco was good and had us all up dancing throughout the night.

Our last day the raffle was drawn and the schedule was read out for our New Year rally which was fully booked due to low space. Bob

Essex said goodbye to 2022 at Pleshy village, which has a lovely cosy warm hall. We all arrived on the Friday and parked up from 11am, to discover the only pub for miles had closed due to licence difficulties, but we are Essex and we can party on.

Friday evening was great, with two games of bingo and Nigel’s music bingo, and we all sang to the well known intros.

On Saturday it rained all day, so we made use of the hall with tea, coffee and board games. Most members decorated their tables during the afternoon ready to bring in the new year in style, and we had a buffet brought in by a local chef, enough food to feed an army and a good selection of desserts.

By the time that the evening came, the hall looked teriffic, balloons, banners, party poppers, the works! Over to Nigel for the music, our DJ for the evening, and we all danced the night away and brought in the new year with a bang.

New year’s day which was a Sunday saw the urn being on all day along with tea, coffee, toast, and marmalade and most people went walking in the local area. As there was no pub to have a meal in, most people cooked their own food and ate in the hall.

The evening started with cheese, biscuits and pickles supplied by the club, then on for a few games with James, Malcolm, Peter, Alan, and Peter all winning bottles of alcohol, followed by a game of Play Your Cards Right which the “B” team won.

On Monday we had the chairman’s wafffle, and farewell to everyone until the next rally. Woody’s dad

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 February at Westcliff Boys School SS0 0BP. Starts: 5pm. At time of going to print we had no one to run this rally so please check on the FB or website if rally still continuing. 17-19 March at Chelmer Valley School CM1 7ER. Starts: 6pm (not before).

KENT

9-11 December was our Christmas Rally at Greatstone, attended by 25 vans and hosted by the new Committee convened at the October AGM. All those attending deserve Gold Stars as it was an extremely cold weekend that tested not only our bodies but our van batteries too as temperatures plummeted to -6C overnight! Friday night was Christmas jumpers and silly games. All got a chance to play along with our version of Blankety Blank that gave some hilarious unexpected blanks not to mention Linda’s obsession with her blanks being linked to a particular male appendage! A more robust game of Family Fortunes followed that had everyone surprised at some of the more obscure answers.

The hot mulled wine and mince pies were welcomed on the Saturday afternoon that accompanied the Christmas carols mixed in with popular Christmas songs led by Jenny and Andye. I seem to remember a strong rendition of When a Child is Born by Johnny Mathis being sang. We were entertained by professional band Wingit on the Saturday night whilst keeping an eye on the England World Cup football game, sadly our team lost but we had a great night! All in all we had a wonderful but rather cold weekend!

30 December-2 January was our New Year Rally at Bexhill on Sea attended by 46 vans with members from Kent, Sussex, Essex, East Wessex and the Motor Cycle Group. Professional duo Great Mates entertained us on Friday night and even though it rained for most of the weekend some members still strolled along the seafront ending up in the pub for lunch and a drink or two!

Saturday night was our New Year’s Eve Party night incorporating our 60th anniversary celebrations. The

Kent’s 60th anniversary cake

evening commenced with a glass of bubbly for each member and a toast to old members, present members and to the members of the future! Our celebrations started with a Mr and Mrs style game with Dave and Angie being crowned absolute Mr and Mrs followed by Jenny and Brian in second place. DJ Tony then took us into the New Year with some fabulous music as we all enjoyed a piece of the anniversary cake!

As the rain kept coming an indoor Deck Quoits tournament was convened on the Sunday afternoon and was ably won by champion Mel! We were entertained on the Sunday night by the wonderful professional singer Maddie Hart who kept the dance floor full with a varied programme of hits from the decades. This was a great weekend for the Kent Group which ended 2022 in fine style and gave birth to lots of fun and entertainment for 2023, so do have a look at our rally programme and come along and join us, all will be welcome.

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 February at Sandwich Junior School, St. Barts Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 0AS. This is a bookable rally so please contact Jan on kent@ motorcaravannersclub.co.uk to book. On the Saturday night we have an Elvis impersonator, so dust off your Teddy Boy outfits and your full petticoated skirts and come rocking with us! 24-26 March at Bridge Farm, Appledore, Ashford, Kent TN26 2DA. Bookable rally. 6-10 April at St. Richards School, Bexhill, East Sussex TN10 1SE (by kind permission of Sussex). This is our Easter rally and plans are afoot for a full programme of activities throughout the weekend with two nights of professional entertainment with MattrockingRobbins and Goldilux. This will be a weekend to remember but is bookable, so please do contact Jan on the details above.

LANCASHIRE

Notwithstanding it being only -7C, 32 ‘vans arrived at the Canberra Club to celebrate Christmas. Friday night Lisa opened the rally, welcoming us and explained the domestics and warned us to take care especially in the dark. There was

a parade of all who wore their Christmas jumpers, some even had lights. We played three games of bingo followed by line dancing and mainly background music.

10am Saturday and into the hall for Tai Chi exercises with Janet and Steve. Then Val’s Crafty Crew, excited to be making a Christmas table decoration. So much foliage and glue about! Some lovely results and all were used later to decorate the tables.

6.30pm we gathered for a sherry reception and took our places at the tables. Our very own Reverend, Don, said a prayer before the food was served. It was delicious and couldn’t be faulted in any way and the service couldn’t have been better. A big screen had been set up on the stage so that we didn’t miss the football. The result didn’t spoil the party and it stopped people sneaking to the bar to watch the television. The artist for the evening was a Scottish lady, Natalie Dee, a good entertainer with her humour and songs for dancing. The night closed with Best of Friends.

Sunday was a little chaotic as the keyholder was late. Some went and brewed in their ‘vans so the boiler didn’t need to be so full and everyone got their drink. Prize winners on Bonus Ball paid and raffles finished, Lisa closed by giving plaques to our new members and thanked all who helped in any way to make the rally so good. Finally wishing all a safe journey, warning about the ice on the exit road.

New Year at Turnover farm there were 27 Lancashire and three NWM&NW ‘vans, Lisa opened similar to above and we enjoyed a new poem from Beattie, bingo, line dancing and Ken’s quiz. Friday morning there was Val’s Crafty Crew followed in the afternoon by a curling knock out won by Jacqueline and Val, and also Trionimoes etc. In the evening we were entertained by a lovely singer, Christy Charles, who sang songs from ‘60s onward. Unfortunately Sandra became poorly and ended up in hospital overnight. Carole stayed with her until she was discharged on Saturday.

No rest for us, up and out for Tai Chi in the hall with Steve and Janet. When the room cleared work was started transforming the room for mine and Brian’s Diamond Wedding celebrations, by which time the ladies were back from food shopping. 6.30pm and we met in the hall for a

Lancashire’s Christmas jumper party

double celebration. The buffet was exceptional and the 60s theme was everywhere! A terrific mix of costumes. The nights’ entertainment started with Brian singing an Elvis song. Then Lisa did one of her ‘serenades’ to us! Lancashire’s Got Talent followed, with a special appearance from Sue and Peter from NWM&NW and our judges Wiggly Walliams, Cazzy Westerball and Simon Scowl who was very unkind with his criticism. Our ukulele group did a spot and the evening closed with dancing, Auld Lang Syne and Best of Friends.

