Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

WELCOME TO WALES Enjoy a warm reception and a host of great Club campsites in the fabulous south-west GOT IT WRAPPED? Festive gift ideas and great offers inside

THE GREAT ESCAPE Spain, South Africa, Canada?

Where will you go in 2024?

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Near St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Photo by member Linda Baldwin

TOURING TESTS Škoda, Volkswagen and Swift in the spotlight

INTRODUCING

The 2024 collection

Four models available

Five models available

Three models available

Four models available

Two models available

From £30,850* | 4-5 berth

From £33,090* | 2-4 berth

From £39,180* | 4 berth

From £46,095* | 4 berth

From £46,830* | 4 berth

Explore the full collection

WWW.COACHMAN.CO.UK *Recommended retail price (inc. VAT). Price excludes delivery charge (£650 inc. VAT). Prices correct at time of going to press.

Photograph illustrates stationary Coachman caravan. Image for marketing purposes only.

COMMENT EDITOR

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

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded)

WELCOME John Thynne says:

B

elieve it or not Christmas is just around the corner. While many of you will be tucking into your turkey dinners in your dining rooms, we know a number of members choose to celebrate the festive season on Club campsites and Certificated Locations. If you enjoy tinsel and all the trimmings inside your tourer this year, we’d love to see your photos!

Similarly, a number of our Club centres host special festive events across the

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

A number of our Club Centres host festive events

Red Pennant (European breakdown and travel insurance) 01342 336633 Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640

”

country – you can find out more in our Events Diary on pages 44 to 45.

East Kent Centre is holding a new year gathering at Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey from 28 December to 1 January for example, while West Wales Centre is seeing in the new year from 27 December to 2 January in Horton on the Gower Peninsula.

Talking of which, if you are looking for inspiration for a touring holiday in the new year, Sammy Faircloth’s article on stunning south-west Wales

Legal helpline 01275 378728

Advertising enquiries 07784 044103 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 07850 916434 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive Adam Johnson 07784 044103 adam.johnson@camc.com Production Controller Tara Erroll tara.erroll@camc.com Digital Advertising Co-ordinator Vicky Powell victoria.powell@camc.com

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DECEMBER 2023

TOURING: WALES SITES AND CLS ON TEST: ŠKODA ENYAQ, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA, SWIFT CHALLENGER GRANDE

WELCOME TO WALES Enjoy a warm reception and a host of great Club campsites in the fabulous south-west

www.camc.com

President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: David Turner Director General: Nick Lomas

GOT IT WRAPPED? Festive gift ideas and great offers inside

PASS p1 Cover.indd 2

www.camc.com

COVER IMAGE:

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Linda Baldwin

THE GREAT ESCAPE Spain, South Africa, Canada?

Where will you go in 2024?

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Near St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Photo by member Linda Baldwin

TOURING TESTS Škoda, Volkswagen and Swift in the spotlight

(pages 28-43) is the place to start.

Beautiful beaches, breathtaking seascapes and an assortment of magical castles are the order of the day in this part of the world – all accessible from our top-class Club sites!

If you’re struggling for festive gift ideas, take a look at our Products Showcase on pages 64 and 65. You could also check out our special Member Offers (camc.com/ memberoffers) or the deals available through Club Shop (shop.camc.com).

Or why not consider treating your loved ones to personalised Caravan and Motorhome Club or Experience Freedom E-Gift vouchers (you can find out more about these and scan the handy QR code on p39)?

Enjoy the issue!

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, Dreamstime and Shutterstock for supplying a number of images used in this magazine.

02/11/2023 15:45

December 2023 3

ide & Step ins 0 0 s of 1 compare ehicles ure v new leis

cessories & Buy awnings, ac ent camping equipm

Campervans • Motorhomes • Caravans • Trailer Tents • Camping Equipment

CONTENTS

54 Castleton, Peak District Photo by member Steve Gouldstone

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DECEMBER 2023

56

TOURING 20 28 66 82

DIRECTORY UPDATES Amendments to your Sites Directory & Handbook UK SITES Sammy Faircloth enjoys a seven-site family trip in south-west Wales ACTIVITY BREAKS Jonathan Manning tries glass fusing in Norfolk FOREIGN TOURING Karla Baker explores the beauty of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley in Germany

NEWS 14

22 44

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES The latest from around the network EVENTS DIARY Highlights of upcoming Centre-run events

26

OVERSEAS Get away to France, Spain, South Africa or Canada

TESTS 72 75 78

CARAVAN Swift Challenger MOTORHOME VW California CAR Škoda Enyaq

MEMBER BENEFITS 24 70

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE Offers at UK attractions MEMBER OFFERS A selection of savings on festive products and more

SPECIALS 26

46

THANK YOU CHAIRMAN Outgoing Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain on his 16-year tenure ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Highlights from the Club’s AGM, held in London, at the end of October

REGULARS 9

10 6 December 2023

12

CLUB MATTERS How everything we do is focused on putting our members first 51 PRACTICAL Give your tourer a fresh lease of life by updating the upholstery 54 LETTERS We open our monthly mailbag 60 COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman celebrates the grace and beauty of swans 64 PRODUCT SHOWCASE A selection of gifts for tourers 87 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club vouchers 88 ASK YOUR CLUB Your touring questions answered 89 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 98 TAIL LIGHTS A light-hearted look at the world of touring 100 CYCLE ROUTE Jonathan Manning rides from Cherry Hinton Club Campsite

10

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas pays tribute to two Club stalwarts YOUR PHOTOS Pictures from your adventures www.camc.com

*Offer includes 2 complimentary tickets with a booking fee of £3.50. Standard advance booking fee £1.95 per ticket. On-The-Door ticket price £7.00.Offer expires midnight 10 January 2024.

Information correct at time of press.

SUPPORTED BY

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 £3.99.

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.

381,858

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2022 Printing by Mohn Media, Gütersloh, Germany

www.camc.com

OPINION Nick Lomas says: Change at the Club is constant, but there’s quite a significant shift following the AGM held at the end of October. After 16 years in the role, Grenville Chamberlain OBE has stepped down as Chairman, and Christoper Macgowan OBE has passed on the Treasurer’s baton after 12 years.

It has been my pleasure to serve both.

While Grenville chaired the Executive Committee – which is the Club’s Board of Directors – the heavy lifting is often done by the sub-committees, particularly the Finance and Management Committee, which looks after all the financial, budgeting and business planning matters at the Club. This is chaired by the Treasurer.

A passion for expanding the site network and an insistence on quality and outstanding service has been consistent throughout Grenville’s tenure.

But he also recognised that the organisation needs to keep evolving to meet the needs of members today, and to serve future generations.

Our sites score 60+ on the worldrenowned Net Promoter Score measure, something that many international luxury hotel chains would envy. We hold a Gold RoSPA Health and Safety Award and a Gold Award from Green Tourism.

In 2017 we changed our name from The Caravan Club. Although controversial at the time, it sowed the seeds of a boom in new members owning campervans and motorhomes, and better reflected the evolving market for leisure vehicles. We also launched our Experience Freedom camping and glamping service, recognising many future members might not wish to own their own leisure vehicle and to enable members to share their outdoor holidays with friends and family who weren’t vehicle owners.

The re-imagining of the Club’s annual social event as ClubFest was something Grenville particularly supported his colleagues on the Events Committee with.

It was an immediate sell-out. And the enthusiasm for meeting and taking feedback from members led to the Club’s Regions and Divisions setting up their programme of nationwide member Q&A sessions at interesting visitor attractions throughout the UK. It’s remarkable that these people do all this as volunteers, combining their passion for the Club and touring with their business acumen and leadership skills. In a world of ever more impersonal businesses, it makes our Club very special indeed, with its leadership firmly rooted in the grass roots of the pastime.

Grenville can sign off knowing that we successfully navigated the Covid pandemic, offering our full service more quickly and comprehensively than others in the market, and Club membership in his final year reached a new peak of 383,000 households. Christopher can be proud that we remain financially strong and able to continue to invest in site and service improvements despite a dramatic and turbulent period of world events.

You can catch up with Grenville in an interview on page 26, while next month new Chairman David Turner will share his thoughts. Our new Treasurer, Alison Woodhams, is now responsible for our financial good governance.

Congratulations to Grenville and wife Liz, and to Christopher and partner Faye, who can now enjoy their pastime again purely for pleasure, and reflect on a job well done.

December 2023 9

SPECIAL MEMBERS’ PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

North Yorkshire

DALES DELIGHT

“This photo was taken while staying at Wharfedale [Club Campsite] at Threshfield, Grassington. One of our favourite walks is Grassington to Burnsall with a stop for a quick pint at the Red Lion. Linton Falls is right at the start of the walk.”

Kevin Roper

Slovenia

PASS MASTERS

THE GLORIOUS LAKES

“On a recent trip in the Triglav National Park on the Vršič Pass – with 50 hairpin bends it is spectacular but not for the faint-hearted.”

Heather and James Williamson

“Wastwater in September, during 10 days caravanning near Pooley Bridge. It was an early start... but I have always wanted to kayak here. The water was crystal clear, it was red hot, amazingly peaceful and relaxing, despite kayaking seven miles. This is why we love our caravan, so we can visit new places to do our outdoor sports of kayaking, cycling and hiking.” (Nearest Club campsites: Coniston Park Coppice, Dockray Meadow.)

Zeta Zeta

Cumbria

THE FOLK NEXT DOOR Cumbria 10 December 2023

“Fairy Glen on Englethwaite Hall Club Campsite in Carlisle.”

Mai Moulton www.camc.com

Devon

WE HAVE LIFT OFF! “Snettisham Beach, near Sandringham Club Campsite.”

Jeff Drake

Norfolk

DUNE GETAWAY

“Braunton Burrows, Devon.

We took our five rescue dogs to Marstage Farm CL and they had a lovely time; so did we!”

Maria Funnell

Isle of Wight

Gwynedd

ART SCENE

Great views of the Afon Mawddach available from Fegla Fach Farm CL, Arthog, Barmouth.

Jon Welford

SOLENT NIGHT “The renovated pier at Totland Bay (between Yarmouth and The Needles), looking over the Solent to the New Forest at sunset.

Martin Jenkins www.camc.com

Upload your images at camc.com/inspiringadventures or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter) using #inspiringadventures December 2023 11

MEMBERS FIRST

CLUB MATTERS MEMBERSHIP

Money you spend with the Club is reinvested to provide even better campsites and services for members

Main picture: Amanda and John, Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite Inset top: fast check-in trial

Inset bottom: smart metering trial at Wyatts Covert Club Campsite

T

he Club provides fantastic, well-maintained holiday campsites in a variety of amazing locations for all members. But have you ever wondered how we provide this service – and what goes on behind the scenes?

NOT FOR PROFIT

You may not be aware that, as a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, we are able to put the member at 12 December 2023

the heart of everything we do. There are no shareholders and, hence, no dividends to pay.

Revenue from membership and pitch fees, as well as Caravan Cover, motorhome insurance, overseas travel, member offers and more, goes straight back into running the organisation, maintaining the high quality of campsites and ensuring we are able to provide those essential services that members depend upon – like Red Pennant (European breakdown cover and holiday insurance) and Mayday (UK breakdown insurance).

VOLUNTEERS

The Club is run by an Executive Committee made up of volunteer members. In turn there is a Club Council (again made up of volunteers) containing representatives from each of the Club’s 10 Divisions and Regions and up to 30 Nominated Members. Its role is to act as an advisory body to the Executive. The Executive Committee manages the affairs of the Club and also delegates some responsibilities to separate Committees that cover, among other things, Finance and Management, Sites and www.camc.com

Jenny Cox

ClubFest pitches

New facilities block at Winchester

White Water Park site staff Grenville Chamberlain OBE speaking at the 2021 AGM

Lady Margaret’s Park site managers Rebecca and Simon

Accommodation, Events, Strategy, Membership and Technical matters. (You can find out more about how the Club is run at camc.com/about-us.) Divisions and Regions are further split into ‘Centres’ which hold regular events for members at venues across the country. These fun get-togethers – which often involve sports, games and entertainment – are run entirely by volunteers. If you haven’t joined your local centre (55,000 members are currently registered!) or want to know more, visit camc.com/centres. www.camc.com

Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite

INVESTMENT

Every time you pay your membership fee, spend a night on one of our UK or overseas campsites or take out Caravan Cover or one of our insurance products, you are reinvesting in the Club, its facilities and future.

We use your money to maintain Club sites to the standards you expect – hopefully many of you will have had the chance to experience the fantastic redevelopments at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, Scarborough West Ayton in Yorkshire, Winchester in Hampshire and Lady Margaret’s Park near Wrexham.

We also invest in new technology to make sure we’re not left behind - and we carry out trials aimed at improving the overall member experience. For example, we are testing ‘smart metering’ at Wyatts Covert Club Campsite in Buckinghamshire and ‘fast check-in’ lanes at Clachan, Southland, Lady Margaret’s Park and Bourton-on-the-Water. The latter project involves the installation of number plate recognition systems which automatically lift the barrier on your arrival so you can start your holiday sooner! We have also introduced an ‘auto-balance’ check box for online bookings across the network – when ticked, full payment is collected the night before arrival, saving time at site reception generally and reducing queueing times.

One of the Club’s major goals is ensuring the cost of utilities and consumables are negotiated to get the best value.

(Our electricity costs have increased from £4.4 million in 2018 to a forecast £13.9 million in 2023.)

AND FINALLY…

Do you share a passion for the great outdoors? Are you interested in contributing your skills and time and playing a pivotal role on Club Council, helping shape the future of our Club? Whether you’re new to touring or an experienced enthusiast, we’re on the lookout for members like you who can bring fresh ideas and dedication to the table. If you are interested please send your CV to governance@camc.com, and describe in no more than 500 words what you feel you could offer the Club, including any previous experience, whether personal or job-related.

We are also looking for volunteers at Regional/Divisional level – please either contact Governance at the email address above or contact your local Division or Region directly (see camc.com/about-us/ divisions-and-regions).

Equally if you would like to volunteer at ClubFest – the Club’s annual festival and get-together – please get in touch to find out more details.

The Club’s AGM was held on Saturday 28 October 2023 – for a round-up please turn to pages 46-49.

December 2023 13

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines The latest stories from thetouring world

Below from left: David Turner with Grenville Chamberlain OBE; Christopher Macgowan OBE with Alison Woodhams Inset: Greg Potter

HUGE THANKS!

Members, staff and volunteers of the Caravan and Motorhome Club paid tribute to outgoing Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain OBE and Treasurer Christopher Macgowan OBE at the Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London in October.

During the same meeting, David Turner, Alison Woodhams and Greg Potter were appointed by members to the positions of Chairman, Treasurer and Vice-Chairman respectively.

As you may have already read in the column on page 9, Grenville – a highly respected and popular figure who will be familiar to many fellow Club members due to his presence at events and sites across the UK – had been Club Chairman for 16 years.

During this period he volunteered countless hours of his own time and helped to steer the Club through a period of significant growth and change, supporting a range of endeavours while continuing to enjoy touring. Prior to the AGM, he said: “I have loved working with the Club staff. The Club is an amazing organisation, and has the ability to select the most capable people in this country. And to work with them is a privilege and an honour.” You can hear more from Grenville about his 14 December 2023

time as Chairman in our special interview on page 26.

Christopher Macgowan has also stepped down from the Executive Committee, having been Treasurer for the past 12 years. Like Grenville, Christopher has given up much of his free time in support of the Club. “It has been an honour to be Club Treasurer for 12 years and on the Executive Committee for longer still,” he said. “What I have loved is that under [Director General] Nick Lomas’ leadership the Club has always been innovative and looking to the future with confidence.

Witness the launch of Experience Freedom and more recently the first steps in our apprenticeship scheme.

For me two events stand out. One carefully planned – the name change to Caravan and Motorhome Club.

The second an unwelcome bolt from the blue – the Covid pandemic.

“The name change proved a success and our resilience enabled us to come through the pandemic stronger than ever. Both a tribute to our members’ support and the East Grinstead leadership team.”

Both Grenville and Christopher were made Honorary Life Members during presentations at the AGM,

also receiving silver models of The Wanderer caravan.

New Club Chairman David Turner previously held the position of Vice-Chairman. A Club member since 1988, and a retired banker, David has served on several Committees and enjoys fishing, reading, cycling and swimming. He and his wife, Jan, regularly caravan in the UK and abroad, staying at Club sites and attending local member events. “It is the most incredible privilege to become Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club – a true members’ club‚” David said. “I look forward to serving our 1.1 million members and working with the dedicated Club staff and volunteers, both on the Club campsite network and at head office.

The Club is a great institution that has stood the test of time. Together with my Committee colleagues and the Directorate team, we will continue to do all we can to enable our members to do what they love best, enjoy the great outdoors knowing they are in safe hands with the Club. We will also work to ensure we remain relevant to the next generation of Club members and their interests.”

New Treasurer Alison Woodhams brings a wealth of experience to her

role, having occupied senior positions with responsibility for finance, audit and governance during her career.

Alison’s first home was a caravan and she spent much of her early childhood living in caravans on RAF sites. She would like to continue the excellent work undertaken to ensure the sound and prudent management of the Club’s finances, for the long-term benefit of the membership.

Motorhomer Greg Potter joins existing Vice-Chairmen Ann Marie Ward and Mark Sinclair-Watson. Greg joined the Club in 2003 and has been an active member of the Events Committee since 2019, prior to which he was Chairman of the Anglia Region.

As Vice-Chairman, Greg is keen to ensure Club members continue to get great value for money and enjoy the expanding benefits that membership of the Club offers, including the incredible all-inclusive entertainment package at ClubFest.

The Club would also like to thank Barry Sharratt for his time on the Executive Committee. Barry joined the Executive Committee in 2013 and had been a dedicated member of the Technical Committee since 2009.

If you would like to read more about the AGM, please turn to page 46. www.camc.com

RODNEY LAMBERT Trustpilot reviews

Left to right: Richard Lochhead MSP with the Clubs David Gray and Emma McQuillan

Edinburgh Club Campsite welcomes MSP

We’d love it if you could tell us, using our review partner Trustpilot, about your overall experience with the Club.

Simply scan the QR code below and tell us what you think.

The Club welcomed Richard Lochhead, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Moray, to Edinburgh Club Campsite in October. Mr Lochhead, who is the Minister with responsibility for Tourism in Scotland and also held the position of MSP for North East Scotland (Region) for seven years prior to his current role, was shown around the site by Emma McQuillan, Head of Governance at the Club, and David Gray, our Regional Manager for Scotland. During the visit, they discussed the high occupancy levels at Edinburgh, which is one of the most popular Club campsites on the network due to its convenient location near the city centre.

Visits to Club campsites such as this are one of the ways that the Club can represent our members to policymakers in the governments of the UK’s devolved nations. We seize every opportunity to articulate how specific legislative issues may impact your interests and concerns.

NEC SHOW IS A HIT October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show saw packed halls at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, with manufacturers from across the industry displaying their latest models to 106,000 visitors across six days.

Club Day was a big success – the Club’s stand saw informative and entertaining discussions featuring Matt Allwright, Annabel Croft and Karen Wright, as well as presentations by journalists Siobhan Daniels, Lee Davey and Marcus Leach.

There were also talks and cookery demonstrations on the Inspiration Theatre stage, with appearances by household names such as Joe Swash, Jenny Powell and Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves).

The winners of our annual Club Campsite Awards were announced at the show (see pages 24-25 of our November issue for more information), as were the winners of the CL of the Year Awards (see page 18 of this issue).

The panel of judges tasked with assessing vehicles for the Caravan Design Awards and Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards were busy, examining a range of vehicles across a total of 18 www.camc.com

categories. Again, the results were announced at the show, and we will have a full round-up in the January issue of the Club magazine.

Thank you to all the members who visited the Club’s stand during the week. The next major show at the NEC for the leisure touring industry will be the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2024, which takes place from 13-18 February.

The Club is sad to report the passing of Rodney Lambert, an Honorary Life Member and former Vice-Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. A dedicated caravanner and a Club member for more than 50 years, Rodney and his wife, Diane, were familiar faces at Club sites, Centre rallies and Nationals, and toured extensively across Europe. Rodney was a stalwart of the Buckinghamshire Centre Committee, holding the positions of Rally Secretary, Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman between 1976 and 1999, and he also represented Bucks on Club Council for 10 of those years.

Drawing upon his experience as a civil servant with the General Post Office (and later British Telecom), Rodney served as Secretary to the Northern Home Counties Region between 1997 and 2007 before being selected as a Nominated Member of Club Council and then co-opted to the Executive Committee as Chairman of the Events Committee. At the 2010 Annual Members’ Meeting, he was selected as Club Vice-Chairman, a position he held until 2019. Upon retiring from the Executive Committee, having given countless hours as a volunteer to aid the growth of the Club, Rodney was made an Honorary Life Member. Aside from touring, Rodney retained a keen interest in historic, pre-war MG sports cars, and also enjoyed photography.

Grenville Chamberlain OBE, Honorary Life Member and former Club Chairman, fondly recalled the time he looked to Rodney when the Events Committee needed a new Chairman. “Rodney had built a wonderful team to develop and organise the fabulously successful Oktoberfest Rally for the Buckinghamshire Centre‚” Grenville explained.

“This had become the largest annual Centre event in the country, regularly attracting 350 families, with a substantial waiting list. It was a truly brilliant concept and gave a huge amount of enjoyment to many thousands of Club members from all over the country.” Grenville added that the Events Committee needed a leader of volunteers and an individual with a sense of dedication and commitment which exceeded normal levels. There was just one man for the job, so he invited Rodney and Diane out for lunch to discuss the role, which would ‘entail just six meetings each year and a couple of events to run’. “Rodney often reminded me that I had rather downplayed the requirements,” Grenville said. “But I always argued that it was his desire and energy which drove him forward. He made the role his own and excelled at everything he engaged with.”

The Club’s thoughts are with Diane and Rodney’s family and friends at this sad time.

December 2023 15

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

News in brief

AWARD FOR KARLA

We are delighted to report that our regular contributor, Karla Baker, was awarded the Caravan Writers’ Guild’s Douglas King Award for Journalism at October’s Motorhome and Caravan Show. Karla won the award for her Dordogne article, which appeared on pages 46-48 of our February 2023 issue. Congratulations, Karla!

KIMBERLEY CARAVANS

The Chesterfield branch of caravan and motorhome dealer Kimberley Caravans has now closed. Please note that Kimberley’s other two branches, at Nottingham and Darlington, are still open and operating as usual. To see opening times and locations please visit kimberleycaravans.co.uk.

ASIAN HORNETS

Members may wish to consider downloadling the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app, which tracks the whereabouts of Asian hornets in the UK and can be used on Apple and Android devices. Currently, Asian hornets – which have predominantly dark abdomens – are primarily located in the Kent area, but are showing signs of spreading farther afield. It is important to record sightings as Asian hornets prey on insects, including honey bees and other pollinators, and present a significant threat to bee colonies as well as other native species. (Please be aware that the European hornet, which has a predominantly yellow abdomen, is a native, important wildlife species. The Wildlife Trusts advises that you do not disturb an active Asian hornet nest – see wildlifetrusts. org for more details.)

16 December 2023

JOIN US AT CLUBFEST 2024 Pitches are still available for ClubFest 2024, which takes place from 24-28 May 2024 at Weston Park in Shropshire.

You may have already read about the great line-up of headline acts in store, which includes Scouting for Girls, Jason Donovan and Toploader. But in addition to the fantastic on-stage evening entertainment, our all-inclusive package includes a huge range of daytime activities, classes, competitions and games for you to enjoy.

The four-day outdoor festival will see the introduction of our new, exciting zones, with activities for the whole family to ensure everyone has a great time.

Perhaps you’d like to recharge your body and mind in our Wellbeing Club, which will feature daily exercises such as pilates and circuits. Or you could even learn some bushcraft skills at our new Nature Club. For those seeking fun

and adventure, the Have-a-Go Club, Mayday Kids Club and Family Club will include activities such as a silent disco, cycle ride, quiz, baking competition, climbing wall, giant outdoor board games and much, much more.

