Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - February 2019

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Welcome

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Gary Martin says:

As Big Ben chimed its last ’dong‘ at midnight on 31 December, I made a promise to myself – to make 2019 the year I try something new, to do something a little different. Whether that involves learning to play a musical instrument or a language, I’m not quite sure – but what I am sure about is that for our main UK summer holiday this year, I am going to take the family somewhere other than the Isle of Wight. Not that there is anything wrong with the Isle of Wight – I love it there, so do my three girls. It is the perfect family holiday destination. But I think it’s time we discovered another part of the UK.

So, if you tend to head for the same part of the UK or have favourite sites that you return to again and again, perhaps I

“If Yorkshire is your cup of tea, stir things up a bit by heading for Scotland, Wales or the South-West”

Editorial Editor: Gary Martin

Deputy Editor: John Thynne

Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis

Design: Michaela Easey

Postal address

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

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

could encourage you to follow suit? If Yorkshire is your cup of tea, stir things up a little by heading for Scotland, Wales or the South-West instead. Or, if you like to take it easy and relax while away but have made a resolution to be healthier this year, book a site which is set in prime walking or cycling country.

We give you some ideas for trying something a little different in 2019 on pages 12 and 13 of this issue. Hopefully they will inspire you to enjoy the great outdoors in a different way over the next 11 months or so.

Enjoy the issue – and wherever you go or whatever you do this year, let us know about it at magazine@camc.com or #inspiringadventures.

Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 779378

Commercial Manager Tolga Dervish 01342 779368 tolga.dervish@camc.com

Commercial Executive – Regional Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com

Commercial Executive Chloe Turnbull 01342 336817 chloe.turnbull@camc.com

Commercial Executive Steve Walters 01342 779377 steve.walters@camc.com

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This month’s cover: Port Lympne Reserve Credit: Dave Rolfe

Parts and fittings

Fridge shelf broken? Water pump needs replacing? Your Club membership gives you exclusive access to hundreds of parts and fittings at special discounted rates online at Club Shop! New parts are added regularly and most are available with next-day delivery.

Touring

A seven-stop tour of England’s South-East taking in city, coast and countryside 38 DIRECTORY UPDATES

Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook

ACTIVITY BREAKS

Things are looking up for Jonathan Manning!

FOREIGN TOURING

Heidi Fuller-Love tours northern Spain taking in the likes of Bilbao and Zaragoza – and some fantastic food!

REGIONAL SITE SPOTLIGHT

We focus on a site in your area (you can see five different site articles on the Magazine App each month)

Tests

Second-hand buyer’s special

Bailey Alliance 70-6

News

Regulars

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW

Nick Lomas discusses the Club’s structure

YOUR PHOTOS

The best pictures from your touring adventures

THE CAMPER VAN COOK

Martin Dorey rustles up a hearty breakfast

LETTERS

Your comments and views

Latest news from across the network

Ideas for foreign holidays and tours

Rallies and news from across the country

Specials

Plan your 2019 holidays and head somewhere different

Why not mix a touring holiday with a new-year challenge?

Save money on Club Day at February’s NEC show

COUNTRY MATTERS

How to bring wildlife to your garden

EVENTS DIARY

Pitching spots near public events

FAMILY MATTERS

The Daveys try out karting

MEMBER OFFERS

ASK YOUR CLUB

Your technical questions answered

PRACTICAL

Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members

Guide to buying a new caravan/motorhome

A chance to win Club gift tokens

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

To advertise, call 01342 336817

TAIL LIGHTS

The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester

Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE

Director General: Nick Lomas

Club contact details

For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact

Main switchboard

01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)

Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded)

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Car/motor caravan 0345 504 0334

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Brochures on Club services

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Club Magazine editorial

01342 336640

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Nick Lomas says:

With the fantastic news that your Chairman Grenville Chamberlain has received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to the Caravan and Motorhome Club and to charity (see the story on page 15), I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk a little about how your Club is run and the vital role that volunteer members play in the Club’s Committees and local groups.

We are a true members’ club, probably the largest of its kind in the UK, run by members for the benefit of members. We have no bank borrowings and no dividends are paid to shareholders.

The Club is run by an Executive Committee which is also its Board of Directors. It comprises unpaid volunteers (as do our other Committees) elected by their fellow members at the Annual General Meeting (candidates are chosen from the Club Council, which is the Club’s advisory body). There are 15 members on the Executive led by Grenville as Chairman, and supported most particularly by three Vice-Chairmen and the Club Treasurer.

We are currently looking for candidates from across the membership to become members of the Club Council. If you feel you can contribute to the future success of the Club, then do look at the advert on page 15 which gives further information about the role and skills required.

The Club is a significant undertaking, dealing with over 2,300,000 holiday nights every year, providing protection and insurance for 250,000 members, arranging over £15m-worth of holidays overseas and dealing with the membership needs of the majority of caravan and motorhome users in the UK. The Executive has a number of subsidiary Committees that deal with financial and management aspects of the Club, its site network development and events (including the National and the various competitions for towcars, motorhomes, lightweight leisure trailers and caravans), as well as the technical and legislative matters relating to our pastime.

The social aspects of the Club are handled by 69 local groups called ‘Centres’, which

“We have no bank borrowings and no dividends are paid to shareholders”

provide informal caravanning and motorhome events for members to enjoy – often called ‘rallies’. Each Centre has a Committee elected from members locally, and funding for activities is largely locally generated, with a small grant being provided for administration by the Club’s Grants Committee.

The Executive typically meets 10 times a year to monitor the Club’s performance, to guide its progress and to set its strategy for the future. It also employs me, the Club’s Director General, and, through the Finance and Management Committee, supervises the employment of Club staff, who typically total over 1,200 people in high season. The majority work on the UK sites network, with some 300 at our East Grinstead headquarters.

We aim to provide the highest quality service and are pleased to have independent validation of that through organisations such as Best Companies and Top 50 Companies for Customer Service. It’s our pleasure and passion to be of service to our members.

Try something different in 2019

The Club’s Director of Membership Services, Brian Savage, suggests that you may like to take a different approach to your touring adventures this year

Most of us are creatures of habit. I know I am. I like to fish the same stretch of river, as a Lotus fan I have the same routine before watching a Grand Prix and if treating myself to a sweet snack, I always opt for a dark chocolate Kit Kat.

And, like many of you, I have my favourite Club sites I like to return to – and I’m familiar with most of them. Don’t forget also our fantastic range of more than 2,200 Certificated Locations – great bases for city visits, rural retreats and walking/cycling holidays.

However, I made a resolution on 1 January, a promise that I was going to take myself out of

CITY BREAK

Club site: Abbey Wood

Location: London

Do you usually like to escape the madding crowds and find a spot away from the metropolis? Well, for a change, why not discover the benefits of a Club site near a bustling city? May I suggest Abbey Wood, just a 35-minute train journey from central London (the train station is just an 800-metre walk from the site entrance), yet still enjoying a positively rural location?

Whether you fancy exploring Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, enjoying a West End theatre show or cruising along the Thames, England’s capital city is so easily accessed from Abbey Wood.

If you have your family with you, make your trip into London an educational one. Inspire your children to learn with visits to the British Museum, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and more.

Best of all, this 108-pitch site even offers Experience Freedom glamping pod accommodation, so your non-caravanning/motorhoming friends can join you and be a part of your London experience.

For an alternative base, consider Alderstead Heath Club site near Redhill, nestled in the beautiful Surrey Hills yet just three miles from Coulsdon South, where a train service whisks you into central London in 40 minutes.

RURAL RETREAT

Club site: Englethwaite Hall

Location: Armathwaite, Carlisle Alternatively, if you tend to pitch up on well-equipped sites near big towns or cities, then perhaps it is time to head off the beaten track for some peace – such as that offered by Englethwaite Hall.

my comfort zone and do things just a little bit differently in 2019. I’ll fish somewhere new, I’ll have a cup of coffee instead of a tea when preparing to watch an F1 race this season and I’ll swap my dark chocolate Kit Kat for a milk chocolate-covered one occasionally. I will also visit sites that I am not so familiar with. Perhaps I could encourage you to do the same? If you usually head for a quiet site in the middle of the countryside, why not try somewhere near a city instead (or vice versa)?

If you always head for Yorkshire, set your compass for Cornwall or Scotland this year.

This quiet Cumbrian site is one of my favourites, for there are well-stocked coarse fishing lakes next door – and I love nothing more than to while the day away with fishing rod in hand hoping to land a big catch (day fishing tickets can be purchased from site reception).

A stay at this 68-pitch, get-away-from-it-all site (there is no toilet block) is so good for the soul. One of the most tranquil locations on the network, Englethwaite Hall even offers solitude during the school holidays.

Scattered with brightly-coloured rhododendrons and with the delightful High Stand wood as a backdrop, the site is a haven for wildlife, red squirrels being particularly keen visitors (a dedicated viewing hide on site will help you spot them).

A stay here will not only recharge your batteries, it may lead you to seek out other rural retreats!

WALKING WONDERLAND

Club site: Bridlington

Location: Yorkshire

If you usually like to sit back and read a good book while on holiday, but have made a New Year’s resolution to be more healthy in 2019, then you might want to consider a site in the heart of great walking country –such as Bridlington, on the east Riding of Yorkshire coast. The site has recently been extended with over 80 new pitches, and has also benefited from an extra toilet block and new motorhome waste points.

Nearby is a route over the towering Bempton Cliffs that has been rated at number 50 in the ’Ordnance Survey (OS) Recommended: ITV 100 Favourite Walks‘ list. A circular route some 11.75 miles long, highlights of the walk are spectacular views of the wild North Sea and the UK’s largest mainland seabird

And, if you normally like to relax and take it easy on your touring break, can I urge you to make the most of the Great Outdoors and enjoy an activity-based holiday instead?

Below are just four site recommendations for you in 2019 – each one enabling you to try something a little bit different this year.

If you do change your touring habits, be sure to let us and your fellow members know about it by sending your story to magazine@ camc.com or #inspiringadventures.

May I wish you all a very happy new touring year – make it one full of lasting memories.

colony at RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, the remains of an RAF radio station and Flamborough Head Lighthouse. While OS reckons the entire route takes 5.5 hours to complete, you could just tackle shorter parts of it if you’re not a serious hiker.

See ordnancesurvey.co.uk/100walks for details of this and all other walks in the list.

CYCLING HEAVEN

Club site: Pembrey Country Park

Location: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire

If your bikes have been gathering dust in the shed, make 2019 the year you and your family get back into the saddle and enjoy a ride from a Club site.

There’s a great ’easy‘ return route from Pembrey Country Park that’s ideal for young children and older folk alike. At 14 miles long, it takes riders from the site to the Millennium Coastal Park Visitors Centre at Llanelli Beach, following National Route 4 of the National Cycle Network.

See the Club website for details of other sites with dedicated, family-friendly Sustrans routes on their doorsteps.

YOU

CAN

NOW BOOK ONE YEAR AHEAD

n Download our UK Sites booking app

n See camc.com/searchandbook n Call 01342 327490

Please call Affiliated Sites and Certificated Locations directly

35 Club sites with dedicated family-friendly Sustrans cycle routes

37 Peaceful sites in more rural locations with modest facilities

Club Director of Membership Services

Brian Savage; casting off; Abbey Wood gives great access to the capital; Englethwaite Hall – look out for the red squirrels; Pembrey Country Park is perfect for cycling enthusiasts

2,700 Quality sites in the UK and Europe to explore in 2019

Clockwise from left: Bridlington Club site is close to the coast (inset: the site itself);

Introducing the all new Mitsubishi Shogun Sport. It’s a versatile, seven seat, 4WD SUV that’s as talented as it is tough. The Shogun Sport 4 with metallic paint is

£399

Hire contract provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing,

Chairman awarded OBE in New Year’s Honours

We are delighted to report that Caravan and Motorhome Club

Chairman Grenville Chamberlain has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list 2019 for services to the Club and charity.

A caravanner since the age of seven (and, more recently, a motorhomer), Grenville joined the Club in 1981. Throughout his 37 years of dedicated commitment to the organisation he has participated in the full breadth of Club activities, not only in the UK, but also internationally with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to champion road safety initiatives.

Grenville served on various Club Centre bodies, Councils and Committees and was elected Club

Chairman in October 2007. Each year he tours some 12,000 miles on average with his family and spends over 40 weekends attending Club events and supporting members.

During his time as Chairman, Grenville has raised considerable sums of money for good causes. Many will be aware that one of his sporting passions is cycling, and in 2010 he led a Club team of 140 in the London-toBrighton Bike Ride, raising £42,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). He then raised £103,000 over a three-year period for the BHF in other cycling challenges.

Following the announcement, Grenville said: “I am deeply moved and honoured to receive this award which I believe reflects the outstanding contribution our Club makes not only to society today but also to those less fortunate than ourselves.

“The benefits are clear from the results of the work of our staff at East Grinstead and across the sites network, the dedication of our many volunteers and our loyal members who all do so much to enable their fellow members to enjoy themselves to the full.

“Across the Club many people work incredibly hard to raise much needed funds to help charities, both national

and local, and although this award bears my name it is clear recognition of the efforts of them all.”

Nick Lomas, the Club’s Director General, added: “Grenville is admired and held in high regard by Club members, staff and fellow Committee members because of the care,

patience, skill, leadership and long hours that he devotes to the Club. He is a true example of someone who is more than worthy of a lasting recognition for his selfless devotion to the Club and to charitable causes.”

Grenville’s investiture takes place at St James’s Palace later this year.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATES

Are you an enthusiastic, motivated ambassador for the Club? Do you share our passion for the great outdoors? Would you love a role on Club Council? If so, we are looking for members like you!

We need six Nominated Members to join the Club Council. The Council helps to shape the direction of the Club and conveys the views of the wider membership to the Executive Committee, which, in effect, is the Board of Directors. The Council meets twice a year, usually on a Saturday in spring and autumn, with the next meeting taking place on 6 April 2019. Nominated Members also have the potential to be selected to serve on the Executive or other Committees of the Club.

We are particularly interested in applications from members with expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas:

n Automotive technical knowledge

n Finance

n Property and estates

n Insurance

n Travel

For more information about how the Club works, please visit camc.com and explore the ‘About Us’ section. If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than 200 words explaining why you would like to be considered by noon on Monday 18 February 2019 to the Head of Governance (governance@camc. com). Shortlisted candidates will be invited along to our Head Office in East Grinstead in March. We look forward to hearing from you!

Club Chairman Grenville Chamberlain with Jean Todt, President of the FIA, holding an award for road safety at the FIA’s Annual General Assembly in St Petersburg. The FIA had been recognised in the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards 2018

Grenville Chamberlain OBE

In brief

ScotMotorhomes has opened a second branch in Aberuthven, near Auchterarder, in Perthshire. The new showroom, located just off the A9 between Perth and Stirling, will now be the main headquarters for sales and hire while the service department will remain in Perth.

In our December 2018 issue

we published a letter from David and Hazel Ferdinand, who – with the help of Club members – had managed to raise £1,300 for Bradford Royal Infirmary by selling ‘guardian angel’ key rings. The staff at the infirmary provided care for their son, Mark. The total raised swelled to £2,000, and the Ferdinands would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who contributed and helped. Pictured here are David (left) and Hazel (right) presenting their cheque to hospital staff

Members staying at Southport Club site may be interested in the Mayor of Sefton’s Charity Event on 27 April 2019 at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre. Entertainment includes dancing, a three-course meal and a charity auction. Proceeds will go to a variety of local groups and organisations. Contact Shaun Pimblett on 0151 934 2062 or email mayorsoffice@sefton.gov. uk for tickets or more information.

Preston-based dealership

Signature Motorhomes and Leisure has been appointed as the official dealer of Pilote motorhomes in north-west England. Groupe Pilote, which has been in the caravan and motorhome business since 1962, now specialises in motorhomes, and has bases in France, Germany and the UK.

West Central’s Question Time

West Central Region is holding a Question Time event at 2pm on 2 March 2019 at The Venue at Park Hall, Whittington, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4AS (gotothevenue.com).

As well as being a chance to get to know Club members from the region, it’s also a great opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from the Club’s Executive Committee and head office. Peter Johnson (Executive Committee member), Brian Savage (Director of Membership Services) and Phil Coles (Head of Commercial) will all be in attendance.

Members can rally for the weekend from 1 March at Park Hall Countryside Experience (£12 per night) with discounted entry to the attraction available. Lady Margaret’s Park Club site, Birch Hill CL, Halton Farm CL and Pentreclawdd Farm CL are all nearby, while local attractions include British Ironworks, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (pictured), Chirk Castle and Erddig Hall, Wrexham.

All Club members are welcome to attend the Question Time, but please call Janet Kelly on 01691 622951 or email secretary@ westcentralregion.co.uk if you would like to attend.

The National –selling fast!

Tickets are selling fast for The National, the Club’s flagship event, which this year will be taking place from 24 to 28 May at Ragley Hall, Park & Gardens, Alcester, Warwickshire. This fun-packed weekend always has something for everyone, with highlights including our street food garden, evening shows, competitions and kids’ Tourer Explorer zone. You can find out more, book a pitch and purchase day tickets and/or evening show tickets by visiting camc.com/ national or by calling 01342 336666

Affiliated Sites leave the network

On the MAGAZINE APP

We are sorry to report that we said goodbye to two Affiliated Sites at the start of 2019: Dolaucothi Estate Caravan Park in Carmarthenshire, near the Brecon Beacons, and Minnows Caravan Park near Tiverton in Devon.

Members who are looking to stay in either area still have plenty of options from which to choose. Aberbran and

Brecon Beacons Club sites give you great access to the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons (above), for example, while to the south-west you could pitch up at Gowerton and Pembrey Country Park Club sites –both of which are ideal for exploring the Welsh coast, including the Gower Peninsula. There are many sites near

this month: watch Nick Harding’s video review of the Bailey Alliance 70-6 and join us for a bike ride from Bladon Chains Club site in Oxfordshire

Tiverton that give you the chance to explore the East Devon and Blackdown Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as the National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor. Members might like to consider, for instance, Exmoor House, Exebridge Lakeside, Cadeside, Putts Corner, Ilminster and Exeter Racecourse Club sites.

SHOWTIME

FEBRUARY

7-10 Glasgow: Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show, SEC, Glasgow (QD Events, call 0141 248 3000 or see caravanshowscotland.com)

19-24 Birmingham: Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (NCC Events, call 01252 318251 or see ccmshow.co.uk)

MARCH

22-24 Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Motorhome & Accessory Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)

Note: details subject to change –please telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date information.

