Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – June 2022

JUNE 2022

SUMMER’S HERE! From England’s south coast to the Outer Hebrides – check out our fabulous touring ideas ALL IN A SPIN Try a creative activity break like no other

MEMBER OFFERS Solar kit, batteries, towels... we have a saving for you

GREEN MATTERS Working towards a sustainable future

Inspiring your adventures

Why choose Adria?

If you are seeking freedom and adventure, owning a caravan or motorhome is a great choice.

YOUR VEHICLE. Freedom and adventures when you want it, just plan your getaways and go!

YOUR ACCOMMODATION. Travel with family and/or friends, with your things and to your standards, in your own environment.

YOUR ITINERARY. Independent travel, your own itinerary, find your own places away from the crowds.

YOUR ADVENTURES. Life changes with an Adria caravan or motorhome, offering endless possibilities for your adventures.

YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Adria is one of Europe’s leading caravan manufacturers, with over 600,000 recreational vehicles produced since 1965.

Please contact your nearest Adria dealership for more information: www.adria.co.uk/dealer-network

www.adria.co.uk

COMMENT EDITOR

WELCOME

camc.com/contact Editorial Editors Gary Martin, John Thynne Assistant Editors Clare Disano, Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis Design Michaela Millar

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

John Thynne says:

H

Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

ere on the magazine we re constantly amazed by the quality of the pictures you send us while you re on your travels.

It seems that, as mobile phone camera technology improves, so does the skill and imagination of the picture taker – so do keep them coming. Please send your favourite touring snaps to magazine@camc.com or tag us on

Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/ UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance (Devitts) Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335 Travel Service 01342 316101 Red Pennant (European breakdown and travel insurance) 01342 336633

“

We would love to hear how some of our newer members are getting on

Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #inspiringadventures.

You may have noticed orange pointer symbols appearing next to certain pictures in our articles – these denote that the images have been taken by Club members and fellow caravanning/motorhoming enthusiasts. Some of our favourite pictures feature on the regular Your Photos pages (see pages 8 and 9 in this issue).

Advertising enquiries General number 01342 336817 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive Jason Clarke 01342 779368 jason.clarke@camc.com Commercial Executive Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com Advertising Sales Executive Olliver Hamilton-Williams 01342 337782 olliver.hamilton-williams@camc.com

ON TEST: T@B 400 COUNTRY MATTERS: LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER

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

JUNE 2022

COVER IMAGE:

Women eating fish and chips on the beach Betsie Van Der Meer/Getty

TOURING: SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND SITES AND CLS

Digital Advertising Co-ordinator Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

Production Controller Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com

From England’s south coast to the Outer Hebrides – check out our fabulous touring ideas

www.camc.com

ALL IN A SPIN Try a creative activity break like no other

MEMBER OFFERS Solar kit, batteries, towels... we have a saving for you

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

We would like to thank image libraries Alamy, Getty Images/iStock and Shutterstock for supplying a number of images used in this magazine.

SUMMER’S HERE! PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

www.camc.com

”

There’s even more good reason to send us your photos this month – you could win a holiday in Europe by submitting a memorable snap in our overseas Happy Place competition. Turn to page 10 to find out how to enter.

Talking of magazine submissions, we would love to hear how some of our newer members are getting on.

How did your first trip away go? Did anyone offer you any useful advice?

Did something funny happen – or did you experience something extraordinary? Send your stories to magazine@camc.com and we ll feature the most interesting on our Letters pages.

Enjoy the magazine!

GREEN MATTERS Working towards a sustainable future 03/05/2022 17:19

June 2022 3

CONTENTS

60

INSIDE THIS ISSUE JUNE 2022

TOURING 22

34 40

80

UK SITES Lee Davey and family escape the crowds on a seven-site tour of south-east England DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook FOREIGN TOURING Heidi Fuller-Love enjoys tantalising cuisine on a trip to colourful Croatia ACTIVITY BREAKS Jonathan Manning tries his hand at pottery in Northamptonshire

NEWS 13

20 45 65 66

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES The latest from around the network OVERSEAS Take a look at our worldwide and European break ideas EVENTS DIARY Plan your future breaks CENTRE LINES News from local groups

4 June 2022

TESTS 60

CARAVAN T@B 400 Mexican Sunset

SPECIALS 36 49

68

ISLAND HOPPING Jeremy Taylor explores the Outer Hebrides in a campervan GOING GREEN The Club’s Sustainability Advisor Mark Feast talks to Andrea Nicholas of Green Tourism MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN DESIGN AWARDS Part two – covering campervan and van conversion categories

MEMBER BENEFITS 90 93

MEMBER OFFERS Discounts on a range of touring and outdoor products GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE Save money on visits to attractions and venues with a royal connection

REGULARS 7

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas talks about the Club’s focus on sustainability

8

YOUR PHOTOS Great pictures from your days out and touring adventures 10 CLUB MATTERS Share your overseas ‘happy place’ pictures for a chance to win a European holiday 51 LETTERS Your comments and views 56 COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman on tracking down the lesser spotted woodpecker 76 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Accessories for ralliers 85 PRACTICAL Tips on choosing an exterior step for your caravan or motorhome 94 ASK YOUR CLUB Your touring questions answered 96 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift vouchers 97 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 114 TAIL LIGHTS The wacky, wonderful world of touring 116 CYCLE ROUTE Jonathan Manning rides from Thetford Forest Club Campsite in Norfolk

8

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BASECAMP – SPORTY, FUN AND STYLISH COMPACT VEHICLE BUILT FOR ADVENTURERS.

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

Tel: 01457 868011 www.glossopcaravans.co.uk

WE’RE WAITING FOR YOUR CALL

EDDIE COLLINS 07956 970 383 ec1@glossopcaravans.co.uk

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

camc.com/contact The Caravan Club Limited, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

This magazine is also available free of charge as a page turner on the Club website and as an app via Google Play or the App Store. For non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs £3.49.

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

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

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

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

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

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

367,796

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2021 Printing by Mohn Media, Gütersloh, Germany

www.camc.com

OPINION Nick Lomas says:

As a tourer myself, I believe we are blessed to have a network of touring sites (including Club Campsites, Certificated Locations and Affiliated Sites) spread across the most diverse and stunning locations that the UK has to offer – environments such as national parks, city centres, the coast, and much more.

The site network, along with the rest of the UK and the world, is under pressure due to climate change, which brings threats such as increased numbers of storms and a greater risk of flooding and soil erosion. It has

“

We have a duty to act responsibly

”

never been more important to preserve these locations and ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the UK, and touring, as we have over the past 115 years.

As a prominent organisation in the tourism industry, we have a duty to act responsibly and set high standards to provide holiday destinations that are promoting and encouraging the best environmental and social practice.

The Club is already active in sustainable practices, including installing solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points in site redevelopments and increasing our tree count by supporting this year’s Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. However, there is always room for improvement and we strive to make responsible and sustainable choices for our members.

The Club is taking action by committing to understanding our environmental and social impact by engaging with Green Tourism.

Green Tourism is a well-established company that drives sustainable improvements in the tourism industry.

We delve deeper into the aims and actions of the organisation by speaking to Andrea Nicholas, Chief Executive and co-founder of Green Tourism, on page 49.

The purpose of this journey with Green Tourism is to understand our current level of achievement, which will in turn allow us to prioritise areas that we seek to improve. Staff on the network recently completed an assessment that graded their campsite against Green Tourism criteria. Each Club site will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze awards for recognition of its efforts. The grading will be displayed on a plaque and certificate in reception areas.

Green Tourism will act as a springboard for future sustainable actions across the Club and we look forward to sharing the journey with you.

June 2022 7

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

SIMPLY RED Redwing at Moreton-inMarsh Club Campsite in the Cotswolds.

Edward Humphreys Gloucestershire

TIDE TOGETHER Tamarit Castle and neighbouring fortress, taken last October in Tarragona.

Paul Tomson Catalonia

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

8 June 2022

Dorset

DOOR STEPS Durdle Door – a beautiful day walking the dogs. (Nearest Club campsites: Smedmore House AS, Haycraft, Hunter’s Moon, Crossways, East Fleet Farm AS.) Sarah Randall

BOW PEEP We took this photo after a very stormy day at Harbury Fields Affiliated Site in Warwickshire.

Ryan Brown

Cumbria

WONDERFUL WOODS This photo was taken in Manesty Wood while stopping at the nearby Club campsite at Borrowdale.

The sounds of the wood are fantastic and the views over Derwentwater are amazing.

Chris Baldock

Warwickshire

ANNIVERSARY VISIT

Derbyshire

We visit Chatsworth [Park] Club Campsite every year in January to celebrate our wedding in Baslow village 12 years ago. This year we wandered through the ‘magic gate’ into Chatsworth Estate; we were delighted to see an abundance of deer who appeared nonchalant as we passed on by. The highlight of the day was the sun setting and the reflections of the magnificent Chatsworth House.

See you again Chatsworth – same time next year.

Katrina Dipple

THE BEAUTIFUL NORF A lovely quiet evening walk along the prom at Sheringham with just the sound of the waves... and beautiful Cromer Pier in the sunshine. (Nearest Club campsites: Incleboro Fields, Seacroft.)

Jan Brown

Norfolk June 2022 9

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS Tarn Gorges in France Photo by Nigel Ward

WIN a

European holiday!

Share your pictures of an overseas ‘happy place’ with the Club and you could win a fantastic continental trip

Y Consuegra, Spain Member photo by Julie McGuigan

10 June 2022

ou may remember that last year we ran a ‘Find Your Happy Place’ photo and video competition, which saw Club members sharing pictures and footage of their favourite spots. (You can see the winning entry and a selection from other finalists on pages 12 and 13 of our August 2021 issue, or a full gallery at camc.com/happyplace).

This year, we re offering you the chance to win another holiday – a week in Europe (including ferry crossings)!

We’d love to see and hear about your favourite happy places on the Continent.

You could send us a snapshot while enjoying a sundowner on Portugal’s Cabo da Roca coastline, a picture of a picnic in the Dutch bulb fields, or perhaps a photo showing the glory of the Loire Valley. You can

share images of campsites, landscapes, great meals... anywhere and anything that brings back happy memories of tours and holidays.

Entering is really straightforward – all you have to do is upload your videos and photos at camc.com/overseashappyplace by 30 June 2022 for your chance to win.

We will feature a selection of entries in the Club magazine, on our website and in emails and social media. Terms and conditions can be found at the above web address. Please don’t send pictures or videos containing people unless their permission has been sought and they have agreed to appear – unfortunately without permission we won’t be able to use them.

For inspiration, we’ve included some photos here of Europe that you have sent us in the past. We look forward to seeing all your entries – and good luck! www.camc.com

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Her Majesty the Queen marks 70 years as our monarch during 2022 – and as you are probably aware, a special long bank holiday weekend is planned from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June in celebration.

On-site celebrations

Lake Bled, Slovenia Member photo by Angie Binns

Riano, northern Spain Photo by Chris Lewis

All Club campsites will be offering a glass of bucks fizz or orange juice to raise a toast, while some are planning to hold events and activities over the four days. Here’s a taster… n Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite* near Glasgow is gearing up for a street party on Saturday 4 June, including fun garden games such as croquet and boules. n Broomfield Farm Club Campsite* in East Sussex is planning a quiz, raffle and ‘best handmade crown’ competition, plus optional fancy dress on Saturday 4 June.

Guests are invited to bring a plate of food and join in the fun. n Merrose Farm Club Campsite* in Cornwall is looking to host ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch Afternoon Tea Party’ on Sunday 5 June with nibbles, drinks and prizes to be won.

To find out more visit camc.com/jubilee.

If you haven’t made plans for the Jubilee weekend yet, we still have pitches left at selected campsites across the network.

Use our Late Availability checker at camc.com/≠lateavailability to make a search. Be quick – pitches are booking up fast! *All three sites still have availability over the Jubilee weekend at the time of publication. Celebration event dates and details are all subject to change.

Visit a royal attraction

To mark the historic occasion you might like to visit an attraction with a royal connection. Turn to page 93 to find out how you can save at the likes of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh or the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk using our Great Savings Guide.

Queen’s Green Canopy

We reported earlier this year how Club representatives joined celebrities JB Gill and Matt Allwright at Chapel Lane Club campsite to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative (below). The Club will be planting a total of 2,022 new trees across the network this year to celebrate the Jubilee and benefit future generations of visitors. To find out more see page 11 of the March 2022 issue and visit queensgreencanopy.org.

Grindelwald, Swiss Alps Member photo by Anita Sellick

www.camc.com

11

Headlines

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

The latest stories from the touring world

Easter fun across the network Easter activities were enjoyed across our sites in April, with many of you choosing to take advantage of the bank holiday weekend and school holidays to enjoy longer breaks.

For example, members and guests staying at Broomfield Farm Club Campsite in East Sussex took part in an Easter raffle, raising a fantastic £420 for cancer charities. “The members on site, old and young, were brilliant in their support,” said Site Managers Steve and Kaye Ashton.

There was another raffle at Buxton Club Campsite in Derbyshire, with a ‘Buxton Bunny’ egg as the star prize. Site Manager Ellie Brearley said, “Activities included an Easter egg hunt,

From left: the Smith family at Buxton were the lucky winners of a giant Easter egg; An array of goodies at Broomfield Farm; Anya and Mara Jarvis at Cayton Village ‘guess the number of eggs in the jar’ and a prize draw.” All proceeds were donated to Buxton Mountain Rescue Team. Meanwhile, at Cayton Village Club Campsite in North Yorkshire, site staff held colouring, ‘guess the name of the bunny’ and guess the number of eggs in the jar competitions.

Assistant Site Manager Claire Jessup said that a total of £120 had been raised for The Wave Project and The Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

CLUB ACHIEVES GOLD HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD The Caravan and Motorhome Club has received a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Leisure Safety Gold Award for working hard to ensure the safety of its staff and members.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running health and safety industry awards.

Mark Pearson, Director of Finance, Insurance and Management Services at the Club (and Chair of the Club’s Health and Safety Forum), said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a RoSPA Leisure Safety Gold Award for our health and safety management system. It’s an honour to have been recognised for something so important, and a testament to the commitment and contributions at all levels from management and team members across the Club.”

For more info on the RoSPA Awards, visit rospa.com/awards.

BICYCLE HIRE AVAILABLE We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with App-Bike so you can hire standard or electric bikes on 11 Club campsites across the UK. Saddle up from just £4 per hour and explore the great outdoors on two wheels when staying at the following campsites. n n n n n n n n n n n

Black Knowl, Hampshire Cambridge Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire Daleacres, Kent Henley Four Oaks, Oxfordshire New Forest Centenary, Hampshire Norfolk Broads, Norfolk Poolsbrook Country Park, Derbyshire Seacroft, Norfolk Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire The Sandringham Estate, Norfolk White House Beach, Suffolk

It costs £4 per hour for a standard bike, but you can also try an e-bike for £7 an hour. Bicycles are available for hire for any duration, 24 hours a day, www.camc.com

7 days a week. Simply download the App-Bike app onto your device and register.

You’ll be able to see bicycle availability in real time and view suggested cycle routes from your chosen Club campsite – then all you need to do is plan and enjoy your two-wheeled adventure! To find out more head to camc.com/bikehire. n Remember, the Club Magazine app features a cycle route from a Club campsite each month (with accompanying video), and you can also find an archive of rides by visiting camc.com/blog.

June 2022 13

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

GOLD STAR

We catch up with Paralympic double gold medal-winning canoeist Emma Wiggs MBE… You recently stayed in our Experience Freedom accommodation – could you tell us how you found it?

Yes – we went to Cayton Village and tried out one of the universally accessible pods there. We were blown away to be honest. As a person with a disability, one of my biggest sadnesses has been the loss of freedom in the outdoors. I can get into the outdoors – but it’s not as easy. I can’t just go for a hike at the weekend over the hills. We have done camping but camping in a wheelchair is slightly more challenging… So to be able to go somewhere like Cayton where there was an accessible pod (which first and foremost didn’t ‘look accessible’ which I think can be a bit of a bugbear for people with a disability) was amazing. I love the concept of it being ‘universally accessible’. It’s not saying ‘this is for people with disabilities’, [it’s saying] this is for anybody. It was just brilliant.

Do you have plans to visit any more of our EF sites?

Yes – Troutbeck Head in the Lake District, which has UA (universally

SHOWTIME JUNE

3-5 Hampshire: Motorhome & Campervan Show, New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst (Apple Tree Exhibitions), see appletree-exhibitions. co.uk or call 01805 603943).

JULY

22-24 Norfolk: The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show, Norfolk Showground, Norwich (Warners Group, see outandaboutlive.co.uk or call 01778 391123).

Note: details subject to change and pre-registration may be required – please check websites or telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

14 June 2022

accessible) accommodation. I’m hopefully going to get some dates sorted – I have to negotiate with my coach but we do get a weekend off every now and again!

Didn’t you actually start your Paralympic career in sitting volleyball?

To give you a bit of context, I was able-bodied until I was 18. My life really changed when I was in Australia on a gap year [when I contracted a virus]. I guess I have been in love with the outdoors for my whole life because my gap year was focused on ‘how can I be outside somewhere beautiful?’ Australia ticked the box.

Life presents moments, doesn’t it, where you have to face a challenge or a choice. And my choice was not to let [my disability] limit me and still try to do the things I wanted to do. And then I found Paralympic sport, and again, in a moment, it changed my life in a more positive way. Before London 2012 they were looking for people that might have had disabilities and sporting talent but hadn’t worked out [that they had the potential to represent the country].

So I went along to this day. Honestly, I only went to keep my brother and my friend quiet because they were both hassling me to go. It turned out that I joined the sitting volleyball team. It was an amazing experience – to go to a home Paralympic Games.

There was a real momentum shift in how people perceived people with disabilities and how they perceived Paralympic sport.

How did the canoeing come about?

A couple of sports approached me after the Games [rowing, triathlon and canoeing] and it just happened that a windy day in Nottingham came up first. I got in a canoe and just fell in love with it immediately – the freedom of being on the water, moving fast across the water without a wheelchair, against the elements.

The coaching staff sat me down and said, ‘We think you could be a world champion and you could go to Rio and win gold.’ I thought, ‘They’re just being nice because I’m in a

wheelchair.’ That’s what people do! But it turned out that they weren’t. They set a programme and I followed it and we’ve ended up here. We won the World Championships in the August of that first year and we did that every year before winning the [Paralympic] gold in the KL2 [kayak] in Rio in 2016. [Wiggs went on to win a further gold a the Tokyo Paralympics.]

Are you hoping to compete in the next Paralympics in Paris?

Yes, that’s the plan. Obviously I have to go through selection and all the rest of it, and I have agreed with my wife that we will take it a year at a time. But Paris is only three years away. It’s a case of staying fit and staying healthy. As long as I can make the boats go faster – that may not be fast enough to win gold medals, or any medals. The sport is progressing at such a rate – young athletes are coming through (my team-mate Charlotte [Henshaw] came through and got the gold in the kayak [in Tokyo])… So who knows? But for me, at the grand old age of 42, I’ve realised it’s about doing something that makes you proud and doing it to the best of your ability.

You can read a longer version of this interview at camc.com/blog.

AN ALL-ELECTRIC CAMPER? HERE’S THE BUZZ Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. Buzz began life as a concept called ‘Microbus’ back in 2001… and it’s set to arrive in the UK later this year.

The manufacturer says that it expects to have passenger-carrying and van versions of the ID. Buzz – called ‘Bus’ and ‘Cargo’ respectively – on UK roads by October 2022.

Prices are set to be announced in May, while orders can be taken from July. It is expected that the passenger version could start at around £50,000, with the Cargo van coming in at around £38,000. A larger, longer wheelbase version will also be available at a future date.