And, of course, you can relax in the bar and make the most of the delicious food served by our street food vendors.

This is just the tip of the iceberg – ClubFest 2024

promises to be our biggest event yet, so if you’d like to read more about what’s in store please visit camc.com/clubfest.

Pitches cost from £330 (an economy pitch for two adults for four nights), and that price includes all of your entertainment and activities. Day tickets are also available – please see website for details and all terms and conditions. We look forward to seeing you there!

MEMBERS AND STAFF DIG DEEP FOR CHARITY Visiting guests and site staff have generously supported a range of charities during 2023. Weekly raffles at Southport Club Campsite, for example, resulted in an amazing £1,563.43 being raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, while proceeds from sales of books and CDs at Lady Margaret’s Park earned £160.91 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Meanwhile, at Bromyard Downs, keen readers have been donating £1 each time they borrow or swap a book at the site library. A total of £81 was raised across five months for Midland Air Ambulance.

Sandringham Estate site staff with Trevor Dane, a volunteer with East Anglian Air Ambulance At Sandringham Club Site in Norfolk, a collection resulted in £780.57 for East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). Members generously purchased radishes and runner beans grown by Assistant Site Manager Doug Kirton as well as ‘kindness’ stones Bromyard Downs site staff Shaun Salisbury and Mark Drew with Kate Bristow of Midland Air Ambulance

painted by Assistant Site Manager Alison Kirton. A unique vessel for donations was created

by Doug using recycled drain pipes painted in EAAA colours .

Please note that this is not a full list of funds raised for causes and organisations, and just a flavour of the activity that has been taking place across the network. Thank you to all who have generously donated to the chosen charities. www.camc.com

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Centre news

News from the Club’s Collection With December fast approaching, we look back at another very successful year for the Caravan and Motorhome Club Collection – which has included the exhibition ‘Homes on Wheels’ (held at the Hampshire Record Office in Winchester), family activities at the National Motor Museum, and interesting donations.

One of the most exciting new entries in the collection is a series of photographs and adverts relating to the early years of caravan producers Shrager Bros Ltd. Originally a luxury furniture company in London, in 1941 Shrager Bros moved its production to Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, where it carried out repairs on RAF aircraft.

Following the end of the Second World War, the Shrager brothers applied the experience they had gained in metal and woodworking to the production of caravans, alongside their furniture business. Experimenting

Well done to David and Jane, John and Tina

JOHN HALL TROPHY

with new techniques and materials, they pioneered the use of fibreglass in motoring under the name Berkeley Caravans.

By the early 1950s Berkeley employed more than 500 people, and was considered one of the largest caravan producers in the world, with clients in the USA and Australia. But it didn’t stop there.

By the mid-1950s the company started producing small sports cars, its most renowned endeavour. The donation to the Club Collection, which has been made by the Shrager family, includes photographs used as

advertising material for the Carapartment – the first model ever produced by the company in 1946. The advert appeared in The Camper magazine and featured the iconic slogan: “We’ve brought aircraft principles down to earth in the Carapartment”.

To find out more about the collection please visit nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/ collections/camc-collection or follow us on Twitter (@ camccollection), Instagram (@ camcc_curator) and Facebook (facebook.com/camcccurator).

Sara Riccabone

You recommend...

Exmoor House

Porlock Bay Photo by member Jo Halliday from upgraded toilet blocks) which is lovely. The [site team is] probably one of the best we have come across on the network, super friendly, very efficient and relaxed and full of knowledge about Dulverton and the area.”

(October 2023)

“One of our favourite sites, we have been coming here for years and it has hardly changed (apart

“During our stay it was busy but peaceful and the sound of the River Barle is very

www.camc.com

SOUTH WEST RETURNS TO CIRENCESTER PARK

Following a successful event in 2023, South West Centres will be returning to Cirencester Park from 3-9 July 2024.

Coinciding with the Cotswold Show and Food Festival (6-7 July, tickets sold seperately at cotswoldshow.co. uk), South West Centres’ event will feature plenty of activities and entertainment to suit all ages. For more information and a booking form, please see southwestcentres.co.uk.

WINDSOR HORSE SHOW

Your comments on a charming site in Exmoor National Park

“Breakfast at The Copper Kettle is well worth a visit, but best to book at busy times like Saturday morning. Plenty of walking from the site and wonderful places to visit within a few miles drive such as Tarr Steps, Watersmeet, Dunster.” (October 2023)

Yorkshire Pennine Centre’s AGM saw the Langley family presented with the John Hall Trophy, which is given to members who have contributed that little bit extra to the Centre. John Hall was a long-standing Yorkshire Pennine member and this trophy was donated by his family in his memory.

Nominations come from members and a vote is taken at the AGM to determine the winner.

soothing... Fairly small area to walk the dogs, so each morning we took a trip round the village which has a beautiful church. A short walk into the village, there is a pub (with a decent pint!) and good food, a cracking fish and chips take-out, a Co-op, pet shop, butchers and fresh fruit and veg and some delightful charity shops.” (October 2023)

Buckinghamshire Centre will be providing a temporary site at Windsor Racecourse from 1-5 May 2024 to coincide with the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Discounted tickets are available for the show when booking your pitch. The temporary site will feature EHU, fresh water and waste disposal and there is a minimum stay of two nights. For more details and a booking form please see buckscaravan.club.

GENEROUS EAST SUSSEX East Sussex Centre’s immediate past Chairman Bob Hutchings chose Macmillan Cancer Support as the Chairman’s Charity while he held the position. Well done to East Sussex members, who raised a fantastic total of £837.96 for the cause.

December 2023 17

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Fantastic Certificated Locations recognised in annual awards Six Certificated Locations (CLs) across the UK have been named as category winners in the Club’s CL of the Year Awards 2023.

The awards celebrate privately-owned, five-pitch sites that are open exclusively to Club members. Often found in idyllic rural locations, they provide a valuable

income stream for site owners and local communities.

Club members nominate their favourite CLs for the majority of awards categories, rewarding hard-working owners who go above and beyond for their guests. This year’s awards were split into six

categories: Best CL in England; Best CL in Scotland & Northern Ireland; Best CL in Wales; Best Newcomer; Most Unique CL; and the new CL Sustainability Award to recognise valuable work being undertaken to protect the environment.

BEST CL IN ENGLAND

BEST CL IN SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

BEST CL IN WALES

CHOLSEY GRANGE, HIGH WYCOMBE

LANDIS FARM, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Here are the winners...

TERFYN MAWR, CARMARTHENSHIRE

This CL – which scooped third place in 2020 – offers fully-serviced hardstanding pitches with stunning views of the Chilterns, and there is a horse riding business on site. There are plenty of great walks to be enjoyed nearby, including longer jaunts to dog-friendly village pubs and landmarks.

Owner Ted Howard-Jones commented: “I think what our visitors like about CLs is that they are relaxed, very personal and they get to be out in the countryside, often having the sites almost to themselves or just with a couple of other vehicles, so they get a real, rural experience.”

Landis Farm, which is run by Colin and Sandra Carruthers, is set just outside the pretty village of New Abbey, famous for the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey. The quiet surroundings offer tourers peace and tranquillity with walks from the campsite taking visitors to the Nith Estuary, Waterloo Monument and Criffel Hill, while the farm also has a ‘mini museum’ containing vintage tractors and farm implements.

Describing the appeal of the site, Sandra said: “We are lucky to have a lot of returning customers and a lot of them have become friends. They thoroughly enjoy the peace and quiet of the farm and the local area; there is far more to do in Dumfries & Galloway than people realise.”

A mile away from Newcastle Emlyn, a quaint market town dating back to the 13th century, Terfyn Mawr offers beautiful views and is owned by Hazel and Gerald Hands. Visitors can also enjoy Cenarth Falls, which cascade through the village of Cenarth. “We like to treat people the way we want to be treated ourselves if we are visiting a site, and the feedback we get seems to show it works,” said Hazel. “We, hand on heart, do not do this as a business, we do this as a hobby. We thoroughly enjoy meeting people and love the fact that they are appreciating the area we live in.”

BEST NEWCOMER

MOST UNIQUE CL

CL SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

BETLEY PARK, SHROPSHIRE

ABBOTTS VIEW ALPACAS, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

BRISLEY HALL FARM, NORFOLK

Run by Guy Robinson and Jo Fallows, this adult-only CL is a short walk away from Lyth Hill nature reserve and lies just to the south of Shrewsbury. It has EHU as well as an outdoor bar and barbecue area, which includes table tennis and a dart board. Jo thanked members for their support: “We want to extend our huge thanks to everyone that took the time to vote, the people who have stayed here and those who have written five-star reviews, it means the world to us. There’s been a huge amount of effort put into this project, far more than we thought and it has been epic.”

Situated approximately halfway between Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury, this CL owned by Jo and James Dell is a haven for animal lovers, offering guests the chance to stay on a working, wind- and solar-powered eco farm that also breeds alpacas. It is also home to ducks, ponies, rare breed sheep and pigs, pygmy goats, guinea pigs and rabbits.

CL owners were able to nominate themselves for this category, setting out why their site is sustainable – the winner was chosen by the Club’s Strategic Product Development and Sustainability team.

Owned by Sally Whales, Brisley Hall Farm has been thoughtfully developed to enable wildlife to thrive, while all cleaning products are eco-friendly.

Sally commented: “We are always looking for more ways to expand our green credentials and would like to thank the Club for presenting us with the Sustainability Award and recognising what we are trying to do to protect the environment around us, not just for us but for everybody.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE AWARD WINNERS! YOU CAN READ MORE AT CAMC.COM/CLNOMINATE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLUB’S CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS, PLEASE SEE CAMC.COM/CLS. 18 December 2023

www.camc.com

S

LL TI

TH E U K ’S

N.o1

Prepare to be moved

RA

Buying a caravan was a great move, but buying a Powrtouch caravan mover is the secret to parking and positioning your caravan like a pro, even if you’ve never done it before!

Only! Powrtouch caravan movers give you ultimate control...

ER 25 Y

Powrful manoeuvrability at your fingertips

PE

TEE AN

EA

O

NN

Looking for that perfect pitch with a view to die for, or need to park your caravan in the most awkward of tight spots?

A Powrtouch caravan mover will effortlessly position your caravan wherever you like with fluid 360˚ control that’s accurate to 1mm and tested to move over 2 tonnes on a 1:4 slope across all surfaces.

L

O

OV

T

R

2

R

K

&

A

FO

S BOUR GU

DESIG

N

& BUILT IN

EU

PA R T

FREE N.o1 FIVE YEAR LA

ED

RS

Q UIB B L E

TH

NO

ES / 1:4 S

Breathtaking Quality and Assurances Designed and built in the UK, with a No Quibble Five Year Guarantee, it’s hardly surprising Powrtouch are still the UK’s No1 Caravan Movers.

Call 01283 587900 to find your local powrtouch supplier or visit powrtouch.com Truma Ltd, 2000 Park Lane, Dove Valley Park, Foston, Derby, DE65 5BG

So, no matter what caravan you own or whatever your budget, Powrtouch has the No1 mover that’s perfect for you. Why choose second best?

VE

R

C

A

VA N M O

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

034215. New alternative tel no: 01674 840179.

1984 HOLYHEAD – Gorsgoch Farm. New alternative tel no: 07534 932339. New email: enquiries@ angleseyvacations.co.uk.

2241 LISBURN – Aghalee. Please use tel no: 07713 081714. New email: vivian@squareround.com.

November 2023 Magazine CHESTERFIELD – Barlborough Links Golf Club. New main nbr: 07539 376631.

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 2023/24 Sites Directory & Handbook. They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise specified.

NEW CLS ENGLAND

HEREFORDSHIRE

HEREFORD (10m NW) – Condor Cottage, Mr Peter Stilwell, Dilwyn, Hereford HR4 8HL. 07774 112077; 01544 318528; pete@pcstilwell.co. uk. 149:SO417544; 52.1852, -2.8530.

OAY; 1 acre; adv bkg req; grass; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; peaceful; ideal for families; views; lawned; public trans, town & pub in 1m; golf in 5m; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

RETFORD (6m N) – Cherry Blossom Park, Mr Wes Walton, Everton Dog Run, Mill Lane, Everton, Retford DN10 5DG. 07749 304731; 70@live.co.uk.

111:SK693904; 53.406742, -0.958171.

OAY; 0.5 acre; adults only; some sl pitches; levelling block req; grass; views; price fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

CLOSURES

South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Anglesey Photo by member Jo McCarthy

730134; mail@penrhynfarm.com; penrhynfarm.com. 114:SH286839; 53.325, -4.5739. OAY; 1 acre; adults only; dogs; adv bkg req; drive over MH disp; waterside (sea); hdstdng; enhanced: EHU with water and grey waste disp; 12A; max o’fit length: 8.5mtrs; peaceful; comm site adj; views; lawned; wkg fm; storage facs; self catering accom; public trans & shop in 1m; beach adj; price fr £25 (pitch + 2 ad).

RUTLAND

OAKHAM (2.8m SSE) – The Horse and Jockey PH, Mr Johnny De Lisle, 2 St Mary’s Road, Manton, Nr Oakham LE15 8SU. 01572 737335; enquiries@horseandjockeyrutland. co.uk. 141:SK878045; 52.631745, -0.703201. Open 25 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; grass; peaceful; ideal for families; pub on site; price fr £20 (pitch + 2 ad).

WALES

ANGLESEY

HOLYHEAD (3m ENE) – Allt Y Mor, Mr Wyn and Mrs Gwen Williams, Penrhyn Farm, Llanfwrog, Holyhead LL65 4YG. 07760 178189; 01407 20 December 2023

Normanton, Rutland Photo by Maxine Tuffin

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change in ownership or business costs. 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.

331 MATLOCK – Moor Edge Farm.

Add website: outdore.co.uk/#/ Mooredge_Farm_ 0mimcdfZK24V8IxIfjHV/home 554 BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER – Pebbly Hill Nurseries. New email: pebblyhillnursery@gmail.com.

706 ASHFORD – Little Davlis Farm.

Now OAY. Part hdstdng part grass.

816 PRESTON – Bryars Farm. New alternative tel no: 07745 062936.

834 LOUGHBOROUGH – Meadow View Farm. Now has enhanced pitches: drinking water, grey disp, 16A EHU. 945 SPILSBY – The Old Wheelwrights Retreat. Levelling blocks not req.

1067 KING’S LYNN – Manor Farm.

New email: coechristine@ outlook.com.

1104 STALHAM – Wayford House.

New email: simon@agmeale.co.uk.

1182 NOTTINGHAM – Swingate Farm. Email address ‘matthew. blant@sky.com’ no longer in use.

1515 CHICHESTER – Fir Trees.

New main tel no: 07739 615786.

1586 SALISBURY – Bluebell Wood.

Use only tel no: 07813 134110.

1846 LAURENCEKIRK – Hatton Mains Farm. New main tel no: 07761

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

302 BAKEWELL – Taddington Fields Farm.

507 WIMBORNE MINSTER – Kingston Lacy Estate.

740 MAIDSTONE – Highlands Park.

744 MAIDSTONE – Woolpack Inn. 804 LANCASTER – Lower Kit Brow Farm.

825 WHALLEY – Merrick’s Hall Farm.

848 BOSTON – Holly House CL. 1163 MORPETH – North Whitehouse Farm.

1226 BRIDGNORTH– Little Netherton.

1495 UCKFIELD – The Laughing Fish Public House.

1580 MERE – Stourhead Estate.

1619 REDDITCH – Chapel Farm.

1670 POCKLINGTON – Egremont Pines Farm.

1697 HARROGATE – Wescoe Hill Farm.

1741 PICKERING – Oak Tree Farm.

1916 THURSO – Morven View.

2007 CARDIFF – Vishwell Farm.

2122 ABERGAVENNY – The Halfway.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

See camc.com for the latest site and CL information. Please note: routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. For caravan-friendly local routes to sites we advise using directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. www.camc.com

GET CURIOUS

Save 10% on selected models

Member Offer

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. VISIT CAMC.COM/HAIBIKE TO FIND OUT MORE

NEWS UK SITES

PRICE DROP ON OVER 1.5 MILLION

PITCHES

Grafham Water Near Grafham Water Club Campsite Photo by member Katie Dudley

Book your 2024 stay at 60 UK Club campsites on selected dates with a new lower price.

Plus, book by 31 December 2023 to save an extra 10% with our 2024 Getaways offer!

We realise that members have been dealing with rising costs in all areas of life. That’s why we are lowering our prices at dozens of campsites across the network. Read on to find out more about our Price Drop and 2024 Getaways offer.

Save with our Price Drop...

We have lowered the price of over 1.5 million pitch nights at 60 UK Club campsites. We’ve suggested some places you could visit opposite, but a full list of sites where the offer applies can be found at camc.com/pricedrop.

The prices on more than 425,000 pitches have been reduced by between 10% and 15%; 1 million+ pitch prices have been reduced by between 5% and 10%; and prices on 65,000 pitches have been reduced by up to 5%.

The price drop applies to all pitch types and for stays on selected dates between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 – excluded date ranges can be found on the Club website. The new, lower prices have already been added.

22 December 2023

If you have already made a booking for 2024 you can still take advantage of the revised prices. All you have to do is view the new, lower prices online, review your booking and, if you wish, simply cancel your existing booking(s) free of charge and rebook at the revised price(s). Please remember to cancel and rebook a minimum of 21 full days prior to arrival. The new, lower prices have already been applied to any bookings made on or after 12 October 2023.

Terms and conditions apply – please see camc.com/pricedrop for details.

... and get an extra 10% off with our 2024 Getaways offer

If you act quickly and make a booking for 2024 by 31 December 2023, you’ll get an extra 10% off at the same 60 UK Club campsites included in the Price Drop. Please note that this offer only applies to online bookings of four nights or more, and other terms and conditions apply – see camc.com/2024getaways for details.

Coniston Water Photo by member Francine van Leeuwen www.camc.com

10%

Hillhead Club Campsite boasts magnificent views

TRY A GLAMPING BREAK IN 2024

GET AWAY FOR LESS IN 2024 Kev an Swindell

Wondering where to go on holiday in 2024? The Price Drop and 2024 Getaways offer applies to a range of sites in national parks, coastal beauty spots, cities and more.

Here are a few suggestions that you might like to consider. All ‘now’ prices shown are with the relevant price drop percentage applied and the 10% off for two adults and a pitch in summer 2024.

1 HILLHEAD, DEVON PRICE DROP: 15%

Enjoy a holiday on the ‘English Riviera’ by staying at this large, family-friendly site – Brixham, Paignton, Torquay and Dartmouth offer great days out in an area packed with attractions. Price was £55.30 per night, now just £42.03 per night.

2 YELLOWCRAIG, EAST LOTHIAN PRICE DROP: 12%

Eric Ne ss

An attractive, tranquil campsite near a lovely beach. If you venture a few miles to the east you’ll find a fine selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes in North Berwick, while Edinburgh is less than an hour’s drive away to the west. Price was £44.90 per night, now just £34.83 per night.

3 SCARBOROUGH WEST AYTON, NORTH YORKSHIRE PRICE DROP: 15%

Ruth Birkett

Scarborough and its sandy beaches are always a great draw, but this site – which was extensively updated in 2022 – also offers great access to the North York Moors as well as pretty Robin Hood’s Bay and historic Whitby. Price was £46.40 per night, now just £36.00 per night.

4 FERRY MEADOWS, CAMBRIDGESHIRE PRICE DROP: 10%

PRICE DROP: 10%

Have you read our south-west Wales feature on pages 28-43? Why not book a stay at Gowerton, one of the campsites visited by writer Sammy Faircloth, and see the Gower Peninsula’s beaches and breathtaking headland. Price was £36.80 per night, now just £29.97 per night.

on

www.camc.com

Dar ren and Cheryl Wils

5 GOWERTON, SWANSEA

Emily Thorne

Set in a country park, this popular campsite is close to a cafe, lakeside paths, the Nene Valley steam railway and a range of golf courses. Many guests choose to walk into Peterborough city centre (just over three miles). Price was £36.90 per night, now just £29.97 per night.

Experience Freedom has a range of accommodation on various Club campsites – including glamping cabins, glamping pods, camping pods, yurts and safari tents. It’s great for a break if you would like to try something different, or if you want friends and family to come and enjoy the touring lifestyle with you.

You can now book your stays for 2024, so whether you fancy a few nights in London at Abbey Wood Club Campsite, a coastal break in Brighton, or perhaps some time in the Lake District at Coniston Park Coppice, there’s a site to suit.

During 2023, Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite in the Cotswolds has proven popular with members, so perhaps this will be your choice. It has glamping pods, yurts and safari tents, plus there’s a social area with a fire pit, so you can get together and toast marshmallows.

If you book for yourself, or you book friends or family members on site with you, you will benefit from a Club member discount of 10%. For example, glamping pods at Moreton-in-Marsh start from £124.20 for a two-night break, including the member discount of £13.80 (valid for stays between Monday and Thursday and between 8 Jan and 8 Feb 2024). There are various other offers available throughout the year which are exclusive to members too, so keep a look out.

If you haven’t been glamping before, why not make 2024 the year you give it a try?

December 2023 23

DAYS OUT FOR LESS

MEMBER SAVINGS GREAT DAYS OUT

MEMBERS RECEIVE DISCOUNTS AT HUNDREDS OF ATTRACTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THANKS TO THE GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE. HERE ARE FIVE FABULOUS FAMILY FAVOURITES NEAR CLUB CAMPSITES

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM, WARWICKSHIRE

20%

AFRICA ALIVE ZOOLOGICAL RESERVE, SUFFOLK Enjoy an adventure at this wonderful reserve in Lowestoft – see lions, rhinos, giraffes, meerkats, buffalos and many other amazing animals. Club members can take advantage of a 20% discount

10%

EDINBURGH BUS TOURS, EDINBURGH

Explore the historic Scottish capital by open-top bus. Choose between the City Sightseeing (highlights include the Museum of Childhood and Edinburgh Castle), Edinburgh (Scottish Parliament, Royal Mile) and Majestic (Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia) Tours – or buy a combination ticket. Members receive a 10% discount when pre-booking.

Info: edinburghtour.com Club campsite: Edinburgh

on all pre-booked admission tickets.

Motorhome parking is available (contact venue for details).

Info: zsea.org/reserve Club campsite: White House Beach

£2.00

OLIVER CROMWELL’S HOUSE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Members benefit from a twofor-the-price-of-one (lower priced entry is free) offer at 2 FOR 1 this fantastic attraction in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Visit the former Lord Protector’s family home, experience what domestic life would have been like in the 17th century in recreated period rooms and see Civil War exhibitions. Visit Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen, try dressing up, play with the toys of the time or venture into the haunted bedroom – if you dare!

Info: olivercromwellshouse.co.uk Club campsites: Cambridge Cherry Hinton

Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and prebooking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling.

24 December 2023

Home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, this Gaydon-based museum offers a fantastic insight into the UK motor industry. Members can enjoy a £2 saving per person (up to five people) when pre-booking. Only valid against museum entry. Only one voucher per transaction.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, group, family or education tickets or when purchasing annual passes. Not exchangeable for cash. Not valid on up to five special Show Days per year. Motorhome parking available (contact venue for details).

Info: britishmotormuseum.co.uk Club campsites: Harbury Fields Farm AS, Moreton-in-Marsh, Warwick Racecourse

UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE

Turn your world upside town and take a photo to remember at one of these fun locations – head for Bournemouth, Brighton, Lakeside, Milton Keynes or Westfield London for a unique experience. Members can take advantage of a 10% discount on standard tickets at any of the five destinations (without ticket protection) when pre-booking.

Info: upsidedownhouse.co.uk Club campsites: Hunter’s Moon, New Forest Centenary (Bournemouth); Brighton; Abbey Wood (Lakeside); Ashridge Farm (Milton Keynes); Crystal Palace (Westfield London)

10%

www.camc.com

Introducing the NEW award-winning Swift Challenger Exclusive Only available at selected dealerships, Challenger Exclusive is an enhanced version of Challenger SE. Additional premium features make this range extra special including, striking grey GRP side walls, onboard Wi-Fi and the Swift Command control panel with built-in Command Tracker.* With nine 2-6 berth layouts to choose from, including the spacious 8ft-wide Grande range, there’s a model tailored to every taste.