You recommend… Coastal sites

n “Pure heaven, clean, wild and unspoilt. Overlooking Arran and Ailsa Craig, through storm or flat, calm weather, this place has captured my heart and soul.” (Site: Carradale Bay AS)

n “Close proximity to Bude beaches and a dog-friendly beach at Sandymouth. Would certainly recommend this site.” (Wooda Farm AS)

n “A nice gentle stroll along the prom from the marina to the pier takes about an hour.” (Brighton)

n “The location of the site itself is great, with easy access to a lovely beach with a gorgeous cafe/bar at the end of the promenade. It had a glass protective barrier from the sea breeze which created a little microclimate. Gave us the illusion we were in the Med!” (Skegness Sands)

n “Great walks along the beach, all the way to Covehithe and Southwold.” (White House Beach)

From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection

Sydney-based writer Andrew Woodmansey contacted the curators of the Club’s Collection at Beaulieu recently, seeking help in identifying a mystery vintage caravan. It was unearthed during research for his forthcoming book, Recreational Vehicles –An Illustrated History

The earliest motor-drawn caravan is currently believed to be Frederick Alcock’s 1914 tourer, but this one may be earlier. The car is a Panhard et Levassor type M4F, made between 1898 and 1902. The caravan’s manufacturer is unknown, but its coachwork is similar to French trams and omnibuses of the period. Interestingly, the caravan features a third wheel at the front and side double doors. The car registration plate is hard to read.

Dennis Briggs

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Dennis Briggs in December, following his long fight with Alzheimer’s.

The photograph appears to have been taken in northern England. Intriguingly, J Harris Stone’s 1914 book Caravanning and Camping Out describes a very similar three-wheeled caravan, but that one was horse-drawn.

The caravan has not yet surfaced in searches of French and British newspaper archives, although a French steam-drawn caravan from 1896 has appeared, along with a number of other early French RVs built prior to 1900. Early caravan history may need to be re-written!

Should any reader have any insights into this caravan, Andrew can be contacted using the form on his website (rvbooks.com.au/page/contact).

Richard Noyce

Jack has the knack

In the market for a new touring vehicle but thinking about something a bit different? Look no further than Jack’s Shack in Leicester. Recently set up by award-winning welder and American truck renovator Jack Gibson (who works alongside highly-skilled carpenter brother Marc), Jack’s Shack offers unique builds and custom VW T6 campervans with features such as automatic raising roofs and rib beds. Plans for 2019 include the fitting of an

modernised mid-1950s truck – and we thought readers might like to see a couple of examples of their work here. For more information,s see jacks-shack.co.

Dennis served on the Executive Committee for two years, as well as on the Technical and Events Committees. He was an active member of the East Warwickshire Centre for many years, holding the post of Chairman from 1992 to 1994.

Dennis was also a Regional Representative from the early days of the Central Region and continued to attend Regional meetings as a Nominated Member.

With his wife, Marion, Dennis attended many FICC Rallies, starting in 1998 in Poland, and while a Nominated Member and Executive Committee Member he was one of about 10 Delegates to represent the Club. A Volunteer Warden from 2003 until he was unable to continue, he still loved being at Mildenhall while the other volunteers were working.

Dennis will be a great loss to the East Warwickshire Centre, the Central Region and the Club, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Marion and the family at this time.

Weight a mo...

Please note that the technical panel in our test of the Volvo XC60 (January issue, p75) contained two incorrect figures. The correct figures are as follows:

n Gross vehicle weight: 2,470kg

n Gross train weight: 4,870kg

Additionally, on page 43 of our December 2018 issue we stated that the Great Ocean Road was a highlight of the Club’s Western Wanderer independent motorhome tour. Please note that this should have read ‘Great Ocean Drive’. Apologies for any confusion this has caused.

Airstream onto the rear of a

Your year ahead

Need some inspiration for your next holidays? Here we share a few of your Club site recommendations

This is an exciting time of the year, particularly if you are planning your holidays and breaks for the rest of 2019 – and with busier periods like the Easter and summer holidays on the horizon it’s a good time to make your bookings. Below we’ve set out 10 great Club sites that you may like to consider; some may be old favourites, or places you haven’t visited before, while all of the quotes come from reviews that you have shared with us during the past year. Happy touring!

ROWAN PARK, WEST SUSSEX

Stay from: £7.85*

Member view: “Really nice friendly staff, very accommodating and helpful. Lovely kept site and showers and facilities are really clean.”

LOWER WENSLEYDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Stay from: £10.50*

Member view: “We found this site a good position for exploring the Dales and had some wonderful drives up on the moors, for instance to Tan Hill, down to Grassington, Pateley Bridge etc. It was also an easy drive to York.“

2020 bookings

FORFAR LOCHSIDE, ANGUS

Stay from: £11.70*

Member view: “Very peaceful site close to the loch. Lovely night-time sounds from the wildfowl and owls.“

START BAY, DEVON

Stay from: £11.90*

Member view: “The staff were amazing – friendly and helpful at all times. They were especially helpful to us when we could not wind in our motor caravan awning.“

CIRENCESTER PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Stay from: £9.95*

Member view: “There is a lovely walk through the park into Cirencester which is very dog friendly. We still haven’t seen everything in the area so plan to return next year. It was fabulous to visit Stow-on-the-Wold at Christmas.“

EXMOOR HOUSE, SOMERSET

Stay from: £13.80*

Member view: “We were surrounded by friendly and thoughtful caravanners throughout our stay. The smaller size of the site and its location

to Dulverton [Somerset] made it feel part of the town itself.“

THE SANDRINGHAM ESTATE, NORFOLK

Stay from: £14.40*

Member view: “They have certainly brightened up the site with some quirky additions and a lick of paint... well done!“

OLD HARTLEY, TYNE AND WEAR

Stay from: £13.40*

Member view: “We stayed four days and it could have been so much longer. The views are fantastic and the walks available equally so.“

LADY MARGARET’S PARK, WREXHAM

Stay from: £11.70*

Member view: “This is a great site

for exploring with or without a car. As you are close to the train station and on foot or bike you can go along the canal and up to Chirk Castle. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful countryside.“

TEESDALE BARNARD CASTLE, COUNTY DURHAM

Stay from: £14.60*

Member view: “We cycled to High Force waterfall. Approximately 14 miles away from site but straight on up the B6277 and very easy to find. Gorgeous views.“

To book your stay visit camc.com/ searchandbook, use the UK Sites Booking App or call 01342 327490. *Prices are based on one adult and standard pitch and are the cheapest prices for 2019.

From early March 2019 you’ll be able to book stays at UK Club sites between 4 January 2020 and 31 March 2020 inclusive. This short delay in pitches going on sale for January and February 2020 is because we’re working closely with suppliers to keep utility costs as low as possible for the 2020 season. Please rest assured that from March 2019 you’ll be able to book a year ahead, all year round.

2019 Price Guide

You can find all up-to-date prices for the year ahead on each Club or Affiliated Site page on the Club website. However, if you’d like to see all of the prices in one document, you can now download the 2019 Price Guide from camc.com/ukprices

Steve Allen/Dreamstime

Wensleydale

Sandringham House

YOUR PHOTOS

Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

North Wales

UP, UP AND AWAY...

RED SKY AT NIGHT

On a recent exploration of North Wales, we were treated to this colourful sight every evening for a week. This shot was taken at Penmaenmawr, just off the A55 (North Wales Expressway) looking towards Anglesey. Nearest Club sites: Riverside, Penrhos, Cae Mawr. Bob Allen

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Highlands

Want to see your photo in a future issue? Send your images to magazine@ camc.com or use #inspiring adventures

I snapped this hot air balloon taking off in front of the impressive 12th-century Château de Beynac, perched on top of a limestone cliff, during a wonderful tour of the Dordogne last summer. Camping Domaine de la Paille Basse (Club booking code: D06) near Souillac is just a 23-mile drive away to the north-east. Jonathan Sharp

HIGHLAND FLING

My wife and I spent a wonderful week touring Scotland during October in a rented VW California. We stayed at quite a few Club sites and Certificated Locations, including Culloden Moor, Morvich and Crofter’s Snug. Here’s a view of our van in the stunning Glen Etive.

David Ashcroft

ULLS WELL!

This slice of heaven is near Pooley Bridge on Ullswater which, at nine miles long and 0.75 miles wide, is the second largest body of water in the Lake District. The newly-refurbished Troutbeck Head Caravan and Motorhome Club site between Penrith and Keswick is ideally situated for an exploration of this beautiful part of England.

Robert Marsden

Lake District

South-West France

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

Ennerdale Water in Cumbria is the most remote of the Lakes, offering a quiet escape at almost any time of the year. The walks here are stunning. I think this black and white photo really brings its tranquillity to life. Nearest Club site: Dockray Meadow.

D Buzzards

I couldn’t believe it when I saw the front cover of the December issue of the Club magazine, as I had taken this almost identical photo of Whitby earlier in 2018 while on a touring holiday in North Yorkshire. Nearest Club site: North Yorkshire Moors.

Jan Brown

KEEP COMPANY

If there was a competition to find the best castle in the UK, the stunning Eilean Donan fortress would surely be right in the mix. Standing on a small tidal island where Lochs Aish, Duich and Long meet, this castle originates from the 13th century – although what you see now is the result of 20th-century restoration work. Nearest Club site: Morvich.

Andrew Monroe Scottish Highlands

Spotted this handsome and colourful chap while enjoying a tranquil stay on Blythe House Farm Certificated Location in Hamstall Ridware near Rugeley. It’s amazing what you get to see when out and about in your caravan!

Trevor Buckle

North Yorkshire

Lake District

Staffordshire

enquiries@ caravanclub.co.uk

The Camper Van Cook

Last winter I spent four weeks travelling around England’s northern National Parks. Despite some really harsh weather, with plenty of snow falling, it was easy to keep warm in our Benimar Mileo. After plugging in at one of the Club’s open-allyear sites, the Truma heating would tick over gently all night, and we knew that heated washrooms and piping hot showers were available no matter how cold it was outside.

One of my favourites is Chatsworth Park Club site in the Peak District. Set in a walled garden near the stately home, it’s a great spot with a cosy washroom – so no wonder it was busy, even in February! I half-expected to be the only camper at some sites, but soon realised that you lot are pretty hardy and plenty of members hitch up and head out on walking, cycling and sightseeing adventures during the off season.

The Peak District was incredible and in particular I loved walking along Dovedale, discovering the caves and stepping stones at this beauty spot. The limestone gorge looks fantastic at any time of the year.

Sadly, the outdoor pool at nearby Hathersage wasn’t open the day we got there, but for the truly hardy it’s going to be open and fully heated all through this winter. So, if you’re feeling energetic and like the idea of swimming in water temperatures of 28°C while snow falls around you, that’s the place to head. Open water swimmers will love it! It’s just a couple of miles from the

Club site at Castleton, another one that stays open all year.

If you’re planning on getting out and about this winter, you’re going to need something hearty and healthy for breakfast. How about a goat’s cheese frittata to get you moving and shaking? It’s a one-pan wonder, an Italian-style omelette, and easy to rustle up in a caravan or motorhome in a couple of minutes.

If you fancy eggs but don’t want them fried, boiled or scrambled, the frittata is a great way to serve them up. It’s quick, easy and makes very little washing up – so it’s perfect for cooking in a camper.

The Cook recommends...

The Devonshire Arms, Baslow –a great pub that’s a short cycle from Chatsworth House Club site, with warm fires and a warm atmosphere (devonshirebaslow.com).

And as a main...

Why not mix it up and go for the Devonshire’s mezze plates? Good value and full of great-tasting treats like hummus, chicken wings and halloumi.

For two hungry campers

Ingredients

Oil

1 large red pepper

8 cherry tomatoes, halved

6 large eggs

120g goat’s cheese

4 spring onions

1 tbsp fresh, chopped thyme Black pepper

Method

CUT OUT AND KEEP RECIPES

Heat a dash of oil in a good, non-stick pan. Finely chop the pepper and spring onions and fry for a few minutes until soft. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes more. Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a bowl and mix with the fresh thyme and some black pepper.

Spread the contents of the pan out evenly, then pour on the egg mixture and add crumbled goat’s cheese. Continue cooking over a lowish heat for around five minutes, then place under a pre-heated grill until the top is golden brown. Then tuck-in!

On safari!

Jane McGowan and family enjoy a diverse tour around England’s South-East, taking in a musical in London, a ramble in Surrey and giraffes... in Kent!

Dave Rolfe

Port Lympne Reserve

Wyatts Covert

Club Site

This compact all-weather site provides a great base for anyone wanting to experience the bright lights of London.

Pitches: 50 | Open: all year

Member view

“We chose the site for its proximity to London. We have been in a couple of times on this stay to visit the Globe Theatre and also the West End. The train goes straight into Marylebone, so you are in the heart of London in around half an hour.”

Edward Alexander, caravanner from Gloucestershire

Site staff view

“It is such a central location with good links into London and the M25. But there are lovely open spaces nearby too, including a circular walk from the site which takes in a couple of lakes and the Grand Union Canal. It’s between three and four miles, and there is a pub halfway round if you need a little rest.”

Susie and Pete Spooner

Food & drink

The Falcon Inn, Village Road, Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5BE

Contact: falcondenham.com, 01895 832125

Culture

Royal Air Force Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

Contact: rafmuseum.org.uk, 020 8205 2266

Outdoor fun

Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip HA4 7TY

Contact: hillingdon.gov.uk

For the family

Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

Contact: wbstudiotour.co.uk, 0345 084 0900

On previous multi-site excursions, I have tried to fend off the demands of my offspring, and enjoy a tranquil, ‘outdoorsy’ holiday. However, as we embarked on a whirlwind tour of England’s South East, I finally succumbed, embracing the thrills and spills of our capital city and a costly theme park. But, I can assure you, I did not give up without a fight and every high-octane adventure was balanced with at least an hour spent exploring the more rural or educational options.

We started our autumn break at Wyatts Covert Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, which is situated just outside the picturesque village of Denham, near Uxbridge. Catering for 50 outfits, this attractive, tree-lined site sits on the edge of Northmoor Hill Nature Reserve. Keen to make

the most of the light, we immediately embarked on the circular walk from the site that takes in Denham Lakes and the Grand Union Canal. I would say it is about three to four miles in total, but there is a pub along the way should you or your companions need a breather.

In fact there is plenty of attractive countryside within easy reach of the site, providing lots of low-cost entertainment.

The 69-acre Denham Country Park (part of the Colne Valley Regional Park) is great for everything from pond dipping to orienteering, while the Colne Valley Trail, which skirts the canal, is great for cyclists and walkers alike. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side during our stay, but some of the regular visitors

Ian G Dagnall / Alamy

to the Club site assured me it was well worth doing in the summer.

We opted instead to head to Windsor, half an hour’s drive away, to sample the delights of this ancient town. Having staged not one, but two, royal weddings in 2018, Windsor, already a popular destination for sightseers, has seen an influx of tourists, and the streets and car parks were particularly busy when we visited. Should you wish to leave the car or motorhome behind, there is a bus running directly from the Club site to Windsor each Saturday.

We headed for the castle which at £54.20 for a family of five (it rises to £58 for 2019) represented good value, especially as it offered the chance to take a closer look at the actual outfits worn by the

“Having staged two royal weddings in 2018, Windsor has seen an influx of tourists”

Left: walkers on the Long Walk with Windsor Castle in the distance

Above: Royal wedding outfits

Below: enjoying a milkshake in Lillibet’s

Duke and Duchess of Sussex and some of their retinue (Princess Charlotte and Prince George) at the 2018 wedding. As we wandered around our youngest daughter was convinced she was going to see the Queen or Prince Charles at every turn.

Royal spotting can be a tiring business, so after our visit we headed back out into the crowded thoroughfare in search of a snack, stopping for a while in Lillibet’s, The Great British Cafe, where we enjoyed a reasonably priced bacon roll.

From there we crossed Windsor Bridge over the Thames to take a look at Eton College, the famous 15th-century institution and alma mater of the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex.

However, there is no denying that the main selling point of a stay at Wyatts Covert is its

Alderstead Heath 2 Club

Site

Close to the M25 and train stations giving access to the capital, this spacious site offers the perfect combination of tranquillity and convenience.

Pitches: 181 | Open: all year

Member view

“We have been coming to this site for a long time. It’s great and so are the staff. We have been here 10 times so far this year! It’s a good place to be based as you can get anywhere quite easily. We have used this site when travelling to France or the coast as the M25 and M23 are just minutes away”

Dennis Bailey, motorhomer from Surrey

Site staff view

“Most people go into London from here as we have two stations very close by. It only takes around 35 minutes on the train and we have a special deal with a local taxi firm to bring people back to the site if they don’t feel like driving. There are several National Trust properties within easy reach.”

Tim Harris, Heidi Kingdom and Diane Cross

Food & drink

Pizza Project Café, 2 High Street, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3EA

Contact: thepizzaproject.co.uk, 01737 642399

Culture

Leith Hill Place, Leith Hill Lane, Leith Hill RH5 6LY

Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01306 711685

Outdoor fun

Surrey National Golf Club, Rook Lane, Chaldon CR3 5AA

Contact: surreynational.co.uk, 01883 344555

For the family

Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone RH9 8LX

Contact: godstonefarm.co.uk; 01883 742546

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find the most up-to-date details of the featured sites on the Club website. Alternatively, turn to the relevant pages in your Sites Directory

Woolpack Inn 3

Certificated Location

Situated next to a traditional British pub, you will find a very warm welcome at this site on the outskirts of Maidstone.

Open: all year | Contact: 01892 730356

Sites Directory and Handbook p371

“We get a lot of people stopping here on the way to Dover or Folkstone and we get a lot of people from France stopping here as they go further north. Lots of people head to Leeds Castle although walking and cycling in Bedgebury Forest is really popular too.”

Dave Bastable

Food & drink

Tea at Hilltop, Hilltop Farm, The Heath, East Malling ME19 6JL

Contact: tea-at-hilltop.co.uk, 01732 872169

“On this trip we opted to make the most of London’s theatres, booking in for a double dose of child-pleasing Disney delights”

proximity to London. The site (which, incidentally, is conveniently located for both the M25 and M40) is within easy reach of Denham mainline station (five minute drive/30 minute walk) and Uxbridge Underground station (15 minute drive) – so you can be in the centre of the capital within half an hour. The wardens can also put you in touch with a friendly taxi company that offers special rates for site visitors.