Both will be powered by a zero-emissions 204PS (201bhp) rear-mounted engine driving the

back wheels. Power is supplied via a 77kWh lithium-ion battery, with 5%-80% charging within 80 minutes.

Range is yet to be confirmed, but could be anything up to 250 miles.

Overall dimensions are 4.7m long x 1.98m wide x 1.94m high.

The passenger-carrying ID. Buzz is a five-seater and its roof is strong

enough to accept surfboards and the like. A full campervan version of the ID. Buzz – to be called the ID. California – using the long-wheelbase variant is not expected until 2025, although we may well see conversions of the Cargo from independent specialists before then. Find out more at volkswagenvans.co.uk.

Nick Harding www.camc.com

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NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

RECRUITING FOR THE 2022 SEASON Our site staff are the public face of the Club and provide a warm and friendly service to the thousands of members and non-members who visit our sites every day.

Working on site is perfect if you would like your job to take you to some of the most beautiful locations in the UK and Ireland – we have over 200 sites in total.

Our staff are passionate about delivering great customer service to ensure our members and non-members enjoy a fantastic outdoors experience in a safe and happy environment.

If you enjoy the outdoors, are physically fit and want to be part of an award-winning team, we would love to hear from you for our 2022 season. Please visit camc.com/careers for more information and to complete an application form.

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LONG SERVICE

Beach near Godrevy Park Club Campsite Member photo by Danny Neaves

You recommend...

Godrevy Park

Your views on a favourite by the Cornish coast “Kids seem to particularly enjoy this site and we found them to be generally respectful and not overly intrusive on the peace and quiet. Great to see them enjoying the open air and meeting new friends. Our grandkids visited and they enjoyed it.” (September 2021) “A walk over the amazing sand

dune system to the gorgeous three-mile beach. Fantastic surfing, body boarding, wind and para surfing.” (September 2021) “With lots of great little tea rooms and cafes on the coast and easy links via train into St Ives and Penzance it really does have something for everyone.”

(September 2021)

WATCH

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The Club Magazine App contains extra content every month – you can download it for free from the App Store and Google Play. You can also download the current issue and back issues both for online or offline reading!

This month there is a cycle route from Thetford Forest Club Campsite and some interactive puzzles to grapple with over a midmorning cuppa! www.camc.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Rob Quine, Managing Director at Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd, is set to retire from the company.

Rob has been with the County Durham-based manufacturer of vehicles such as Elddis and Compass for 22 years.

The Club wishes him all the best for the future and a long and happy retirement.

MIL ABOUT

A new series of Channel 5’s Million Pound Motorhome is currently in production, with presenter and former tennis star Annabel Croft filming at various Club sites.

Channel 5 has not publicised a date for the new series yet, but you can catch up with the previous two at channel5.com.

GRAND ACHIEVEMENT

Woods above Cheddar Member photo by Valerie Hinson

IMPROVEMENTS AT BRIGHTON AND CHEDDAR Some smaller scale redevelopments have been completed at two Club campsites ready for the main season.

More serviced pitches have been added at Brighton Club Campsite, bringing the total on site to 31, the final phase of decompacting pitches has been completed, and the two camping pods have been moved to the tent field, with their original pitches converted to touring. Meanwhile, at Cheddar Club Campsite, the toilet and shower block

has been refurbished. We will also be adding new serviced pitches and working on the infrastructure of the site during part of winter 2022/23.

Although the campsite will remain open throughout the works, some pitch access may be restricted at certain times.

Information about all current and recently completed redevelopments can be found at camc.com/ redevelopments.

Wellhouse Leisure has produced its 1,000th Ford Transit-based campervan, the first being the Terrier in 2013.

The Barnsley-based manufacturer has also launched the 2022 Ford Transit Custom Misano 4.

A range of short- and long-wheelbase models is available and prices start from £59,750 – see wellhouse leisure.com for details.

June 2022 17

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Stories from the Club’s Collection The Platinum Jubilee will be commemorated in June 2022, marking the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne.

In 1953, the Coronation was held in Westminster Abbey, with millions of television viewers tuning in. Celebrations were highly anticipated by Club members, with an array of events taking place across Britain.

The Coronation was particularly close to members’ hearts, with the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, extending his patronage to the Club in 1952.

The Club’s Collection, housed at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, holds a number of artefacts relating to the Queen’s Coronation and the ways in which it was celebrated by members. A record

number – in excess of 600 caravans – attended the Coronation Caravan Rally at Overstone in Northamptonshire, an event which included a dinner and dance.

The Collection contains plaques and programmes from the event, along with silver tankards awarded following competitions such as baking and caravan building.

Centres held their own celebratory rallies across several weekends in June 1953, presenting their own commemorative items to members attending.

These include ceramic mugs and Coronation souvenir brochures, which are preserved in the Club’s Collection.

Keep up to date with the Club’s Collection on Twitter @camccollection.

Angela Willis

A variety of commemorative items produced for Club events in 1953

Visitors to our Beaulieu Estate pop-up campsite can take advantage of an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Club’s historic collection at the National Motor Museum.

The tours are limited to six people and will take place on the following dates: 28 June, 29 June, 5 July, 6 July, 12 July, 13 July. Booking is essential (a suggested donation of £10 can be made to the National Motor Museum Trust – nationalmotor museum.org.uk/support-us/ donate). See camc.com/popups for information.

DINNER WITH CONCORDE

The South West Region will be hosting a gala dinner at Aerospace Bristol on 18 March 2023. Attendees will be able to enjoy a welcome drink and an onboard tour of an iconic Concorde airliner, followed by a three-course dinner with wine under the wing.

Gloucestershire Centre will be hosting and has reserved a number of pitches at a local caravan park. Coach travel to and from the event will be provided.

For more information and a booking form please visit southwestregioncc.org.uk and click on ‘News and Events’.

18 June 2022

Lois Parker. Also on stage, new vocalist Crystal Hellend – normally found in the cornet section or working as the band’s librarian – led the singing, making a big impression on band and audience alike.

Additionally, Emma Orcott was introduced as a new conductor, rehearsing and conducting a superb Hans Zimmer medley.

Emma is no stranger to the band, having first performed with the group almost 30 years ago. Now, when not conducting, she plays alongside her daughter Maddy and father Rob Heath.

Band Chairman Ian Clowes commented, “Young families are the future of the band. Seeing Emma return with her own young family was an emotional moment for everyone and is a clear sign the band is stronger than ever.”

The band will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023 with a busy programme. Its Facebook page (facebook.com/CAMCBand) contains information for new players, stories and video performances.

You can also contact the band to discuss support for your own Club event or if you would like to join in.

Allen Vincent

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Concert Band has been very active following the easing of Covidrelated restrictions, enjoying several rehearsal weekends and public performances.

Over the Easter weekend members travelled to Southport to join the Festival of the North 2022 (the 10th anniversary of the festival, hosted by South Lancs Centre), managing to fit in full rehearsals, an outdoor session for the local lifeboat open day, plus a full ‘Proms’ concert and Easter service for ralliers.

It was also a weekend of firsts.

This was not only the first proms night for many new players, but also the first as Musical Director for conductor Chris Cobon. The occasion was marked by a surprise presentation of a commemorative embroidery to Chris, created by

Tim Orcott

BAND CELEBRATES MULTIPLE ‘FIRSTS’

Right: Emma (centre), Maddy and Rob www.camc.com

Why not visit historic Greenwich and the Cutty Sark?

Remember to Book Smart

Check in advance and only book the pitches you intend to use

Amend your bookings early if your plans need to change

Use our popular Late Availability checker to find last-minute pitches

camc.com/ booksmart

20 June 2022

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Looking to do something a bit different this year? Consider these getaways that combine fantastic locations with value for money

DISCOVER THE VERY BEST OF LONDON While London may not be the first place you think of when planning a relaxing touring holiday, it’s worth remembering that we have five Club campsites in leafy green locations that offer superb bases for excursions to the capital.

You could take in the culture of the West End, discover the maritime history of Greenwich, enjoy a river cruise along the Thames, browse the independent shops of Neal’s Yard and Brick Lane,

visit Windsor Castle or simply wander along the River Thames‘ bustling South Bank – you will never run out of things to see and do. Pitches start from £14.10 for one night at Alderstead Heath Club Campsite between 26 September and 13 October 2022. To read about all five of our London campsites, to see even more suggestions for days out and to find out about Great Savings Guide offers in and around the capital, head to camc.com/london.

ENJOY A BREAK ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT Isle of Wight Member photo by Louise Heywood

The Isle of Wight is one of the sunniest and warmest places in the UK. Take advantage of our great-value Sail & Stay breaks and enjoy a holiday with a difference.

Check out top attractions such as the Blackgang Chine amusement park and Osborne House – the summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – or head for the golden sands and traditional seaside www.camc.com

National Maritime Museum, London

NEWS UK SITES

Robert Hickey Geocast

Safari tent at Southland

STAY AT A POP-UP CAMPSITE Pop-up campsites give us the opportunity to offer members an enjoyable alternative touring experience with a fun, festival feel, while providing extra availability during the summer when our main Club campsites are already very popular.

This summer our Beaulieu Estate pop-up campsite returns by popular demand.

Offering a stunning location in the heart of the New Forest and visitor discounts for the fantastic on-site attractions, it’s no wonder this has proved a hit with Club members.

Stay between 24 June and 20 July or

11 August and 1 September 2022, with prices from £37 per night for two adults.

Holkham Hall is a new pop-up campsite location for 2022 – don’t miss out on pitches at this superb north Norfolk venue (above). You’ll have some of the best coastal cycling and walking routes in England on your doorstep, plus a discount on entry to some of the Estate attractions.

Stay between 8 July and 4 August 2022 from £40 per night for two adults.

Please visit camc.com/popups for more details about the campsites, and to book.

SPEND NIGHTS UNDER CANVAS Black Horse Farm

With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, remember that we have tent camping pitches at over 70 Club and Affiliated campsites across the UK, many with electric hook-up. You don’t have to be a member to book these, and they’re a great way for non-touring friends and family to join you in the great outdoors.

Tent pitches start from just £9.60 per night for a stay with electric hook-up at Modbury Club Campsite in Devon from 26 September to 13 October 2022. You can see a full list of sites with tent pitches at camc.com/camping.

The Needles, Isle of Wight Member photo by Darren Robson attractions of Sandown. Sail & Stay breaks start from just £162. Our combined deals include your return ferry crossing and four nights for two people on a standard pitch at Southland Club Campsite. We also offer Sail & Stay glamping breaks – see right for details.

To book, call our contact centre on 01342 316 101 or to find out more visit camc.com/iowoffer. www.camc.com

TRY A YURT OR SAFARI TENT WITH EXPERIENCE FREEDOM Did you know that our Experience Freedom glamping accommodation includes some fantastic canvas options, offering you the chance to enjoy a break that will live long in the memory.

Perfect for family breaks or trips with friends, our safari tents sleep up to five people, while the yurts can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Each contains proper beds (with bedding provided) and kitchen facilities and is complemented by an outdoor space with barbecue station and furniture – ideal for those longer spring, summer and autumn evenings. Guests have access to our high quality campsite facilities, including toilets and showers.

Our Experience Freedom canvas accommodation (which starts from £49 per night) is available at four locations:

n Yurts at Cayton Village (near Scarborough), North Yorkshire n Yurts at Daleacres, Kent n Yurts and safari tents at Moreton-inMarsh in the Cotswolds n Safari tents at Southland, Isle of Yurt interior Wight – book a combined Sail & Stay glamping break from £289 for four nights Find out more at camc.com/ experiencefreedom.

“The stay in the yurt was fantastic – everything you need for a great stay. Spotlessly clean and nice comfy beds and bedding, loads of room inside and a great safe decking area the dog and grandchild loved...

Would definitely recommend.”

Guest at Cayton Village Club Campsite, August 2021 June 2022 21

TOURING UK SITES Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

See camc.com for the latest site information and follow official guidelines at all times. We also recommend that you check with businesses/attractions that are listed regarding opening dates/restrictions.

22

Down time Lee Davey heads for the glorious South Downs, and onwards to the High Weald, a region offering endless opportunities for rest and recreation

www.camc.com

June 2022 23

TOURING UK SITES

1

Rowan Park Club Campsite

A lush, green campsite with a central wooded section, sitting on the northern fringes of Bognor Regis.

Pitches: 79 Tent camping available.

Member view “We booked Rowan Park for a small family gathering. [Family members] enjoyed nearby Bosham and Chichester harbour.”

Stephen and Karla

Site view “Our local beaches are clean, and you can walk your dog all year round on nearby Aldwick and Felpham beaches.”

Kay, Rick and John

Food & drink The Royal Oak, 336 Chichester Road, Bognor Regis PO21 5JF Contact: thepinkpub.co.uk, 01243 821002

Culture Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, Nr Chichester PO20 2ES Contact: tangmere-museum. org.uk, 01243 790090

Outdoor fun Chichester Treasure Trail, Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1QH Contact: treasuretrails.co.uk, 01872 263692

For the family Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf, Chichester Golf Club, Hunston Village, Chichester PO20 1AX Contact: chichestergolf.com, 01243 533833 Scan here to go online and book a pitch at Rowan Park

24 June 2022

Arundel Castle

S

outh East England is a region of contrasts: it is densely populated, in part due to its proximity to London, but this journey along the Sussex coast and inland took us along quiet backroads and byways, visiting near-empty beaches and lofty vantage points that revealed unspoilt landscapes.

When planning the trip, I had little idea that our zig-zag route from Bognor Regis to Hastings would feature such a wide variety of vistas. Along the way we would stay in Brighton and Hove, the only city along this stretch of coast, and a well-known hot spot,

but inland we were surprised to find clear, inky-black night-time skies and uninterrupted birdsong.

IS IT A BIRD…?

As a child, I was captivated by grainy TV images of eccentrics launching themselves from Bognor Regis Pier in homemade ‘flying’ machines at the annual Birdman competition.

Our return to Rowan Park Club Campsite – our starting point – reminded me of the time my son, Charlie, and I built a flying caravan for the gloriously bonkers contest – as featured in this very magazine! The Club site is perfectly situated for Birdman entrants and spectators www.camc.com

2

Choller Farm

Certificated Location Part of a working farm with far-reaching views to the east.

Features on-site fishing lakes, hardstanding pitches, electric meters and security gate.

Sites Directory & Handbook p461

Member view Littlehampton Marina Photo by Michael Potter

“We chose the site because of the area, the fishing, the animals on the farm, and the proximity to local towns and villages. We spent the day on the bicycles as the cycle path is accessed opposite.”

Michael and Louisa

Site view “The fishing is always popular, and visitors also seem to appreciate the effort we put into the site. This location is perfect for the sea and South Downs, especially for cyclists.”

Keith and Tracey Bognor Birdman, Bognor Regis

Food & drink The Holly Tree, The Street, Walberton, Arundel BN18 0PH Contact: hollytreewalberton. com, 01243 553110

Culture Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough RH20 1PH Contact: bignorroman villa.co.uk, 01798 869259

Outdoor fun Climping Beach, Climping, Littlehampton BN17 5NL

For the family

Brighton Marina Member photo by Katie Dudley www.camc.com

Harbour Park Amusements, Windmill Road, Littlehampton BN17 5LH Contact: harbourpark.com, 01903721200

June 2022 25

TOURING UK SITES

3

Littlehampton Club Campsite

A quiet spot on the northern edge of Littlehampton offering good access to the seafront, the South Downs and Arundel.

Pitches: 108

Member view “We chose the Littlehampton site as it’s within walking distance of the town centre as well as the beach and harbour.”

Alan

Site view “Arundel, especially the castle, is always popular, as is the river walk. It’s a good central place to stay.”

Jane and Tony

Food & drink

GREAT

SAVINGS Edge Café, Roastery GUIDE & Store, The Old Barn, Ford Lane, Arundel BN18 0DF Contact: edgcumbes.co.uk, 01243 555775 Member offer available: see camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Culture

Left: The Lanes, Brighton Below: the South Downs Way near Ditchling Beacon

Arundel Castle, Arundel BN18 9AB Contact: arundelcastle.org, 01903 882173

Outdoor fun Dunreyth Alpacas, Adsdean, Funtington, Chichester PO18 9DN Contact: dunreythalpacas.co.uk, 07766 252310

For the family Littlehampton beach, Littlehampton BN17 5NT Contact: visitlittlehampton.co.uk Scan here to go online and book a pitch at Littlehampton

26 June 2022

(dates in 2022 were yet to be confirmed at time of going to press), or indeed anyone who fancies a seaside holiday without the competitive element! Even though I’d stayed here before, I was taken aback by the prettiness of the site, which backs onto a nature reserve. The Site Managers – Kay and

Rick – were happy to recommend local sights, including the nearby beaches of Aldwick and Felpham, both of which welcome dogs year-round. You could also stroll along the prom and play crazy golf by the pier, while www.camc.com

Eastbourne Pier

4

Brighton

Club Campsite Sits on the outskirts of a city popular with shoppers, culture vultures and beachgoers.

Pitches: 152 Glamping and tent camping available.

Member view “Brighton has it all, from The Lanes to the pier, or a stroll from the site. Great for teenagers and grown-ups alike with plenty of things to do. The area around the marina is great for food and drink.”

Iain, Claire, Isabel and Ferne

Food & drink Captains Fish and Chips, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1ET Contact: captainsbrighton.co.uk, 07939 340458

Culture Royal Pavilion, Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE Contact: brightonmuseums. org.uk

Outdoor fun

BOOKING INFO For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com Royal Pavilio n, Brighton Member phot o by James Ba in

Bognor’s selection of bars and restaurants will cater for most tastes.

Choller Farm Certificated Location (CL) is a few miles to the north-east of Bognor, and rests on the fringes of the South Downs National Park. The site has undergone significant investment, and now features hardstanding pitches, which sit behind a www.camc.com

Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW Contact: brightonpier.co.uk, 01273 609361 South Downs Way, Clayton, West Sussex

For the family LaserZone (Brighton), 76 West Street, Brighton GREAT SAVINGS BN1 2RA GUIDE Contact: laserzone.co.uk/ brighton, 01273 227744 Member offer available: see camc.com/greatsavingsguide Scan here to go online and book a pitch at Brighton

June 2022 27

TOURING UK SITES

5

Newholme

Certificated Location A larger-than-average CL, situated to the south-west of Lewes and overlooking rolling hills. Pub and bus stop within easy walking distance. No EHU. Sites Directory & Handbook p458

Site view “We pride ourselves on being a friendly site with many members enjoying the excess produce from our allotment. Nearby Lewes and Kingston are popular as the footpath leads to either destination, depending on which way you turn.”

Colin

Food & drink The Juggs, The Street, Kingston, Lewes BN7 3NT Contact: thejuggs.co.uk, 01273 472523

Culture Seaford Museum, Martello Tower 74, The Esplanade, Seaford BN25 1JH Contact: seafordmuseum.co.uk, 01323 898222

Outdoor fun Ditchling Beacon (car park on Ditchling Road), near Ditchling Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01323 423197

For the family Drusillas Park, Alfriston Road, Alfriston BN26 5QS Contact: drusillas.co.uk, 01323 874100

Clockwise from top left: Shoreham Lighthouse; Covehurst Bay, near Fairlight; golf course and River Arun, Littlehampton; East Hill Cliff Railway, Hastings

security barrier. One motorhoming couple I met had spent a day at the on-site fishing lake and another exploring the largely trafficfree cycle route that can be accessed just a few metres from the entrance. They decided to turn left and head for the coast, although turning right takes you to the mid-point of the South Downs Way – a long-distance path and bridleway running 160km from Winchester to Eastbourne.

Cycling enthusiasts interested in taking on sections of the Way can find a useful guide at southdownsway.org.

