Cover4Caravans Halloween Newsletter 2023

Welcome to our Halloween-themed edition of the Cover4Caravans bi-annual newsletter. We have got some great destination inspiration for you as well tips on securing your static home and a way to save money on your caravan cover. Plus, the Cover4Caravans

Team share with us what they will be doing this Halloween.

Here

Get away to … Some of Britain’s Royal Trails

Britain ushered in a new Carolean era this May, following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla. Whilst the pomp and pageantry of the official celebrations may now be over, the festivities have certainly inspired millions around the world to discover Britain’s royal heritage for themselves.

From majestic residences, medieval castles and coastal trails to Britain’s largest national park, walk in the footsteps of British royalty as you discover the many trails King Charles III has embarked on throughout his life, and those of his family and ancestors.

Words and images courtesyof VisitBritain.com.

Did you know … you get discounted insurance with us if you store your van at a CaSSOA-approved site?

At Cover4Caravans, we have always rewarded our customers who store their vans at CaSSOA approved sites with a discount on their touring caravan insurance. This is because we know that these sites consistently deliver excellent security and protection for the vans stored there.

In fact, it has been statistically proven that a caravan stored at a CaSSOA approved site is less likely to be stolen or suffer damage by vandals or by any accidental

means. So, read on and find out how you can enjoy discounts up to 20% off your caravan insurance premium.

Visit some of the UK’s most haunted castles

Great Britain is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and eerie tales of ghosts and spirits. For those with a fascination for the supernatural, visiting haunted castles can be an exhilarating and spine-chilling experience.

From the misty moors of Scotland to the rolling hills of England, the UK boasts numerous haunted castles that have captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. With a nod to Halloween, here we explore some of Great Britain’s haunted castles …

We hope you enjoy this newsletter.

Sam Samuel Fisk, Cert CII Cover4 Manager Email:

Get away to...

SOME OF BRITAIN’S ROYAL TRAILS

Britain ushered in a new Carolean era this May, following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla. Whilst the pomp and pageantry of the official celebrations may now be over, the festivities have certainly inspired millions around the world to discover Britain’s royal heritage for themselves.

From majestic residences, medieval castles and coastal trails to Britain’s largest national park, walk in the footsteps of British royalty as you discover the many trails King Charles III has embarked on throughout his life, and those of his family and ancestors.

of VisitBritain.com

Garden Tour of Highgrove

Discover a rare glimpse into His Majesty the King’s passion for all things green with a garden tour of Highgrove House, the private residence of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Since he first arrived at Highgrove in 1980, King Charles III has devoted his green thumb to the gardens around his beloved country estate in Gloucestershire, which are now celebrated as some of the most innovative in the country. The tour runs on select dates between April and September, visitors will be led by an experienced guide on a 1.5-hour tour as they explore Highgrove’s award-winning gardens. Afterwards, don’t forget to stop by the Highgrove Shop and pick up some Highgrove Organic Royal Gardens Honey.

Sandringham Royal Parkland

Spanning just over 600 acres, the Sandringham Royal Parkland offers a myriad of trails for visitors to explore whether on foot or by pedal. Located in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Royal Parkland surrounds the historic Sandringham Estate, which is the private country estate of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and traditionally where the royal family gathers each year to celebrate Christmas.

Open daily throughout the year, visitors can enjoy exploring the two way-marked trails and many more unmarked paths which wind through the dense woodlands and parklands. For those looking to put their navigational skills to the test, the Royal Parkland also offers a 20-point orienteering route, developed in collaboration with the Norfolk Orienteering Club.

Balmoral Castle & Estate

Balmoral Castle is the official Scottish residence of the royal family and this year, the grounds and gardens of the historic estate are open to the public daily. Situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and on the doorstep of the Britain’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, it’s not hard to see why Balmoral was widely considered to be Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite summer escape.

Visitors looking to explore the expansive grounds can retrace the footsteps of royalty and discover the 11 historical cairns appointed throughout the estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Cairns Walk and Albert’s Pyramid Walk. Afterwards, head slightly farther south and enjoy the impressive views of Loch Muick on a 12.5-kilometre circuit hike around the freshwater loch, which is located within the grounds of Balmoral Estate and at the foot of Lochnagar Mountain.

Northumberland’s Coast & Castles Trail

In England’s northernmost county, transport yourself back to the Kingdom of Northumbria and discover a castle-dotted coastline along Northumberland’s 85 mile Coast and Castles Cycling Route. Begin your journey at Berwick-upon-Tweed as you pedal down south to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Cut off twice daily from the outside world due to ocean tides, the tiny five square kilometre island is home to Lindisfarne Castle and the 12th century Lindisfarne Priory, as well as a selection of cafes, pubs and B&Bs.