On this trip we opted to make the most of London’s theatres, booking in for a double dose of child-pleasing Disney delights in the form of The Lion King and Aladdin. The former, featuring wonderful songs from ‘sirs’ Elton John and Tim Rice such as Circle of Life and Hakuna Matata, is an absolute joy. Featuring superb dance and puppetry, the incredible cast brings the African

savannah to life in what is a heart-warming (and yet at times heart-breaking) coming-of-age tale. Following a quick meal, it was time to whip across ‘theatreland’ to the Prince Edward Theatre just off Shaftesbury Avenue. Here, we enjoyed a boisterous retelling of the classic story of the hapless boy whose life changes forever when he discovers a magic lamp.

ALDER RIGHT MOVES

Hitching up and heading south, our next scheduled stop was Alderstead Heath Club site in Surrey. Again just a stone’s throw from the M25 – although from our spot on this exceptionally quiet site, you could be excused for thinking you were in deepest Dorset – it offers great access to London, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding

Culture

Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH

Contact: museum.maidstone.gov.uk, 01622 602838

Outdoor fun

Teston Bridge Country Park, Teston Lane, Teston ME18 5BX

Contact: kent.gov.uk, 01622 817623

For the family

Kent Owl Academy, Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU

Contact: kentowlacademy.com, 07535 471588

Peter Crome / Alamy

Site view

Benu Datta / Alamy

Tree climbing at Leith Hill

Lyceum Theatre, London: current venue for The Lion King

Tanner Farm Park 4

Affiliated Site

Fresh air, scenic walks and peace and quiet are all on offer at this roomy Affiliated Site just outside the quaint village of Goudhurst in the Weald of Kent.

Pitches: 92 | Open: all year

Member

view

“There are loads of places to see. Lots of beautiful walks through apple orchards and hop farms and there are many routes that are suitable for dogs too. It’s also peaceful and the only sounds I have heard are from the birds and squirrels.”

Wendy Kelly, caravanner from Kent

Staff view

“Dogs are really welcome at the site and we have a dog wash too. There are lots of places to eat nearby and in the summer season we have a weekly mobile, wood-fired pizzeria on site. You are spoiled for choice in terms of things to do – there are castles, vineyards and gardens all on the doorstep.”

“My husband and older children headed for faster rides such as Vampire and Dragon’s Fury”

Left: cyclists climbing the Zig Zag Road, Box Hill

Below: watching the sealion show at Chessington World of Adventures

Mel Castle, Sarah Forrest and Pavel Wybraniec

Food & drink

The Small Holding Farm & Kitchen, Ranters Lane, Kilndown, Cranbrook TN17 2SG

Contact: thesmallholding.restaurant; 01892 890105

Culture

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN

Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01892 893820

Outdoor fun

Quench Cycles, Bedgebury Visitor Centre, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ

Contact: quenchuk.co.uk; 01580 879694

For the family

Time Quest Escape Room Games, Hop Farm Family Park, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6PY

Contact: timequest.net; 01622 872627

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly

Natural Beauty (AONB) and several theme parks. Featuring a multi-level, wooded layout, this site is a pure joy to stay at and, as part of the Tourer Explorer collection of sites, it’s perfect for families – the well-equipped playground, for example, proved an immediate hit.

HAPPY TIMES

As I have said, for every ‘attraction’ we grown-ups agreed to, the children would have to tag along on at least one more sedate outing. Making use of the information centre and its comprehensive range of leaflets, I discovered the Downlands Circular Walk which takes you around the attractively named Happy Valley.

We took our starting point as Farthing Downs – a historic site owned and managed by the City of London and recognised as an ‘ancient monument’

(flint tools and weapons have been found here as well as several Anglo-Saxon burial mounds). There is a decent car park with toilet facilities – and if you’re in luck you’ll see an ice cream van too. On a clear day it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon – but watch out as you may bump into the occasional cow or two en route.

A nd so after taking a vote – Legoland and Thorpe Park were also in the mix – we set off for Chessington World of Adventures (a 25-minute drive) to see what was on offer.

My husband and older children headed for faster rides such as Vampire and Dragon’s Fury but there is plenty for smaller adventurers to enjoy too – my younger daughter and I enjoyed the gentler Flying Jumbos and the Zufari tour which gives visitors the opportunity to see giraffes, rhinos and more from the safety of an open-sided truck.

John Miller / Alamy

LH Images / Alamy

Cackle Hill Lakes 5

This spot is ideal for anglers, while there is a great golf course (Chart Hills)a few minutes’ drive away.

Open: all year | Contact: 01580 292292

Sites Directory and Handbook p367

“We are really spoilt round here for things to do. We are an adult only site, so the many pretty villages and pubs are very popular. Sissinghurst and Leeds Castle are very close too. Tenterden Railway is lovely and there are things running throughout the year. The Christmas Market is especially nice.” Karen Penfold

Food

The Red Lion, 14 High Street, Biddenden, Ashford TN27 8AH

Contact: 01580 291347

Culture

Lilford Gallery, 3 Palace Street, Canterbury CT1 2DY

Contact: lilfordgallery.com, 01227 639086

Outdoor fun

Go Ape Bedgebury, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Cranbrook TN17 2SJ

Contact: goape.co.uk, 01603 895500

For the family

Rare Breeds Centre, Highlands Farm, Woodchurch TN26 3RJ

Contact: rarebreeds.org.uk, 01233 861493

Chessington offered a really terrific day out but it’s fairly pricey, so I would definitely recommend taking a picnic and lots of snacks to beat queuing boredom. There’s lots more to see within easy reach of the site, including the pretty market towns of Reigate and Dorking and an abundance of National Trust spots (Polesden Lacey, Box Hill, Leith Hill, Gatton Park). Adding to the familyfriendly appeal of the area, aside from the big-ticket attractions there are a number of ‘farm parks’ – Godstone Farm and Bocketts Farm are both great, as is the slightly larger Hobbledown (just outside Epsom), which has its own high-wire trail and subterranean adventure playground.

It is also just a short hop over the county border into Kent, where you will find the green, lush expanse of the Weald that sits between the North and South Downs. The term ‘weald’ comes from the Old English term for ‘forest’ and much of this area is still blessed with vast swathes of woodland. Not far from Paddock Wood in Benover is the The Woolpack Inn, a traditional pub which boasts a pretty garden in summer, a roaring fire in winter –and home to a fantastic Certificated Location. Open all year, this convenient spot (close to the A228) is the perfect place to unwind or recharge the batteries during a longer trip.

Illustration: Louise Turpin

PARK AND RECREATION

O ur next stop was Tanner Farm Park Affiliated Site – a vast, open site ideal for children as there are two playgrounds, a basketball court, a cycling area and a recreation room should the weather take a turn for the worse. I loved the wellstocked shop, which boasts an array of produce from local suppliers – including milk from the nearby dairy, vegetables from farmers in the area, and the delicious Taywell ice cream, which is made up the road in Paddock Wood. Fresh bread and pastries are delivered daily, and there is also a great selection of homemade cakes.

It’s a good job there are so many things to do around here, or I may not have ventured further than the shop! For starters there are at least seven good walks that begin at the site, taking in orchards and farmland. Nearby attractions include castles (Leeds, Dover and Bodiam) and a plethora of stately homes and gardens, including Penshurst Place, Great Dixter and Sissinghurst. I opted for the latter and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon strolling through the stunning gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson.

The house has a fascinating history, beginning life as a Saxon pig farm, before being used as

a prison during Tudor times and a poor house in the 19th century. The Nicolsons first opened its gardens to the public in the 1930s and visitors would leave their one-shilling entrance fee in a tobacco tin near the front gate. Now in the safe care of the National Trust, the spectacular green spaces and planting are preserved for future generations.

W hile I was busy doing not very much at all, the rest of the family headed over to the Hop Farm Family Park, where the girls made the most of the Giant Jumping Pillows and adventure playground. Look out for special events running throughout the year as well as the ‘drive-in’ cinema – perfect for a warm summer’s evening.

If you prefer a quieter site experience, there is a great cluster of CLs near Tanner Farm Park. As well as the aforementioned Woolpack Inn, make sure Cackle Hill Lakes and Watercress Farm are on your radar.

Perfect for anglers, Cackle Hill Lakes, in Biddenden on the outskirts of the High Weald AONB, boasts three well-stocked lagoons (as well as a tackle shop). This is an adult-only CL and dogs are not allowed; nevertheless, you’ll receive a warm welcome from Karen Penfold, who can rustle up a tasty cooked breakfast in the onsite café.

Watercress Farm

Certificated Location

Run by the welcoming Penny and Tony, this tranquil site is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all. Ideal for walkers and cyclists. Open: all year | Contact: 01233 840293

Sites Directory and Handbook p367

Member view

“We come here for the cycling as there are lots of quiet, flat roads. There are some lovely walks too, through cherry orchards to Pluckley and on to Great Chart. If you’ve got your car with you, it’s handy for Canterbury and Dover.”

Brian and Jane Winn, motorhomers from Kent

Site view

“The Weald of Kent is one of the loveliest places in England and is just great whether you are looking to visit villages, market towns or the coast as we have easy access to the south and Kent coastlines. We’ve got some great pubs within walking distance and also a farm shop.”

Tony Broyden

Food

& drink

The Rose & Crown, Mundy Bois Road, near Pluckley, Ashford TN27 0ST

Contact: theroseandcrownpluckley.co.uk, 01233 840048

Culture

Godinton House & Gardens, Godinton Lane, Ashford TN23 3BP

Contact: godintonhouse.co.uk, 01233 643854

Outdoor fun

UK Electric Bike Tours, Bloomsburys Biddenden, Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden TN27 8DQ

Contact: ukelectricbiketours.co.uk, 01580 892259

For the family

Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Wierton Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone ME17 4JW

Contact: buttercups.org.uk, 01622 746420

Above: period buildings on Reigate High Street Left: Godstone Farm

Greg Balfour Evans / Alamy

Daleacres

Just minutes from the south Kent coast, this roomy site is great for nature lovers and offers a host of cycling and walking opportunities.

Pitches: 104 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

Share your love of the great outdoors with friends and family. Camping and glamping available here.

“This is one of the friendliest sites we have been to and we meet a lot of ‘returners’ each time we visit. The County Members in Lympne is great for food and is dog friendly too. There is also an excellent new micro brewery – Unit Number One – near the canal which has a great atmosphere and is within walking distance.”

Richard and Julie Mathers, caravanners from Kent

Site staff view

“There really is such a great variety in this area. For children, Dymchurch has a lovely sandy beach, a little fun fair and lots of shops. We are also only six miles from the Eurotunnel and 20 minutes from the Dover crossing, so very handy for the continent too.”

Billy and Terri Hughes

Food & drink

The Seafarer (fish and chips), 239 Cheriton High Street, Folkestone CT19 4JF

Contact: theseafarerfolkestone.co.uk, 01303 275185

Culture

The Crypt at St Leonard’s Church, Oak Walk, Hythe, Kent CT21 5DN

Contact: slhk.org; 01303 262370

Outdoor fun

Lower Leas Coastal Park, Lower Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 2EX

Contact: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

For the family Club Site

Haguelands Village, Burmarsh, Romney Marsh TN29 0JR

Contact: haguelandsvillage.co.uk; 01303 875640

North-east towards Canterbury lies Watercress Farm, with its hardstanding pitches and woodland views (over the road is a place known locally as ‘Screaming Woods’, so-called as a number of ghosts are said to reside there!). Situated on the outskirts of Pluckley – dubbed ‘Britain’s most haunted village’ and famous as the setting for the popular Darling Buds of May television series – this CL is a lovely spot from which to explore the Kent countryside and picture-postcard towns such as Cranbrook and Tenterden.

The final stop of our tour was Daleacres Club site, just a couple of miles from the coastal town of Hythe. For those keen on nature, warden Billy Hughes is a mine of information – a real-life Tourer Explorer who can give you the low-down on everything from animal tracks to astronomy.

From this site, you can choose from a selection of quiet cycle routes – some visitors even head for the pretty town of Rye, 20 miles to the south-west. Equally attractive is a stroll along a section of the Royal Military Canal which stretches for 28 miles from Seabrook in Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex, and passes close to the site. This is the place to be for rail enthusiasts – not only is the famous Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway nearby, but the beautiful steam trains of the Kent & East Sussex Railway chuff between Bodiam and Tenterden.

However, having used Billy’s binoculars to spot giraffes within the grounds of the Port Lympne animal reserve (which sits three miles by road from the Club site), we decided to get a bit closer to the action. The wildlife park cares for more than 700 animals, and you get a terrific view of some fabulous creatures during a safari truck ride across the Kentish ‘plains’. The emphasis is very much on breeding and conservation here, and the reserve has a ‘back to the wild’ programme which aims to reintroduce animals back into their natural environment.

After saying a final goodbye to the lions and tigers (which apparently you can hear from your caravan on occasion), we reflected on all our adventures and headed home... for a rest!

Cycling | The Forest Way

Falling within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this relaxing 10-mile route between East Grinstead and Groombridge doesn’t just offer arboreal delights, but also pleasant views of hills and farmland. An old railway path on the National Cycle Network, the way is lined with picnic benches and cycle parking so you can dismount and explore on foot. Hartfield, the setting for A A Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, lies just off the route.

Contact: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/forest-way

Tiger at Port Lympne

Member view

Tony Gage

CL sites updates

NEW CLS ENGLAND

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

HUNTINGDON (10m NE) – Rookery Waters, Fen Road, Pidley, Huntingdon PE28 3DF. Mr James German; 07771 511355; jamesgerman@rookerywaters.co. uk. 52.40241, -0.024841. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; unfenced water; hdstndg; 14A; wc (sh); fr £20.

HERTFORDSHIRE

BUNTINGFORD (5m WNW) – Mill End Plants, Mill End Nursery, Mill End, Rushden, Bungtingford SG9 0SU. Mr Mark Udell; 07557 028805;

01763 288420; markudell@sky. com. 51.966379, -0.105335. OAY; 0.5 acre; dogs; 16A; WC (sh); fr £13.

TRING (7m NE) – Dagnall Farm, Main Road North, Dagnall, Berkhamsted HP4 1QZ. Mr Charles Ashby; 07855 264648; cwrashby@ hotmail.com. 51.838734, -0.567554. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 0.5 acre; dogs; adults only; grass; 16A; fr £14.

WALES

CARMARTHENSHIRE

CARMARTHEN (8.6m E) – Halfway, Halfway Inn, Nantgaredig SA32

7NL. Mr Simon & Mrs Natalie

Griffiths; 01558 668337; 07970 841549; info@halfwayinn.co.uk. 51.873183, -4.136367. OAY; dogs;

adults only; hdstndg; grass; enhanced; 10A (metered); wc & shwr (exc); fr £16.

CL SITES

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – check with the CL owner before booking. NOTE: CL entries are identified by a unique reference/map number in the 2019/20 Sites Directory & Handbook They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise shown.

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs with a pub symbol are located on the site of a public house – some have a pub located nearby (up to three miles

away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference number refers to the Directory 5 BATH – Bungalow Farm Caravan Park. Hardstandings and EHU added. 504 DORCHESTER – The Manor House. Corrections to prices: MH/ vans under 6m £14, 6m and over £15, 7m and over £16.

777 SANDWICH – Delf Nursery. Open 1 Mar-30 Nov. 981 STAMFORD – 30 Slate Drift. Does have an emptying point on site. 1067 FAKENHAM – Side-a-Wood. New email: hughwson@icloud.com. 1111 NORTH WALSHAM –Bradfield Hall Farm. Price should be fr £14 for pitch + all occupants.

1210 NEWARK-ON-TRENT – Little Acres. Price should be fr £13 for pitch + 2 adults.

1315 SHREWSBURY – Sunnyside

Please remember that CLs are privately-owned businesses. If you make a booking and subsequently don’t show up, a 20% loss will be incurred by the CL owner if that pitch cannot be resold. So, if you have to cancel your booking, please give the CL owner as much notice as possible. CL owners have individual cancellation policies so charges may be incurred if you cancel or don’t turn up. Routes – an important note. Routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads

Caravan Park. Name change to Sunnyside Caravan Park and Fishery. 1431 BUNGAY – Nursery Fishing Lakes and Caravan Site. Fishing no longer available.

1829 WHITBY – Abbey View. Price should be fr £13.50 for pitch + 2 adults.

1907 OBAN – Dallachulish Farm. New email add: ross.macpherson1@ outlook.com.

CLOSURES

The following CLs have closed since publication of the Sites Directory & Handbook 2019/20 and the January 2019 issue of the magazine unless otherwise stated.

194 REDRUTH – Mr W J Landry, Southview Farm

271 PENRITH – Mr N B Hodgson, Carleton Hall Farm

273 PENRITH – Mr E G & Mrs H Proud, Faugh Head Farm Caravan Site

366 BARNSTAPLE – Jack & Pauline Rigler, Little Lilly Farm

769 MAIDSTONE – Mr R E Ashby Maidstone Golf Centre

1572 RUGBY – Mr & Mrs Spencer Magpie Lodge

1709 WITHERNSEA – Mr A Edmond Valley Farm

2065 CARDIGAN – Ms Andree Thomas, Ffynnon Grog

19th-century almshouses at Tring

Beach huts at Whitby

Oban

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33.2 (8.5) – 36.2 (7.8), WLTP High 38.7 (7.3) – 42.2 (6.7), WLTP Extra High 33.2 (8.5) – 35.8 (7.9), WLTP Combined 34.0 (8.3) – 36.7 (7.7). NEDC CO2 emissions 162 – 158g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

*Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. Excludes fleet and business users. Subject to availability at participating retailers only on vehicles ordered between 01/01/2019 and 31/03/2019. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services, RH1 1SR.

Indoor climbing LET’S GO...

Jonathan Manning hits the heights during an afternoon of physically – and mentally – strenuous activity

I

n the brilliant new film, Free Solo, ace climber

Alex Honnold stares calmly up at the near-1,000m vertical cliff of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, somehow at peace with the idea that he will attempt the iconic ascent without ropes or other assistance. Standing before all seven metres of Peterborough Climbing Wall (just a few minutes’ drive from the Club’s Ferry Meadows site), trussed up in a harness and anchored by a rope, my heart still races as though I’ve jabbed my fingers into a wall socket.

Climbing looks easy and surprisingly graceful when performed by experts. But now, faced with a wall splattered with plastic hooks and holds, as if created by Jackson Pollock, it doesn’t seem straightforward at all. At least I have an instructor, Malcolm Flatt, to transform me from Peter Parker into Spider-Man.