Tony Gage

VANTAGE POINTS

28 June 2022

You have to visit the South Downs if you’re staying in this area – particularly if you’re a keen walker. Settlements were established around this expansive chalk ridge almost 5,000 years ago, when lofty vantage points such as Cissbury Ring – an Iron Age hill

fort – aided the defence of its inhabitants against attackers. Having overcome such obstacles, the Romans declared the South Downs a high-status region, building villas on their newly gained land. After the Norman conquest, beacons were erected as an early warning system against invaders from the Channel, with Ditchling Beacon (the highest point in East Sussex) used to signal the arrival of the Spanish Armada. Today, many circular walks take in these historic spots – see southdowns.gov.uk for an excellent selection, plus downloadable leaflets with detailed route instructions and maps. www.camc.com

6

Broomfield Farm Club Campsite

A rural site north of Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters, and close to the High Weald. Please note there is no toilet block.

Pitches: 48

Member view “We enjoyed walks to East Hoathly and Chiddingly and also visited Pevensey Castle and Michelham Priory.”

Peter

Site view “We are in a quiet location surrounded by wildlife, and as such, we have many members who are keen photographers.”

David and Julia

Food & drink The Kings Head, 1 High Street, East Hoathly, Lewes BN8 6DR Contact: thekingshead.org, 01825 840238

“

It’s almost like taking a soothing break in a large and lovely garden

Having explored this fascinating area, our next destination was Littlehampton Club Campsite, a short hop from Choller Farm and within easy reach of the town’s sands. Many of the people I spoke to on site had a wishlist of places to visit, with nearby Arundel and its mighty castle proving popular.

For those heading into Littlehampton, a traditional seaside feel awaits, with an amusement park keeping younger ones occupied and the harbour attracting those in search of more tranquil pottering. Dogs are also welcome at Littlehampton Beach, with some restrictions between the river and the beach huts during the summer months.

As a family, we have always found ourselves being drawn towards water during our www.camc.com

”

caravanning breaks, whether kayaking, swimming, or just relaxing alongside rivers or the sea. On this trip I decided to include a motorcycle ride running east along the coast, from Littlehampton to Worthing and on to Shoreham-by-Sea, temporarily abandoning the A-roads that I stick to when towing. As I chugged past seafront cafés on my Honda Grom, the human attraction to water was in full effect, with many folks sipping their coffees while gazing out to sea.

BRIGHT SIDE

Next, we headed to Brighton Club Campsite, which has undergone significant improvement work in recent years. Many hardstanding pitches were being refreshed as

Culture Michelham Priory and Gardens, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS Contact: sussexpast.co.uk, 01323 844224

Outdoor fun Lewes Castle, 169 High Street, Lewes BN7 1YE Contact: sussexpast.co.uk, 01273 486290

For the family Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD Contact: knockhatch.com, 01323 442051 Scan here to go online and book a pitch at Broomfield Farm

June 2022 29

TOURING UK SITES Lovely Lewes

7

Fairlight Wood Club Campsite

A quiet, verdant and intimate campsite that’s great for trips to Hastings, Rye and Camber.

Pitches: 42

Member view “We liked the idea of a smaller Club site set amongst the trees.

The nearby pub... served great food. We particularly enjoyed the small town of Rye, with its quaint cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings.”

Rob

Food & drink The Two Sawyers, Pett Road, Pett, Hastings TN35 4HB Contact: twosawyers.co.uk, 01424 812255

Culture Battle Abbey (and battlefield), High Street, Battle TN33 0AE Contact: english-heritage. org.uk

Outdoor fun Hastings Country Park, 148 Martineau Lane, Hastings TN35 5DR Contact: hastings.gov.uk

For the family C M Booth Collection of GREAT SAVINGS Historic Vehicles, Falstaff GUIDE Antiques, 63-67 High Street, Rolvenden, Cranbrook TN17 4LP Contact: morganmuseum.org.uk, 01580 241234 Member offer available: see camc.com/greatsavingsguide Scan here to go online and book a pitch at Fairlight Wood

30 June 2022

“

Don’t miss Lewes, the county town of East Sussex

”

I arrived, and I noted the Experience Freedom pods that let non-caravan/ motorhome owners join their relatives and friends on their holidays, perhaps dipping their toes into Club life for the first time.

Brighton truly has something for everyone.

There’s the pier, with its traditional seaside attractions, and The Lanes, full of independent shops and cafes. Along the seafront, Madeira Drive hosts the London to Brighton Car Run and many other events, and we stumbled across a custom car show during our visit – a welcome addition to our day at the beach.

Efficient bus services mean you can avoid the stress of city-centre parking, and the nearby harbour area is favoured by many members for essential shopping or a bite to eat. If you get tired of Brighton’s crowds, head to upmarket, tranquil Hove, where you’ll find lots of well-regarded pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Just 20 minutes’ drive north-east of Brighton is Newholme CL, a large five-unit site within the South Downs. The rear of the site offers lovely views and a footpath leads to nearby Lewes and Kingston. I was excited to learn that guests can help themselves to any excess vegetables from Newholme’s allotment, so bear this site in mind if you like cooking in your caravan or motorhome.

There’s a pub and bus stop within short

walking distance, so you can take a ride into Brighton or enjoy a drink or bite to eat locally.

Don’t miss out on Lewes, the county town of East Sussex and the home of Harvey’s Brewery. A long high street features several antique and bric-a-brac shops, while sights such as the castle and Anne of Cleves House give a taste of Sussex’s rich history.

SWEPT AWAY...

Farther inland, Broomfield Farm Club Campsite nestles between the Downs and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with another seaside town, Eastbourne, to the south. This was a new site for me, and I was struck by the peace and quiet, with just the sounds of a gentle breeze and a hardworking woodpecker wafting across the pitches.

Broomfield Farm is split into two sections: an open grassy area to the top, with woodland below. A boules court (equipment available from reception) separates the two, and the pitches in the wooded area are arranged in rings. During my visit, there was just one caravan in each enclave, and with a public footpath to the rear of the site it’s easy to see why so many members choose this spot for some rest and relaxation. It’s a photographer’s dream and, thanks to a lack of light pollution, great for stargazing on clear nights as well. www.camc.com

In pursuit of

LASTING ADVENTURE We’re coming together to bring you more adventure than ever. We don’t just share passion and expertise but also a duty to protect the outdoors. Together we walk, run, camp and ski but we can also learn, change and make a difference. We’re here to find you the right kit and help you make it last, for adventure, for the planet.

15% discount in-store and online for Caravan and Motorhome Club members.

Code: AF-TCCLUB-M1 Expires 31.12.2022.

Please visit camc.com/cotswoldoutdoor for details.

Make the right choice with our experts.

Illustration: Louise Turpin

TOURING UK SITES

“

Narrow, cobbled streets and historic houses make it easy to imagine the Rye of yore

”

Walking App You can use the Outdooractive app to enjoy a variety of walking routes in the region. The basic app is free to use, but Club members benefit from a €10 discount on Pro or Pro+ first-year subscriptions.

With the Pro version you receive features such as access to topographical maps and special activity networks, while Pro+ gives you 3D maps and more. To find out more and to see a collection of routes near Club sites, see camc.com/outdooractive.

32 June 2022

South Downs cattle The final stop on our seven-site trip was Fairlight Wood, perfectly quoted on the Club website as being “a small and intimate caravan park set in flower-rich woodland with many quaint footpaths to wander along” and “almost like taking a soothing break in a large and lovely garden”.

By this point we had left the South Downs behind for what is known as ‘1066 Country’.

The mark left by William the Conqueror on this part of the world makes it an attractive prospect for tourists and history buffs alike.

Channel-facing Hastings is synonymous with the battle of 1066, and its castle, which was built post-victory in 1067, overlooks the old and new parts of town.

You’ll have to go to Battle Abbey for the battlefield itself – audio guides (with a children’s version available) bring the field

Rye to life, providing insightful commentary on military tactics and the terrain.

Rye is another popular destination for Fairlight Wood guests. The Ypres Tower once formed part of this town’s defences, and although times have changed the narrow, cobbled streets and historic houses make it easy to imagine the Rye of yore. The Tower is now home to the Rye Castle Museum.

Rye marked the end of a trip, during which vastly different sites enabled us to enjoy the many pleasures of the seaside, tranquil countryside and fascinating history this region has to offer.

www.camc.com

Club Shop

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& More!

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TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – please check with the CL owner before booking. New CLs are also listed at camc.com/newcls.

NOTE: CL entries are identified by a reference/map number in the 2021/22 Sites Directory & Handbook.

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

NEW CLS ENGLAND

CORNWALL

REDRUTH (2.5m NW) – River Barns Bridge, Mr Chris Simmons, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4QG. 07929 303579; 07748 461842; simmonsdevelopments cornwall@gmail.com; riverbarns bridge.co.uk. 50.25729, -5.25881; 203:SW678447. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; hdstdng; wc (sh); shwr (sh); disabled facs; price fr £14 (pitch + 2 ad).

DERBYSHIRE

MATLOCK (4.5m SSW) – Lees Meadow Farm, Mr Richard Hanrahan, Middleton by Wirksworth, Matlock DE4 4LT. 07809 864513; 07956 725595; leesmeadowfarm@gmail.com.

53.089074, -1.589074; 119:SK276547.

Open 25 Apr-1 Nov; 3 acres; dogs; levelling blocks req; grass; commercial site adj; fr £12 (pitch + 2 ad).

LINCOLNSHIRE

SPILSBY (4.2m ESE) – The Old Wheelwrights Retreat, Mrs Sarah Simmonds, The Old Wheelwrights, 45 Station Road, Firsby, Spilsby PE23 5QR. 07825 261371; 01754 830044; simmonds32@hotmail.co.uk.

53.153098, 0.176598; 122:TF456639.

Open 1 Apr-31 Oct; 2 acres; adults only; dogs; sl pitches; levelling blocks req; unfenced water; grass; 10A; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

SHROPSHIRE

MUCH WENLOCK (4m SW) – Oakfield Farm, Mr Paul and Mrs Alison Bent, Bourton, Much Wenlock TF13 6JW. 01746 785317; 07539 449540; p.bent@vusufarma. com. 52.5521, -2.6119; 34 June 2022

Wells-next-the-Sea Member photo by Micky and Alison Hunt

138:SO586950. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; enhanced hdstdng – EHU with drinking water; 16A; price fr £22 (pitch + 2 ad).

SOMERSET

HIGHBRIDGE (4m SE) – Riverside View, Mr Rob and Mrs Ria Davey, Merry Lane, East Huntspill TA9 3PS. 01278 783655; booking@merryfarm.co.uk; merryfarm.co.uk. 51.203554, -2.923568; 182:ST355453. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1.5 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; enhanced hdstdng pitches – EHU with water and grey waste disposal; 16A; commercial site adj; wc (sh); shwr (sh); price fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).

WORCESTERSHIRE

EVESHAM (2.7m SE) – Tower View Farm, Mr Adam and Mrs Laura Huttlestone, Longdon Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham WR11 7RP. 07944 019219; cl@towerviewfarm. co.uk. 52.07597, -1.916526; 150:SP058419. OAY; 0.5 acres; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; waterside CL; grass; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & shop in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; price fr £15 (pitch + all occ).

WALES

GWYNEDD

CAERNARFON (6.5m S) – Garreg Wen Uchaf, Mr Alun Williams, Penygroes, Gwynedd LL54 6PP. 07789 070446; 07901 662228; alunfon@gmail.com. 53.057905, -4.281799; 155:SH471536. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; enhanced grass pitches – drinking water; 16A; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published

in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting.

70 CHESTER – Heathfield. New owners; Phil White and Jane Winnad. No change to contact details. Now adult only.

87 MALPAS – Wych Valley Caravan Park. Fishing no longer available on site.

295 BAKEWELL – Taddington Fields Farm. New contact number to replace old: 01298 85080.

486 SHAFTESBURY – Lower Liston Farm. Name changed back from Five Oaks CL to Lower Liston Farm CL. 658 WINCHESTER – Hookpit Farm Caravan Site. Email: hookpitfarmcaravansite@gmail.com 903 MABLETHORPE – Meals Farm.

New owner: Richard Brooks. New contact details: enquiries@ mealsfarm.co.uk; 01507 358917 & 07410 381325.

1108 WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA – The Old Playing Field. Email address: Lindy.green@outlook.com.

1110 WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA – Whey Curd Farm. Email address: Lindy.green@outlook.com.

1470 HAILSHAM – Longleaze. New tel no: 01323 847369 (Mrs Adam).

1637 EASINGTON – Sandalwood.

Now open 1 Mar 22-31 Oct 22, and adult only.

1778 WHITBY – Toft House Farm.

CL reopening with new owner; Mr Richard Hall 07707 238586.

1809 DEWSBURY – Savile Town

Wharf Marina. Wi-Fi now available.

Pitches are now hardstanding.

1855 CASTLE DOUGLAS – Mollance Farm. Mobile added: 07988 142946.

1898 NAIRN – Geddes House. New contact numbers: 01667 45338; 07850 352841.

1993 ABERAERON – Tyr-Wennol Rhydroser. Landline no longer in use, please call mobile 07850 002126.

WEYMOUTH – Isle View Camping.

CL reopening with new owner. Karl Fraser 07757 764015; info@ isleviewcamping.co.uk.

November 2021 Magazine IPSWICH – The Garden House. CL now has added EHU. January 2022 Magazine SWANSEA – Eastern Farm. This site has no shower facilities: Only a toilet and handbasin exclusive to CL. April 2022 Magazine ASHBOURNE – The Gables. Now has EHU (16A), enhanced pitches with drinking water and grey waste disposal at each.

CLOSURES

The following five-pitch CLs are closed and no longer certified by the Club. This does not affect any other business that a landowner may be operating.

755 STAPLEHURST – Brook Bungalow 1312 HIGHBRIDGE – Merry Farm 1891 GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY – Bogroy Croft 2077 TYWYN – Llanfendigaid 2120 NARBERTH – Oaklea (formerly Cwm Deri Vineyard) October 2021 Magazine ROSS-ON-WYE – Dymock Wood

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

See camc.com for the latest site and CL information and follow official guidelines at all times.

Please note: routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific width or height restrictions. For caravan-friendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. www.camc.com

Remote access

SPECIAL OUTER HEBRIDES

‘Speed, bonnie boat’ with your motorhome or campervan to the unspoilt Outer Hebrides. Jeremy Taylor reports

H Above: driving on the B887 towards Hushinish Bay and the Hushinish Gateway Campervan Site, Isle of Harris Insets opposite, from top: many roads are single-track; Loch Geocrab, Isle of Harris; Baleshare, North Uist

36 June 2022

ighland cattle, eider duck and adventurous otters are just some of the more unusual obstacles you might encounter on a windswept road trip around the Outer Hebrides, one of the most remote holiday destinations in the British Isles.

From Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north, the island chain off mainland north-west Scotland stretches for 130 miles, offering a landscape of breathtaking beaches and wildflower ‘machair’ moorland – with plenty of incredible wildlife in between.

However you choose to arrive, this distant corner of the country can feel like the edge of the world. Evocatively named islands such as Benbecula and Berneray are precariously strung together by causeway and ferry, with fog, wind and sea mist often forcing local transport lockdowns.

To make landfall I had a 650-mile drive from London, arriving on time to catch the Uig-Tarbert ferry from the north of Skye. On this 100-minute sea crossing to the Isle of Harris it became clear that the Outer Hebrides would provide a real break from ‘normal’ life.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, as our Mercedes campervan eases down the ramp off the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, it’s obvious that many other travellers had the same idea!

Below deck is a veritable showroom of motorhomes in all shapes and sizes, including many newly-registered models.

The Outer Hebrides (or Western Isles) has just one Certificated Location (CL), North Boisdale on South Uist (see page 520 of the Sites Directory & Handbook). Large sites

simply don’t exist here and many visiting tourers prefer the camping locations which dot the islands, most of which offer incredible sea views and are actively supported by the local community. (See panel on page 39 for more information.)

SLEEPY SUNDAYS

The tiny port of Tarbert is sleepy at the best of times but, if you arrive on a Sunday, even a takeaway coffee is off the menu. You might want to fill up with fuel on mainland Skye, as garages are also shut on Sundays – although some offer self-service with a credit card.

There are only four roads to choose from out of Tarbert, so sat-nav is not a necessity. The main A859 runs north to Lewis and south to South Harris; a small road east winds its way back to the island of Scalpay; and we chose the single-track B887, which heads due west towards the setting sun and Hushinish Bay. It’s roughly 14 miles along the coast, and I doubt I’ve travelled anywhere quite so jaw-droppingly spectacular anywhere in the UK. Before its dead-end the road twists, turns and rises past the chimney stack of the old Bunavoneader Whaling Station, North Harris Eagle Observatory and swanky Amhuinnsuidhe Castle hotel.

I guarantee you won’t be able to drive this route without stopping at least once to appreciate a stunning vista. After negotiating sheep and Highland cattle, our destination is Hushinish Gateway, a community centre which provides a modern shelter with showers, waste water facility and water supply.

Campervans are welcome in the car park next to the picture-perfect beach, but if you want to escape the ‘crowds’, 800 yards back up the road is the Hushinish Gateway Campervan Site, with electric hook-ups and a

Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris

OUTER THIS WORLD...

Consider the following fantastic attractions THE STORY OF HARRIS TWEED

ST KILDA

Book in advance for a bucket-list visit to the uninhabited islands of St Kilda (above), or sign up for a whale- or dolphin-spotting cruise.

Contact: visitouterhebrides.co.uk

CALANAIS VISITOR CENTRE

Visit the ancient stone circle used for rituals that has survived 5,000 years of Hebridean weather! Ponder the past from the warmth of the café.

Contact: calanais.org; 01851 621422

www.camc.com

Watch weavers work their magic on ancient looms and learn about the history of this iconic textile. See website for opening details.

Contact: harristweed.org; 01851 702269

ISLE OF HARRIS DISTILLERY

A working distillery offering tours and a wee dram by a warming peat fire.

Contact: harrisdistillery.com

LEWS CASTLE AND MUSEUM Learn more about the history and culture of the islands at this newly opened attraction on Lewis.

Contact: lews-castle.co.uk; 01851 822746

June 2022 37

Club Shop

Cadac BBQ

Exclusive Offer

Cadac Grillo Chef BBQ 40 Chef Pan Combo

£225 full price

+FREE

Pizza Stone worth £28

£202.50 for Members

Make the most of the summer with the Grillo Chef BBQ 40 Chef Pan Combo kit!

Includes chef pan, grill plate, and pot stand for a varied al-fresco menu, and packs down neatly for easy cleaning, transport and storage.

This is so much more than a gas BBQ. You can cook, fry, roast, smoke, grill, and even bake with the additional pizza stone included in this special offer for Club Members.

Don’t miss out – this offer is exclusively for Members online at Club Shop using the discount code CS-0218-PRIMA only while stocks last.

Pizza Lifter

Lift your freshly baked pizza without mess or burnt fingers with Cadac’s easy-clean stainless steel pizza lifter.

£15.00 full price £13.50 for Members

Mini Smoker Box

Camping Cook Book

£11.00 full price £9.90 for Members

£10.00 full price £9.00 for Members

Simply add wood chips, pop the BBQ lid on, and enjoy delicately smoked meals in minutes – nothing quite beats it!

Packed with deliciously simple and daring recipes, Cadac’s camping cookbook is ideal for mealtime inspiration.

Buy online now at: shop.camc.com Club Shop offers are subject to change at any time and are available while stocks last.

SPECIAL OUTER HEBRIDES Calanais Stones, Isle of Lewis

INFORMATION FOR CLUB MEMBERS

BOOK

ON TH E

A PP

North Boisdale CL at North Boisdale, South Uist has hardstanding pitches with hook-ups and Wi-Fi, from £15 per night. Contact: 01878 700408. The following main Club sites could act as good bases prior to an expedition to the Outer Hebrides: Bunree, Morvich or Kinlochewe.