Sunday we met for Coffee Morning and Lisa thanked all who helped. The two raffles were drawn as well as Bonus Ball result. All were wished safe journeys. Only a few left the rally so it continued with craft or games in the afternoon and music, a quiz and Play Your Cards Right in the evening. Alma

Upcoming rallies: 3- 5 February at Whittingham & Goosnargh, Whittingham Lane, PR3 2JE. Bar drinks only. 1719 February at Canberra Club BB2 7LF. From M6 take A59 Whalley Road (entrance BAE club site). Bar drinks only.

MOTORCYCLE

This month we hear from Paul Taylor about his biking life – I started my lifelong love of bikes before my 16th birthday in 1968. I will never forget starting up my older brother’s Ariel 500 and rode it round our small garden in Tottenham. After I’d carefully parked it the same place as it was, (if he knew we would’ve had a scrap) I grabbed hold of the exhaust pipe to see if it was hot! It was BLOODY HOT, didn’t make that mistake again!

My first bike was a BSA 650cc Gold Flash with a Stieb sidecar. Mum made me attend the local RAC/ACU course for learner riders. I was the only one there with an outfit! Within 6 months I’d applied for my test at the Enfield Test Centre. Please note that I had no passenger seat in the ‘chair’, just a bag of cement to keep the wheel down. (If there was a seat, the tester would have sat there. Couldn’t have that!). All went well until the dreaded emergency stop when the tester said, ‘I will stand at the side of the road, when I wave my clipboard you have to stop’. What happened was I saw him

wave the board and braked for all I was worth. But then my front brake cable decided to part company with the nipple and I nearly mounted the pavement where he was standing, not good! Failed on bike not roadworthy (drove it home though!). Passed on next attempt, ‘chair off that day’.

After blowing the engine up, I fitted a 650 unit Triumph engine into the frame making myself a TriBSA with obligatory ally tank with clip ons etc. Sold it later for another Brit bike. Roll forward to 1973 and managed to get my Dad to sign the HP form for a new 750cc Triumph Trident, £662! Still got the bike and still using it. It’ll be 50 in February 2023! I attended the Isle of Man TT races with my bird, Carol (now my wife of 47years) and had a great time. We went in ‘74 as well. This time with my brother on his Norton Commando (we were mates now!) good times! I now have his bike as he passed away in 2018. RIP John.

John’s Commando was in Norton Commando production racing trim as in the 70s he’d had quite a bit of success in racing with the Racing 50 and Bemsee clubs, mainly at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Caldwell Park.

I have just put the bike back to standard (see photo) as my back/neck can’t take the ride down/arse up riding position anymore (getting old I think they call it). Anyway I love riding it. I also have a 1955 650 Triumph T110, which was bought as a project and is now running well. It is probably in better fettle than myself, but I am 3 years older! We have a combined age of 137! We also have a 1973 Triumph Stag which we bought as Carol is no longer able to go out on the bike anymore and so we go out in that when we can.

NENE VALLEY

Another excellent Christmas Dinner weekend was enjoyed by our members, and our welcome visitors. Over the two evenings we firstly enjoyed lots of chat and wine, Christmas themed music, hot mince pies, a quiz and even a game of bingo. The next evening started with a sherry reception, an excellent meal followed by a very good entertainer, and amongst all that we had a cracking raffle. Our thanks go to the Committee, Pat and Jane for mince pies and the raffle, the caterers and the entertainer, also to everyone who donated to the raffle and helped in any way, great company and a great weekend.

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 February at Cogenhoe Bowls Club, York Avenue, Cogenhoe, NN7 1NB. Cost: £13 pupn. 31 March-2 April at Geddington Youth Club, Grafton Road, Geddington, NN14 1AJ Cost: TBC. 21-24 April at Barnstones C&C Site, Great Bourton, Nr. Banbury, OX17 1QU. Cost: £14 pupn + rally fee. Electric £4 per night if required. Limited numbers.

NORTHERN COUNTIES

Hi everyone, by the time you receive this edition hopefully all Northern Counties members will have received their 2023 rally programme, if not please contact Tony Edwards your secretary who will ensure you receive a copy.

Motorcycle group

We have two rallies to report on which were in December 2022, firstly there was our Christmas Lunch weekend at Guisborough which unfortunately had to be rearranged as the venue could not provide the lunch due to the minimal numbers we had booked, however the rally did take place with some alterations from our hosts Mark and Sue Lang, assisted by Pam and Dave Brack, well done to all of you and for those who attended. There were 11 vans, unfortunately we had many cancellations due to the icy roads, however those who did attend enjoyed a good weekend with a Christmas quiz, pass the parcel, left/right story game and a game of Mark’s musical bingo, well done Mark, evidently enjoyed by all.

Our second was the New Year Rally at Redcar Racecourse, a return visit after a two-year absence, following Covid and the racecourse in use last year. A full programme had been arranged with live entertainment, disco, quizzes, games, a bumper raffle, and a complimentary buffet. Thanks to your hosts Mark and Sue Lang and Dave and Carole Brown and their helpers, also to Carole Brown for organising the raffle.

There were 31 Northern Counties vans, with five Lancashire, six Yorkshire, one East Midlands, making a total of 43 vans. Everyone enjoyed the live entertainment, and New Year’s Eve Party Night, well done again Mark and Sue and your willing helpers in assisting to make a successful rally.

Our first rally of the season is a weekend meet at the East Durham College Houghall Campus from 10-13 February, you can take a short bus journey from outside the College into Durham or for the energetic a walk into Durham, there is a local public house a short walk from site. An early March rally is Blucher Social Club on 3-6 March, this is a bookable only rally due to limited parking, there are buses from outside the social club to Newcastle and Hexham.

The National Rally is at Malvern Showground 25-30 May 2023, please see website for Homecraft categories if you wish to enter! We hope to see you at a rally soon. Paula & Tony Edwards

NORTHERN IRELAND

Cookstown Christmas rally, 9-11 December. Friday night and it was freezing cold as we all arrived, but then again it is December. A committee meeting was held while everyone else congregated in the hall for drinks and a catch-up with friends old and new. We had a very large family who sat at the front of the hall beneath the stage. A massive inflatable Santa and his little helpers. After everyone got settled in we then got organised to have a Christmas game of pass the parcel, with a difference. After we coaxed our 20 volunteers on to the seats we started the game, and what a laugh it was. I think everyone in the hall was in stitches at some of the antics they had to perform, from strutting around like a rooster to air guitar, also getting battered with a banana. A great night was had by all.

Saturday morning, another freezing cold day. Some people ventured into town for some Christmas shopping, and maybe some Christmas cheer as well. Saturday night

we had a lot of people dressing up not only their tables, but themselves as well. Another good night with music supplied from the club members before the singer, Paul Ralph, took to the stage. He played a lot of great music.

Sunday morning we had the address from our chairman who welcomed everyone to Cookstown and thanked everyone who helped to make the weekend a great success, especially as it was such a cold weekend. The chairman also held a very special draw for the younger members of the club who did not recieve a prize in the raffle the previous night. A big thanks to the kids as well for helping out on the Friday night as well.