Malcolm, who is also the climbing wall manager (see peterboroughclimbingwall.co.uk for details), is a reassuring presence. He can address a group and simultaneously tie elegant

knots without looking – my first ‘re-threaded figure-of-eight’ knot (there’s some technical jargon to learn) dissolves more quickly than a sugar cube in a mug of hot tea. Copying Malcolm’s every move, my second attempt holds, while fellow members of this six-strong beginner group attempt their own versions.

I’m here with my 14-year-old daughter, Tilly, and I’m more than a little apprehensive. There may be deep cushions right across the floor, but seven metres is higher than an upstairs window, and there’s little reassurance in knowing that Peterborough Hospital is right next door.

Knots secured, we practise belaying – taking up the slack on the climbing rope so that, should our partner slip, they don’t fall far. This is not much of a concern for me, being several stones heavier than Tilly, but when it’s her turn to belay me I picture a comedic scene of me falling and her whizzing upwards, a pair of out-of-control monks flying up and down a belfry. Malcolm calmly anchors her to a sack of sand for extra security.

Left: instructor and climbers at an indoor climbing centre

Below and inset: Jonathan gets to grips with the wall

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

A nd now it’s time to climb. My first attempt is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I stick to the biggest holds, some as big as bricks, and haul myself up. Years of walking and cycling have done nothing for my upper body strength, but it’s exhilarating to pull myself towards the ceiling. I high-five the top of the wall, check Tilly and her sack of sand are ready to lower me, and slowly walk down the wall.

W hen it’s my turn to belay, Tilly flies up the wall, her power-to-weight ratio far better than mine, and her size 5 shoes finding purchase where my size 10s found none. Looking at the experienced climbers at the other end of the room, most seem to be wearing rubber slippers, which Malcolm confirms add significant grip. They are also cheek-close to the wall, as though smeared against its surface, whereas I’m ascending as if walking up a step ladder. On my next attempt I plan to get closer to the wall. T his turns out to be easier said than done. Malcolm ups the ante by suggesting we restrict ourselves to just one colour of hold, rather than utilising the kaleidoscope of options available, and I find myself having to lean out in order to peer upwards for my next gripping point. I soon realise that, like the finest chess players, the best climbers are thinking several steps ahead, not simply to the next hold.

SUMMIT SPECIAL

With this idea in mind, even on a relatively small indoor climbing wall the activity becomes completely engrossing. The fear of falling focuses my mind to such an extent that all other thoughts evaporate.

As someone who frequently spends the first hour of a walk or bike ride fretting about upcoming writing deadlines or difficult future conversations, the complete focus demanded by climbing is refreshing. The activity may not be relaxing, but it is genuinely absorbing.

A s the afternoon progresses we move along the wall to a new set of holds, each time practising our re-threaded figure-of-eight knots and alternating between climbing and belaying. There’s a surprising variety of routes up to the top and a definite path of progression to more difficult ascents. The two-hour lesson (£25) whistles by, and at the end we’re presented with a registration card that allows us to return for unsupervised sessions at a bargain £5.50 per time. Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Site has now become a base camp for a very different type of holiday.

Also consider...

1. The Climbing Works, Sheffield – one of the world’s largest bouldering (climbing without ropes) centres. Close to the Peak District hotbed of climbing, this centre has more than 12 graded circuits and 1,500m² of indoor climbing surface.

Info: climbingworks.com

Stay at: Castleton

2. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho – set in a former quarry, Europe’s largest indoor climbing wall has ‘cliffs’ of up to 28m in height and a ‘Clip ‘n Climb’ series of 15 fun climbing elements for all the family.

Info: edinburghleisure.co.uk

Stay at: Edinburgh

3. Summit Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil – there are 120-plus routes at this climbing wall, which reaches 18m in places. The courses are reset regularly so you can take on fresh challenges every visit.

Info: rockuk.org

Stay at: Brecon Beacons

lovethephoto / Alamy

THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH

Heidi Fuller-Love finds gastronomic, scenic and cultural delights on a road trip from Santander to Zaragoza

Spain offers plenty of variety for touring and, having recently explored its southern coast (see September 2018 issue, p44) and capital (November 2018, p44), we decided to head for the northern mountains and ports to see a different side of this friendly country.

Arriving in Santander on the Cantabrian coast one warm October afternoon, we began with lunch at restaurant El Desván. After gamba roja a la plancha (garlicky grilled shrimp) followed by cocido montañés (a hearty bean and pork stew) we were ready to start a week-long trip that would eventually take us south-east into the heart of Aragon.

Caravaning Oyambre – our base for most of this trip – is a campsite near the sweeping sandy beaches of the Oyambre National Park, less than an hour’s drive from Santander’s ferry terminal. Having friends with mobility issues, I was pleased to see that the site’s facilities for disabled people are excellent.

Nearby, the pretty little fishing port of San Vicente de la Barquera is a great place to unwind, but we spent quite a lot of our time exploring the rugged and beautiful countryside surrounding the campsite, stopping off to visit Comillas, which is home to architect Antoni Gaudí’s fabulously ornate green-and red-tiled villa, El Capricho.

On our final day in the region we followed the watery marshes of the Santander Estuary –flecked with flocks of wintering birds – inland to the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). So named because they were once the first glimpse of land for ships arriving here from the Americas, they are the highest peaks of the Cantabrian mountain range and stretch into neighbouring regions.

The Fuente Dé cable car took us high into the massif, and then we hiked to the top of the Torre de los Horacados Rojos, to admire breathtaking views over the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding snow-tipped sierras.

In Solares we stopped at Casa Enrique, a cosy wood-lined bar where we were able to warm ourselves up with café con leche and rich, lemony chunks of local cake, Sobao, before setting off once more on the road that loops inland, via Laredo, to Bilbao.

BILBAO BARGAINS

Surrounded by lush, green mountainscapes, the Basque Country’s largest city is a heady blend of cultural and culinary delights. Most tourists are attracted by the gleaming, Frank Gehrydesigned Guggenheim Museum and we’re no exception: we spent several enthralling hours admiring the works of local and international artists before heading out to shop for quirky souvenirs in the old town.

Bilbao has more than 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, and being firm foodies we booked a table at Chef Eneko Atxa’s Azurmendi restaurant, just outside of town. Before dining, however, I ticked off a personal bucket list ambition by swimming in the Philippe Starck-designed glass bottom pool at multipurpose cultural centre Azkuna Zentroa. When you stare down through its transparent floor panels you really feel like you’re floating in thin air.

There is only a handful of tables in Eneko Atxa’s converted warehouse, which looks like a huge greenhouse, and we munched our way through the 10-course tasting menu – from

smoked tuna belly to melting saffron crème brûlée with amaretto. It was delicious and seemed really good value at €85 a head.

Passing through Pamplona the following day, we stopped off to take a selfie at the Running of the Bulls statue, just off the Plaza de Toros square, and then set off along a winding mountain road via Jaca to Aínsa.

We entered the Aragon region – a landlocked province with The Pyrenees to the north and divided by the Ebro River; roughly speaking it has kept the same boundaries since the Middle Ages, when it was known as The Kingdom of Aragon. As we got closer to Aínsa the air became noticeably cooler and we could clearly see the snow-tipped peaks of the mighty Pyrenees.

Aínsa, which became part of the Kingdom of Aragon in the 11th century, was recently designated a Historic-Artistic site by Spain’s Ministry of Culture. Wandering through the cobbled streets of this ancient town, with its narrow alleys and old stone houses clustered around the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, is like stepping back in time.

An hour further on, the same sinuous road led us to the rugged, beautiful, lake-studded Benasque Valley in the Pyrenees foothills. Surrounded by dramatic ice-clad peaks – some of them more than 3,000m high – we hiked along rutted tracks with not a soul in sight except for buff-coloured, big-horned cattle who serenaded us with their tinkling collar bells.

We spent one night at the quaint and comfortable Alpine-style Hotel Ciria, easily falling asleep after the day’s exertions to the sound of a wild mountain wind as it rattled through the rafters.

Main image: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Zaragoza Far left: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Left: the breathtaking Pyrenees

Caravaning

Oyambre (site ref: E27)

This husband-and-wife-run campsite has plenty of shaded pitches and a good-sized pool. There are sandy beaches nearby and a choice of hiking trails.

Touring pitches: 130 | Open: 15 Mar -21 Oct 2019

Visitor view

“I love hiking, so there was plenty to do nearby and then I could come back and enjoy the campsite pool and use the restaurant... there’s even a shop.”

Matteo Russo

Site view

“Our campsite is located in one of the most beautiful areas of northern Spain; perfect for people looking to relax. Most of the people who come here come back again. We also are a perfect site for people arriving or leaving on the ferry from Santander, because we are only 45 minutes’ drive from Santander port.”

Pablo Alonso Astuy

Food & drink

DID YOU KNOW?

CAPITAL IDEA

The next morning we drove back along corkscrew roads via Huesca to Zaragoza.

Bar Cervino, Calle Ainzon 18, 50003 Zaragoza

Contact: 0034 97 64 347 77

Culture

La Ribera (indoor food market), Erribera Kalea, 20, 48005 Bilbao

Contact: bilbaoturismo.net , 0034 94 65 754 74

Outdoor fun

Benasque Valley, Benasque

Contact:

benasque.com/en, 0034 97 45 512 89 (tourist information)

The road is dusty and rather ugly, with lots of pig farms and bare fields along the way, but our first glimpse of Aragon’s capital was stunning. The sun shone on the Ebro River as it lapped at the base of the beautifully ornate Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – a Moorish cathedral with spectacular towers and domes.

The Club offers overseas holiday insurance specially designed for caravanners and motorhomers – call 01342 336633 for a quote

collection of early prints and paintings by 18th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. After visiting the wonderful Cathedral de la Seo (Cathedral of the Saviour) with its collection of tapestries – said to be one of the finest in the world – we had to leave Zaragoza’s wide avenues for Valencia’s balmy, orange tree-lined streets.

Although our noses were about to be seduced by the smell of orange blossom, our hearts and minds were still full of the sights and sounds of the little-known Aragon region. We will return soon.

For the family

Parque del Agua (aka Luis Buñuel Water Park), Avenida José Atarés 109, 50018 Zaragoza

Contact: parquedelagua.com

It’s surprising that Zaragoza, shaped over a period of 2,000 years, isn’t on Spain’s typical tourist trail. To find out more about its history we started at the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum, which tells the story of the original Roman city, founded here in 14BC. The modern museum uses a variety of media in doing so, and houses some of the city’s original remains; best of all there’s a reconstruction that shows you how its citizens lived when Emperor Caesar Augustus was in power.

We took a guided tour of the 11th-century Islamic Aljafería Palace to admire the ornate arches and intricate carvings (today it houses the Parliament of Aragón), while a happy morning was idled away in the Museo de Zaragoza, browsing the eclectic collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Roman times. There’s also a small but excellent

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017

Illustration: Louise Turpin

THE WORLD’S

Experience some of the best scenery, wildlife and cities in the world on our independent or escorted motorhome tours...

Make 2019 the year you book your adventure of a lifetime! Did you know that we now offer 20 escorted and independent tours on our worldwide

programme, taking in countries and regions as diverse as Canada, the United States, New Zealand and – new for this year – Australia and Southern

ROADS OF THE RAINBOW NATION

Duration/type: 38-day escorted motorhome tour

Departs: 29 Sep 2019, 9 Feb 2020, 9 Jun 2020

Price: from £3,999pp, based on two sharing

Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, two nights in a four-star hotel in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, 31 nights at pre-booked campsites, all transfers, local tour leaders

HIGHLIGHTS

Panorama Route scenic drive, guided game drive in Kruger National Park, hippopotamus and crocodile cruise on Lake St Lucia, battlefields of KwaZuluNatal, game drive in Addo Elephant Park, drive the Garden Route, Cape Winelands, Cape Town and Table Mountain, spectacular farewell dinner

Africa? What’s more, all of our worldwide escorted tours are led by professional, local, experienced guides, who will help you make the

most of your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are highlights of just six of our holidays – you can find out more at camc.com/worldwide

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Duration/type: 15-day independent motorhome tour

Departs: May to Oct 2019

Price: from £2,795pp based on two sharing

Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, all transfers, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, nine nights’ pre-booked campgrounds, San Francisco tour and Alcatraz visit, Los Angeles tour, personalised road book

HIGHLIGHTS

San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles and Beverley Hills

A TALE OF THREE COUNTRIES

Duration/type: 33-day escorted motorhome tour

Departs: 7 Nov 2019, 7 Jan 2020, 2 May 2020

Price: from £4,999pp, based on two sharing

Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, two nights in a four-star Windhoek hotel, two nights in the four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa, 27 nights at

pre-booked campsites, all transfers, local tour leaders

HIGHLIGHTS

The deserts of Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay including a seal and dolphin cruise, guided game drives in Etosha National Park (Namibia) and Chobe National Park (Botswana), Victoria Falls, the Makgadikgadi Pan, the Okavango Delta

Southern Africa

United States

Golden Gate Bridge

Namibian desert

Table Mountain

YOUR OYSTER

Australia

DRIVING DOWN UNDER

Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour

Departs: 6 Sep 2019, 7 Oct 2019

Price: from £5,799pp, based on two sharing

Price includes: return flights, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, local tour leaders, Maui Ultima Plus Motorhome for 29 days, 28 nights’ pre-booked campsites including electrical power, welcome dinner in Adelaide, colonial

tramcar dinner in Melbourne, Sydney Harbour lunch cruise and guided day tour to Fraser Island

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the cities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Cairns, Coorong National Park, drive the Great Ocean Road, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Canada

VANCOUVER AND THE SUNSHINE COAST

Duration/type: 19-day independent motorhome tour

Departs: May-Sep 2019

Price: from £2,965pp based on two sharing

Price includes: return flights, all transfers, three nights at a Vancouver hotel including breakfast, 14 days’ motorhome hire, 14 nights’ pre-booked

New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND DISCOVERY

Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour

Departs: 5 Nov 2019, 4 Feb 2020, 10 Mar 2020, 7 April 2020

Price: from £5,599pp based on two sharing

Price includes: return flights, all transfers, four nights’ hotel accommodation including breakfast, local tour leaders, Britz Venturer Plus Motorhome for 29 days, 28 nights’ pre-booked campsites including electrical power, welcome dinner in Christchurch, Milford Sound nature cruise, gondola ride and dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown, traditional Hāngi feast in Rotorua, farewell function in Auckland

HIGHLIGHTS

Scenic drives through the Southern Alps, national parks including Abel Tasman and Mount Cook, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, Rotorua with its geothermal wonders and Māori culture, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Islands, Auckland

campgrounds, ferry crossings, personalised road book, mobile app with itinerary details and maps

HIGHLIGHTS

City of Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Campbell River (famous for its bears and salmon), Tofino, Victoria, Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler Mountain

Cairns

Howe Sound

Coromandel Peninsula

SPRING SURPRISE

If you are looking to get away this spring , why not choose an overseas site based close to a special event or celebration?

Looking to head overseas for Easter or the May half-term/bank holidays?

Then we have the site for you. Did you

know that the Club’s overseas network boasts more than 330 handpicked, regularly-inspected sites

across an incredible 16 European countries (more than any other UK touring club)? Check out this selection

of sites based close to special events and festivals that coincide with our UK spring holidays.

Spain

LOS ESCULLOS (E33)

Situated in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, this relaxing site offers a wealth of facilities including a restaurant, pizzeria, swimming pool, sports courts and more. The site is about a 40-minute drive from Almeria, which is renowned for its Semana Santa (Easter) Holy Week celebrations. Processions by more than 20 ‘brotherhoods’ are the main highlight, alongside traditional auctions and displays of local food.

CABOPINO (E21)

This site near the popular holiday destination of Marbella is a short walk away from an attractive beach and marina. Look out for the Feria de los Pueblos (People’s Fair), held in the Fairground of Fuengirola (30 April-5 May) – it’s a celebration of music, food and culture from all over the world. Meanwhile, towns such as Malaga (45 minutes’ drive away) are renowned for their Holy Week celebrations.

France

Italy

CA’ SAVIO (Y02)

Enjoying easy access to a lovely sandy beach, this family-run site sits on a peninsula across the lagoon from the romantic city of Venice. The site has quality facilities, including two pool complexes, restaurants and a superbly-stocked shop.

Why not consider visiting Venice during April, when the crowds are not too dense? You can take in some lovely pageants, classical music concerts and services in the city during Holy Week. Visitors may wish to attend mass in the Basilica di San Marco over the Easter period – check basilicasanmarco.it and click on ‘Liturgical Calendar’ for details of services.

PENBOCH ( B33 )

This fantastic family site is just a short stroll from the shores of the stunning Golfe du Morbihan – a beautiful natural harbour dotted with islands. Every two years, the Semaine du Golfe (Gulf Week) yachting festival is held here – it offers a great chance to see everything from classic ‘tall ships’ to rowing boats, skiffs and racing vessels. Various ports around the gulf join in the fun with exhibitions, food tastings, music, fireworks and more. This year’s festival takes place from 27 May until 2 June.

Netherlands

KONINGSHOF (H03)

Koningshof is a family-friendly site, set in Rijnsburg, not far from the Keukenhof Gardens, which are famed for their huge floral displays. Spring is the perfect time to visit the gardens in full bloom, while 11 and 12 May is National Windmill Weekend. During this celebration more than 950 windmills open their doors to visitors – most free of charge.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS WITH DFDS DOVER

DFDS is the world’s leading ferry operator with four routes from the UK to Europe. It is offering fantastic discounts on crossings from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais, exclusively to Caravan and Motorhome Club members.

Cruise in Comfort

Choose from up to 54 daily sailings and as you sail you can enjoy all of the fantastic onboard facilities including cafes, restaurants, play areas and shops. There’s also a Premium Lounge where yo u can admire the sea views and sip a glass of Prosecco or relax with a hot drink and a snack.

ixed price o er

DFDS is offering Caravan and Motorhome Club members a fixed price on crossings until the end of the year. Prices start from just £ 4 each way for cars plus a caravan up to 8m and £ 9 each way for motorhomes up to 7m.

To make it easy for you to find the cheapest crossing, below are the DFDS price tables for car and caravans. Simply take a look at the day of the week you’d like to travel and your preferred crossing time and check the price. you a e a otor o e u to t e r e e £25 ea er t an o n e o or your otor o e onger t an t e r e e

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Glamping Pod at Abbey Wood, London

A MOUNTAIN

Are you thinking about taking on the ‘national’ Three Peaks Challenge?