GETTING THERE AND BACK

“

A five-ferry Island Hopper ticket with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) can cost under £150 for a motorhome and two passengers. Jeremy’s tip is to call rather than use the website – the friendly staff are very helpful.

Contact: calmac.co.uk

The road north finally runs out at the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point of the archipelago

chance to spot seals and dolphins in the bay below. Visitors make a donation online.

The following day we head back to Tarbert and then north to Stornoway which, with around 6,000 inhabitants, is home to roughly a third of the population of the Outer Hebrides.

We take the opportunity to stock up with bread at the Blackhouse Bakery, while Islander Shellfish by the quay provides fresh scallops for an evening barbecue.

The road north finally runs out at the Butt of Lewis – also the most northerly point of the archipelago. Even in the summer, the wind can be challenging on the hour-long walk to the lighthouse, and I’m ready for a fish supper by the time we return to our van. Tonight we’ve pitched at a private croft site called The Uncles Croft, just outside the Port of Ness (£10 parking, £5 hook-up, 07765 533936).

BY ROAD AND SEA

The next day it’s a two-hour drive due south again to catch the Leverburgh ferry to Bernerary, although our boat is late due to fog. The delay leaves no time to explore the endless sandy beaches and thatched cottages on the island, where Prince Charles secretly stayed for a week in 1987 to learn about crofting.

Bernerary is connected by causeway to lake-strewn North Uist, a flatter and more rugged island linked farther south to the coastal bird lands of Benbecula – famous for eider duck, crane and snipe – and then on to www.camc.com

”

mountainous South Uist. Tranquil North Boisdale CL is less than a mile from the beach and open all year – activity options nearby include fishing, shooting, chartered sea fishing, bird watching and walking.

We drive over another causeway – look out for otters! – to the island of Eriskay, where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil in 1745. Catch the ferry south to Barra and Vatersay or, like us, head for home on a stunning five-hour sail back to Oban in the Western Highlands.

Good weather is never guaranteed in the Outer Hebrides, but the locals always have a warm welcome. Its unique islands harbour Gaelic traditions and spectacular scenery.

Haste ye back...

Stunning island scenery

CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES

You can take a caravan on all CalMac ferry routes to, from and within the Outer Hebrides.

Please contact the ferry operator in advance using the website above if you have any concerns relating to the type/ length of your outfit, requirements when driving on to or off ferries, etc. This page also contains useful information: calmac.co.uk/faqs/before-yougo/caravan-motorhomecampervan-trailer-information.

Be aware that many of the roads are single-track and some are not suitable for towing caravans or larger motorhomes. We would recommend that you research your trip thoroughly before you set off, and book accommodation in advance if you can. Fellow Club members with experience of touring in the Outer Hebrides may be able to provide more information, if needed, at Club Together (camc.com/clubtogether).

CAMPING

The tourism website visitouterhebrides.co.uk contains useful advice for visitors regarding places to stay – a free map detailing all permitted camping locations, as well as facilities, can be downloaded. The website also provides advice on toilets, recycling points and chemical toilet disposal sites, and explains how you can follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

June 2022 39

FOREIGN TOURING CROATIA Right: Croatia boasts a vast number of islands

1

PLEASE FOLLOW OFFICIAL TRAVEL RULES AT ALL TIMES – SEE GOV.UK/FOREIGNTRAVEL-ADVICE

Camping Park Umag (Club ref: X11) A short boat ride from Croatia’s lovely Brijuni islands and overlooking its own stretch of beach, this vast site has excellent facilities, including several pools.

Touring pitches: 2,800

Food & drink Konoba Malo Selo, Fratrija 1, Kaldanija1, 52460 Buje Contact: 00385 52 777 332

All images except site pictures: Croatian National Tourist Office

Site view “You must try one of the boat trips sailing around the coves in the azure blue sea, starting with a typical sailor’s breakfast of dried figs and brandy. Alternatively, head out on one of the cycle or walking trails through shaded woods up onto sunny hilltops looking down at the medieval towns and River Mirna below.”

Roberta Pozzecco Biber

Idyllic Adriatic A

Heidi Fuller-Love takes a deep dive into the Istria region and beyond

Culture Degrassi winery, 52475 Savudrija Contact: degrassi.hr, 00385 52 759 250

Outdoor fun Brijuni boat tours Contact: gas-boat.com, 00385 99 451 6699

For the family Savudrija Lighthouse, Savudrija

40 June 2022

fter a week of messing about on the water in Venice, one sunny Sunday morning in late spring we hopped over the border near Trieste, rolled along Slovenia’s coastline for half an hour and entered Croatian Istria, the country’s westernmost peninsula.

It was also going to be a trip down memory lane for us: in 1989 we travelled through Croatia – which was then part of Yugoslavia – in an old Citröen 2CV, spending nights in damp guesthouses and surviving on spam, jam and ersatz coffee.

Now, however, as we avoided tolls and traffic on a meandering road to our first site in Umag, we were bowled over by the changes: once grim, grey houses were bright and inviting; shops that showcased woollen socks and clumpy shoes now sold stylish dresses and elegant suits; and restaurants offered far more inviting fare.

Driving through rolling hills planted with vines and olives, we reached the walled town of Buje, with its striking medieval tower and ancient stone houses. Here we stopped off for lunch at Konoba Malo Selo, a cosy restaurant owned by the same family for several generations (enjoying a

www.camc.com

Pula Arena

succulent platter of homemade ravioli sprinkled with musky, garlicky slivers of white truffle), before making our way to Camping Park Umag.

MAGNIFICENT UMAG

With its swimming pools, seafront bar and tree-shaded pitches, this large and lovely site overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea was a perfect base for exploring the area.

Early the next morning we followed a coastal pathway to the town of Umag itself, known to racket sport fans as the site of the annual Croatia Open Umag, the country’s oldest and most famous tennis tournament. www.camc.com

Savudrija Lighthouse

Working up an appetite by wandering the old town’s cobbled streets (stopping to view the beautiful frescoes on the ceiling of the glorious 16th-century St Roche’s church), we headed to the Lido, a lovely restaurant on the seafront where we dined on local specialty hobotnica ispod pekom – deliciously tender octopus slow-cooked in a stone oven. After lunch we hopped on Umag’s little tourist train for a breezy ride along the coast to Katoro, where we splashed around in the (chilly) water and lazed on the pretty, pebble-strewn beach until sunset.

On another afternoon we hired bikes in Umag and cycled along sandy paths to

Hanging boats

Savudrija, site of the Adriatic’s oldest working lighthouse. The ride along partly unpaved roads, pedalling through pretty hamlets framed by brilliant blue seascapes, was glorious. Sadly, it’s no longer possible to climb to the top of the 95ft lighthouse, but this striking tower was the perfect backdrop for another sight that is unique to Savudrija.

Due to harsh winds known as lebić, locals suspend their small fishing boats on a framework of wooden poles when not in use, and from afar these suspended vessels look like washing hung out to dry.

After lunch in Porto Salvore, an excellent fish restaurant, we cycled back along the coast to June 2022 41

FOREIGN TOURING CROATIA

2

Plitvice Holiday Resort (Club ref: X10)

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this site is surrounded by forest on the fringes of the Plitvice National Park. It also has a restaurant serving delicious local specialities.

Pitches: 168

Site view “Plitvice Lakes National Park is only 8km from the site, and there is a shuttle bus from the site in the summer months. Walk or take a boat trip in this heaven on earth with its 16 crystal-clear turquoise lakes and the virgin forest containing deer, small game and many bird species. The lakes are considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful natural areas.”

Reception staff

Food & drink Konoba Tarsa, J Kulfaneka 10, Strmica, 51000 Rijeka Contact: tarsa-konoba.com, 00385 51 452 089

Culture Barać Caves, Nova Kršlja 47a, 47245 Rakovica Contact: barac-caves.com, 00385 47 782 113

Outdoor fun Rastoke (village), 47240 Slunj

For the family Plitvice Lakes National Park Contact: np-plitvicka-jezera.hr, 00385 53 751 015

42 June 2022

“

”

Pula, Istria’s largest city, oozes charm

Bašanija for a tasting session at Degrassi, one of Croatia’s leading wine producers.

Before leaving Umag we took a boat trip to visit the breathtaking Brijuni archipelago, which consists of 14 islands. We spent a fascinating day exploring Veliki Brijun, which was the summer home of the Yugoslavian leader, Josip Broz Tito, after the Second World War. Part of the Brijuni National Park, the island also boasts a safari park packed with exotic animals.

PULLED TO PULA

The following morning, we wiggled down the coast towards Pula, stopping en route to visit pretty Poreč with its cobblestone streets and charming little cafés clustered around a UNESCO World Heritage-classed sixth-century basilica, and then detouring to visit Rovinj’s breathtaking Heritage Museum, which houses Italian art dating back to the 1400s.

With its near-intact Roman architectural remains – including a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre where gladiators once battled – Pula, Istria’s largest city, oozes charm, and we weren’t surprised to learn that writer James Joyce lived here at the start of the 20th century.

Leaving Pula in late afternoon sunshine, we followed the busy E751 to Rijeka, Croatia’s third city. There, we made a beeline for Konoba Tarsa, a backstreet café renowned for

its local specialities, including dark pie, a pastry Pandora’s box packed with squid, cuttlefish and octopus.

After a peaceful night rocked by waves aboard the quirky Botel Marina, a floating hotel moored in Rijeka’s picturesque port, we followed the Kvarner Gulf, catching hazy glimpses of Krk, Cres and other islands, and then climbed inland via Jezerane and Modruš to our final destination, Plitvice Holiday Resort.

Over the next few days we picnicked on slices of punjena paprika (meat-stuffed pepper) and cešnjovka (spicy sausage) alongside Plitvice National Park’s glittering lakes; we dived deep to see the stalagmites at Barać Caves; and we visited Rastoke, a pretty hamlet of traditional wood-shingled houses surrounded by gushing waterfalls and a magical tangle of hiking trails.

We agreed that Plitvice Holiday Resort, a green oasis at the heart of Croatia – and a world away from the busy beach resorts – was the perfect place to end our stay.

If Heidi has inspired you, visit camc.com/ overseas to book these campsites or to view our 24-night Slovenia and Croatia escorted tour departing in September.

www.camc.com

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

NEW SENSATION You’ll have the experience of a lifetime on an independent caravan (or motorhome) tour of New Zealand

Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

The Grand New Zealand Caravan Tour From glaciers and fjords to mesmerising geothermal landscapes, New Zealand has it all – and you could experience everything the magical North and South islands have to offer on our ultimate caravan tour! Your campsites, towcar and caravan hire are all arranged for you in advance – so all you have to worry about is enjoying your adventure. (This tour can also be undertaken in a motorhome – see camc.com/worldwide for details.)

Following your flight you will stay for two nights in Christchurch on the South Island, where you will have the opportunity to explore its beautiful public gardens and architecture.

Once you ve picked up your touring outfit, the holiday starts in earnest with a drive towards iconic Mount Cook (Aoraki). Highlights in this region might include a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo

or a photo opportunity at Lake Pukaki, famed for its icy blue waters.

You then head south-westwards for Lake Wanaka at the foot of a mountain range (known to Lord of the Rings fans as the Misty Mountains ) and on to ueenstown, regarded as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Here you could enjoy bungee jumping, jet boating, rafting or horse trekking – or take a full day s tour to spectacular Milford Sound.

Heading west and then north, you will take in the lush scenery of Mount Aspiring National Park on the coast before arriving at the remarkable Fox Glacier. Consider a walk to the terminal face of the glacier, or the more adventurous could embark on a helicopter tour.

Before you depart the South Island, take in a change of scenery in Abel Tasman National Park, where you’ll find some of the loveliest beaches in the country. From

Wai-o-Tapu

Mount Taranaki

the picturesque fishing village of Picton you will then sail through beautiful ueen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait to the North Island.

After experiencing historic Wellington, head up the west coast to Whanganui, where you could take a cruise on the Waimarie paddle steamer. It’s then on via New Plymouth and the stunning villages bordering the Tasman Sea to Waitamo, which is famed for its cave system filled with stalactites, stalagmites and glow worms.

On arrival in Auckland – ew ealand s largest city – take time to visit museums, art galleries, or maybe immerse yourself in the ballet or the opera. Heading south again, Middle Earth fans are in for another treat at Matamata, where you can visit Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings films.

More visual treats await in the geothermal region of Wai-o-Tapu, where you can witness the likes of the Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser, and Te Puia with its bubbling mud pools.

Then, as you make your way towards the South Island for your flight home, you will be able to explore further highlights such as the Huka Falls, Lake Taupo and the otherworldly Tongariro National Park.

Truly a journey of a lifetime!

When you’re ready to explore again, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We offer a full refund or amendment of your package holiday if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, borders close or you’d need to quarantine on arrival at your destination*. Find out more at camc.com/ wwconfidence. * Covers holiday cancellations in line with FCDO advice.

T&Cs apply.

Duration/type: 36 days/ independent caravan or motorhome tour Departs: year-round Price: from £4,299pp based on two sharing Price includes: flights from the UK to New Zealand, all transfers, two nights at a Christchurch hotel with breakfast, car and caravan** hire for 31 days, 30 nights pre-booked campsites, ferry crossings from Picton to Wellington and from Wellington to Picton. ** Motorhome hire option also available

For information on this tour and others, please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 www.camc.com

June 2022 45

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

Look out for special offers on campsites in our brochure – visit camc.com/brochures to view online or order your free copy

FRANCE CALLING Have you booked your overseas holiday yet? Check out our great last-minute site ideas in fabulous France

Club ref: A04

Club ref: P06

Club ref: N02

Club ref: B16

There’s still time to book a fantastic getaway across the Channel this summer. Whether you’re looking for outstanding scenery, fantastic on-site facilities, beaches, cycling and walking routes or cultural attractions, there is a campsite on our overseas network that is perfect for you. France is also perfect for those new to European touring – here is a selection of sites you might like to consider. And remember, if you book a campsite at the same time as a ferry or Eurotunnel crossing via the Club, you benefit from financial security through our ABTA bonding and extra protection due to the Package Travel Regulations. Visit camc.com/ overseaspackages to find out more.

NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE Le Logis du Breuil (Club ref: A04) Bordered by woodland, within easy reach of the sandy beaches of the Charente coast, this is a popular site with Club members. Families will be drawn to the impressive water park and its slides as well as a multi-sports field (basketball, football and volleyball), while the more

adventurous might like to hire bicycles and explore the bike paths that run through the forest of La Palmyre. The Zoo La Palmyre – home to the likes of tigers, cheetahs and giant otters – is just a short drive away.

Special offer: stay seven nights or more and receive a free bottle of wine or one hour of Wi-Fi ( 7 May-8 July and 20 August-29 September 2022) HAUTS-DE-FRANCE Le Château de Drancourt (Club ref: P06) About an hour-and-a-quarter’s drive from the port of Calais, Le Château de Drancourt is a great spot for those new to overseas touring. A recently renovated pool complex, games room and mini-golf course will appeal to younger visitors, while wildlife enthusiasts will be drawn to Marquenterre Park within the Somme Bay nature reserve. Places to visit include the striking Château Fort de Rambures and the peaceful Crécy Forest.

Special offer: book 10 nights or more and receive 10% off (15 April-8 July 2022)

NORMANDY Le Château de Lez-Eaux (Club ref: N02) Close to the ports of Saint-Malo and Caen, this is another great choice for those heading to France for the first time. You could take a trip to iconic Mont Saint-Michel or visit Granville, home of the fascinating Roc des Curiosités museum and aquarium as well as the Christian Dior museum.

On-site attractions include a games room, tennis courts, fishing lake and indoor, tropical-themed water park.

Special offer: stay 14 nights or more and receive three nights free (15 April-2 July and 29 August10 September 2022) BRITTANY Du Poulquer (Club ref: B16) Just 200m from the sandy beach at Bénodet and 1km from the town centre, this campsite on the Finistère coast has an outdoor pool complex, small shop and snack bar, while day trips can be enjoyed at Concarneau and Quimper, where you will find a beautiful Gothic cathedral and fine art museum.

FOR MORE TOP SUMMER HOLIDAY IDEAS HEAD TO CAMC.COM/SUMMERHOLIDAY 46 June 2022

DON T FORGET n If you book an overseas site, Eurotunnel or ferry crossing through the Club you’ll get the best price – guaranteed! To nd out more see camc.com/ pricematch. n Red Pennant emergency assistance protects you and your vehicle while touring Europe.

See camc.com/ redpennant for more information.

PLEASE FOLLOW OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDELINES AND SEE CAMC.COM FOR FURTHER ADVICE

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Looking ahead

COLUMN GREEN MATTERS

Mark Feast, Sustainability Advisor at the Club, chats to Andrea Nicholas of Green Tourism about her organisation and how it can shape our approach to environmental issues

A

s discussed on page 7 of this issue, the Club is working with Green Tourism, a company that promotes greener ways of operating and offers advice on related matters to organisations such as ours. Club Sustainability Advisor Mark Feast spoke to Andrea Nicholas, Chief Executive and co-founder of Green Tourism, about ways in which our efforts will benefit the environment, the Club and its members.

Mark Feast: Hi Andrea, thank you for taking the time to discuss and introduce Green Tourism to our members. When and why did Green Tourism come to be?

Andrea Nicholas: Green Tourism has been running for 25 years, during which time we have developed an internationally respected accreditation scheme which now has over 2,500 members in 22 countries. It was founded to provide expert advice and eco-development programmes to help businesses get greener whilst saving them money and helping the environment, and to provide a benchmark to prove that businesses have taken Andrea Nicholas, on sustainability as Chief Executive an integral part of their and co-founder business strategy. of Green Tourism

MF: What are the main goals and purposes of Green Tourism?

AN: The main goals and purposes are to help businesses to operate in a greener way and provide advice on how to Care for People , Care for Places and Care for Our Planet . Our goal is to help businesses www.camc.com

become more sustainable, contribute to their destination and engage and influence people to change their behaviour and make a difference. Key areas include helping businesses to reduce their energy, water usage, waste output, and their carbon footprint. It also includes aspects such as buying local and seasonal produce to limit food miles, supporting local culture, looking after nature, promoting biodiversity, and embedding sustainability into all aspects of their business.

MF: What is the benefit of Green Tourism membership?

AN: The benefits of Green Tourism membership are many. It demonstrates to customers, suppliers, other businesses, and stakeholders that you are committed to a greener way of operating and that by becoming a Green Tourism member and gaining accreditation you have demonstrated this.

MF: How can members get involved?

AN: Members can all play a part in helping the Club become a progressive, environmentally caring organisation, by simply reading the individual site’s Greener Guest Guide when they visit and following it whilst on site. [Actions] could be recycling their waste, taking shorter showers, using environmentally friendly toilet products and respecting wildlife and the environment. Getting feedback, encouragement and suggestions from members when they are on site is a great way to make sure you are doing the right thing, not miss any quick wins or obvious easy improvements and benefit from the expertise and areas of interest that they may have.

MF: If you had just one bit of advice for the Club and our members, what would you recommend and why?

AN: Look at what you do, what is in your control and what you could change for the better. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the big issues that need to change for a more sustainable future. So we recommend you step back and look at things in bite-size pieces, identify those quick wins that can be done without spending a lot of money. It is surprising how much can be achieved just by small changes in behaviour, such as not automatically jumping in the car to go to the shops, instead taking a walk and appreciating nature which can be great for your own wellbeing as well as the planet.

Small changes to help you operate or live in a more sustainable way can make a significant difference. n You can read more of Mark and Andrea s conversation at camc.com/blog.

Bellever Tor, Dartmoor near Modbury Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Pattenden

June 2022 49

Letters

Send your letters to: magazine@camc.com.