Find out more at swiftgroup.co.uk *Subscription required for Command Tracker

In association with

WINNER

BEST FOUR-BERTH CARAVAN Swift Challenger Exclusive 580

INTERVIEW GRENVILLE CHAMBERLAIN OBE

VIEWS FROM THE TOP

We chat to outgoing Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain OBE about his distinguished tenure CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU BECAME CHAIRMAN?

“In 2007 we had the garden party at Buckingham Palace [to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Club]. On the morning before, we had an Executive Committee meeting.

Then-Chairman Bob Black had decided he wanted to stand down, and so my colleagues suggested that I might take on the role. So one ‘gobsmacked Chamberlain’ gets dressed up to go to Buckingham Palace. We were lined up to be presented to The Duke of Edinburgh, and, as he walked up, The Duke asked Bob whether it was true that he was retiring shortly, Bob indicated that he was and that the new Chairman would be Grenville, just a little further along the line. The Duke was most gracious and offered his congratulations and best wishes. That was 16 July and I became Chairman at the end of October [following election by members at the AGM].”

DO ANY ACHIEVEMENTS DURING YOUR PERIOD AS CHAIRMAN STAND OUT?

“We’ve brought in new ideas and new facilities, we’ve developed the likes of Hillhead, with its bar, restaurant and swimming pool. And between us I think we’ve done a pretty good job of building up our network. I think one of the most positive things we did, seven years ago – and it wasn’t immediately, universally popular – was changing the name [from The Caravan Club to Caravan and Motorhome Club]. When you look now and see that 70% of our new recruits are either motorhomers or campervanners, the change in the market has been massive.”

DO YOU HAVE A FONDEST MEMORY?

“My fondest memory has to be being presented with an OBE – how the hell that came about I do not know. I had just pulled the car out – we were going to go to the DIY store in Cambridge to buy a tin of paint. It was a Friday evening, it was dark, and the postman arrived. I said to Liz, ‘Just go and see what he has left.’ She picked up the post and said, ‘You’ve got a letter from the Cabinet Office.’ I thought, ‘Cabinet Office - what’s that all about?” She said, ‘You’re going to get an award.’

I said, ‘What do you mean?’ She said, ‘You had better read this.’ It said I’d been selected for an 26 December 2023

Left: Grenville was Chairman of the Caravan and Motorhome Club for 16 years

n Look out for an interview with new Chairman David Turner in our January issue.

OBE if I was willing to accept it. Well, within 30 seconds it had been scanned and sent back!”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

“Covid, without a doubt. That was a really, really worrying time, How long was it going to go on for? What impact would it have? Having said that, the Club put in place all the measures to get us through it. When you look back now, the Club is stronger and fitter than it was before. I think one of the most incredible things was that, in a sense, the Club led the way to get caravan sites all across the country open quickly.”

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB?

“When you look 10, 15, 20 years from now... what’s the towcar going to be like, what’s going to be powering our vehicles? Those are the biggest questions I think. But I think that with the steps that we have taken to introduce, for example, Experience Freedom to broaden the range of services and products that we can offer, the Club’s in a very sound and strong position. And of course we have got membership at an all-time high. So we’re doing something right aren’t we?”

HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE ROLE?

“Oh, I’ve loved every minute of it. [I’m amazed] when I look back at the things we’ve done and the places we have been to and the people we have met. We have met lots and lots of happy members. When I look back, I’ve worked with

some amazing people. There’s an absolutely brilliant team at East Grinstead – and of course out on our sites network. I had the greatest honour to meet The Queen, I met The Duke of Edinburgh several times, The Princess Royal, and Prince Charles (now, of course, King Charles III) presented me with my OBE.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY TOURING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

“Between them, my wife, Liz’s, and my families lost six members in the First World War. One was in Gallipoli – he died on 9 August 1915. I’ve maintained that we’ll go there. We have actually already been once and seen his name on the Helles Memorial – we laid a wreath. But at that time I had to head back to Istanbul for business.

I said to Liz, the one real trip I want to make is to drive down the eastern side of the Adriatic [in a campervan], into Greece, cross into Turkey and spend probably a week (there is an Alan Rogers campsite on the peninsula) looking around the battlefield, understanding that as much as we can. Then we’re going to come back, taking a ferry to Bari in Italy. Then we’ll drive up through Italy seeing all the beautiful cities that we haven’t had the chance to see before. I reckon that’s about a six-week trip of 5,000 miles.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR INCOMING CHAIRMAN DAVID TURNER? “Keep a good diary! He’s going to have a very busy time but he’s going to love it.”

www.camc.com

Vehicle GPS Tracking for Caravans & Motorhomes RRP

£39.99

• Can be fitted on a caravan, motorhome, car, van, coach, eBike, motorbike, trike, quad, jetski, plant, truck and trailer.

• Easy self-installation by connecting two wires to your battery.

Search TruTrak on Amazon, buy online by scanning this code • Start immediately with 14 days free credit included.

• Pay As You Go (PAYG), no contract, just Top-Up when you like, just £5.99 per month.

• Works with Android, iPhone, MAC and PC. • Covers 176 countries including the UK and all of Europe.

• Internal backup battery, built-in accelerometer & TruTrak FMT100 GPS gyroscope sensors.

Vehicle Tracking Device • Waterproof IP65 rated, internal backup battery allows device to work without external power source.

Battery wired Easy self-install Pay As You Go No contract No subscription Contact Us

01206 482524 sales@trutrak.co.uk

Automatic Motorhome Levelling Hedleys Towbars Centre Tel: 0141 773 1212 (Durham - North East)

Rhino Installs

Tel: 01772 335222 (Preston - North West)

Motorhome Levelling

Motorhome Workshop @ Sunstore Tel: 01903 213141 (Worthing - South Coast)

SGM Towing

Tel: 029 2037 1379 (Cardiff )

Tel: 01522 524 444 (Lincoln)

S&G Leisure

Tel: 01582 562277 (Milton Keynes)

Bristol Caravans

Tel: 01454 612 893 (Bristol)

info@ma-ve.co.uk | www.ma-ve.co.uk

TOURING UK SITES

Diolch, Cymru!

Sammy Faircloth says ‘Thank you, Wales’ following an epic break taking in the sandy beaches, stunning seascapes and classic castles of the south-west

S

outh-west Wales has long been a popular holiday destination, with its rugged coastline, miles of award-winning sandy beaches, charming towns and villages, plenty of open spaces, and castles, museums and galleries to explore. Along with my husband and two teenagers, I embarked on a caravan tour of this stunning region.

Near St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Photo by member Stuart Leech

GLORIOUS GOWER

mead Llangrannog, near Shaws Moore e hrin Kat er mb me Photo by

28

Our trip began at Gowerton Club Campsite, an immaculate site that is well situated for exploring both coast and countryside, and is close to Swansea if you need the buzz of a city. Once set up, we headed to the Gower Peninsula, which juts out into the Bristol Channel.

Designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, it is a popular destination for walkers, surfers and cycling enthusiasts.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

See camc.com for the latest site information. We also recommend that you check with businesses and attractions that are featured regarding opening dates and times.

Solva, Pembrokeshire

December 2023 29

TOURING UK SITES Heather-clad cliff tops above Rhossili Bay with Worms Head in the distance, Gower Peninsula

1

Gowerton

Club Campsite On the Gower Peninsula, six miles from Swansea, this site is perfect for active and beach holidays.

Pitches: 128 Max outfit length: 9m

“

The three miles of golden sands are a huge draw to the surfing community

”

Member view

“We have stayed several times at this site as it is not far from home.

The site is very spacious and the area is great for cycling.”

Karen and Mark

Site view

“This site can be a convenient stepping-stone if you are heading west, but it is also great for those that enjoy clean beaches and rock pooling.” Debbie

Food & drink The Rake & Riddle, Gowerton Road, Penclawdd, Gowerton SA4 3RB Contact: therakeandriddle.com, 01792 872886

Culture National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD Contact: museum.wales Member saving available: see camc. com/greatsavings guide for details, terms and conditions

10%

Outdoor fun South Wales Surf Lessons, Llangennith Beach Contact: southwalessurflessons. co.uk, 07866 007335

For the family

LC2 Waterpark, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST Contact: thelcswansea.co.uk, 01792 466500 Scan here to book a pitch at Gowerton

30 December 2023

BOOKING INFO For the latest details and opening information for all our sites, please see camc.com

A trip to Rhossili Bay, on the west of the Gower, will not disappoint. The three miles of golden sands are a huge draw for the surfing community, whilst those who prefer to stay on terra firma will enjoy access to the Wales Coast Path. In fact, the route from Rhossili to Mewslade Bay has been voted one of the Ramblers Association’s Top 10 Walking Routes in the whole of the UK. If you are lucky, you might

see some of the wild ponies and horses that roam here.

The most westerly point of the Gower is Worms Head. Although on a map it does look a bit like a worm, ‘worm’ in this case comes from the Old English word ‘wyrm’, meaning ‘sea serpent’, which is a far more magical image.

Worms Head is only accessible on foot for two-and-a-half hours either side of low tide, so ignore the signs at your peril. Do not www.camc.com

2

Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite

On the edge of the 520-acre country park and nestled among the trees, with well-laid-out pitches giving a spacious feel.

Pitches: 126 Max outfit length: 8.5m

Member view

”My brother recommended the site as it is easy to get to with an eight-footwide caravan. We are a young family and we find that there is lots to do in Pembrey Country Park.”

Tim, Julia and Jack

Site view “Pembrey Country Park has cycle and walking trails, a dry ski slope, tobogganing, crazy golf, a miniature railway and an adventure playground” Melanie and Barbara

Food & drink Naz Rasoi Indian Restaurant, 88 Lando Rd, Pembrey, Burry Port SA16 0YB (will deliver to site) Contact: 01554 891083

Culture

Carmarthen Castle, Castle Hill, Carmarthen SA31 1AD Contact: visitwales.com, 01267 231557

Outdoor fun Toboggan ride, Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, Llanelli SA16 0EJ Contact: pembreycountrypark. wales, 01554 742435

For the family Mumbles Pier

“

Gower Brewery

‘Worm’, in this case, comes from the Old English ‘wyrm’, meaning ‘sea serpent’

www.camc.com

”

Llanelli Wetland Centre, Llwynhendy, Llanelli SA14 9SH Contact: wwt.org.uk, 01554 741087 Scan here to book a pitch at Pembrey Country Park

December 2023 31

TOURING UK SITES

3

Woodstock

Certificated Location A scenic, tranquil, adults-only site near Tenby, with hardstanding pitches, toilet and shower block, EHU and chemical waste emptying point.

Sites Directory & Handbook p552

Member view “Initially, we were recommended this site and have now stayed several times. It is wellmaintained, the pitches are level and Jan is so friendly.”

Mr & Mrs Brewer

Site view “A lot of members come here for the peace and quiet. We are blessed with an array of wildlife, from foxes and badgers to woodpeckers and owls. The site is located five miles from Tenby, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.” Jan

Food & drink Lokky’s, Woodridge Inn Hotel, Wooden, Saundersfoot SA69 9DY Contact: lokkys.co.uk, 01834 812259

Culture Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Dylan’s Walk, Laugharne SA33 4SD Contact: dylanthomasboat house.com, 01994 427420

Outdoor fun Pembrokeshire Alpaca Trekking, Beavers Hill, The Ridgeway, Manorbier, Tenby SA70 8LQ Contact: pembrokeshire alpacatrekking.co.uk, 07929 076119

Maritime Quarter, Swansea Pennard Castle ruins

attempt to wade or swim to it when the causeway from the mainland is flooded.

Moving anti-clockwise around the coast, we came to the delightful Oxwich National Nature Reserve, which is a haven for wildlife, with its mix of sand dunes, beach, woodland, and saltwater and freshwater marshes. The last time I visited Oxwich Bay was on a geography field trip when I was 17 years old; fortunately, it has not changed.

Continuing along the coast back towards Swansea, we reached Mumbles, the family-favourite spot. At 835ft long, Mumbles Pier was opened in 1898 as a terminus for the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, the world’s first horse-drawn public passenger train service. Today, it is home to an amusement arcade, games room, souvenir shops, lifeboat station and café. A short stroll along the promenade will bring you to Verdi’s Café and Ice Cream Parlour, which sells many delicious flavours of gelato.

Our journey back to the campsite took us across the stunning Gower Commons, an

For the family Folly Farm, Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA Contact: folly-farm. co.uk, 01834 812731 32 December 2023

Cefn Sidan beach

Woodstock CL Photo by member Theres a Solly

area of lowland heath. After so much exploring we had built up a thirst, so we stopped en route for refreshments at the Gower Brewery. The brewery offers tours for those who want to learn more about the brewing process, or you can simply visit the tap room for a drink, or make a purchase in the brewery shop if you’re driving. It sells locally-crafted gin as well as ales. www.camc.com

PRICE DROP ON OVER 1.5 MILLION PITCHES! ON SELECTED DATES

Great news – we’ve lowered the price on over 1.5 million pitch nights at 60 UK Club campsites, so you can now get away for less in 2024*!

Plus, book by 31 December 2023 and you could save an extra 10% with our 2024 Getaways offer*!

Find out more at camc.com/pricedrop

Get away for less in 2024 Full Terms and Conditions apply, see camc.com/pricedrop and camc.com/2024getaways

*

Scan me

TOURING UK SITES Kidwelly Castle

4

Freshwater East Club Campsite

Close to a sandy beach and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with the pretty harbour town of Tenby just 25 minutes’ drive away.

Pitches: 125 Max outfit length: 8.5m

Site view “There are many castles in the local area – Pembroke Castle, Manorbier Castle and Carew Castle – as well as plenty to entertain the kids – Folly Farm, Manor Wildlife Park and The Dinosaur Park.”

Anthony and Wendy

St Catherine’s Island, Tenby Pembrey Country Park

Near Freshwater East Club Campsite Photo by member Gillian Pye

Food & drink

Jack’s at the Longhouse, Freshwater East Holiday Village, Freshwater East SA71 5LW Contact: 01646 629819

Culture

Manorbier Castle, Manorbier, Tenby SA70 7SY Contact: manorbiercastle.co.uk, 01834 870081

Outdoor fun

Tenby Adventure, Harbour, Tenby SA70 8BY Contact: tenbyadventure.co.uk, 07880 746892

For the family Manor Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby SA70 8RJ Contact: manorwildlifepark. co.uk, 01646 651201

Scan here to book a pitch at Freshwater East

34 December 2023

“

Wales is home to over 600 castles

Our next stop, only a 30-minute drive west of Gowerton, is Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite, a well-equipped site that is popular with families – indeed, there is a brand-new play area for children. The site sits at the entrance of the country park, so it’s a short walk to its many attractions, which include a ski slope and toboggan run, adventure playground, crazy golf, miniature railway, cycle hire, walks and trails, and café, as well as the beautiful Cefn Sidan beach. It’s worth wandering down at dusk for spectacular sunsets.

Events, such as family fun days, theatrical performances and steam fairs take place throughout the year.

CASTLE COUNTRY

Wales is home to more than 600 castles which, according to Visit Wales, is more per square mile than any other country in Europe. Armed with this knowledge, it

”

would be remiss not to visit at least one during our tour!

Only five miles from Pembrey Country Park is Kidwelly Castle, an impressive Norman stronghold situated on top of steep earthworks with high towers, tall curtain walls and a fine gatehouse.

Comedy fans will recognise it from the opening scenes of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Managed by heritage body Cadw, members of English Heritage, Historic Scotland or Manx Heritage can get in for free, or at a reduced rate.

Moving into Pembrokeshire, a stop at Woodstock Certificated Location (CL) would offer a complete change of pace. Adults-only, it is a wonderfully friendly, peaceful site and well-cared-for by the fabulous Jan, who is an excellent artist. From here, a visit to Tenby, with its pretty, colourful buildings and harbour is an absolute must, and it was certainly one of the highlights of our tour. www.camc.com

CUBE FOLD HYBRID

GRAB IT AND GO! FOLD HYBRID An e-bike is a great way to get around. A folding e-bike is an even better way to take to the streets. The Fold Hybrid‘s clever folding mechanism and integrated carr y handle make it easy to put on the train, in the boot of the car, in a caravan or camper... wherever you need it to be. For work, for errands, for holidays. With Bosch power and practical CUBE design, it‘s your new indispensable companion.

Qualit y rides for ever yone - Designed and engineered in Germany - Founded in 1993 Proudly distributed by Oneway Bike Industr y

TOURING UK SITES

5

St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite

In the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this site is an open meadow with spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

Pitches: 113 Max outfit length: 11.6m

Member view “We are on a Welsh tour and plan to visit the whole of Wales in the next few years. This site has great staff, great location and spotlessly clean facilities.”

Philip and Gareth

Site view

“The views and walks from this site make it a very desirable location for outdoor and watersport lovers.”

Dean and Paul

Food & drink

St David’s Cathedral Near St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite Photo by member Margaret Nelson

The Bishops, 22-23 Cross Square, St David’s, SA62 6SL (booking advised) Contact: thebish. co.uk, 01437 720422

Culture

St Non’s Chapel and Well, St David’s SA62 6BN Contact: cadw.gov.wales, 01437 720224

Outdoor fun TYF Adventure, 20 High Street, St David’s SA62 6SA Contact: tyf.com, 01437 721611

For the family Oakwood Theme Park, Canaston Bridge, Narberth SA67 8DE Contact: oakwoodthemepark. co.uk, 01834 815170 Scan here to book a pitch at St David’s Lleithyr Meadow

36 December 2023

Near St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Photo by member Linda Baldwin

“

Tenby Harbour

Tenby is steeped in history

Even better, Tenby is considered the sunniest place in Wales!

The town is steeped in history, with medieval city walls and its famous five arches located along the south parade. Tenby Castle can been seen on Castle Hill overlooking the harbour and far down the coastline; all that remains is a tower.

At the foot of Castle Beach lies St Catherine’s Island. Originally home to a small chapel, a fort was built in 1867, housing nine guns and 100 men. You can visit the fort today, but opening times are subject to the tides and weather, so check

”

online before you go. Continuing the historical theme, the oldest house in Tenby is the 15th-century Tudor Merchant’s House. Boasting original 15th-century furnishings and household objects, it gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the life of a middle-class merchant during a period when the town was a busy place of commerce.

A rain shower threatened to upend our plans (we were well prepared with wet weather gear!), but thankfully we came across Tenby Harbwr Brewery, the perfect opportunity for a pit stop. It serves www.camc.com

The Ultimate Vintage Music & Dance Holiday for all

Caravanners & Motorhomers www.twinwoodfestival.com

sic Acts Over 100 Top Live Mu to the 1970s.

the 1920s A magical journey from ly age site with 15 beautiful rit he rb pe su a at e ac pl rd wood takes inating museums. sc fa Now in its 23 year, Twin ith w ng alo d, an dl esque woo themed venues, in pictur

p electric hook-up available.

s 16 am 5 nights stay with excellent campsite •

•

Restaurant Huge Dance Floors Great Food & Bars, including Indoor s) Hair & Beauty Salons Vintage Shopping Village (150 Trader

TWO PEOPLE

5 NIGHTS CAMPING (NON-ELECTRIC)

4 DAYS ENTERTAINMENT

ONLY

£408

•

• Comedy &rksCabhopares t • Dance Wo

A fabulously fun and friendly mini holiday, for

23

rd

to 26

th

August 2024

Bedfordshire MK41 6AB

all the family.

Call 01234 824773, or click

www.twinwoodfestival.com For TICKETS & INFO

TOURING UK SITES

6

Shawsmead Club Campsite

Peaceful site with red kites flying overhead. Day trips to vibrant Aberystwyth and the harbour town of Aberaeron are possible.

Touring pitches: 48 Max outfit length: 8.6m

Member view “We love this area so much that we have bought a house nearby...

It is a quiet site and a great place to get away from the hubbub.”

Connie and Anthony

Tenby Near Freshwater East Club Campsite Photo by member Gaye Kenny

Site view “Members come here for the peace and quiet and to get away from the bustling seaside towns. The red kites that nest nearby are always a source of amusement – watch out if you eat outside!”

Joanne

Food & drink The Hive, Cadwgan Place, Aberaeron SA46 0BU Contact: thehiveaberaeron.com, 01545 570445

Culture

Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron SA48 8DG Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01545 573010

Outdoor fun

Dolphin Survey Boat Trips, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay SA45 9PS Contact: dolphinsurveyboattrips.co.uk, 01545 560032

For the family

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

traditional Welsh produce and locally brewed ales – my husband was in heaven!

There is also an opportunity to learn more on a brewery tour or simply purchase your favourite craft ale from the shop.

We continued west on our tour, setting up camp at Freshwater East Club Campsite, a beachside location within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From there it is only a short drive north to the magnificent Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. The castle is an eclectic mix of architecture, from a Norman fortress to an Elizabethan mansion. Carew Mill is the only restored tidal mill in Wales. Sadly, it is no longer working, although it is still possible to see the machinery and there are family-friendly interactive displays. Within the grounds is a rather fine 11th-century Celtic cross, believed to commemorate a fallen Welsh king; from here, there is a mile-long circular walk that is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, offering superb views over the millpond.

Heading west to the county town of Pembroke, you cannot help but notice the impressive medieval fortification, Pembroke Castle, birthplace of King Henry VII. Flanked on three sides by water and with an

Freshwater West Photo by Jill and Simon Ward 80ft-high keep, it was built to withstand heavy bombardment, but nonetheless has a tumultuous past. Uniquely, Pembroke Castle is the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern, the Wogan.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Heading towards the most westerly point in Wales, our next base was St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite. Unfortunately, our arrival coincided with a storm – not the best time to be pitching our caravan!

This well-kept site is perfectly situated for those who enjoy coastal walks or watersports, yet it is also a stone’s throw from New Quay Photo by member Terry Davies

Scan here to book a pitch at Shawsmead

38 December 2023

www.camc.com

Campsall Country Park, Doncaster near Clumber Park Club Campsite Member photo by Diana Pepper

Christmas E-Gift vouchers Looking for the perfect gift?

Treat your friends and family to a special gift this year with personalised Caravan and Motorhome Club or Experience Freedom E-Gift vouchers, redeemable at all UK Club campsites and Experience Freedom locations!

Order your instant E-Gift vouchers today at camc.com/vouchers

Scan me

E-Gift vouchers are valid for a whole year and can be redeemed at all Club campsites and Experience Freedom locations across the UK. For full terms and conditions, visit camc.com/vouchers.

TOURING UK SITES Right: Devil’s Bridge Falls Inset: puffin on Skomer Island

7

Tyllyn Lakeside Certificated Location

A tranquil, adults-only, dogfriendly CL near Lampeter with splendid views of Llyn Pencarreg.

Sites Directory & Handbook p531

Site view “Our site has a lovely lake where you can participate in coarse fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking.

Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the views and wildlife.”

Sheila

Food & drink

Gwesty Cross Hands Hotel, Llanybydder SA40 9TX Contact: 01570 480224

Culture Dolaucothi (Roman mines), Pumsaint, Llanwrda SA19 8US Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01558 650177

Outdoor fun Cae Hir Gardens, Cribyn, Lampeter SA48 7NG Contact: caehirgardens. com, 01570 471116

For the family Brechfa Forest, Abergorlech Contact: naturalresources.wales

40 December 2023

“

From the viewing gazebo you will be wowed by the 300ft Mynach Falls Britain’s smallest city – St David’s. A visit to the cathedral there is highly recommended; stepping into the nave will take your breath away as you take in the grandeur of the interior, with its ornate stonework, heavily decorated arches, timber ceiling and impressive rood screen that divides the nave from the choir and presbytery.

A short walk from the cathedral brings you to the magnificent medieval Bishop’s Palace.

Between 1328 and 1347, Henry de Gower built this grand palace for his own use, but also to entertain distinguished pilgrims. It certainly was an impressive structure, but the Reformation marked its demise and all you see today are the ruins.