Why not turn it into a touring holiday to remember this year?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people successfully make it to the top of Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – respectively the highest points in Wales, Scotland and England. Most are drawn by the promise of spectacular views and the chance to feel a lasting sense of achievement, with many groups and individuals taking on the increasingly popular Three Peaks Challenge – an attempt to summit all three mountains within the space of 24 testing hours. That’s a daunting prospect, but if you’re fit and able enough – and happy to take a little bit longer –it’s an adventure that you can undertake while using your outfit. A leisurely itinerary, for example, could combine the big climbs with stays at nearby Club sites or Certificated Locations (CLs). Not only can you build in recuperation time before driving to your next destination, you’ll also be able to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Highlands, the Lake District and Snowdonia. Put simply, it will be a road trip to live long in the memory.

There are plenty of factors to consider. Many people like to get the longest leg of the whole journey out of the way at the start; and while there is no set order, Scafell Pike’s location means it’s commonly the second mountain of the three for most people. Some prefer to tackle Ben Nevis first because it’s the biggest; making it to the summit can provide a huge psychological boost. You’ll also want to consider when to go. Obviously during late spring and summer there’s more chance that the conditions will be suitable for amateur climbers and walkers, with more hours of daylight available. Naturally there are increased numbers of walkers on the mountains, too, especially at weekends. Remember, though, that there can be snow higher up well into summer and even autumn, particularly on Ben Nevis. Winds can be strong and visibility can be poor, so a map and a compass – and the ability to use both – are essential. Even if it’s

sunny and dry at the foot of these mountains, the weather can be completely different at the top, and conditions can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Be sensible and consider returning on another day, if necessary – the mountain will still be there.

We’ve set out brief guides to each mountain here, as well as websites to visit for further information. If you are going on a long walk this year we’d love to hear from you, so send your stories and photos to magazine@camc.com and we’ll do our best to feature them!

BEN NEVIS

At 1,345m, the peak of Ben Nevis – just inland from Fort William – is the highest point in the British Isles. Most walkers heading to the top follow the well-constructed Mountain Track, which is also known as the Pony Track and was previously called the Tourist Route. This departs from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, adjacent to which is a large car park costing £3 all day for a car and £10 for a motorhome.

After a slow initial ascent with frequent, excellent views along Glen Nevis, the path zig-zags steeply before an easier section passes by Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (a mountain lake). The route then takes you up the stony western flank of Ben Nevis via another series of steep zig-zags, with views extending far beyond the lochs below. Finally, a flatter path marked with cairns stretches toward the summit. Generally, in good weather during summer the walk to the top and the descent should take between six and eight hours.

Stay at: Bunree Club site

Useful links: ben-nevis.com; lochabermrt.co.uk (Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team)

SCAFELL PIKE

There are many routes up (and down) Scafell Pike, the shortest, easiest and busiest starting from the

Lake Head National Trust car park at Wasdale Head (pay and display, but free for National Trust members). Please note that the road to this car park is single track and very narrow, with passing places; if you have concerns, contact the National Trust beforehand on 01946 726064.

This may be the smallest of the three mountains but it’s still a tough hike, initially crossing and then adjacent to Lingmell Beck. The subsequent ascent up Brown Tongue is steeper, and from here the route to the top is slightly more complicated. The website walkupscafellpike.co.uk offers a full description, with images. Four-to-five hours should be enough in good weather.

Stay at : Dockray Meadow Club site

Useful links: walkupscafellpike.co.uk; nationaltrust. org.uk/wasdale; lamrt.org.uk (Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team)

SNOWDON

Your parking spot will depend on your route, but there are several options in Llanberis, where the Llanberis Path begins (also the departure point for the Snowdon Mountain Railway). This is considered the most straightforward route up Snowdon, but it’s also the longest way to the top. The route takes you past the Halfway House Café (not always open) before passing underneath the railway line. Afterwards you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Llanberis Pass before a steeper climb will really make you feel the burn in your calves and thighs. Shortly thereafter the various routes converge with the summit (hopefully) in view – be sure to take a look around to help you remember the way back down. At the summit station there’s a café should you wish to partake in a well-earned cuppa. Allow seven hours for the round trip.

Stay at: Riverside Affiliated Site

Useful links: walkupsnowdon.co.uk; llanberismountainrescue.co.uk

TO CLIMB

Main image: view from near the summit

Inset

DID YOU KNOW?

You can find the most up-to-date details on the featured sites on the Club website. Alternatively, turn to the relevant pages in your Sites Directory

of Snowdon

(left to right): climbing Britain’s highest mountain; a cairn on Ben Nevis; beautiful Glen Nevis; Llanberis Pass; Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe; Wastwater with Scafell Pike in the background

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Letters

Your

chance

to have

your say. The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides

Send your letters to Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA.

Alternatively, email us at enquiries@camc.com or magazine@camc.com. Apologies, but due to the quantity of post we receive, we are no longer able to send acknowledgements on receipt of letters. If your letter is not intended for publication, please email or write to the appropriate department (eg Emergency Services, Finance, Insurance, Technical, Travel Services, Sites Operations etc) – see camc.com/contact for further details.

tips please enquiries@ camc.com

I look forward to the Club magazine, particularly in the winter months, but, turning to the letters pages, I ask myself what has happened? When I first joined the Club other members always seemed to be giving helpful tips (eg how to stop the water freezing; how to make a two-berth van into a fixed-bed (it is possible we tried it); how to convert the little fold-over table on

Double trouble

I enjoyed reading the article ‘Winning formula’ about John Rawlings’ visit to Switzerland [December 2018 issue]. We enjoyed a short stay at Camping Lazy Rancho near Interlaken (right), but were surprised at having to buy two vignettes [to travel on motorways] at a cost of CHF 40 each – one for the car and one for the caravan. Since John Rawlings was in a motorhome, he obviously only needed one.

I thought it could have been mentioned in the article since anyone attracted to go to Switzerland on a tight budget should be aware of the double vignette requirement when travelling with a caravan. Additionally we thought that the vignette was valid for one year, but it is only valid up to 31 December, and not for 12 months.

I hope this information could be useful for those planning a trip to (or just through) Switzerland. Richard Morley, via email

A busy year

It’s 40 years since we bought our first caravan for £150 and 40 years with the Club (excluding one year due to illness). This past year has been an exciting caravanning adventure, starting in January when we joined the Herefordshire Centre for fun and games to see in the New Year.

the middle chest of drawers into a slide-out one (again, we followed the advice and did it).

It seems this type of letter has gone – no more do members pass on what they have achieved in their vans but complain about manufacturers not doing it for them! Now we get, “Why can’t I have armchairs instead of ‘bench’ seats?”; “Why can’t I have

a different layout?”; “I don’t want a shower”; “I don’t want a microwave” etc. Don’t people stop to think how impractical and expensive it would be for manufacturers to make a version for everyone.

Please, let us have more tips and suggestions and less on what is ‘wrong’.

Christine Reynolds, via email

March saw us as volunteer wardens for five weeks at Dolaucothi Estate, while in May it was off to Sledmere House for The National –a fun-packed weekend with events in the arena, stalls and evening entertainment.

Then off in June to Spain on a Dyfed Centre Rally. The local area and nearby villages offered a taste of rural Spain and thankfully the crossings of the Bay of Biscay were calm!

The garden was calling for attention, so a week or two at home then off to the Welsh National in Monmouth hosted by the Gwent Centre. Sports, entertainment and an opportunity to catch up with friends from all over the country.

Herefordshire Centre friends tempted us (admittedly, we didn’t take much persuading) to join them in September on an Isle of Wight rally. What an excellent venue and such a friendly rally.

Off to the Motorhome & Caravan Show in October, and, yes, we were tempted and changed the van.

In November it was off to Glastonbury for the carnival with the West Wales Centre. Bitterly cold but the floats were amazing. The rally officers had organised this rally for over 25 years, so a huge thank you to them at flag.

In between these wonderful excursions we have stayed on many Certificated Locations (CLs) in Chepstow, Marlborough, Exeter etc.

The year is nearly over, but not our caravanning. Christmas party with Herefordshire Centre then off to a CL in the Midlands to catch up with friends and relatives. All these adventures and the wonderful friendships we have made over the years have been possible because we belong to the Club – well worth our annual subscription.

Ann Matthews, via email

Close encounters

We always glance at the technical tips in the magazine but feel that most of the projects described are beyond us – we tend to leave these to the experts. However, every now and again there’s a snippet which will make us sit up and take notice – such as in the December issue.

When we bought our motorhome three years ago, there was a bag of surplus bits stowed in a cupboard, which went straight into the garden shed, in a bag labelled ‘Unidentified Fiamma-like Objects’. The feature on fridges carried a photo of a winter cover being fitted. “Hold on!” I said, “we’ve got one of those in the UFO bag!” And lo, it came to pass that the cover was dug out and put in place.

Do please keep featuring pictures of bits of outfits for the technicallychallenged to use to identify stuff from the UFO bag. Perhaps next month a feature on something that’s no good without a black rubbery thing, with magnetic metal clips and a carrying handle. Thank you!

Amanda & Peter Hartland, via email

Hob job

Can anyone with a cooker that has an electric hob with a glass lid please check if you have a safety switch that prevents either the gas or electric hob

Parry Davis’ letter (’Design Faults‘, January issue) about his struggle to find a caravan to suit his requirements (no carpets, no shower, full-length wardrobe, no mover) prompted a flurry of correspondence. Here are a couple of replies…

Some sympathy

I was intrigued by the letter from Parry Davis entitled ‘Design Faults’. Our caravan – a Swift Elegance 580 – has removable carpets which could be left out entirely or washed on a regular basis as we do. We do not like the idea of traipsing

from operating when the lid is closed? My cooker has a red warning light when the hob is switched on. No safety switch is fitted – this has resulted in the hob being inadvertently switched on, causing the lid to break into a thousand pieces. A replacement costs around £100. The local dealer said he had replaced four lids in the last month and says it happens a lot.

Unfortunately, this has happened again when a visitor accidentally knocked the switch on. I know of one case when a child managed to switch on the electric hob, resulting in the same outcome. We have reported this matter to the Club Technical department which has added this to its database. So, if this has happened to you, please inform the Club’s technical department in the hope that it can compel manufacturers to install cut-out switches for our safety?

Surely with caravans costing in the region of £30,000 these should be installed to prevent a fire risk.

Ena Carson, Chairman, SCC Highland Centre

from our caravan to a shower block dressed appropriately and carrying wash bag and towels, so we make excellent use of our shower.

We have looked at many caravans and have deliberately avoided those where you appear to be required to sit on the loo for a shower. Perhaps one of those might suit Mr Davis – the shower certainly takes up no room.

I do have some sympathy with his comment about a full-length wardrobe, but then one does have to make some compromises.

Finally, I definitely require a motor mover to enable me to park our caravan on our gravel drive – an HGV licence would not be a great deal of assistance. I am not aware of any vans that have a motor mover as part of their original equipment anyway!

Dream break

My husband and I have recently had a glorious holiday at the Crystal Palace Club site (left). While there we were given two tickets for the show, Dreamgirls. The tickets had been left with the site staff by another Club member who was unable to use them. We thoroughly enjoyed the show – so, a big thank you to the member who left them. It was our golden wedding anniversary the day after the show, and it made our holiday even more special. This wasn’t the first time we had celebrated a special anniversary on a Club site. We celebrated our ruby anniversary at your Brighton site because we enjoy our time in the camper so much.

Clive & Angela Simmons, Kent

Festival fans

I refer to your Editor’s page in the November issue asking about what people use their caravans for. We are country music fans and take our caravan to various parts of the UK to country music festivals. We sometimes stay on Club sites and other times on the festival sites, which gives us a very short walk back to our bed! There are lots of these festivals and quite often we

book a couple of Club sites on our way there, or when returning home, to see a bit more of the area.

Mary Seager, North Yorkshire

Van-tastic lights

My wife and I for many years have enjoyed spending Christmas in our caravan. This year, my wife produced some beautiful decorations in the form of Christmas trees lit from within by electric tea lights whose colours change minute by minute. The effect was lovely and the reflections in the two skins of the caravan windows add to the effect of a magical forest.

Steve Payne, via email

I do agree with Mr Davis re the ‘all-the-gadgets’ path. There seems to be a lot of technology for the sake of technology. I can do everything I want from the caravan itself and don’t need to be able to set the heating to come on via the internet. This comes with the added complexity of needing to have the software upgraded during the annual service, no doubt at additional cost. I can manage without the added complexity that provides no real benefit.

Dave Thomas, Hampshire

Overseas options

I completely understand the frustration felt by Parry Davis in his letter in the January 2019 letters

page. British caravan and motorhome designers have a very narrow view of what we want. In 2000 we were told by the British dealers that nobody wants a fixed bed in a motorhome, even though we were looking for one. We went to France and bought one there.

We now have a small caravan that is an Adria. We go to the Düsseldorf caravan and motorhome show held in August to see what other manufacturers are doing. Do go there Mr Davis and be sure to leave at least two days to see it all. It will blow your mind. It is huge and there is such a variety of sizes, prices and layouts. Anyone interested in caravans and motorhomes will love it.

Many of us would like to buy British but help us out please.

Wendy Linay, via email

SSANGYONG WIN THE DOUBLE

Pond

Would you like to attract more wildlife to your garden? David Chapman offers a few tips...

Green scenes: a fringed water lily (main picture), ponds will attract common frogs (inset)

plan

POOL PLANNER WHAT TO LOOK FOR

n Early spring: frogs and toads spawn (try looking on mild nights with a torch)

n Late spring: flowers bloom, adding colour; look out for tadpoles and newts spawning

n Summer: young frogs emerge; keep an eye out for dragonflies, mayflies and pond skaters

n All year: look for birds and mammals drinking and bathing

Clockwise from above: a froglet tests the surface tension in a pond; broad-bodied chaser dragonflies are common in summer; marsh cinquefoil; a blue-tailed damselfly with prey

My articles often concentrate on places you can visit to see wildlife. But this month I’d like to encourage you to work on a project that enables wildlife to visit you!

The single, easiest way to attract wildlife into your garden is to dig a pond. Over the years, Sarah and I have created a variety of them, and I can’t tell you how much pleasure we have had watching badgers drinking at the water’s edge, frogs spawning, dragonflies mating and a whole host of other activities. I can’t deny that there is some work to do with a spade, but on a cold winter’s day there is a degree of satisfaction to be gained from a bit of hard graft.

Of course, before you get cracking it’s important to choose the right spot for your pond. If you want to attract dragonflies, look for a sunny site that is sheltered from the wind. For amphibians, it’s important that the water is close to longer vegetation or perhaps a log pile within which they can hide.

We were lucky enough to be able to build our pond on a slight slope in the garden. I used mock sleepers to build up two sides and banked the soil from the hole to finish off the other edges, so I actually didn’t have too much digging to do!

It’s important that there is a shallow sloping side so wildlife can get in and out easily, and there

should be shelves of varying depths within the pond. My advice is to make the centre as deep as you feel is safe – the deeper the centre the cooler the water will be in the summer, and the less likely it will be to dry out or fill up with vegetation.

Regardless of the depth of the pond, safety is an important issue, especially if children will be using the garden. Strategies can be used to prevent accidents, including installing netting and fencing.

LINER NOTES

Once the pond is dug, it’s time to measure up for a liner. Buy the best-quality liner you can sensibly afford and use an underlay to protect it from stones – old carpets are perfect. Leave the edges of the liner loosely secured until the pond is full of water. As it fills, the liner will be pulled slightly further into the hole as all the nooks and crannies are filled. Ideally, you should allow the pond to fill with rainwater – but it is perfectly acceptable to use tap water (provided you have checked water restrictions in your area). To help keep our pond topped up in summer, whenever it is raining I divert a downpipe from a shed roof into the water. W hen the pond is full, dig the edges of the liner into the ground or mask them with logs or stones. Pond plants will be needed to keep the water clear and to attract aquatic creatures. For a

wildlife pond, only use native British species (non-native species can be very troublesome – if in doubt consult a specialist) and avoid plants with strong rhizomes (such as bulrushes) which can pierce the pond liner.

In the medium to long term, you should aim to have at least half the water’s surface covered with floating plants in summer to keep the water cooler. A variety of plant species at the pond’s edges will encourage a greater diversity of visiting wildlife.

T here is no need to introduce amphibians or insects to the pond – they will find their own way there! – but you should help them by allowing some of the vegetation around the pond to grow longer, while log and rock piles are attractive hiding and basking places. Don’t introduce any non-native fish as these will eat aquatic insect larvae and tadpoles.

I hope you get as much pleasure from building and watching your ponds as I have over the years – it would be great to hear whether you have attracted any interesting species (email magazine@camc.com).

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

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When a vehicle battery is left uncharged a process called battery sulfation occurs. This is when sulphate builds up on the lead plates within the battery, this process starts almost immediately, and if left even over a relatively short period of time this sulphate will not only reduce battery performance, but dramatically shorten the life of the battery. The only solution to remove sulphate from the lead plates and restore battery performance is to use a Desulfating Deep Pulse Charger/Maintainer. The Milenco Optimates are the worlds most advanced Desulfating Charger/Maintainers available for 12V leisure batteries.

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show saving

Take advantage of this special offer on Club Day at Birmingham’s NEC

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 19-24 February – and you could save 50% on the on-the-door price on Caravan and Motorhome Club Day (Tuesday 19 February)!

This huge show is a great chance to view hundreds of the latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans from leading UK and overseas manufacturers.

What’s more, there is free entertainment for visitors of all ages, including a skate rink, climbing wall, dog show and – new for 2019 – the Bear Grylls Adventure where you can take on four epic challenges.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club will hold motorhome manoeuvring sessions throughout the week – the perfect opportunity for newcomers or experienced drivers to pick up tips from fully qualified instructors. Pop over to the Club stand (2000) to book your place, and don’t forget your driving licence!

The Freedom To Go Theatre welcomes a number of guests, including chefs, adventurers, celebrities and industry experts who will provide you with all the inspiration and advice you need for your next big adventure.

TICKET OFFER

Simply complete the voucher below and bring it with you on Caravan and Motorhome Club Day, Tuesday 19th February 2019, to save 50% on the on-the-doorprice! Terms and conditions apply^

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Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer One will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads. Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer One will even advise you of traffic jams.