Members can save 8% on National Trust Gift Cards, which can be redeemed in National Trust cafés and shops, in the Trust’s online shop and towards gift membership packs. See camc.com/nationaltrust for more information.

STAR LETTER

Your chance to have your say. The writer of our Star Letter will receive a £30 National Trust Gift Card

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

SOLID START Reading John Bishop’s letter (April edition) made me smile as I had a similar experience in the 1970s, albeit not involving a motorcycle and sidecar. My uncle Reg was a Fred Dibnah of his day who could turn his hand to anything. Like Fred, if it could not be bought then Reg would make it.

It was no surprise when he announced that he intended to build a caravan. It was always going to be a strong job as he made the chassis and frame from angle iron which was welded and bolted – if one screw would do then Reg would use six bolts then weld it just to make sure. The skin was of marine plywood and my dad, being a painter and decorator by trade, got the job of finishing it off – that’s him and myself in the picture. The finished article was painted and varnished with two bunks divided by a central aisle, plus a small Campingaz burner and sink for the kitchen.

I only remember using it in earnest once when we took it to the Yorkshire Dales in 1977

TUNEFUL TOURERS

and stayed at Hawes, this proving to be a very interesting maiden voyage. The caravan weighed a ton and so it was quite a handful when being towed. Having rubber suspension, there was very little give, and when it hit a bump, it took off, giving the impression you were being pushed by an elephant. This applied the overrun brakes, so that when it landed the wheels were locked, causing a dead weight behind the car before the brakes released. Given that this all took place in seconds meant it was a fun ride. My poor car did not like it one bit.

I do not know what happened to it, but one thing is certain, it would not have rusted away (or unlike John Bishop’s experience, been in danger of blowing away either).

It did leave an impression on me as my wife and I bought our first motorhome some years later and have been members of the Club ever since.

John Randall, Buckinghamshire

In response to Gary Martin s request to hear about unusual hobbies when out in our mobile homes [April edition], my partner and I take our ukuleles with us on our travels everywhere.

We have found we are at our most creative writing songs and playing music together when we are away in our motorhome. With none of the usual distractions, we can concentrate on practice and composition. It is great when the weather isn t so good and we don t feel like venturing out, or to relax after a long walk.

We try not to play too loud so we don t disturb our neighbours of course Sometimes we meet up with friends who play instruments and have a jam over a glass of something!

Linda Monaghan, via email www.camc.com

DISC WORLD

These are some of my 30 site plaques collected since putting my new Auto-Sleeper Harmony on the road in 1999 with my late wife whilst living in Berkshire. After a gap of nine years I got the Harmony back again having moved to Hampshire and have added 24 more plaques with my partner.

They’re attached to the fabric lining with a small piece of Velcro with plenty of space for more!

Terry Hammond, via email

ONLY HERE FOR THE PIER

Our family stayed at the Littlehampton Club Campsite during the Easter holidays. It was an excellent base and we had a great time visiting the area. My 14-year-old son, Rory, took this photo of our dog, Smokey, surveying the ruined West Pier in Brighton.

Fiona Barry, via email June 2022 51

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

WING AND A PRAYER We are birdwatchers/photographers and always take advantage of staying on sites in areas that offer interesting birdwatching opportunities. Our favourite species is the osprey – a fish-eating raptor that returns to the UK to breed every spring. They mostly overwinter in west Africa (we normally fly out for three weeks of osprey watching in December) but a good number spend the winter in Iberia. Some of them can be identified by a coloured/ numbered/lettered leg ring and we love to find, photograph and report our sightings. In February we spent five weeks in Portugal travelling around likely areas searching for ospreys. Our total mileage for the trip was 2,638 miles and we saw 29 different ospreys, including four that could be identified by their leg rings – one German, two Scottish and one English.

We finally managed to identify a Rutland Water bird on our last day in Portugal. We first saw him on 5 February but we were too far away to read the ring. We returned to the area on 28 February and spent hours and hours over the next two days cycling up and down the river bank looking for him. On the third day, our very last morning in Portugal, we parked the Pollyvan in one of his favourite areas in the hope he would appear. No sign at all and then it started drizzling. We had to leave at midday to ensure we made it back to Santander for our ferry booking, so we packed everything away and had a coffee. I stepped outside for a ciggie and there he was – talk about last chance saloon!

Pip Rowe & Vic Paine, via email

MISSING LINCS?

As a retired single person, I enjoy staying on small CL sites.

Last year I wrote in about two excellent sites I’d found – Water Buffalo Farm, near Yeovil, and Pyewell Farm, near Bideford.

I’ve now discovered a third which I wanted to tell fellow members about.

Mealand Hill is just outside Kirmington, in north Lincolnshire, close to Humberside Airport. It has stunning views and you can hear the skylarks singing from your caravan – I would highly recommend it. On the subject of CLs – it would be nice if there were plastic discs similar to the ones you can buy for Club sites to remind you of your stay at a particular CL. Colin Mew, via email www.camc.com

PLOT OF GOLD The gold underneath this rainbow is Goatfell Farm CL near Leek, Staffordshire. With stunning views and access to the Peak District, we really enjoyed our recent stay.

Alison and Graham Charlesworth, via email

WHAT’S GOT YOU TALKING? Each month, we highlight one of the conversations on our Club Together forum at camc.com/clubtogether.

This time – where to go for a maiden voyage...

“

Hi all, we are picking up our first ever camper van. We would welcome any suggestions as to where to go for our first camping adventure... somewhere which has all the mod cons for ease... either in England or Wales, thanks. amwa You could try the Club’s Freshwater East site, near Manorbier in Pembrokeshire. It’s a coastal site, in a lovely location...

Takethedogalong Cirencester Park wouldn’t be that far and is a very nice site, certainly all the mod cons, including regular visits by fish and chip vans and the like...

SteveL Somewhere near home for your first outing so you can pop back (on a bike or a bus) for things you have forgotten. Then you can go further away when you have got everything in place. Enjoy your new vehicle. eurortraveller You might like Pembrey [Country Park] (pictured below), it s not too far from your home area, it’s a good site with all mod cons, fairly level and you’ve got access straight into the adjoining country park and lovely beach. Town and shops nearby. Good safe cycling all round there too. You can always ask on site for help, other visitors are usually friendly!” brue www.camc.com

”

June 2022 53

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

FRIENDS REUNITED The editor asked about hobbies that we partake in when travelling – well it may not exactly be a hobby, but how about the simple joy of visiting friends and family?

When I suggested that we should buy a campervan with my pension, [my husband] wasn’t convinced that I would take to it. After all, in over 45 years of marriage he had never learnt the art of getting me away from home without kicking and screaming!

But we live in the north of Scotland and visiting friends and relatives could be a nightmare of flights, hire cars or long motorway trips. I decided that a new campervan could become a home from home.

After studying all the catalogues at length, we set off for the October 2019 show at the NEC. We viewed every van at the show and found our dream at the Rapido stand. Of course, during the first year we were unable to use it much due to the pandemic, but picnics with the

grandchildren and driving off for long walks with friends, finishing with a G&T sitting outside (not for the driver obviously!) made it a wonderful summer.

And, we have visited friends. They always seem to think that we would be more comfortable sleeping in their house, but no, it is lovely to be in our own comfy beds and there are no worries about leaving stuff behind!

Any friend with a flat drive, 6.5m long, is fair game now. Sometimes we realise that friends are nearby and so we can renew acquaintances that may otherwise be lost as we grow older.

Because we are not a burden to them, we feel free to ask if we can drop by and have had some wonderful times reminiscing about the old days.

This year we have planned a trip to Shetland to visit our grandson and a trip to Germany for a reunion – the campervan really is the perfect way to catch up with friends and loved ones.

Patricia Eccles, Highland

CHURCH RESCUE My wife and I have just returned from a week’s stay at Littlehampton Club Campsite. While there we visited a church. As my wife took a moment to reflect, sitting on a pew, a lady popped her head inside, and then withdrew, closing the door behind her.

There was the sound of a key being turned and we were now locked inside the church! We attempted to attract attention by banging on the door and also the windows, hoping the lady would release us. My wife turned on as many lights as she could, hoping they might be noticed.

We looked for phone numbers of anyone we might contact to come to our aid. All those plans failed, so we phoned the Club site and spoke to Karen, who was only on her fourth day at the site with her husband Paul. We explained our predicament and Karen made several calls, trying the obvious numbers first before phoning the police who directed her to the fire brigade.

Finally, Karen was successful and the cavalry was on its way. We were incredibly relieved to hear the sound of a key in the big lock again, and once we were free I’m told I may have said, “I know congregations are a little down, but really, locking folk in on a Saturday for the Sunday service is a bit much!” Without the excellent help from Paul and Karen this story could have had a less happy ending!

Peter and Susan Saunders, via email

Super service

ADVICE PLEASE

One of the greatest delights in my life has been caravanning: it has enabled me to visit so many places and, importantly, to have a home from home when spending time with my children and grandchildren, who live a considerable distance from us. My last trip was to support my daughter and her new baby.

It was working well: we were able to be on hand when needed, visit friends in the area and have uninterrupted nights! But unfortunately while there I had a fall which resulted in damage to my spinal cord and I am now tetraplegic, confined to a wheelchair or bed, needing 24-hour support.

I am aware that it is possible to get an adapted caravan or motorhome. And finding suitable accommodation in hotels and self catering is both rare and expensive. I am also just missing caravanning for itself. I would therefore greatly appreciate knowing if there are other members with my level of injury who have experience of using a caravan or motorhome and would be willing to advise me on the feasibility?

Lynda Shaw, via email Editor's note: Thank you for your email Lynda. If any members have advice, please write in to magazine@camc.com. The following web page contains useful information as well as a list of specialist suppliers: caravanclub.co.uk/ advice-and-training/technical-advice/disabilities-and-special-requirements.

54 June 2022

For a number of years we have booked ferries to France and Spain through the Club. The crossings have usually been a trouble-free experiences but on those occasions when there could have been a problem, the Club s travel staff have performed their magic. Some years ago French fishermen blockaded the Channel ports with almost no notice. The day before travelling we had a phone call from the Club and were advised to still go to check-in at Dover as planned. Our delay turned out only to be a few hours but during our holiday we met several other Brits who had followed [differing] advice and subsequently lost several days of their holiday.

Recently we heard the news about the problems with P&O and a week before we were due to travel we received a text from the Club giving us advice. We decided to call the Travel Service.

With a friendly but very efficient service from the agent, our booking was transferred to a different company and with only the charge for the different destination port. It was a simple process and once again we have experienced how beneficial (not only in service but in cost as well) it has been to book through the Club.

Ray Grove, via email

Your mag needs you!

We would love to hear about your previous adventures and plans for the future!

Please email us at magazine@camc.com.

www.camc.com

Club Shop

COUNTRY MATTERS WOODPECKERS

SPOT

THE DIFFERENCE Similar in appearance to its great cousin, the lesser spotted woodpecker is relatively rare in this country. David Chapman explains how to improve your chances of seeing this elusive bird

I

n the April issue I showcased the fascinating treecreeper. This month I will continue the arboreal theme by focusing on the woodpecker family, and in particular the smallest of its kind – the lesser spotted woodpecker.

In the UK we have three breeding species of woodpecker. The largest is the green woodpecker, aptly named because of its green plumage and yellow rump. It is probably best known for its loud laughing call, which is often described as a ‘yaffle’. The green woodpecker makes its nest hole in a tree, as you might expect, but is most likely to be spotted on the ground, where it feeds on ants.

The second largest British woodpecker, and the largest ‘pied’ (two-coloured) woodpecker in Europe, is the great spotted woodpecker. Though it is known for its black-and-white plumage, both genders in all plumages have a red vent (the area under the tail); adult males have a red spot on the back of the head and juveniles of both genders have a red cap. The great spotted is familiar to many of us because it is relatively common and regularly visits garden bird feeders, enjoying suet, fat balls and peanuts.

56 June 2022

A female lesser spotted woodpecker

www.camc.com

A female (left) and male (right) lesser spotted woodpecker return food to the nest

STAY AT

I often see lesser spotted woodpeckers at Yarner Wood, Dartmoor, which is close to Stover Club Campsite (below).

Other sites which are handy for woodpecker-friendly environments include: Rookesbury Park and Black Knowl in Hampshire, and Thetford Forest in Norfolk.

June 2022 57

COUNTRY MATTERS WOODPECKERS

Breakfast time: a male lesser spotted woodpecker carrying grubs and caterpillars

LOOK OUT FOR

A comparison of the great spotted and green woodpeckers: n The female great spotted woodpecker is pied except for

“

often performed in two bursts

n The male great spotted woodpecker has a red spot

LESS IS MORE

n great spotted woodpeckers,

cap, as well as n woodpecker colourful, a loud laugh; red moustache, so is n The streaked moustache of woodpecker

58 June 2022

Its ‘drum roll’ is

This brings me neatly to the lesser spotted woodpecker. About the size of a sparrow, it is the smallest woodpecker across Europe. Like the ‘great spot’, it is classified as pied, though the male is not truly pied as it has a red cap.

It can be hard to differentiate between the lesser and its great cousin. Size is usually a sufficient measure, but there are other features to look out for. The lesser spotted has a very small beak, even for its diminutive size. The great spotted has a big white patch on its wings, where the lesser spotted has a barred pattern of white dots and, crucially, in all plumages, lacks the red vent of its larger relative.

Encountering lesser spotted woodpeckers is never easy, especially as they tend to live in the higher, thinner branches of trees where they evade our attention. They can be found across most of England and Wales, but are drawn to the mature oaks of forests and parkland. As a result they are absent from the more exposed areas of the far west and north. Across their range they are thinly distributed; according to the British Trust for Ornithology there are an estimated 800 pairs in the UK compared to about 30,000 pairs of great spotted.

”

Both the pied woodpeckers drum to establish their territories. Although not as loud, the ‘drum-roll’ of the lesser spotted is longer and often performed in two bursts separated by a split second. The two species make their nests in holes, which they chip out from the trunks of dead trees (the lesser spotted tends to make its nest hole higher up).

Our chances of seeing lesser spotted woodpeckers increase slightly during May and early June when they feed their young at the nest hole. Adult birds will be very busy collecting food and returning to the nest site every few minutes – so it is worth looking carefully at dead tree trunks for a small natural hole with a diameter of about 3cm.

Some lucky gardeners even have lesser spotted woodpeckers visiting their bird feeders in winter – an incentive to all of us to keep feeding the birds in our gardens.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

www.camc.com

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TEST T@B 400

LITTLE WONDER Rob McCabe is bowled over by the T@b 400 from Germany – a diminutive caravan that is packed full of surprises

WATCH

VIDEO ON THE

MAG

APP

Download the Club Magazine App from the App Store or Google Play.

To read more vehicle reviews and see more video tests, visit camc.com/blog.

60 June 2022

S

o, how’s this for something a bit different? The characterful, German-built T@b 400 impresses with its looks even in its more sober guise – but add the riot of colour and extra bodywork of the Mexican Sunset option and you get something really rather dramatic. Buy this caravan, and you’d certainly stand out wherever you took it.

Let’s take a closer look...

BUILD QUALITY

It’s small, yes, but sturdy with it – if the T@b were a rugby player, it would be a scrum half. The thick, thumping, all-aluminium exterior certainly gives the impression it would emerge unscathed from any crunching tackles it might be subjected to. Inside, the sturdiness of the surfaces, the quality of the materials and the neatness of the joinery reassure us that this caravan is in it for the long haul.

TOWING

The T@b is supremely aerodynamic. With that wind-cheating profile, a modest 1,200kg MTPLM and a nice, long A-frame to aid stability, towing it should be straightforward for a wide range of cars – and it’s very easy to manhandle into position once you’ve unhitched.

DAYTIME

Own of one of these, and you’ll be able to sell tickets to the legions of folk who will want to see what on earth it looks like inside. Given the low square-footage, many will expect little more than somewhere to sit that turns into a bed – and the means to boil a pan of water.

Instead, what you get is a caravan with the full house of hot and cold water; heating with blown-air outlets; washroom with shower; hob and fridge; several mains sockets; and an interior brimming with design flair. The icing on the cake for many will be the presence of a fixed double bed. What – in a thing this size? Yes, really. www.camc.com

TECHNICAL

Price:

£26,214 OTR Bed sizes:

Front single: 6ft 5in × 2ft 4in Rear fixed double: 6ft 6in × 4ft 7in Heating:

Truma space heater with blownair outlets Fridge:

106-litre Dometic fridge-freezer Toilet:

Thetford electric flush MRO: 980kg (with full freshwater tank) MTPLM: 1,200kg User payload: 220kg Overall length: 19ft 7in (5.97m) Overall width: 7ft 4½in (2.25m) Overall height:

This page, clockwise from top: sculpted, clip-on table helps maximise space up front; stylish kitchen worktop; clever storage solutions abound; solid-looking exterior The front seating area – we can’t accurately call it a lounge – is really nice to behold, with its sculpted clip-on table, fabulous porthole windows and highly attractive upholstery. It’s also surprisingly comfy to sit in, although I reckon I’d have to remove the pelmet, which brushed against my head too often for my liking.

If you fancy a bit of feet-up relaxing, just kick off your shoes, grab your glass of wine and flop out on the bed. This is also where you’d have the TV, either on the shelf at the foot of the bed or on a dealer-fitted wall bracket (a Status aerial is also an option).

It looks like the designers had fun making a storage opportunity out of every bit of empty space – shelves, luggage nets, cubby holes and lockers abound, my favourite being the coolly lit shelving next to the porthole on the offside of the lounge. You’ll also find a mains socket in here – one of five on board.

The big space under the bed can be accessed in its entirety via an exterior hatch that neatly secures against the side wall when open, and that old-schoolwww.camc.com

styled gas locker can accommodate two 11kg cylinders (that’ll keep you going for a bit…). The Truma heating operates on gas or electricity, and there’s even a 45-litre inboard fresh water tank.

NIGHT-TIME

Another surprise is that the T@b can actually cater for three people at night. Unclip that chunky front table, fold the leg halfway, slot it in to make a base, rearrange the upholstery a bit and you have a very good, roomy single bed.

The main attraction, of course, is that transverse double at the back. It’s extremely comfy and features a headboard at either end, although only the nearside wall has a reading light and a cubby hole for your overnight gubbins. Everything else will have to go on the shelf at the other end of the bed.

The curvy panoramic window at the rear is electrically operated, so you can fine-tune just how much light you want to let in.

8ft 7in (2.61m) Max headroom: 6ft 6in (1.98m) Figures taken from manufacturer s literature

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL YOUR VEHICLE? From brand new models to used caravans and motorhomes, we display thousands of vehicles at camc. com/classifieds.

It’s free to post an ad and Club members can receive a 30% discount on a premium ad.

See website above for more info and terms and conditions.

June 2022 61

TEST T@B 400

Right: front seating area turns into a great third berth Far right: super-smart washroom Below right: rear double is supremely comfortable

KITCHEN RATINGS

95%

BUILD QUALITY

90%

TOWING

90%

DAYTIME

88%

NIGHT-TIME

84%

KITCHEN

96%

WASHROOM

93%

LIGHTING

91%

OVERALL

With thanks to: Test caravan supplied

by Adventure Leisure Vehicles, Tebay Business Park, Old Tebay, Penrith CA10 3SS (adventurelv.com, 01539 624141) 62 June 2022

Three gas rings is what you get – so no grill, oven or microwave. Personally, I’d invest £70 or so in a toaster and a compact microwave, which could be stashed under the bed when not needed. But now the elephant in the room has been addressed, we can talk about how marvellous this kitchen is in all other regards.

Storage is great – that cylindrical cupboard under the sink is vast, and there’s an always-useful pull-out wire rack. The work surface is surprisingly generous, and there’s even a pop-up extension on the bedroom side. The hob and sink are elegantly styled and so is the fridge, which is very cleverly concealed behind a door that matches the rest of the wood on board – a lovely design touch.