Further down the coast, discover thousands year old castles - from the 1,400-year-old Bamburgh Castle, which acted as a royal palace for several kings to the 13th century and infamous Chillingham Castle, which is rumoured to be one of the country’s most haunted sites.

Back along the coast, pay a visit to the remote 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle before finishing your castle journey at Alnwick Castle, the Britain’s second-largest inhabited castle and home to the Alnwick Poison Garden.

Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path

In Wales, follow the footsteps of The Prince and Princess of Wales and enjoy the sublime coastal surroundings with a walk along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.

Their Royal Highnesses enjoyed the early years of their marriage living on Anglesey, where they spent many weekends exploring their backyard coastal setting. At just over 200-kilometres in length, the Coastal Path (which is part of the Wales Coast Path) is a circular path around the entire Isle of Anglesey and can be broken into sections so you can enjoy the walk at leisure over several days.

With picturesque beaches, quaint Welsh villages, medieval castles and diverse wildlife, it’s easy to see why this secluded coastal destination appealed to Their Royal Highnesses and the many that came before them.

Sam Fisk

Did you know...

you get discounted insurance with us if you store your van at a CaSSOAapproved site?

At Cover4Caravans, we have always rewarded our customers who store their vans at CaSSOA approved sites with a discount on their touring caravan insurance. This is because we know that these sites consistently deliver excellent security and protection for the vans stored there.

In fact, it has been statistically proven that a caravan stored at a CaSSOA approved site is less likely to be stolen or suffer damage by vandals or by any accidental means.

There are over 450 CaSSOA storage sites across the UK, so you’re sure to find a secure spot for your caravan or motorhome near you.

CaSSOA site accreditation

Caravan storage sites have to meet CaSSOA security standards in order to achieve and maintain CaSSOA accreditation and membership. Each site will be given an accreditation based on things such as CCTV, entry points, perimeter fencing and alarm systems and will be deemed an Ungraded, Silver, Gold or Platinum site.

These award levels indicate what you can expect from a site in terms of protection, with a Silver site providing basic security features, and a Platinum site offering the very highest levels of protection and monitoring systems.

At Cover4Caravans, we offer a discount off your caravan insurance premiums based on these accreditations – so:

 2.5% off for storing at an Ungraded site

 5% off for storing at a Silver site

 10% for storing at a Gold site

Where’s Relle the Rabbit in the picture above

Answer on back page

What our customers are saying!

At Cover4Caravans, our aim is not only to find you the most suitable and cost-effective cover for your van, but to provide a first-class service. Following is some genuine feedback via Feefo from some of our customers.

As always, we are thrilled to receive such continued positive feedback!

“Someone actually answers the phone? It’s not a robot / mated message thingy”

— Great customer service! Great price ! No silly automated telephone trash ? I spoke to a real human whom was very attentive/ knowledgeable/ and lovely to talk with! I would highly recommend this company! Been with them few years and they have not banged our payment up double like the rest seem to do? A very happy customer for life hopefully!

“No issues here “

— Very good. They remembered us from when we had insurance from them before. No pressure on us to purchase insurance with them. Made changes to our needs without any hassle or fuss.

“Stunning service.”

— It has become normal to expect mediocre service nowadays, but my dealings with this company have been truly magnificent. I bought from them based on cost and cover initially. However, their services standards when it came to handling my policy set up, followed by later queries and amendments has been fantastic.

“C4C no pressure reminder phone call. Quote held to previous year’s.”

— Good helpful service. Realistic and competitive quotes.

“Great”

— We have used this company for a number of years now to cover our caravan and have always found them to be helpful, friendly but professional and would recommend them to anyone looking for cover for theirs.

“I have never enjoyed buying insurance in my life until now!”

— Very professional and personable at the same time - lovely lady sorted out everything we needed totally hassle free. So efficientdocuments arrived unbelievably quickly.

How are you spending this Halloween?

With Halloween upon us, we asked the Cover4 Team two questions…

1. How do you usually celebrate Halloween?

2. Give us a Halloween movie recommendation! Here we share their answers …

Catherine

1. We usually get lots of Halloween themed chocolate and snacks and watch horror films. We also carve a pumpkin each and try to eat something for dinner with pumpkin in it!

2. My film choice would be TheAddamsFamily specifically the 1991 version. Kacey

1. For Halloween I usually take my little sister out trick or treating and spend the rest of the evening carving pumpkins with her.

2. I think that the new Wednesday series on Netflix is pretty good!

Sam

1. Normally at Halloween we carve a pumpkin (poorly) and put some decorations up around the house.

2. For slightly scarier film recommendations The Conjuring movies are a good watch. Sarah

1. We normally hold a Halloween party with the Cub Scouts and do apple bobbing, sweets in flour and doughnuts on string.

2. I am not a fan of Halloween films so I would watch Grey’sAnatomy instead. With the amount of blood, you’d think it was a Halloween series!