• 7” Frameless Display guides you to your destination with a pinch-to-zoom, capacitive glass display & easy route shaping feature

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• Three exclusive Caravan and Motorhome Club data bases

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Events diary

Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while staying on a Caravan and Motorhome Club site? Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in April 2019

28 APRIL

Virgin Money London Marathon

The London Marathon has become one of the most popular events on the UK sporting calendar since it was first held in 1981. See thousands of runners, including Sir Mo Farah, take on the ultimate endurance test on the streets of England’s capital, passing some of its most famous sites on the way –including the Cutty Sark – before famously finishing alongThe Mall.

Web: virginmoneylondon marathon.com

Club site: Abbey Wood

“The London Marathon is one of the most popular events on the sporting calendar”

6-21 APRIL

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landings, the theme of this year’s festival – one of Europe’s largest celebrations of science and technology – is ‘Frontiers’, with a focus on areas such as healthcare and the environment. Children and adults alike can enjoy hands-on activities and innovative events at venues across town.

Web: sciencefestival.co.uk

Club site: Edinburgh

25-28 APRIL

Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Calling all flower and garden lovers!

Head for Harrogate to see spectacular show gardens, the UK’s biggest floral art marquee and dozens of fabulous displays from the country’s top nurseries. With gardening experts on hand all weekend, top chefs conjuring up dishes in the Food Theatre, crafts and gifts, and attractions for children, this show has something for everyone.

Web: flowershow.org.uk

Club site: Knaresborough

26-28 APRIL

Porthleven Food Festival

Around 40,000 people descend on the historic Cornish harbour town of Porthleven each year for a festival that mixes food, drink and music. Watch internationally-renowned cooks rustle up some tasty recipes in the Chefs

For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com

Theatre, sample a variety of street food and enjoy music day and night. Children are also well catered for –they can learn circus skills and take part in arts and crafts workshops.

Web: porthlevenfoodfestival.com

Club site: Marazion

28 APRIL

Cycle Derby Spring Classic

Choose to tackle a 40km, 80km or 160km bike ride through some of Derbyshire’s finest countryside, or take part in the 19km Five Parks Family Ride along cycle paths around the city of Derby (with three turnaround points in case little legs get tired). All rides start and finish in Markeaton Park (pictured), where drinks and a massage will be available after you’ve finished your cycling.

Web: duffo.co.uk/springclassic2019

Club site: The Firs

Events diary

...Alternatively, why not pitch up on a temporary site? These enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with likeminded members. Please book in advance where possible

23-24 MARCH

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend

Head to the pretty Cambridgeshire village of Thriplow for a charity event that is a mix of traditional village fête and flower festival. As well as looking at the amazing daffodil displays, you can visit open gardens, potter around stalls and enjoy a variety of food and drink – homemade cakes, sandwiches and delicious hot food in the ‘Taste of Thriplow’ – while listening to live music. The temporary site in the neighbouring village of Fowlmere has fresh water and chemical disposal facilities.

Temporary site open: 22-24 March

Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

5-6 MAY Truckfest

Peterborough’s East of England

Showground welcomes more than 2,000 trucks of all shapes and sizes, including the truck from the classic 1970s film, Smokey and the Bandit Watch monster truck and motorcycle stunt displays, and enjoy fireworks, a fun fair and music from Madness and Oasis tribute acts.Two nights’ entertainment, including a truck light parade, are included in your rally fee.The temporary site on the showground has hook-ups, toilets, basic washrooms, fresh water and chemical disposal.

Temporary site open: 3-7 May

Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

8-12 MAY

Royal Windsor Horse Show

Held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, this event is a celebration of all things equestrian. Watch the world’s best horses and riders take part in carriage driving, show jumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions.You will also enjoy the Shetland Pony Grand National and displays from the King’s Troop and the Household Cavalry. In addition, onThursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, a spectacular 90-minute pageant will take place, featuring a cast of hundreds, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.The temporary site on Windsor Racecourse has hook-ups, fresh water and chemical waste disposal, but no toilets or

washrooms. From your pitch, you could walk the one mile to the show, travel by riverboat or take advantage of a private hire service. As a change from the horse action, there will be a variety of optional outings from the temporary site, including a walking tour of Windsor, a boat trip on theThames and exploration of Windsor Great Park’s Valley Gardens. Temporary site open: 8-12 May

Contact: RuthTaylor on 01753 545142 or emailTaylorg13@sky.com

See camc.com/centres and p99 of this issue for more centre information and coverage

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e are a u n t e true en e o t e ord and our rodu t are de gned to re e t t e need o our members. Any surplus generated goes back into ro ng and a nta n

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By understanding more about you we can improve our service – ensuring you receive information and news that’s ta ored to your need a e ure your ro e on t e u e te a t e orre t deta u a your rene a date and your out t ty e et

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490

Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Black Horse Farm

This peaceful Club site is conveniently located for ferries and the Channel Tunnel – but it also provides an excellent base for Kentish exploration

As you walk around Hawkinge, a mile or so down the road from the Club’s Black Horse Farm site, you may note that it’s a tranquil kind of place. People’s gardens are well kept, an inordinate number of recently-buffed cars gleam in the midday sun, the roads and pavements are free of litter and there are warm welcomes in the local shops and pubs. All told, it’s a clean, pleasant and peaceful village, and one typical of this area of Kent.

Look a little closer, though, and you’ll be reminded that nearly 79 years ago the Battle of Britain raged in the skies above. Pillboxes can still be seen on surrounding farmland; the cemetery contains over 150 casualties from the Second World War (including 59 Germans), the

majority of whom were airmen; and just down the road the Kent Battle of Britain Museum (closed for winter but re-opening on 2 April 2019) contains artefacts from more than 700 crashed aircraft.

The museum sits on the site of the former RAF Hawkinge, which was the nearest RAF station to occupied France during the conflict. In fact, the museum’s website points out that Luftwaffe fighters based in Pas-de-Calais were a mere six minutes’ flying time away. It is hard not to think of Sir Winston Churchill’s famous line, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few” as you walk around the displays and contemplate the acts of heroism and the sacrifice that took place here.

Ian Dagnall / Alamy Benjamin Choquette / Alamy

The famous White Cliffs

Antony Gormley statue, Folkestone

Black Horse Farm

Club Site

A quiet, relaxed site conveniently located for crossings to France. Canterbury and the Kent/ Sussex coastal towns are also within easy reach. Pitches: 119 | Open: all year

Share your love of the great outdoors with friends and family – tent camping available here

Member view

“Stayed in October for eight nights, lots to see and do. Visited Churchill’s home in Chartwell, Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge, Dover Castle, White Cliffs, Folkestone and enjoyed the coastal walks. Also took the opportunity for a day trip to Calais via Eurotunnel.”

Godfather, caravanner

Member view

“Chose this site as it was really close to the tunnel – which is about 10-15 mins away. We did think it might be more of a transit type of site but when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised. What a nice spot.”

Zodmind, motorhomer

Food & drink

Secret Garden

Restaurant, The Court Yard, Mersham-le-Hatch

Business Village, Hythe Road, Ashford TN25 6NH

Contact: secretgardenkent.co.uk, 01233 501586

Culture

Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH

Contact: canterbury-cathedral.org, 01227 762862

Outdoor fun

Wye Circular Walk, starting and finishing at the Wye Nature Reserve Car Park (TN25 5HE, free) Contact: explorekent.org/activities/ wye-downs-walk

For the family

Kidz Planet, Units 1 & 2 Centurion Park, Caesars Way, Folkestone CT19 4AH

Contact: kidzplanet.co.uk, 01303 277773

“History enthusiasts and keen walkers will enjoy the clifftop path from Capel-le-Ferne”

A WALK ALONG THE CLIFFTOPS

History enthusiasts and keen walkers will enjoy the clifftop path from Capel-le-Ferne – where there’s a memorial to the Battle of Britain – to the outskirts of Dover. Breathe in the clear air, enjoy the views of the Channel, Folkestone and Dover and look out for the eye-catching sound mirror at Abbot’s Cliff.

You could also head down to Samphire Hoe Country Park’s easy access trail, at the foot of the cliffs. Situated on land that was reclaimed from the sea using chalk marl excavated during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, it’s a lovely place to spend some time. Nature lovers come and go, drawn by birds and wildflowers, while sea anglers seeking to avoid the crowds on Dover’s Admiralty Pier attempt to land cod, plaice, huss (dogfish), pouting, mackerel and bass.

If you can make it back to Folkestone in time for some late-afternoon shopping, you may be struck by the town’s on-the-up feel, which is exemplified by its Creative Quarter and the boutiques along The Old High Street. This

packed lane is full of treasures – from trendy burger joints and record shops to galleries and upmarket purveyors of knick-knacks.

Folkestone is also a good bet for dinner – there’s a lot of choice here. One pub/restaurant worth seeking out is The Pullman, a roomy establishment with a fine selection of drinks and a comprehensive menu that should satisfy most tastes. If you feel the need to walk it off afterwards, head for The Leas promenade or venture out along the Harbour Arm, where there are more places to eat and drink if needed and –down some steps, underneath the main walkway – one of Antony Gormley’s striking, cast-iron figures. Standing watch across the water, it’s as if the figure is waiting for the safe arrival of fishermen and other seagoers.

Online, members heap praise on the Club site, a charming spot with ferry pitches, a ‘Gold’ rating for Wi-Fi and inviting Downs countryside lying beyond. Dover’s port and the Channel Tunnel are close, and if you are travelling to France, don’t forget to visit camc.com/ferries to save on your P&O, Eurotunnel or DFDS crossing.

Right: Samphire Hoe Country Park Below: Battle of Britain memorial, Capel-le-Ferne

Alan Payton / Alamy

Tony Gage

Family matters

Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (16) and son Charlie (11) love the great outdoors and the touring lifestyle. This month – time to put the pedal to the metal...

Motorsport is a glamorous world of multi-millionpound sponsorship deals and contracts, accessible only to the privileged few – right? Well actually, if you fancy a bit of ‘grassroots’ racing, it’s a lot cheaper than you might think... and accessible to boot.

Karting is a common stepping stone for racing drivers on their way to the top – indeed, plenty of past and present household names from the Formula One circuit started out in this way. The UK is blessed with a surprising number of kart tracks and, during a recent stay at the Club’s Godrevy Park site, we visited one in Hayle, Cornwall.

Age limits can vary for juniors at venues across the country, but this particular venue caters for budding racers aged eight and over – so we decided to try it as a family. Much to our collective delight, the supplied kit was freshly washed and even included an open-faced balaclava (the use of which keeps the crash helmet fresh).

Our pre-race briefing wasn’t rushed and the staff gave us plenty of instruction, both in and out of the karts. It was a good job they did, as the track

1 Consider an indoor track – which might be better for beginners in inclement weather

2 Some places provide overalls, but take suitable clothing regardless – you don’t want to ruin that new pair of jeans!

was outdoors, and rain became a factor. Sudden downpours added to the fun, with opposite-lock sliding being the order of the day. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, though, always keeping the safety information we had received at the front of our minds.

The torrential rain did soak through our race overalls, but we didn’t care too much as we were buzzing with adrenalin. In fact, the journey back to the caravan was filled with stories of overtaking and discussion of Charlie’s favourable power-to-weight ratio!

Thankfully, while towing the caravan during the rest of the trip, I managed to return to ‘sensible’ mode and resist the urge to try any of the late-braking manoeuvres that I’d learned!

MEMBERS SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

3 If children are hoping to take part, check the age limits before you go

4 Prices for our session started at £10.50 (for Charlie’s junior kart)

5 A good track will provide comprehensive safety advice and staff will listen to your questions

Charlie’s view

When we went to Cornwall it was amazing because we tried go-karting. On the way there I was nervous, but when I got in the kart, I got excited. After we had the tutorial to explain what the flags meant, we got into the karts and off we went. I was the first person to be let go from the parking area and I whizzed off, but my dad managed to catch up because I was in a child’s go-kart and he was in an adult’s one. By the time the race finished I came fourth. It was amazing.

Helen’s view

Bizarrely, I really liked karting. I had avoided it in the past due to the fact that I belong to a very competitive family, but I decided to give it a go while on holiday in Cornwall. It went better than I expected! We were totally kitted out in the correct gear which, much to my surprise, was freshly laundered, and then given a thorough safety talk before we were let loose on the track. I wasn’t very fast but held my own and can recommend the experience to everybody.

Discover that unexpected bargain from the 1,000s of items for sale, or sell your caravan, motorhome, towcar or accessory.

Advertise online for free, or for a small fee you can have your advert highlighted and featured on the Classi eds homepage.

This area of our website is managed by Caravans For Sale. Any advert you place on Club Classi eds will appear on the Caravans For Sale website guaranteeing e tra e posure.

For more information, please visit camc.com/classifieds

We are delighted to announce the launch of My Esso Card, a fuel card that can be used at every Esso station across the UK. Drive down the cost of touring by visiting camc. com/myessocard to order your card and to find terms and conditions.

*Save an average of 8p per litre on premium and 5p per litre on standard diesel and unleaded fuel.

TyrePal systems can monitor tyre pressures on towcars, caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Sensors simply screw into the dust caps on your tyres and monitor pressures, providing clear visual and audible alerts should anything start to go wrong. To find out more and to take advantage of our offer see camc.com/tyrepal

The classic, original Go Ape! experience sees you flying down zip-wires, leaping off Tarzan swings and tackling crossings while enjoying some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery – and you can save 10% as a Club member! The discount also applies to the all-new Forest Segways, which enable you to get off the beaten track while twisting and turning along woodland trails. Find out more and pre-book your session by first visiting camc.com/goape

Whether you’re thinking of an electric vehicle or something to take you on your next big adventure, CarSelect from Hitachi Capital has some great options, including personal leasing offers that can’t be found anywhere else. Visit camc.com/hitachicapital for more info.

10% OFF BIKES, CYCLING CLOTHING AND MORE

Members can enjoy a 10% discount on clothing, accessories and bicycles, both in-store and online, with Cycle Surgery. With a wide range of bikes, components, accessories and clothing from the world’s leading brands in stock, Cycle Surgery is able to bring you the latest, innovative cycling gear. Visit camc.com/cyclesurgery to find out more.

10% OFF COVERS AND AWNINGS

Rockall Covers specialises in making bespoke car, motorhome and caravan covers and awnings. As well as delivering practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions, the company also offers a comprehensive repair and refresh service. Visit camc.com/rockallcovers for more information.

Motorway service area operator Roadchef is offering Club members a 20% discount when they visit a Costa, Fresh Food Cafe or Restbite at any of their 21 locations across the UK. Download your voucher from camc.com/roadchef and start saving today.

ITOU beauty!

Lesley Harris revisits a class winner from the Club’s recent Towcar of the Year competition – and finds much to like

t’s always nice to revisit some of the class winners from the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition. The most recent (2019) contest was, typically, a fiercely fought battle, with my fellow judges and I putting 35 towcars through their paces to find the best models in eight different classes. There were gems, some of which I will be reviewing during the next few months, and one such vehicle is Volkswagen’s Touareg – winner of the ‘Caravan Weight over 1,700kg’ class in tremendous style.

COMFORT

Now in its third generation, I have to say the Touareg – named after the Saharan Berber Tuareg people – is looking pretty good. The new, slightly lower roofline produces a more squat, muscular stance than its predecessor. And, thanks to the distinctive rear wraparound tail lights and bold, horizontal front grille, the Touareg looks great from any angle.

Built on the same platform as some costlier counterparts, such as the Audi Q7, Bentley

Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne, you could be forgiven for thinking the Touareg is just a poor relation because of the price. But think again. With an interior that is not only well built but also elegant and sophisticated, the Touareg certainly gives those pricier rivals a run for their money.

The range-topping 3.0 V6 R-Line Tech model tested here has lashings of sumptuous leather adorning almost every |inch of the interior, while the high quality

plastics and metal trim wouldn’t be out of place in a more expensive car. Like its rivals, Volkswagen has ditched the analogue dials for something called the ‘Innovision Cockpit’. This is made up of not one but two screens – a 12in digital fascia and a whopping, 15in infotainment display. The effect is an illusion of one continuous screen which offers crystal-clear graphics and is intuitive to use. The system can be customised to ensure your most-used

functions are more prominent. You’ll find all the usual settings along with heating control, sat-nav and helpful driving aids. It’s also compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Your passengers won’t be disappointed either – there’s plenty of head and leg room in the back and the rear seats slide and recline for extra comfort. However, if you’re looking for a seven-seater you’re out of luck – there are just five spots in the Touareg.

DRIVING

It’s easy to see why the Touareg won its class in the Club’s competition. Aside from its towing ability – of which more later – the Touareg is simply a great car to drive. Okay, it’s not the most dynamic, but that’s not really what SUVs are about. What the Touareg offers is a safe, secure drive that will leave you feeling relaxed even after the longest of journeys. Our test model was fitted with the optional air suspension with rear axle steering (£2,370),

Clockwise from above: comfortable cockpit with dual display; stylish switchgear; plenty of load space; decent rear legroom

which not only keeps body-roll in check but reduces the turning circle from 12.2m to 11.9m, making towing manoeuvres easier too.

The Touareg also comes loaded with stress-saving tech, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Predictive Cruise, Lane Assist and Multifunction Camera. Other options on offer include Night Vision, Traffic Jam Assist and Cross Traffic Assist.

Under our test car’s bonnet there’s a 3.0TDi V6, which puts out a massive 282bhp and delivers 600Nm of torque, giving the Touareg plenty of punch when needed.

All Touaregs come with 4Motion AWD as standard and there is a selection of driving modes on offer. The eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox can be frustratingly hesitant off the line but the Touareg is incredibly quiet and refined on the road, with little noise to speak of.

TOWING

The day I took the Touareg out to pick up a large, twin-axle Bailey Barcelona was one of the year’s most blustery, so I began my route over the South Downs with trepidation. I really needn’t have worried – the Touareg was a trooper, the car and caravan remaining steadfast

Price as tested

£72,865

Insurance

Group 42

Club insurance

The Club’s Car Insurance is tailored to the needs of members using our 25 plus years of know-how. We guarantee to beat your renewal premium by at least £25*.

Engine

V6, 2,967cc

Power

282bhp (210kW)

@3,500rpm

Torque

443lb ft (600Nm)

@2,250rpm

Transmission

8-speed auto

Tiptronic

Spare wheel full-size space

saver

Kerbweight

2,070kg (85%=1,760kg)

Gross vehicle weight

2,850kg

Gross train weight

4,920kg

Noseweight limit 140kg

Towing equipment

Power folding towbar with Trailer Assist (£1,120)

Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/16.5gal (75 litre)/ 35.4mpg

CO2 173g/km

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of existing renewal, including cover and price (eg a copy of your renewal notice), when cover is on a like-forlike basis. Please note, terms and conditions, eg excess(es), may vary from your current insurer. Courtesy car is subject to availability. Subject to terms and conditions and the Insurer’s acceptance of the Risk. The Club’s Car 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.

and reassuringly stable despite strong gusts of wind. My route took me on a variety of roads and around towns the Touareg did a great job. However, it really came into its own on the larger ‘A’ roads and motorways – this is a comfortable, quiet and relaxing cruiser.