WASHROOM

Quite simply the nicest caravan wet room I’ve seen in years. It’s super-smart, boasting a porthole window protected by a swish Venetian blind, a nicely styled washbasin unit and exceptional lighting that really shows it off at its best. Storage options are almost too generous. There’s a shower if you need it – just relocate the wash basin tap to the wall bracket.

LIGHTING

Shame about that missing reading light by the bed, but no complaints otherwise. The washroom is the star, with two switches that give you lots of options, including glamorous backlighting for the big mirror.

There are ambient strips throughout the interior, three flush-fitting downlighters that take care of the kitchen and a piercing outside light. And, hey – how about that domestic-style ceiling lamp at the front?

VERDICT The word ‘different’ isn’t always a compliment – but when you can add to it adjectives such as ‘stylish’, ‘clever’, ‘practical’ and ‘well-built’, it certainly is.

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £395.88* per year. See camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details.

*Based on Standard cover on a new-for-old cover basis, with a cover limit of £26,214 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Includes discount of 15% for Al-Ko ATC. A copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

www.camc.com

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Great value and excellent service when required Ashley Sansom - Club member

Caravan Cover you can trust With our award-winning Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Nearly 90% of all cover holders renewed with us in 2021*. Plus, we have been voted by our members 5 out of 5 stars Excellent on Trustpilot.

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EVENTS SITES AND TEMPORARY SITES

EVENTS DIARY

Looking for some holiday inspiration? Why not take in an event near a Club campsite or pitch up at a temporary site?

Club Campsite pick 2 July The Doggy Summer Garden Paw-ty Set in the grounds of Scorrier House near Redruth, this event has been especially created for you and your four-legged friend.

Attractions are set to include a dog show, woodland walks, have-a-go agility, canine products and services, a seminar zone, street food and more...

Stay at: St Agnes Beacon Club Campsite Info: adoggydayout.co.uk

21-22 June The Royal Cheshire County Show One of the largest two-day county shows in the country, this event features farm animals, a food hall, live cookery theatre, vintage machinery, a dog show and more. The temporary site has fresh water and chemical waste disposal and is opposite the showground, in Tabley. You can also use your time to explore nearby market towns like Knutsford and Northwich and attractions such as Tatton Park.

Advance show tickets will be available at a discounted price, granting admission to the show for both days.

Temporary site open: 19-24 June 2022 Contact: Paul and Sandra on 01782 513276 or 07974 107078, or email bowler.rallies@ btinternet.com.

westsurreycentre.co.uk). For show tickets apply directly via rhs. org.uk/shows-events/ rhs-hampton-court-palacegarden-festival.

Temporary site open: 4-9 July 2022 Contact: Tim on 07713 258956 or via tim_howlett@hotmail.com.

13-14 August Driffield Steam Fair This is a major fair showcasing steam engines, vintage cars, motorcycles and more. Look out too for arena displays, traditional amusements, fairground organs, trade stands and a bar. See driffieldsteamfair. co.uk for full details. East Yorkshire Centre s rally is inside the showground.

Temporary site open: 10-14 August 2022 Contact: eastyorkshire centre.co.uk

Club Campsite pick 8-10 July Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival Plans are well underway for a big comeback event in Newton Stewart, celebrating the very best in traditional music. The likes of Damien O ane Ron Block Band, Sarah Markey Band and Gr inne Brady have confirmed, while Irish fiddle player Megan Nic Fhionnghaile is also on the bill. On Saturday 9 July head to the Minnigaff Playing Fields to watch the Scottish Highland Dancing competition. Look out too for stalls manned by crafters, local food producers and traders opposite the dancing marquee.

Stay at: Garlieston Club Campsite Info: tradmusic.com www.camc.com

4-9 July

24-25 September

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival Join West Surrey Centre’s temporary site at Apps Court Farm, adjacent to Sunbury Lock.

A free bus will be provided to and from the festival (a special booking form is available from

Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props Taking place at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, this is a great chance to see classic cars and breathtaking aerial displays. There will be high-octane motorsports throughout the weekend

featuring historic racing cars, hot rods and motorcycles, while many of the UK’s best classic car and motorcycle clubs will be showcasing their vehicles. The temporary site hosted by Hertfordshire Centre will be on the showground.

Toilet blocks and showers will be available.

Temporary site open: 23-26 September 2022 Contact: Sandie and Alan on 01767 640263 or 07887 541762, or email sandiejevans@gmail.com.

n Note: Temporary sites enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with like-minded members. Please book in advance where possible. If you would like to promote a temporary site set up around a major event, please contact john.thynne@camc.com.

June 2022 65

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre Lines The latest news from across the country

Pevensey Castle

North Staffs charity push The North Staffordshire Centre has split £200 in charity funds between Dougie Mac – which provides hospice services to people in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffs and the surrounding villages – and the Macari Centre which offers support and shelter to homeless people in Stoke-on-Trent. The cash was collected via rally raffles and other fundraising activities. Pictured (right) are the Centre s Fundraising Officer Maureen Joyce and former Stoke City FC manager and Scotland international Lou Macari.

RALLY ROSTER

Each month we highlight a few rallies taking place within or near the region covered by our main touring feature (p20-32 this month).

See centre websites for more information.

And so say all of us...

We thought members might like to read this letter from rallying newcomers Karen and Trevor Bishop. Their experience sums up what being part of a Centre is all about...

“We have just returned from our first rally, at Rye College, with South London Centre, Easter 14-18 April, in our first motorhome, purchased in December 2021.

“We felt compelled to let other members know what a fabulous time we had. Booking with Karen via email and phone was a delight. We were greeted and warmly welcomed by Tony.

Instantly assisted with water filling by John.

“That evening and following evenings, we were befriended by Karen and Tony,

Jen and Paul, Mark and Karen, Mel and Jen, Charles and Ann. They made us feel at ease, were warm, generous and funny. Everyone on site was lovely.

“The organisers and friends worked extremely hard and laid on a fabulous Easter weekend. We can t thank them enough for making our first rally an amazing and friendly experience and have booked future centre rallies.

We urge all Club members to join and support centre rallies. Caravans and motorhomes are not just for holidays. They are great fun with and without all the facilities of Club sites. Make the most of yours and meet lovely people too.”

1-3 July Lower Tye Farm, Hayling Island (camcwestsussexcentre.co.uk) 1-3 July Fairfields Farm, Pevensey (eastsussexcc.org.uk) 8-10 July Laughing Fish, Isfield (camcwestsussexcentre.co.uk) 15-17 July Ladies Rally, Whitehouse Farm, Uckfield (eastsussexcc.org.uk)

Peak performers

Yorkshire Dales Centre members are planning to take on the 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge walk in July. A rally is being held in Rathmell, Settle, from 8 to 10 July to coincide with the event. For more information please contact rallysec@ydcc.co.uk and see ydcc.co.uk.

All abroad Details of overseas centre rallies in 2022 FRANCE

8-22 June Location: Camping Resort La Yole Host Centre: Norfolk Details: This site is perfectly located close to the sandy beaches of the Vendée. Along the coast to the north, you will find the lively, chic resort of Saint-Jean-de-Monts.

18 June-2 July Location: Camping Les Saules Host Centre: Cheshire Details: The rally site is just a five-minute drive from the quaint 66 June 2022

village of Cheverny (church pictured right) with its white stone houses and distinctive church, in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Châteaux such as Chitenay, Chambord, Beauregard and Blois are within easy reach.

27 June-9 July Location: Camping Le Paradis Host Centre: Suffolk Details: Located in the heart of the

Dordogne, Camping Le Paradis is set close to the beautiful village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. This well-maintained, family-run campsite boasts an excellent restaurant serving fresh, local produce where possible.

SPAIN

18 June-2 July Location: Camping L’Amfora Host Centre: Derbyshire Details: This peaceful, spacious site boasts the likes of a pool complex, tennis courts and a mini golf course. The site is close to

Roses, Spain

magnificent sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying a selection of watersports.

Rallies can be booked through Alan Rogers, part of The Caravan Club Ltd. For more information see alanrogersrallies.com, email rallies@alanrogers.com or call 01580 214070. www.camc.com

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Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

PART TWO

DESIG CLASSICS

Sammy Faircloth reveals the results of the Campervan and Van Conversion categories in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards 2022 This month we return to Birmingham s EC as we share the results of the Campervan and Van Conversion categories in the Club s Motorhome Campervan Design Awards 2022. (For the results of the A-Class and Coachbuilt categories, please see the May 2022 issue.)

After weeks of digesting technical information, the udges were able to view 29 campers and van conversions at the show to complete their

assessments. Once again, they were collectively impressed by the innovation shown by the various entrants. Here we present the six Class winners, along with alternative picks in each category.

Within the leisure touring industry, the conversion arena has seen the strongest growth – and there is a thirst for more niche vehicles among customers. There are now outfits that are suited to cycling tours,

family holidays, multi-purpose use, off-grid stays and more extreme adventures. There is something for everyone, and this competition draws out some of the best.

Notes: all prices listed correct as of 23 February 2022 and reflect delivery and fitted options as judged. For the latest prices and availability contact dealerships. For details of all this yea ent ie , lea e ee camc.com/ motorhomedesign.

CAMPERVANS UNDER 5M

WELLHOUSE LEISURE FORD CUSTOM TRE TO 3

AUTO-SLEEPER FORD AIR CAMPERVA WINNER: AUTO-SLEEPER FORD AIR CAMPERVAN (£66,995) Based on a Ford Transit van, this new edition Air thoroughly impressed the udges. It certainly is compact, making it easy to drive and park. It was noted that it is the most powerful in this class , and the width of the Ford Transit base vehicle means that the beds are a decent size. Thanks to a pop-top roof, the Air Campervan sleeps four comfortably and is very practical for families.

Features include a Dometic portable toilet, Webasto ambient heating, wireless charging pad, external barbecue point, 60W solar panel and lithium leisure battery.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: BILBO’S CAMPER CONVERSIONS NEXA + HIGH TOP (£65,995) If you re looking to downsize, this might be the campervan for you. It s a two-berther that would suit a couple who en oy day trips and would like the option to stay overnight, it has a pop-top roof to create standing room inside. The dinette converts to two single beds (or a double if you opt for the upgrade). The rear kitchen was referred to as the best in this class it has a three-ring gas hob, grill and 50-litre compressor fridge.

BILBO S CAMPER CO VERSIO S E A HIGH TOP

68 June 2022

ALTERNATIVE PICK: VOLKSLEISURE NORTH STAR (£61,425) A contender in 2021, the orth Star continues to impress. Volksleisure s ethos is that your campervan should be an everyday vehicle that can be used for the school run, taking rubbish to the tip, etc. The interior s contemporary feel re ects this, but its Achilles heel is the kitchen there is no oven/grill and minimal prep space.

However, this is a truly multi-functional vehicle, which one udge described as a superb exible camper .

ALTERNATIVE PICK: WELLHOUSE LEISURE FORD CUSTOM TRENTO 3 (£60,200) The Trento 3 is an excellent camper using a high-end base vehicle (Ford Tourneo) with high-end kit to match.

The sliding rails and sliding doors on both sides make this a very functional vehicle and there is easy access to the portable toilet.

Stand-out features include a Webasto heater (with mobile phone app control), remote-controlled lighting, an ef cient Vitrifrigo fridge and a 150V solar panel.

VOL SLEISURE ORTH STAR

www.camc.com

CAMPERVANS OVER 5M WINNER: THREE BRIDGE TOURER (£50,892) Competitively priced, this “cool and innovative camper” is certainly a trailblazer. There is no provision for LPG, with two 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries taking care of power requirements, and no waste water tank. Other exceptional features are an induction hob and generous payload. One judge felt that it was “well-made” with a “good finish”.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: ECOWAGON VOLKSWAGEN T6.1 EXPO PLUS (£109,033) This “hugely appealing” campervan will impress, but it does come with a hefty price tag.

It is a “beautifully designed and finished” van with curved edges accentuated by remote-controlled dimmable LED lights. So, what else do you get for your money? VB air suspension, 350W solar panel,

ECOWAGON VOLKSWAGEN T6.1 EXPO PLUS

“

Cool and innovative

Thule wind-out awning, rear camera, barbecue point, shower point, leather upholstery, step light and soft-close drawers. However, it is missing an oven/grill.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: VISIONTECH AUTOMOTIVE LATITUDE (£79,995) VisionTech’s latest campervan boasts a jazzy interior design with elegant curved edges, drawers with electro-magnetic locking, a boiling water tap and mood

” THREE BRIDGE TOURER

lighting. This van would appeal to any budding chef as it has two kitchens – one interior and one to the rear exterior – but it’s a shame that there is no sink inside. It wouldn’t be fun washing up in the rain. Comments by judges included “absolutely beautiful”, “superb finish” and “stunning camper with bags of showroom appeal”.

VISIONTECH AUTOMOTIVE LATITUDE

www.camc.com

69

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

VAN CONVERSIONS WITH A RISING OR POP-TOP ROOF UNDER 6M

ADRIA TWIN SPORTS 600 SPB WINNER: ADRIA TWIN SPORTS 600 SPB (£67,225) A firm favourite with the judging panel, the Twin Sport 600 SPB was described as a “hugely desirable van”. With flush windows, sporty graphics and a modern, no-fuss interior, it will definitely appeal to a young, active family. It is flooded with light thanks to two skylights, one of which is an exclusive design

by Adria. A swivel wall maximises space in the washroom and creates the feeling of a separate shower cubicle. The kitchen is on the small side, but this shouldn’t detract from what is a “lovely-looking pop-top van conversion”.

ELDDIS AUTOQUEST CV80

www.camc.com

ALTERNATIVE PICK: ELDDIS AUTOQUEST CV80 (£54,195) A very ‘British’ layout, with a rear lounge area that converts into a reasonable double bed (4ft 3in × 6ft 1in), central washroom and kitchen, front Pullman-style dining area and a good-size double bed (4ft 8in × 7ft 0in) in the pop-top roof. Although it s a four-berth, a limited payload of 399kg would probably make it more suitable for couples. The light

interior design and large skylight in the pop-top roof create brightness. This, coupled with the Whale CompleteHeat 4.7kW Dual-fuel space-saving heating, makes it a warm, comfortable, all-year round van conversion at an affordable price.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: WEINSBERG CARABUS 540 MQ (£61,500) If you have limited space on your driveway, or if you don’t like

“

driving long vehicles, then this four-berth could be the van for you. It is a mere 5.4m in length but certainly packs a lot of punch – there are some lovely features such as touch-LED spotlights, adjustable rear seats for a comfier travelling position, skylight in the pop-top roof, Truma iNet X control system, and charging tray. A super “compact and bijoux” van that has the best payload in this class at 650kg.

A mere 5.4m, it certainly packs a lot of punch

”

WEINSBERG CARABUS 540 MQ

June 2022 71

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

VAN CONVERSIONS WITH A RISING OR POP-TOP ROOF OVER 6M

AUTO-TRAIL EXPEDITION 68

THREE BRIDGE TREK

WINNER: THREE BRIDGE TREK (£95,000) It’s another win for a Three Bridge!

New for 2022 is the impressive Trek, which led one judge to exclaim, “Wow, just wow, utterly stunning.”

Based on a Volkswagen MAN TGE, this van conversion is very forwardthinking and embraces modern technology, removing the need for gas. The “outstanding attention to quality and detail and really intelligent design” is what made it a

winner. Stand-out features include the induction hob, magnetic device mounting points, Victron app, remote-controlled mood lighting, adjustable super-comfy passenger seats, Dometic ceramic toilet and 5G onboard internet.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: AUTO-TRAIL EXPEDITION 68 (£53,481) New for 2022 is Auto-Trail’s first dedicated sports van, designed with cyclists in mind. The

pull-out trays under the rear bed can accommodate four bikes and are designed for easy loading and unloading. Its appealing price, decent payload (510kg) and uncomplicated décor makes this an ideal van for a sporty couple. However, with beds for four, it may also appeal to a family, though it would be a “squeeze” for four adults.

VAN CONVERSIONS WITH A FIXED ROOF UNDER 6M WINNER: RP MOTORHOMES EXCLUSIVE TWIN REBEL AWD (£121,815) Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, this Rebel AWD does not feature the popular slide-out washroom as it has done in previous years, but it still concentrates on high-end equipment in a van under six metres. Offering great off-grid capability and a superb payload (970kg), this van conversion is designed to take you anywhere in style. “It’s suited to the extreme explorer that likes to go off the beaten track,” said one judge, while another pointed out it is built to an “excellent specification” and “hugely desirable” if you have both the money and the C1 licence. This manufacturer certainly thinks outside the box.

COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV20

72 June 2022

RP MOTORHOMES EXCLUSIVE TWIN REBEL AWD ALTERNATIVE PICK: COMPASS AVANTGARDE CV20 (£47,379) At a slightly more affordable price, the Avantgarde CV20 was described as “a traditional van conversion with no frills”.

Ideal for singles and couples, the rear bench seating can be used as two single beds or converted into a large double.

The new Fiat Ducato Series 8 chassis cab has lovely new features

like the 5in colour display as standard with Bluetooth, USB connection, Audio Streaming and DAB radio.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: KNAUS BOXSTAR 600 STREET (£65,523) The BoxStar 600 Street has some great, innovative features. The ‘floating’ dinette table ensures you can sit at meal times without getting tangled up around the

table leg. Travel seats can extend out in various directions, adding to comfort when travelling or parked up on-site. The washroom has a sliding mirror with hidden shelves, there are integrated shoe storage compartments in the floor, and you ll find LED touch reading lights with USB ports. It was described as a “delightful, well-built van with some super features”.

KNAUS BOXSTAR 600 STREET

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Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

VAN CONVERSIONS WITH A FIXED ROOF OVER 6M WINNER: WILDAX CITROËN SOLARIS XL (£58,995) The Solaris XL has been around for a while but still impresses the judges – one commented that it is “a sensible, well-thought out and well-built van”. This is a super family van conversion at a great price. WildAx’s layout is somewhat different from others in this class, with excellent bunk beds that are 6ft 8in in length, and a rear corner washroom. The top bunk can fold away to create another seating area. An impressive galley kitchen incorporates four gas rings, microwave, grill, oven, 141-litre fridge-freezer, loads of storage and plenty of worktop space.

“One of the most appealing van conversions for families,” summed up an assessor.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: MALIBU CHARMING GT SKYVIEW 640 LE RB (£71,745) Built by German giant Carthago, the Malibu s design and finish stand-out in this category”. This is a really innovative van that wants

JUDGES Our expert panellists spent many hours rigorously examining websites, data sheets and other sources online before assessing the vehicles at the NEC. You can read about the team on p88 of the May issue.

WILDAX CITROEN SOLARIS XL

to make the most of the space.

There are no high cupboards in the kitchen, allowing a good through-view to the bedroom, making the vehicle feel bigger/ wider. But the real highlight is in the washroom – its door opens outwards and locks across the

MALIBU CHARMING GT SKYVIEW 640 LE RB

www.camc.com

“

An innovative van that wants to make the most of the space

”

corridor, separating the bedroom area from the kitchen/dining area.

Inside a side panel wall can fold back to provide more room while the toilet swivels into a cubby hole, turning the washroom into an en-suite – “it’s like solving a puzzle”.

Truly a charming van conversion.

OTHER ENTRIES In addition to the campervans and van conversions featured on this and preceding pages, the following were also entered in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards 2022. You can read about them on our website at camc.com/ motorhomedesign. n Adria Twin Sports 640 SG n Adria Twin Supreme 640 SPB Family n Auto-Sleeper Peugeot Kingham n Auto-Trail Expedition 66 n Auto-Trail V-Line 635 Sport n Compass Avantgarde CV80 n Elddis Autoquest CV40 n Malibu compact 540 DB n Rimor Fiat Horus 38 n RP Motorhomes Rebellion 4 n WildAx Citroën Pulsar n WildAx Ford Proteus

June 2022 75

PRODUCT SHOWCASE TOURING KIT

Adventure time!