A kilometre off St David’s Head lies Ramsey Island, an RSPB reserve. Thousand Islands Expeditions (see the Great Savings Guide at camc.com/greatsavingsguide) runs regular boat trips from the RNLI Boat Station at St Justinians. Birdwatching enthusiasts may get to see choughs, guillemots, razorbills and fulmars. If you are lucky, you may spot common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins and maybe even a whale.

Another trip, which has become extremely popular with tourists thanks to David Attenborough’s recent Wild Isles series, is to Skomer Island to see the puffins who have made it their home.

”

Due to the demand for tickets you need to book well in advance.

Back on solid ground, and on to one of the best surfing beaches in Wales, Whitesands Bay; it is just a short walk from the Club site.

Backed by the imposing craggy hill, Carn Llidi, this is a beautiful stretch of coast, but it can get very busy in the summer months with surfers, canoeists and bodyboarders competing for the best waves.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Following the coast northwards, our penultimate stop was Shawsmead Club Campsite in Ceredigion. It’s a peaceful meadowland site that attracts watersports enthusiasts due to its proximity to Cardigan Bay. We decided to explore the picturesque

Vale of Rheidol Railway www.camc.com

The Kia Sorento Vision. £399 per month with £500 deposit contribution.

Representative APR 7.9%.

*Available with Free Towbar 2 Free Services Free Dashcam Free Diamondbrite Paint & Fabric Protection Free Mats Free Bootliner Representative Example 36 monthly payments of On the Road Price Customer Deposit Deposit Contribution

Stoneacre Durham

Sawmills Lane, Brandon, Durham, County Durham DH7 8AB. 0191 378 0866 www.stoneacre.co.uk

Stoneacre Grimsby

Rendel Street, Grimsby Lincolnshire DN31 1SF. 01472 340484

Stoneacre Lincoln

Cheshire Road, Lincoln Lincolnshire LN6 3SR. 01522 507257

£399.84 £41,845.00 £9,030.00 £500.00

Total Deposit Amount of Credit Interest Charges Optional Final Payment Total Amount Payable

Stoneacre Stafford

£9,530.00 £32,315.00 £6,712.24 £24,633.00 £48,557.24

Astonfields Road, Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3UF. 01785 904693

Fixed Rate of Interest 4.06% p.a.

Duration of Agreement 37 months Annual Mileage 6,000 Excess Mileage Charge per mile 9.0p Representative APR 7.9% APR

Stoneacre Wallasey

Rowson Street, New Brighton Wallasey, Merseyside CH45 2NA. 0151 541 5725

Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the models shown: Combined not applicable for Sorento ‘Vision’ Diesel Combined 42.8 (6.6), CO2 emissions 173g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. The figures shown here are for limited comparison purposes; fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are tested using WLTP. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: Sorento ‘Vision’ 2.2 CRDi 190bhp 8-speed DCT AWD Diesel at £44,995 including premium White Pearl paint at £0. Kia Sorento ‘Vision’ range available from £44,995. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. £500 towards your Personal Contract Purchase Deposit on a Kia Sorento ‘Vision’. Offer available on purchase of a Kia Sorento ‘Vision’ in the United Kingdom between 02.10.2023 and 13.12.2023. Retail Sales only. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Kia reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Finance T&Cs apply. Subject to status. 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Kia Finance RH2 9AQ. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk/owners. DecideBloom Ltd trading as Stoneacre are a credit broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. *Subject to terms and conditions and availability, please ask for details.

Keep moving safely on snow and ice

LONG-LIFE! SOLUTIONS FOR THE WINTER STORAGE

Instant grip - on snow and ice when needed Quick and easy to fit - just pull them over the driving wheels Portable - carry AutoSock in your vehicle and be ready for winter driving!

fenwickscaravan.com 5% reader discount - use code: CC05

autosockdirect.co.uk | 01539 621884

01939 234622

Louise Turpin

TOURING UK SITES

“

The trail involves 675 steep stone steps

fishing village of New Quay, where the boys boarded a sea-fishing trip with Epic Fishing Trips. They were not disappointed with their catch – between them they bagged eleven fish and a crab – and they brought two whiting back for our tea, so we ate well that night.

On another day, we treated ourselves to a trip back in time on a steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. The train meanders from the coast to the Cambrian mountains, through valleys and forests, climbing 680ft (200m) in total. It truly is a spectacular voyage.

On alighting at Devil’s Bridge, you might visit the station gift shop, or maybe have a light lunch at the Two Hoots Tea Room. We were drawn to Sarah Bunton’s awardwinning chocolate shop and stocked up on treats for our impending walk.

A short distance from the station lies Devil’s Bridge Falls. Club members receive a 20% discount on entry to this attraction via the Great Savings Guide. A short walk leads to a new viewing area that offers a great vista of the famous Three Bridges, where one is built on top of the other. www.camc.com

”

If you have the time and fancy a more demanding circular walk, take the waterfall nature trail. This involves 675 steep stone steps, but is worth the effort as from the viewing gazebo you will be wowed by the 300ft Mynach Falls. After descending Jacob’s Ladder, a flight of 100 steps, there’s a narrow iron bridge that represents the start of the ascent back up the gorge. With various viewing platforms and a cave known as the ‘Robber’s cave’, there are plenty of opportunities to catch your breath and enjoy the splendour of nature.

If you’re in an adult-only group, Tyllyn Lakeside CL is a great place to end the tour.

It’s a quiet, relaxing spot with stunning views over Pencarreg lake. Here you could enjoy a spot of fishing or kayaking – it’s the kind of place you won’t want to leave.

What an epic adventure it has been. Diolch, Cymru; thank you, Wales.

Wales Coast Path, Oxwich

Walking

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.

December 2023 43

EVENTS DIARY CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Check out these events set within the Club’s 10 Divisions and Regions. First we focus on the Welsh Division – and you’ll find highlights from elsewhere opposite...

West Wales Centre Info: westwalescentre.co.uk 27 December-2 January: New Year Fun, Horton, Swansea 27 December-2 January: New Year Rally, Ludlow, Shropshire (waiting list in operation, please see West Wales website for details)

New Quay, Ceredigion Photo by Jane Harbach

Gwent Centre Ludlow

Info: gwentcentre.co.uk 28 December-2 January: New Year Rally, Llanarth, Ceredigion

“

r fo e ” lik ! y te an uo at r q be ba ill w w to e e W lik

44 December 2023

www.camc.com

Salisbury

South West Region

7-10 December: Christmas Shopping, Salisbury, Wiltshire (eastdorset.org) 29 December-2 January: New Year Celebration, Wareham, Dorset (westdorsetcentre.com)

Northern Region 8 December: Carol Service, Marton, Middlesbrough (northyorkshire centre.co.uk) 16 December: Children Christmas Party, Hellaby, Bramley, South Yorkshire (southyorkshirecentre.co.uk) 29 December-2 January: East Durham Microlight Club New Year Rally, Wheatley Hill, Durham (durhamcentre.co.uk)

CENTRE EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ALL!

Brighton Marina Photo by member Katie Dudley

South East Region

Anglia Region

8-10 December: Christmas Shopping, Brighton Club Campsite, East Sussex (camcwestsussexcentre.co.uk) 8-10 December: Christmas Party, Eastbourne, East Sussex (eastsussexcc.org.uk) 28 December-1 January: New Year Rally, Sheerness, Kent (eastkentcentre.co.uk)

29 December-2 January: Ipswich, Suffolk (northessexcaravanclub.org.uk – waiting list in operation, please see website for details) 5-7 January: First Rally of the Year, Saxtead, Suffolk (suffolkcentre.org.uk) 12-14 January: Thank You Marshals, Chelmsford, Essex (secc-online.org.uk)

Home Counties Region

Saxtead Green Post Mill

10 December: Christmas Carols, Ampthill, Bedfordshire (bedscentrecc.com) 12-14 January: Blue Nose Rally, Twyford, Berkshire (berkshirecentrecaravanclub.co.uk) 12-14 January: Winter Walk and Rally, Chivery, Buckinghamshire (buckscaravan.club)

Central Region West Central Region 29 December-1 January: New Year Rally, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire (worcestershirecentre.co.uk) 5-7 January: Holmiston Hall, nr Tarporley, Cheshire (cheshirecentre.co.uk)

HOW TO JOIN A CENTRE

Centres are groups of members that arrange regular, cost-effective get-togethers across the country.

You can attend specific centre events no matter where you live. But for information on how to join your local centre, visit camc. com/centres. www.camc.com

28 December-1 January: New Year Rally, Cogenhoe, Northamptonshire (northantsrutlandcc.org) 29 December-2 January: New Year Rally, Colton, Staffordshire (southstaffscaravanclub.co.uk) 12-14 January: Norman Hurst Memorial, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire (midlandcentre.co.uk)

FIND AN EVENT

For complete rally listings, see the June issue of the Digital Magazine (download it for free from the App Store or Google Play) or visit camc.com/clubevents to view or download a pdf. You can also use the search tool at this web address to look for an event near you according to date and location.

EVENTS LISTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE – PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANISERS PRIOR TO TRAVEL. To find out more about the Club’s Divisions and Regions visit camc.com/divisions.

December 2023

45

SPECIAL AGM REPORT

380k

Member households in the Club

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s 2023 AGM was held at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 28 October.

Here are the highlights…

SITES

Chairman’s Report

Grenville Chamberlain OBE began by saying that 2022 had been a year of strong performance for the Club.

And although the unprecedented bounce-back in UK holidays seen in 2021 inevitably waned a little, membership continued to be buoyant with the year ending at a record high.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership recruitment was strong in 2022 with almost 65,000 new families welcomed into the Club, and a record 321,000 existing members renewed. As a result we achieved the highest number of 46 December 2023

member families ever at over 380,000 households.

On sites we achieved 2.4 million nights, which was ahead of the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

48k

Members registered with Club Centres

The Club was delighted to acquire Dornafield in Devon, an existing Affiliated Site which originally joined the Club’s network in 1999. This popular site comprises 165 touring pitches, 170 storage pitches, land for expansion, a barn, reception buildings and farmhouse, well located a few miles from Newton Abbot.

The Chairman continued by giving updates on extensive redevelopment and refurbishment projects at Brighton, Cheddar, Clumber Park, Lady Margaret’s Park, Winchester and Scarborough West Ayton.

Moving on to Certificate Locations (CLs), the team opened 100 sites in 2022, and ended the year with 2,289 CLs operating, a decrease of 18.

EXPERIENCE FREEDOM

We added larger glamping cabins at Coniston Park Coppice in the Lake District and yurts at Daleacres in Kent. Over the course of the year, over 12,000 nights were spent in

ClubFest 2022, Belvoir Castle

12k

nights spent in Experience Freedom accommodation in 2022

glamping accommodation, 40% by members, and our revenue exceeded £1m for the first time.

BOOKING SYSTEM

Where sites were concerned, the biggest development of the year was the launch of a new booking system and booking rules. Members asked us to reduce the number of speculative bookings and www.camc.com

Dornafield Club Campsite Photo by member Janet Rees

Elections/ Re-elections

■ President – The Earl of Leicester ■ Chairman – David Turner ■ Vice-Chairman – Greg Potter ■ Treasurer – Alison Woodhams ■ Executive Committee – Edward Baxter, John Lefley

2m

RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety in the leisure sector and Green Tourism gave the Club a silver award.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL

nights booked on the Club’s new booking system to date

Summer 2022 bookings were at 80% the level of 2019, while the Worldwide holiday business achieved 117% of its revenue target and the majority of European Tours sold out. We renegotiated contracts with over 300 European campsites to maintain special offers for members, and hosted popular long-stay winter sun holidays at three destinations in Spain and Portugal.

LOOKING FORWARD

cancellations, which prevented many members from booking longer stays on Club campsites. They also asked for discounts and offers to help them with the cost of touring. The new system is designed to do just that. It also allows members to specifically book grass or hardstanding pitches.

One year on, over 2 million nights have been booked so far, over 80% online or using the App.

CLUBFEST

The social side of the Club was given a major boost with the staging of our first ClubFest – a four-day event held at Belvoir Castle over the Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday. The event was a sell-out and, as a result, plans for future years anticipate larger venues and land allocations.

DIVISIONS, REGIONS AND CENTRES

Club Centres do a great deal to encourage people to enjoy caravanning in a friendly environment and can provide holidays at very www.camc.com

low cost. At the end of December 2022, there were 48,007 registered members with Club Centres.

Sadly in 2022, Shropshire, Fife and Tayside, and North Scotland centres went into hibernation. This decline prompted the Executive Committee to reinstate a Review Group under its supervision enlisting the help of a range of volunteers and Club staff to see if there could be any improvements and help that could be offered to support our volunteer community. There will be more on this to come over the next year.

A successful Division and Region Forum was held at East Grinstead House on 29 January 2022.

Delegates learnt about the Club’s booking system and the success of Experience Freedom and were able to network and share ideas.

AWARDS

In 2022, the Club won Best Caravan Cover Provider at the Insurance Choice Awards for the fifth year running. Meanwhile, we received a

We are finding 2023 to be a more challenging year. While Club membership recruitment and renewal numbers remain high, the Club faces significant headwinds with cost pressures. The Club has worked hard to hold price increases below inflation where it can, but with a trebling of our energy bills, it has been impossible to shield members from most unwelcome price rises. We do very much understand the pressure on the finances of our members and their families. We are working hard to control these costs, and into 2024 we hope to take advantage of the slight softening in energy prices.

THANKS TO LORD JOHN ANTHONY CADMAN During the AGM, the Club paid tribute to Tony Cadman, who stepped down as Vice-President following 23 years of dedicated service. Tony is the third Baron Cadman of Silverdale; he and his wife, Janet, who live in Northamptonshire, became members of the Club in 1978. We were honoured that he became the Club’s Vice-President in 2000. Following a career in farming and as a restaurateur, he took his seat in the House of Lords in 1993. He has caravanned extensively with his family both in the UK and Europe, making much use of Club facilities.

300

European campsites renegotiated contracts with us

THANK YOU

Grenville closed by expressing his thanks to the Director General, his fellow Directors and their professional staff at East Grinstead, our teams of dedicated sites staff across the network and the wonderful volunteers who freely give up their time to assist them in their daily tasks. He also thanked his fellow Club Officers, members of the Executive Committee, Chairmen of our sub-Committees and their members together with our Club, Divisional and Regional Council members who all work tirelessly to support our Club.

He added a special word of thanks to Barry Sharratt and Christopher Macgowan, who, like Grenville, were also retiring.

Finally, he said, perhaps the most sincerely felt thanks of all, must go to his wife, Liz, who has given her total support throughout the 41 years he has served on Club Committees.

December 2023 47

SPECIAL AGM REPORT

Treasurer’s Report Christopher Macgowan OBE reported that the Club had another successful year in which we experienced more normal prepandemic levels of activity.

The results were impacted by the withdrawal of the reliefs and support from government and the emergence of significant cost inflationary pressures. Despite this the Club made further solid progress.

The Club had another strong year for investment in the site network and made further progress in its IT infrastructure and other investments to prepare it well for the future. n Statutory revenue was up 18.7% year on year at £134.6m, £1.1m up on budget. n The overall surplus of £5.3m, £0.5m better than budget, represents about a 4% return on revenue. n Capital expenditure was 37% higher year on year at £24.3m, although it slipped against an ambitious budget of £30.2m, in the face of significant and pervasive planning delays. It included the acquisition of Dornafield, large developments at

n Closing cash of £48m was down 10% year on year from the levels in 2021. n Earnings before interest tax and depreciation, or EBITDA, is an important measure of the cash generative ability of the Club because surplus is heavily impacted by significant amounts of depreciation on historic investment, and at £17.7m this remained a healthy and strong flow of earnings in 2022.

Christopher went on to look at those results in more detail…

£5.3m Overall surplus in 2022

Clumber Park, Lady Margaret’s Park, Winchester and Scarborough West Ayton as well as a plethora of other works and continued investment in broadband, site Wi-Fi and the booking capability project for UK sites.

“

We have reduced the site booking deposit to recognise difficult economic conditions to the cost of members’ touring holidays. The Club is working with the respective tourism alliances and meeting politicians to try to dissuade them of these ideas.

We continue to use our vehicle awards and top-circulation magazine and social media to promote the pastime and the range of vehicles from which customers can choose.

Nick went on to discuss proposed ‘visitor taxes’ in both Scotland and Wales, which could potentially add

Grenville and Christopher can now enjoy their pastime again purely for pleasure, and reflect on a job well done 48 December 2023

Sites revenue was up £5.5m at £72m. Site occupancy was marginally c1.5% down at 2.44m site nights and pitch yields were correspondingly higher at £26.86 a night versus £24.54 in 2021.

Membership continued to hold up strongly in 2022, ending at 383k members, resulting in subscription revenue up c5% at £18.5m.

Insurance and Financial Services revenue was up by 3.5% at £24.9m.

Travel revenue of £15.7m was substantially up by £13.1m.

10%

Director General’s Report Director General Nick Lomas began by talking about changes in the touring vehicle marketplace and operating environment. The sales of touring caravans continues to decline and, for the first time on record, this year the number of motorhomes registered in the UK is greater than the number of caravans sold.

The troubling point is that there are only about 25,000 leisure vehicles of both types combined being made and sold in the UK each year. This is far below the number we would like to see if we want to continue to grow the Club and make investments in the future. It’s also a concern for a viable and vibrant manufacturing industry.

REVENUE

”

EUROPEAN TRAVEL

If you plan to travel to Europe in the coming years you will start to see some changes at the border and in entry requirements. The new ETIAS processes are due to be introduced for travel into Europe in 2024. This will mean applying in advance and paying for an electronic travel authorisation. Additionally, at the border you will need to check in and out so that the ’90 days in 180 days travel data’ is collected automatically and your biometric information (fingerprints) will be checked. This effectively replaces passport stamps

Marketing revenues returned strongly by £0.9m to £3.6m aided by stronger advertising revenues and the return to a full complement of marketing activities, including a successful ClubFest and various pop-up sites and events.

SURPLUS

Site surplus was down year-on-year due to a combination of the removal of grants, reliefs and rate rebates together with very high cost of inflation. For example, government grants reduced by £2.5m, business rates were £1.3m higher due to the removal of reliefs and electricity was a staggering £6.2m up.

Insurance and Financial Services surplus was relatively static. The resumption of normalised claim behaviour post-pandemic and the start of rising claims inflation led to additional costs of 33% in 2022, which were largely offset by additional earned revenue and significant cost savings in the support structure of the discretionary mutual and the reinsurance package.

Were it not for the impact of serious travel disruptions, such as

and is likely to add to the queues at Dover and other ports. A firm date for implementation has yet to be communicated by the EU. We will of course keep members informed.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

We have ambitious plans to invest in the Club for members’ benefit, with works planned at the likes of Steamer Quay and Hillhead in Devon, Haycraft in Dorset, Godrevy Park in Cornwall, Black Horse Farm in Kent, Henley Four Oaks in Oxfordshire, Old Hartley in Tyne & Wear, Edinburgh and Bunree in the Highlands.

The total commitment is £36 million over the next couple of years.

PRICING

It's a difficult time for members with the economic conditions being so challenging. So, as well as reducing the booking deposit to 10%, we have introduced offers to help members in 2024. We recently announced the UK Sites 2024 Price Drop and 10% off 2024 Getaways on UK sites promotions (you can find out more about these on pages 24-25 of this issue). www.camc.com

those seen in the ferry transport sector, and the consequent Contact Centre costs, Travel would have been better than break-even in 2022.

Marketing costs increased as multiple lines of business returned to full strength and investment was needed to retain business across all lines. Net costs also returned to a more normalised level and were a net 3.4% up year-on-year excluding an exceptional provision for VAT of £1.5m made prudently in response to an ongoing historic VAT investigation.

OUTLOOK FOR 2023

The outlook in 2023 remains strong for Membership, Insurance and Financial Services and Overseas Travel and the Club is doing well at managing costs down.

But UK sites occupancy has been impacted significantly by the cost of living crisis in 2023. Despite the continued best efforts of the Club to mitigate price increases in 2023 it is fair to say that everyone has been impacted by steep increases in the cost of living in the UK and across the world.

CLUB COMMITTEES

After 16 years at the top, Grenville Chamberlain OBE is stepping down as Chairman, and Christopher Macgowan OBE will pass on the Treasurer’s baton after 12 years in the role. While Grenville chairs the Executive Committee – which is the

16

Grenville Chamberlain steps down after 16 years as Chairman

£48m Closing cash was down 10% year-onyear from the levels in 2021

Understandably, some of our members, in the face of tighter budgets, have chosen to reduce their stays on the main UK Club sites. This has happened at the same time as more members have chosen to venture abroad and take advantage of the fact that we can now travel freely after several years of restrictions, and this has created a compound impact for UK sites when soaring cost inflation is considered. The net effect is that the Club does not expect to quite achieve its 2023 budget surplus.

As a members’ organisation with no shareholders or dividends to pay, or expensive borrowing, we are in the best possible position to confidently weather these sorts of financial storms.

Club’s Board of Directors – the heavy lifting is often done by the subCommittees, particularly the Finance and Management Committee which looks after all the financial, budgeting and business planning matters at the Club. This is chaired by the Treasurer.

Insistence on quality and outstanding service has been consistent throughout Grenville’s tenure. But he also recognised the organisation needs to keep evolving to meet members’ needs now and to serve future generations.

In terms of Club sites, Grenville was Chairman of the Sites Committee before taking on the overall

Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite Photo by member Con McHugh

THANK YOU

Christopher concluded by thanking his colleagues on the Finance and Management Committee for their support, his fellow members of the Executive Committee, and the staff for their dedication.

72m

Sites revenue was up £5.5m in 2022 compared with the previous year Near Steamer Quay Club Campsite Photo by member Alistair Martin

Chairman’s role. I think it's fair to say he has left quite a mark in this area.

Sites such as Hillhead and Ramslade in Devon, Troutbeck Head in the Lake District and New Forest Centenary have all become great successes and treasured sites on the network.

I’d like to give my personal congratulations to Grenville and his wife Liz, and to Christopher and partner Faye, who can now enjoy their pastime again purely for pleasure, and reflect on a job well done.

More details about the AGM, including a list of questions and answers from the meeting, can be found at camc.com/agm www.camc.com

December 2023 49

BETTER THAN HALF PRICE: 83% OFF

Brushed Fleece Multipack NOW £19.99

ORDER ONLINE

WHILE STOCKS LAST

SAVE £99.96 STRICTLY LIMITED STOCK

Hurry, stocks are limited!

Product ref.: 08367668

Easy-care and machine washable at 30°C

Soft and warm brushed fleece Stylish embroidery

Up to

4XL

“ High quality at excellent prices. ”

Same Great Price 100% polyester

(approx. 190 g/m²)

― Russell, GB

Available sizes: S M L XL XXL 3XL 4XL

COMPLETE THE LOOK! Soft & Snuggly Microfleece Joggers LIMITED OFFER

£

5

.99

WAS £31.90 +£3.99 p&p

SAVE £25.91

• Small exclusive embroidered motif • 2 ultra-practical side pockets Warm & soft microfleece (approx. 190 g/m²)

Available sizes: S M L XL XXL 3XL 4XL

Product ref.: 08367667

WAS £119.95

81

% OFF

Elasticated waist

4 Soft & Stylish Brushed Fleece Jumpers ONLY £19.99!

These four ultra-comfortable brushed fleece jumpers are the perfect autumn-winter garments in their mottled blue, black and grey hues. They’re ideal as an outer layer on milder days, or as a comfortable mid-layer that sits neatly under your jacket for when it is icy-cold. Created from only the finest quality, super-soft brushed fleece, these four cosy jumpers also have a smart, zip-up funnel neck and offer plenty of thermal insulation. Plus, they’re machine washable.

Available in four classic colours, each model is finished off with a unique, embroidered motif giving a modern edge to a timeless design. A must-have in every man’s wardrobe, that you’re sure to love wearing! And, what's more, all four jumpers are yours today for just £19.99 – a saving of £99.96. Order now, while stocks last.

