Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - March 2020

MARCH 2020

AS YOU LIKE IT!

From Shakespeare to steam, the West Midlands and Cotswolds region has something for everyone ON TEST Models from Ford, Knaus and Rapido rated

RAILWAY RIDES Get on the right track with these cycle routes

READY, STEADY, GO Essential hints and tips for the new touring season

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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COMMENT EDITOR

WELCOME

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

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm) Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance Car/motor caravan 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335

Gary Martin says: As you read this, it is only a matter of a couple of weeks until the majority of Club sites put the finishing touches to their preparations and open their gates for the 2020 touring season.

So, with the ’big day‘ just around the corner, are you ready to embark on another year of amazing adventures?

Don’t worry if you’re not, as this issue is packed full of suggestions and advice to ensure that your touring year is one that lives long in the memory.

Travel Service 01342 316101

...are you ready to “embark on a year of

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

amazing adventures?

Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 336817 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive: Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com Commercial Executive: Steve Walters 01342 779377 steve.walters@camc.com Production Controller: Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com

TESTED: FORD FOCUS VIGNALE/KNAUS STARCLASS 695/RAPIDO M96

AS YOU LIKE IT!

COVER IMAGE:

From Shakespeare to steam, the West Midlands and Cotswolds region has something for everyone

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ON TEST Models from Ford, Knaus and Rapido rated PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

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

MARCH 2020

TOURING: COTSWOLDS AND WEST MIDLANDS SITES AND CLS

Patron: HRH The Prince Philip President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE Director General: Nick Lomas

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE MARCH 2020

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

Our ’practical‘ expert, Sammy Faircloth, shows you how to prepare your caravan or motorhome before you hit the road this spring – see her essential tips on p67-68.

With your final checks completed, now you just need to decide where to go! Three Club members pass on their ideas on p10-11, highlighting that

RAILWAY RIDES Get on the right track with these cycle routes

”

you can plan and enjoy your holidays in very different ways – are you a ’Planner‘, an ’Opportunist‘ or a ’Multi-Generationalist‘?

On p20 we suggest eight Club sites to visit this year – from Godrevy Park in Cornwall to Edinburgh in Scotland.

How many will you stay at?

Finally, if it is new experiences rather than new destinations you are after, turn to p50-51 and see Club Director General Nick Lomas trying his hand at a quartet of very different skills – from foraging for edible mushrooms in the woods to baking focaccia in a country kitchen.

Enjoy the issue!

READY, STEADY, GO Essential hints and tips for the new touring season

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Garden (DavidCC/Alamy)

06/02/2020 13:21

March 2020 3

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MARCH 2020

TOURING 24

36 38 42

UK SITES Jane McGowan heads for the Cotswolds and West Midlands DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS A cycle on a former rail track gets the thumbs up from Jonathan Manning FOREIGN TOURING Rosemary Boyce offers a guide to the best of County Wicklow

TESTS 88 92 96

CAR Ford Focus Vignale CARAVAN Knaus StarClass 695 MOTORHOME Rapido M96

PLEASE

RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY Your magazine is now delivered in a recyclable paper wrap

SPECIALS 10

50

NEWS

62

20

75

13

46 86

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES Suggestions for sites to visit and news from around the network OVERSEAS Foreign holidays and tours CENTRES Rallies and news from across the country

88

80

REGULARS 7 8 23 53 58 67

4 March 2020

CLUB MATTERS The different ways that Club members go touring NEW EXPERIENCES Why not try and learn a new skill while staying at a Club site?

CAMPINGAZ We look back as the iconic gas supplier turns 70 TICKET OFFER Discount for the Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show CLUB PRESIDENT Part Two of our interview with Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas shares his thoughts YOUR PHOTOS The best photos from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey has a spin on a classic Russian dish LETTERS Your comments and views COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman reveals a fascination with collective nouns PRACTICAL Sammy Faircloth has some tips for the new touring season

42 70

ASK YOUR CLUB The Club’s Technical Team answers your queries 72 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Six day bags to consider 76 MEMBER OFFERS Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members 78 CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens 83 EVENTS DIARY Pitching spots near public events 101 DEALER MARKETPLACE Start looking for your next home-from-home 108 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 122 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring

62

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COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

OPINION Nick Lomas says:

camc.com/enquiries This magazine is also available at £2.29 (Google Play) or £2.99 (App Store) per issue to non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app.

Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.

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

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

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

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

352,416

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2018

Printing by Walstead Bicester

www.camc.com

As a Club member you can take advantage of great deals on thousands of products, services and attractions to help you get more from the great outdoors – here’s how.

MEMBER OFFERS

In 2019 members saved more than £3 million by taking advantage of the many specially-selected offers negotiated by the Club. In addition to an average saving of £4,263 on new car purchases, you collectively saved over £230,000 on fuel and an average of £200 a year on your shopping at Sainsbury’s. We’re proud to be working

“

In 2019 members saved

more than £3 million

”

with more than 50 well-established brands including Cotswold Outdoor, Mountain Warehouse, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Roadchef, Sainsbury’s and Witter Towbars.

Information: camc.com/memberoffers GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Our Great Savings Guide offers discounts at more than 1,000 top attractions and experiences near Club sites. This scheme has been in operation for over 15 years, and in 2019 members saved in excess of £128,000. Popular offers last year included two-for-one tickets at the East Lancashire Railway (adjacent to Burrs Country Park), a third off admissions at Beaulieu in the New Forest, up to 45% off Warwick Castle, 20% off selected events at Santa Pod Raceway and up to 49% off Alton Towers!

The guide provides something for everyone – from historical buffs and animal lovers to explorers and thrill seekers. For 2020 a new ‘food and drink’ category joins the existing ‘animals’, ‘adventure’, ‘tours’, ‘heritage’, ‘discovery’, ‘railways’ and ‘leisure activities’ sections to further extend your choice.

Information: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide CLUB SHOP

The Club Shop, in partnership with industry expert Prima Leisure, has more than 3,000 essential leisure and outdoor living products in stock – from bolts and brackets to awnings, furniture, gadgets and tech. And Club members can take advantage of up to a 10% discount on every item – for example, you can save up to £85 on an air awning and over £300 on tech such as satellite dishes and TVs. In 2019, total member savings exceeded £58,000 on brands such as Avtex, Dometic and Thetford. Look out for even more exciting brand offerings in 2020.

Information: shop.camc.com Happy savings!

March 2020 7

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS

Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera Scottish Highlands

FREE PRIZE DRAW

SPOT THE HARE! A wonderful day’s excursion from your Bunree site took us to Glen Etive, where we kept our eyes peeled for red deer – but all we saw was a hare (although we didn’t spot it until we looked closely at this photo!). Can you see it? Clue: it is bigger than you would think and it is clearly a mountain hare!

Haydn Morgan

Cornwall

Send us a photo and you will automatically be entered into a free monthly draw, giving ABSINTHE MAKES THE you the chance to win some HEART GROW FONDER fantastic prizes! See camc.

Lee Davey’s Alsace article in the com/competitions for full December issue brought back happy prize draw terms and memories of our trip there in 2018. The conditions Crémant (sparkling wine) produced here is so good we drove our VW campervan, Absinthe, to buy a couple of cases direct from the producers. We and our camper have missed this lovely part of France and will definitely be back.

Martin Bellamy

ALL HAYLE GODREVY We enjoy a break at Godrevy Park Club site in Hayle every September. Last year we were blessed with glorious weather, the highlight of which was this amazing sunset – the sky appears as if it is on fire over the site. Never seen such a vivid display before in all the years we have visited here.

Ian Clayton 8 March 2020

North-East France

www.camc.com

Kent Dorset

IT’S ALL IN THE NAME

GREAT DEAL

Has a Club site ever been better named than Berwick Seaview? Set right on the Northumberland coast, this site offers wonderful walking and cracking cycling opportunities – for the Northumberland Coast Path and National Cycle Network Route 1 are right on the doorstep.

A gem of a site!

Andy Carter

RISE AND SHINE Awake with the larks and you can be richly rewarded, just as I was by this extraordinary and beautiful sunrise over Avon Beach, Christchurch.

Nearest Club sites: New Forest Centenary and Black Knowl.

Andy Pattenden

While enjoying a holiday rally with the East Yorkshire Centre in Kent last year, we took the opportunity to explore the county’s fabulous coastline. There were so many opportunities for great pictures – I especially loved the boats on the beach here at Deal. Nearest Club site: Daleacres.

Sue Holroyd

Northumberland Scottish Highlands

TREASURE HUNT Impressive Huntly Castle in east Scotland was the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Gordon, the Earl of Huntly.

The original castle was destroyed in 1449, with a grander fortress built in its place – the wings you see today were added in the 16th and 17th centuries. Well worth a visit. Nearest site: Huntly Castle AS. Bob Gunning

Aberdeenshire

JUST MAGIC! Harry Potter fans need no introduction to the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, as it has appeared in four of the popular wizard films. This West Highland Line scene is a must for any visitors to the Club’s beautiful Bunree site.

Jan Brown www.camc.com

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

March 2020 9

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

New season, new tour

With the 2020 touring season just around the corner – most Club sites will be open by mid-March – we take a look at how different members plan and enjoy their holidays

J

ust like at Christmas, the excitement builds at the thought of a new touring season. Indeed, as you read this you only have to wait a couple of weeks more for the majority of Club sites to open their gates. With this in mind, we thought we would see how different members go about planning and enjoying their caravanning and motorhoming holidays.

It seems most members fall into three main categories – which one are you?

THE PLANNER

JANET TASKER, CARAVANNER When did you start planning your 2020 touring holidays?

About September last year, although I planned New Year before that. We spent New Year at Edinburgh Club site, and have already booked for 2021! I have nine trips planned for 2020.

So what have you got in the diary for 2020?

I plan all the bank holidays first. So, Easter is Certificated Location (CL) in the Pickering area, May Day is either up to Catterick in North Yorkshire or down to Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire and Spring bank holiday we go to the site we didn’t go to for May Day. Finally, for August we go back to the CL in Pickering, where I stay on my own with our cat, Evie, for a week – my husband, Jason, doesn’t get as many days’ holidays as me! Evie comes as much as possible with us.

What do you like to do while you’re away?

We like to do special events, such as 1940s and 1960s themed weekends. We obviously know the dates of these in advance, so book our CLs in advance. So, most of time we are looking and planning a year ahead.

10 March 2020

Why do you like to plan ahead?

It ensures we get onto the sites we want to get onto at the time we want to be there. I just like to know what we’re doing and when.

THE OPPORTUNIST

DEBORAH LEESON, MOTORHOMER What are the advantages of being a spontaneous holidaymaker?

We like to be in the UK so we look at the weather – and as you can see a forecast up to 10 days in advance we can say, ‘That looks a nice location as the weather is looking good there.’ We are very much spur of the moment – plans can change on the day we set off. We seldom book in advance. We are living proof that, despite comments to the contrary, it’s perfectly easy to tour the UK without booking in advance. We often ring a site up while on the road. It’s very rare we find a site full, even in the summer months. I think there is a bit of a myth around a difficulty to make Club site bookings.

What do you like to do when you’re away?

We’re both fans of British and medieval history, as well as archaeology, so we like to visit castles, houses and churches.

What are your favourite Club sites?

We like Marazion [in Cornwall] which is a low-facility site. We’ve been going there

“

We don’t really get to see them [our grandparents] that much but here we get to spend time with them

”

Maya, Amaara and Imaani Jeyaraj

for about 20 years. Of the larger sites we do enjoy Yellowcraig in Scotland. It has great facilities and a wonderful beach just a couple of hundred metres away. That’s important for us because we have always travelled with dogs. We choose the Club sites that have nice dog walks – we do like to walk and cycle. Rural Club sites are our favourites.

THE MULTI-GENERATIONALIST

JUDY JEYARAJ AND FAMILY, MOTORHOMERS/GLAMPERS Who is in the family?

My parents [in the motorhome], then me, my three daughters and my husband [in the glamping pod – the kids stayed in both types of accommodation]. It is really special to be able to bring the kids, to be in the same place together, and obviously it means we all get to spend time together. With my parents here, we get some free time [for the two of us] as well.

What do you like about the glamping pod?

The accommodation is great. It’s nice and warm as well inside. It’s really comfortable and the en suite facilities are really good and clean.

It just enables more families to travel together.

It’s limited when you just have the motorhome.

What is your favourite Club site?

Brighton. The city is always bustling and we can walk to the marina. This site is ideal as we live in Surrey, so it is only a one-hour drive.

Then we are here, with everyone together spending quality time.

What is the benefit of having different types of accommodation on the same site?

It is just getting everyone together in one place. Especially with three kids, it is quite hard to plan and get to places. The Club sites are always clean, nice and well organised,.

This is something great, a good combination. www.camc.com

Site bookings

s app, Use the UK Site com/ log on to camc. k or call searchandboo 01342 327490

Above: the Taskers’ outfit; Janet and Jason Tasker and Evie the cat Left: Jo Haill’s picture of Lake Riano, Picos Du Europa, Northern Spain Below: Chris Hamer’s grandkids enjoying the caravanning life

9.5 13 200 You rated us 9.5 out of 10 for our customer service

www.camc.com

You can book your Club site stay up to 13 months in advance, all-year round

Select from more than 200 Club and Affiliated sites the length and breadth of Britain March 2020 11

Tow before they go.

Member Offer

UP TO £3,000 OFF THE KORANDO FREE

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Fuel consumption figures in mpg, Korando: Low 25.7 – 35.8, Medium 36.2 – 45.6, High 40.1 – 49.6, Extra High 35.3 – 39.2, Combined 35.3 – 42.8. CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 – 185.

Model featured is a Korando 2.2D ELX at £24,545 including optional metallic paint, *including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund Licence & first registration charge. ‡2 tonne maximum towing capacity on diesel models. Offer available at participating dealers only and can be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may be modified or changed at any time. For photographic purposes only towing mirrors weren't used. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles. †Free fixed tow bar offer is available on 15 February 2020 www.camc.com Korando C255, while stocks last. Offer available to members of over 3 months.

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines The latest stories from the touring world

NEW GLAMPING UNITS AT TROUTBECK HEAD

READY FOR THE NATIONAL? If you are looking for a fun, great value weekend at a stunning location, then The National is for you! Taking place at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire from 22-26 May 2020, The National is the Club’s flagship event – a fantastic get-together that is enjoyed by thousands of people annually.

This year, you’ll be able to discover more than 16,000 acres of the Belvoir

Estate, with established trails around gardens and across parkland to explore.

Daytime entertainment for all ages will include a Segway experience, laser clay pigeon shooting and arena displays.

Feeling peckish? Top-quality food and drink will be available from a range of independent street food providers, while dazzling live shows in the evenings (separate tickets required) are not to be

missed. This year, tribute acts will play hits by The Beatles, David Bowie and Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, while on Monday night the Caravan and Motorhome Club Band and Singers will play iconic songs from your favourite movie soundtracks.

For all tickets and more information, see camc.com/national. Make sure you don’t miss out!

QUESTION TIME: MEMBERS/BFGs WELCOME The Home Counties Region (previously the Northern Home Counties Region) is holding a Question Time event on Saturday 2 May 2020 at 11.30am – and all members are welcome to attend. Question Time sessions allow you to meet and put questions to a panel, which is usually comprised of representatives of the Club’s Executive Committee, the Region in question and staff.

The event will take place in the Carrington Room in Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden (HP16 0BD). Free on-site car parking is available and light refreshments will be served from 10.30am. After the meeting members are invited to visit the nearby Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which www.camc.com

celebrates the writer’s life and works.

This is a great opportunity to discover more about one of the UK’s most celebrated authors, and complimentary entry tickets will be provided.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP in advance to Dave Rickard (email vice-chairman@northernhome countiesregion.info) to reserve seats and museum tickets.

We are pleased to report that eight new glamping pods are being added to Troutbeck Head Club site near Keswick in Cumbria this year. This means you and your friends and family members can enjoy an additional glamping option in one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District.

Troutbeck Head will be the first Club site to offer larger glamping cabins, which can sleep up to four adults and two children, as well as a wheelchair-friendly, universally-accessible glamping pod. We will also be installing two of the same type of glamping pods that you may have already seen or stayed in at Abbey Wood, Alderstead Heath, Brighton, Coniston Park Coppice or Moreton-in-Marsh Club sites.

The work at Troutbeck Head is under way, but the site will still be open to members from 13 March 2020 as planned, and will be functioning as normal.

The Troutbeck Head glamping pods will be on sale soon for stays later in spring/early in summer – please watch this space!

March 2020 13

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

CAYTON UPDATE PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED With the main touring season just around the corner, we would like to remind members of the 5mph speed limit on Club sites – which is the equivalent of a brisk walking pace.

This is in place to ensure the safety of everyone on site. Thank you for driving at or under 5mph at all times.

VIDEO

On the MAGAZINE APP this month: videos to accompany our Knaus Starclass 695 and Rapido M96 and tests (see pages 92 and 96), a cycle ride from Norfolk Broads Club site with Jonathan Manning and extra Tail Lights

14 March 2020

In last month’s issue we included details of the exciting redevelopment work that is underway at Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Site (see February 2020, p15). The construction of new buildings is progressing at a good pace and, by the time you read this, work on the roads and pitches will be underway.

We will include pictures of the all-new Cayton Village in a future issue when

the work is either complete or close to completion, but if you would like to keep abreast of changes please see camc.com/redevelopments, where you can read about recent and upcoming work at various Club sites.

Please note that you can make bookings now for pitches at Cayton Village from 1 August onwards – we look forward to welcoming you to the revamped site.

DISCOUNTS ON COURSES FOR ‘B+E’ LICENCES The Club has entered into a partnership with driving school Go!Driving and, as a result, members can save on the company’s one-, two- and three-day ‘B+E’ trailer driving courses.