Jane McGowan checks out kit for ralliers, energy savers and off-grid adventurers

Lepro LED Camping Lantern Vango Radiate DLX Chair

Those who participate in Centre rallies are made of stern stuff... and most are happy to hit the road all year round! However, there is nothing wrong with a bit of luxury once you are pitched up, and that is where the Vango Radiate DLX chair comes in. Containing a built-in, Graphene heating element, the chair warms while you unwind. Simply connect to a power source (even a power bank), sit back and get comfortable – which is also very easy thanks to the DLX’s seven reclining position options. A padded back and headrest finish off a fine range of features.

RRP: £120 Colour: red Contact: vango.co.uk

If you are into multi-purpose gadgets, then this clever LED lantern is for you. It comes complete with two removable flashlights (batteries are included for when these torches are detached from main unit) – with each featuring a standard front light and an LED side light. The lantern is fitted with built-in rechargeable batteries that can be topped up via a USB cable and car charger (supplied). A full charge takes between four and five hours. Fitted with a compass and carry handles, this is a great little product.

RRP: £24.98 Weight: 0.74kg Contact: lepro.co.uk

FANCY RALLYING?

Most Club Centres – like-minded groups of caravanners and motorhomers spread into geographical areas across the country – organise regular weekend events or ‘rallies’. Although some venues will have electric hook-up, you will usually need to make use of your on-board washroom and cooking equipment. To find out more about Centres and rallying, see camc.com/centres.

76 June 2022

www.camc.com

Sunstore 12V Solar Battery Charger – 40W Briefcase

If you are keen to curb your carbon footprint, this solar battery charger will keep your 12V leisure battery topped up while you re pitched up.

The briefcase-style panel comes in a protective carry case that is easy to both transport and store. It includes a built-in, easy set-up stand and, once open, can be used in both sunny and overcast conditions. It features a built-in regulator and charge controller that monitors the battery condition and protects against over-charging, reverse charging and short circuits.

RRP: £123.30 Size: folded 34.5cm(h) x 47cm(w) x 6cm(d) Contact: sunstore.co.uk

Cadac Safari Chef Compact 30

Nothing beats a barbecue when you want to get the weekend started!

This one has a range of features such as a barbecue grid, flat plate, pot stand and pot/lid, so you can add an ‘al fresco’ feel to anything from Cumberland sausages to coq-au-vin. The grid and flat plate are protected by Cadac’s GreenGrill ceramic coating, which, according to manufacturers, makes the surface “harder and more scratch-resistant than ER traditional non-stick, and it ME MB G SAVIN LE retains heat better so you use B VAILA A less gas”. Operates directly from a 227g gas cartridge.

RRP: £140 (available for £126 via the Club Shop; see shop.camc.com for details and terms and conditions) Size: 30cm (width) Weight: 3.8kg (unpacked) Contact: cadacuk.com

www.camc.com

Teepee Play Tent

ER MEMB R OFFE

The whole family can get into the festival atmosphere thanks to this fun play tent from Mountain Warehouse. The teepee, which is available in pink and blue versions, can be set up and folded down easily and comes complete with outer, groundsheet and poles.

Ideal for picnics or on the beach, it can also be set up indoors to recreate all that holiday fun.

RRP: £39.99 Member offer: save 15% (see camc.com/ mountainwarehouse for details and terms and conditions) Contact: mountainwarehouse.com

M&S Rainbow Picnic Gin Glasses

After a day on the rally field, there's nothing quite like a glass of something nice as the sun goes down. The gin craze shows no sign of abating, so why not enjoy the nation’s favourite tipple in one of these elegant glasses from Marks & Spencer.

Made from lightweight but durable plastic, the ‘goldfish bowl’-style vessels are finished with a delicate rainbow hue.

The set is part of a range that also includes Champagne flutes, tumblers, wine glasses and a drinks dispenser.

Hand wash only.

RRP: £15 Size: 21.8cm(h) Contact: marksand spencer.com

77

SPECIAL: ADVERTISING FEATURE

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover: top tips from our top technicians.

With a few quick checks and a bit of pre-journey prep, you can help keep your outfit in tip-top condition. Before you head out with your caravan, motorhome, or campervan, check these tips straight from the MAYDAY tech team.

Checks outside the vehicle 1. Check and lightly lubricate the caravan handbrake mechanism (white spray grease works well, just don’t use too much).

2. Make sure gas tanks are switched off before and while you travel, unless your motorhome has a crash-sensing gas regulator and you need to use a gas appliance while travelling (such as heating).

3. Check your tyre pressure and your tyre tread condition (look for cracks, cuts, or bulges). Wheel nuts and bolts should be tight as well. Don’t forget to check your spare wheel too!

4. Make sure any safety devices are activated, such as a stabiliser or electronic stability control system.

Checks inside the vehicle 1. Make sure wall and floor vents are unrestricted, as they help bring in fresh air and dissipate waste gases and any LPG leakage. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, check that it’s in date, tested, and functioning correctly.

2. Check that your leisure batteries are in a good condition and fully charged (because nobody wants an appliance to fail mid-way through a holiday).

3. Keep your campervan, motorhome, or tow-vehicle topped up with oil, water, and screen wash.

4. Put important equipment somewhere that’s quick and easy to access. This includes locking wheel nut keys, hitch lock keys, fluorescent vests, and a couple of warning triangles.

Double check your manufacturer’s recommendation on weight limits and think about your storage areas.

To improve your outfit stability and make your trip more comfortable, distribute luggage/equipment evenly and keep your heaviest items low down and over the axles.

It’s also worth having regular habitation checks / services from a professional. This is the best way to avoid any potential hazards and keep your vehicle in the best condition possible.

Lines open Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am–5pm.

Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover is provided by Green Flag and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation. A sample policy wording including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

A few extra checks for caravans 1. Make sure the hitch is properly engaged onto the towball. Check any indicator markers on the hitch itself, then double-check this by winding the jockey wheel until the rear of the towcar is lifted just above the normal ride height.

2. Ensure the breakaway cable is attached correctly.

3. Check that all your road lights are working before you set off. Faulty lights are the most common roadworthiness fault found on caravans.

4. Take your caravan for a 20-minute drive, then carefully check your wheels for excessive heat (just don’t touch them directly). Excessive heat could mean brake or wheel bearing issues, so that would need professional help.

Don’t wait until the last minute Make sure you do all these checks nice and early, that way you can get any problems fixed before your trip.

It’s also worth planning your route ahead of time.

A sat nav won’t know that you’re towing something or driving a larger vehicle, so it might not give you the safest or best possible route. A route planner can help you find the best way from A to B.

Last but not least, get some extra peace of mind Even with all the checks above, breakdowns and other stressful situations can still happen. But don’t worry, that’s where MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover comes in.

Before your next trip, get 24 hours a day, 7 days a week cover from just £74 a year.

Call 0345 366 6579 or visit camc.com/MAYDAY

ACTIVITY BREAKS POTTERY

POTS OF FUN

A two-hour taster session on the pottery wheel at Potterydayz costs £50.

Info: potterydayz. business.site, 07967 215745.

Stay: Stamford Club Campsite

80 June 2022

IN A

spin Jonathan Manning takes his place at the potter’s wheel and finds the process as rewarding as the end results

C

amping crockery tends to be lightweight and made of unbreakable plastic for good reason. But wouldn’t it be nice to occasionally start your day by eating cereal from a bowl with a story behind it – a work of art that adds form to bland function?

Truth be told, after I had spent two hours at a potter’s wheel, ‘work of art’ might be a gross exaggeration – although the experience of transforming a lump of clay into something useful was worth every minute.

‘Crafting’ – from sewing to sourdough making and painting to patchwork – has soared in popularity recently, as so many of us have sought ways to occupy idle hands and whirling minds.

For each activity there seems to be an accompanying television series: The Great British Bake Off elevated baking from sponge cakes to showstoppers; The Great British Sewing Bee shifted the horizon from attaching buttons to making prom dresses; and The Repair Shop showcases the vanishing skills of leatherwork, upholstery and joinery. But if there’s a champion among all these chicken soups for the soul, it’s surely Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, where, week by week, contestants are challenged to fashion the most uninspiring raw material into exquisite ceramic milk bottles, wall clocks, Japanese tea sets, table lamps and autobiographical sculptures.

www.camc.com

“Pottery is a combination of art, sculpture and architecture,” says Richard Gibson, who runs Potterydayz in King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire, just five miles from Stamford Club Campsite, and only 12 from Ferry Meadows Club Campsite in Peterborough. “Plus chemistry when it comes to glazing,” he adds.

His light and airy workshop at the foot of his garden has four potters’ wheels, a rough and ready wooden table, and buckets of spoil in which he is recovering clay that never quite made it into a pot, bowl, mug or vase. After my first attempt I’m surprised any clay becomes a finished item – think Generation Game mishap.

Opposite and above: Jonathan makes some progress Below: Richard Gibson – a master at work

THROWING SHAPES

The day starts with Richard demonstrating how to centre the clay on the wheel, constantly wetting the spinning lump as he pushes it diagonally away with his left hand while applying pressure with his right to keep the clay in place. Seconds later, he’s creating a hole in the middle with two fingers, enlarging it and then thinning and lifting the edges to create a perfect pot the height of a tall mug. It is incredible to watch something so fiendishly difficult made to look easy by an expert.

First up, there’s the speed of the wheel, controlled with an accelerator-style pedal. The faster it spins, the easier it is to centre the clay on the wheel, yet natural caution urges a slow XX

ACTIVITY BREAKS POTTERY Left: “Pottery is a combination of art, sculpture and architecture,” says Richard Gibson

BOOK

GIVE IT A WHIRL

ON TH E

Three other places to try your hand at pottery

“

The faster it spins, the easier it is to centre the clay

rotation. Then there’s the sensitivity of this rotating dome of clay to the slightest movement – it might withstand significant pressure from your arms, but lift your fingers too quickly and it starts to oscillate. This can be corrected during the centring process, but once potforming has begun, oscillation is terminal.

As my first attempt threatens to spin into orbit, Richard advises: “When you’re lifting the side, come to the top without coughing, sneezing, laughing – or breathing!”

He slams a second lump of clay onto the wheel – the ‘throw down’ – and I start again. The clay is soft and smooth to touch, not gritty like garden mud, but there’s still a sense of childish glee at getting my hands grubby. This is a fabulously tactile activity. It takes me a few minutes of splashing water and applying the appropriate pressure with both hands before the clay is centred. I link my forefingers to force a hole into the middle of the clay, and gradually enlarge it, trying to remember to be controlled and graceful in my movements.

With the centre hollowed out, I dab a sponge into it to soak up all the water, and then stop breathing (I’m a diligent student!) as I attempt to lift the sides. After three lifts, the sides are angled outwards like a bowl, rather than vertical like I had intended (a vase was the plan), and Richard recommends that I stop while I’m ahead.

A cheese wire releases bowl from wheel, and I feel a certain sense of achievement – apparently it takes most people three attempts to create something ‘keepable’. To be honest, ‘bowl’ is a generous description; even glazed and fired there’s no danger of this troubling the shelves of a gallery. But its practical use means it doesn’t have to be aesthetically perfect. Or even attractive. If my cornflakes or a bunch of grapes stay in place, then it works as a bowl. www.camc.com

”

It feels magical to mould something useful out of a lump of damp earth, and also rather grounding. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says pottery pre-dates recorded human history.

My humble creation will never make it into a museum, but it might become a centrepiece of my camping trips.

On the wheel next to me, Sam, on a break from her role in IT, is enjoying her second trip to Potterydayz, revelling in the opportunity to create something tangible as a contrast to her job in the virtual world. She manages to lift the sides of her pot at least five times, and is happy to gamble on a sixth, on the grounds that it’s the journey, not the destination, that makes pottery such a pleasing activity. If the pot spins into a mess, so be it.

Lulled into a false sense of security, I attempt to lift the sides of my next pot for a fourth time, only for the top to wobble then collapse into a centrifugal mess. Richard is happy for me to keep going, so next time around I respect my limitations, concentrate deeply and move smoothly until another bowl emerges from the muddy chaos.

It’s hard to say how or why it’s better, but it’s just more ‘bowlish’ than my first attempt, and a deeply satisfying example of how friction and motion can metamorphose an unpromising lump of clay into a unique and personal work of art. It will have to be baked in a kiln then glazed, but I already know where I’ll use it when I’m camping.

A PP

DIMBLEBY CERAMICS, STOKE-ON-TRENT Where better to throw your first pot than in the heart of England’s Potteries region?

Learn how to prepare and centre clay, throw cylinders and wire pots off the wheel on a full-day course. Price £175.

Info: dimblebyceramics.co.uk Stay: High Onn Club Campsite

THE PADDOCK STUDIO, EAST SUSSEX Try a two-hour taster session (£60) or invest in a whole day, one-to-one class that will see you throwing pots before lunch, and decorating tiles or a dish in the afternoon (£135).

Info: thepaddockstudio pottery.com Stay: Brighton Club Campsite

GERALDINE FRANCIS CERAMICS, WILTSHIRE Learn the essential techniques for working with clay, including pinch forms, slab-built boxes, creative coiling and throwing a pot on a wheel on this one-day course (£140).

Info: geraldinefrancisceramics. weebly.com Stay: Longleat Club Campsite

June 2022 83

PRACTICAL STEPS

STEP UP The caravan step is a simple yet essential piece of kit.

Sammy Faircloth takes a look at the options available

M

y dad made his first caravan steps out of a milk crate and plywood. His handiwork doubled as useful storage for bottles on journeys, preventing spillages on winding roads!

Of course, nowadays I would advise you to select a purpose-built step that meets the relevant safety standards – and thankfully there is a wide array of products available.

Visit a caravan show or accessory shop and you should have no trouble finding something to suit your needs. Here’s my basic guide...

SAFETY STANDARDS

You should feel safe when stepping in and out of your leisure vehicle – that’s why touring step design and construction is covered by British Standard (BS) EN 1645. This deals with a step’s tread dimensions, slip resistance, mechanical strength and stability. The Standard also recommends that the rise between the treads is equal. Standards like this are www.camc.com

voluntary, and while new vehicles with National Caravan Council approval should be supplied or fitted with a step that complies, steps sold as after-market accessories may not comply.

TYPES OF CARAVAN STEP

The most common product is the single step, as it doesn’t take up much room.

These are available in numerous sizes but you may want to opt for a design such as the MGI Milenco Giant. With a large, 455mm x 365mm tread size, its base is larger than the top for stability and it has large feet to help prevent it from sinking into soft ground. Meanwhile, holes in the base accommodate pegs for use on grass.

Double steps are ideal for those who need a gentler ascent. Again, the MGI Milenco Giant Double is a good option.

Weighing in at 3.7kg, it features a tread size of 450mm x 270mm, and two rises of 185mm each.

While the cheapest options are usually made of plastic, aluminium versions are also available. These can be very lightweight, but I find that the feet tend to

Main pic: a wide range of steps is available Above: do some research at shows and accessory stores sink into soft ground. You can also buy single or double steps that are fitted with a handrail – a great option for those who require extra assistance. Usually, the handrail can be attached to your preferred side.

Illuminated steps like those made by Royal (see photo 6 overleaf), can help improve safety at night, and even provide extra lighting in the awning.

LED lights – which run on AA batteries – are operated using a remote control, which is very convenient when returning to your caravan in the dark.

Some of us have small or elderly dogs that struggle to get in and out of the caravan, and you’ll be pleased to learn there are options for them too. Pennine Leisure June 2022 85

PRACTICAL STEPS 1

2

3

4

5

6

9

7

8

“

You may see motorhomes fitted with fixed retractable steps

Supplies has three- and four-step models that collapse almost completely flat, take up very little room and are easy to store.

See plsgroup.co.uk and type ‘dog step’ into the search box for more details.

DID YOU KNOW?

All new UK caravans with an entrance height of 400mm or more, measured at the maximum technically permissible laden mass, standing on horizontal ground and meeting the NCC ‘badged’ conditions are required to include a separate entrance step as a standard item of equipment.

MOTORHOME STEPS

Any of the steps mentioned above can be used with motorhomes or campervans as well as caravans. However, it is more usual for motorhomes to feature 86 June 2022

”

integrated steps (doing away with the need for extra equipment).

Alternatively you may see vehicles fitted with ‘fixed retractable steps’.

Motorised or manually operated, they sit neatly behind the side skirt of the motorhome or are fixed under the floor.

Some manufacturers fit electric steps as standard. Look out for motorhome steps that retract when the engine starts, taking the onus off you to remember to stow them.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

Steps are very much a personal choice, so take a look at different styles before you buy. But always look for the National Caravan Council (NCC) badge on a leisure vehicle which indicates approval under the organisation’s scheme, or the BS EN 1645 mark on a step itself or in the manufacturer’s literature – safety first!

1 Double steps are great if you struggle with mobility 2 These Milenco steps feature holes through which pegs can be driven for stability 3 Aluminium steps are light, but I find they can sometimes sink into soft ground 4 A fixed retractable motorhome step can be motorised or manual 5 Illuminated steps can be easier to negotiate in the dark...

6 ... these even feature a remote control 7 Most motorhomes have integrated steps 8 Some steps feature a handrail 9 There are even steps for dogs!

We have a number of steps available via Club Shop – remember members benefit from savings of up to 10%. Visit shop.camc.com for more information and terms and conditions. www.camc.com

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB

The Caravan and Motorhome Club secures discounts on products and services designed to enhance your getaways. Here’s just a selection aimed at active outdoor lovers

Stay connected with 4GEE Wi-Fi from EE The 4GEE WiFi Mini 2020 from EE is designed to allowing passengers to check their news feeds, stream music, play online games and watch films or TV programmes while on the move. It supports up to 64 Wi-Fi enabled devices (such as tablets and laptops) at once, so everyone can go online at the same time.

For more information on an exclusive Club member price of £39.99+p&p (RRP £49.99+p&p) please visit camc.com/ee.

Save on Nomad solar energy kits Why not harness the power of the sun on your travels? Caravan and Motorhome Club members can save 7.5% on the price of all NOMAD solar energy kits. NOMAD’s ultra-thin solar mats can be applied to the roof of your motorhome, caravan or campervan. All you have to do then is connect the mats to the charge controller, which controls the transfer of energy from the mats to the leisure battery. Find out more by visiting camc.com/nomadsolar.

15% off BodyRag luxury towels Made from ultra-absorbent fabric, BodyRag’s super lightweight travel towels are easy to store, taking up minimal space in your caravan, motorhome or backpack.

They come in a choice of seven colours and three sizes, with members benefitting from a 15% discount. Please visit camc.com/bodyrag for a discount code.

10% DISCOUNT

on batteries and accessories from Tayna Tayna Batteries is one of Europe’s leading online battery retailers, selling premium quality batteries and associated accessories. Its stock includes battery chargers and optimisers, jump packs and jump starters, battery leads, split charging systems and inverters from leading global brands such as NOCO, CTEK and Optimate. Members save 10% on all products – see camc.com/taynabatteries to take advantage.

Terms and conditions apply to all Member Offers and Club Shop purchases – see camc.com/memberoffers and shop.camc.com for details 90 June 2022

www.camc.com

OFFERS FROM FORD LOOKERS Club members can take advantage of offers on the latest cars with Ford Lookers.

Lookers can help with car finance options – providing a quote that is easy to understand and free from jargon – and you can choose to have your vehicle delivered via the company s nationwide home delivery service*. Lookers will also provide a free valuation should you wish to part-exchange your vehicle when purchasing a new Ford through the company. Members can currently claim the following:

n a percentage discount off the RRP of a new Ford, including factory-fitted options**. n up to 20% discount on all Ford accessories and exclusive accessory packs.