We had 53 vans in total over the weekend, which was an excellent turnout for the time of the year and also considering the adverse weather conditions. Vic and Sandra Lennox

New Year’s rally at Magherafelt – 35 vans attended the meet and received a warm welcome from hosts Irene and Robbie Hewitt, Jenny and Roy Dowie. The vans were quickly parked up and we were all invited over to the hall at 8.30 for a pub quiz. Loved the Christmas themed picture rounds. It was great to meet up again and swap Christmas stories. We ended the night in great spirits with music and dancing.

Saturday was wet but the rain eased at lunchtime and we were able to walk into Magherafelt for refreshments and to see what the New Year Sales offered. Saturday night we gathered in the hall for live music by Dave Kane a great singer who kept the floor full all night . Tables were all well decorated with Norman’s definitely the most colourful. Thanks to the Chairman and Committee for providing a lovely supper. The New Year was brought in with a bang, everyone on the floor with party poppers, balloons and a hearty rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Irene welcomed everyone to Sunday’s coffee morning. The draw for the two rooms in La Mon House Hotel took place with the lucky winners being William Lester, and Haley and Brian Warnock – very opportune Haley as I hear a big birthday coming up. Ivan and Alex Mellon won the quiz and Victor Lennox won the number plate draw.

Northern Ireland group

Our Chairman, David, thanked everyone for attending and congratulated the hosts for a well organised and enjoyable rally. Places are still available for the Dinner Dance with family and friends welcome. He advised that Saturday night’s raffle had raised £245.50. He asked that members pay their site fees as soon as possible after arrival on Friday nights so that our Treasurer can close up . David closed the rally by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Thanks to the hosts and Committee for a great weekend. Joyce & John McCune

NWM&NW

I hope you are all fit and well now that we are into 2023. There is still one rally to report on and that is our Christmas Party at Rushbury Village Hall. On Friday we had our usual bingo with the added entertainment of wearing colourful Christmas jumpers, Glenys had the best one for the ladies while Bob Hughes had the best one for the men as judged by Charles, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the proceedings. This was followed by a Christmas themed quiz.

Saturday was the main event: the Christmas meal with all the trimmings. Once again, Oakapple caterers did a grand job. They served 57 meals very quickly and efficiently, so a big thank you to them. Unfortunately, the booked entertainer had to cancel at the last minute due to Covid. Eileen was able to contact her son, Tim, who did an absolutely wonderful two sets at short notice and no time to rehearse. He sang a good variety of songs and had many up dancing in different parts of the hall. A very big thank you to him for making the night a great success. The tombola was really well supported so many thanks to everyone who donated and took part in that. Thank you to everyone who helped with a special thank you to John and Jane Flint who set out the tables and chairs twice. On Sunday it was coffee morning with mince pies before we all departed.

The New Year Rally at Cockshutt Millennium Hall was cancelled due to low numbers booking, committee wish you all a Happy New Year and hope to see you at rallies in the future.

Hosts or volunteers to book in are still needed for 2023 rallies, so please speak to a committee member if you think you can help. Contact details for the rally officers, Jon and Elaine: email nwmnwrally@hotmail.com or mobile 07525 851394.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 February at Cranage Village Hall, Pump Cottage, Cranage CW10 9LX. Valentine’s Theme. No arrivals before 1pm. Booking required as space is limited. Book with Mike on 07756 074777. 24-26 February at Winsford Academy, Grange Lane, Winsford, CW7 2BT. No booking required. Own drinks. Library space for the evening. Shops and well known hostelry nearby. 17-19 March at Tilstock Village Hall, Crabmill Meadow, Main Street, Tilstock, SY13 3JL. Limited space. No arrivals before 1pm. To book, please ring hosts Geoff and Melody 01948 880676.

SCOTTISH

Greetings folks, no rallies in February but time for the new committee to get settled into their roles, me included.

Our first rallies of the year are in March. The 16-20 March is at Cairnsmill site on the edge of St Andrews at £14 per unit night plus £1 per person rally fee. Next is still in Fife, 20-24 March at Larick Campsite, Tayport, this will be £19 per unit night plus the £1 per person rally fee. Because both of these are on commercial sites they need to be booked through the Rally Officer, on Scotland.rallyofficer@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Another rally worth mentioning early is the Chairman’s rally celebrating the belated 60th anniversary of the Scottish Group 15-19 June at Montrose old airfield. More details to follow. Jan B

SEVERN VALLEY

Our New Year rally was committee hosted at Ledbury Rugby Club where breakfast and meals were readily available. Forty motorhomes attended with first timers and visitors from other groups. Some members enjoyed a short stroll into Ledbury town, others enjoyed the hall for games and jigsaws or a chat with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Thursday started with a meet and greet followed in the evening with a quiz hosted by Kirstie and Richard. Friday we had an afternoon film show followed in the evening with bingo and play your cards right, hosted by Jo and Shaun.

We had a disco new year’s eve with free basket meal for everyone. Some members wore fancy dress and we had a visit from our resident dinosaur. A fun night was had by all, bringing in the New Year with plenty of singing and dancing (and a little bit of alcohol!). We held a charity raffle, in aid of the Air Ambulance and raised a fantastic £210.

A coffee morning was held on New Year’s Day with a raffle, followed by Sunday lunch available from the Rugby Club. The evening was a quiet meet in the hall and the rally ended Monday.

Due to unforeseen circumstance our next rally at Shipston-on-Stour has been cancelled by the venue, therefore our next scheduled rally is the EGM on 11 March 2023 at Yew Tree Farm, Bewdley DY14 9RE. In order to attend the EGM you must be a member and please remember to bring along your membership card.

Rally programmes for 2023 are in the process of being completed and should be with you shortly, please look on our webpage at www.severnvalleymcc.co.uk or Facebook page: Severn Valley Group of the Motor Caravanners Club.

SWP

Hello and welcome to this French newsletter. There was a snap decision made in the Scribe’s household to spend Christmas, New Year and all of January here in France. The outcome is that it’s make use of the internet whenever available so the New Year rally write-up will now appear in the March issue of the Motor Caravanner Magazine.

Our Christmas Party rally was held at Cofton Holiday Park, Dawlish, where the 20 vans (four West Country and 16 SWP) enjoyed 5-star treatment from beginning to end. The weather was glorious sunshine throughout the days, which heralded the first frosts of the season and there was even a spattering of sleet.

On Friday afternoon, while some vans were being decorated, mulled wine and warm mince pies for the Meet and Greet were being prepared and later enjoyed. A few ralliers chose to have their evening meal in one of the local pubs or the onsite Amelia’s Pantry, where there was also the pub open that evening with live entertainment and a free-to-enter quiz.

On Saturday some went out on the local buses, or went for a walk or cycle ride. Some called in at Powderham Castle for coffee, cakes, etc. That evening we were welcomed with a pre-dinner drink and then shown to our tables, mostly in groups of eight, all festively decorated. Later it was discotime and dancing to midnight. Everyone agreed that the quality and service was second-to-none and persuaded the committee to book for next Christmas rather than for the New Year, which the site was more than happy to do so (8-11 December).

Sunday morning we met at Amelia’s Pantry for Sally and Ian to set out their special Christmas Rally prizes and for SWP to treat everyone to a bacon bap with tea/coffee. Raffle tickets were drawn, prizes selected and the baps thoroughly enjoyed, leaving the remainder of the day free for those staying, or wishing a safe onward journey for those needing to set off.