If you passed your driving test from 1 January 1997, your driving licence will  Category B licences can legally drive a vehicle with a maximum mass of 3,500kg plus a trailer weighing up to 750kg (or a heavier trailer, as long as the combined maximum permitted weights of trailer and vehicle do not exceed 3,500kg).

If you want to tow anything heavier, you’ll need a ‘Category B+E’ licence.

Should you need to take the test for a ‘B+E’ licence, Go!Driving’s training courses give you a comprehensive overview of what and how to tow, as well as reversing and coupling exercises and driving practice.

There are three types of course available, initially at six different locations in England: n One-day course – ideal for someone with lots of towing experience

n Two-day course – ideal for someone with little or no trailer experience n Three-day sharing course – ideal for pairs with little or no trailer experience MEMBER SAVINGS There are a number of different discounts available to Club members, depending on the course taken, and location. For example, the standard price for a two-day course outside London is £780, but members pay just £720 (inc VAT).

At the end of each course you will be able to take your test. The cost for the test is currently £115 per person and is in addition to the cost of the course.

If you would like to find out more information about course venues, dates and prices, or if you would like to make a booking, see camc.com/training.

licence please visit the Training and Advice pages on the Club’s website or contact the Club’s Technical team on 01342 336611 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm).

BALTIC WHARF Many members will be aware that Bristol City Council informed us several years ago of plans to redevelop the area where Baltic Wharf Club site is located.

Fortunately, we have been able to continue running the site on a renewable short-term lease while redevelopments are planned. These plans are now progressing at pace, which means that notice could be served at any time, giving the Club six months before it vacates the site. If this happens, we will ensure that all affected members are

notified in writing of the requirement to cancel their bookings, giving as much notice as possible to enable them to secure pitches elsewhere.

New bookings are no longer being taken from August 2020 onwards, and bookings for the 2021 season are not being released at this point, until we have more certainty on the future of the site. We are still continuing our search for an alternative location in the area as we know how popular Bristol is among members.

Club training courses The Club offers three types of caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring courses that can give you the confidence you need whether you’re new to touring or would simply like to brush up on your skills. Costing from just £155, each course is led by an expert, friendly trainer and there are 13 different locations across the UK to choose from.

For more information please see camc.com/training.

WALKIES ON PAWS?

Please note that Cornwall Council has made changes to its restrictions on dogs at certain beaches which, if not observed, could result in a £100 fine for an owner. A full list of the restrictions and the dates on which they are applicable can be found at cornwalllive.com/news/ cornwall-news/every-changemade-cornwalls-dog-3779332. www.camc.com

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November 2016 XX

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

IN THE KNOW...

Nora Zakarauskaite / EyeEm/Getty

Tips for members from site staff across the network.

This month: Ashridge Farm “We have an amazing spring here in Ashwell, we believe it s the source o the River Cam, a really magical place.”

Mandy Frank

BRIDPORT RESTAURANT CLOSURE

YOU RECOMMEND… Sites and CLs for a London getaway

“

A lovely well laid out wooded site just a few miles from Greenwich (pictured) with the rail station just 10 mins walk away. Good size and clean shower blocks, friendly and helpful staff and we had a good-size, level pitch. If you’re going into London or an O2 [Arena] show then it really is an ideal base in a pleasant setting.

(Abbey Wood Club site)

”

“

We needed somewhere accessible to the Tower of London where we were involved in a Tudor Recreation. The site was perfect.

Good transport links, excellent shower and toilet block, friendly and helpful staff.

(Crystal Palace Club site)

”

“

This is a great CL for visiting London...

When we arrived Mrs Rudge gave us a two-sheet information guide which was very useful... plus a Tube map.

(Aldborough Hall Farm CL)

”

“

It is quite centrally located and you can get to the Tube and to various locations in South London very easily from here. The site is secured with locked gates with key code access.

(Highams Hill Farm CL)

”

“

Used this site for a visit to Twickenham to watch England versus Japan. The site is clean and tidy. The toilet block is very clean and well looked after.

(Wyatts Covert Club site)

”

Please note that the on-site bar and restaurant at Bridport Bingham Grange Club site will be closed for the 2020 season (13 Mar-2 Nov). We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The nearest restaurant is just one mile away from the Club site and a large selection of places to eat and drink can be found in the town of Bridport, just four miles away.

SHOWTIME MARCH 20-22 Yorkshire: The Yorkshire Motorhome and Campervan Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)

APRIL 17-19 Cambridgeshire: The National Motorhome & Campervan Show, East of England Showground, Peterborough (Warners Group, details as above) 24-26 Hampshire: Caravan and Motorhome Show, New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk) Note: details subject to change – please check with event organisers in advance.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Stories from the Club’s Collection The New Forest – where you’ll find the Club’s historic collection at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – is a hugelypopular destination for caravan and motorhome owners. In fact, the act of taking a caravan tour in the New Forest is as old as the hobby itself.

Indeed, 135 years ago this summer, the world’s first purpose-built leisure touring caravan, The Wanderer, owned by popular Victorian author Dr William Gordon Stables, travelled through the New Forest on the southern leg of its maiden journey. This first caravan tour of the forest was charted in Dr Gordon Stables’ 1885 journal The Cruise of the Land Yacht Wanderer, which promoted 16 March 2020

the area and set it on the way to becoming the popular caravanning destination it is today. The Wanderer pitched for several days at Lyndhurst, enabling its owner to explore the vicinity and meet a well-known local snake catcher!

After the formation of The Caravan Club in 1907, many members followed in Stables’ footsteps by touring the New Forest.

Remarkably, photographs contained in the collection that were taken before the First World War show pioneer members enjoying the same activities as holidaymakers today, including sea bathing at Lepe, picnicking at Brockenhurst and visiting Beaulieu Abbey.

Perhaps the biggest difference today is that

members can enjoy the facilities at Black Knowl or the New Forest Centenary Site, whereas early tourers had to write to local land owners requesting a place to pitch, and would buy their daily milk from local farms.

Find out more about the collection at nationalmotormuseum.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @camccollection.

Angela Willis

Club members pitched at Lepe in 1913

www.camc.com

ON SITE FACILITIES:

CAFÉ, LEISURE SHOP, AWNING SHOWROOM, AFTERCARE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, PARTS AND STORAGE FOR OVER 1,200 CARAVANS

STOCKISTS OF

NEW

Plus all the leading manufacturers on pre-owned caravans

VIP STORAGE

OFFERS, DEALS & GIVEAWAYS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

Club

AWNING DEPARTMENT - MEET THE AWNING MANUFACTURERS, ISABELLA, KAMPA, DOREMA WEEKEND OF 28TH - 29TH. + DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE NEW 2020 RANGES. POWRTOUCH WILL BE GIVING ADVICE ON MOVERS WEEKEND OF 6TH PLUS PAINTSEAL. SAS SECURITY PRODUCTS WILL BE HERE WITH THEIR PURPOSE BUILT DISPLAY VAN PLUS CADAC SHOWCASING THEIR CURRENT RANGE + COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS LAST REMAINING 2019 CARAVANS, MOST AT BELOW COST PRICE! SEE THE NEW 2020 CARAVAN RANGES FROM BAILEY, SWIFT AND COACHMAN.

www.camc.com January 2020 Yorkshire Caravans Doncaster Road Yorkshire DN10 6DG Tel: 01302 710366 www.yorkshirecaravans.com

17

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

DOMETIC WINTER AWNING LAUNDRY TOKENS

Whitby

We have recently carried out trials using tokens instead of cash for washing machines and tumble dryers on sites. The trials have been successful, and changes have been relatively cheap to implement, so the decision has been made to make all laundry facilities token-operated from 2020 (although a few machines across the network are too old to convert initially).

You will be able to buy tokens with cash and can also pay by card. Not using cash in the machines will improve security at sites, and will also save site staff time.

BESIDE THE SEASIDE Yorkshire’s Tourist Board is celebrating the county’s coast this year with ‘Seafest’ – a term being used to highlight all the festivals that are taking place along its shoreline this year. Many of the events under the Seafest umbrella are established fixtures on the calendar, but there are some recent and new additions, such as Whitby Fish & Ships Festival (which debuted in 2019 and will take place on 16-17 May in 2020), Armed Forces Day (being held in Scarborough for the first time on 27 June) and Whitby Literature Festival (10-11 October). Club sites nearby include Bridlington, Scarborough West Ayton, North Yorkshire Moors and, opening later in the season, Cayton Village.

WATERLESS WASHING Members may be interested in waterless wash product Dry Sparkle, which washes, polishes and protects your outfit.

The ‘Lock and Load’ starter kit consists of two bottles of Dry Sparkle, two microfibre cloths and one reusable trigger, and usually retails at £20 (plus postage and packaging). However, Dry Sparkle is offering readers 20% off until 31 May 2020 – just enter the code ‘CaravanClub20’ when checking out at drysparkle.com to apply the discount.

Kampa Dometic has introduced a new Winter AIR PVC awning, an inflatable accessory that has been specifically developed to withstand harsh conditions and provide more comfort for those who use their tourers while enjoying winter sports. According to the manufacturer, its new Weathershield PVC material is waterproof, durable and easy-to-clean, while it is rated to -20°C. Dometic’s beading also means that fitment to both caravan awning rails and motorhome cassette awnings is possible – caravans and motorhomes with awning connection heights ranging from 235-265cm are covered by the Winter AIR PVC range.

The awning is available in standard (£1,218.75) and large (£1,321.50) sizes. See dometic.com for more information and to search for dealers.

STOP PRESS n We are sorry to report that event organiser SME London, in conjunction with BBC Studios, have taken the reluctant decision to cancel Countryfile Live 2020 at Castle Howard, Yorkshire.

The Club has contacted all campsite and event ticket bookers and refunds will have been issued by the time you read this. Despite the disappointing news the Club will be at Countryfile Live in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, in August 2020 – see camc.com/countryfile for more information. n Please note that incorrect dates for the 2020 Scottish National at Scone Palace appear in the printed Centre Rallies supplement that many members received with their February magazine. The correct dates are 1-5 May 2020. Please see thescottishcaravanclub.com for more information about this fantastic event.

TAKE FIVE! Gardens in the Great Savings Guide

Have you picked up your copy of the Great Savings Guide yet? As a member, you can use it to take advantage of offers at hundreds of attractions across the UK. There are five examples below, but you can find out more at camc.com/greatsavingsguide...

1 The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Explore the mysterious world of the Lost Gardens, which includes a subtropical jungle (two for the price of one) Nearest site: Merrose Farm

2 Crook Hall and Gardens, Durham

The grounds of this medieval hall include a mix of centuries-old gardens and more recent additions (10% off admissions) Nearest site: Durham Grange

(Terms and conditions apply to all offers. See Club website for details.)

18 March 2020

3 Holker Hall & Gardens, Cumbria

You’ll find immaculately-kept formal gardens and a more informal landscape of trees, shrubs and meadows (two for the price of one) Nearest site: Meathop Fell

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

4 Oxford Botanic Garden

See nearly 6,000 types of plant at the UK’s oldest botanic garden, right in the heart of the city (two for the price of one) Nearest site: Bladon Chains

5 Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, East Anglia Natural woodland, ancient trees, 130 acres of wild and natural planting – all in the heart of the Norfolk Broads (two for the price of one) Nearest site: Norfolk Broads

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

NEWS UK SITES

UP AND RUNNING!

The vast majority of Club sites will be open by mid-March. Where will you be staying this spring?

The start of the new touring season is just around the corner and, with more than 85% of our 160 UK Club sites open by 13 March, now is the time to plan your warmer-weather getaways.

While many members like to browse Club sites online (at camc.com/ searchandbook) or by leafing through the Sites Directory and Handbook, it’s worth remembering that you can also download the UK Sites Booking App for free at the Google Play and Apple App stores. The app can show you all the information about a site you’ll need, and is a great way of making a booking while you’re on the go.

If you’re in need of further inspiration, though, we’ve highlighted eight Club sites to consider this spring – and we get fantastic feedback on each one from members. Happy touring!

BRECON BEACONS, POWYS

You’ll want to put on your walking boots as soon as possible after arriving, but relaxing on this site can be just as pleasurable as a stroll in the national park. A dog walk leads to a stream and woodland area, where you’ll find an adventure course – fun for both kids and adults! From £12.45*

BRIGHTON, WEST SUSSEX

*All prices d stated are base price on lowest rom 20 throughout 20 for one adult and a standard pitch

155 touring pitches – mostly on hardstanding – with tent camping and glamping also available. A friendly welcome awaits! From £16.40*

CLUMBER PARK, NOTTS

Late availability

Relax at this spacious site, which is set within 4,000 acres of woodland and lush parkland. It used to be part of Sherwood Forest and, as you would expect, it’s popular with walkers and cyclists alike. From £11*

Have you seen our late availability checker at camc.com/late availability?

This handy page allows you to see the number of pitches that are available on Club sites for the next three weekends.

GODREVY PARK, CORNWALL There’s a great beach by this site, so it’s the perfect spot if you’d like to surf, sunbathe or simply take a dip in St Ives Bay. A variety of beachside cafés and traditional inns are walkable from your pitch. From £12*

HILLHEAD, DEVON

Close to Brixham and Dartmouth, this Club site offers stunning coastal views and a superb array of facilities –

VisitBritain

One of the UK’s most vibrant, fascinating city centres is less than two miles away – and while buses run regularly, it’s always a pleasure to wander in along the seafront. There are

Godrevy Park Club site – perfect for a spring getaway

EDINBURGH

You’ll never run out of things to see and do while staying at this site on the outskirts of Scotland’s capital. See the city’s great sights, such as the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Botanic Garden. From £11.35* 20 March 2020

including an outdoor heated swimming pool and children’s pool (from late May), playground, play area and an indoor complex housing a games room, shop, bar, restaurant and takeaway service. From £12.15*

LONGLEAT, WILTSHIRE

Why not visit one of the Club’s more extraordinary locations this year?

This 164-pitch site is within roaring distance of Longleat’s safari park – and members can take advantage of a variety of offers (see the site’s page online or on the UK Sites Booking App for details).From £16.80*

SCARBOROUGH WEST AYTON, YORKSHIRE

As well as offering access to the traditional seaside delights of Scarborough, this popular site has a games pavilion, pool tables, table tennis and outdoor play facilities – so there’s plenty to keep members of all ages entertained. From £15.80*

9 out of 10

You rated us 9/10 for overall experience on our Club sites† †

Scores based on 76,495 replies to our elcome ome isitor urvey in

www.camc.com

NE W Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two (Caravan and Motorhome Club Edition) with its new advanced Dual Core Processor 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 Two will even advise you of traffic jams and offer alternate routes when available.

Satellite Navigation for Caravans & Motorhomes • 7” Frameless Display (pinch-to-zoom) • New Dual Core processor for complete enhanced performance • Enhanced Specific routing for Caravans & Motorhomes – Customised routes created for the size and weight of your caravan or motorhome.

– Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle.

• Road Warnings – Caravan / Motorhomes specific road warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, steep grades, narrow roads and more.

– Elevation map tool – be prepared for upcoming steep gradiants.

Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts.

• Find the right campgrounds and stopover places with Tourer Two EXCLUSIVE data bases – Exclusive pre-loaded Caravan and Motorhome Club Site rich data bases including Certified Locations and Overseas Sites with detailed information.

– Trailer’s Park’s database of 8,500 of cost-free motorhome parking places across Western Europe (NEW).

– 17,000 NKC customer rated campgrounds and stopover places in 38 countries.

– 9,000 European campsites inspected by ACSI every year and search results based on amenities.

– Get information about prices, facilities, terrain, maximum number of places and more and filter by amenities. Contains pictures of most of the sites.

– Easily pan the map to search for Campgrounds (NEW.) – Shows camp sites, rest areas, attractions or fuel stations up ahead and milestones along your route.

• Free European map updates via PC, Mac or WiFi • Free Digital Traffic • Hands-free features include Bluetooth® calling, smart notifications and voice-activated navigation • Navigate Complex Interchanges with “spoken turn-by-turn” directions and active lane guidance • TripAdvisor Travel POIs with ratings • BC™30 and BC™40 Wireless Backup Camera compatible

Available with exclusive member discount from: shop.camc.com

for further information call

02920 847670 avtex.co.uk

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Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Campervan

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journeys around the UK. This month: a mushroom dish inspired by a meal in a Kent pub

L

ast month, I hopped over the Channel to explore a little of western France. Before I left Blighty I stayed at Black Horse Farm Club site near Folkestone. It was the first time I had taken a van on Le Shuttle in a while, and it was also my first visit to this handily-located site; I am sure many of you will be familiar with it.

I’m sure many of you will also be familiar with The Black Horse Inn, which is across the road. A cosy country pub with decent food and a nice line in red wine, it was the perfect place to wind down after a long drive from Cornwall.

In case you were wondering, I went for the mushroom stroganoff, and

I enjoyed it so much that I decided to have a go at making it myself. It seems this humble dish has gone through many changes since it was first rustled up in 19th-century Russia (it’s named after a member of the Stroganov family, who were particularly influential as merchants during the time of Ivan the Terrible).

Often beef is used, and some versions of the recipe include a dash of white wine, or the addition of tomatoes,

and even chicken. I chose to remain more or less traditional, even though I have forgone the beef in favour of the humble button mushroom, as I am trying to eat less meat this year.

The result? Why not try it for yourself and see?

CUT OUT

AND KEEP

RECIPES RECIPE NO. 26

Mushroom stroganoff SERVES TWO

THE COOK RECOMMENDS...

The Black Horse Inn, Densole, Folkestone.

Handy for the Channel Tunnel... handy for those staying at Black Horse Farm Club site... handy if you like nice food!

AND AS A MAIN...

The mushroom stroganoff, of course, although it’s worth mentioning that they also include dinners for dogs on the menu!