PICK UP AN EXTRA BARGAIN! Fleece-Lined Stylish Velour Slippers LIMITED OFFER

£

4.99

OFF

Raised heel edge Warm & cosy fleece lining

WAS £26.90 +£3.99 p&p

SAVE £21.91

81%

Non-slip soles

Available sizes: 5½ 6½ 7½ 8 9 9½ 10½ 11

Product ref.: 08367666

www.atlasformen.co.uk/savetoday or call: 0870 631 4792 (13p/minute + phone company access charge)

QUOTE PROMO CODE:

50929

For Men complies with the Consumer Contract Regulations; you have the legal right to cancel and return your order within 14 days of receipt. For more information and full terms & conditions, visit our website. Offer applies to UK customers only.

100% SATISFACTION with Atlas For details on how we look after your data please see our privacy policy www.atlasformen.co.uk/privacy or request a copy from our customer service team. Delivery normally within 5-7 working days. Offer ends 22 December 2023, subject to availability.

60 DAY GUARANTEE

UK F23 PAD 1 50929 - DEC 2023 - Atlasformen SAS - French company with a capital of €1 659 866 - R.C.S Paris B 449 149 038 - 87-89 rue La Boétie - 75008 Paris - France - Our Customer Service Team is available on: 0333 336 0852 (call charges vary according to service provider) from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5:30pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. - www.atlasformen.co.uk - Photo credit: I. J-L, S. Gazeaud, P-O. Doury, Fotolia - non-contractual photographs.

PRACTICAL UPHOLSTERY

INTERIOR

ANGLES Sammy Faircloth looks at how your tourer can be given a new lease of life

W

hen considering buying a caravan or motorhome, whether new or second-hand, one of the first things we look at is the furnishing and fabrics. For better or worse, the upholstery makes an immediate impact.

Appearances are certainly important, but so is comfort. During the day, a seat needs to be a pleasure to use, whether you’re out on the road (in the case of a motorhome) or set up on-site. And the expectations don’t end there: quite often those daytime seats transform into beds at night.

Upholstery is about much more than seat covers and curtains. The filling inside cushions-cum-mattresses, though largely

Fabric selection www.camc.com

unseen, has different grades and qualities – some types of foam can stay comfortable for years whereas cheaper products soon lose their resilience.

Another consideration is whether you have children and pets who will join you on your travels. An expensive leather cover might not be suitable for dog and cat owners, for example; likewise, a white fabric might not be ideal if you have young kids with crayons!

REUPHOLSTERING

Upholstery can be upgraded, repaired or replaced. Although you can tackle this job yourself, many seek professional assistance.

Upholstery specialists can offer a huge variety of fabrics and leathers, and other products such as complementary curtains.

And, of course, they are likely to make faster

Consider updating your curtains to complement your upholstery

work of it. One such company (and there are several to choose from), Regal Furnishings Limited in Derbyshire, kindly shared their process with me. The photos on these pages were taken at Regal Furnishings and show upholstery from different vehicles.

1 FABRIC SELECTION The customer selects a fabric, either in advance or when they arrive at the workshop.

2 MEASUREMENTS The customer’s requirements are discussed, including any amendments to sizes or shapes.

3 FOAM SELECTION Various densities of foam are available, so customers are given the opportunity

ca Measurements are

refully taken December 2023 51

PRACTICAL UPHOLSTERY

Cab seat removal

While replacing aged foam is occasionally necessary, it is possible to preserve original fabric coverings

Fabric cutting using a pattern

Foam cutting

Stitching

Filling

The seats in this vintage Carlight have been reupholstered using a fabric that closely resembles the original pattern

Cab seats can take a lot of wear and tear to test out different cushions before making a decision.

4 DISMANTLING Staff disassemble and/or remove the furniture and fittings that are to be reupholstered.

5 FABRIC CUTTING The fabric is cut to size. Different patterns are available for different vehicle elements – for example, seating.

6 FOAM CUTTING Foam is cut to the required measurements. If necessary, the ‘knee roll’ (the slightly elevated part at the front of a cushion) is carefully glued into position.

7 STITCHING Each piece of fabric is attached to a thin layer of foam for extra comfort.

8 STAPLING AND GLUEING Pelmets, door cards and head rests are carefully glued or stapled using the customer’s choice of fabric.

9 FILLING The replacement foam is inserted into the newly made seat covers.

52 December 2023

Ready for inspection 10 MOTORHOME CAB SEATS These are re-covered, ensuring that they are a secure fit.

11 REASSEMBLY Cushions, cab seats, pelmets and door cards are all carefully refitted.

12 INSPECTION The finished work is inspected before hand-over to the customer..

FOAM REPLACEMENT

Although a fabric cover can remain in good condition for a long time, foam will often degrade. When restoring a classic caravan, for example, there can be good reason to preserve the original style. New foam pieces can be cut to size and inserted into the existing covers with minimal damage to the fabric.

CLEANING

Accidents happen – spilled red wine, coffee and melted chocolate can all leave marks on cushions. The golden rule is: deal with the matter at once, using a product designed to battle that specific stain. Carefully follow the instructions on the product container

(carrying out a patch test beforehand). Apply the treatment with a completely clean, white cloth (the dyes in coloured cloths can run and cause further damage to the fabric). Look out for an article dedicated to cleaning and fabric protection in a future magazine...

FINAL THOUGHTS …

Comfort in a leisure vehicle is paramount, and it’s great that there are companies out there that can help you with fabric replacements or foam upgrades.

Of course, you can often refresh the inside of your vehicle without reupholstering – for example, plain fabrics can be given a lift with the addition of brightly coloured cushions.

With thanks to:

Regal Furnishings, Unit 4 Merlin Way, Quarry Hill Industrial Estate, Ilkeston DE7 4RA Contact: regalfurnishings.co.uk, 01159 329988 Additional thanks to the customers who allowed Sammy to observe their refurbishments. www.camc.com

’TIS THE SEASON FOR SAVING AND CELEBRATING

Member Offer

Prices from

£184*

Rated Excellent **

Training Courses you can trust With 17 training courses across the UK you can book a course near you.

• Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York • Boston LGV Training, Boston • City Driver Training, Sheffield, South Yorkshire • Go!Driving, York • Grangemouth, Alan Brown, Stirlingshire • Hills Driver Training, Plumpton, East Sussex • Keep Legal Ltd, South Ockendon, Essex • Lancaster Driver Training, Lancaster • P Vowles Training, Figheldean, Wiltshire

• Road Safe Wales, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire • Sparsholt College, Winchester, Hampshire • Tilston Training, Llay, Wrexham • Towing Solutions Macclesfield, Cheshire • WSM Training, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire • C&M Training Ltd, Edgmond, Shropshire • Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training, Northern Ireland • GSC Driver Training, Nottingham

Visit camc.com/courses or call 01342 488 334 to book *

Terms and conditions apply. **Trustpilot rating for Caravan Manoeuvring Course correct as of 1 March 2023, but is subject to change.

Scan me

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Letters

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

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

SHARING IS CARING Being a relative newcomer to touring, I have just returned from an amazing five-week trip through some incredible parts of Europe and I want to sincerely thank the members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club for their written experiences, which included very detailed information.

Club members told me the routes to take, incredible destinations to visit and fabulous campsites on which to stay. Travelling on my own for the first couple of weeks (I later picked up a friend at Pisa airport), this detailed information helped to make me feel secure and safe as well as enjoy myself immensely.

Starting at Calais I drove to Florence via France, Germany, and Switzerland, enjoying fabulous sites with informed and helpful staff. Mountains were ‘scaled’, stunning lakes were swam in, and history and culture absorbed. When my friend joined me in Florence, we travelled back to the UK taking in Venice, Verona, Lake Como (Italy), Jungfrau (Switzerland), Staufen (Germany), Strasbourg (France), Luxembourg and Belgium.

The relevant and precious torn-out pages from the Club magazines that came with me on my journey are now a bit dog-eared, but I will be giving them a careful iron and placing them in my box of memories. Thank you again to those generous members who took the time to write to the Club magazine.

HANDY TIP

When it’s a lovely warm day, when you go to use the facilities on site, why not bypass the hand dryer?

By the time you are halfway back to your pitch your hands are nice and dry. Think of all the energy saved if everyone ‘air dried’ instead?

Julie Lowe, via email

Jane Avis, via email

A RURAL IDYLL

It has been 18 months since the last time I came to Pallisadings CL site in North Lincolnshire and it is still of the highest quality. To be on a working farm and see things like deer jumping through the sugar beat fields and the pheasants walking across the site as though they own the place during the autumn is so pleasant.

During the spring you hear skylarks singing from high above as the sun shines, as this is a full sun trap site. Although you are near to Humberside Airport you are not disturbed as there are few aircraft movements. If you find yourself this way you must make a visit.

Colin Mew, via email

54 December 2023

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.

WINNING COMBOS

We were pleased to see that the overall winner [Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2024] was a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. We previously owned one of these and felt it deserved to be recognised.

We traded it in for the winner of your Luxury Category, a Bentley Bentayga. The photo we have included was taken in August 2022 when we were away for our 25th wedding anniversary. It did cause quite a stir on the site at Thurso! We have a SWB version and it really is the best car we have used for towing. Thank you for including it in your testing.

Colin and Amber MacLennan, via email Editor’s note: Thanks for your feedback. The Club invites all manufacturers to enter new models (or those with significant changes) for the model year in question. We are pleased to accept all eligible entries, and are grateful to so many manufacturers for taking part.

RANGE FINDER As an EV driver (and tower) for over two years, it was great to see the Club awarding electric vehicles (EVs) with category prizes in the Towcar of the Year Awards 2024.

But I can’t help but think that the Club is missing an aspect of reviewing EVs as towcars – that of range while towing.

When reviewing an EV as a towcar, it would be hugely beneficial for the Club to give guidance on range or economy while towing. For me (for what it’s worth) with our Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor (Winner of the EV category 2023), I can achieve between 130 and 140 miles from 100% to 0% while towing our 1,550kg Bailey Unicorn S3 Vigo.

That’s a drop from my normal

190-210 miles solo. The new version of the Polestar 2 (winner of its class in 2024), with the larger 82kWh battery, and in single motor format, could probably achieve closer to 160-180 on a single charge with the same van. This would equate to between three and four hours of towing. Far enough for most drivers to want to take a natural break?

Toby Rees, via email Editor’s note: Thanks very much for your email Toby. Our tester, James Batchelor, does try to give an indication of range (both towing and solo) when assessing EVs in his regular tests – although it is not always possible for him to undertake longer drives. www.camc.com

ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL Whilst staying at the New Forest Centenary site and during the middle of our two-week stay, my wife had a very bad fall in the awning, which resulted in a fractured humerus in the left arm.

I cannot praise the Site Managers enough on their professionalism and passion in dealing with the accident. Site Managers Nicky and Paul looked at the situation and immediately decided, with my agreement, to call 999. This call resulted in a reply that the ambulance could take up to 16 hours to attend.

We reassessed the situation and found my wife difficult to move, in extreme pain, and semi-conscious.

The Site Managers insisted the ambulance response should be much quicker, [and as a result] the ambulance arrived in under 20 minutes, in time to administer medication, take various medical

readings to stabilise my wife prior to the journey to the accident and emergency department at Southampton Hospital.

I would also like to mention Elaine and the other site staff for their concern and well wishes during our short stay. Although, for us, the last caravanning holiday in 2023 ended prematurely after just one week, it has not put off my wife and I from caravanning in the future, and although in our mid-80s and 90s we hope to return in 2024.

My wife is now recovering at home; this will be a slow process lasting between four to six months, but told by the doctor she should make a full recovery in time.

E W Porter, Somerset Editor’s note: Please wish your wife the very best. We hope to see you back out on the site network in due course.

PEAK PERFECTION

This view over the quaint and interesting town of Castleton in the Peak District was taken from the entrance of Peak Cavern looking down towards the town. The changeable weather with intermittent sun bursting through the clouds made the shot. We were staying at Castleton Club Campsite, a short walk from the town.

Steve Gouldstone, via website

Beautiful San Sebastian

A helping hand...

Over the years, and when I was more able myself. I’ve happily assisted fellow members where I could, on and off sites.

It grieves me when I read letters of correspondence from those people for whom the tasks involved in setting-up their unit become too taxing. There’s a fine line to tread when offering to assist a fellow member. The staff on site are always happy to help but can be preoccupied with their duties.

If a member would welcome assistance, they might make that fact

WHAT A MONTH! Just a few words of thanks to your team who helped my wife and I, and brother and sister-in-law to arrange a trip to Spain and France.

The booking staff were amazing and booked our ferry to Santander, 10 sites around Spain and France and the [LeShuttle] return. Everything went perfectly and our car and caravan performed impeccably even though we had also taken out Red Pennant cover for peace of mind.

The sites we had were great and the places we visited were beautiful.

We managed to get trips in to San www.camc.com

Sebastian, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Barcelona, Beziers and Cannes. We also visited our friends near to Grenoble as well as the beautiful Annecy, amazing Colmar and Strasbourg. Last stop was beautiful Reims and then through the tunnel with a last-night stop at Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Campsite before home. Thirty days away perfectly arranged by your great team and we shall certainly being doing it again in the future.

Stuart and Dorothy Thomas, via email

known when booking but also for there to be a marker located on their unit which indicates their welcoming of offers of help. Those better able could also have a form of indication similarly on their unit to show their willingness to assist.

I’ve no doubt that most members simply want to be asked, but the assurance of a marker makes the asking something of routine request and not a trial. Thank you to the Club for all the great times they have provided our family through the years.

Brian Collins

FULL SPECTRUM This summer, in August, we completed 2000 nights in our 23-year-old Abbey Spectrum 2000, purchased from new.

We have been Club members, this time round, for over 33 years.

Prior to that we were members for part of the 1970s and ’80s until we had to have a break of three years due to family illness.

We have just completed our 12th season at Broomfield Farm Club Campsite (right) as seasonals. It is a really lovely, peaceful, well-run rural

site, with several pubs serving good food in easy reach, it has a dog walk, boules pitches and is rather like a giant CL. We have been able to enjoy this late summer weather and are looking forward to returning again next year.

Chris and Terry Cunliffe

December 2023 55

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Wherever you want to visit we’ll support you every mile of the way.

We offer free cancellationsˆ if the FCDO advises against travel to your destination and have ABTA and ATOL bonded financial protection. Find out more at camc.com/ wwconfidence. ˆCovers holiday cancellations in line with FCDO advice. T&Cs apply.

Duration/type: 26 days/escorted motorhome tour Departs: 17 July 2024 Price: from £4,949pp (price includes £200pp early booking offer when booked by 22 December 2023 and member discount of £100 (see opposite page)*. A single supplement applies for solo travellers.)

Price includes: flights to Cape Town, all transfers, two nights in a centrally located hotel in Cape Town including breakfast, one night’s guesthouse accommodation in Carnarvon including breakfast, 20 nights pre-booked campsites, 22 days in a Bobo Discoverer four-berth motorhome, unlimited mileage, cooking equipment, linen and bedding.

New tours

2024/25 Independent or escorted, South Africa or Canada – theres more choice than ever

Augrabies Falls

THE CAPE OF MANY COLOURS Spot majestic wildlife, explore dramatic caverns, enjoy fabulous white sands, taste fine wines and visit iconic Table Mountain on this epic, 26-day escorted motorhome tour of South Africa. Vehicle hire as well as guesthouse, hotel and site pitch bookings are all arranged in advance, and travellers are assisted every step of the way by experienced tour hosts. All you need to do is enjoy the adventure!

Your odyssey begins in magical Cape Town; having checked in to your hotel you have the opportunity to ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain where the views will leave you breathless. On day four, you collect your Bobo Discoverer motorhome and hit the road for the Cape Winelands, where a highlight will no doubt be a chocolate and wine pairing experience at the Boschendal Wine Estate.

It’s then onwards to Hermanus, where between June and December southern right and humpback Oudtshoorn whales arrive to mate

and give birth. On your included cruise, you will have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures. On days eight and nine experience the delights of Struisbaai, famed for its remarkably long, white sandy beach, while a trip to Cape Agulhas and its red and white lighthouse is a must for many guests.

Heading east along the coast you take in beautiful Mossel Bay before pointing the bonnet inland in the direction of Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. Included in your tour is a visit to the Cango Caves – featuring sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, it is the longest cave system in Africa.

It’s now time to head ** £500 into the country’s Northern Province, where a one-night stay in Carnarvon at the 19th-century Lord Carnarvon Guest House is perfect preparation for your onward journey to Augrabies Falls.

Here, the Orange River plunges 60m into the valley below. This region is a sanctuary for an array of animals

including springbok, giraffe, leopard and African wild cat.

Kamieskroon and the Cederberg Wilderness Area are treats for the senses as spring wildflowers burst into bloom.

Guests can swim in natural pools, visit ancient rock art sites, enjoy superb beaches or learn about the cosmos at the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory.

Citrusdal – known for its green citrus orchards as well as rooibos tea (a tea tasting at De Tol Farm Deli is included in your tour) and honey production – and the white beaches and turquoise lagoon of Langebaan are further highlights before you make your return to Cape Town.

This is just a taste of the wonders on show on The Cape of Many Colours tour.

Remember that we can tailor your holiday to include extra days, activities and stop-over destinations – just speak to a member of our friendly team. ** Based on two adults sharing. Includes the £100 saving per booking exclusive to Club members (see above right). The discount only applies to bookings including airfares originating from the UK. This offer is available on selected holidays only (including the Cape of Many Colours tour) and cannot be combined with any other offers, except for the Caravan and Motorhome £100 member saving (separate terms and conditions apply).

For more information on this tour please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 56 December 2023

www.camc.com

“

See awe-inspiring peaks, pristine forests and crystal-clear lakes

”

*MEMBERS SAVE £100

£100

Exclusive offer for Club members – save £100 per booking on Worldwide holidays. Available on a wide range of caravan and motorhome tours or you can create a bespoke holiday.

Please visit camc. com/wwoffers for more information and full terms and conditions.

Canadian Rockies Photo by member Chris Teager

AROUND THE RUGGED ROCKIES

Mike Seehagel

Highlighting the very best of Canada’s iconic Rocky Mountains, this circular tour offers the chance to see awe-inspiring peaks, pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes and thundering waterfalls as well as wildlife including black bears, moose, wolves and cougars. And that’s just scratching the surface!

Once you have picked up your Fraserway C-Medium RV, you take to the road on your own, safe in the knowledge that 16 nights at campsites (with electricity) have already been booked.

Included in the price are a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, three nights in a centrally-located hotel in Calgary and an evening wildlife safari in glorious Banff National Park towards the end of your journey. As always, the Club’s friendly team can help you create a bespoke tour, including extra days, stop-over destinations and activities. Visit camc. com/worldwide to find out more.

The Around the Rugged Rockies adventure begins in Calgary – the largest city in the province of Alberta.

Once you have had a chance to explore (maybe visit the zoo or test your nerve by stepping on to the glass floor of the Calgary Tower’s viewing deck), youll pick up your motorhome and head for Kananaskis (or

Icefields Parkway ‘K-Country’) – a region of wildlife reserves and parks where you might spot elk, moose and bear. Its then on to Radium Hot Springs – why not take a dip in the warm mineral waters before the next leg of your trek, which takes in the beauty of the Kootenay Rockies?

Elk in Banff National Par k

Its then on to Wells Gray Provincial Park, a spectacular region that offers opportunities to embark on hiking trails or white water rafting and kayaking adventures. Its also the place to see Helmcken Falls (which tumble 140m over a cliff edge into a churning pool below) and wildlife including black and grizzly bears.

By the 13th day you will have reached the town of Jasper, set within the breathtaking natural park of the same name. Here you will embark on a Maligne Lake Classic Cruise, sailing nine miles past towering mountains and glaciers to peaceful Spirit Island.

Your drive southwards along the Icefields Parkway is like no other on the planet. Lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and a host of wildlife provide a feast for the eyes on your way to Banff. On arrival you’ll be treated to an evening safari – as the sun sets behind the craggy peaks the wildlife begins to emerge, providing some amazing spotting opportunities.

Sadly it’s now time to return your motorhome to the depot – but you could still do a little more sightseeing or shopping in cosmopolitan Calgary before your flight back to the UK.

Duration/type: 21 days/ independent motorhome tour Departs: May to September 2024/2025 Price: from £4,349pp (price includes member discount of £100 (see above)*. A single supplement applies for solo travellers.)

Price includes: flights from London to Canada, all transfers, three nights in a centrally located hotel in Calgary including breakfast, 16 nights pre-booked campsites including electricity, Maligne Lake Classic Cruise, Evening Wildlife Safari, Parks Canada Discovery Park Pass, Fraserway C-Medium RV hire for 17 days, including unlimited mileage, kitchen equipment, linen and bedding.

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

December 2023 57

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Great value getaways There’s more than one way to save on your next European holiday

EARLY BOOKING

OFFERS

Whether youre after a sun-drenched beach getaway or a bustling city break, book early and you can take advantage of some fantastic offers. Heres just one example...

La Ribeyre, Auvergne-RhôneAlpes, France (Club ref: M22) – book by 31 December 2023 and get 20% off stays between 7 May and 12 July/17 August and 21 September 2024 or 15% off stays between 13 July and 16 August 2024.

Visit camc.com/europeandeals for more!

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

Hercules Tower, near A Lagoa, Spain We do our best to provide you with the best prices on your European breaks – and you can often grab grweat savings by booking early or reserving your ferry/ LeShuttle crossing and campsite pitch at the same time (see below).More than a third of the sites on our overseas network also offer special deals depending on the season. Here’s a taster...

FRANCE Les Hirondelles, Occitanie (Club ref: C50) Find out more at: camc.com/confidence

DONT FORGET

■ Whether youre off to a snowy destination or heading for the warming sun, please check you have the right equipment before you travel this winter. You can find out more at camc. com/overseaswinter equipment.

■ Red Pennant European breakdown and travel insurance will give you peace of mind on your touring holiday. See camc. com/redpennant.

58 December 2023

Grassy pitches divided by hedges and mature trees greet you at this friendly site in the Occitanie region of southern France. The site boasts a heated swimming pool, bar/ restaurant and play area, while the charming towns of Sarlat and Rocamadour are within easy reach for day trips.

Special offer*: book between seven and 13 nights and get one night free/or book between 14 and 20 nights and get two nights free/or book 21 nights or more and get five nights free (6 April-5 July and 31 August-12 September 2024).

Le Paradis - Mazières, NouvelleAquitaine (Club ref: D37)

Situated between Limoges and Angoulême, this 30-pitch site in the scenic countryside of the Haute-Charente is run by British couple Jon and Berni. A short drive away are lakes Lavaud and Mas Chaban – great for wildlife watching.

Or you might like to venture to Château de La Rochefoucauld which features a remarkable 16th-century spiral staircase built to a Leonardo da Vinci design.

Special offer*: book by 31 January 2024, get 10% off stays between 1 January and 30 June 2024/1 September and 31 December 2024.

Camping Gien, Centre-Val-deLoire (Club ref: L41)

Perched on the south bank of the River Loire, opposite the red-brick Château de Gien, this site will be popular among fishing, canoeing and cycling enthusiasts. On-site attractions include

mini-golf and a small pool, while nextdoor the popular Port Gallier restaurant serves Italian and French cuisine.

Special offers*: book seven nights or more and get one night free off your stay (15 March-30 June/ 20 August-2 November 2024). Book any stay and one dog goes free (15 March-30 June 2024).

SPAIN A Lagoa, Galicia (Club ref: E54)

This small campsite (68 touring pitches) is situated just a short distance from the golden sands of A Frouxeira beach.

Enjoy a glass of something cold on the on-site bar terrace, or stroll into the town of Valdoviňo, which is home to cafes, restaurants and supermarkets.

Special offers*: book 30 nights or more and get 20% off your stay (1 January14 June/16 September-31 December 2024). Book any stay and one dog goes free all season. *Offers are subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time

CROSSINGS AND PACKAGE DEALS

If you book an overseas site, LeShuttle or ferry crossing through the Club, youll get the lowest price guaranteed (the average saving on LeShuttle or Dover-Calais ferry is 10%). See camc.com/lowestprice for details. In addition, we can offer special tour operator rates when you book a crossing along with a campsite stay – this often works out cheaper than paying for each element separately and you will also benefit from package travel protection – see camc.com/overseaspackages to find out more.