Thanks go to Barbs, Mel, Sally, Shirley, Ian, Pete and Ray for organising a great Christmas rally.

Please remember if any changes to the rally programme are necessary they will be notified to all MCC members through monthly newsletters, SWP and MCC websites, together with our Facebook page.

Upcoming rallies: 9-12 February at Trevarrian Holiday Park, TR8 4AQ. Valentines rally. 23-26 March at Camping Caradon, Looe, PL13 2NA. Including evening disco. 13-16 April at Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, TR8 5PW.

S&W WALES

Hello again to you all, as I write this I, like so many others, am recovering from the chest infection from hell. I think all these bugs have been waiting for us to get back to a postcovid normality.

9-11 December – Baskerville Hall Christmas Party Rally, Hay on Wye. This stunning setting was the venue for our Christmas Party weekend hosted by our hardworking Betty and Glyn with Muriel and Dave. In brilliant but cold sunshine all 27 vans were neatly parked up on the level hardstanding very near to the Baskerville Hall Hotel. We had fantastic views of the Wye valley surrounded by the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.

On Friday evening many had a meal at the hall before the bingo followed by the dulcet tones of Mike Jay, the soul singer, which was much enjoyed by everyone. Dancing

continued until late with music from Sharkfoot Disco, that is our very own Kevin Bearne.

Saturday dawned dry but even colder and most took advantage of the full English breakfast at the Hall before Hay on Wye beckoned for many – some walking the three miles or taking a taxi. The ancient streets of Hay were full of an excellent Christmas Street Market with a carol singing choir and town crier too – well worth the visit. Then it was time for rest before getting our glad rags on for the party.

However, it was soon obvious that something was wrong, the Air Ambulance helicopter landed next to our vans with a fire engine and two paramedic ambulances. In the darkness we did not know what was happening but soon discovered the tragic news. On his return from Hay one of our group, Kevin Bearne, had decided to go for swim in the hotel pool –he was alone. It seems that he suffered a heart attack in the pool, fortunately a member of the staff noticed. The young lady and the cook somehow managed to get Kevin out of the water and did CPR until help arrived. Sadly, despite their superhuman efforts, Kevin died.

Kevin regularly rallied with the club with his partner, Christine, and had provided the disco music the previous night. His older brother Tom and sister-in-law Eleri are long standing, well known club members who were also at this rally. The shock and sadness was felt by everyone and our sympathy and love is sent to all Kevin’s family and friends. Our thanks have been given to the staff of the Hall for the incredible efforts they made to help in this tragic accident.

Understandably, the evening started on a sombre note. The staff had, somehow, managed to produce a buffet Christmas dinner which was followed by a 60s singer, John Ashford. Initially the music was just the background as everyone tried to come to terms with what had happened but later there was dancing as we tried to cheer up.

On Sunday morning we woke to a white winter wonderland as it had snowed overnight; many again breakfasted at the Hall before the 11am coffee morning, raffle and exchange of festive greetings before leaving for home.

The report on the New Year rally will be in the next magazine, meanwhile get organised and book for the forthcoming rallies.

Upcoming rallies: 3-6 March is our St.David’s Day Rally at Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly SA37 4UL. Bookable, starts 12pm. 16-20 March at Dunvant Rugby Club SA2 7RU. Starts 2pm. 31 March-2 April at Dan yr Ogof Caves, SA9 1GJ. Excellent site in stunning setting with walks and amazing caves and farm to visit. Bookable, starts 2pm. For all bookable rallies please contact our rally officer on 07791 574227 or keithjhoward17@gmail.com.

SUSSEX

I hope you are all well, healthy and enjoying the New Year, ready for a new season of rallying with friends old and new.

Our Christmas party at Willingdon, Eastbourne, began on a dark, icy Friday evening, with 19 vans braving the weather and roads. The weather forecast prediction was for cold but hopefully improving over the course of the weekend. Friday

night saw our hardy members meeting for drinks and chat in the school canteen, with raffle tickets on sale and good cheer spreading.

The next day started with an overnight frost but the ground began to defrost slowly. During the afternoon was a table top sale of many extras we all collect but rarely need, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Bargains were to be had throughout the weekend, as well as extra space! Congratulations to the sellers and buyers.

Mandy’s music with fun and games, together with Marilyn’s 12 days of Christmas quiz started the evening’s entertainment, with DJ Tom playing all our favourites, ensuring that the dancefloor, whilst not crowded, was active.

We had a few first timers with Sussex and also celebrated Jim Spring’s birthday, with a very tasty cake. Well done to those members who decorated the sports hall, making a welcoming festive space. We had challenges with first a change of venue, then change of rooms over the weekend but nothing was allowed to stop the fun.

Our next rally is 17-19 February at Thomas A Becket Junior School in Worthing, BN14 7PR, hosted by Mary and Alan Campbell with professional entertainment provided by Alan’s band. Feel free to bring suitable Valentine’s decorations for your table to aid the romantic atmosphere.

In March we have our first rally at SEAL, Bunn Leisure touring park in Selsey, on 10-13 March. Lots of you have already contacted Carole Bennett showing your interest. We are now taking deposits (£10 non refundable) to secure your place at this popular site. There is a limit of 40 vans and Carole is ready and waiting for your calls (and money) on 07769 944009. Remember, these are fully serviced pitches,

with full access to the Leisure Park’s activities and areas.

Our loyalty scheme is up and running, with some members on their way to gaining a voucher towards a future Sussex rally. Remember, the scheme is open to ALL MCC members attending our group’s rallies. Full details on the website. Also consider joining the committee, either in a role or just helping out at rallies. With some areas experiencing difficulties in forming a committee, we all need to step up to ensure our club remains successful. Hope to see you soon, Jo

WEST COUNTRY

What a great New Year’s Eve Rally we had at Shepton Mallet. We were kindly asked to run this rally on behalf of Avon Group. We had 24 vans attend from different areas.

On the Thursday we had meet and greet served with tea and coffee and a variety of cakes, in the evening we had live entertainment with Young At Heart.

Friday we served breakfast which consisted of either bacon or sausage bap,with tea and coffee served all day, with cakes and biscuits available the whole weekend. Friday evening we had fish & chips delivered then we were entertained by Daz.

Saturday New Year’s Eve breakfast baps were served again and in the evening we served a ploughman’s to everyone then afterwards played a game of bingo where we had a break half way through to which we held a grand raffle, then a disco with Mark, an Avon member, as DJ to welcome in 2023.

Sunday we served breakfast then in the evening we had Ken entertain us. The weather was very wet and windy but that did not stop members from venturing into Shepton Mallet or catching the bus to Wells or Clarks Village. A great time was had by all. The whole committee worked as a team so the rally went like clockwork.

Upcoming rallies: 9-13 February at Riverside Caravan and Camping Site, South Molton. 21-26 March at Unity Caravan and Camping Park, Brean.

WEST WESSEX

The New Year Rally at St. Michael’s Middle School in Colehill, Wimborne was attended by 33 vans – two from SWP, one Sussex, two Severn Valley, two Chiltern, two East Wessex, seven Avon and 17 West Wessex. On the first night we all gathered in the hall for a ‘Meet and Greet’ and were entertained with a selection of music from our own resident DJ, Keith.