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

INGREDIENTS

shrooms, sliced 50 0g of button mu s, finely chopped 2 small white onion d rlic, finely choppe 2 large cloves of ga ck sto le 30 0ml of vegetab 1 tsp paprika rd 1 tsp English musta me thy ied dr 1 tsp 1 tbsp plain flour

Seasoning e or soured cream 2 tbsp crème fraich e for two White long grain ric

METHOD

in a saucepan over First, heat some oil ions and d the chopped on a medium heat. Ad ft. Next, so are y the til un fry for a few minutes . fry for a few minutes add the garlic and d five un aro ms and cook for Add the mushroo ve ha ld ou sh point they minutes, at which , paprika s. Add the mustard ce jui ir the d se relea

over the top r. Sprinkle the flour and thyme and sti d ad xt, n stir in. Ne of the pan and the ps. ll to avoid any lum we r sti d an ck the sto tes or so nu another five mi Season and cook for nsistency co ’ py ens to a ‘gloo until the sauce thick cream the in r Sti at. he m the and then remove fro ite rice. and serve with wh

March 2020 23

TOURING UK SITES

ORIGIN STORIES Jane McGowan visits the birthplaces of three great Britons during a tour of the Cotswolds and West Midlands

Beautiful Blenheim Palace 24 March 2020

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

Blenheim Palace itself, the ancestral home of a truly great Briton: Sir Winston Churchill.

Just over the wall from the palace grounds and offering views of the parkland and resident sheep, Bladon Chains is compact and conveniently situated for a trip to Oxford (buses run from the site entrance) or the historic town of Woodstock (20 minutes’ walk away). But a nose around the palace is a must, and it’s worth speaking to site wardens Morgan and Suz about the various discounts and arrangements that are available to Club members.

Built in the early years of the 18th century, Blenheim is the only ‘non-royal’ country house in England to bear the name ‘palace’. The 2,000-acre seat was bestowed on Sir John Churchill (the first Duke of Marlborough)

PetSeward/VisitBritain

S

ometimes it’s hard to switch off from modern life. Work emails make your phone ‘ping’ no matter where you are in the world, while social media keeps you informed of everyone’s comings and goings, twentyfour-seven. However, if you do want to step back from the noise, where better to switch off and relax than the peaceful heart of this green and pleasant land?

My mini tour began just 60 miles from the hustle and bustle of London, at Bladon Chains Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, which sits within the folds of the splendid Blenheim Estate. If you’re looking to stay somewhere that evokes this nation’s past glories, the pitches here are a short distance from

March 2020 25

TOURING UK SITES

1

Bladon Chains Club site

A gently-sloping site within the Blenheim Estate, this site also offers easy access to the city of Oxford.

Pitches: 91 Open: 6 Mar 2020-3 Jan 2021

Member view “We also discovered Crocodiles of the World [14 miles away]. It was great – you can watch them feeding the animals and more. We’re caravan vloggers and bloggers [@ TheTrudgians] so we've been busy.”

Dan, Angela and Chloe Trudgian

Site view “Members save 30% on entry to the palace. There are numerous festivals held throughout the year. The nearby park and ride is great for day trips to Oxford.”

Morgan and Suz Dawson

Culture Oxford Bus Museum, Hanborough Rail Station Yard, Main Road, Long Hanborough OX29 8LA Contact: oxfordbusmuseum.org, 01993 883617

Outdoor fun White Horse Hill (chalk hill figure), Uffington SN7 7UK Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01793 762209

For the family Crocodiles of the World, Burford Road, Brize Norton OX18 3NX Contact: crocodilesoftheworld. co.uk, 01993 846353

26 March 2020

matthewleesdixon/Getty

Food & drink The White House, 1 Grove Road, Bladon OX20 1RQ Contact: whitehousebladon. co.uk, 01993 811582

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. status as the birthplace of Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly Sir Winston, arguably the

following victory over the French and Bavarians at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh (with landscaping by ‘Capability’ Brown), it is still home to the Marlborough family, who share its sprawling beauty with just under a million visitors each year.

Plenty of wonderful events are held here, including a triathlon (30-31 May), the Nocturne Live concerts (18-21 June) and a flower show (26-28 June) in 2020, although the main attraction remains its

United Kingdom’s most iconic Prime Minister. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the life of the leader who guided Britain and her allies to victory in the Second World War, while an easy walk from the Club site takes you to St Martin’s Church in Bladon, where the great man is buried along with his beloved wife Clemmie. This is also the resting place of other members of the Spencer-Churchill clan, including fascinating US heiress www.camc.com

“

Bourton-on-the-Water is regularly ranked as one of the country’s prettiest villages

Bourton-on-the-Water Inset: classic Cotswolds scenery in Castle Combe

2

Lucy’s Field

”

Certificated Location A tranquil CL with great views – keep an eye out for the giraffe-shaped sign at the entrance when approaching from Bourton-on-the-Water.

Open: 31 Mar-30 Sep Contact: 01451 820224 Sites Directory & Handbook p346

Site view “The site is named after Lucy the cocker spaniel, who helped me set it up! People come here for the peace and quiet and to visit the likes of Bourton-on-theWater. There are 19 National Trust Properties within an hour.”

Bill Lane

Food & drink The Lamb Inn, Sheep St, Burford OX18 4LR Contact: cotswolds-innshotels.co.uk, 01993 823155

Culture Fosse Gallery, The Manor House, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AF Contact: fossegallery.com, 01451 831319

Outdoor fun

’STOCK IN TRADE

Woodstock, meanwhile, is a beautiful, ‘chocolate box’ town and well worth exploring.

Constructed in part from the yellow bricks for which this area is famed, its tiny terraces are packed with shops and cafes – most of the latter being both child- and dog-friendly, with a range of traditional, vegetarian and vegan offerings – and a good number of pubs. www.camc.com

Vichie81/Get ty

Consuelo Vanderbilt, whose marriage to the 9th Duke injected some much needed cash into the estate’s coffers.

You can also spend a happy hour or two in the free-to-enter Oxfordshire Museum, which traces the county’s history from the Jurassic period to the Victorian. Exhibitions change on a regular basis and there is plenty to keep little ones entertained, including activity packs, trails and a beautiful walled garden that is home to a Megalosaurus.

Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham GL53 7PU Contact: sandfordparkslido. org.uk, 01242 524430

For the family Cotswold Wildlife Park & GREAT SAVINGS Gardens, Bradwell Grove, GUIDE Burford OX18 4JP Contact: cotswold wildlifepark.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

March 2020 27

s ’ n o i t a n e Th e t i r u favo

Family holidays. Weekend breaks. Spur of the moment stuff. Whatever the trip, make the most of every minute.

Bailey caravans and motorhomes are the perfect passport for adventure. It’s our blend of affordability, great design and comfort that makes us The Nation’s Favourite.

Wherever you want to go,

Find your nearest Retailer and explore our ranges at baileyofbristol.co.uk XX February 2020

www.camc.com

TOURING UK SITES Lavender fields, Broadway

3

Moreton-in-Marsh Club site

Nestled in ancient woodland, this site offers a mix of hardstanding and grass pitches, as well as a collection of glamping pods.

Pitches: 184 Open: all year Glamping available here

David Dean Photography/Getty

Member view “We enjoy walking into Moreton-in-Marsh – it’s a really pretty town and there are great local shops and a good choice of restaurants. We just enjoy having a stroll.”

Chris Healy

Site view If you’d like to delve deeper into the rural beauty of this area, the Club has a number of Certificated Locations that can offer tourers the chance to really get back to nature. Just 20 miles west of Bladon Chains, for example, is Lucy’s Field, which sits within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Great Rissington.

Basing yourself at this CL, which offers marvellous views and well-spaced pitches, you can take in some fine walks featuring rivers, meadowland and hedgerow-lined country paths.

Cotswold House Photography

Birdland Park and Gardens

www.camc.com

Nearby attractions include Birdland Park and Gardens (Club members are eligible for a 10% discount via the Great Savings Guide) and Bourton-on-the-Water, a quintessentially English village that is regularly ranked as one of the country’s prettiest. Here you will find a number of quaint gift retailers, plenty of cake-filled cafes and even a whisky and gin distillery shop.

Ten miles north is Moreton-in-Marsh Club site. This pretty spot offers both a sense of space and privacy, as many pitches are bordered by mature trees. It is also ideal for families, boasting not only a family washroom, playground and play area, but also a mini-golf course.

Morton-in-Marsh itself is a thriving little market town situated on the Fosse Way (a thoroughfare linking Lincolnshire and Devon that dates back to Roman times) in the north of the Cotswolds. It is home to a famously vibrant market that takes place every Tuesday and has a wealth of cafes, restaurants and more than its fair share of pubs, many of which are celebrated for their hearty British dishes and a wide selection of local and artisan ales. Even better, most of the establishments are within easy walking distance of the Club site.

“There are lots of things to see here – Batsford Arboretum is very popular (Club members receive a 10% discount) and in winter people come for the Christmas markets.”

Helen Jarvis

Food & drink The Spice Room, 3 Oxford St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LA Contact: spicerooms.co.uk, 01608 654204

Culture The Moreton Gallery, Queens Head House, High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0LH Contact: themoretongallery. co.uk, 01608 65438

Outdoor fun Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-the-Hill GL56 9AE Contact: bourtonhouse.com, 01386 700754

For the family Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT Contact: cotswold-falconry.co.uk, 01386 701043 March 2020 29

TOURING UK SITES

4

Goldicote Caravan Park

Certificated Location New to the network, this spacious, family-run CL on a working farm is perfectly placed for visitors wanting to dip into the Cotswolds or spend some time in Shakespeare country.

Open: 31 Mar-31 Oct Contact: 01789 740052

Site view “Were very close to Stratfordupon-Avon and theres lots to do there. Charlecote Park is also nearby (4 miles) – theres a herd of deer there that Shakespeare is supposed to have poached from!

This is our second year and weve had some return visitors. Theres lots of wildlife in the vicinity and people like the walking.”

Wisdom Smith

Food & drink The Chequers Inn, 91 Banbury Road, Ettington, Stratford-uponAvon CV37 7SR Contact: the-chequersettington.co.uk, 01789 740387

Culture The Old Slaughterhouse (museum and cultural hub), The Yard, Sheep St, Stratford-uponAvon CV37 6EE Contact: oldslaughterhouse. org.uk, 01789 532110

Outdoor fun Avon Boating, Swans Nest Boathouse, Swans Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS Contact: avon-boating.co.uk, 01789 267073

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Should you feel the need to make the most of the wider area, there are lots of cycle routes (of varying difficulty), many of which start or finish in the town. To find out which would be best suited to you, there is a handy guide at cotswold.gov.uk/visitors/things-to-do/cycling.

We opted for Route 1 – a 30-mile trail that begins on Chipping Camden’s High Street, where you can also hire bikes. You could perhaps break up the route, which principally follows traffic-light rural lanes, at the cycle-friendly Snowshill Arms, which has a large garden complete with play equipment.

Continuing on a northward trajectory for 40 minutes or so brings you to Goldicote

Caravan Park, a CL situated just off the A422 (near Stratford-upon-Avon) on a working farm. As you would expect, there are some lovely walks on offer from the park, but as you are in such close proximity to the birthplace of another great Briton – William Shakespeare – it would be a shame not to visit the town so closely associated with our most lauded playwright.

Productions in Stratford by the Royal Shakespeare Company sell out very quickly, especially in the summer months, so plan ahead if there is something you really want to see. If it’s your initial visit, look out for ‘First Time Fridays’, with tickets starting from £10.

Chipping Camden

joe daniel price/Getty

For the family The MAD Museum, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT Contact: themadmuseum.co.uk, 01789 269356 30 March 2020

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

Urban Napflin / Alamy

Stained glass window in h es e e s h h Stratford-upon-Avon

March 2020 31

VisitBritain

TOURING UK SITES

Looking south over the Malvern Hills

5

Malvern Hills Club site

Great for roaming the rolling hills of Malvern, but also close enough to Hereford, Tewkesbury and Birmingham for day trips.

Pitches: 204 Open: 13 Mar-2 Nov

50% OFF

MIDWEEK KIDS FOR

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Member view “We come here just to relax. The scenery is lovely and it’s a quiet and very pleasant site. But if we do have a day out, we head to Worcester, which is a great city.”

Roy Jones

Upton-upon-Severn

“The Three Counties Showground is just down the road, so there is something going on all year – antiques fairs, car shows, dog shows and of course the Royal Three Counties Show which takes place in June.”

Janet and Mark Bullivant

Food & drink The Wellington Inn, Chances Pitch, Colwall, Malvern WR13 6HW Contact: thewellingtoninn malvern.co.uk, 01684 540269

Culture The Museum of Cider, GREAT Pomona Place, SAVINGS GUIDE Whitecross HR4 0EF Contact: cidermuseum. co.uk, 01432 354207 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Severn Expeditions, Upton Marina, E Waterside, Uptonupon-Severn WR8 0PB Contact: severnexpeditions .co.uk, 07971 429945

For the family Ice Quest, Spring Lane North, Malvern WR14 1BU Contact: icequest.co.uk, 01684 575222 32 March 2020

Penny Atkinson / Alamy

Site view

HOUSE OF BARD’S

Club members who would like to know more about Shakespeare’s life are in for a treat, as there are some great deals available on the town’s top associated attractions. For example, you can step back in time on a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where you can explore the Bard’s boyhood home while listening to fascinating tales and gossip provided by the costumed guides.

By using the Great Savings Guide, Club members are eligible for 20% off the Full Story Ticket, which enables you to visit the Birthplace and other notable properties in the Shakespeare saga, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft.

With our theatrical thirst well and truly sated, it was time to bid adieu to Stratford and head for Malvern Hills Club site in Worcestershire. As the name suggests, it’s the ideal spot for anyone looking to explore the Malverns, the hills providing a spectacular backdrop as you wander around the site. Walkers will love the Elgar Route,

which starts at the birthplace of one of England’s greatest composers, taking in many of the views that inspired him, as well as the dwellings where much of his wonderful music was composed.

I also opted to explore the nearby town of Upton-upon-Severn, a pretty spot situated on the busy waterway. Now home to numerous pleasure boats, it once served as an inland port, and provided the only river crossing for miles. You could easily spend a day browsing its many antique emporiums and gift shops, and should your visit coincide with one of its famous festivals (Jazz, Blues, Sunshine) you are in for a real treat.

WORCS HAPPENING?

About a 25-minute drive from the Club site (or there is an hourly bus service that departs from just outside the gate) is the city of Worcester.

Again we find ourselves in a town that highlights Britain’s heritage – and this time the star is Royal Worcester, one of the most famous purveyors of porcelain. You can learn about the history and processes involved in its production www.camc.com

6

Stanmore Hall Affiliated Site Explore Shropshire and the Welsh borders from this beautifully maintained site that offers a mix of hard and grass pitches.

Open: all year Pitches: 133 Tent campers welcome

Member view “It’s a really peaceful site and it’s great to have a view of the lake and just relax.

We come here as often as we can.”

Tom Tighe

Richard Sheppard / Stockimo / Alamy

Site view

nne h s Cottage and Gardens

“There is access to the Country Park [formerly RAF Bridgnorth air base], which is great for dog walkers. Ironbridge Gorge is also very popular and it’s only about 15 minutes away.”

Gary and Sheena Trigg, Cindy Abbott and Peter Houghton

Food & drink The Winding House Tea Rooms, 6 Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth WV16 4AH Contact: thewindinghouse.com, 01746 761962

Culture DavidCC / Alamy

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, Holy Austin Rock Houses, Compton Road, Kinver DY7 6DL Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01384 872553

“

Outdoor fun

Club members who would like to know more about Shakespeare’s life are in for a treat

at the Museum of Royal Worcester, also the starting point for the city’s Heritage Walk, which takes in the Cathedral, the Infirmary and Friar Street – where a range of lovely cafes sits within well-preserved Tudor buildings.

We chose Stanmore Hall Affiliated Site as the final – and most northerly – stop on our www.camc.com

”

mini tour. Should you wish to break the journey up a little, or just explore a bit more of this wonderful countryside, a stay at The Bumbles CL also comes highly recommended. The large, level field boasts far reaching views and offers access to some wonderful walks, perhaps

Severn Valley Railway – Bridgnorth Station, GREAT SAVINGS 12 Hollybush Road G UIDE WV16 5DT Contact: svr.co.uk Member offer available: camc. com/greatsavingsguide

For the family Rays Farm, Billingsley, Bridgnorth WV16 6PF Contact: raysfarm.com, 01299 841255 March 2020 33

TOURING UK SITES

7

The Bumbles

Certificated Location

“At The Bumbles we like to give our guests a warm reception and encourage them to ask questions about the area. We have two arboretums locally and beautiful woodland walks; the Severn Valley heritage railway, Bewdley and Bridgnorth are not far away, all with a wealth of history. Alternatively, stay on-site with a glass of wine, and enjoy the panoramic views stretching over many counties.

Andrea and Gaz

Food & drink The Hop Pole Inn, Cleobury Road, Bewdley DY12 2QH Contact: thehoppolebewdley. co.uk, 01299 401295

Culture Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2AE Contact: bewdleymuseum.co.uk, 0845 607 7819

Outdoor fun Go Ape Wyre Forest, Callow Hill, Bewdley DY14 9XQ Contact: goape.co.uk, GREAT SAVINGS 01603 895500 G UIDE Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

For the family West Midlands Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF Contact: wmsp.co.uk, 01299 402114 34 March 2020

Bridgnorth Cliff Railway

“

Bridgnorth, at the heart of the Severn Valley, offers wonderful views

”

taking in Trimpley Reservoir and the Harbour Inn at nearby Arley.

Stanmore Hall itself is situated on the outskirts of the interesting town of Bridgnorth, in Shropshire – sitting snugly between Birmingham to the east and the Shropshire Hills to the west.