Example package – seven-night French stay plus return ferry (two adults + two children) – £321.24...

■ Seven nights at Camping Gien (22-29 August 2024) ■ Return P&O ferry Dover-Calais, outbound 21 August (any sailing after 2pm), return 30 August (any sailing before 2pm).

■ Two children aged 17 and under

Includes one free night (see Camping Gien, Club ref: L41 above). En route stopovers not included in price.

www.camc.com

Members saved over £130,000 this year *

Big savings on member favourites Avtex Tourer Three Sat Nav

Cruise your way to any Club site with a specialised GPS – the easy way to tour.

SAVE

£19

TyrePal Tyre Pressure Monitors Keep your tyres in check for safety and total peace of mind.

Club Shop

SAVE

20%

Full price £119.00 Club price £95.20

Full price £379.99 Club price £360.99 Kartt Ultimate Jockey Wheel

Solbio Natural Toilet Fluid

SAVE

Truma Gas Level Check

SAVE

10%

SAVE

10%

10%

Upgraded super wheel for motor movers and tough conditions.

Safe and powerful toilet fluid. 1.6ltr Accurate, fuss-free gas level (40 doses) of chemical-free cleaning. checking in the palm of your hand.

Full price £79.00 Club price £71.10

Full price £24.00 Club price £21.60

Full price £64.99 Club price £58.49

*Collective saving based on all Club Shop purchases made between 01/01/2023 and 30/09/2023.

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

COUNTRY MATTERS SWANS

“

The term ‘mute swan’ is a bit of a misnomer

60 December 2023

”

Love

birds

Known to mate for life, the swan is one of our most recognisable creatures. David Chapman celebrates its grace and beauty...

F

earless, serene, aggressive, graceful... all words that could be used to describe what must be one of our most instantly recognisable birds, the mute swan.

The term ‘mute swan’ is a bit of a misnomer – and even a contradiction. The word ‘swan’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term for a ‘sounder’, and although the mute swan has a variety of hisses and honks, ‘sounder’ probably refers to the noise made by the bird in flight. The humming throb of a mute swan’s wings as it powers its way through the air is one of nature’s most inspirational sounds.

Weighing in at 13kg, the mute swan is Britain’s heaviest bird, and it has to put a lot of energy into its flight as a result.

In order to maintain its weight, it eats about 4kg of aquatic vegetation each day, but its diet also includes freshwater snails, grass, small fish, frogs and grain. The wingspan of a mute swan is around 240cm, making it our biggest resident bird. It also lays the largest egg of any British bird; the greenish-brown shell can measure 11cm long and 9cm wide.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER...

From top: mute swans engaged in a courtship ritual; cygnets are off-white in colour; a flock of whooper swans

Mute swans mate for life and, since they can sometimes achieve a ripe old age of between 10 and 15 years, that represents exceptional fidelity in the natural world. In captivity, swans have lived longer – up to 26 years.

The pen (female) lays between five and eight eggs.

She does most of the incubation, but the cob (male) stays close by to protect her. He will challenge any other swan that comes within striking distance and is not afraid to stand up to humans as well.

To make himself look more threatening he will fluff out his feathers, arch his wings and approach the threat head-on, a behaviour known as ‘busking’. Usually this will be enough to ward off an assailant, but, if 61

COUNTRY MATTERS SWANS

Above: an adult mute swan has a wingspan of around 2.4m Right: grace and power

“

The cygnets stay with their parents until winter

”

MYSTERY PHOTO

Every month I will show you a photo of something from the natural world. It might be a close-up, or a subject that is difficult to identify. All you have to do is figure out what it is! Here is this month’s photo; no clues or prizes – it’s just for fun. (I will give you the answer next month, but if you can’t wait, see the Digital Magazine.) The subject of November’s mystery photo was: male tufted duck.

62 December 2023

not, a loud hiss usually does the trick. If all else fails the swan will attack with beak and wing.

Young swans are called ‘cygnets’, which is derived from the Old French word, ‘cygne’, meaning water-bird or duck (the suffix ‘et’ signifies a small bird). The cygnets stay with their parents until winter, at which point their father will chase them away to find a territory of their own. But it will be a full year before the birds have adult plumage (shedding the off-white feathers and losing the less colourful bill) and a further two or three years before they reach breeding age.

Although unmarked swans swimming in open water were traditionally the property of the monarch, they were kept as a food source for the wealthy from medieval times. Their wings were clipped to stop them flying away and they were served as a delicacy at banquets. Swan ownership was popular until the middle of the 18th century, but the bird population decreased as poorer people collected them for their own tables. Numbers recovered during and between the two World Wars, but took a downward turn again in the 1960s.

The latter decline was due to two factors.

Many swans were killed as they flew into power lines, particularly where they crossed waterways, while lead weights used by anglers led to poisonings. Thankfully the problem of power lines was tackled to some degree using visible markers and the use of lead in angling weights was banned in 1987.

SEASONAL STOP-OVERS

Winter provides us with the chance to see two other species: whooper and Bewick’s swans. Both can be distinguished from the mute swan by their

yellow and black bills. Bewick’s swans were named in memory of Thomas Bewick, a prominent naturalist and bird artist who died in 1828. Their breeding grounds are found in the northern parts of Russia and their migration brings them into the southern half of Britain.

Interestingly, over the past few decades the migration of Bewick’s swans has reduced by about eight miles each year (on average). Milder winters mean they don’t need to move as far west, and the result is that the number of Bewick’s swans seen in the UK is falling (from about 6,000 in 1984 to about 1,300 in 2020). However, according to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) the European population has remained fairly stable.

The whooper swan has a more northerly distribution. A very small number of pairs breed in northern Britain, but numbers are boosted to about 16,000 each winter when the breeding population of Iceland returns to winter with us.

They are first seen in Scotland, where a large group stays around the Solway Firth, while other birds come farther south into northern England.

They were named whooper swans because of their ‘whoop-whoop’ call and can be distinguished from the Bewick’s swan by the greater proportion of yellow on their bill and their larger size (about the same as a mute swan).

Whooper and Bewick’s swans can be seen occasionally anywhere in the UK, mostly between November and March, but the most reliable sites are those belonging to the WWT. Its website (wwt.org. uk) provides the latest sightings for anyone who wants to catch up with one of these beautiful birds.

Member Offer

34146

Buying or selling an outfit?

Member Offer

The Club has a dedicated classifieds section at camc.com/classifieds, run in collaboration with ‘Caravans For Sale’ - the UK’s number one marketplace for private sales!

Britain’s Tools & SUPERSTORES Machinery Specialist 65 NATIONWIDE INVERTER GENERATORS 2200W

FROM ONLY DOUBLE.00 exc.VAT DOUBLE £262.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

• Essential for computers & sensitive equipment, ideal for camping, caravaning, river boats, outdoor events etc.

219

£

4

QUIET RUNNING

STROKE ENGINE

WAS NOW MAX WEIGHT MODEL OUTPUT KG EXC.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT IG950D 800W 9.3 £219.00 £262.80 22 £259.00 £310.80 IG1700F 1700W £279.00 £334.80 IG1200D 1100W 12.4 20 £399.00 £478.80 IG2000D 1800W 35 £379.00 £466.80 £454.80 IG3500AF 3400W £429.00 £514.80 IG2200A 2200W 26.6

IG2200A £

IG3500AF PRICE CUT

Honda engine models available

PETROL GENERATORS

.00 379exc.VAT

£454.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £466.80 inc.VAT

Basic ads are FREE and members can save 30% on a premium listing. Visit camc.com/classifieds-offer to find out more and to post your ad!

3400W

5 EASY WAYS TO BUY...

CHECK FRAME TYPE WHEN ORDERING

PG3800A

Model KVA HP PG2500A 2.2 5.6 PG3800A 3 5.6 PG3800ADV 3 5.6 PG6500ADVES 5.5 9.7

exc.VAT £219.00 £269.00 £299.00 £539.00

camc.com/classifieds is not linked to the classifieds advertising in the Club magazine. If you wish to advertise in the Club magazine, please email us at advertising@camc.com (fees apply).

£262.80 inc.VAT

WAS £270.00 inc.VAT

WAS inc.VAT £270.00 £346.80 £370.80 £658.80

inc.VAT £262.80 £322.80 £358.80 £646.80

CALL & COLLECT CLICK & COLLECT AT STORES TODAY OVER 10,500 LOCATIONS

IN-STORE TELESALES SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

PRICE CUT NOW FROM

.00 219exc.VAT

£

0115 956 5555

ONLINE machinemart.co.uk

Calls to the catalogue request number cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Calls may be monitored.

All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices. All products subject to availability, E&OE.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE GIFTS

TOW-

HO-HO!

Jane McGowan gets the Christmas shopping underway with some great gifts for caravanners and motorhomers

Leatherman ARC

ST&G Map Fanatics – Map Gift-Set Bundle These fabulous maps are the perfect way to combine your hobbies with your touring life! Each one consists of a two-sided, fold-out guide, with highly detailed mapping on one side, and space for you to create your own road trip on the other – based around Club campsites, of course! The Great British Film & TV Map covers more than 2,000 large- and small-screen locations while the Great British Food & Drink Map pinpoints the finest fare and local delicacies across the land. Or for music buffs, why not set out on an aural odyssey via the Great British Music Map, which covers festivals, song titles and band birthplaces.

8%

Described by Leatherman as “the pinnacle of multi-tools”, the ARC boasts 20 features, including a variety of screwdrivers, a bottle and can opener, a saw, files and wire-cutters. The main blade is made from ‘MagnaCut’ steel, which is designed to combine edge retention, strength and corrosion resistance. Another highlight is ‘FREE’ technology – the use of magnets means tools can be accessed easily with one hand. It comes complete with a removable pocket clip and a four-pocket nylon sheath.

RRP: £260.95 Length: 10.78cm (closed) Contact: leatherman.com

RRP: £44.97 (available from Dash4It for £31.48 – Club members can save a further 8%; see camc.com/dash4it for further details, terms and conditions) Contact: dash4it.co.uk 64 December 2023

www.camc.com

WowCreativePrint Custom Motorhome Mug and Flask Set Practical and attractive, this flask and mug combo from WowCreativePrint would make a great Christmas gift.

The design features a cool, outdoor camping scene which can be personalised with the recipients’ names, as well as a meaningful message. The insulated flask can hold up to 750ml and is dishwasher-safe, while the enamel-coated cups have a capacity of 385ml. Ideal for winter walks, the set can be slipped into a daypack and easily stored in the caravan or motorhome when not in use.

RRP: flask and two mugs £34.99 (products available in a variety of combinations) Contact: etsy.com/uk/ listing/1392250088

15%

Mountain Warehouse Penguin Reusable Hand Warmers

Personalised Colour-In Map I love this map from UK-based Etsy seller Golden Gifts Events, which you can colour in as a keepsake of your touring experiences. It is available in a wide range of sizes and formats, from a digital download to a framed print, and comes in a selection of background colours including navy, pale pink or sage green. Simply fill in the online form, stating name, type of vehicle and your home county. You can even create a bespoke message specific to your family.

RRP: prices from £9.89 Sizes: various Contact: etsy.com/uk/listing/992025382

www.camc.com

Featuring a playful penguin motif, this pair of handy heat-givers offers comforting warmth for chilly fingers. The hand-warmers can be used time and time again – simply place in boiling water to re-heat (but do not apply directly to skin after boiling). Lightweight, compact, easy to pack and great for those off-season walks, these would make an ideal stocking filler!.

RRP: £7.99 (Club members can save 15%; see camc.com/ mountainwarehouse for further details, terms and conditions) Contact: mountainwarehouse.com

ACTIVITY BREAKS GLASS FUSING

Glass class Jonathan Manning learns a new skill and makes a fantastic souvenir of a favourite touring destination

F Top: Jonathan at work Above: glass fusing instructor Paul Yates 66 December 2023

inding the ideal souvenir on your travels can be tricky. There are mugs, fridge magnets and key rings, of course, but they’re often generic and mass produced. Fine if your memories are the same as every other holidaymaker’s, but what if your experiences are different? What if the coasters and tea towels can’t get close to capturing the deep blue of the sky, pewter of the mountains or swirling sea greens that linger in your mind’s eye?

If you want a keepsake that reflects how you personally feel about a destination, the only option is to make it yourself. Create the design and select the colours that match your memories.

All of which brings me to North Norfolk Stained Glass, about seven miles inland from the Club’s two campsites in Cromer. I’ve spent at least a week along the North Norfolk coastline every year for the past three decades. I’ve walked the beaches, birdwatched and barbecued, and even braved a Boxing Day swim (once!).

Yet in all that time I’ve never spotted a picture, photo or postcard that

encapsulates what this coastline means to me.

No identity parade of mugs, plates or painted driftwood has ever stopped me in my tracks with its depiction of this extraordinary seascape. So, I’ve decided to make a souvenir myself.

Despite the workshop’s name, I won’t be working with lead or soldering. Today’s class is all about ‘fused glass’, a one-day beginner’s course in making a piece of wall or window art. The plan is to learn how to cut glass, before assembling the pieces into a layered collage, which will be ‘fused’ in a kiln.

Fused glass is more impressionistic than photorealism – it blends colours and blurs edges. If all goes well, my masterpiece will be an amalgam of North Norfolk’s real colours and light.

I don’t want to make a glass advert of white sand, aquamarine sea and flawless sky. Somehow, I want to portray a spectrum of caramel sands and ivy green seas, below a sky with scudding clouds.

First, though, the basics. Instructor Paul Yates’s safety briefing is serious yet light – glass is sharp and its shards are dangerous, so we (there are four us, of varying standard, taking the course) all www.camc.com

Main image opposite: a glass colour palette Left: a steady hand is needed Below: tools of the trade – goggles, cutter, pliers and square

put on safety goggles. Paul has an answer to all our questions, happy to divert from his lesson plan to demonstrate how to cut perfect circles or create silhouettes of hares.

MAKING THE CUT

We start with the technique for cutting glass in a straight line, holding a cutter like a pen and drawing it towards us along the edge of a set square. The cutter leaves only the slightest of scratches, yet, when we squeeze the glass with breaking pliers it snaps neatly along the score line.

“It should snap like breaking off a Kit Kat finger,” says Paul.

We’re practising on small tiles of 3mm thick greenhouse glass, which costs about £30 per square metre. Hand-blown, stained glass for church windows can cost £500 to £700 per sq m, depending on colours. Hot (yellow, red etc) colours cost more due to the metals, including gold, that give them their hues. Fortunately, fused glasswork like this does not require much material and off-cuts work brilliantly.

Having shredded our panes into ever narrower slices as our technique improves, we move onto curved lines. These are a www.camc.com

two-handed affair, two fingers directing the cutting wheel along lines either drawn with felt tip on the glass or marked on a template below.

My first attempt resembles a primary school student’s ‘S’, with wonky bends, but after a few attempts the curves become more even and the glass strips get narrower.

Basic skills mastered, it’s time to choose colours for our artwork from a palette of glass pieces that resembles a DIY’s stores paint chart. I grab a handful of different yellows, browns, greens and blues, and start to cut out shapes. Each is the same width, cut to the dimensions of the transparent base layer below, and I attempt to tesselate the curved sides as much as possible.

Second and even third layers of glass follow, sometimes doubling down on the same colour, at other times blending shades in the same way an artist might mix oil paints. The sand is a variety of beiges, the sea a swirl of olive capped with white horses, the sky a series of graduated blues.

But I want features, too. A wading bird cut from a single piece of brown glass (Paul helps me smooth the

Above: detailed instructions were provided Left: Jonathan’s design before it went into the kiln

INFORMATION

A one-day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass costs £65.

Info: craftcourses.com Stay: Incleboro Fields Club Campsite or Seacroft Club Campsite December 2023 67

ACTIVITY BREAKS GLASS FUSING

TOP GLASS!

Clockwise from far left: early stages; a selection of stringers; the image builds gradually; Jonathans finished article

Three more locations that offer glass courses near Club campsites...

THE GLASSHOUSE, TYNE AND WEAR

Choose from a variety of glass courses and make a frit panel, fused glass curve or even Christmas decorations.

Price: from £36 Info: glasshousestudio. co.uk; 0191 272 8666 Stay: Old Hartley Club Campsite

CHESHIRE SCHOOL OF GLASS, CHESHIRE

Try a two-hour glass fusing taster course or one-day course learning how to cut, shape and assemble glass.

Price: £70 (taster course), £190 (one-day course) Info: cheshireschoolofglass. co.uk; 07950 004452 Stay: Chester Fairoaks Club Campsite

“

It’s sorely tempting to keep adding more glass and additional features, but I resist the urge to clutter the image CROSSTREE GLASS, DEVON

A half-day workshop will tackle how to cut a straight line, a curve and an ‘s’ shape, before letting you design your masterpiece.

Price: from £45 Info: crosstreeglass.co.uk; 01271 813228 Stay: Ilfracombe Club Campsite

68 December 2023

shape on a grinder), its legs fashioned from stringers – glass the dimensions of cocktail sticks. A pile of pebbles follows, created with a few glass beads (called cabochons) carefully placed with tweezers.

Finally, I attempt to make a yacht bobbing on the waves. The sails are too big for the hull, but I console myself that this is meant to be impressionistic, not realistic, and at least the triangular sails are instantly recognisable.

It’s sorely tempting to keep adding more glass and additional features, but I resist the urge to clutter the image. One of the things I love most about North Norfolk is the sense of space on its endless beaches below vast skies.

Stepping back from the workbench, I relinquish

”

my design to the kiln, where the temperature will rise steadily to 760ºC, before ‘cooling’ to 482ºC for about 90 minutes.

Five days later, I tear bubblewrap from a parcel and hold my glass art to the light. It’s spellbinding.

Beauty being in the eye of the beholder, this is the beauty I see in North Norfolk. The colours match my memories, the impression faithful to my recollections of the area. And without doubt, it’s the first and only art I have ever created that looks truly professional. It’s a perfect souvenir.

www.camc.com

Advertisement Feature

Why have a stairlift when you could

Rated ‘Excellent’

AS ADVERTISED ON

TV

have a real lift?

A Stiltz Homelift is an ideal and affordable alternative to a stairlift. You can now safely travel between the floors in your home while keeping your stairs the way they have always been.

Neat, discreet, affordable and elegant A Stiltz Homelift can be installed into almost any room in your home.

“The installation guys were very clean and masters of the vacuum cleaner… As for the lift, it’s the best thing since sliced bread.”

Mrs. K, April 2023

A Stiltz is uniquely compact with the smallest model taking up just over half a square metre. At the touch of a button a Stiltz Homelift turns your now home into your forever home.

Call FREE on 0808 304 9491

The UK’s No. 1 Homelift • Rapid service • Cost-effective

Free, no obligation survey

• Small footprint

A Stiltz Homelifts Consultant can visit your property to help you plan the best location for your homelift.

• Freestanding design - no wall needed

They can also answer any questions you might have, as can any of the friendly, UK-based phone team.

• Manufactured, installed and fully guaranteed by Stiltz

For a FREE brochure or no obligation survey give Stiltz Homelifts a call today!

• Finance options available*

• Wheelchair model available

• 3-floor travel available

* ask an adviser for details

For a FREE brochure or no obligation survey call us or visit stiltz.co.uk

Time for a new role?

Maragowan Club Campsite

Working for the Club is in one word ... Brilliant!

“In our 6 years with the Club we have enjoyed every single minute, every aspect of the job is rewarding even down to cleaning the toilet blocks, satisfaction is a job well done! A thank you from the lovely members proves we’re doing a fantastic job of looking after our members and our sites, which is a great feeling.” Sam & Zoë, Site Staff

Take on an exciting new role in the great outdoors when you become an Assistant Site Manager (ASM) or Network Support (NS) We are now planning ahead for the 2025 season and welcome applications from singles and couples.

The ideal candidates: 

Are members of the Club and familiar with a range of Club campsites so you really understand our ethos and how sites are run



Have great interpersonal skills and thrive on delivering exceptional customer service and enjoy working as part of a team



Have a current driving licence

If you want to be considered for one of our roles, please complete an application form at camc.com/careers If you have any questions please contact HRSites@camc.com

Scan to view video

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

SAVE WITH YOUR CLUB Collectively, members saved over £8.8m during the past three years using Member Offers!

This month we bring you variety of Christmas-themed special offers.

Visit camc.com/memberoffers to discover many more ways to save with your Club…

RSPB

20%

Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a nature lover? The RSPB’s online shop offers a fantastic range of eco-friendly products, from plastic-free Christmas jumpers and organic cotton scarves to vegan toiletries and chocolates made using sustainable, ethically produced cocoa. You’ll also find the likes of wrapping paper, cards, crackers and decorations. Club members receive a fantastic 20% off (offer closes on 13 December 2023).

See camc.com/rspbshop for details.

POOCH & MUTT

Pamper your canine friend this Christmas with Pooch & Mutt’s tasty range of meals, treats and supplements. You can even buy a doggy advent calendar. Members save 40% on treats, supplements and the Christmas range, and 30% on their first three subscription orders. Find out more at camc.com/poochandmutt.

YOUR MEMBER OFFER STORY...

UP TO

40%

“It’s always at this time of year I get the chance to make the most of our membership, not from caravan trips but through the many discounted brands. We have saved hundreds if not thousands over the years thanks to the offers on clothing, equipment and more. My tip to fellow members… [it’s] always worth checking the website and seeing what is new, especially in the lead up to Christmas.”

Holly Morris, member

If you have saved via our offers we would love to hear from you. Send us your story and/or image to memberoffer@camc.com.

70 December 2023

www.camc.com

SUPERMARKET SAVINGS 6% UP TO

Save on your festive food, gifts and essentials with up to 6% off at your local supermarket! Simply order a discounted digital voucher or reloadable gift card for your go-to supermarket and start saving today. Find out more at camc.com/supermarketsavings.

Stock up on quality red and white boxed wines from Laylo in time for Christmas. Members can take advantage of a 20% saving on their first order, followed by a 5% discount on subsequent purchases. To find out more, see camc.com/laylowine.

IVY & DUKE You could use the 12.5% member discount on dog beds and accessories from Ivy & Duke to treat your pooch this festive season.

Its range of luxurious, handmade beds is complemented by the likes of personalised blankets, pillows and Christmas stockings.

Find out more at camc.com/ivyandduke.

www.camc.com

15%

12.5%

20%

MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE Fans of the great outdoors will love the range of jackets, trousers, fleeces, footwear and more available from Mountain Warehouse.

Members can take advantage of a 15% saving on online purchases (including on already-reduced items).

Find out more at camc.com/ mountainwarehouse.

8%

Find the perfect stocking filler from this online store, which sells UK, European and international maps, plus a variety of atlases, travel guides and outdoor accessories. Members can save 8% – see camc.com/dash4it for more details.

NATIONAL TRUST

Treat your family or friends to a National Trust gift card this Christmas. The gift cards, which are available to members at a discount of 8%, can be redeemed on admission to NT properties, used in the cafés, shops and the online shop, or even put towards a new annual membership.

Find out more at camc.com/nationaltrust.

© National Trust Images/Paul Harris

LAYLO WINE

DASH4IT

8%

Terms and conditions apply to Member Offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details.

December 2023 71

TEST SWIFT CHALLENGER GRANDE EXCLUSIVE 560L

TECHNICAL

Price £36,795 (plus dealerdependent OTR charge) Bed sizes Front double: 6ft 4in x 4ft Rear fixed double: 6ft 4in x 4ft 8in Heating Alde radiator central heating, programmable Fridge Dometic tower fridge-freezer Toilet Thetford, electric flush MRO 1,556kg MTPLM 1,713kg User payload 157kg Internal length 19ft 5in (5.93m) Overall length 25ft (7.63m) Overall width 8ft (2.45m) Overall height 8ft 7in(2.61m) Max headroom 6ft 5in (1.95m) Figures based on manufacturer's literature

READ ALL

ABOUT IT! Rob McCabe tests an ‘Exclusive’ four-berth dealer special

T

he Swift Challenger Exclusive is effectively the Challenger SE with an upgraded spec sheet, and it’s only available at 18 dealerships. The retailers who stock the Exclusive are spread out across the UK (14 in England, two in Northern Ireland, and one each in Wales and Scotland) – but is it worth making a detour, however slight, to go and see one for yourself? This exclusive first test of the four-berth, island-bed Grande 560L should help you make your mind up.

many SUVs and double-cab pick-ups, while Al-Ko’s ATC watches reassuringly over you on every journey.