On Friday evening we again met in the hall where everyone enjoyed jacket potatoes with various fillings and fruit strudel and cream, followed by a music quiz and a few games of “play your cards right”.

New Year’s Eve was a chance to dress up and enjoy a lovely roast dinner followed by a selection of sweets. Then it was time to get rid of those extra pounds by dancing to Keith’s Disco.

After a lay in on New Year’s Day, some ventured into Wimborne. In the evening we all enjoyed a buffet, followed

West Country group

West Wessex group

by bingo and a music quiz. Everyone helped clear up the tables and chairs before getting to bed, ready to depart on Monday after what had been a very enjoyable weekend. Many thanks to Andy for this report.

Our next rally is at Herston Yard Farm, Swanage, BH19 3DJ for the ‘Blues Festival’ on 2-6 March (4 nights). This is a full facilities site with serviced pitches, a club house and small shop. Bands will be playing here on Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime and evening. A carvery lunch is available on Sunday. Blues bands will be playing in several venues in town throughout the weekend. Taxis charge £6 to take you into town if the walk is too far! Please see website for directions and book with Maria on 07887 393137.

YORKSHIRE

Hi everyone, it’s Paul this month as Jacqui goes off to get some sunshine. Our Christmas Rally hosted by the committee saw 39 vans attend a very cold weekend in Driffield. Friday night had a Christmas quiz and bingo with quite a few people tempted with the karaoke.

Saturday tempted a few out for walks or into Driffield town centre, whilst in the evening with many people in their Christmas jumpers we had a buffet meal and another quiz plus a duo to entertain us with quite a mix of music from many genres. The raffle results and the bonus ball were also announced. Thank you to everyone for their donations to the raffle.

On Sunday we had our first coffee morning since pre Covid I think, complete with mince pies. Thanks to everyone for making it a lovely weekend.

Our New Year’s rally was at Malton where 17 vans attended including one Northern Counties and one Essex. Three vans cancelled due to illness or other reasons. One of these was a couple from Lancashire who cancelled due to illness, we send all our best wishes from the Yorkshire group.

On the first evening, music was provided by our vice chair Mark with a pie and pea supper. After this Carol Core and Gill Aggett organised a potato game with the eventual winner being Flo after beating her partner Frank Boyles.

This was followed by bingo and then one of our members Graham ‘Suggy’ Sugden who entertained everyone with his guitar and singing. Thank you, Graham, for a great show.

On the Friday, there was afternoon tea and cakes with some games. In the evening there was a quiz organised by Mark which was won by Ray and Sue. The main entertainment was provided by a lady singer, Miss Marina Mae, who was a last-minute stand in. She was very well received and managed to get many people up dancing. She even joined in the dancing herself after she had finished her performance.

On New Year’s Eve, afternoon tea was hosted by Sue and Dave Wright, thank you to them for that. The evenings’ theme was Hawaiian. Many people were dressed up and on arrival anyone without a garland was presented with one, plus a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and a New Year’s Rally plaque. All couples and singles were photographed for the hall of fame or ‘infamy’ whichever was appropriate. This was followed by a buffet and a variety of musical entertainment from a male artist, which was enjoyed by the whole room. The raffle was announced, thank you again for the donations and the winners of the fancy dress as judged by our artist were: Best Male – Frank Boyles, Best Female –Gill Aggett. Best Couple – Chrissie and Gary Nash.

New Year’s Day had afternoon tea and cake, including birthday cake as Malcolm Core was 21(ish) and Carol had fetched a cake. In the evening there was music from Mark with the leftover buffet and cake being consumed. Mark hosted a True and False game which was played by all. This was followed by another session by Suggy and bingo.

On the following day everyone made their way home after a very good weekend. Thank you to the committee members, especially Mark and Sarah, for organising it.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 February is our Valentines rally at Wetherby racecourse. 24-26 February at Hawes Auction Mart. 10-12 March at Skipton Auction Mart. 24-26 March at Marsden Cricket Club which is bookable.

Don’t forget we are always looking for hosts so if you would like to host, please contact a member of the committee. Thanks. Paul (Chairman)

Yorkshire group

OUT & ABOUT

Time after time

There is more to Norfolk than just a broad expanse of navigable, lock-free, rivers, lakes and man-made waterways known colloquially as the Norfolk Broads. Not only is Norfolk one of the driest and sunniest counties in England, but it is also the fifth largest county by area. Home to more than 90 miles of unspoilt coastline, busy market towns, and seaside resorts, the county’s capital city of Norwich is UNESCO’s first City of Literature. Delia Smith, Stephen Fry, Hugh Jackman, James Dyson and Martin Shaw have all, at some stage, called Norfolk their home.

For us, it was where we took our home when we ventured there in Voyager on a recent visit. We stayed at Mill Cottage Motorhome Pitches, a beautifully laid out and

maintained Motor Caravan Club CL run by Sharon and Charlie Hunt. As keen motor-homers of many years standing, they understand the need for safe, comfortable sites in good locations and offer just this. When they set out to create their touring site, they did so with intention of following the example of many of the more successful French Aires they have stayed in the past. They may not have a shower or toilet block on site and are unable to accommodate vehicles over 7.5m, but what they do offer in bucketfuls, is warm and enthusiastic hospitality and a stunning location. Situated just one mile outside the pretty seaside town of Sheringham, the site offers many nearby attractions and provides easy access to the North Norfolk coast. It made the perfect base for us as we explored North Norfolk and westwards

towards King’s Lynn.

For us, the foray into the hitherto unknown territories of Norfolk and Suffolk was a first. One of our first actions, at our pre-planning stage, was to approach Uncover Britain Road Trips who are part of the Wanderlust Camper company. In essence they provide ideas and inspiration for road trips around the UK. They offered us information and ideas and gave us loads of options to choose from. They provided the framework, but did not take away our enjoyment of planning, picking and choosing. It is a one-stop membership website with various trips, maps and loads of experiences. Easy to use, it offers motorcaravanners the opportunity to try before they buy. Through Uncover Britain, we found Be Norfolk, a Norfolk County Council initiative that aims to attract visitors

THIS MONTH WE VISIT... NORFOLK & SUFFOLK

Frances & Michael Howorth explore North and West Norfolk and discover why so many motorcaravans return there, time after time

to Norfolk in the off-peak season.

Our first stop was the smart Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham itself. The Fisherman’s lifeboat museum is home of the Henry Ramey Upcher, Sheringham’s last private lifeboat built in 1894, and in service until 1935, still housed in the original boat shed from where she was launched. Next door the Peter Coke Shell Gallery contains an exhibition of almost 200 shell-art creations and detailed arrangements made with shells from all over the world, by just one man.

Five miles to the east of our campsite was the sedate seaside town of Cromer. It stands on a cliff top facing Holland and is a true gem of the Norfolk Coast. Today it is as delightful for visitors as it was for tourists in Victorian and Edwardian times. Construction of Cromer’s famous pier began under Queen Victoria, and it was opened in 1901. Despite the military blowing a hole in it, the damage wrought by flood surges and a bulk cargo barge slicing through it, the pier is still there today – a testament to Victorian engineering. Pleasingly devoid of modern noisy amusement arcades it is home to the Pavilion Theatre – the country’s only remaining traditional full season end-of-the-pier variety show. The pier also houses the

town’s RNLI lifeboat, and from dawn to dusk families use the pier to go crabbing from its deck while fishermen cast long lines out into the North Sea.