The stand-out feature of this particular touring destination is the lovely two-acre lake which stands just beyond reception. A number of the pitches offer a view of the water, which is

Cycling | Stratford Greenway

Walking | Combe circular

Coursing five greenery-filled miles from historic Stratford-upon-Avon to the village of Long Marston, this ride (or walk) on the National Cycle Network is the perfect introduction to rural Warwickshire.

Milcote Picnic Area is handily situated halfway along the route, boasting a railway carriage café, while a short detour to Welford-onAvon will take you to some thatched cottages. A cosy pub at Long Marston even has its own skittles alley.

Route plan: www.sustrans.org.uk/ find-a-route-on-the-national-cyclenetwork/stratford-greenway

This moderate walk is just under five miles long, and starts from the village green in Combe, just to the west of the Blenheim Estate. Eventually, the route takes you past the Cock Inn for refreshments, while one point of interest is the Roman Villa at North Leigh – excavated in 1813, a well preserved mosaic is still on show in a corner. (Following the seven-day free trial, Club members save 12% on a PREMIUM + Ordnance Survey Maps for Great Britain subscription with ViewRanger. Visit camc.com/viewranger for details.)

Sustrans

Site view

Jon Sparks / Alamy

Enjoy stunning views, stretch your legs on one of the many walks that lead directly from the site or cast your line at one of the nearby fishing lakes.

Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct Contact: 07989 428235 Sites Directory & Handbook p483

resplendent with lilies during the summer months and home to a good many fish and birds throughout the year. Stanmore Hall also has a group of resident peacocks who wander unfettered around the site, adding a further splash of colour.

There is so much to experience just beyond the doorstep. Bridgnorth, at the heart of the Severn Valley, offers wonderful views as well as an array of historically important buildings – look out especially for the timber-framed Town Hall that straddles the High Street and the church of St Mary Magdalene, designed by engineer extraordinaire Thomas Telford.

The two-tier town also boasts the Cliff Railway – a 201 ft-long funicular that stretches 111ft from the Bottom Station to the Top Station, near the castle.

However, you cannot visit this area without travelling on the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) – a line running between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster that takes in some outstanding scenery. It hosts a range of train-themed events throughout the year that will keep rail (and non-) rail buffs entertained. If you plan ahead you can even ride the footplate –see svr.co.uk to find out more.

Alas, we had come to the end of the line on our tour, but whatever your passion – whether it’s Shakespeare or steam – you will find plenty to make you smile on your trip through the heart of England.

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES CL SITES

Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – 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.

NEW CLS ENGLAND

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NEWARK-ON-TRENT (8.7m NNE) – Corner Cottage, Mr Andrew & Mrs Maggie Kitson, Church Lane, South Scarle, Newark NG23 7JS. 53.167658, -0.75149. 07731 548901; 07736 794947; andykitson1972@hotmail. co.uk. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; information rm; dog walk fr site; bus, town, shop & pub in 1m; game fishing & coarse fishing in 5m; fr £18 (pitch + 2 ad).

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking.

Not all CLs accompanied by a pub symbol in the Directory are located on the site of a public house – some are near to a pub (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference numbers refer to the Directory.

36 March 2020

Above: Norwich Cathedral rises through the mist Right: Newark Castle on the banks of the River Trent 1706 POCKLINGTON – Martindale Farm Caravan Site. Toilet and Showers available for exclusive use by members.

1764 MASHAM – Park House.

Change of name to Jervaulx Abbey CL. Correct lat 54.266406, correct long -1.741659.

1783 PICKERING – The Hawthornes. New email: info@ thehawthornes.co.uk.

November 2019 Magazine STAFFORD – Spring Paddock.

Changed to adults only from 15 January.

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

7 PENSFORD – Mrs J Sweet, Park Farm 43 CAMBRIDGE – Mr John Page, Birds Farm 351 RIPLEY – Mark and Tina Caldicott, The French Horn PH

DavidW-R/Getty

NORWICH (3.5m ESE) – The Old Stracey, Kathryn Coles, Kirby Road, Kirby Bedon NR14 7DX. 52.598019, 1.364019. 01508 494685; 07837 821415; theoldstracey@gmail.com.

OAY; 0.5 acres; dogs; hdstdng; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; information rm; bus stop, town & pub in 1m; game fishing, coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; fr £13 (pitch + 2 ad).

DavidCabrera/Getty

NORFOLK

496 BRIDPORT – Simon Holland, Washingpool Farm Shop 692 BROMYARD – Mrs W K Davies, Downside 1010 ACLE – Mrs G Adams, Owl Meadow 1018 AYLSHAM – A J Green, Holly Farm

1019 AYLSHAM – Mrs J M Cook, Martintole Farm 1101 KING’S LYNN – Mr & Mrs J Forrest, Kings Lynn Touring Park 1201 MORPETH – G Fahy, Countryside Cottage

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 unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific weight, width or height restrictions.

For caravan-friendly local routes to Club sites, CLs and commercial sites, we would advise using the standard directions published in the Sites Directory & Handbook and on our website. The reference numbers on this page relate to the 2019/20 edition of the Sites Directory & Handbook.

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ACTIVITY BREAKS CYCLING

LET’S GO ON A...

RAILWAY RIDE Former train tracks offer some of the finest, most accessible traffic-free cycling in the country, says Jonathan Manning

38 March 2020

www.camc.com

W

hile the future of HS2 occupies the minds of railway planners, forward-thinking cyclists are already anticipating life after the high-speed rail link from London to Manchester and Leeds. They are looking ahead, in fact, to a Tomorrow’s World of jetpacks and flying cars that will render HS2 obsolete. At which point, the tracks can be lifted and cyclists will have the most amazingly direct trail up the spine of the country.

Their thinking may appear fanciful, but back in 1885 it’s fair to assume that the track engineers and directors of the Scarborough and Whitby Railway Company never envisaged their hard work and investment would be dismantled and eventually converted into a multi-use trail between the two seaside towns.

The Scarborough-Whitby line fell victim to the axe of Dr Beeching in 1965, and these days it’s mountain bikers rather than steam locomotives that huff and puff along the former railway as it hugs the north-east coastline. The

www.camc.com

old Victorian bridges are draped with creepers and ivy, the former platforms transformed into seasonal cafés.

Now called the Cinder Track, in reference to the black cinders used as ballast for the old trackbed, the 21-mile trail starts modestly next to council buildings in Whitby and ends unceremoniously in a supermarket car park in Scarborough. But between its termini lie spectacular seascapes and landscapes, carrying echoes of the excited ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ that once spilled from the lips of holidaymakers taking a ride along the scenic line.

Today, the first eye-catching view involves a slight diversion from the Cinder Track to admire the 13 arches of the magnificent Esk Valley Viaduct, which towers 120 feet above the river. It’s a prime example of how the Victorians mixed pride with practicality, its 5 million bricks fashioned into architecture that refused to sacrifice form for function. Bram Stoker even referenced the viaduct in his Gothic horror, Dracula, which was inspired by his stay in Whitby.

There are no vampiric scares on the Cinder Track, where for the most part the going is reasonable for knobbly mountain bike wheels. The track turns from firm footpath to rutted road, its cinders ranging from sticky mud to axle-deep potholes to cobbles that threaten to shake fillings from jaws. But the stretches

March 2020 39

ACTIVITY BREAKS CYCLING The Camel Trail

BOOK

ON THE

APP

WHERE TO STAY Andy Guest / Alamy

North Yorkshire Moors Club site gives easy access to the Cinder Trail.

For further information, see northyorkmoors.org.uk/cycling.

Alternative railway rides 1. Camel Trail, Cornwall

Ride the old railway line from Wenfordbridge through Bodmin and Wadebridge all the way to the stunning Camel Estuary at Padstow, where fish and chips or a pasty from one o ick tein s many eateries will provide the energy or the -mile return Info: cornwall.gov.uk/cameltrail Stay at: Camelford Club site

2. Tissington Trail, Derbyshire

n oy the beauty o the eak istrict s limestone dales without the bite o its hills on this -mile ormer railway line rom shbourne to arsley ay you ancy riding on, oin the igh eak Trail or more tra ic- ree magic all the way to rom ord Info: visitpeak district.com Stay at: Carsington Water Club site

3. Bristol & Bath Railway Path

edal between the two great cities o the outh- est on this trail embellished by a series of large sculptures.

Info: bristolbathrailway path.org.uk Stay at: Baltic Wharf Club site

-mile tra ic- ree asphalt

that are as dry and smooth as the Iffley Road cinder track (where Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute-mile barrier) are bliss to ride. A couple of years ago, proposals to upgrade more of the route were met with protests, amid concerns that a smoother surface would transform the trail into a motorway for cyclists seeking leaderboard times.

While I curse the treacherous mud, the protesters were right to say that this is a route where it’s better to travel than arrive.

AIMING FOR ROBIN HOOD S BAY

Supporting evidence arrives shortly after Hawsker, where the North Sea sparkles like a girl’s best friend beyond lush green meadows fringed with bright yellow gorse. To the south, cliffs clutch Robin Hood’s Bay in a protective embrace, but as the trail passes across the top of the village I know better than to ride down into its heart. Robin Hood’s Bay is a characterful place where buildings cling to a brake-testing slope that races down to the sea, but I can’t face the subsequent walk of shame, pushing my bike back uphill after a coffee and flapjack stop!

The detour is just one of many potential ‘branch line’ diversions that could easily stretch the ride into a full day’s outing, although it’s hard 40 March 2020

Above from top: riding along the trail; view to o in s ood f om Ravenscar

“

...the reward for the effort is a spellbinding coastal panorama

”

to resist the lure of coves such as Maw Wyke Hole and Cloughton Wyke (a wyke is where a boat can be landed with a path up from the beach).

For walkers, the Cleveland Way National Trail follows the full roller coaster rise and fall of the cliffline, while the Cinder Track takes a slightly easier inland route. It is, nonetheless, one of Britain’s more challenging former railway lines to ride, gaining altitude to Ravenscar on a climb that goes on and on like the office bore, until it becomes just as annoying.

But what goes up must come down! Moreover, the reward for the uphill effort on the final approach to Ravenscar is a spellbinding coastal panorama that sweeps from the wind-lashed battlements of Raven Hall Hotel all the way north to Robin Hood’s Bay. The hotel is a good spot for a cuppa and cake, and its views are priceless.

Ravenscar itself is a peculiar place, a resort that never happened, which perhaps explains the quizzical looks on the faces of three shaggy alpacas, grazing in a field just beyond the village.

Losing altitude as the Cinder Track starts its descent from Ravenscar to Scarborough, the route seems significantly quieter, which is a shame given how pretty the pebbled cove at Hayburn Wyke is, with its short waterfalls cascading into rockpools.

Railway rides can be undertaken in either direction, and there are benefits in tackling the Cinder Track from either end. Starting in Scarborough presents the chance for a mid-ride fish ‘n’ chips at the award-winning Magpie Café in Whitby. Or start in Whitby in order to pick up the prevailing south-westerly tailwind for a helpful push on the north-bound return leg. Either way, it’s 21 miles of traffic-free coastal cycling with some truly wonderful views.

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November 2016 XX

FOREIGN TOURING IRELAND

WICK PICKS E heres the erfect ase for a jaunt around ounty icklow t s well hidden... ut Rosemary Boyce knows the answer

um Market square at Rathdr

42 March 2020

xciting and unexpected discoveries are the highlights of any touring adventure – and there were plenty in store for us during our stay at the Hidden Valley resort, a Club Affiliated Site near Rathdrum, County Wicklow. The site is less than 50 miles to the south of Dublin – so just over an hour’s drive if travelling from the capital’s port via the N11/ M11, or a little longer if you are coming from Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford.

County Wicklow may not immediately spring to mind as a destination for an

‘overseas’ holiday, but if days out exploring in the 20,000-hectare Wicklow Mountains National Park appeal, not to mention the chance to see ancient ruins or simply soak up scenic grandeur, this could be the place for you.

Rathdrum, which sits high on the western side of the Avonmore Valley, is the perfect base for your adventure. The village itself has a buzzing centre, decent shops, a well-stocked supermarket and several highly recommended eating establishments.

We stopped for an excellent lunch at The Coffin Shed – despite its macabre name we

www.camc.com

1

Hidden Valley AS This family park is in a secluded setting within walking distance of Rathdrum village.

Pitches: 110 Open: 13 Mar-26 Sep 2020

Visitor view “This is our first visit to Hidden Valley. We like the spacious pitch, the setting and the facilities plus the friendly reception.”

Dermot and Colette O’Brien

Site view

”

Lower Lake in Glendalough at dawn

enjoyed service with a smile and a jovial atmosphere, with not an empty table in sight.

Most importantly, though, Rathdrum boasts the Hidden Valley site. Tucked away with wooded surroundings and skirted by the River Avonmore, this popular holiday park is well laid out and features a dedicated area around a lake for caravans and motorhomes. Attractions on site (for an additional fee) include the Splash Valley Aqua Park – a floating adventure playground filled with inflatable obstacles – as well as fishing and boating, while the kids’ outdoor adventure park is free for residents to enjoy. Also look out for the Lakeside Restaurant, with its ice cream parlour, and cinema nights (from Easter, at weekends throughout the high season). www.camc.com

POWER OF TWO

Despite the many fun things to do on site (or even the temptation to do little more than sit back and enjoy the pleasant surroundings), I would urge you to explore the gorgeous Wicklow countryside. Nearby Glendalough, meaning ‘valley of two lakes’, is home to the remains of a monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. Spending time here is an atmospheric experience as you marvel at buildings dating from the medieval period and later, including the 30m-high Round Tower, Priests’ House and cathedral. Keen walkers can pick up a map of the various walking trails in the area from the visitor centre.

Another venue you should definitely consider is Powerscourt Estate, about 16 miles south of Dublin and set against the backdrop of

Peter Zelie/Getty

“

I would urge you to explore the gorgeous Wicklow countryside

“This is an amazing site suitable for families and the older generation. Facilities are continually being upgraded, adding to the growth of the park.”

Liam and Claudie

Food & drink Bates Restaurant, 3 Market Street, Market Square, Rathdrum Contact: 00353 404 29988

Culture National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Kilbride A67 YR12 Contact: botanicgardens@ opw.ie, 00353 404 48844

Outdoor fun Powerscourt Waterfall, 5km from main estate, see website for directions Contact: powerscourt.com, 00353 1 204 6000

For the family Clara Lara Fun Park, Vale of Clara, Rathdrum Contact: claralara.ie, 00353 404 46161

March 2020 43

Illustration: Louise Turpin

FOREIGN TOURING IRELAND

“

Works of art in different mediums by Irish artists are strategically placed...

”

the Great Sugar Loaf mountain. Surrounding the impressive main house are stunning gardens that include ornamental lakes, an Italian Garden, Japanese Garden and wooded valley where you will find the Pepperpot Tower – a fascinating cannontopped structure modelled on a pepperpot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table. You should also take in the beautiful, 121m-high Powerscourt Waterfall, about four miles from the main estate.

All the while vying for attention in these parts is Great Sugar Loaf. Sitting apart from the peaks of the Wicklow Mountains, its distinctive conical shape makes it one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks – a climb to its modest summit rewards the energetic with views taking in Dublin city and even as far away as Snowdonia in Wales.

On your return journey to the site you could take a detour to join the Old Military Road (R115) that runs along the spine of the mountains. One of the first purpose-built roads in Ireland, it was constructed during the early 1800s to open up the region to the British Army following the 1798 rebellion.

MIND THE GAP

One of the most scenic drives in the country, the landscape surrounding the road takes in hillsides, forests, rivers and waterfalls.

Highlights include the Sally Gap, where an extraordinary explosion of colour will have you stopping and reaching for the camera. From here you can take the R759 and stop in a car park to admire views of ‘The Guinness Lake’ – otherwise known as Lough Tay. The shape of this body of water, its dark colour and the white sand on its northern shore lend it its nickname!

Aside from the Powerscourt Estate, visitors are drawn to numerous beautiful gardens in County Wicklow. One we found impressive was the peaceful Shekina Sculpture Garden. A stream flows through it, feeding two separate ponds, and works of art in different mediums

by Irish artists are strategically placed, stirring the senses and causing you to ponder. Yet another unexpected – and wonderfully enlightening discovery – on our County Wicklow adventure.

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Rosemary Boyce joined the Club in the 1980s

Hidden Valley offers plenty of outdoor activities 44 March 2020

Shekina Sculpture Garden www.camc.com

Don’t take chances

When it comes to toilet products, make sure you pick the right ones

GREAT BRITISH PRODUCTS

To find your nearest Elsan stockist visit

www.elsan.co.uk Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

CANADA Choose from one of our two escorted motorhome adventures in this magical country

Moraine Lake, Alberta

THE CANADIAN ROCKIES Your epic Canadian adventure (which is overseen by experienced local tour leaders) begins in Calgary, where you’ll find cool restaurants, a vibrant music scene and the iconic Calgary Tower.

After picking up your motorhome you’ll set off for beautiful Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Here you can see Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon, where the creek has cut through the limestone to form impressive pools, waterfalls and tunnels. Another option is to take a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

On days 6 and 7 you will take in views of lakes, glaciers, forests and hills on your journey along the famed Icefields Parkway towards Jasper – keep an eye out for deer and black bears along the way. Be sure to take in the famous Peyto Lake – and what about embarking on a glacier tour on the Columbia Icefield?

More wildlife-spotting is in store as you leave the province of Alberta for Wells Gray Provincial Park in British

Columbia – renowned for its black bears, grizzlies, moose, wolves and cougars. We recommend visits to Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls, both of which plunge into beautiful, mist-filled gorges.

Next up is Sun Peaks. Famous as a ski area, it is equally impressive in summer, boasting opportunities for downhill go-karting, mountain biking, horse riding and more.