One of the Exclusive upgrades is the heavy-duty jockey wheel, which certainly looks like it’ll be operating as expected for many years to come.

BUILD QUALITY

DAYTIME

Golly, where does the time go? Swift’s ‘SMART’ advanced build process is 10 years old now. In a nutshell, inner and outer GRP body panels, sandwiching a polystyrene core, are hung on a composite frame that’s impervious to water. As I’ve come to expect from Swift products, the test vehicle was superbly presented: neat as a pin everywhere, including behind the scenes, and high-quality materials much in evidence – for example, cast-iron pan support on the hob, pleated blinds on all windows and sunroofs, and really lovely woodwork.

TOWING

Of the nine Challenger Exclusive models, five are 8ft wide – and the Grande 560L is one of these. As such, that does mean a little more advance research may be called for when route-planning because those extra few inches can make you feel as though you need to pull your tummy in on some country roads and village streets.

As you’d expect, it’s not exactly a lightweight – but its MTPLM of just over 1,700kg is within the reach of

From far left: stylish L-shaped living room; bed conversion up front; wellequipped kitchen 72 December 2023

The sheer amount of floorspace is the first thing that grabs you as you step inside, thanks to the combined efforts of the 8ft width and the open configuration of the L-shape lounge.

If you told someone that the décor of your new caravan was largely beige and brown, they might not be impressed, but actually the overall ambience here is calm and classy, and everything blends together in perfect harmony. The ‘Willow’ fabric with quilt stitching is another Exclusive-only touch.

As in most L-shapes, the seating is fabulously sumptuous for two (which is how it’ll be most of the time) but less so for any more – there are really only two comfortable corners to flop back into. The lack of a front chest means bringing the freestanding table into play at meal times – and that lives in one of the wardrobes right at the back of the bedroom.

There’s plenty of tech on board, ranging from a good Bluetooth/DAB stereo and lots of USB sockets to ‘Exclusive exclusives’ such as a wireless phone charging pad, 4G Wi-Fi and the super-clever Swift

From far left: luxurious fixed bed; a solid door leads from kitchen to washroom Bottom: washroom mirror with lamp above

Command control panel that allows monitoring and control of onboard systems including the lights, heating, solar panel and fridge. You can even operate it remotely from an app on your phone.

The lengthy equipment roster also includes a lot of good stuff externally: 100W solar panel, gas barbecue point, mains socket, offside services light and exterior shower point. The Exclusive-only diamond-cut alloy wheels are very posh – you’ll want to keep some wheel cleaner and a polishing cloth in the gas locker!

NIGHT-TIME

In the bedroom, the extra width allows for the beautifully comfy island bed, a luxurious 4ft 8in wide – two inches more than the width of a standard double.

And it sits in lovely surroundings too. The wall panel at the base of the bed (complete with socketry for a TV) is tastefully backlit, and the wardrobe doors on either side of the bed are mirror-fronted for a touch of dressing-room practicality. Attractive, soft-touch wall panels adjoin the windows, which themselves are bordered top and bottom by dark wooden strips that contrast elegantly with the pale walls.

Up front, the seating converts into a decent double bed, although there’s a fair bit of heaving and upholstery wrestling involved – not a big deal if you’re making it up as a guest bed on the odd occasion, but having to do it with any regularity would get tiresome.

KITCHEN

All that floorspace is of particular benefit to anyone busy in the kitchen – you certainly won’t feel pinched for room as you flit seamlessly from fridge to worktop to hob and back again. While there is only a modest amount of work surface, a fold-flat extension opens up into the lounge area.

You’re certainly not left wanting on the appliance front. The hob has an electric hotplate to complement the three gas rings, and the neatly fitted microwave is one of the latest flatbed models.

Behind you lives the classy, slimline fridge/freezer

with a dual-opening door, and above you there is an Omnivent extractor fan. Storage is good too, and includes a large pull-out wire rack.

RATINGS

WASHROOM

90% TOWING

If you do have overnighting guests, the centre washroom is equally accessible from both sets of sleeping quarters: two sliding doors shut it off from the bedroom, one on each side of the bed, while a single solid door separates it from the front of the caravan. The shower cubicle is big and practical, with a well-designed shelf/footrest and handy trays for gel and shampoo. The mirror above the washbasin is usefully large but, although it does have an LED lamp directly above it, there isn’t any backlighting – which does feel like an omission on a caravan that’s otherwise so lavishly kitted out.

There’s a rooflight but no window.

BUILD

96% QUALITY

93% DAYTIME 93% NIGHT-TIME 90% KITCHEN 89% WASHROOM 86% LIGHTING 91%

VERDICT

LIGHTING

You get pretty much the full house in the lounge and bedroom: reading lights (all incorporating USB slots), ceiling-level strips and wall-panel backlighting. Better still, you can dim the strip lighting over a wide range, allowing you to set the ambience precisely as you like it. The kitchen is served by an under-locker strip, although it falls short of the hob, which is a bit of a shame. The washroom has that lamp above the mirror, a strip above the wall-mounted locker and an attractive one in the shower cubicle.

VERDICT

Is it worth a visit to one of the dealerships that sells the Challenger Exclusive? In purely financial terms, yes. For an £1,800 premium over the Grande 560L in its Challenger SE guise, you get a very desirable bundle of goodies. It’s a lovely thing to behold – especially the bedroom and the lounge.

To read other recent caravan tests, download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play. Remember to search for ‘CAMC Magazine’.

With thanks to: Swift Group Ltd (swiftgroup.co.uk, 01482 847332)

You can cover this caravan with the Club for £562.51* per year. See camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details.

* Correct as of 1 December 2023. Based on Standard cover on a new-for-old cover basis, with a cover limit of £37,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £200 voluntary excess. Includes 4+ years no claims discount (not protected). Includes security discounts of 15% for Al-Ko ATC, 10% for alarm with tilt sensor. Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. www.camc.com

December 2023 73

Why settle for anything other than 5 Star Expert rated Motorhome Insurance?

Motorhome Insurance you can trust Our Motorhome Insurance is 5 Star Expert rated by Defaqto, plus you can save at least £25†at renewal when you switch to us.

£25 Save at least

†

at renewal

Get 5 Star Expert rated insurance today.

Visit camc.com/motorhomeinsurance or call 01342 649 915 for a quote today. †Send us proof of a current renewal invitation (including details of cover and price) from your existing insurer/broker, and we’ll beat it by at least £25. Offer only applies when switching to the Club, is subject to insurers’ acceptance of the risk and cover being arranged on a like-for-like basis. Terms and conditions and excesses may vary from your current insurer and optional extras (such as Breakdown and Legal Expenses cover) are excluded.

Future renewal prices will always be less or the same as an equivalent new business price.

Caravan & Motorhome Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services.

Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited, registered in England and Wales no. 00646027. Registered address: East Grinstead House, East Grinstead,West Sussex RH19 1UA. The Caravan Club Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (no. 311890) for general insurance and credit activities.

TEST VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA OCEAN

Volkswagen’s iconic campervan has been given a refresh – Nick Harding dives in…

OCEAN VIEW

W

hile there are large numbers of Volkswagenbased campervans from independent converters on the market, the California is the only model made by VW itself.

On-the-road prices for the latest Ocean derivative start at £74,102, while our test model also sported the optional Acoustic Package with heated windscreen (£516), mattress topper for the lower bed (£354) and Reflex Silver/Fortana Red metallic paintwork (£3,096), taking the price of this example up to £78,068. (Note that two-tone paintwork options are no longer available.)

The main California proposition remains the same as ever – the floorplan (with sliding door on the UK offside) is the classic side furniture unit with rear seat/ bed, and an elevating roof overhead.

BUILD QUALITY

The key point to make here is that Volkswagen has its own California manufacturing plant in Hanover, Germany, the result of which is exceptional build quality.

Plenty of key fittings are exclusive to VW, including the electric/hydraulic elevating roof, which now comes with a heavier-duty canvas and the facility to zip open the whole front section in addition to smaller opening panels with flyscreens to its three sides.

Inside, there’s the rear seat/bed system on rails, a 12V set-up that includes twin leisure batteries and an inverter, the extensive use of quality plastic mouldings and furniture construction like no other – lightweight www.camc.com

Great exterior looks and (insets) sophisticated cockpit

and strong thanks to the use of aluminium. If you want an example of a more recent improvement, that self-latching function for the sliding door is quieter than ever.

The ‘Woodstock’ black alloy wheels you see here are a no-cost extra (from a choice of five designs), and the wind-out awning is standard.

DRIVING

In the cab, the latest dashboard has fully-illuminated (and dimmable) instrumentation that’s a paragon of clarity and modernity.

Only when you put your foot to the floor does the standard Euro 6D, 148bhp engine feel anything other than quiet and refined. Even so, the 201bhp engine upgrade is a tempting one as it offers even more torque (332lb ft versus 251lb ft).

Ride and handling are good by motorhome standards but you could consider a VB air suspension as an after-market fit at £6,500-£7,000.

Safety-wise, you get the likes of Driver Alert and Brake Assist technology as well as the Front Assist with City Emergency Braking system, which warns of possible collisions and can apply the brakes automatically if necessary.

Carbon dioxide emissions are rated at 211g/km and Volkswagen claims fuel consumption of over 35mpg.

We’re pretty confident you’ll top 40.

DAYTIME

With both cab seats swivelled, combined with the rear forward-facing seat, you have a living area that can comfortably accommodate four. A particularly

RATINGS BUILD

96% QUALITY 89% DRIVING 82% DAYTIME 81% NIGHT-TIME 83% KITCHEN n/a

WASHROOM

91%

DETAILS

87% OVERALL December 2023 75

TEST VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA OCEAN Left to right: lounge in day and night-time set-ups; split lids for the twin-hob/sink combination

TECHNICAL

Price (as tested)

£78,068 OTR Engine

2.0-litre turbodiesel Euro 6d Power

148bhp (110kW) @ 3,250-3,750rpm Torque

251lb ft (340Nm) @ 1,500-3,000rpm Transmission

Seven-speed automatic, FWD MRO

2,572kg MTPLM

3,080kg User payload

508kg Overall length

16ft 1in (4.90m) Overall width (mirrors folded)

6ft 3in (1.91m) (mirrors folded) Overall height

6ft 6in (1.99m) Max internal height

6ft 3in (1.90m) Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/15.4gals (70 litres)/30-35mpg Figures from manufacturer’s literature To see a test video download the Digital Magazine via the App Store or Google Play.

With thanks to: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Contact: volkswagenvans.co.uk 76 December 2023

neat piece of design is the 68cm x 58cm table that slides out from beside the rear seat. Plus, there are those other California favourites – the larger table that stows in the sliding door and is primarily for outdoor use, along with two folding chairs that have dedicated storage in the tailgate.

Overhead, the elevating roof couldn’t be easier to operate. Just turn on the ignition, select ‘roof operation’ from the panel over the dashboard and press the appropriate button – that’s it!

switches, plus there’s more storage than normal in the sliding-door lockers, complete with shelving and interior lighting.

NIGHT-TIME

California boasts much that other VW-based campers can only dream about. Take that touchscreen over the cab, which lets you control everything from raising and lowering the roof to setting the heating, as well as monitor tank levels and battery conditions – even how level you’re pitched.

Storage and lighting, which were already very good, are further improved. In terms of storage, the cab seat backs get high-level double pockets, the slide-out panel that goes across the section of window by the fridge now has moulded pockets and there’s a storage caddy under the mirror in the wardrobe. With regard to lighting, lights in the living area come on automatically when you unlock the vehicle doors, there’s lots of ambient strip illumination, the downlighters in the tailgate come on when it’s opened and there’s even extra detail lighting in the recesses at the back of the cab seat bases.

Also of note is the ‘three-zone’ air conditioning (each side of the cab, plus the rear) and the 12V socket in the roof bulkhead.

The two double-beds arrangement is unchanged but there are upgrades to the blackout and lighting systems.

Cab windscreen blinds pull together – a slightly fiddly connection process – while the cab windows get fabric curtain sections with magnets around their edges that are effective and easy to use, despite having limitations as far as insulation is concerned.

For the majority, using the roof bed (one-piece mattress on plastic springs) will be preferable as it means you can leave the downstairs in daytime mode.

If you do see yourselves using the lower bed, the mattress topper option (as here) is a benefit, unless you prefer a particularly firm mattress.

KITCHEN

An improvement in the California kitchen sees split lids for the otherwise typical camper sink (with plastic washing-up bowl) and hob combination. There’s a bigger cutlery drawer now, too, and the top-loading compressor fridge has a ventilation setting.

There are fresh and waste water tanks, the former a particularly clever piece of design in that it incorporates a well where the gas cylinder sits. There’s a more easily accessible in-line gas isolator under the hob now, too.

At the forward end of the kitchen unit there’s a double USB port as well as mains socket and light

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £333.64 per year*. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details.

WASHROOM

As is typical in a VW camper, there’s no washroom, but you can get a portable toilet which stores under the section of bed just inside the tailgate – which incidentally now has a better hinge operation.

DETAILS

VERDICT

The latest California may not be bigger (overall dimensions stay the same), but it is definitely better than ever. It’s quite expensive, but try ordering an all-new camper from any specialist Volkswagen converter to the same specification and you won’t find much difference. Plus residual values for the California should always remain strong.

*Quote (correct as of 1 November 2023) is for the model tested worth £78,068 OTR with a working tracker fitted. Based on a 57-year-old male living in Kent, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a vehicle of similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, driving 3,000 miles a year, with a £650 damage, fire and theft excess. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.camc.com

TEST ŠKODA ENYAQ COUPE IV 82KWH VRS

CLASS WINNER

TOUCH OF

CLASS I Photography by Nathan Morgan

To see car test videos download the Digital Magazine from the App Store or Google Play.

Remember to search for CAMC Magazine’.

78 December 2023

t would be an understatement to say we’re fans of the Škoda Enyaq. This pure-electric SUV has now taken successive Class wins in the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s prestigious Towcar of the Year awards (in both 2023 and 2024). So, there couldn’t be a better time to run the rule over a car with such impressive credentials.

The Enyaq made waves when it arrived in 2021.

While it used the same electric platform and battery and motor set-up as its Volkswagen Group siblings, the Czech brand managed to create one of the best EVs money could buy. Škoda has since fine-tuned the Enyaq by increasing its battery range and expanded the line-up with a coupe model and a performance version – the former getting a more stylish, aerodynamic look, the latter the first electric car in Škoda’s range to sport the fabled ‘vRS’ badge.

It was the combination of both of these that impressed our Towcar of the Year 2024 judges – the Coupe vRS. The Enyaq triumphed over the similar

James Batchelor goes electric with a Škoda that has impressed in successive Towcar events

Volkswagen ID.5 GTX – another 295bhp, twin electric motor coupe SUV – on account of its plusher interior, roomier boot and better all-round driving dynamics.

The vRS gets a set of sportier-looking bumpers, 20in black wheels as standard and plenty of black exterior trim, and there’s a range of bright body colours to choose from, including ‘Hyper Green’ – a fluorescent yellow/green that’s the standard, free colour.

The thing that really makes the car stand out, though, is the ‘Crystal Face’ – a ‘grille’ that is made up of more than 130 LEDs that form 18 vertical ribs and one horizontal bar. It gives the car a really distinctive look, but we’d imagine it’s something you’ll either love or hate.

COMFORT

The interior is worth dwelling on. While the ID.5 GTX uses lots of hard plastics, the Škoda’s dashboard is covered in softer feeling materials. It feels solidly put together, too, and the flock-lined door pockets (to stop items rattling around) are a quality touch. More www.camc.com

Clockwise from left: leather seats and soft-touch materials; large central touchscreen; stylish switchgear; drivers seat is electrically adjustable; the Enyaq has impressive acceleration; rear headroom is generous

than that, the large central touchscreen is easy to use, featuring large icons and simple menus to navigate.

Coupe vRS models are loaded with kit, and include leather sports seats (the driver’s being electrically adjustable with electric lumbar support).

The full-length glass roof gives a really airy feeling inside and, despite the Coupe’s roofline being lower than the normal Enyaq SUV, rear headroom is still generous. Although there is not as much bootspace as in the regular Enyaq, at 517 litres with the seats up (1,610 litres with seats folded), it is still sufficient to swallow most of your holiday kit – and there are various useful hooks and extra cubby holes in which to store items.

Our test car came with a couple of options including a ‘Family Pack’ that adds window blinds and a neat storage box in between the rear footwells. Škoda offers a multitude of packs to boost practicality, many of which we would expect caravan owners to lap up, although there’s only one towbar available – it’s an electrically-deployable one costing £815. www.camc.com

DRIVING

Remember I said that Škoda has tweaked the Enyaq a couple of times since its launch? Well, the Czech firm has announced it is updating it again to improve performance and battery charging capability.

In terms of the vRS tested here, that means an extra 40bhp output from the twin electric motors plus a 16-mile range boost to 340 miles. Meanwhile, a faster DC rapid charging speed (from 135kW to 175kW) cuts a 10-80% charge to approximately 29 minutes – an improvement of seven minutes. The infotainment system has also been refined.

The car tested here is the now outgoing model which produces ‘just’ 295bhp and has a 323-mile range.

In the real world, you probably won’t notice how this car is 1.1 seconds slower from 0-62mph than its successor, as it still feels impressively quick – a feeling exacerbated by how (like in all electric cars) the torque is there from the get-go.

The Enyaq has always been one of the better EVs for ride and handling, and the vRS only improves

“

Despite the Coupe’s roofline being lower than the normal Enyaq SUV, rear headroom is generous

”

December 2023 79

TEST ŠKODA ENYAQ COUPE IV 82KWH VRS

TECHNICAL

Price as tested:

£56,880 Insurance:

36E Engine:

Twin electric motors Power:

295bhp (220kW) Torque:

339 Ib ft (460Nm) Transmission:

1-speed automatic Spare Wheel:

Puncture repair kit Kerbweight:

2,299kg Gross Vehicle Weight:

2,740kg Gross Train Weight:

3,940kg

Clockwise from above: twin electric motors deliver decent traction; full-length glass roof; even on a windy day, there was no movement from the outfit

Noseweight Limit:

75kg Towing Equipment:

electrically deployable towbar (£816) Fuel/battery/test econ:

Electric/82kWh (useable 77kWh)/3.7m/ kWh (solo)/1.7m/kWh (towing 1,177kg) CO2 :

0g/km NCAP Rating:

5 stars Figures from manufacturers literature RATINGS

79% COMFORT 82% DRIVING 68% TOWING 76% OVERALL With thanks to

Chichester Caravans , Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans.

See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email uckfield@ chichester-caravans.co.uk

80 December 2023

things with adaptive dampers – it just feels slightly sharper to drive. Even with the dampers put in their firmest setting (via selecting ‘Sport’ on the drive mode select menu) the ride isn’t too harsh, and while the steering is a little on the numb side it’s responsive enough.

The front-end can ‘wash’ a little wide if you carry too much speed into corners, but for the most part the twin electric motors (one on each axle) deliver good traction.

It’s just a shame more of Škoda’s famous vRS magic hasn’t been sprinkled on the Enyaq Coupe – it could do with feeling slightly sportier to drive.

During our test I covered 250 miles driving solo, averaging 3.7 miles/kWh – which equates to a 285-mile maximum range. This test was conducted during a mild October, so you can expect that figure to dip well below 250 miles in cold weather, and naturally the range will plummet when towing (whether in warm or cold conditions – see the ‘Towing’ section).

TOWING

Hitched up to a 2018 Compass Capiro 462 with an MRO of 1,177kg, the Coupe vRS was remarkably stable when towing. Even on a windy day there was no movement from the outfit, which just tracked straight and true. We found the dampers set in their stiffer ‘Sport’ setting give a slightly more balanced ride, but regardless it’s a relaxing experience whatever mode you’re in. The seats, with their electric lumbar support, are great for long tours, and it’s really only the sloping roofline hampering visibility over the shoulder slightly that is a negative.

Just like with any electric car we’ve tested, the range nosedives with caravan behind – on a 50-mile towing test route, I averaged 1.7 miles/kWh which equals to 130 miles before you’ll need to recharge the batteries. With the car fully loaded with family and paraphernalia that’ll likely be reduced to around 100 miles.

VERDICT

Setting aside the range issues when towing (a common issue with all electric vehicles), the Enyaq Coupe vRS is a fine towcar. It’s fast, smooth and practical, but you could also say that about the regular, non-vRS Enyaq Coupe. You will have to really want the extra power, sportier styling and Crystal Face look to opt for the vRS, but we can see why it will be an attractive option for many.

Send us proof of a current renewal invitation from your existing car insurer and we’ll beat it by at least £25*.

Visit camc.com/insurance for more information and full terms and conditions.

*Offer only applies when switching to the Club, is subject to insurers’ acceptance of the risk and cover being arranged on a like-for-like basis. Terms and conditions and excesses may vary from your current insurer and optional extras (such as Breakdown and Legal Expenses cover) are excluded. Future renewal prices will always be less or the same as an equivalent new business price. 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. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

www.camc.com

Rated Excellent*

The team were so helpful when we set up our policy, and it’s great peace of mind when we travel

Naomi Hardy - Club member

Caravan Cover you can trust With our unique Caravan Cover, our members come back to us year after year. Over 87% of all cover holders renewed with us**. Plus, we scored 9/10 for claims handling satisfaction.† Visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 649 888 to find out more or to get a quote.

*Trustpilot rating correct as of 1 September 2023, but is subject to change. ** Based on renewal data for Jan to Aug 2023. †In-house satisfaction survey data for 1 January to 31 July 2023 from 134 completed surveys.

Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Insurance Choice Awards Winner 2022

Scan me

FOREIGN TOURING GERMANY The Lothar Path in the Black Forest

Karla and partner Stephen

E

CO

C

B

K WIT OO

N

H

2024

FIDEN

European

Caravan and Motorhome Holidays

European campsites, ferries and LeShuttle

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

Find out more at: camc.com/confidence

Below: the Baumwipfelpfad forest path

82

FOREST FLOORED Karla Baker is stunned by the beauty of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley during a tour of south-west Germany

R

enowned for its rich history, culture and diverse landscapes dotted with spellbinding castles, Germany had long been on my partner’s and my wishlist – and this summer provided the perfect opportunity to tick it off.

Having driven along the wide, flat motorways in France, we were struck by how the land grew around us upon entering the southern tip of the Black Forest. Vibrant green mountains were visible in the distance as we approached our first stop, Camping Belchenblick. This leafy campsite has a relaxed feel and is equipped with a heated indoor swimming pool, with guests also benefitting from free access to the large lido next door.

The first thing we noticed as we unhitched the caravan – other than the spectacular views – was the soothing sound of a babbling stream. It flowed past the site and into nearby Staufen, and a level waterside footpath made for a gentle 20-minute stroll into the small town.

If you’re looking for quaint, traditional Germany, Staufen is a good place to start; we wandered around on that sunny afternoon, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, boutique shops and cafes, and views of the castle ruins perched on the hill.

CLOCK-WATCHING

The following day we headed further afield, a scenic drive taking us to Titisee-Neustadt. This pretty spa town sits on the edge of the largest natural lake in the Black Forest, Lake Titisee. We strolled along the high street, popping into shops that caught our eye – in one, hundreds of cuckoo clocks lined the walls, all intricately crafted and chiming at random intervals. If we didn’t already feel like we were in the heart of Germany, we certainly did then! Perhaps even more so when we ended the evening with a flavoursome currywurst on the glacial lakeside.