Tamzin

1. For Halloween I would either go to a party with my friends or possibly host a party of my own.

2. My Halloween film choice would be Halloween2!

Emily

1. Every Halloween me and my friends go to a Fright Night in London which always involves dressing up, jump scares and lots of screams!

2. A movie I watch every October is Coraline.

Karen

2. My husband and I don’t celebrate Halloween now that our kids have all grown up and left home.

2. But we do love a good horror film! One of the best we have seen would be TheConjuring.

1. Normally one of my friends has a party for Halloween so I would celebrate it by probably having a few too many drinks and regretting it the following morning.

2. TheAddamsFamily.

Caris

1. Halloween wasn’t a massive celebration in my house growing up because we do not get many trick or treaters. However we did get a McDonalds as a treat and somehow this has become a tradition. I am now 19 and my sister is 22 and we still have a McDonalds every Halloween, as well as carving our pumpkins.

2. Last year me and my boyfriend watched Prey for the Devil in the cinema, it was so scary but also had a good storyline behind it. The jump scares were horrific to say the least, and I did drag my boyfriend to stay at mine as I was too frightened to sleep alone that night, however I think he was secretly grateful.

Visit some of the UK’s most haunted castles

Great Britain is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and eerie tales of ghosts and spirits. For those with a fascination for the supernatural, visiting haunted castles can be an exhilarating and spine-chilling experience.

From the misty moors of Scotland to the rolling hills of England, the UK boasts numerous haunted castles that have captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. With a nod to Halloween, here we explore some of Great Britain’s haunted castles …

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland:

Perched atop an imposing volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle has stood for centuries, witnessing countless historical events. It is also infamous for its ghostly inhabitants. Visitors have reported encountering spectral figures, including a headless drummer and the ghost of a piper who mysteriously vanished within the castle walls. Explore the castle’s dark and eerie secrets, and perhaps you’ll witness a paranormal phenomenon.

The Tower of London, London, England

The Tower of London, with its grim history as a royal fortress and prison, has become synonymous with ghostly tales. From the restless spirit of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of King Henry VIII, to the spectral figure of the White Lady wandering through the chapel, the Tower holds a treasure trove of supernatural stories. Discover the chilling past of this iconic fortress.

Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

Glamis Castle, nestled in the Scottish countryside, is not only an architectural gem but also a haunt for mysterious apparitions. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of the “Grey Lady,” believed to be the spirit of Lady Janet Douglas, who was wrongly accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Join a guided tour and explore the hidden chambers and secret passageways of this haunted castle.

Visit some of the UK’s most haunted castles

Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon, England: Hidden within the lush Devonshire landscape, Berry Pomeroy Castle harbours a dark and tragic history. Legend has it that the castle is home to several ghosts including two restless female spirits, known as the “White Lady” and the “Blue Lady.” These apparitions are said to be forever locked in a spectral rivalry. Immerse yourself in the haunting atmosphere.

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, England: Nestled in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, Chillingham Castle is renowned as one of the most haunted castles in England. Visitors have reported encountering the spirits of tortured prisoners, a “blue boy” roaming the Pink Room, and even a “torturer” haunting the dungeons. Take a ghost tour and delve into the chilling tales that have made Chillingham Castle a paranormal hotspot.

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: Overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle has an ethereal aura that is heightened by its haunted reputation. The castle is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of Covenanters, who were imprisoned in the Whigs’ Vault during the 17th century. Experience the castle’s eerie ambiance and enjoy breath taking views of the Scottish coastline.

Visit some of the UK’s most haunted castles

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, England:

Warwick Castle, with its medieval grandeur and centuries-old legends, has its fair share of ghostly tales. It is believed to be haunted by the spirits of past inhabitants, including Sir Fulke Greville. Visitors have reported hearing eerie whispers, witnessed shadowy figures, and experiencing unexplained phenomena. Explore the castle’s towers, dungeons, and grounds to uncover its spectral secrets.

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales:

Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as an impressive fortress that witnessed significant historical events. While its primary focus is on Welsh history, the castle also boasts a haunted reputation. Legend has it that the ghostly figure of a “Welsh soldier” has been sighted within its walls. Visit this majestic stronghold and immerse yourself in its rich history and potential paranormal encounters.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England

Bamburgh Castle, overlooking the rugged Northumberland coast, has a storied history that intertwines with tales of the supernatural. Visitors have reported encountering the ghost of a glowing figure believed to be the “Pink Lady.” Explore the castle’s towers, dungeons, and ancient artifacts while keeping an eye out for any ghostly apparitions that may cross your path.