As you approach the mid-point of this magical road trip you reach Cache Creek, where a visit to Historic Hat Creek Ranch gives you a flavour of life during the late 19th century Gold Rush!

Next, we suggest a stop in the remarkable Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (where minerals in the water give the lakes a remarkable turquoise hue) on your way to Whistler. Here, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers mesmerising views, while you could also opt for a ride in a seaplane.

It's then on to Vancouver, pausing to admire Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You'll have a full day to explore this extraordinary

coastal city, where a trip to Stanley Park should be high on the agenda.

Heading once again for Alberta, you can visit the wineries or orchards of the glorious Okanagan Valley, before Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Kootenay National Parks offer further feasts for the senses. As you return the keys in Calgary, take a moment to reflect on the journey of a lifetime.

Duration/type: 25 days/escorted motorhome tour Departure: 29 May 2021, 5 Sep 2021 Price: from £3,999 for 29 May 2021 departure (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights to Calgary, local tour leaders, all transfers, two nights in a centrally located hotel in Calgary, welcome dinner, 21 nights pre-booked campsites, barbecue dinner, unlimited mileage, kitchen equipment, linen and bedding, personalised road book with travel tips and day-to-day driving itinerary

For more information on this tour please visit camc.com/worldwide or call 01342 488059 46 March 2020

www.camc.com

CALLING Tofino, Vancouver Island

VANCOUVER ISLAND AND THE SUNSHINE COAST Experienced local guides will keep an eye out for you every step of the way during this remarkable motorhome tour, taking in the exhilarating scenery of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

Having arrived in Vancouver on couple of days to explore this cosmopolitan city. Take the chance to explore the market and workshops of Granville Island or visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. motorhome and stock up on groceries before boarding the ferry to magnificent Vancouver Island, where

surrounding Parliament Buildings.

On Day 6 you will enjoy incredible ocean views as you drive along the Malahat Drive towards Nanaimo. You could perhaps stop to admire the totem poles of Duncan or pause in Chemainus to view its colourful murals. From

Nanaimo (we recommend the market where goats can be seen grazing on the roof!) you will wind your way through the Douglas fir trees of Cathedral Grove and onwards to the west coast of the island. On arrival in Ucluelet you have the delights of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on your doorstep and the opportunity to go whale or bear watching, fishing, kayaking or zip lining.

You now head north-east for Campbell River, a wonderful natural playground known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ – Discovery Pier is a well-known wildlifespotting point.

Boarding the ferry in Comox, it’s time to head across the Strait of Georgia once again to Powell River in the northern Sunshine Coast. Why not take a cruise from Lund into Desolation Sound for the chance to spot whales, sea lions, porpoises and more? Further highlights of this remarkable region include Earls Cove, where you can see the Harmony Falls, and Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park

where you can view tidal whirlpools and white water.

Following another ferry you have the opportunity to drive the magical Sea to Sky Highway, admiring fjords, ocean views, mountains and waterfalls on your way to the famous ski region of Whistler.

More scenic delights await on the road to Burnaby before you return your motorhome in Vancouver and fly home.

Duration/type: 20 days/escorted motorhome tour Departure: 11 Sep 2021 Price: from £3,899 for 11 Sep 2021 departure (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights to Vancouver, local tour leaders, all transfers, 3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Vancouver, welcome dinner, 15 nights’ pre-booked campsites, barbecue dinner, unlimited mileage, personalised road book with travel tips and day-to-day driving itinerary with local area info

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

March 2020 47

TOURING OVERSEAS TRAVEL

TIME TO CELEBRATE Why not add an extra dimension to your European holiday with a visit to a local event or celebration? Here are a few ideas...

FRANCE

Maritime Celebration/ Festival of Brittany i

G16

Easter fun Stay at: Klutheseecamp and Seeblick (G12) Enjoy an Easter experience with a  fun-filled festival at the seaside resort of Travemünde (10-13 April).

Taking place in the course of four days, highlights include a family-friendly music programme, visits from the Easter Bunny, fun painting activities, sack races and egg and spoon races.

Also look out for a huge Easter bonfire on the beach! The Klutheseecamp and Seeblick campsite and the Ferienpark am Wulfener Hals (G10) campsite are

G12

Fécamp

Stay at: Sanssouci zu Potsdam (G16) This site, set in quiet woodland on the banks of the Templiner See lake, is within an hour of Berlin – the setting for a host of Easter-related celebrations. Look out for Easter (featuring a children's carousel and giant Easter eggs) and the public square Alexanderplatz, where you will be able to enjoy numerous shows, a petting zoo, wine stands and a beer garden. Meanwhile, festive bonfires will be lit at the Britzer Garten, the Späth nurseries and the Weissensee beach or you could indulge your cultural side with a trip to an Easter concert at Charlottenburg Palace on 11 April.

While you are in Berlin, take the opportunity to visit the famed Checkpoint Charlie and nearby museum – in 2019 the city marked the 30 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

i e

e se

0

huge celebration of maritime history featuring hundreds of traditional and classic boats from Normandy, Brittany and northern Europe – takes place from 1 to 5 July 2020. Two or three of these magnificent vessels will leave the port of Fécamp and sail in the harbour each day, while the festival will also feature numerous concerts and exhibitions. L'Aiguille Creuse campsite is less than seven miles away from Fécamp on the Alabaster Coast. Boasting a swimming pool, shop, play area and television room, it is perfect for young families and offers easy access to the coastal towns of Étretat and Yport.

Stay at: any of our Brittany sites The Fête de la Bretagne (Festival of Brittany) takes place in mid-May in towns and villages across the Brittany region. Celebrating the best of Breton culture, you can expect everything from concerts

and exhibitions to markets and street entertainment. To find out more, see brittanytourism.com. To search for a site in Brittany, check out camc.com/overseas.

eedin in France

The Club has seen an increase in the volume of traffic fines being issued to members, particularly following speeding offences committed in France. We highly recommend that members pay attention to speed limits and pay these fines promptly if they receive them.

Belle Île en Mer, Brittany

Getty Images

GERMANY

Try out our new, improved overseas booking system today at camc.com/overseas 48 March 2020

www.camc.com

T

IRELAND/CROATIA es oo in 0 Galway in Ireland has been chosen as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2020 – and the city is ready to celebrate. The year is structured into the four seasons of the old Celtic calendar – Imbolc (February to April), Bealtaine (May to July), Lughnasa (August to October) and Samhain (November to January – with each promising a series of exciting events and attractions. Highlights will include exhibitions by photographer and 2020 artist-in-residence Tobias Hutzler, and the installation of Mirror Pavilion (an extraordinary work by Irish artist John Gerrard) at Claddagh Quay from April until July. To see more of the programme visit galwaytourism.ie/ blog/2020-events-guide. The Nagles Doolin site, which sits on a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coast,

Festival of St John, Porto

Festivities of St John Stay at: Marjal Costa Blanca 05 m in i ne Imperium (W21)  in Alicante from 19 to 24 June.

Thousands of people take to the streets in a celebration of the coming of summer which features processions, music and fireworks.

The event begins with the building of bonfires and enormous comedic cardboard and wooden figures (which will ultimately go up in flames).

Highlights include traditionaldress pageants, a floral offering to the patron saint of the city – the Virgin of El Remedio – and a procession featuring dance troops from all over the world.

Both Marjal Costa Blanca and Camping Alicante are within easy reach of the city.

from Galway.

Galway

Rijeka

Angeiras is 30 minutes away.

Porto

Getty Images

Alicante

i ei 2 n ei s 1 The coastal city of Porto in Portugal has its very own take on the Saint John (São João) celebrations. Thousands of tourists flock to the culmination of the festivities on the night of 23/24 June, as the scent of barbecued sardines fills the air and revellers enjoy the likes of ‘caldo verde’ (a green cabbage soup) and lamb and roasted pepper salad. Other traditions include the lighting of bonfires, decorating the streets with paper lanterns and releasing large illuminated balloons. This is all capped off with a magnificent midnight firework display over the River Douro, although some will party on till dawn. Orbitur Vagueria is a great base for visits

m in m 11 en n 1 Both of these beachside sites on Croatia's Adriatic coast are great bases for visits to Rijeka – the second European Capital of Culture 2020. Attractions to look out for in this fascinating city will include ‘Green Pavilions’ (1 April to 31 December) – a series of “therapeutic and fragrant points” on the streets – and a performance of The Emperor's New Clothes by the Rijeka Puppet Theatre and Maribor Puppet Theatre on 17 April. See rijeka2020.eu/en for a full programme of events.

Fabrizio Troiani/Alamy

Getty Images

European Capitals of Culture celebrations

Try out our new, improved overseas booking system today at camc.com/overseas March 2020 49

SPECIAL NEW EXPERIENCES

THE CHALLENGE

What: Take in four new experiences in four days, staying at three Club sites all within 60 miles of the Club’s East Grinstead HQ The participants: Club Director General Nick Lomas, writer and adventure cyclist Marcus Leach Where: Bearsted, Battle Normanhurst Court and Brighton Club sites Accommodation: Bailey Alliance motorhome and glamping pod

LEARNING CURVE Club Director General Nick Lomas picks up four new skills on a long weekendʻs touring adventure

If you were asked to recall your most memorable touring experience, how many of you would offer up that oncein-a-lifetime adventure overseas or a UK holiday hundreds of miles from home? I bet only a few of you would reminisce about a short break just an hour or so down the road – but in our quest to broaden our horizons we often neglect what is on our doorstep.

That is why we set Caravan and Motorhome Club Director General Nick Lomas and writer and adventure cyclist Marcus Leach the challenge of creating a local break that would rival any adventure in Australia, America, Austria or Ayrshire.

Using the Club’s East Grinstead HQ as their starting point, our duo stayed in Sussex and Kent, at sites no more than 60 miles away.

Here, Nick explains what they got up to...

50 March 2020

EXPERIENCE 1 ENRICHED DOUGH MAKING

In a top-10 list of the world’s best smells, freshly-baked dough would surely rival freshly-cut grass for the top spot? So, we needed no encouragement to undertake our first challenge – an Enriched Dough Making course with Monique Bonney, owner of Green Cottages Kitchen, a small self-catering cottages and cookery workshops business near Sittingbourne in Kent. As well as cinnamon buns, brioche and focaccia, we made pizza – I’m not sure my nostrils have ever been so spoilt! Anyone can go on one of these cookery courses and Monique is just amazing. You get all the ingredients, a box to take everything away in and instructions on how to make everything again at home – I think my family are in for a few treats.

Club site: Bearsted Contact: greencottages.com, 07973 443527 Price: £120 per person

EXPERIENCE 2 FORAGING COURSE

Birchden Wood near Groombridge, which straddles the Kent and East Sussex borders, was the location for our second experience. From the cosseted warmth of a kitchen on day one, day two saw us out in the wilds looking for edible plants, berries and mushrooms with Gavin from Totally Wild UK (the company offers foraging courses all over the country). Did you know that the colours and shapes of a mushroom’s cap, gills and stem, and the relationships between these elements, help you to identify whether it is edible or not?

Two of the edible mushrooms we found were wood blewit and amethyst deceiver – indeed, we enjoyed them both in a stir-fry we cooked in the woods. You can also eat the pretty wildflower, wood sorrel, while dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute. It didn’t taste too bad at all and brought to an end a fascinating morning.

Please note that foraging for safe wild foods should be undertaken with an expert.

Club site: Bearsted Contact: totallywilduk.co.uk, 07305 416425 Price: £60 per person

www.camc.com

THE CHALLENGE ACCOMMODATION Nick and Marcus stayed in a Bailey Alliance motorhome for three days, ending their ‘experience challenge’ in a glamping pod at Brighton Club site. Nick explains the differences for him: “It’s that difference between arriving at a hotel room almost versus having all your belongings with you in the motorhome or caravan.

But the great thing is you get the same ambience of being on the site – so, in that sense there isn’t very much difference. You still get that sense of being in the outdoors.”

“

Four amazing days of different experiences right on my doorstep

EXPERIENCE 3 BREWERY DAY

Being partial to the odd ale with a pub meal, it was with great anticipation that I walked through the doors to Kissingate Brewery in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, to help them make their weekly brew of Sussex bitter. Owner Gary and his partner Bunny started this local award-winning brewery just over 10 years ago, and they specialise in producing old-style dark beers such as porters, stouts and milds, as well as an extensive range of pale beers. The whole brewing process takes about six hours, and you gain an understanding of the different components of beer making – the malts, the hops and the yeast. Did you know that ‘good bugs’ are vital in giving beer a brilliant taste, so cleanliness and hygiene in a brewery are essential. Our reward for our efforts? A spot of beer tasting – just perfect.

Club site: Battle Normanhurst Court Contact: kissingate.co. uk, 01403 891335 Price: £85 per person

”

EXPERIENCE 4 BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL SKILLS

For our final experience we went back to the woods – to Nutley to be precise, spending the day in ancient woodland adjoining the Ashdown Forest. Leon from Wildwood Bushcraft showed us how to identify a safe source of water to drink, by looking at the topography, how the water was flowing through the woods and if there were any risks of contamination. Once we had ascertained that the water was safe, we made a cup of tea – not from PG Tips teabags, but with nettles we had foraged. It was surprisingly tasty! We then built shelters and learnt how to start a fire without matches. We did this two ways – using fire sticks we created a spark with which we lit silver birch bark and honeysuckle (or woodbine). Even if it is wet – like it was for us – by putting the bark and honeysuckle in your trouser pockets near your femoral artery, which is really quite warm, it dries out. So, by the afternoon it was sufficiently dry that we could get a fire going. The other technique, called a bow drill, relies on friction – you have a piece of wood, or a peg, that goes into a wooden base and you have to rotate it by hand [for about 15 minutes]. That is very, very hard work and I couldn’t get mine going. Indeed, only Leon the instructor managed to start a fire using this

technique. We also made ‘bannock’, a type of flat bread, out of flour and water and dough sticks for sustenance. A really interesting day.

Club site: Brighton Contact: wildwoodbushcraft.com, 01687 470415 Price: £200 for two people (but this was for a special one-off private course for Nick and Marcus); normal costs – Bushcraft Basic Skills Course, £80 per person; Survival Day Course, £90 per person) March 2020 51

56 February 2020

www.camc.com

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

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.

STAR LETTER

A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR?

SECOND SITTING

Seacroft Club site

A night to remember My wife, myself and some friends have just returned from the Seacroft site [in Norfolk] where we celebrated New Year’s Eve. The site was as one would expect a Club site to be – very clean and well maintained.

We attended the New Year’s Eve party, in The Wanderer complex, and were very impressed by the quality and quantity of food available on the buffet; in fact we have paid considerably more and got far less at local hotels in the past.

The evening was slightly marred by a power failure in the local area but all of the site staff acted very professionally and kept us all informed as to what was going on and when we might expect normal www.camc.com

service to resume. During the power outage, there was good banter between all in attendance and all of the staff worked very hard to ensure that everyone had a drink and were enjoying themselves. The buffet was brought forward, a credit to the catering staff, and with torches and candles everyone tucked in.

One of our friends was celebrating their birthday, a couple of days early, and again the site team went out of their way to ensure that she celebrated in style.

Once again, please pass our thanks and appreciation on to all of the staff involved in making this a night to remember.

Doug and Jean Inman

Maybe Mike Durrans [February Letters] hasn’t thought his plea for higher seatbacks through.

The seatbacks also double as the centres of the double bed configuration in most vans. This means that they’re normally half the width of the gangway between the lounge benches. On most caravans this means they’re about a foot or so wide. They could be made wider/higher by adding strips of upholstery, maybe Velcroed on top, but that would be added cost and leave double bed users with narrow ‘snakes’ of seatback to sort out at night.

In addition seatbacks tend to be lower, or on a level with the bottom of the side windows. It would be silly and inconvenient to have seatbacks higher than the bottom edge of the windows and the external aesthetics of a van might be upset if the bottom edge of side windows were set higher, as they‘d be more like slits than windows.

Andy Halese, via email

It didn’t spoil our celebrations, but this New Year’s Eve in Ipswich was far from peaceful. The steady popping of fireworks throughout the evening became a full-scale artillery barrage at midnight, which was not at all how I wanted to welcome in the new year and was very upsetting for our dog. My partner, Jane, and I agreed that it would be lovely to jump into our motorhome next year and find a nice quiet site for the night. Can anyone recommend a Club site (or even a CL) as far as possible from the nearest fireworks?

Then hopefully we can celebrate with a cool glass of bubbly and a calm and collected hound!

Mike Rushmore, Suffolk

Fizz, bang?

March 2020 53

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS Handa Island

BRING ON THE RESERVE

Lochs of fun Ten years ago we stayed about a week at a CL in Kinlochbervie. It was an experience of a lifetime.

When we entered the entrance, we saw that the camping places were on top of a hill with a marvellous view over Loch Clash.

But first you had to pass several storm refuge places, which made us think. The owner told us that when a serious wind was blowing it was sometimes wise to take cover there with your unit. And when we asked him if we could put the awning up, he told us that that year only three awnings had been blown away, so it was not too bad. So we decided not to put it up. And when

one day the wind came from Loch Clash the caravan was wobbling as if we were on the high sea.

From the CL it was a short walk to the village where there was a shop that sold food and other necessities. As the weather was unpredictable we went to Oldshoremore Beach instead of the famous Sandwood Bay. We also visited Handa Island and the Highland Games in Durness. After having had dinner in the Old School and in The Kinlochbervie Hotel, it was time to continue our travel to John O’Groats along the beautiful north coast of Scotland.

Jan Joosse, the Netherlands

TIME FOR CHANGE I was surprised by a couple of items in the recent issue [January]. Firstly a letter headed ‘Let change take its course’, claiming that the environment lobby is forcing us to abandon internal combustion engines. The environmental lobby (which includes the entire responsible scientific community) is simply warning us. What is forcing change is that, even if action is taken immediately, the planet might already be past the point of no return – witness apocalyptic scenes from all over the world of vast fires burning uncontrollably, catastrophic flooding and the rapid melting of polar ice.