Two museums enhance the town; Cromer Museum, housed in a row of fishermen’s cottages, displays local history as well as geology and archaeology, while the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum charts the town’s proud lifesaving heritage. Banksy, the street artist, has also made his mark on Cromer; walk along the beach and you can still see a very small, and now, somewhat dilapidated, mural painted by him. It depicts a group of hermit crabs, holding a sign that says, “luxury rentals.” His message is unclear, but he may have been suggesting that the rise in second home ownership in the area has driven up the cost of local housing.

But we did not visit Cromer to see the Banksy or indeed the museums! We came to lunch at one

of England’s finest fish and chip restaurants. Number One Cromer is owned by Michelin starred chef, Galton Blackiston, who also owns the nearby Morston Hall. It was named by The Times as one of six best place to eat by the sea. We ate in the more formal restaurant called Upstairs at Number One and enjoyed lunch created by new Head Chef, Matty Adcock, renowned locally for producing innovative dishes using locally sourced produce.

South of Cromer, and to the north of Aylsham, lies the village of Banningham with its traditional village green surrounded by houses and St Botolph’s, a large church with an impressive 15th century tower. Stroll from there through the village in search of its infamous snake pit. Locals believe Richard Cromwell, the son of infamous Lord Protector Oliver, had a 14ft pit dug, into which were put 10 venomous snakes. He said that any man who had doubts about the morals of his wife had the right to throw her into the pit. If she escaped unhurt it proved her innocence. More reliable historical sources can be found in the nearby pub. Located inside the Banningham Crown are two historical maps of the Banningham Estate dated 1707 and 1747. Also on display is a bible donated by Reverend Edward H.

The Pavilion Theatre hosts the country’s only remaining traditional full season end-of-the-pier variety show.

Cromer Pier

Bickersteth who, from 1848 until 1851, was curate at St Botolph’s and later became famous for writing the lyrics of the hymn; Peace Perfect Peace. An even more convivial reason for visiting the pub is for the wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. Originally a traditional 17th century timbered inn with cart lodge, stables, shop and separate cottage The Banningham Crown was converted to its current form in the 1980s. Since 1993 the pub has been run by the Feneron family and today Mark and Jeanie focus on providing good quality food, friendly staff and excellent customer service.

Norfolk is famous for traditional pubs, luxury hotels, country houses, large estates, birdwatching, boating, beaches and coastlines. Our next stop combined many such attractions. Holkham Hall, a Palladian style mansion, was built by Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, between 1734 and 1764. The Coke family has lived at Holkham ever since, paving the way in agriculture. Now a thriving estate, the eighth Earl has created a diverse business that includes farming, tourism, and property. An expansive beach backed by sand dunes and pine forests is where, after dusk began to fall and after a splendid lunch at The Victoria, the estate’s restaurant and hotel, we went to watch skeins of pink foot geese thunder overhead like Lancaster

Norfolk is famous for traditional pubs, luxury hotels, country houses, large estates, birdwatching, boating, beaches and coastlines.

bombers on a wartime air raid. At this time of year the wetlands and beaches of north Norfolk provide arenas for one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth as the coastline plays host to millions of overwintering birds.

In nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, you too can take to the water. Curlew Coastal Charters offer a cruise around the Wells Next the Sea harbour on a boat that was part of the evacuation of Dunkirk. The former RNLI lifeboat Lucy Lavers, now fully restored, is a veteran of ‘Operation Dynamo’, one of the little boats who crossed the Channel in 1940 to rescue stricken soldiers. What better way to experience living history than by taking your own trip on this amazing little boat? Departing from the same pontoon in the harbour, the Coastal Exploration Company offer a great selection of sailing experiences including a coastal sail to Blakeney

Voyager at Mill Cottage Motorhome CL site

Fishing boats on Sheringham beach

Holt town centre

Lunch at No. 1 Upstairs

Wigeon on a pond at Holkham National Nature Reserve

or Cley. If taking to the high seas is too adventurous, then consider their wildlife sail safari into the salt marshes or a wild goose chase-sail as an option. Alternatively, Beans Boats are a family business that offer boat trips to see seals at Blakeney Point where Common and Grey Seals can usually be found hauled out on the rocks.

Close to the coast, just four miles from Wells-next-the-Sea, on the banks of the River Stiffkey, lies the village of Walsingham. Home to the ruins of two medieval monastic houses, there is a wealth of history waiting to be discovered here. But we chose to visit something a little more contemporary at Great Walsingham Barns just outside the village. Here, three talented artisans share a gallery and workshop

There are around 550 square miles of West Norfolk and every single one of them has something to surprise, inspire and delight motorcaravanners.

space to create very special items. Silversmith, Tracy Adam, provides bespoke one on one tutoring for customers to design and make their own jewellery. Heather Green runs the Walsingham Galley & Framing company from the same spot and Sarah Caswell sells her paintings. Sarah told us, “All the flowers in my paintings are grown in my garden, right here in the village.” While in the area be sure to stop by the Walsingham Farm shop and ask manager Sam Bagge to sell you one of his delicious home-made pies. There are around 550 square miles of West Norfolk and every single one of them has something to surprise, inspire and delight motorcaravanners. With stunning nature reserves, fens, water-lands, glorious sandy beaches, and seaside resorts, the county is littered with country homes and rural estates that have been in family hands for generations. Castle Rising is a

pretty village dominated by a ruin. It is fun to visit, if only to claim you have toured Castle Rising castle! Not far away, Houghton Hall was built for Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. But perhaps the most famous of all the country homes is Sandringham, the Royal Family’s private Norfolk estate for more than 150 years. The family traditionally spend each Christmas and New Year here, but otherwise it’s open to the public. It was bought by Queen Victoria for her son, the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in the hope that it would keep him away from London. Sadly, it did quite the opposite because at nearby Wolferton, there was a railway station that was directly connected by train to Kings Cross station. The prince discovered that he could visit London quite easily by train and enjoyed entertaining his friends who could visit him just as easily.

The coast in this part of Norfolk includes The Wash, with its huge sandy beaches, tidal creeks and salt marshes that provide wonderful oysters and mussels. Inland, visitors can see the birthplace of Horatio Nelson at Burnham Thorpe and visit Burnham Market the so called ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’. This, and the many other chocolate-box picture villages and market towns, each with their characterful pubs and boutique shops, make you certain to want to return to Norfolk time after time.

The ruins of Castle Rising Castle

Sam Bagge (above), Manager, at Walsingham Farm Shop with produce made in the shop.

The Victoria, part of the Holkham Estate

Willy Lott’s Cottage

Look familiar? This gorgeous riverside cottage features in one of the most famous landscape paintings in British art history: John Constable’s The Hay Wain. Must see: The best way to see the cottage and other famous landmarks along the River Stour is to take to the water on a boat or canoe.

Westleton Heath

Set within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, Westleton Heath is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll away from the hustle and bustle. Must see: From July to September, Dunwich Heath and Westleton Heath transform into a sea of purples, pinks, and coconut-scented gorse bushes.