The Touareg has plenty of power and a kerbweight of 2,070kg, meaning it is ideal for a big family caravan. The boot is certainly large enough to take all your necessary belongings – 810 litres even with seats in place, rising to 1,800 when seats are folded. Surprisingly, there’s a full-size space saver too…

VERDICT

The Touareg is extremely hard to fault. It has everything you could possibly want from a luxury towcar, including space, elegance and refinement. Crucially, at £56,300 on the road (our test vehicle featured numerous extras), it comes with a cheaper price tag than of some of its rivals. Something worth contemplating when considering your next large SUV.

DID YOU KNOW?

We guarantee to beat your insurance renewal premium by £25*. See camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 to get your quote

With thanks to

Chichester Caravans, Uckfield, for the loan of Towcar Test caravans. See chichester-caravans. co.uk, call 01825 764151 or email: uckfield@ chicester-caravans.co.uk.

Bargain buys

Rob McCabe takes a look at caravans for budgets ranging from £8k to £12k

Make and model: Bessacarr Cameo 525 SL

Year of manufacture: 2006

Current price: £7,495

It may lack the relative youth of the two whippersnappers featured on the following pages, but neither of the other vehicles can boast the ‘B-word’ as part of their names. And this gorgeous caravan confirms that there’s more to a Bessacarr than just a badge.

A s soon as you step inside (having nodded approvingly at the stunning-condition alloy wheels on the way), that beautiful lounge catches the eye and holds it. Now this is how you do wraparound seating.

Unlike most variations on the theme, the bit at the front is actually usable, whether you want to sit on it in some degree of comfort or stick your feet up on it from one of the front corners.

The plush lounge makes for a great entertaining space if you have a couple of friends in for drinks (there’s a little pop-up shelf under the window for wine glasses and nibbles), and

the plumpness of the upholstery is exceptional. I’m guessing this Bessie hasn’t been overworked these past 12 years or so.

The cabinetry is beautiful – solid and lustrous, with quality joinery in evidence everywhere. It almost goes without saying that all the surfaces are as pristine and billiard table-smooth as the day they left the factory. Similarly, the cooking appliances, sinks and cylindrical shower cubicle are blemish-free. There is a fitted microwave hidden behind one of the overhead lockers, although the fact you have to hold the locker hatch open while operating it is a little irritating.

The 525 is a couple’s caravan really, but the seating in the side dinette (a ready-made breakfast bar) gives you a third berth for an overnighting guest. The privacy curtain and its rail are missing in this one, but they’ll be present and correct by the time the next owners are receiving their handover.

The Cameo’s equipment confirms its posh caravan status: exterior gas barbecue and mains points, cocktail cabinet, elegant wall lights

MRO

1,398kg (27.52cwt)

MTPLM

1,694kg (33.34cwt)

User payload

296kg (5.83cwt)

Overall length

23ft 3in (7.09m)

Berths

3 Warranty

12 months parts and labour

in the lounge, two TV viewing stations, stereo, domestic-style kitchen extractor fan and pleated blinds on all the side windows (couldn’t they just have done the front as well and been done with it?).

VERDICT

Pure class, and a steal for somebody at under eight grand with a year’s warranty.

WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE FOR £8,000?*

1. Swift Sterling Europa 460 2009, 2-berth, £7,995 (Yorkshire Caravans, Yorkshire –yorkshirecaravans.com, 01302 710366)

2. Elddis Xplore Trinidad 452 2009, 2-berth, £7,995 (Canwell Caravan Centre, Sutton Coldfield – canwellcaravancentre.co.uk, 0121 647 7096)

3. Ace Jubilee Aristocrat 2008, 4-berth, £7,850 (Charmouth Caravans, Charmouth, Dorset – charmouthcaravans.co.uk, 01297 561231)

Make and model: Lunar Ultima 462 Year of manufacture: 2012

Current price: £10,995

The Ultima is a Quasar-based special edition commissioned by the Robinsons Caravans dealerships. Indeed, the standard Quasar 462 end-washroom two-berther is a well-liked model that is still a key player in the Lunar first team in 2019.

A s a reference point, a brand-new Quasar 462 costs £18,500. If you bought this one instead, you would be seven-and-a-half grand to the good – and you’d also benefit from a motorised mover and an awning, which are both included. You would also get a caravan that looks like it has enjoyed a cosseted life – it’s extremely smart, inside and out, and all the kitchen appliances are pleasingly clean and fresh.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Club offers a range of different insurance packages. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 01342 336610 for further details

T here’s not a single mark on any surface, the rich-toned woodwork is very pleasing on the eye, and all the lockers open and close precisely. It looks like the nearside drawer and low-level cupboard have a history of coming open during towing, though – a previous owner has fitted a couple of door stays to keep them in place, which is a cunning and effective solution.

T he lounge (which transforms into your bedroom at night) scores highly, with four wellbolstered corners to lean into, four reading lights, a fitted stereo and a big sunroof. This last fitment is missing its surround, but that will be replaced before the Ultima goes home with its next owner. Like all of our featured caravan, the price includes a service and pre-delivery inspection, after which anything that needs replacing or fixing will be attended to. The comprehensive, year-long warranty gives reassurance too.

A big thumbs-up for the immaculate kitchen, with its generous swathe of work surface, fine storage facilities and fitted microwave. The

spacious end washroom boasts two wardrobes (in my case, that would be one for my wife and another one for her too).

VERDICT

Smart, lightweight and nicely equipped – well worth adding to a shortlist.

ELSE IS OUT THERE FOR £11,000?*

1. Bailey Unicorn Madrid 2014, 4-berth, £10,995 (Newport Caravans & Motorhomes, Newport – newportcaravans.com, 01633 843066)

2. Lunar Ariva 2013, 2-berth, £10,995 (Norwich Caravans, Norwich – norwich-caravans.co.uk, 01603 755489)

3. Compass Corona 460 2014, 2-berth, £10,995 (Duncan Caravans, Wishaw, Lanarkshire –duncancaravans.co.uk, 01698 374224)

Make and model: Elddis Avanté 574

Year of manufacture: 2013

Current price: £11,995

The newest caravan in our chosen trio is full of bonus goodies: the huge lockers under the fixed single beds contain everything from an awning and a windbreak to fresh and waste water containers. That’s quite a windfall for whoever ends up buying this fine example, especially given that there’s a motorised mover in place too.

Its first owner also specified the highly desirable iTC (Intelligent Trailer Control), which is the BPW equivalent of the more familiar Al-Ko ATC system. So at £12k this tourer is very temptingly priced.

Avantés have the knack of looking fresh and modern, and that is still very much the case with this six-year-old example. The colour scheme is nicely co-ordinated, and the condition of the furniture is excellent. The lounge (compact, as is often the case in a fixed-bedder) is comfortable, and the loose-fit carpet sections are all in fine fettle too.

It’s well equipped, with dual-fuel heating, fitted microwave, two TV viewing points (including one in the bedroom), plenty of mains sockets and an illuminated wine cabinet (although the big, smoked-black plastic door isn’t particularly attractive). The kitchen is all very presentable,

boasting an immaculate fridge and a very clean cooker that bears signs of only occasional use.

The bedroom is excellent – the beds are 6ft 1in and 6ft 2in long, and both feel reassuringly firm and supportive. Two windows and a sunroof give the area a light, airy feel, while the aforementioned TV point and excellent underbed storage, as well as night-time shelves for your glass of water and specs, score high usability points.

The present-day 574 has a central washroom, but in 2013 – when the first model was launched –it was right at the back. It’s fairly compact but easy on the eye, and the separate shower cubicle may never have been used.

VERDICT

The fixed single-bed layout is still very much in demand, so it’s actually quite unusual to find one on a used forecourt. Given this one’s fine condition and added goodies, I can’t imagine it’ll be around for very long.

TECHNICAL

MRO

1,287kg (25.33cwt)

MTPLM

1,450kg (28.54cwt)

User payload

163kg (3.21cwt)

Overall length

24ft 3in (7.39m)

Berths

4

Warranty

12 months parts and labour

WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE FOR £12,000?*

1. Lunar Clubman Si 2012, 4-berth, £11,995 (Surrey and Hants Caravans, Bordon – surreyandhantscaravansltd.co.uk, 07716 744933)

2. Bailey Olympus 530/4 2013, 4-berth, £11,995 (North East Caravans, Ashington –northeastcaravans.co.uk, 01670 812001)

3. Bailey Unicorn Valencia 2011, 4-berth, £11,995 (R&B Caravans, Herne Bay –randbcaravans.com, 01227 719828)

Featured caravans reviewed at : Pioneer Caravans, Thorney Road, Eye, Cambridgeshire PE6 7UB (pioneercaravans.co.uk, 01733 222244)

*Second-hand caravans available as this issue went to press

Club Shop

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OFFER FOR A UNIQUE CARAVAN JOCKEY WHEEL

So many features in a “simple” jockey wheel

Kartt is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of quality jockey wheels for commercial trailers. By using our decades of experience and in collaboration with the Caravan and Motorhome Club, we have designed a jockey wheel that will overcome many of the problems experienced by the caravan user when choosing a replacement jockey wheel. We analysed every component to create a jockey wheel that is tough enough to withstand impacts of cobbles, curbs and ruts and with the strength to cope with high sideways forces, yet is not too heavy. artt ts a big wide wheel but is perfect to stow inside the A frame and maintain good ground clearance. Puncture-proof, it travels easily across most surfaces; not only tarmac, gravel and chippings as on most hard standing sites, but also grass and sand. The tyre is solid, with a high impact capability, but is also forgiving. It has the same footprint width of many pneumatic tyres but without the potential drawbacks. Kartt’s design is “ideal for use with motor movers” and thus easy to “steer” resulting in great reviews by those that have tested it. The outer and inner tubes are selected for strength. The wheel hangers are heavy

duty to better withstand impact when manoeuvring and the side plates are formed to give greater strength by design. We have added unique features that have bene tted thousands of other users of our Kartt Orange Premium jockey wheels. A high visibility, orange powder coated, steel rim that can be more easily seen if the wheel is not raised after hitching up. The powder coating gives additional protection from road and sea salt. The 20mm steel axle tube rides inside a maintenance free nylon bearing allowing free running and no

metal to metal wear. This performs better than a steel bearing, which can break down under load.

Kartt has designed a device called “Turn-Lok” that stops the handle from winding under normal road vibrations. This prevents the wheel assembly from dropping out whilst travelling, something that could cause damage to the caravan or cause an accident.

artt’s uni ue speci cation is completed with an ergonomically designed jockey knob that is so easy to grip, along with a top of the range thrust bearing under the handle to allow a very smooth action when raising or lowering the jockey wheel. The unique jockey wheel also comes with easy to follow tting instructions.

This jockey wheel is exclusive to the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

Nick Harding discusses the merits of a model from Bailey’s new range

Somehow, Bailey has squeezed a new range in between its Advances and premium Autographs. There are six motorhomes under the Alliance banner, all around the £50,000 mark.

The 70-6 is the range-topper and, as the last number suggests, it’s a six-berth. Not that all potential buyers will want to tour with a full complement, of course – with four on board there’s a certain degree of flexibility and choice, especially when it comes to seating and sleeping. Notable specification upgrades enjoyed by Alliances (but not the Advance offerings) include awning, solar panel, digital radio and sat-nav as part of the ‘infotainment’ system, and a 160bhp engine as standard. But, there’s a bit more to it than that…

BUILD QUALITY

It’s hard to believe, but Bailey’s Alu-Tech body building system has been around for more than a decade now. Alliances get the Alu-Tech treatment, with GRP-skinned sides and roof.

The only wood is in the floor section, and it’s all backed by a six-year integrity warranty.

The 70-6 is mounted on a Peugeot Boxer cab with Al-Ko chassis extension, which has been the way for every motorhome Bailey has produced to date. Put simply, you won’t get another brand new motorhome with Al-Ko chassis on the road for this sort of price.

Also, it’s great that the maximum weight has been kept to 3,500kg, but bear in mind that the 70-6’s payload could be a bit tight if you really are going to cater for six.

DRIVING

The lower overall centre of gravity afforded by the Al-Ko chassis is a real benefit when it comes to driving. Handling is better than average – the short tail overhang is another contributor here – and it’s likely you’ll eke out decent fuel economy.

Once you’ve driven with a 160bhp engine, you won’t want to go back to the 130bhp Peugeot

product. It needs occasional dosages of AdBlue, but that’s no great hardship.

There’s a certain amount of what-you-see-iswhat-you-get about the cab. Everything you can see in the cab picture opposite is standard, and it’s good to note Traction+ and hill-hold facilities.

Indeed, Bailey has always placed a particular emphasis on safety with regard to its motorhomes, hence features like the substantial metal framework in the rear travel seat bases.

DAYTIME

You can’t complain about seating options in the 70-6. Both cab seats swivel, there’s a double dinette behind the driver, and finally there are the inward-facing settees at the back. Great for keeping the whole family happy (and apart, if needed), but I suspect the dinette will come into play at mealtimes for most users and the settees will be kept solely for lounging. The latter share the same wall-fixing tabletop, complete with

a slot-in extension section – all of which stows in the wardrobe when not in use.

The opening sunroof over the cab is a boon, allowing daylight to flood into the living area, as well as providing ventilation if required. There’s also a generous amount of standing room throughout, except in the dinette. Meanwhile, the angled wardrobe and washroom doors help alleviate the pinch effect you can sometimes get with a layout like this.

NIGHT-TIME

It’s a tale of three double beds in the 70-6, starting at the back, where there are caravan-esque pull-out slats to bridge the gap between the two settee bases.

Next, the drop-down double over the lounge glides into place electrically, with a ladder neatly stowed on the wardrobe door to provide access.

The one-piece, single-purpose mattress definitely makes the drop-down the most comfortable bed,

Price as tested

£51,999

Caravan and Motorhome Club Insurance

Please see quote provided in the ’Did you know?’ roundel on opposite page*

(119kW) @3,750rpm

ft (350Nm) @1,750rpm

Figures from manufacturer’s literature.

*Quote is for the model as tested worth £51,999. Based on 50-year-old banker living in Sheffield with a maximum NCB coming from a vehicle of a similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps vehicle on drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £150 damage, fire and theft excess. Quote is based on vehicle having a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser. Subject to underwriting. Due to the value exceeding £50,000, some insurers may require a tracker to be fitted, which may impact premiums and excesses. 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.

but it’s not the longest or the widest. Also, there’s a lack of reading lighting up here, especially if you want to employ the hinged boards to prevent anyone rolling out of bed accidentally. Elsewhere, though, there’s a plentiful mix of LED reading lamps (some with USB sockets for charging devices) and ambient strips.

Finally, the third – and probably most dispensable – double is made from the lounge seating below, with the table filling the gap between the seat bases.

You have to admire the flexibility of such an arrangement, but you will probably want to consider who in your party is likely to stay up late while you’re deciding who sleeps where. A divider between the rear and the front ends to create privacy would have been useful.

Peugeot Boxer cab is mated to Al-Ko chassis extension

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £593.59* per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

Clockwise from left: decent storage in the kitchen; double dinette up front; settees at the back; Peugeot cab

“The drop-down double over the lounge glides into place electrically”

KITCHEN

Chefs will be pleased with the Thetford Triplex cooker (three gas rings, plus a combined oven and grill) at the far right of the kitchen, while there’s also a microwave oven over the sink. There’s a generous amount of worktop space, too, although the drainer will need to be placed here for washing-up. Just as handy is the flip-up worktop extension to the left of the sink, even if it does tend to fill much of the doorway.

A Dometic 95-litre fridge is set under the sink – not large by today’s standards, but you can remove the freezer box if you want to use the whole thing as a chiller. There’s also a good array of storage: a small cutlery drawer, a large shelved cupboard and a floor locker.

WASHROOM

The washroom is certainly free of clutter, and the dimensions are decent, but there is no separate shower cubicle; instead, you’ll find yourself having to use a curtain for a rather small corner of the room under the Ecocamel

showerhead. Some will miss a riser bar for adjusting the height of the showerhead.

There’s a towel holder on the back of the door but, disappointingly, only a single clothes hook (for six people?), with mirror and just the one locker adjacent. A rooflight provides the only ventilation. More places to hang wet clothing would be have been beneficial.

Among the pluses, there’s a heavy-duty plastic floor – a deeply-lipped panel with two plugholes (but arguably they’re too close together). Also, the fixed basin is deep, and Bailey has resisted the current fad for setting the toilet high.

DETAILS

I’d highlight the overall amount of storage, including the sensible floor locker for the leisure battery. Truma’s Combi 4 boiler is housed in the offside settee base, but otherwise there’s space for your gear everywhere, with particularly tall, flat-fronted lockers around the lounge, plus open corner units. The open cubbyholes never seem such a good idea in a motorhome.

However, there’s just the occasional feel of corner-cutting – some trim seems a bit ‘stuck on’, the washroom wall flexes and habitation windows only get sprung roller blinds. The habitation door has double locking points and a window, but would be better if it opened fully flat to the vehicle side.

VERDICT

You’ve got a three-way choice to make if you want a six-berth Bailey. Alliance 70-6 costs £3,500 more than the Advance 70-6 and £8,000 less than the Autograph 79-6. From its graphite cab to the fixings for a bike rack on the rear panel, the Alliance puts its case forward well.

Clockwise from above: Thetford Triplex cooker in the kitchen; washroom lacks a separate shower cubicle; comfy drop-down bed

Our motorhome insurance is designed with you in mind.

• New for old insurance for up to 24 months, with no mileage limit

• Contents cover protects single items up to £500 to a maximum combined £5,000

• Full policy cover in Europe, for up to 365 days per year

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of an existing renewal, including cover and price (e.g. a copy of your renewal notice) and when cover is on a like-for-like basis. Offer applies to new customers only. Subject to terms and conditions and the underwriter’s acceptance of the risk. Please note, terms, conditions and excess(es) may vary from your current insurer and excludes Breakdown and Legal cover, which needs to be purchased separately. A sample policy, including the terms and conditions that may apply, is available upon request. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged by Devitt Insurance

and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by The

Ask your Club

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

Detachment realities

QA friend of mine’s caravan detached from the towcar while he was towing it. The towball itself was intact. Why would that happen?