54 March 2020

Similarly, the fuss over the new motorhome taxation rates dealt with in the ‘Ask Your Club’ column [p70, January]. From the figures quoted, it seems that large motorhome owners have been getting a very good deal up to now, and shouldn’t complain too loudly when they are asked to pay a fairer tax contribution.

The only kind of argument many people understand is financial, and the sooner large polluting vehicles are made more expensive to own and run, the sooner there will be some progress made towards a solution.

Michael Millward, Lancashire

In common with many members we are concerned about our impact on the environment when towing our caravan.

We are waiting for the debut of electric vehicles that have the power-to-weight ratio to make towing electrically a possibility. Caravan manufacturers are doing their bit by reducing weight and fitting solar panels but I wonder if they have considered the following.

Would it be possible to replace the current lead-acid batteries with lithium ion (lighter and more power density) and provision for more than one battery? Then provide a mechanism whereby the charge in the caravan batteries can be used by the EV towcar.

EV car manufacturers would also have to be involved. The caravan batteries could be used by driver selection when the EV batteries were getting low on power or to extend range – it would act like a reserve tank on some current petrol and diesel engines and significantly reduce 'range anxiety' when towing.

Steve Towning, via email

NO CUTTING CORNERS I would like to bring something to your attention which we have found to be an issue of late. On several occasions over the last couple of years, whilst visiting Club and Affiliated sites we have become more aware of fellow campers blatantly cutting through occupied pitches in order to reach the facilities quicker.

This has caused much frustration to both myself and my partner and other members that we have talked to. We value our trips to sites and we also value and respect other campers’ right to privacy. We pay for the use of the pitch and expect to able to use the pitch without others using it as a shortcut.

Neither myself nor my partner wishes to sound like killjoys, however one of the whole points to caravanning and motorhoming is for relaxation purposes and this doesn’t happen when a minority few, whether deliberately or just through simple lack of awareness, wind you up.

Steve Mitchell, via email

Trewethett Farm Club site

www.camc.com

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www.camc.com November 2016 XX catch up and on demand services. Watching on demand and catch up programmes will count towards any monthly broadband data allowance. 7-day catch up for selected channels.

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

ALSACE MEMORIES

A LIFE IN CARAVANNING This is to let you know that my mother, Ethel Rose Hunt, died on 20 December at the age of 100.

I am sure that you and your members, some of whom may remember her, would be interested in some details about her life.

My parents bought their first caravan, an Eccles Alert, in 1957.

My father, Ernest Hunt, spent the winter doing it up. They joined The Caravan Club straight away and my mother has maintained her membership ever since.

We spent many happy holidays in that Eccles and later vans. When my father retired, my parents spent a couple of happy seasons as wardens at Steamer Quay in Totnes, and later helping out as assistants at Godrevy [Park] when that site opened. Sadly my father died in 1983 but mum and I carried on with her beloved touring holidays for a few more years both in Britain and France. Although she was a capable driver, she would never venture to tow the caravan herself!

She was delighted to be invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2007 to celebrate 100 years of The Caravan Club, having been a member of it for half its life.

Rod Hunt, via email 56 March 2020

After reading the article in the December 2019 issue of the magazine, I thought I must write and tell you of our holiday in the Alsace region.

After visiting Colmar [pictured], we found a campsite at Herrlisheim, a good site with fantastic facilities. The lady running the site told us of a tour round some of the old villages, one of which was Eguisheim – a fairytale place like something out of Hansel and Gretel.

On leaving the site to head south we found ourselves in Mulhouse – my late brother-in-law

had told us about the Schlumpf motor museum.

It is full of Bugattis and other vintage cars – French and other nationalities. We spent the day there and really enjoyed it.

That was my first holiday on the Continent – my husband, Ralph, drove and we covered some 3,000 miles. It was the first of many holidays in France, Switzerland and Italy. We have met some lovely people of all nationalities, and been to some beautiful places.

Rose Basford, Yorkshire

HOME AND DRY The January magazine contained an article which recommended use of a dehumidifier in the winter [Practical feature]. I would never use one as a caravan is not like a house as it is not airtight. A caravan has vents for the fridge and gas fire, bathroom vents, and sink plug holes open to the outside air. A dehumidifier will be pulling damp air in from outside as well as the inside.

Also, when you enter and leave the caravan to empty the dehumidifier every week you admit a big chunk of cold, damp air each time you open the door, defeating the object of the device.

When I started caravanning 50 years ago, many cheap second-hand ‘starter’ caravans dated from the 1950s, with ill-fitting doors, glass

windows and hardboard walls. They were very damp, with condensation streaming down the walls. We didn't have dehumidifiers in those days so we would place a large tray of dry sawdust on the floor which soaked up the damp all winter.

I live in the Lake District, a very high humidity area, but my 30-year-old caravan is free of damp and mould all winter because I place a tray of wood pellet cat litter on the floor – much tidier than sawdust. In the spring I put the litter on the compost heap.

A word of caution – if you want to try this remedy, do not use clay/Fuller’s earth cat litter as it will make a sticky mess, and definitely avoid corn-based litter as it attracts mice!

Frank Roberts, via email www.camc.com

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COUNTRY MATTERS COLLECTIVE NOUNS

What’s in a name?

David Chapman is fascinated by the collective nouns we have given to wildlife

A ‘charm’ of goldfinches (main image) and young greenfinches (below); a group of barnacle geese on the water is known as a ‘plump’ (bottom)

58

W

e are fortunate to have such a wonderful, creative and diverse language which has developed over many centuries and is still evolving today. Collective nouns are examples of this richness of vocabulary. It’s unlikely that there was ever any need to have collective nouns for each species – we could have managed with a few generic terms such as ‘flock’ and ‘herd’ – but some creatures have been singled out for individual attention.

Many of the collective nouns in use today were established in the 15th century. They have survived the test of time because the gentry took amusement in them, and considered learning the names worthwhile, probably to distinguish themselves from local peasants.

This is possibly why many of us peasants look upon collective nouns as slightly pretentious!

You can see the influence of the gentry in the formation of collective nouns because all of the commonly-hunted species have been named.

We have ‘coveys’ of partridges, pheasants, ptarmigan and quail; a ‘lek’ or ‘covey’ of grouse; a ‘tok’ of capercaillie; a ‘fall’ of woodcocks; a ‘drove’ of bustards; a ‘sounder’ of wild boar; and, rather beautifully, a ‘wisp’ of snipe.

The use of pretentious language is commonplace in collective nouns, notably 59

COUNTRY MATTERS COLLECTIVE NOUNS

A ‘flutter’ of silver-studded blue butterflies (above); a ‘covey’ of ptarmigan (left)

in ‘a pulchritude’ of peacocks or, as an alternative, an ‘ostentation’ of peacocks – both are remarkably fitting for a bird with such a pompous attitude to life.

The peacock isn’t the only bird with a multitude of collective names. We have different terms that relate to the manner in which geese are seen, so we have a ‘skein’ when they are flying in long V-shapes, a ‘gaggle’ when they are seen together on land and, best of all, a ‘plump’ of geese when spotted on the water.

The robin has been given several collective terms. Would you believe that a ‘flock’ of robins can also be called a ‘reliant’ of robins? Other alternatives for the robin include ‘rouge’, ‘breast’, ‘carol’, ‘gift’ and ‘bobbin’. Many of these are easily explained – some are descriptive of appearance and others relate to the bird’s association with Christmas. As for a bobbin of robins... well, it is simply joyous.

Finding a suitable rhyming word was not always possible, but the use of alliteration in collective nouns is common, so we have a ‘chattering’ of choughs; a ‘flamboyance’ of flamingos and a ‘bellowing’ of bullfinches.

Other plays-on-words include a ‘flutter’ of butterflies, which is also beautifully descriptive of behaviour, another common thread linking collective nouns.

60 March 2020

Some groups of birds were named for their song, so we have an ‘exaltation’ of skylarks and a ‘charm’ of finches. Other groups of birds and mammals were named after the behaviour they purported to display, so we have a ‘scold’ of jays; a ‘quarrel’ of sparrows; a ‘murmuration’ of starlings; a ‘scurry’ of squirrels and a ‘confusion’ of weasels.

There is more than a hint of stereotyping in the choice of some collective nouns: a ‘wisdom’ of owls and a ‘congress’ of eagles are flattering, but for less-revered birds such as those in the crow family there’s a whole range of derogatory terms, such as a ‘mischief’ or ‘murder’ of magpies; a ‘mob’ of crows and an ‘unkindness’ or ‘conspiracy’ of ravens.

Within this family it is rooks, in particular, that gather together in large numbers, and when they do so they are extremely communicative – hence a ‘parliament’ of rooks.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to compare their raucous behaviour to that which we sometimes see at Westminster!

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

MARCH LOOK OUT FOR Many trees and shrubs start to flower during March, so you may see... n The tiny flowers of holly (above) n The wonderful lamb’s tail catkins of goat willow n The ‘showy’ blooms of non-native camellias (below)

“

Finding a suitable rhyming word was not always possible, but the use of alliteration in collective nouns is common

A ‘murder’ or ‘mischief’ of magpies

”

61

SPECIAL CAMPING HISTORY

BLUE is the COLOUR

Campingaz – creator of those famous blue cylinders – has just celebrated its 70th anniversary. Nick Harding reflects on its success

I

t’s a well-known brand among caravanners and motorhomers here in the UK, but did you know that Campingaz was originally launched in France? And that it celebrated its 70th anniversary during 2019?

Although the company – originally known as Camping Gaz – has had numerous owners over the decades, it has always operated across the Channel in Lyon.

Many of you will have fond memories of the Campingaz lantern, especially if your were tent campers. And that familiar waft of bacon coming across

the campsite in the morning? Well it could well have been cooked on a Party Grill, Xcelerate or any of a wide number of outdoor cookers that have carried the Campingaz name over the years.

As an indication of the sheer size of the company, in 2018 Campingaz produced some 11 million C206 pierceable cartridges (the cartridge 'pierces' as it is tightened to the relevant appliance), 9.5million CV valve cartridges and around a million refillable cylinders. It’s also the only company to provide a refillable gas cylinder exchange service throughout Europe (including the UK).

In the UK, the distinctive blue refillable cylinders are offered in three sizes – 901, 904 and 907 (the latter is often the main source of gas for campervans). Under the company’s scheme, you initially buy a cylinder then swap it for a refill when needed (paying just for the price of the refill).

Every cylinder that goes back to the Lyon plant is fully tested – and refurbished as required – before being

refilled. Some can be up to 50 years old – an important environmental consideration.

Similarly, cylinders that are no longer wanted can be handed in at household waste centres, petrol stations, camping and caravanning stores and campsites that – in turn – arrange for them to go back to France.

OTHER PRODUCTS

Other Campingaz-branded products to look out for include Powerbox electric coolers and Quickbed airbeds. Look out too for the Master Plancha LX – operating from propane or butane, it features an enamelled, cast-iron hot plate that operates at temperatures of 300ºC-350ºC – perfect for searing steaks and more!

For more information, see campingaz.com

CAMPINGAZ – A HISTORY n 1949 Founded in Oullins (near Lyon) by three engineers. Designs and manufactures gas stoves and bottles under the brand Camping Gaz. A unique refillable gas cylinder system called 62 March 2020

Bidon Bleu is launched all over Europe. n 1952 Creation of the site at Saint-Genis-Laval, Lyon. n 1955 The C206 pierceable cartridge and the Bleuet stove are invented. n 1962 The company is

renamed Application Des Gaz (ADG). n 1970 The company is bought by the French bank Crédit Lyonnais. n 1982 Butagaz and Primagaz take over ADG/ Campingaz.

n 1994 Launch of the first true (designed and manufactured in-house) Campingaz gas barbecue, the Ranchero. n 1996 Coleman buys ADG/Campingaz. n 2005 North American

company Jarden buys Coleman. n 2016 Newell Brands (whose wide-ranging portfolio includes Berol, Paper Mate and Parker pens) buys Jarden. www.camc.com

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PRACTICAL CHECKS

Ready, steady, go!

Is your tourer’s winter hibernation about to end? Sammy Faircloth has some advice before you hit the road

S

pring is my favourite time of year. More hours of daylight, the flowers in bloom and the temperature rising... hopefully! I always think that Britain looks at its best during these months.

However, before taking to the road in your caravan or motorhome, it is important to carry out some pre-season checks.

Alderstead Heath Club site – a treat in springtime

ANNUAL SERVICE

Spring is the busiest time of the year for service engineers, so it is advisable to book your slot well in advance. I would recommend contacting a workshop or mobile technician that is a member of the Approved Workshop Scheme (see approvedworkshops. co.uk for details).

TYRES

There are a number of important tasks that need to be carried out in respect of tyres. First, check them for cracks, bubbling and tread depth, and don’t forget to examine the spare wheel. Damaged tyres need to be replaced. Wait until tyres are cold before monitoring their pressures with a gauge.

Finally, check the wheel fixings using a torque wrench.

ROAD LIGHTS

Run a test to ensure that all the road lights are working correctly and that none of the bulbs has www.camc.com

blown. If a bulb isn’t working it may simply be that the bulb and lamp unit contacts need cleaning. Also make sure that water hasnt got into the light assembly.

LEISURE BATTERY

Unless you use your vehicle regularly during winter, it is a good idea to 'trickle charge' your leisure battery during the colder months. Some owners remove the leisure battery from their caravan or motorhome during storage and some leave it in situ, trickle charging using devices

Above left: a service should be carried out annually Above right: incorrect tyre pressures can affect safety and performance Right: run a test to see that all the road lights are working correctly

March 2020 67

PRACTICAL CHECKS Left: a reading of 12.7V means a battery is properly charged

You can see more tips from the Club at camc.com/ advice

Right: clean and sterilise pipes and tanks using one of the many bespoke products on the market

like solar panels. The leisure battery should have a reading of 12.7V. Anything below 12V could mean that it has fully discharged, in which case you will need to buy a new one.

GAS

Check how much gas you have left in a cylinder by weighing it. On a Calor gas cylinder the empty weight should be marked on the collar in lbs/oz.

Calculate this figure in pounds only (remember there are 16 ounces in a pound) and divide by 2.2 to convert it into kilogrammes. The cylinder weight (when full) is painted on its wall in kilogrammes, so by weighing it on a set of bathroom scales you can work out the amount of gas remaining.

Alternatively, there are some new gadgets on the market, like the Truma LevelControl, that use ultrasound to detect the level of gas in a cylinder.

If you are heading somewhere cold, then it is advisable to take propane (usually red cylinders). Propane gas will not freeze and can be used in temperatures as low as -43ºC. In contrast, butane gas (usually blue cylinders) will cease to operate effectively at 3ºC, affecting the operation of equipment.

Bathroom scales can be used to calculate how much gas is left in a cylinder 68 March 2020

WATER SYSTEMS

After a long period in storage, give the pipes and tanks a good clean, and sterilise. There are various products on the market that are safe to use in caravans and motorhomes and that will leave no aftertaste (unlike some household products).

Avoid using chlorine-based cleaners which will leave an unpleasant taste in the water and are not good for the pipes. In terms of the hot water system, check the water heater manufacturer’s handbook or website first for advice on recommended cleaning products.

Periodical cleaning and maintenance of the toilet cassette will help to prolong its life and keep it smelling fresh

Give your caravan a good clean before the new touring season

TOILET

Now is the time to carry out some toilet maintenance, such as spraying the rubber seal with a specialist seal lubricant (it is not advisable to use petroleum jelly or vegetable oil). Also, check the status of the toilet cassette, as this may benefit from a good clean using a specialist cleaner.

Clean your fridge using bicarbonate of soda dissolved in warm water

CLEANING

The cold weather can take its toll on both the inside and outside of a caravan or motorhome. Give the outside a thorough clean, particularly if your vehicle has been stored without a cover.

Dust will have settled during a long stint in storage. Give the interior a thorough spring clean, but be careful not to use household products.

Thetford Bathroom Cleaner, for example, is gentle on all plastic surfaces and can even be used to clean the fridge. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into a litre of warm water as that will also do the job.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I learnt about the importance of winter preparation through bitter experience. I was getting the caravan ready for a spring adventure only to discover that it had got very damp inside during the colder months and all my wooden kitchen utensils had gone mouldy. Also, mould was growing on the walls and the skylights. Ever since, I have planned meticulously when storing my caravan for the winter. The more detailed the preparation, the easier it is to get going in spring.

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PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

A question of time Q

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

What does the Government’s decision to change the date from which you can’t buy a new diesel or petrol car mean for Club members?

A

On 4 February 2020, the Government revised the date from which you will no longer be able to buy a new conventional diesel or petrol car from 2040 to 2035. Given the current pace of change in passenger car sales, this probably isn’t a massive concern – diesel car sales fell by over a third during the past year, and petrol car sales by nearly 10%.

Currently, members buying towcars overwhelmingly opt for diesel, and almost all motorhomes purchased are diesel-powered (there are virtually no alternatives). Most members are likely to change their cars three or four times before 2035; it seems likely that buying choices will change, and while your next towcar may still be diesel, beyond that it’s less likely.

More challenging is the change that brings hybrids into the ban. While hybrids are not the long-term answer to climate change concerns, they can help move things in the right direction – especially the more capable plug-in ones.

They’re a step towards fully zero-emission-inuse vehicles, without the cost implications and production challenges associated with vehicles that need a large battery.

Inclusion in the ban may encourage car makers to move more rapidly to fully-electric models, but it’s likely hybrids will be common choices for 10 years at least.

It’s quite feasible that a Club member’s next – or if not, very likely their next-but-one – towcar will be a hybrid.