To find out more please see camc.com/fordlookers. *Delivery charges and geographical exclusions apply. **Terms and conditions and exclusions apply. Discounts are off RRP, on eligible Ford models purchased from Lookers Ford Sheffield.

Save on camping kit from Colapz Colapz offers a range of flexible, durable and lightweight camping kit that is easy to set up, pack away and store while travelling.

Here’s a taste of what’s available (please note that portable shower units cannot be used on main Club sites).

12V Portable Outdoor Camping Shower Kit (above): With an output of three litres per minute, these showers just need a standing water source. Recharging is simple – just plug in the USB and it will be ready in 4-5 hours. Each kit includes a collapsible bucket (16 and 35 litre versions are available), hook attachment with suction cup option and carry case (tent and shower stand not included).

Folding Shower Stand (not pictured): This shower accessory (which fits the portable shower kit above) features high-grade aluminium and stainless steel parts. Easy to set up and fold away it is adjustable up to a height of 1.8m.

Ensuite Shower and Toilet Tent (right): Colapz has developed this spacious accessory for campers who want to create their own private space. The measurements are 2.1m x 1.55m x 1.55m.

Club members save 10% on all Colapz products. To find out more please visit camc.com/colapz.

Save on touring products at Club Shop Members save up to 10% on over 3,000 products from Club Shop (in partnership with PRIMA Leisure), including solar power products, compact barbecues and much more.

Visit shop.camc.com to browse the extensive range.

Your member offer story...

Myself and my two children “went to the Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. We have done a few others before but this one went higher in the trees and had longer zip wires! We had great fun on the various rope bridges, drop onto a cargo net and zip wires. The instructors

were really informative and supportive. We would definitely recommend having a go!

Club Member, Suzanne Butcher

”

n Members save 10% on Go Ape experiences via our Great Savings Guide – see what you can save at camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Share your member offer stories If you have saved via our offers we would love to hear from you! Please send us your story and/or image to memberoffers@camc.com.

Terms and conditions apply to all Member Offers and Club Shop purchases – see camc.com/memberoffers and shop.camc.com for details www.camc.com

June 2022

91

Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset near Ilminster Club Campsite Member photo by Sarah Gibson

Looking for the perfect gift?

Gift the great outdoors this Father’s Day! Inspire your loved one to get more from the great outdoors this year and give the perfect present with Caravan and Motorhome Club E-Gift vouchers which can be redeemed against UK Club Campsite stays.

Find out more about ordering E-Gift vouchers at camc.com/vouchers

Terms and conditions apply, visit camc.com/vouchers for details. Trustpilot rating correct at time of going to press (22 April 2022) but may be subject to change.

MEMBER OFFERS GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

ROYAL APPOINTMENTS

LUDLOW CASTLE, SHROPSHIRE Visit this ruined medieval fortification and learn all about its history – the list of former residents includes Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon. Club members receive 10% off full-price admission. Just present your Great Savings Guide voucher and valid membership card on arrival. Dogs on leads are welcome in the castle and on the Castle Café terrace.

The nearest campsites are Ludlow Touring Park, Bromyard Downs and Moorhampton.

Information: ludlowcastle.com; camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are being held this June – why not visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide to see how you could save while visiting a venue with a royal connection?

ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA, EDINBURGH Launched in Clydebank in 1953, the Britannia was the Royal Family’s ‘home on the seas’ for more than four decades.

Today the yacht is a visitor attraction permanently moored in Leith, where you can discover why it was so loved by the Queen, her family and the 220-strong dedicated crew of Royal Yachtsmen. Our Great Savings Guide offer gives you a 10% discount on admission for up to four people (pre-booking using discount code). The Royal Yacht Britannia is situated just four miles from Edinburgh Club Campsite and motorhome parking is available – please contact venue directly for details.

Information: royalyachtbritannia.co.uk; camc.com/greatsavingsguide

THE SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, NORFOLK Having explored the Queen’s residence of Sandringham House and the wider estate, why not treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea?

Enjoy teas and coffees alongside traditional recipes from the Royal archives that use locally sourced ingredients (some grown on the estate). Club members save 10% on the cost of Afternoon Tea – pre-booking is required with a discount code. The nearest Club campsite is The Sandringham Estate (trips also possible from Thetford Forest and Fields End Water).

Information: sandringhamestate.co.uk; camc.com/greatsavingsguide

THE HIGHLANDERS’ MUSEUM, HIGHLANDS Located at Fort George near Inverness, this museum is a must for military and history buffs. It holds The Queen’s Own Highlanders Collection and delivers fascinating insight into the Highland Regiments – with displays of artefacts including medals, weapons, flags and pennants. Members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club are entitled to a discount of 5% at the gift shop (just present a Great Savings Guide voucher and valid Club membership card on arrival). The nearest Club campsite is Culloden Moor.

Information: thehighlandersmuseum.com; camc.com/greatsavingsguide www.camc.com

TIVERTON CASTLE, DEVON Built on the orders of Henry I and visited by royals such as Edward IV’s daughter, Catherine of York (who married William Courtenay, 1st Earl of Devon), Tiverton Castle was partly dismantled after the English Civil War, and in more recent times was converted into a country house by generations of the Carew family.

Today you can explore the beautiful walled gardens, discover the castle’s fascinating history and see historic furniture. It’s within reach of several Club campsites, including Exebridge Lakeside, Exmoor House, Exeter Racecourse, Putts Corner, Cadeside and Ilminster.

Members enjoy two for the price of one on entry (please present your Great Savings Guide voucher and valid Club membership card on arrival).

Information: tivertoncastle.com; camc.com/greatsavingsguide June 2022 93

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB At your service

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Q

Should I choose a fixed or mobile service workshop to look after my outfit?

A

There’s no definitive answer to this one – in essence, if a workshop is convenient, has availability and is affordable, it’s worth considering. The Club recommends using members of the Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) (approved workshops.co.uk) for caravan and motorhome (habitation) servicing. These are run by fully qualified caravan and motorhome servicing professionals and comply with an industry Code of Practice.

Of the 530+ workshops in the scheme, around half are fixed-base and half are mobile.

All major UK manufacturers and several imported makers allow AWS members to carry out servicing during an outfit’s warranty period.

Fixed-base workshops may have greater capacity (more service bays and more staff) and may hold a wider selection of parts in stock. They’re usually – although not always – attached to a dealership, which is handy if you want to visit an accessory shop or look at outfits for sale too. Should your outfit need more than servicing and minor fault fixing – particularly the likes of damp repair, bodywork repair or paintwork – a fixed-base workshop may be best.

When new outfit sales are strong, though, you may find service bays are used by the sales side of the business to

94 June 2022

Left to right: Ross Calvert, Macadams Caravan and Motorhome Services; Mark Lowe and Thomas Lowe, Cara-Fix Midlands Ltd; Darren Brown, Reliance Caravan & Motorhome Services; Jamie Bell, JB Caravan and Trailers Services

carry out pre-delivery inspections on new stock and to assess trade-ins, meaning capacity for service work can be reduced.

The great advantage of mobile workshops is the convenience they offer. They can undertake a service on your drive or at a storage facility, if permitted by the storage owner. They can do all the same service work as a fixed workshop, but may not be able to handle larger-scale repair work. They’re not usually involved with an outfit sales operation, so are focused overwhelmingly on service work.

Approved Workshops should all be reliable, but it’s always good to find out who the ‘best of the best’ are. In February, at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, the Approved Workshop Scheme presented the 2021 Workshop of the Year Awards. The main criterion for the awards is

workshops’ ability to uphold the scheme’s trusted ethos by demonstrating continuous scheme compliance. The winners were as follows: Fixed Workshop – Winner: Macadams Caravan and Motorhome Services of Carlisle, Cumbria (macadams.co.uk/ macadam-services/approvedworkshops-for-caravan-andmotorhome-services) Fixed Workshop – Runner-up: Reliance Caravan & Motorhome Services of Chichester, West Sussex (reliancecms.uk) Mobile Workshop – Winner: JB Caravan and Trailer Services of Burntwood, Staffordshire (jbcaravanand trailerservices.co.uk) Mobile Workshop – Runner-up: Cara-Fix Midlands Ltd of Lichfield, Staffordshire (cara-fix.com)

Prizes for the winners were kindly sponsored by Calibration Engineering Services – Workshop Solutions and Engineer Insurance and Aftercare, two of the companies which help AWS members deliver excellent services.

Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. If you feel your Approved Workshop deserves recognition, please leave feedback on the AWS website at approvedworkshops. co.uk/leave-review.

Please address your questions to:

Technical Information, Email: technical@camc.com Tel: 01342 336611 ...and quote your membership number

camc.com/advice www.camc.com

Enjoy your conservatory all year round

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COOLER IN SUMMER “You could have fried an egg on the table in there in the summer, I now look upon the conservatory as a new room.

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USABLE ALL YEAR ROUND “The conservatory is now used throughout all seasons of the year and is far more comfortable to sit in whatever the weather outside.”

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PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift vouchers to be won in l b i t vo c e will be won by the sender of the first correct solution selected on Friday 24 June 2022. Four runners-up will each receive l b i t vo c e . Please clea ly oto a / can yo an e id and email to c o o d camc.com. Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club is processing your personal data for the purpose of administering your competition entry. If you would like to know more about how we process personal data, please visit our Privacy Policy at camc.com/privacy-policy.

May solution: Across: 1 Spectacles 6 Artificial 11 Piece 12 Weatherproof 14 Span 16 Pint 17 Hat 18 Issue 20 Maroon 21 Toga 22 Rainy 23 Abolish 25 Nab 26 Fighter 28 Crew 29 Madness 33 Contraband 35 Buttonhole 38 October 41 Roll 42 Chemist

96 June 2022

45 Low 46 Pyjamas 48 Torso 49 Anti 50 Talent 52 Decor 54 Cat 55 Suds 57 Eats 59 Sexagenarian 60 Alive 61 Rottweiler 62 Speechless Down: 1 Sapphire 2 Electrician 3 Ties 4 Lawnmower 5 Stamina 6 Ashes 7 Three 8 Forsythia

grid E

9 Chop 10 Litter basket 13 Finance 15 Pea 19 Unlawful 20 Myth 24 Bird 27 Ember 29 Match 30 Din 31 Schoolmaster 32 Increase 34 Rib 36 Obstructive 37 Flea 39 Towards 40 Espionage 42 Challenge 43 Mitt 44 Fortress 47 Strains 51 Nut 52 Dwell 53 Chair 56 Sent 58 Sash

ACROSS 1 Full of energy and life (7) 5 Notepad (6) 8 Cattle thief (7) 10 Plan or brainwave (4) 11 Blank edge of page (6) 12 Female fox (5) 14 Small advance on wage (3) 15 Brochure or complete list of items (9) 16 Unruly fellow (4) 17 Friend (4) 19 Very old (7) 22 Denim trousers (5) 24 Violent storm (7) 26 Mournful cry (4) 28 Thin crinkly rubber (5) 29 Attach or tie (6) 31 Pigs feeder (6) 33 Stale and smelly (6) 35 Arrive on the scene (6) 38 Depart (5) 39 Ungenerous (4) 40 Authentic, sincere (7) 43 Game of football (5) 45 A disappointment or anticlimax (3-4) 47 Dreadful (4) 49 Blemish (4) 50 Astrological chart (9) 53 Have a meal (3) 54 Well done! (5) 55 Good counsel (6) 56 Overcast (4) 57 A kindly reception (7) 58 Court game (6) 59 Set free (7)

MORE ON THE

APP*

*Our a a ine now features a variety of interactive puzzles!

To download the app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

DOWN 1 Disappear as if by magic (6) 2 Destroy financially (4) 3 A characteristic (5) 4 Jam or jelly (8) 5 Oddments for sale (6) 6 Infliction of severe pain (7) 7 Circus presenter (10) 9 Respiratory organ (4) 13 Greedy person (7) 15 Male bird (4) 17 Circus jester (5) 18 Post (4) 20 Way out (4) 21 Exclude or leave out (4) 23 Arithmetical mean (7) 25 Ketchup (5) 27 Fleeting moment (7) 28 Scorch (4) 29 To sack (4) 30 Practical wisdom (5) 32 Showy, ostentatious (10) 34 Fall in drops (4) 35 Perpetually young (7) 36 Writer of verse (4) 37 Serpent (5) 39 Repair (4) 41 Nocturnal person (5,3) 42 Colloquial term for unemployment benefit (4) 44 Text describing an illustration or picture (7) 46 Guides a boat (6) 48 Study for exams (6) 51 Train transport (4) 52 Choose from a menu (5) 54 Azure (4)

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

APRIL WINNERS

£50 first prize: Angela Beckett £10 runners-up: Ivan Allsop; Diane Knight; Traven McLintock; Angela McPherson lea e note i e ill be o ted a oon a o ible

Take a photo or scan your answers and send to crossword@camc.com with the subject heading ne o o d.

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Dealer Marketplace

CMC_Full_Page_Marketplace_Feb2022_Layout 1 14/02/2022 12:32 Page 1

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TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring

Gaining traction We were pleased to hear from Paul Newton, who got in touch to share some insight on a picture by Mark Watson that was published on this page a few months ago (reprinted here, but see also March 2022 issue, p114).

“I thought I might fill you in on the details,” Paul says. “It belongs to a friend of mine who was out giving it ‘an airing’. It is a McClaren built in 1918 and [he] has owned it about five years. The ‘caravan’ was also painted in army

grey until last year when he had it renovated back into a ‘showman’s’ caravan.

He also owns ‘Elizabeth’ the steam bus – although now re-bodied was famous running in Whitby for years. He also owns about 20 single and double-decker buses, all of which are in pristine

NEXT GENERATION

condition. Finally he owns two mainline steam locomotives.”

Thank you, Paul.

This young driver is Harvey – nephew of Club member Carole Philpott – at a privately-run site in Blackpool. Carole wonders whether Harvey’s BMW is powerful enough to tow her caravan. Is it just us or do drivers seem to be getting younger every year?

DON’T FEAR THE ’CREEPER! Many thanks to Chris Baldock who captured this picture of the hard-to-find treecreeper.

According to Chris, it was taken in Manesty Woods, metres away from the motorhome while stopping at Borrowdale Club Campsite.

We hope you were inspired

by David Chapman’s article in our April issue!

If you see something fun or unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’re out and about, please send a picture to magazine@camc.com or tag @candmclub on Instagram and we’ll print the best 114 June 2022

AVID READER

Patricia Wheatley took this lovely snap of a young reader “in grannie’s caravan at Braemer”.

Great to see a caravanner of the future planning their next tour!

HAPPY PLACE

Instagram user Abbie (@dream0graphy) shared this glimpse into a fantastic, neon-lit campervan interior with us – what a welcoming sight it is, and the mat is the pièce de résistance. The colours even match the ‘red’ night sky! www.camc.com

TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring

READ ALL ABOUT IT

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

We hope that the Club magazine has broad appeal – certainly some of the pictures that we receive suggest that it isn’t just adults – or humans, for that matter! – who pick up an issue. Here’s a selection of pictures you have sent to the Club recently that made us smile...

Our thanks to Jon Harvey for this picture from New Forest Centenary Club Campsite, along with others that showed the site in all its glory on a lovely hot May afternoon. This avid reader is Max the Jack Russell, who also has impeccable table manners!

SHADY BEHAVIOUR Beverley Cubbon set up an umbrella and blanket for her pooch during a sunny day at Minehead Club Campsite... but he preferred lying on the Club magazine instead.

We hope you got to finish the issue eventually, Beverley.

MILES AWAY

“Whilst holidaying in a Lanzarote hotel, Miles the travel bear browsed the magazine for future caravan trips!” jokes Linda Lee. We hope Miles enjoys some fantastic holidays in the months and years ahead... but is he old enough for that sangria?

June 2022

TAKING A BREAK

Thanks to Matthew Hobbs for this picture of one of his daughters. Apparently Matthew’s girls love riding around Thetford Forest, but the youngest gets tired quickly, so uses her rest time to look at everyone’s pictures in the Club magazine. Hopefully she sees this page!

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Bill Elder only put his copy of the magazine down for a minute before Jasper, aged two, spotted something interesting and delved in.

Great to see such a young reader!

www.camc.com

CYCLING EAST ANGLIA

CYCLING VIDEOS

See this route and more at youtube. com/Caravanand MotorhomeClub

Forest and flint Jonathan Manning explores the whisper-quiet lanes of rural Norfolk on this circular ride from Thetford Forest Club site

T

his peaceful ride explores the quiet, flat roads in and around Thetford Forest. There are some wonderful tracks through the woods for mountain bikers, including an excellent trail centre a few miles up the road from the Club campsite, but this route sticks to the roads.

This is a tranquil landscape, with largely traffic-free lanes lined by Scots pine, oak and beech. Behind the trees lie pig and arable farms as well as gorse-covered heath.

Pretty villages dot the route, where ancient, flint-clad churches prove to be the star attractions. All Saints in Cockley Cley is particularly attractive with its ruined tower, which collapsed in 1991 (it’s also conveniently located next to the brilliantly-named Twenty Churchwardens pub which is housed in a converted school).

A little farther on, the six acres of ponds and waterways at Gooderstone Water Gardens (pictured right), criss-crossed by 13 bridges, is a dreamy place to stop, and there’s a small cafe, too. Far grander is the National Trust’s Oxburgh Hall (nationaltrust.org.uk), a magnificent 15th century brick manor house, with lovely walled gardens and a pretty orchard.

All-in-all, this is a gentle ride through pretty countryside, with a surprisingly rich number of attractions.

June 2022

DIRECTIONS From gates of the Thetford Forest Club site turn left, and at the Desert Rats Memorial turn left again. Continue for almost 2km.

2.35km – Turn left, signposted to Foulden and Beckett End. Continue to a crossroads.

5.7km – Turn right at the crossroads and continue to Cockley Cley.

12.5km – Cross a stream and turn left in Cockley Cley, signposted to Village Centre, then turn left again passing the church on the right. Continue for almost 5km, looking out for a sign to Gooderstone Water Gardens..

15.2km – Turn left along Gooderstone Road.

Continue to a T-junction and turn right, signposted to Gooderstone Water Gardens. Pass the water gardens, and continue to a crossroads.

18.5km – Turn left, signposted to Stoke Ferry and Oxborough. In Oxborough, turn left before the church following signs to Oxburgh Hall. Pass the hall on the right and continue through Foulden. About 600m after leaving the village, look for a turn on the left to Beckett End. 24.3km – Turn left to Beckett End, continue to a T-junction and turn left, soon meeting a crossroads.

25.9km – Go straight over the crossroads (same crossroads as at point 3) and continue to a T-junction. Turn right and in around 2km turn right at the tank memorial to return to the Club site.

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Oxburgh Hall

©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM OUR STRAVA PAGE: STRAVA. COM/ ATHLETES/ 27202656

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine recommends the use of Ordnance Survey maps – your ideal passport to navigating Britain

© Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey Media 003/22

ABOUT THE ROUTE Start/finish: Thetford Forest Club campsite, High Ash, Hilborough, Thetford IP26 5BZ. Distance: 31.6km/19.8 miles Time: 2 hours Level: Suitable for all cyclists – this is a flat route with smooth, quiet roads. Only the first and last miles along the A1065 are busy.

Terrain: Asphalt all the way, mostly very quiet.

Landscape: Wooded countryside dotted with farms and pretty villages.

Refreshments: Twenty Churchwardens pub, Cockley Cley; tea rooms at Gooderstone Water Gardens and Oxburgh Hall; Bedingfeld Arms, Oxburgh (Wed-Sat).

All Saints Church in Cockley Cley

www.camc.com

June 2022

Here for you, whenever you need us.

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A sample MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover policy booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.