Immerse yourself in the mystical and haunted history of these remarkable castles scattered throughout the UK. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply enjoy unravelling the legends of the past, these haunted castles offer a unique and unforgettable journey into the realm of the unknown.

Securing your static home

Adequate security for your holiday home is always important – as well as typically being a condition of your static caravan insurance policy. So, let’s briefly review some of the ways in which you can help to keep your static home secure.

Take charge of your security

Even if your chosen holiday park has a high level of security, the modern age of even basic online technology lets you take personal charge of many aspects of your caravan’s security. For example:

intruder alarms, cameras, and CCTV systems are typically easy to install and can be monitored 24/7 from the convenience of your own smartphone; there are even more high-tech solutions mentioned in one of our blogs that are becoming ever simpler to operate and install as time marches on; never leaving things around outside that could help a burglar break in to your static home;

networking with your static caravan neighbours so you can keep an eye on each other’s places when they are empty; whenever leaving your static home, double checking that everything is locked.

Doors, windows, and locks

For all the advances in modern technology, you still need pay attention to some of the good old-fashioned ways of keeping out the bad guys. So, depending on the locks that are currently fitted to the doors and windows of your static caravan, you might want to think about upgrading them.

Also, keeping curtains/blinds shut/down when you leave your static home stops opportunist burglars seeing what is inside.

Keep your valuables safe

Always take any items of value with you any time you’re planning to leave your holiday home unattended. That’s may prove something of a chore if there’s lots of property to cart about every time you go out – so probably the most sensible solution is to avoid cramming your static home with too much of any great value.

Consider investing in an immovable safesecured to the floor - that could be hidden away in a cupboard.

Gas and fire safety

The security of your static home is also about personal safety – including the hazards posed by gas and naked flames. Major defences against those dangers can include:

smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors together with strategically placed fire blankets and extinguishers; regular inspection of the gas supply lines, storage tanks and cylinders.

Also, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises, if you are letting out your static caravan, you are as responsible as any other landlord for complying with the need for annual safety inspections by a qualified Gas Safe engineer of any gas installation.

Review your caravan security

Keeping your static caravan safe and sound is something you’ll always put your mind to. As we move into Winter - a time of year when you’ll probably be spending less time in your holiday home – now may be a good time to review the level of security you currently have and consider whether you need to improve it.

Finally, if you have any insurance-related questions on theft from or unoccupancy of your static caravan, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We will be delighted to help!

Calendar of events

What’s on?

Here are some caravan shows and events coming up in the next few months that you may be interested in. All details are correct at time of going to press - but obviously do check that an event is still running before you leave as things can change very quickly!

17-22 October 2023 - Birmingham NEC, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT

The National Motorhome and Caravan Show

Spanning almost 21 acres (11 halls), this huge event is the UK leisure vehicle industry’s national showcase. It’s the place to explore the new 2024 motorhome, campervan, caravan and trailer tents from the leading UK and European manufacturers and dealers sideby-side. Plus, you can find all the accessories and advice you need for successful and enjoyable touring adventures – all in one day!

19-21 January 2024 - Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG

The January Motorhome Campervan Sale

While, at the time of writing, details are still to be finalised, their website says that local and national dealers will be in attendance, showcasing new and used vehicles, many with exclusive show offers. You can view the exhibitors attending the show here. This page will be updated as more dealers get added.

1-4 February 2024 - Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow G3 8YW

Scottish Caravan Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

With caravans, motorhomes, campervans, holiday homes, lodges, tents, boats and accessories all in one destination – make the Scottish, Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show part of your holiday plans!

13-18 February 2024 - Birmingham NEC, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT

Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show 2024

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show has everything you need for your next adventure. With over 400 leading exhibitors offering their latest and most innovative products and services across almost 20 acres of the NEC - it’s the UK’s biggest start of year leisure vehicle and camping showcase! Not only will you be able to research, step inside and compare the latest interior layouts, furnishings and specifications of new for 2024 motorhomes, campervans, touring caravans and caravan holiday homes, but you’ll also find a whole new hall bursting with tents, trailer tents and camping equipment, great-value UK and European campsites and holiday parks. Plus, show only offers on thousands of accessories and gadgets to help make your touring and camping holidays even more enjoyable.

Cover4Caravan Home

Baxter Building 80 Baxter Avenue

Southend on Sea Essex SS2 6HZ

Team Number: 01702 606 301

Email: newbusiness@cover4.co.uk

Website: www.cover4caravans.co.uk

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The Cover4 Team

Mark Searcy Director

Sam Fisk Manager

Wright New Business

Caris Barnes New Business

Kacey Banks

Sarah Clarke Renewals

Tamzin Fairhall Renewals

Karen Hierons Renewals

Tom McIntosh New Business Emily Waters New Business