More electric cars with towing capability are being launched, but currently it’s hard to combine a decent towing capacity with good towing range. That’s gradually changing, and the likelihood of truly viable electric towcars at a price comparable to other options seems increasingly probable. Price parity is widely predicted to happen by the mid-2020s; how long until we see good towing capability (capacity and range) is harder to predict, but within 10 years seems conceivable.

Most members buy second-hand towcars.

Second-hand diesels and towing-capable

“

hybrids should be available for a good while – the average UK car has a service life of 13-14 years, so even those affected by the ban are going to be around well beyond 2035.

A second-hand market for viable electric towcars will grow somewhat more slowly.

The situation with motorhomes is less clear at the present time. Are they included in the ban? It’s hard to fathom, as sometimes for official purposes they are considered cars, and sometimes commercial vehicles. Which commercial vehicles are within the ban is also not clear – affected vehicles are rather vaguely defined as ‘vans’, which perhaps means ‘not HGVs’.

Our best guess is that motorhomes and their base vehicles will be affected by the ban, presenting a challenge to manufacturers. Development of commercial vehicles lags behind that of passenger cars, and has to date mainly focussed on short-range vans. There’s a lot of work to do before zero-emission vans capable of sustained motorway use (and suitable for mainstream motorhome conversion) become viable.

Given some of the challenges, we should probably expect more refinement of Government plans. The Club monitors this topic very closely, and makes sure members’ interests are represented with Government and in industry and other liaison opportunities.

Most members are likely to change their cars three or four times before 2035

70 March 2020

”

The future for cars is probably electric

For more in-depth coverage of this complex topic, please see the blog posts by our Technical Manager, Martin Spencer, at camc.com/blog

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 www.camc.com

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Image captions – both from Towcar of the Year, so our copyright Exhaust: consigned to history?

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Are available in 2 sizes, Giant Double and Regular Double. These steps conform to the Caravan Safety Standard EN1645.

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Stacka Corner Feet

These corner feet use a unique ‘clip and lock’ system which incorporates a rattle proof sprung-loaded steel retaining shaft. Can be used with the Milenco Stacka Blocks.

November 2016 21

Six packs!

PRODUCT SHOWCASE DAY BAGS

Jane McGowan tests a variety of bags and backpacks designed to help you make the most of the great outdoors

Regatta Quito Hardwearing Bottle Holder Hip Pack

The ‘hip pack’ has become MEMBER de rigueur festival-wear SAVING A VAILABLE and has shaken off its 1980s image to become an essential part of your outdoor adventure kit. Measuring around 35cm long, the Quito is at the larger end of the hip pack market and features a mesh bottle-holder at each end. Inside the roomy bag there is a small ‘cash’ pocket (secured with a hook-and-loop fastening) and a key clip. The rear of the pack is padded for comfort, while the adjustable ‘hip strap’ has a sturdy clasp that keeps the bag in place whether you’re scaling Scafell Pike or bopping to Billie Eilish.

RRP: £25 (£17.45 from Club Shop, £8.72 for members) Colours: Black/French blue Contact: shop.camc.com, regatta. com, 0161 866 0486 (Regatta)

Tentree Mobius 35l Backpack Canadian company Tentree plants 10 trees for every purchase made – but the Mobius backpack’s environmentally-friendly credentials run even deeper than that. Not only is the main body of the bag made from ‘Repreve’ – a fibre created with recycled materials including plastic bottles – but the ‘Bloom’ foam padding comes from excess algae extracted from our waterways. What’s more, the clips and buckles are made with scrap plastic waste!

Able to store a massive 35 litres-worth of kit (the top can be rolled down and secured if you fancy travelling light), and featuring a protective laptop pocket and water bottle holder, this is a very modern-looking product.

RRP: £119.95 Size: 35 litres Colours: five colour schemes Contact: tentree.com (UK store locator online)

Salomon Out Week 38+6

One of the larger items on test, this pack will cater for all your carrying needs, whether you are heading out for a day in the hills or perhaps on a longer adventure. A comfortable yet substantial harness system is designed to move with you and offer decent ventilation, while there is an array of handy features, such as an easy-to-reach, chest-level bottle holder and a concealed zipped pocket for cash. The removable ‘lid’ section can add a further six litres of capacity should you really need it.

RRP: £125 Size: 44 litres (with lid in place) Colours: Citronelle/Sulphur Spring (pictured), Ebony, Mediterranea Contact: salomon.com, 020 3510 0639

72 March 2020

www.camc.com

JoJo Maman Bébé Dinosaur Print Toddler Backpack

Decorated with colourful MEMBER dinosaurs, this funky OFFER AVAILABLE backpack is ideal for smaller travellers with big imaginations. Made from 100% polyester and featuring a PVC coating, it can be used all year round. It’s large enough to hold all your child’s essentials (snacks, small toys, books etc) and also features a decent-sized zippable front pocket. The straps are padded for comfort and adjustable, meaning the pack should last for many adventures. Other similarlystyled products are available from JoJo Maman Bébé, including a lunch bag and a ‘scooter hand cosy’.

RRP: £16 Member offer: save 10% on a JoJo Maman Bébé gift card (see camc.com/jojomamanbebe for details and terms and conditions) Contact: jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Mountain Warehouse Endeavour 20l Backpack

Designed for active types, this 20-litre pack has an ‘Air Flow MEMBER Back System’, described as OFFER AVAILABLE a “tension suspended mesh back that allows air to flow freely between your back and your rucksack to keep your back cool and dry” as well as a special section to house a hydration pack (not included). There are plenty of pockets to store your essentials too, but the standout feature has to be the raincover that can be accessed from the base of the pack. Comfortable shoulder and waist straps should provide plenty of support.

Easy Camp Patrol

This 20 litre-capacity lightweight backpack is perfect for the little adventurer in your family. A ‘mesh padded’ back and shoulder straps should stop any complaining, while a multitude of different-sized pockets and interior compartments will accommodate everything from a tablet to books, toys and valuables. Elasticated side webbing pockets are great for water bottles and so on.

Made from 100% polyester, the bag measures 45cm x 25cm x 20cm and it will squish down nice and thin for storage. A great product at a reasonable price – and just as useful for sleepovers as day trips during your touring holidays.

RRP: £31.99 Size: 20 litres Colours: Forrest Green (pictured), Purple Contact: easycamp.com

RRP: £59.99 (though on sale at £24.99 as we went to press) Member offer: save 15% (see camc.com/ mountainwarehouse for details and terms and conditions) Size: 20 litres Colours: navy, black Contact: mountainwarehouse.com

www.camc.com

March 2020 73

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K D R A NEWGROUN W NY 2 O 4 H 2 S NG JUNE 4 1 / 3 1 / 2 1

NEWB SHOW URY G RG18 ROUN 7/8/9 9QZ D AUGU ST

www.retrofestival.co.uk A GREAT WEEKEND FOR ALL THE FAMILY STARTS HERE! 6PM ON FRIDAY TO 11PM ON SUNDAY featuring 3 AMAZING STAGES/DANCE FLOORS/ SHOW ARENA & FUNFAIR

SHOPPING VILLAGE Incl. RETRO/VINTAGE MARKET, VINTAGE & CLASSIC CARS ARENA, CARAVANS, HOT RODS, MILITARY VEHICLES, RE-ENACTORS, STEAM ENGINES & MINIATURE STEAM, AUTOJUMBLE, KIDZ ZONE, FOOD & BARS, PUBLIC CAMPING SITES, SOUNDS, MUSIC & DANCE FROM THE 30’s to 80’s To take advantage of the discount to Caravan and Motorhome Club members, book your place at

xx January 2020 www.camc.com www.berkshirecentrecaravanclub.co.uk / www.rvoc.co.uk / www.motorhomefun.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE SHOW TICKETS

THE YORKSHIRE MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN SHOW OFFER

SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION TO THIS HARROGATE SHOW IN MARCH

V

isitors to this year’s Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show at the Yorkshire Event Centre on the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from 20-22 March will be able to see more than 250 new and used models for sale, from 30-plus local and national dealers.

There will also be a huge selection of accessories, making this the perfect opportunity you to stock up in preparation for your year of touring.

Event organiser Warners Shows will also be hosting a number of free expert seminars for you to attend – topics include ’Choosing a Motorhome/Campervan‘, ’Getting Wi-Fi/ Streaming TV in your Vehicle‘, ’Electrics‘, ’Insurance‘ and ’Payloads‘.

If a more practical approach is your preferred way of learning, qualified instructors from the Caravan and Motorhome Club will be offering free 20-minute manoeuvring courses – so don‘t forget your driving licence!

www.camc.com

TICKETS The voucher on this page entitles you to day admission to the show at the discounted rate of £13 for two adults (normal price £7 per person). Simply present the voucher at the pay gate upon arrival.

Alternatively, advance tickets are available at just

£5 per person (order before noon on 19 March) – simply call 0844 581 1240 (calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone companys access charge).

For more details about the show, see showgoer.co.uk

March 2020 75

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB Club members saved more than £3 million in 2019 by taking advantage of dozens of special offers – here’s just a small sample of those currently available

GREAT DEALS WITH VOLVO We are delighted to be able to bring members fantastic offers when they purchase new Volvo vehicles, including the award-winning XC40 (Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020), XC60 and V60 models. In 2019 members using our offers saved an average of £5,653. Find out more at camc.com/volvo.

SAVE 10% WITH CHEMIST DIRECT Chemist Direct is an online pharmacy for over-the-counter medication and everyday health essentials. Members receive a 10% discount on every order. Sister company Pharmacy2U is a free service that helps you easily order repeat NHS prescriptions, with free delivery to your home.

Find out more at camc.com/chemistdirect.

DISCOUNT ON OUTWELL PRODUCTS AT THE CLUB SHOP

Great travel towel offer from BodyRag BodyRag has been making luxury travel towels for campers, travellers and active adventurers since 2006. Made from ultra-absorbent fabric, when folded these super lightweight towels take up very little space in your caravan, motorhome or backpack. For more information please see camc.com/bodyrag.

If you and your family enjoy outdoor adventure, Outwell has some great products available, including furniture, cooking accessories, sleeping bags and much more. Visit shop.camc.com and use the discount code CS-0218-PRIMA to save 10% on Outwell products.

Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details 76 March 2020

www.camc.com

GIFTS FOR MUM Are you planning to treat someone special this Mother’s Day? The Club has some great ideas and offers for members...

15% OFF AT COTSWOLD OUTDOOR Help kit Mum out for her next adventure with a fantastic 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, which stocks over 250 top-quality brands and offers the latest in outdoor technology and styles. Head to camc.com/cotswold outdoor for an exclusive code and more information.

National Trust Gift Cards Why not give your mum a day to remember with a visit to one of the National Trust’s properties? A National Trust Gift Card is an ideal present that can be used towards membership, day trips, cafés and restaurants at Trust sites or gift shop purchases (on-site or online). Caravan and Motorhome Club members save 8% on the load value of a card. Find out more by visiting camc.com/nationaltrust.

TREAT MUM TO A DAY OUT

The 2020 edition of the Great Savings Guide contains over 1,000 attractions and experiences for you and your loved ones to enjoy. For example, members receive ‘two-for-the-price-of-one’ or 20% off family tickets at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, Somerset – a stunning medieval site where you can explore the historic grounds and the new children’s play area. Visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide to browse attractions and download vouchers.

SAVE ON GIFT HAMPERS The Cornish Hamper Store is offering a 10% discount to Club members on its range of hampers. Full of delicious products, one of these would make the perfect Mother’s Day treat. Please see camc.com/ the-cornish-hamper-store for more information.

Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply – see camc.com/memberoffers and camc.com/greatsavingsguide www.camc.com

March 2020 77

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift tokens to be won

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 20 March 2020. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

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ACROSS 1 Battlefield doctor (5) 4 Very old, antiquated (7) 9 Frolic (4) 10 Finished (5) 11 Bracelet (6) 12 Redbreast (5) 14 Little rogue (5) 15 To study for an exam (4) 16 Asking to a party (8) 17 Away (6) 19 Bridal face-covering (4) 22 Ready to overflow (7) 24 A hound (3) 26 Waltz or tango (5) 27 Yearn for (5) 29 Domestic manageress and partner (9) 32 Gruesome, horrific (7) 35 Root vegetable (7) 37 Finely detailed (9) 39 Scorch slightly (5) 41 Target game (5) 43 Lid (3) 44 Location of house (7) 47 Grape plant (4) 48 A surreptitious swap (6) 51 Get on one’s nerves (8) 52 Shipshape (5) 54 Backless sofa or bed (5) 55 Conjuring tricks (5) 56 Hamper meal (6) 57 A gander (5) 58 By which you are known (4) 59 Love affair (7) 60 Vex or make angry (5)

DOWN 1 Cat’s cry (5) 2 Data by numbers and technology in TV (7) 3 Opposite of debtor (8) 4 Pre-meal drink (8) 5 Festive procession (8) 6 The pictures (6) 7 Pitched against in competition (6) 8 Head protector (6) 13 Give with bad grace (8) 18 Religious lady (3) 20 Listener (3) 21 Scarlet disease (5) 22 Bottoms (7) 23 A married title (3) 25 Glue (3) 26 Duke’s wife (7) 28 Partly open (4) 30 Get first prize (3) 31 Cone tree (3) 33 Brought into the world (4) 34 Garden tool (5) 36 The family cat or dog (3) 37 Grand, impressive (8) 38 Automobile (3) 40 Spirit drink (3) 42 Line of seats (3) 44 A Yank (8) 45 Principle of belief (8) 46 Climbing flower (5,3) 47 The Pope’s HQ (7) 48 Seaman (6) 49 Coin worth six old pence (6) 50 Striking tool (6) 53 Every day (5)

POSTCODE: For full terms and conditions of entry, please visit our website at camc.com/competitions

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

February solution: Across: 1 Forty winks 6 Season 11 Olive 12 Bacteria 13 Trinkets 16 Contour 18 Eskimo 19 Midi 20 Debts 22 Crumb 24 Spa 25 Ill 26 In-flight 28 Title 29 Dawn 30 Trail 31 Fingermark 35 Belladonna 39 Press 40 Jive 41 Trier 42 Waitress 43 Air 44 Err

78 March 2020

45 Eagle 47 Annoy 49 Exit 50 Teller 51 Bicycle 54 Sorcerer 57 Outmatch 58 Rumba 59 Reflex 60 Litter-lout Down: 1 Fact 2 Transitional 3 Wave 4 Nibs 5 Successful 6 Sneak-thief 7 Sea coast 8 Noon 9 Lilo 10 Heartbreak 14 Reinstate

grid C

15 Tie 17 Tar 20 Dilated 21 Britannia 22 Cater 23 Ultra 27 Hangers-on 32 Ecstasy 33 Major-general 34 Riverside 35 Battenberg 36 Lying 37 Agree 38 Anticlimax 39 Premarital 42 Write-off 46 Lay 48 Ono 52 Coma 53 Char 54 Shut 55 Rude 56 Rest

JANUARY WINNERS

£50 first prize: William Hamilton, Birmingham £10 runners-up: Mrs Bailey, Jersey; Ann Flew, Dorset; David Hall, Suffolk; Rev Crees, Gloucestershire

Send to: ‘March Crossword’, Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 21

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

PART TWO

VIEW FROM THE TOP In the second of a two-part interview, Club President Thomas Coke talks to Gary Martin about his ancestral home’s role in the local tourism industry

President of the Caravan and Motorhome Club since 2006, Thomas Coke (or Tom as he likes to be known), the 8th Earl of Leicester, is a keen caravanner (if you read the February issue you will know that he owns a 1965 Airstream, a 40th birthday present from his wife) and plays an active role in local tourism.

Visitors flock to his home – Holkham Hall, in north Norfolk – not only to see the grand manor house, but to enjoy the coastal location and admire the outstanding wildlife.

Tom takes up the story...

80 March 2020

Caravan and Motorhome Club: Holkham Hall is in a very privileged position – you have a beautiful beach, a great coastline for birdwatching in particular and the National Nature Reserve is a major part of the estate.

Tom: That’s right. Holkham National Nature Reserve (NNR) falls largely within the estate.

There is land north of the foreshore which is owned by the Crown Estate but effectively we now manage the whole reserve after we were given Approved Body status by Natural England in 2017.

Presumably it’s quite unusual for a private body to run a nature reserve such as this?

It is. The normal bodies are organisations like the National Trust, the RSPB and wildlife trusts. I think we’re only the second private organisation to be granted Approved Body status. We employ more people than Natural England did, so we have more boots on the ground undertaking conservation work.

Can you tell us about your involvement in tourism in the region?

The estate is a member of a number of local tourism organisations and I have just become President of Visit East of England.

In the last few years on the estate there has been a lot of investment, including The Lookout visitor facility on Holkham Beach. How did that come about?

When we took over the management of the reserve we immediately started looking at some sort of facility. There are no toilets [on that part of the NNR] and education is very important to us – one of the things we do here is bring nature closer to people. The small café [at The Lookout] is something we are very proud of because it is incredibly sustainable – there are no plastics sold there. For example, instead of bottled water, which we could have charged for, we built a free drinking water fountain (in three levels for adults, children and dogs). www.camc.com

Below: the beach forms part of Holkham National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Above: The Lookout boasts a sustainable café where no plastic is used Left: the Club President (right) with Club Director General Nick Lomas

Tomʻs 1965 Airstream was a 40th birthday present from his wife. The interior refurbishment (below) was finished in 2019

Are you trying to improve sustainability on the estate?

Absolutely. It’s not just something we’re doing for the tourism side of our business. It’s very important for the whole estate. For instance, in agriculture there is a lot of talk of pollution from agrichemicals, so we are actively reducing the chemicals and artificial fertilisers that we use. We are embarking on a regenerative agricultural policy and it’s really exciting the sort of things we are doing, such as the re-integration of livestock back into arable systems. And if you look at our building department, we use sustainable timber and linseed paints – we don’t use chemical paints.