Suffolk’s sights

Bury St Edmunds

Considered Suffolk’s foodie town, you’ll find award-winning fine dining alongside proper pub grub and locally-brewed beers, so you can refuel after a day exploring. Must see: St Edmundsbury is Suffolk’s only cathedral and is best viewed from the adjoining Abbey Gardens.

Aldeburgh Beach

This quaint seaside town boasts a picturesque pebble beach strewn with boats and fisherman’s huts. Must see: Maggi Hambling’s controversial scallop sculpture bears a poignant inscription from Benjamin Britten’s opera Peter Grimes.

Lavenham

Calling all history lovers: this chocolate-box village is one of the best preserved medieval dwellings in England, containing a lavish 15th century church and over 300 listed buildings. Must see: The well-known Guildhall houses a fascinating social history museum and tea room.

Helmingham Hall

One of many historic estates in Suffolk, this stunning moated manor house has been owned by the Tollemache family for hundreds of years. Must see: Its perfectly manicured gardens, designed and cared for by Lady Xa Tollemache, an award-winning garden designer (gardens re-open to visitors from May 2023).

Woodbridge

Watch the world float by in this pretty market town. Nearby is Sutton Hoo, the burial ground of Anglo-Saxon kings. Must see: Woodbridge Tide Mill is one of just two working tide mills left in the UK, and offers a unique opportunity to see the process of flour production.

Framlingham Castle

Set on a high motte, it’s easy to see why Mary Tudor chose to gather her troops at this impressive 12thcentury fortress before marching to claim the throne. Must see: The views from the castle’s outer walls are some of the best in the county.

Places to stay

• Mill Hill Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Westleton Rd, Saxmundham IP17 3BS

• Run Cottage Touring Park, Alderton Rd, Woodbridge IP12 3RQ

• Cakes & Ale Holiday Park, Abbey Ln, Theberton, Leiston IP16 4TE

LeoBay Campsite LeoBay Campsite

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

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 £25 per night all in.

TECH TALK with

Gentleman Jack

Early motorcaravans arrived so long ago that even I can’t remember them. Fortunately, I have extensive archives as an aide-memoir! It is always a hostage to fortune to claim anything as being ‘the first’, as frequently development in the very early years is incremental rather than revolutionary, plus in the case of motorcaravans, invention took place simultaneously on different continents.

One off-beat suggestion is that motorcaravans are descended from shepherds’ caravans. It was a tough life for the shepherd of two centuries ago, especially on highland pastures prone to cold, windy, and snowy weather in the winter. Thus, the shepherds’ caravan was born. Hauled by hand up to highland pasture they provided the most basic requirement of a mobile home…a bed sheltered from the elements. Some became motorised in the latter part of the 19th century. Rudimentary three-wheeled steam-

powered ones were seen in the USA with the caravan carried piggyback style rather than being towed as a trailer caravan. Some historians are adamant that these were the first motorcaravans.

Summer house

Another suggestion concerning their intriguing, genealogical lineage commences with a childhood memory involving my Uncle Cecil (more on him later in the series). In his large suburban garden he had a summer house…not the usual Scandinavian ‘fixed’ design, but one built in the late 1880’s based on an American design. It was wheeled and could be pushed along rails around the garden, enabling it to be placed in the perfect position for the desired amount of sun and shade. The idea was brought to the UK by folk who had seen such contraptions in the grounds of the houses of wealthy American merchants and plantation owners. They were used by ladies as summer houses and

by men as mobile hunting lodges... but not at the same time. Not much gender equality back then!

Most of them were built by general waggon and coach builders which explains why so many resembled early railroad carriages (railway this side of the pond). Around the turn of the 20th Century some were mounted on a commercial motorised chassis and driven around big American National Parks which had become established over the previous 25 years. They provided overnight accommodation and cooking facilities for fisherfolk, hunters, and even for early conservationists.

Bathing macines

In mainland Europe the belief persists among some Belgian colleagues, that camping cars (motorcaravans) were a development of what we call Victorian ‘bathing machines’. In Belgium these were more common on lake shores than at the seaside. As with mobile hunting/safari lodges, some were developed to provide sleeping accommodation and cooking facilities. Significantly, a few were ‘motorised’, though they

In this series of Tech Talk we will be looking at various sub-groups of fascinating motorcaravans and at some of their design features, all from an historical perspective. This month: IN THE BEGINNING

were not fitted with an engine. They were moved into the water and out again using a (stationary) steam-powered traction engine fitted with a large winch connected to the bathing machine by a wire hawser or hemp rope. The above offer alternatives to the received wisdom here in Blighty which opines that the first real motorcaravans were owned by what were then called ‘Gentleman Gypsies’, and were a development of horse-drawn caravans such as the Wanderer, commissioned and owned by Dr William Gordon Stables. (First travelling in 1885 and now fully restored.) The first motorcaravan deemed practical by - what was then – ‘The Caravan Club’, appeared sometime between 1901 and 1905, before the club came into existence in 1907. It was owned by Mr J W Mallalieu whose home was in Liverpool, and was built by pioneering automobile manufacturer Belsize Motors and Engineering, based in Manchester. Later the Caravan Club actively discouraged members with motorcaravans. Subsequently, they did allow a very few motorcaravans to use their sites… usually only two, even if the sites were otherwise empty. This was a catalyst in the formation of the Motor Caravanners’ Club in 1960.

1Some historians are adamant that motorcaravans are descended from shepherds’ caravans. My partner Flora is wondering about access and egress on this restored 170-yearold example, photographed in the Cevennes, France. Earlier ones had wooden wheels and were held together with wooden pegs

2 This was possibly one of the first ‘safari’ motorcaravans. It was built by R E Jeffrey on a Pierce-Arrow chassis. Note the resemblance to a railroad carriage. The driver (pictured) sat behind the middle front window. (Original image is courtesy of Yosemite National Park and dates from 1903)

3 An early motorcaravan of the motorised ‘summer house’ style. The double doors on the side open to reveal a hinged terracestyle drop-down balcony. It’s a DIY conversion by the owner on a stretched Ford Model T (‘Tin Lizzy’) chassis. Model T’s sold well on both sides of the pond, with specialist companies in Britain adding bespoke bodies. (Original image: National Automotive History Collection)

became ‘motorised’ during the period of his great grandfather’s management. Photographed by the author around 35 years ago. Sadly, these wonderful relics were just left to rot away

5

The Wanderer…widely accepted as the first leisure caravan in the UK. Built by the Bristol Waggon Company and owned by Dr William Gordon Stables (in kilt). It was used for family holidays from 1885

6

The first motorcaravan deemed ‘practical’ by the Caravan Club’s founding secretary J Harris-Jones. Mr J W Malllalieu and family used it for touring holidays in Wales and Scotland, though accompanying staff had to stay in hotels and inns. It was designed and built by Belsize Motors and Engineering, weighed three tons, but could manage a ’spritely’ sixty to seventy miles a day. Automotive historians have dated its construction to 1905, though this is open to dispute

7

4

Victorian bathing machines at Lac Loppem in Belgium. The landowner confirmed that some of these

The first club magazine cover to feature images of motorcaravans was this from July 1960. This is the second one published as a magazine, previous communications were really newsletters. The image showcases an early Martin Walter Dormobile Caravan on a ‘porthole’ Bedford CA in the foreground. In the background are a brace of what the author thinks are Calthorpes on Austin 152’s. Note all are elevatingroof motorcaravans, coachbuilts were about, but comparatively rare.