AIt shouldn’t happen. If the hitch is properly engaged over the towball, it’s virtually impossible for them to separate in anything like normal driving. Hitch mechanisms are simple and robust, and while it’s theoretically possible for excessive wear or component failure to occur, we just don’t see evidence of failure of these units in practice.

What we do see in appreciable numbers are detachments that have resulted from the caravan not being hitched up properly. Evidence from both anecdotal reports and insurance claims shows this is not just an issue affecting inexperienced caravanners, either.

In 2018, the average number of years of Club membership held by those making claims after a detachment incident was 16. It seems that the uncomfortable truth is that experienced caravanners don’t always check carefully enough after hitching up – perhaps because the process has become so familiar.

How do we know these incidents are due to ineffective hitching? Well, in a good proportion of cases, the caravan separated pretty much straight away (at low speed when pulling away, or over a speed hump on site), with no evidence of damage to towball or hitch mechanism.

In such a situation, if you are lucky there’s no damage at all – but there’s a good chance of the car/caravan electrical connection being damaged, especially a 13-pin one.

Much more worrying is when detachment occurs on public roads. If the caravan noseweight is high enough, an incorrectly-attached hitch may sit on top of (rather than over) the towball until (a) significant speed is achieved, as noseweight tends to reduce due to aerodynamic effects at speed, and (b) a pothole or other disturbance jolts the hitch. The latch which should lock under the towball to secure the hitch instead tends to bear on the upper third of the towball, rapidly producing a characteristic moon-shaped witness mark.

Even when the breakaway cable engages its brakes, a caravan detaching at speed won’t stop

instantly. Insurance claims are typically for several thousands of pounds’ worth of damage (and sometimes write-offs), as caravans collide with walls, buildings and, sometimes, other vehicles.

The huge fear in such circumstances is that someone will be seriously injured or killed by a detached caravan. Please help minimise that risk by paying attention to the following.

n The most commonly-fitted caravan hitches feature a red/green indicator – the green section is visible when the caravan is attached correctly. Always check for the green indicator after hitching up.

n After hitching, wind the jockey wheel to raise the hitch until the back end of the car is lifted just above its normal level when solo.

The hitch can only raise the back of the car if it is correctly engaged, so this quick check provides definitive proof of proper hitching. Remember to wind up and clamp the jockey wheel in place before you leave.

Please address your questions to: Technical Information, Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA

...and quote your membership number

camc.com/advice

Talking SHOP

Thinking of buying a caravan or motorhome?

Sammy Faircloth offers her basic buying guide

Buying a new or used caravan or motorhome can be daunting – especially as it may involve a significant financial outlay. Before you take the plunge there are a number of factors you should consider. Let’s take a look at some of the most important...

LAYOUTS

It may be an obvious thing to say – but consider your future caravan/motorhome’s layout carefully. Some people don’t want the hassle of making up a bed each night, so opt for a fixed-bed model if that’s the case. If you have children, how long will it be before those bunkbeds are too small? Visit a show to get a feel for designs that suit your needs.

CAR AND CARAVAN MATCHING

It is essential that your outfit is both safe and legal –your car handbook should contain information regarding the weight of trailer you can tow, while your Sites Directory & Handbook ’s ‘Technical Information’ section contains a wealth of advice.

DID YOU KNOW?

The ‘Practical Advice’ section of the Club website contains a wealth of expert information. See camc.com/advice

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s online outfit matching service is a fantastic resource that allows you to compare cars and caravans and find a safe combination. Visit camc.com/outfitmatching.

WHERE TO BUY

If you are still undecided, dealerships are good places to browse a number of caravans and/or motorhomes. They can also offer greater protection to buyers in terms of warranties. Bear in mind that in order to maintain a warranty you may have to service your vehicle at the dealership where it was purchased.

Sometimes it’s possible to pick up a bargain when buying from a private seller, either via an online auction or classified advertising. Extras such as awnings, water containers and leisure batteries may be included in the price, so check with the seller! Make sure that you see the vehicle up close before committing (you should take a motorhome for a test drive). Check the vehicle comes with an up-to-date service record – or that ‘bargain’ could turn into a money pit.

Above: pick a layout that suits

Below: dealerships are good places to browse various models

Clockwise from above: check everything in the bathroom is working as it should do; the 17-digit CRiS number; consider the ‘hidden’ cost of towbar fitting; check the tyres thoroughly (see March 2018 issue for more information)

CHECKS

As mentioned above, it is very important to view properly before you buy, as photos can be deceiving. Take a friend who has caravanning experience with you – it’s good to get a second opinion. As a member you are entitled to a discount on caravan and motorhome inspections with Caravan Inspectors (see camc.com/memberoffers); alternatively, consider the Approved Workshop Scheme’s Pre-owned Pre-purchase Inspections service. Since 1992, all caravans built by manufacturers recognised by the National Caravan Council (NCC) have had a Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) stamped on the windows and chassis. This unique, 17-digit number is linked to the Central Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS) database (cris.co.uk).

A CRiS check will help identify if a caravan has been reported stolen, has any outstanding finance, has been written off by an insurance company and the name of the registered keeper.

STORAGE

Consider where you are going to store your caravan/motorhome. Will it fit on your driveway? Check your deeds to make sure there are no covenants regarding caravans/motorhomes on driveways. Alternatively, you could find a local

LICENCE RESTRICTIONS

It is essential that you check your driving licence and determine what vehicles you are permitted to tow/ drive by law.

TOWING

Plan where you'll keep it

POST 1 JANUARY 1997, FULL LICENCE HOLDER

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can drive a car up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and tow a trailer of up to 750kg MAM. (You can tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg). You will need to pass a car and trailer driving test if you want a heavier outfit.

PRE 1 JANUARY 1997, FULL LICENCE HOLDER

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. See gov.uk/ towing-with-car for more detailed information.

DRIVING A MOTORHOME

POST 1 JANUARY 1997, FULL LICENCE HOLDER

You can drive a motorhome with a MAM of 3,500kg or lower if you passed your test after 1 January 1997

PRE 1 JANUARY 1997, FULL LICENCE HOLDER

To drive a motorhome with a MAM of between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes, you need a category C1 licence (you should automatically have this if you passed your test before 1 January 1997 ).

ALL FULL LICENCE HOLDERS

To drive something heavier than 7.5 tonnes you will need a category C licence. See gov.uk/driving-motorhome for more information.

There are further restrictions once you reach the age of 70 – see gov.uk for more advice.

storage facility. The Club has seasonal storage pitches on some of its sites, or you could opt for a commercial site.

EXTRA COSTS TO CONSIDER

There are many ‘hidden’ costs when buying a caravan or motorhome. Make sure you consider the following.

n Towbar fitting

n Number plate for rear of caravan

n Towing mirrors

n Storage costs

n Insurance and breakdown cover

n Vehicle tax and MOT for motorhome

n Annual habitation service (to include a damp check) and base vehicle service for motorhomes

n Gas cylinder, leisure battery, water pump and water/waste containers (not always included)

n Security – hitch locks, wheel locks, alarms and trackers

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’ve done your research, buying a caravan or motorhome should be an enjoyable, exciting process. There’s one thing I must really stress though: try before you buy. The Club offers such a service, while you may be interested to know that Experience Freedom from the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers customers the opportunity to hire a motorhome or even stay in a luxury Airstream caravan – and there are discounts for Club members. It’s the perfect way to see whether caravanning/motorhoming is for you. See experiencefreedom.co.uk.

Crossword

Not short (4)

Opportunist

Pinny (5)

Small bed (3)

(6)

Creative skill like DIY (9)

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Tuesday 19 February 2019. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

1 Food basket (6)

2 Pottery oven (4) 3 Lorry (5) 4 Power cut (8)

5 Contest winner (6)

Connected by marriage (7)

Hit with the foot (4)

Coach (5)

Oral (6)

Irrational fear (6)

Mountain top (6)

Blockhead (6)

Alter to fit (5)

In good health (4)

Running for exercise (7)

Thick (5)

45 Camp lavatory (7)

47 High point (4)

49 Unattached (4)

6 Rodent snare (3-4) 7 Giant shop (10) 9 Jotted reminder (4) 13 Ore (7) 15 Rabbit-like animal (4) 17 Wobbly or rickety (5) 18 Chore (4) 20 Without the power of speech (4) 21 Panic (4) 23 Leafy

(7)

(4)

Stumble (4)

50 Successful in producing a positive result (9)

53 Snare (3)

54 Bee product (5)

55 Surpass, go beyond (6)

56 Give a title (4)

57 Roman sea-god (7)

58 Physician (6)

59 Selfish motorist (4,3) DOWN

Stirlingshire;

Internet away from home?

Internet is a blessing when it comes to staying connected, especially when travelling away from home, but it can be lacking in security and leave our personal information vulnerable.

So, what is the risk when using the internet while being away from home? It has become common for internet users' to be targeted where large concentrations of people make use of WIFI in places such as airports, holiday destinations, coffee shops and trains

GOOSE shields all your activities from 'prying eyes' who try to find out your personal details such as bank information and e-mail content. So trusted is our product, that we count local councils and law enforcement agencies amongst our customer base.

It is a simple and easy process to get GOOSE installed on phones, laptops and tablets. After setting up a subscription that suits you best you will be guided to the App store and be able to install GOOSE on any device. The good news is that 1 subscription can be used for every phone, tablet and laptop used by the family.

Make sure you're protected on the internet with GOOSE

We want to provide members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club with peace of mind when using the internet while away from your home.To ensure this, GOOSE is offering members a 35% discount on annual and monthly unlimited subscription.

Another bonus feature of the GOOSE service is that it enables users to continue to watch their favourite television programmes when travelling abroad. This is down to GOOSE removing the geographical restrictions and therefore making it possible to watch live UK television channels via a great free product like TVCatchup GOOSE is a customer friendly company with a great support team that is ready to advise you how to stay safe and get the best use out of your internet.

To get your Caravan and Motorhome Club members offer, simply head to camc.com/goose and receive a 35% discount.

came.com/goose

Msd

Centre lines

Helicopter help

Emma Summers (21), her grandparents and Club stalwarts Andrew and Doris Baird and friends presented a cheque for £1,100 to the Scottish Ambulance Service – Air Ambulance on behalf of the North of Scotland and Highland Centres. Emma was seriously injured while making her way home by car from the Portsoy Boat Festival Rally in 2017. She is very thankful for the prompt attention she received from the Scottish Air Ambulance crew.

Australian adventure

Nottingham member Rosemary Bolton (pictured with friend Trevor) wrote to us to say how much she had enjoyed Cheshire Centre’s adventure in Western Australia. Here’s just a taster...

“Diesel was cheap and we covered 4,000km to see and walk sections of this beautiful country (Perth to Kalbarri and Perth to Albany).

Welcome to our section dedicated to the Club’s centres. To search for a Centre event or find your local group’s details, see camc.com/centres

Franz Hohmann

The Nottinghamshire Centre regrets to announce the death at 96 of longtime member Franz Hohmann. Franz and wife Hilda joined the Nottinghamshire Centre in 1968.

Raised in eastern Germany, Franz was posted to the E-boat flotillas in the English Channel at the start of the Second World War. He was picked up and taken prisoner by HMS Stayner in September 1944.

After spending time at several PoW camps he ended up at a camp near Retford. In 1948 he met his future wife, Hilda, at a dance at Rampton Hospital where she was a nurse.

Franz and Hilda rallied regularly and toured extensively throughout Europe. Franz was a keen photographer and diarist and also loved cooking and eating out. After losing Hilda in 2003, Franz continued to rally and tour, becoming an Honorary Life Member of the Nottinghamshire Centre and a Life Member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Our leaders Rob and Jacqui Groom, now residents in Western Australia, knew just where to take us to see this beautiful country and the whole group of the Cheshire Centre Club members soon bonded to set up a great holiday of friendship and fun.

Our sincere thanks to you all and we look forward to meeting up again, hopefully, when our Australian friends visit us in 2019.”

Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time.

Light fantastic

Members of the Wiltshire Centre and guests stayed at the Longleat Club site to enjoy the dazzling Festival of Light recently.

Everyone was impressed by the illuminations on the estate and enjoyed soup, hot dogs, mulled wine and mince pies laid on by Adi and Joanne Berridge, Wendy Leckie and Steve and Sandra Berridge. Adi and Joanne took over as lead rally officers following the sad loss of Wendy’s husband, Darren.

Proceeds from the raffle and a special draw for a VIP trip around the safari park will be presented, along with funeral donations, to Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Left to right: Daz Steatham, Scottish Air Ambulance team leader, Emma Summers, grandparents Doris and Andrew Baird, James Urquhart (Emma’s boyfriend), Neil Watt (Chairman of North Scotland Centre) and paramedic Kris O’Neil

The Young Caravanners Committee presents a cheque to a Butterwick House Hospice representative

Charity double

The Young Caravanners for North Yorkshire Centre raised a magnificent £1,400 which was split between the Butterwick House Hospice for children and Redcar Primary Care Hospital’s stroke rehabilitation centre. The Young Caravanners worked hard throughout the year holding raffles and cake stalls, and are a credit to the centre.

Landmarks

n Durham Centre is asking you to put 23-28 May 2019 in your diary –the dates of its ‘60th Celebration Rally’! Highlights of the event at Stanhope Showground will include three nights of professional live music, children’s entertainers,

All abroad

Care for carers

The East Kent Centre has presented a cheque for £2,150 to Kent Young Carers. Pictured from left to right are Elise Monks from the charity, Eileen Killick (East Kent Centre Vice Chairlady) and Karen Burch (East Kent Chairlady).

a fun run, duck race, hog roast, brass band and vintage car exhibition. For more information please call Barry Dodd on 0191 903 0816/ 07770 956036 or email bidodddairyman@hotmail.com. n West Surrey members would love you to join them at their ‘60th Birthday Celebration by the Thames’ from 8-12 August 2019. The rally will

Details of overseas centre rallies in 2019

FRANCE

1-15 June

Location: Riva Bella, Ouistreham

Host Centre: Avon

3-24 June

Location: Le Coin Tranquille, Les Abrets*

Host Centre: East Sussex

Details: This campsite has a superb restaurant, while the friendly owners offer an array of excursions and sightseeing opportunities for you to experience. You can choose between stays of 7, 14 or 21 nights.

19 June-3 July

Location: Camping Le Patisseau, Pornic

Host Centre: Wiltshire

22 June-6 July

Location: Camping Du Letty, Bénodet*

Host Centre: East Dorset

Details: This site sits within a distinctive region of dramatic coastlines and pretty fishing villages. Offering far-reaching views across the Bay of Biscay, it is just a 25-minute drive from Quimper, generally regarded as the cultural heart of Brittany.

24 June-14 July

Location: Camping L’Océano d’Or, Jard sur Mer

Host Centre: Dyfed

29 June-13 July

Location: Camping l’Île d’Offard, Saumur

Host Centre: Gwent

23 July-15 September

Location: Camping L’Océano d’Or, Jard sur Mer

Host Centre: West Wales

be held at Apps Court Farm in Walton-on-Thames and will feature day and evening entertainment, a licensed bar, burger bar, cream teas and dancing. Guests will also be able to enjoy an illuminated boat display and fireworks as the event coincides with the Sunbury Amateur Regatta. For more information please visit westsurreycentre.co.uk.

Paul King

Gloucestershire Centre is sad to report the passing of former Chairman Paul King. Paul joined the centre in 1989 and was well known for running the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) rally at Fairford for a number of years. He travelled widely throughout Europe with his wife Stephanie in their motorhome. Paul was a well loved grandfather and his grandchildren often came along on rallies. Stephanie and the Gloucestershire Centre RIAT team will be running the 2019 Fairford Air Tattoo Rally in Paul’s memory.

Rally milestone

East Yorkshire Centre members David and Hazel Ferdinand celebrated their 1,600th rally at Ebberston at the end of August. David is the former chairman of the Pennine Centre and immediate past Chairman of the Northern Region. East Yorkshire Rally Secretary Denis Brennan presented the couple with their special plaque.

ITALY

25 August-6 September

Location: Camping Fornella, Lake Garda

Host Centre: Cheshire

NETHERLANDS

27 July-10 August

Location: Allure Park Laag Kanje, Maarn*

Host Centre: Buckinghamshire

Details: This attractive campsite is a great location for a family rally. Highlights include a welcome meal in the site restaurant, a day excursion to the beautiful ancient town of Arnhem with a visit to the Airborne Museum, and a day trip to a flower auction and afternoon in the lakeside town of Volendam.

17-31 August

Location: Resort de Arendshorst, Ommen*

Host Centre: Suffolk

Details: Located on the riverside in the rural north-east of the country, this campsite is perfect for a family holiday. Take advantage of numerous cycle paths, go in a dinghy on the river, enjoy a dip in the pool or visit the on-site petting zoo which is home to goats and chickens – there’s loads to see and do.

30 August-9 September

Location: Camping Liesbos, Breda

Host Centre: South Essex

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

Tail lights

Your observations on the unusual

world of touring

MORE ON THE APP

South coast cynic

Baz Juniper was one of many members to snap this tanker as it emptied the drainage facilities at Start Bay Club site earlier this year. Ahem... no comment!

High Roller

Thinking of buying a new towcar? How about forking out for one with a gleaming Spirit of Ecstasy figurine on the bonnet? Hazel and Hamish Green came across this Rolls-Royce during a holiday in New York – one that capably chugs along with a similarly shiny UXT trailer behind it.

If you’ve seen something unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’ve been out and about, send your picture to magazine@ camc.com and we’ll print the best.

Cover versions

Talented artists Alan and Betty Shaw were surprised to see their favourite spot on the cover of the December magazine. In fact, they have both created their own paintings of the steps in Whitby, which they generously shared with us. Alan’s is the wintry one of the two. Thanks very much!

Roo’s there?

Doug and Tian Davidson are seasoned Tail Lights contributors and, after discovering strange purple hay bales (see last issue), they’re back with this picture of a very odd sign. Visitors to Morvich Club site may recognise it as it is on the Carr Brae viewpoint road overlooking Loch Duich. Has anyone actually spotted McSkippy?

Barge at large

Now this is unusual... spotted by Mel Wood at Morn Hill in September, the owner of this unit really does have a galley kitchen amidships. Mel jokes: “It would seem an ideal unit for use on any site which is liable to flood!”