To learn more about the region’s past, the next day we visited the Black Forest Open Air Museum. This magical village, complete with a series of traditional houses, gave us a fascinating insight into what rural life was like hundreds of years ago. Although people no longer live under the same roofs as their livestock, other architecture we saw in the area remained largely unchanged; tall, half-hipped roofs still overhang ornate balconies decorated with colourful flower boxes – absolutely beautiful.

From the largest natural lake and the oldest houses, we continued our accidental theme of ‘extremes’ in Triberg. The town is home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock and Germany’s highest waterfall! After stopping for the (unofficial) yummiest Black Forest www.camc.com

cake, we went in search of Triberg Falls, situated surprisingly close to the town centre. After just a short walk along an asphalt path, we found ourselves surrounded by tall trees in an oasis of calm. It wasn’t long before the greenery parted and we were blown away by the sight of the impressive cascade – all 163 metres of it!

It was time to continue the adventure to our next campsite. We were blessed with crystal-clear skies throughout the journey northwards, interrupted only by the two-metre wingspans of soaring white storks. Kleinenzhof was to be our home for the next few days. This large, family-run campsite is nestled deep in a valley, surrounded by steep hills, dense with the dark pine trees that give the Black Forest its name. To the west sits the lively town of Bad Wildbad. Here, we discovered beautifully manicured gardens, thermal baths, countless cafes and, on the outskirts, the best woodland walk!

‘What makes it the best?’ I hear you ask. Well, in my opinion, Baumwipfelpfad has it all. Its smooth, fully wheelchair-accessible boardwalk begins deep in the forest, enjoying mottled sunshine as it breaks through the beech, fir and spruce. Gradually, it ascends into the canopy, getting you really close to nature. I’ll never forget the moment we spotted a black squirrel perching on a branch, nibbling on some nuts! The path ends with a monumental spiral lookout tower, which stands 40m above the trees.

On that beautifully clear day, we could see for miles, with a sea of green laid out beneath us. A unique and unforgettable way to view the forest.

HIGH TIMES

Another spectacular way to view it is by driving the unmissable Black Forest High Road. This sweeping, 40-mile route features a multitude of

Left: the pretty town of Triberg

1

Camping Belchenblick (Club ref: G02)

stop-off points from which to enjoy the landscape. We cruised from north to south, pulling in at the mystical Lake Mummelsee and the Lothar Path regeneration project, before finishing 921m above sea level at the Ellbachsee viewpoint. The views were simply breathtaking. By now, the sun was sinking, casting a warm glow on everything it touched, and it was incredibly peaceful, high above even the birds.

This marked the end of our time in the Black Forest, but our German adventure wasn’t over just yet. Heading northwards, we arrived at the Rüdesheim am Rhein campsite, which came second place in the ‘Accessibility’ category at the 2023 European Campsite Awards run by the Club and Alan Rogers.

My expectations were already high – but they

“

The views were breathtaking

”

This campsite has swimming pool facilities, and is just a short, picturesque walk or cycle away from the idyllic town of Staufen.

Pitches: 130 (touring) Open: all year

Food & drink Onkel Karls, Bahnhofstraße 6c, 79219 Staufen im Breisgau Contact: onkel-karls.de, 0049 7633 80 24 226

Culture Badenweiler Castle, 79410 Badenweiler Contact: burg-badenweiler.de

Outdoor fun

Wakepark Tunisee, Seestraße 30, 79108 Freiburg-Hochdorf Contact: wakepark-tunisee.de, 0049 7665 93 29 910

For the family Steinwasen Park, Steinwasen 1, D-79254 Oberried Contact: steinwasen-park.de, 0049 7602 94 46 80

Black Forest Open Air Museum www.camc.com

Scan here to book a pitch at Camping Belchenblick

December 2023 83

FOREIGN TOURING GERMANY

2

Rüdesheim am Rhein (Club ref: G08) A luxurious campsite perched on the banks of the Rhine, with easy access to the town.

Pitches: 180 (touring) Open: 26 April-6 October 2024

Food & drink Zwei und Zwanzig, Lindenplatz 1, 65366 Geisenheim Contact: zwei-und-zwanzig.de, 0049 6722 710 83 12

Culture

Louise Turpin

Eltville Castle, Burgstraße 1, 65343 Eltville am Rhein Contact: eltville.de, 0049 612 39 09 80

Outdoor fun Stand Up Paddling Rheingau, Rheinuferweg 1, 65366 Geisenheim Contact: sup-rheingau.de, 0049 151 613 604 86

For the family Taunus Wunderland, Haus Zur Schanze 1, 65388 Schlangenbad Contact: taunuswunderland. de, 0049 612 440 81 Scan here to book a pitch at Rüdesheim am Rhein

84 December 2023

“

It’s beautifully maintained, with rose beds and ivy-clad pergolas giving it a fairytale feel were quickly exceeded. Not only is it wonderfully accessible for people with disabilities, but it’s beautifully maintained too, with rose beds and ivy-clad pergolas giving it a fairytale feel. Its location on the banks of the Rhine offers direct access to a smooth towpath, which provides a relaxing walk/cycle directly into town.

Aside from the river, the region is known for its winemaking, so it would have been rude not to enjoy a sample.

We ventured up the hill to St Hildegard Abbey, and selected a bottle that had been crafted by the abbey’s friendly Benedictine nuns. We spent the final evening of our trip sipping it in the late sunshine back at the site, overlooking the vineyards in

”

which the grapes had been grown.

I couldn’t think of a better way to end such a memorable road trip.

■ If Karla has inspired you to visit this region, please visit camc.com/overseas to book the featured campsites.

Bad Wildbad www.camc.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Poor sleep? Aches and pains? Here’s the solution...

A father’s love and devotion leads to incredible patented pillow

A

NEAR tragedy has led to an amazing new development in sleep technology. When Georgia Miles was recovering from a lifethreatening accident, her father Alexander looked everywhere for a pillow that would keep her comfortable throughout the night.

After purchasing dozens of different types and finding none that worked, Alex, a renowned furniture and domestic product designer, decided to engineer his own.

EXTRA COMFORT AND SUPPORT The innovative model that Alex designed has internal ties that hold the filling in place, and pull the pillow in and up to cradle the head and neck. This provides extra comfort and support that lasts through the night and ensures that you get the most benefit from an undisturbed sleep.

“

I can honestly say that your pillow has made the world of difference… and fully endorse your pillow as being quite unique in its ability to maintain support throughout the night.

UNIQUE BREAKTHROUGH

“

He made a breakthrough when he realised that all pillows spread out and flatten down as the weight of the head rests on them. This flattening progresses through the night, leaving the head and neck poorly supported – and sleep interrupted. This is why many people find themselves half awake and ‘pillow-punching’ in the middle of the night, desperately trying to get comfortable.

Alexander Miles, inventor of the Gx Pillow pictured with his invention to prefer, or Medium-firm for those who like a little more

Dr Deane Halfpenny Harley Street Consultant and Spinal Pain Specialist

resistance. Alex’s desperate desire to help his daughter Georgia has led to a pillow that has also transformed the lives of thousands of people. So if you have spent a lifetime looking for the perfect pillow, your search may well be over!

MADE IN THE UK Made in the UK, the Gx Pillow comes in a choice of two levels of support: Medium-soft, which most people seem

INFORMATION: gxpillows/0800 316 2689

BIGGEST EVER DISCOUNT – 25% off!

The amazing

Pillow

2 5 % of f

TM

SINGLE PILLOW TWIN PACK

wit

£44.99

h c o d e CC 9

“

I cannot believe that after 40 years I have finally found the best pillow ever!!!! It simply stays put and so comfy, fabulous, must buy more for hubby and a spare.

 Provides comfort and support  Hypoallergenic Polycoz filling Designed, patented and made  Integral air vent keeps you cool  in the UK from Medium-soft or  Luxurious 100% cotton shell  Choose Medium-firm

“

the night

£29.99 £59.99

helps thousands sleep better internal tie technology  Unique maintains shape throughout

£39.99

Izzy, Yorkshire

OUR PROMISE TO YOU! Sleep on the Gx Pillow for 30 nights and if you are not completely satisfied, we’ll give you your money back*

Post to: FREEPOST BEAUTIFUL SLEEP

Enjoy a great night’s sleep AND 25% OFF! THAT’S...

£15 off!

2 PILLOWS FOR £59.99

£44.99! £15

No other details or stamp required Description Tick your preferred pillow(s)

CC9 Price

2 x Medium-soft (was £59.99)

£44.99

25% off

Gx Pillows Twin pack

2 x Medium-firm (was £59.99)

£44.99

1 x Med-soft + 1 x Med-firm (was £59.99)

£44.99

CC9

£10 off!

1 x Medium-soft (was £39.99)

£29.99

1 x Medium-firm (was £39.99)

£29.99

with code

SAVING!

Choose from Medium-soft, Medium-firm or one of each!

£10

Or buy 1 Gx PILLOW for £39.99 £29.99 SAVING!

SCAN HERE and code will automatically be applied

Single pillow

I enclose a cheque payable to Beautiful Sleep for £________ Or charge my credit/debit card:

Card No. Expiry

ORDER NOW! FREEPHONE: OR GO ONLINE:

Signature Name Address

Lines open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.

Quote CC9 for 25% off

Tel no

0800 316 2689 gxpillows.co.uk

Enter CC9 in discount box for 25% off *Terms and conditions apply - please see website for details.

/

Postage & Packing

ORDER TOTAL

CVC

Postcode Email

Qty Subtotal

£4.95

LOVE SUDOKU

PUZZLES BRAINTEASERS

Can you solve these brain teasers? The answers are on the side of the page

SUDOKU HARD All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Solution

WORD SEARCH Theme: theatre

Solution 86 December 2023

APPLAUSE CHARACTER CLOWN COMPANY DANCER DEBUT DIALOGUE ENSEMBLE ENTRANCE EXIT GREASEPAINT HISTRIONICS IBSEN INTERLUDE LIMELIGHT PINTER PIRANDELLO PIT PLAYWRIGHT SCENES SET SHERIDAN SHOW SPECTACLE STALLS STOOGE STRINDBERG THEATRE TRAGEDY UPSTAGE www.camc.com

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift vouchers to be won £50 in Club gift vouchers will be won by the sender of the first correct solution selected on Friday 22 December 2023. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift vouchers.

Please clearly photograph/scan your answer grid and email to crossword@camc.com.

Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

8

10

11

12

13 14

15

16 18

17 19

20

21 22

27

23

25

24

26

28 30

29

31

33

32

34 36

35

38

37

39 41

42

43

44

45

40

46 47

48

49

50 51

52

53

54 55

56 58

57

60

59

NAME:

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

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.

November solution: Across: 1 Daily dozen 6 Plough 11 Obese 12 New blood 13 Brunette 16 Emperor 18 Eraser 19 Fish 20 Pasta 22 Aorta 24 Ebb 25 Nos 26 Arachnid 28 Ember 29 Stop 30 Bread 31 Standstill 35 Bridegroom 39 Raves 40 Knot www.camc.com

41 Greet 42 Stallion 43 Era 44 Emu 45 Rotor 47 Overt 49 Hail 50 Tarmac 51 Tombola 54 Stranger 57 Bacteria 58 Email 59 Sleaze 60 Sweet tooth Down: 1 Daub 2 Launching pad 3 Dirt 4 Zone 5 New Zealand 6 Polyanthus 7 Underfed 8 Hoop

ACROSS 1 Remove clothing (5) 4 Fashion show stage (7) 9 Open a fastener (4) 10 Country in South Asia (5) 11 Ace scientist (6) 12 Explosion wave (5) 14 Lottery game (5) 15 Polar or grizzly (4) 16 Three-sided shape (8) 17 Situated below (6) 19 Sky colour (4) 22 Church reading desk (7) 24 Young lion (3) 26 Room in the roof (5) 27 Braeburn or Bramley (5) 29 Between midday and sunset (9) 32 Speak in hushed tones (7) 35 Short-handled axe (7) 37 Come on, tell all! (4,2,3) 39 Wurlitzer or Hammond (5) 41 High body temperature (5) 43 Exercise room (3) 44 Tool for tightening (7) 47 A person or thing that has become particularly popular (4) 48 Position in society (6) 51 Canine fang (8) 52 Scottish lake (4) 54 Sharp knife (5) 55 Artery fluid (5) 56 Fjords country (6) 57 Skin laceration (5) 58 Goggle-eyed (4) 59 Free and generous (7) 60 Participate in (5)

DOWN 1 Up or down incline (5) 2 Umpire (7) 3 Tyre blow-out (8) 4 Fall in a heap (8) 5 Sledge (8) 6 Very young cat (6) 7 Rainbow colour (6) 8 Pub pint drink (6) 13 Citizen of the USA (8) 18 Consume food (3) 20 Cut off branches (3) 21 Oak fruit (5) 22 Tanned animal hide (7) 23 Dead heat (3) 25 Violinist’s implement (3) 26 Aircraft flyer (7) 28 Pole-propelled boat (4) 30 Brief snooze (3) 31 Decide between (3) 33 Basin stopper (4) 34 Bit of a pong (5) 36 Brand label on clothes (3) 37 Mexican hat (8) 38 Years in a decade (3) 40 Pointed hole-making tool (3) 42 Animal doctor (3) 44 Waste paper chopper (8) 45 Deviating from what is normal or usual (8) 46 Swap goods (8) 47 Guilty party (7) 48 Pink fleshed fish (6) 49 State-of-the-art or in vogue (6) 50 Emblem (6) 53 Seat for one (5)

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

grid C OCTOBER WINNERS

9 Jeer 10 Beer barrel 14 Rainwater 15 Tea 17 Ego 20 Postbag 21 Scapegoat 22 Abets 23 Rabbi 27 In advance 32 Dessert 33 Take a shine to 34 Lookalike 35 Big Brother 36 Inept 37 Enter 38 Millimetre 39 Rhinoceros 42 Suitable 46 Orb 48 Rut 52 Moat 53 Owls 54 Safe 55 Rust 56 Rash

Our Digital Magazine features a variety of interactive puzzles!

Download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Remember to search for CAMC Magazine’.

£50 first prize: Penny Atherton £10 runners-up: Barry Hobbs; Bruce Whorton; Margaret Kirkpatrick; Geraldine Roper Please note: prizes will be posted as soon as possible

Take a photo or scan your answers and send to crossword@camc.com with the subject heading December Crossword.

Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

December 2023 87

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Get your fill Q

How can I best find refilling points for my user-refillable gas cylinder?

A

recent Club survey indicated that 11% of caravanners and more than 40% of motorhome and campervan owners use user-refillable cylinders or tanks, although sometimes alongside exchangeable cylinders.

Owners could initially make significant use of the forecourtbased refilling points provided for LPG-powered vehicles – but such vehicles have never become a mainstream option and numbers are declining.

The market in LPG for many forecourt operators really isn’t viable, therefore, meaning forecourt refilling point numbers will inevitably decline over time.

Indeed, this trend has been ongoing for a while – Shell closed its last forecourt Autogas filling point in 2020 (Autogas being a joint venture between Shell and Calor). Another leading forecourt operator, Motor Fuels Group, which operates nearly 900 forecourts for BP, Esso, Jet, Murco, Shell

“

and Texaco, announced in 2022 plans to convert its 38 LPGequipped forecourts to EV charging by 2024.

LPG for leisure vehicle habitation and a range of other uses is a different matter and there’s plenty of demand. The LPG industry has plans to secure the future of LPG as a sustainable fuel by changing from fossil fuel-derived gas to biogas or synthetically-produced gas by 2040, so we expect availability to continue for the time being.

Rather than from forecourts, LPG is often available from commercial/leisure parts and accessory stockists, builders suppliers, leisure vehicle dealers, marinas and the like – these businesses may be off the main roads and sometimes only open during normal business hours. There are regular issues with availability at quite a few of these sites, perhaps due to damage to the filling equipment or, on occasion, limited supply of LPG being available. Pricing can be variable between different outlets too.

More than 40% of motorhome and campervan owners use userrefillable cylinders or tanks 88 December 2023

”

Above: LPG-powered vehicles have never become a mainstream option

If you are visiting a nonforecourt filling outlet for the first time, it may be wise to call ahead to establish access details if you have a larger vehicle, and particularly if you need to fill a fixed tank. There are a few websites we find most effective at detailing these outlets: n filllpg.co.uk – good, up-todate listings with price/ availability information.

Comprehensive UK list of around 1,800+ stations. n autogas.app – site focused on the remaining forecourt filling stations. Includes price/ availability information. Limited coverage outside the UK. n mylpg.eu/stations – good listing of UK, European and global facilities. Over 48,000 filling points listed across 70 countries. Some price/

availability information.

The 1,800 or so filling points in the UK are likely to decline further as many of the remaining forecourt pumps disappear. However, there should still be a sufficient number of non-forecourt filling points for viable use for habitation cylinder/tank refilling.

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

TAIL LIGHTS Your observations on the fun and unusual world of touring

ROBIN’S REST After a hard day cycling the lanes and hills around Castleton Club Campsite, this cheeky chap settled down on Ian Mears’ handlebars for a portrait.

“Either pleased to see us back or wanted to go with us again,” jokes Ian.

DOUBLE VISION

Club member Bob McKay’s dogs Konnie and Macy met The Kelpies – twin, 30ft-high steel sculptures of horse heads – on the outskirts of Falkirk.

According to Bob, the pooches are trying to work out what they are. Best proceed with caution!

Right on track A motorhome’s not the first thing you would expect to see in front of a grandstand at a race track. However, Andrew Clarke couldn’t resist taking a few shots of his pride and joy at the Reims-Gueux circuit in France’s Champagne region, which famously featured racing on rural public roads. Squint a little and you may be able to picture a packed crowd roaring as the likes of Jackie Stewart and Jack Brabham zoom by.

Misty Malvern Ricky Bowman was struck by this morning ‘rainbow mist’ while staying at Malvern Hills Club Campsite in Worcestershire. According to Ricky, it came and went very quickly while he was looking towards the Malvern Hills.

98 December 2023

STONE THE CROWS

Ian Harper was out and about in Stonehaven when he came across this novel conversion. “When is a caravan not a caravan?” asks Ian. “When it’s a campervan, of course...”

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. www.camc.com

If I pass away Canine Cared For

are home c a o t e v o m I If Canine Cared For iagnosis d g in g n a h c fe If I receive a li Canine Cared For

Make sure your dog is cared for with a Canine Care Card

You’ve always done what you can to protect your four legged friend, and that shouldn’t change when life does. With a Canine Care Card, you won’t have to worry about what’s next for them, because we will look after and rehome them at one of our 21 rehoming centres located all across the UK.

Apply online to get your FREE Canine Care Card at: dogstrust.org.uk/ccc E: ccc@dogstrust.org.uk or T: 020 7837 0006 Please quote “335702”, or complete this coupon:

Please send me a Dogs Trust Canine Care Card application form (Please fill out in block capitals)

Title

First Name

Surname

Postcode

335702

From time to time we would like to send you exciting updates about our work, products, services and how you can support us, including fundraising activities and research by post. If you’d rather not receive these mailings, please tick here In order to communicate with you more effectively, better understand your preferences and ability to support our work, we may analyse your data. We do share your information within the Dogs Trust Group; currently Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions.

To read our full privacy policy visit dogstrust.org.uk/privacy.

Please send this coupon to: FREEPOST DOGSTRUSTL (No stamp required.)

N.B. Service only available for residents of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands & Isle of Man.

A dog is for life® dogstrust.org.uk

© Dogs Trust 2023

Address

Registered charity numbers: 227523 & SC037843

CYCLING CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Straight narrow AND

CYCLING VIDEOS

See this route and more at youtube. com/Caravanand MotorhomeClub

Jonathan Manning follows the Roman Road that linked Cambridge to Colchester on this pretty ride

T

he Gog Magog sounds like a giant from JR Tolkien’s Middle Earth, but are in fact a short series of modest chalk hills just outside Cambridge.

These are not mountains to challenge the Lake District or Snowdonia, but in the kingdom of the blind (or the flatlands of the Fens) an altitude of 70m is sufficient to open up vast views over the surrounding landscape, as well as the towers and rooftops of Cambridge. On a clear day it is apparently possible to spot Ely Cathedral, some 17 miles away, from points of this ride.

It’s certainly exposed enough to warrant the building of an old windmill on the edge of Fulbourn as well as phalanxes of new power-generating turbines.

Cambridge is one of the most cyclingdominated cities in the country, but this route turns its back on the colleges and beautiful, bustling streets, and instead heads into the countryside for a head-clearing dose of calm.

December 2023

It’s a ride of two halves, both of which follow arrow-straight Roman roads. The outward half is on asphalt, and while it’s a thin yellow line on an Ordnance Survey map, not even worth B-road designation, the absence of bends means traffic does tend to overtake quickly.

Most of the highlights come in the second half of the ride along a parallel Roman road that is now closed to traffic. Built almost 2,000 years ago to link settlements at Godmanchester and Cambridge to Colchester, the byway is blissfully peaceful and buzzing with biodiversity.

In spring, wildflowers in the chalk grassland attract beetles, bugs and 25 different species of butterfly, while in autumn the hedgerows explode into a kaleidoscope of yellows, reds, oranges and browns. What’s more, with chalk underneath, the land drains well, so even after heavy rain the track isn’t muddy or boggy – just a bit greasy. This would be an ideal ride for a gravel bike.

A bridge over the A11 breaks the quiet for an instant, before calm resumes, and www.camc.com

The Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine recommends the use of Ordnance Survey maps – your ideal passport to navigating Britain

© Crown copyright 2023 Ordnance Survey Media 022/23

The Roman Road byway anyone looking to extend their outing can wheel their bike (no cycling allowed) along the magnificent beech avenue into Wandlebury Country Park, where longfringed Highland cattle graze the pastures.

There are eight miles of waymarked trails to explore and a pop-up café, next to the Tadlow Granary, on most Thursdays to Sundays throughout the year.

DIRECTIONS From Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Campsite turn right and continue for 1.2km.

1.2km – Turn left, signposted to Fulbourn, passing the Wildlife Trust’s Beechwoods on the right. Later, look out for the windmill on the left. Continue into Fulbourn.

5.1km – Turn right at the first miniroundabout and then go straight over the next. Continue on this road, signposted to Balsham and Cemetery, passing the White Hart pub on the left. Continue for 8km to Balsham.

1 2 3

www.camc.com

4 5 6

13.2km – Turn right immediately after the Balsham village sign, and then right again immediately, and continue for 2km.

15.3km – Turn right along the Public Byway, just before a large pylon, and stay on this track for almost 4km until you reach a road.

19km – Turn left and cross the bridge over the A11. On the other side of the bridge keep straight ahead (ignore the Cycle Route sign pointing left) and ride down to regain the Roman road by the gate to Mount Farm. Continue on the track for almost 5km, passing Wandlebury Country Park on the left, to reach a road.

23.8km – Turn left along the road and continue to a T-junction.

25.1km – Turn right at the T-junction and continue to the Club site on the left.

7 8

DOWNLOAD THIS ROUTE AND OTHERS TO YOUR GPS DEVICE FROM: STRAVA.COM/ATHLETES/27202656

ABOUT THE ROUTE Start/finish: Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club Campsite, Limekiln Road, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 8NQ. Distance: 16.4 miles/ 26.3km.

Time: 2 hours.

Level: Suitable for all cyclists and e-bikers – no hills, but quick traffic on outward section.

Terrain: Asphalt, mud and gravel. Gravel, hybrid or mountain bike would be fine.

Landscape: Arable fields and hedge-lined byway.

Refreshments: White Hart, Fulbourn; Black Bull Inn, Balsham; The Old Butchers café, Balsham; pop-up café (Thurs-Sun) Wandlebury Country Park.

December 2023

Look up at the stars, not under the bonnet.

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover Whatever the weather, from snow to floods or mud, we’ll cover you without charging you any extra when specialist equipment is required.

With 3 cover levels to choose from, starting with Roadside & Recovery at £80 a year, MAYDAY’s got you covered nationwide.

3 Levels of cover to choose from

Nationwide recovery

Specialist recovery

No vehicle restrictions

Call 01342 488 120 or visit camc.com/MAYDAY A sample MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover policy booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

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 Authority.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.