Going to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at NEC this month with a pocket full of cash and a firm intention to buy a motorcaravan? The chances are you may have to compromise to be successful. Vehicle stocks are low, demand high and it is a seller’s market. If you want a van now, you may have to compromise on specification. Having bought your new motorcaravan, your next task will be to insure your new purchase. Here the boot is on the other foot.

Putting it simply - when it comes to buying insurance there are no shortages. In this case, it is a buyer’s market. The customer is in the driving seat and there simply is no need to compromise.

Frances and Michael Howorth look at the market for motorcaravan insurance and security to help your protect your pride and joy

There are similarities to consider between the buying and insuring. Before buying you already know whether or not you want a two berth or a four berth. You will have made the choice between a rear lounge or a gally aft. So, too, in insurance there are differences in the products that are on offer and it pays to know what they are before you go shopping. Did you know, for example, that there is a difference between campervan conversion insurance and campervan insurance or indeed between those and motorhome insurance policies?

Campervan conversion insurance – also referred to as converted campervan insurance –is insurance specifically designed to cover vehicles, typically vans, that have been, or are currently being converted into, self-built campervans. Campervan insurance is for those vehicles that have been professionally built or converted and while we the users might not always see a difference, those who inhabit the world of insurance brokers most

certainly do. The term 'motorhome insurance' is often interchangeable with that of 'campervan insurance' in that it is a type of cover designed for motorhomes and recreational vehicles (RVs).

It is a legal requirement because motorhomes are classed as vehicles, like cars and vans. The main difference between motorhome and campervan insurance is that campervans are typically smaller than motorhomes. This can sometimes make a difference in the rating an insurer provides for your vehicle. For example, one insurer may rate the vehicle on its size or dimensions, while another bases their rating purely on engine size. This may, in turn, make a difference to the price you’re quoted. Typically, however, there are no differences in the cover or benefits when insuring a campervan or a motorhome.

Frequently the changes in terminology are subtle but crucial if you were unlucky enough to need to claim. If, for example, you have recently converted a classic VW

Make sure you have the right insurance cover for your van –whether it’s a self-build classic or a top of the range A Class

van into a campervan, the vehicle insurance will have to be upgraded to take these changes into account. If, amongst other things, you have added a stove, new windows, or a bigger engine to carry the extra weight in your converted van, this information will need to be added onto your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover to suit your individual needs.

Find the right cover to protect your van

Whether you are heading to the coast for a weekend of surfing, wheeling your way to Europe for a taste of something different, or simply taking in the stunning scenery on your doorstep, it is important that you carry the right cover to protect your van and, in most cases, you can personalise that cover.

Usage

use your motorcaravan, ask yourself which type of cover is right for me? There are different levels of cover to choose from – social and domestic use, social and commuting use, or own goods and carriage of goods for hire and reward. Most motorcaravanners will want social and domestic use, or social and commuting use. But, what’s the difference? Social and domestic use means you can only use your van for personal trips and not for getting to and back from work. This level is perfect if you’ll be using your van for leisure activities that require a bit more space such as surfing, mountain biking or camping. If your van will be used for your work commute as well as the fun stuff, you’ll need social and commuting cover. That way you will be covered for travel to and from a single place of work, as well as your leisurely trips. >>

damage to someone’s property or injure them while driving, it protects your passengers if they suffer an injury while in your van, however it won't cover your van if it’s stolen or damaged in a fire.

But smart motorcaravan owners may want to make sure that their vehicle is covered in case the unexpected happens. The specialist campervan cover arranged by those companies offering bespoke policies that include the vehicle itself, as well as its contents, will ensure that your next trip is stress-free and more enjoyable than ever.

Keep it safe and secure

During the course of purchasing insurance the point about security will have been hammered home. No one will have escaped hearing the mantra: "Keep it safe and secure and your insurance will be lower". Buyers will have been asked; Is the van kept on the road or in a compound? Has it got a tracker, alarm or immobiliser fitted? What are the precautions the owner has made to reduce the chances of theft and so reduce premium. These are all questions the insurer will ask before issuing a quote, so it pays to stay ahead of the game and keep the premium as

Wheel clamps can be effective and very visible deterrents. (Picture Gary Perkin / Shutterstock.com)

The question is how best to protect your asset? There are several tried and tested gadgets that act as visible deterrents. Chief among these are steering wheel bars and wheel clamps but such after-sales security solutions can be both cumbersome and bulky. They are sometimes impractical and inconvenient because they need to be fitted or removed every time you enter or leave your motorcaravan. Then they have to be safely stored when not in use. Wheel clamps, while ideal for home and campsite parking, are rather heavy to travel with and like steering wheel

Sentry tracker. It is a well-priced track and retrieval system with Europe-wide coverage. After installation and activation, the extremely compact and watertight transmitter transmits a signal once a day to a dedicated call centre that operates 24/7, indicating where the motorcaravan is located. After a reported theft, the frequency of position transmission is increased, and the transmitter can be traced accurately to the metre. The position from its track system is sent to a team who can then locate your motorcaravan.

The Mi01 Sentry Tracking is so accurate that in July 2022 it pinpointed the whereabouts of a stolen caravan to within yards and the Police were able to recover it inside 24 hours.

The device uses GSM, featuring a 360° GPS antenna and even has a fallback RF Signal. Programmed to send its location once every 24 hours, the Sentry is nearly impossible to detect. Users can change the location frequency via the Mi App. In the event of theft, the unit will stream its location until it is recovered. A clever example of how keeping it safe and secure really does lower your insurance premium.

Tea break teasers

See page 68 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

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.

Private sale advertisements

MOTORHOMES

FORD HERALD SQUIRE, RL VERSION. 4 berth, 89,174 mileage, oven, grill, 4 hob top and fridge. New March 2000, £8,000 (no offers). Tel: 01442 265828.

ACCESSORIES

CONTINENTAL VANCO CAMPER TYRE plus wheel rim, unused. 215/70 R15CP £50. RESIDENCY ROOM THULE 4x3m, no damage, includes all fittings and bags, open to offers. Tel: 07989 109924 (Gr Manchester)

OUTDOOR REVOLUTION CAYMAN MIDI AIR AWNING bought new 2021, used once. £250. Tel: 07967 805348 (Swansea)

PAIR HEADLIGHTS for Talbots Express Earley Hymer A class, £50. NEW 400X400 ROOFLIGHT, £50. EXTERAC SCREEN COVER for 2017 Dethleffs Globetrotter, £75. Tel: 07730 827665 (Essex)

2007, 2,200 hdi,

OUTDOOR REVOLUTION PORCHLITE 260 AIR L INFLATABLE AWNING with accessories. Used once, price new £339. Selling for £120. Change of van forces sale. Tel: 07423 229462 (Devon)

microwave. Downloaded to 3.5, can be reversed if required. £65,000 ONO. Tel: 07530 162258 (Fleetwood) >>>

MEMBERS'PRIVATE SALE ADVERTISEMENTS

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: 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.

Name: Address: Postcode: Telephone:

Club membership number:

• 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