Your family has been involved in agriculture and looking at improving the way we use land for many generations…

Yes, my four-times great grandfather played a key role in the agricultural revolution. Since the Second World War and Britain’s adoption of the Common Agricultural Policy, farming has become a bit of a social policy. The land www.camc.com

Log onto camc.com/ to clubpresident th ng le llsee a fu w video intervie of rl Ea e with th Leicester…

has degraded in Britain and this is an exciting moment to be doing something more sustainable.

What are your plans for the next few years with the estate?

Improving sustainability is a keen aim for us, and not just because it’s a nice, touchy, feely thing to do. The economics of it are quite a driver too. If you take on a more sustainable approach to business, the economics actually work well too.

Tell us about the house and the events you put on during the year.

We are open for something like 150 days a year. We are open to visitors just to walk around the house but then we put on classical concerts and opera, host weddings and we also open for Christmas for which my wife puts on an amazing festive display.

CLUB PRESIDENT ROLE

Caravan and Motorhome Club: You’ve been involved with the Club for well over a decade now. Tell us about that.

Tom: I was invited to become President by [former] Club Director General Trevor Watson in 2006, the year I was given the Airstream by my wife. Your National team, who organise the event a number of years in advance, were in the office having a recce with our then land agent, and he mentioned to the Club’s Events Manager, Len Short, that I was a keen caravanner, not only because I owned an Airstream but also because of my direct involvement of managing our own holiday park [Palmers Holiday Park right on the beach at Holkham]. So, shortly after that I was asked to join the Club and become its President. Since then I’ve always tried to do one thing a year with the Club, whether that’s attending Council Meetings, the AGM or opening the engine shed at Broadway Club site where The Wanderer [the world’s first leisure caravan] is kept. The Club has also twice held its National at Holkham, most recently in 2008. That’s when we got the Airstream out and joined all the ralliers.

You also encourage the local community to get involved with the estate.

Yes, we hold a special day for the community to come and see the estate. It was started by English Heritage when their slogan was ‘Heritage 3 Football 1’ – this reflected the greater number of people who visited stately homes, museums, art galleries etc compared with those who attended football matches on a Saturday afternoon! Part of that campaign was for houses such as Holkham to open free for one day a year at the beginning of the season. I thought it was a wonderful idea and we had the most people – more than 2,000 – we have ever had through the house. So now we continue that every year, calling it Locals Day to encourage as many local people as possible to come and have a look [round the hall]. It’s great fun as I bump into many, many people I know and they love it.

March 2020 81

XX March 2020

www.camc.com

CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

EVENTS DIARY

Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while visiting a Caravan and Motorhome Club site?

Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in May...

15-17 MAY Ludlow Spring Festival

Ludlow Castle

This event at Ludlow Castle in Shropshire is described as being “like a beer festival, but better”. More than 200 brews will be available to sample and, furthering the tickling of tastebuds, a range of food stalls will ensure that everybody is well-fed.

There will also be live music from 5pm on Friday 15 until Sunday evening, while the Marches Transport Festival will be held simultaneously on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, featuring a range of classic vehicles.

Web: ludlowspringfestival.co.uk Affiliated site: Ludlow Touring Park AS

3 MAY Hastings Jack in the Green

30 MAY Grampian Pride

Taking place on a Sunday in 2020, as opposed to its traditional bank holiday Monday slot, this annual, colourful procession features Morris dancers, musicians and plenty of viridescent revellers, including a large Jack in the Green figure.

The parade winds its way through Hastings’ Old Town before moving to the cliff-top West Hill park, where the Jack is ceremonially ‘slayed’ to release the spirit of summer.

A fascinating, traditional and family-friendly folk event.

Web: hastingsjitg.co.uk Club site: Fairlight Wood

This day of celebration for north-east Scotland’s LGBT+ community has grown rapidly, with the number of attendees doubling to 6,000 between 2018 and 2019. This year‘s event – the third year in a row on the streets of Aberdeen – will feature a parade with floats, stalls, information about LGBT+ organisations, speakers and a family area, while an array of performers will keep everyone entertained. (Please note that although attendance is free a pre-bookable ticket is required.)

Web: grampianpride.org Club sites: Silverbank, Stonehaven

Nestled between the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the River Thames, Henley is an exceptional destination if youʼre in search of a healthy dose of fresh air. Last yearʼs inaugural walking festival saw a variety of guided hikes, including sojourns by moonlight, history-themed strolls and rambles tailored for people using mobility scooters or with visual impairments. Expect more of the same this year!

Web: walkhenley.co.uk Club site: Henley Four Oaks www.camc.com

Wim Klauke

23-27 MAY Henley Walking Festival

30-31 MAY

Artwaves Bridlington

Budding artists and appreciators of creative talent will be drawn to Bridlington’s Art Deco Spa, where a range of traditional, contemporary, digital and urban works will be displayed. You could also attend a workshop (several classes are on offer), led by an experienced artist. If you’d like some help with your watercolour technique or some pointers to improve your oil painting be sure to book a slot in advance (prices and times vary).

Web: artwaves.co.uk Club site: Bridlington

For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com March 2020 83

CALENDAR GREAT DAYS OUT

EVENTS DIARY

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

28-29 MARCH Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country Fair

As well as the bright yellows of the daffodils, visitors to this Cambridgeshire village will be able to see heavy horses, sheep dogs and birds of prey in action, while a working smithy, arts and crafts, musical recitals and open gardens extend the appeal of this event. The temporary site in the nearby village of Fowlmere has fresh water and chemical waste disposal facilities.

Temporary site open: 27-29 March Contact: Sandie Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

9-10 MAY Truckfest Peterborough

Head for the East of England Showground for a truck extravaganza. Non-stop arena entertainment includes monster trucks and bike displays, while guest celebrities, a truck light parade, fireworks and a fun fair add to the enjoyment. The temporary site on the showground has hook-ups, basic washrooms, toilets, fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Temporary site open: 7-11 May Contact: Sandie Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com

13-17 MAY Royal Windsor Horse Show

This show is a celebration of all things equestrian.

Held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, this event sees the world’s best horses and riders taking part in carriage driving, show jumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions. The Shetland Pony Grand National and displays from the Kings Troop and the Household Cavalry add to the appeal.

On Thursday to Saturday evenings a spectacular Edwardian-theme pageant will take place. Show ticket discounts will be available for members staying on site. Away from the horses, enjoy a walking tour of Windsor and Eton, a walk into Windsor Great Park’s Valley Gardens and a boat trip on the Thames. 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 use a private car hire service.

Temporary site open: 13-17 May Contact: Ruth Taylor on 01753 545142 or email Taylorg13@sky.com 84 March 2020

28-30 MAY Royal Bath & West Show

“

See the world’s best horses and riders taking part in carriage driving, show jumping and dressage

”

This annual Shepton Mallet show is a celebration of rural life, featuring livestock, machinery, farming and horticulture exhibitions, live music and so much more. The temporary site is on the showground, and facilities include a toilet and shower block. Your fee of £134 covers your six nights on site as well as evening entertainment.

Temporary site open: 25-31 May Contact: John and Kim Dyer on 07890 484817/07583 334234 or email Johndyer8851@gmail.com

16-17 JUNE The Royal Cheshire County Show

There is plenty to see and do for all the family at this huge, two-day county show. Attractions include farm animals, a food hall, a cheese hall, vintage machinery, a dog show and a main arena with events.

The temporary site has fresh water and chemical waste disposal and is opposite the showground. You could also visit some of Cheshire’s impressive stately homes and picturesque market towns while staying at the temporary site. Advance show tickets can be purchased at a discounted price, which will give you admission for both days.

Temporary site open: 14-19 June Contact: Paul and Sandra Bowler on 01782 513276/07974 107078 or email bowler.rallies@ btinternet.com

See camc.com/centres and p86 of this issue for more centre information and coverage www.camc.com

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Exception is Ireland orders which will be charged in EUR at the set conversion rate. Prices quoted are correct at time of production but can vary. One promotion per order. *Last 3 digits on back of card. This is mandatory to process your order. Offer ends 14.08.2020.

Marketing and Promotions: We want to make sure you don’t miss out on our great products and offers, so we will keep you informed by post. If you do not want to hear from us, please let us know. I do not want to be contacted by Post We take your privacy seriously. For details of our privacy policy and full terms and conditions visit cottontraders.com.

March 2020 83

CENTRES LOCAL GROUPS

Centre Lines All the latest from around the regions

RALLYING MILESTONE

HELPING HAND

GLOUCS RAISES A GRAND Gloucestershire Centre is proud to announce that it has presented a cheque for £1,000 to Midlands Air Ambulance following a year of activity.

Fundraising work included running a charity car park – manning the barrier here are John Harris, Mike Davis and Graham Neal.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Festival of the North

onʼt iss out on your s ot at the Festival of the orth, hosted y the outh Lancashire entre. he event which re laces the old orthern entres ally is eing held at ictoria ark, outh ort, fro to ril, and ro ises to e acked with things to do and see. itches with and without electric hook u will e availa le, while your rally fee will cover all evening entertain ent and socials in the ar uee.

For ore infor ation and a ooking for , lease see southlancscentre.co .

86 March 2020

Congratulations to the MidAnglia Juniors, who, with the help of the seniors, have raised nearly £3,200 for the Karl’s Helping Hand charity.

Karl, the grandson of a centre member, needs 24-hour care and the money will be used towards treatment in Poland. The cash was raised through ‘bonus balls’, charity fishing matches, runs, donations and more. Very well done!

ongratulations to active co ittee e and rally officer enny ew an of the iltshire entre, who has chalked u rallies.

Wilts Chairman Mike Tolman and wife Liz with Jenny Newman (centre)

ALL ABROAD Details of overseas centre rallies in 2020 FRANCE 9-16 April Location: La Ferme des Aulnes, Somme* Host centre: Bedfordshire 8-22 May Location: Les Pieux, Manche Host centre: Berkshire 13-27 June Location: La Yole, Vendée* Host centre: Norfolk 15-27 June

25 July-8 August Location: Saumur, Maine-et-Loire Host centre: South Wales 16-30 August Location: Camping du Letty, Finistère* Host centre: Midland 16-30 August Location: La Turballe, Loire-Atlantique Host centre: North Staffordshire 16-30 August Location: Camping du Poulquer, Finistère* Host centre: Berkshire NETHERLANDS 10-19 April Location: Delftse Houte, South Holland* Host centre: Derbyshire

Location: Le Logis du Breuil (above), Charente-Maritime* Host centre: Suffolk 20 June-4 July Location: Les Saules, Loire-et-Cher* Host centre: Cheshire

To search for a Centre event or to find your local group’s details, see camc.com/centres

er

18 July-2 August Location: Jard-sur-Mer, Vendée Host centre: West Wales

SPAIN 22 June-12 July Location: north-east Spain, to be confirmed Host centre: Dyfed *Rallies can be booked through Alan Rogers, part of The Caravan Club Ltd. For more information see alanrogersrallies.com, email rallies@ alanrogers.com or call 01580 214070.

www.camc.com

Dancin’ the night away Members of the North Yorkshire Centre turned on the style at Gisborough Hall for the Annual Dinner Dance. Over the course of the evening former Chairwoman Sally Danks presented present Chairman Steve Graham and his wife Suzanne with the rose bowl for exceptional service to the centre.

CELEBRATE WITH CHESHIRE

There’s still time to book your pitch for the Cheshire Centre’s 50th Celebration Rally at beautiful Arley Hall, the site of the 2014 National.

The event, taking place from 1 to 4 May, promises to be one to remember. Highlights will include a free children’s fun fair, family sports, craft fair, tea dance, trade arena, dog show and performance from the Caravan and Motorhome Club Band.

Three evenings of professional entertainment featuring Trilogy, Edwin Jukes and Karl Johnson are also included in your rally fee. For more information see cheshirecentre.co.uk. n tʼs going to e a usy year for heshire entre, which is also hosting a rally to coincide with the aravan and otorho e lu . he rally, which runs fro noon on ednesday Octo er to on unday Octo er, will e held at hester acecourse, just a inute walk fro the vi rant, historic city centre. For ore infor ation see cheshirecentre.co.uk.

www.camc.com

March 2020 87

TEST FORD FOCUS VIGNALE ESTATE 2.0 ECOBLUE

SHARPER

Focus Lesley Harris finds this multiple award winner is a big improvement on a similar model tested in April 2019

I

n the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2020 competition, the Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue eight-speed automatic claimed victory in its class (Caravan Weight 1,300-l,400Kg), triumphed in the Best Family Towcar category and very narrowly missed out on the overall title.

Before we take a closer look and find out what impressed the judges so much, a note about the ‘Vignale’ moniker. The name relates to the body-making specialist company set up by Alfredo Vignale in 1948. The business came into Ford’s hands in 1973, but the Vignale brand name disappeared until 2013, re-emerging as a luxury sub-brand (the Mondeo Vignale made its debut in 2015).

“

There’s more stitched leather to be found across the fascia, together with subtle inlays that give the cabin a premium feel.

The 8in touchscreen infotainment system sits high on the dash, which helps you to keep your eyes on the road while driving. It’s very easy to navigate, the graphics are crisp, and it is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Vignale also receives a few special goodies as standard, such as a Bang & Olufsen 360º sound system, LED headlights, wide-view reversing camera, Active Park Assist and heated steering wheel. A heads-up display is also included although I found it a bit distracting. It was disappointing to find that wireless charging was only an option (£100) and that the Blind Spot Information System would set you back another £400.

In the rear, the seats have the same quilted leather, although they felt a little short in the squab, lacking under-thigh support.

The Focus also delivers pretty decent head and leg room – for example there’s little intrusion from the transmission tunnel in the middle. Our test car came with the optional panoramic sunroof, which creates a lovely airy ambience, but might trouble you a little if you’re over 6ft tall.

There are some give aways that this is more than a regular Focus

COMFORT

There are some give-aways from the outside that the Vignale is more than a regular Focus – a unique chrome grille, body-coloured trim, exclusive bigger wheels and chunkier bumpers make it stand out from the crowd. At the rear, the Vignale badge is proudly displayed across the tailgate. The luxury look continues inside.

Electrically operated, quilted leather front seats (which can be heated or cooled) are comfortable, supportive and easily adjusted.

88 March 2020

”

www.camc.com

CLASS WINNER

www.camc.com

March 2020 89

TEST FORD FOCUS VIGNALE ESTATE 2.0 ECOBLUE

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£34,990 Insurance

Group 20 Club insurance

The Club’s Car Insurance is guaranteed to beat your renewal premium by at least £25*.

Clockwise from above: infotainment screen sits high on the dash; plenty of boot space; there is ample leg room at the back; panoramic sunroof

Engine

1,966cc, 4cyl, diesel, inline Power

148bhp (110kW) @ 3,500rpm Torque

370Nm (273lb ft) @ 2,000rpm Transmission

8-speed automatic Spare wheel

DRIVING

It has long been acknowledged that the Focus is one of the besthandling family cars in its class and I’m happy to say that nothing has changed. This 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers 148bhp and has 370Nm of torque, giving you plenty of power when you need it.

Mated to Ford’s eight-speed automatic gearbox – which now has a Jaguar-inspired rotary gear shift dial – it delivers a smooth, refined drive with little noise finding its way into the cabin. But it’s the sharp, precise steering and the superb chassis that’s the real delight.

A stiff body keeps the car nicely composed at all times and the ride is nicely damped too, making for a comfortable journey. The Focus has been designed to appeal to the more enthusiastic driver and even the Estate variant delivers.

TOWING

Here are just some of the comments the other expert driving judges

made following testing in the aforementioned Towcar of the Year competition. “The combo of terrific fun and superb practicality make the Focus Estate a great towcar”; “The Focus is a sporty car that wants to be driven – it feels very planted and reassuring”; “Wouldn’t know you were towing, lovely power delivery”; “Loads of space, easy to attach towing mirrors and great light-out warnings.” That is high praise indeed.

You may remember I tested the 1.5 EcoBlue Estate (April 2019 issue), which I felt struggled when towing, but the 2.0-litre engine makes a huge difference. There was no irksome tugging and the car and caravan combination felt more controlled and stable.

On the motorway, the Focus was a great cruiser and, even when buffeted by lorries and crosswinds, it remained composed and comfortable. And with a reasonable 28.9mpg recorded while towing, it’s fairly economical too.

Space saver

VERDICT

As a practical family car, the Focus Vignale Estate delivers, and the 2.0-litre engine is definitely the one to plump for if you’re a regular tower. You can opt for this engine in lowerspecced models too – so if you’re not desperate for high-end trim you could potentially save yourself some money.

1,559kg Gross vehicle weight

2,105kg Gross train weight

3,705kg Noseweight limit

90kg Towing equipment

Detachable towbar £600 Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/10.34gals (47 litres)/28.9mpg towing 1,377kg CO2

122g/km

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

We guarantee to beat your insurance renewal premium by £25*.

See camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 to get your quote

*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-for-like 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.

90 March 2020

Kerbweight

RATINGS

90%

COMFORT

90%

DRIVING

92%

TOWING

91%

OVERALL

www.camc.com

Award winning cover your caravan deserves Protection provided directly by your Club

Relax and enjoy the great outdoors knowing you’re covered

Here are just a few of our benefits* – your investment is in safe hands should the worst happen: Protection on and off the road, while on site, at Club events and in storage

Transportation of your vehicle to a garage following an accident

Family and friends can use your caravan without any extra charge

No claim discounts and bonus protection available

New for old cover available (age limits apply)

Alternative hotel accommodation or caravan hire, if your caravan is damaged or stolen

Get a quote for our award winning Caravan Cover call us on 01342 488 338 or visit camc.com/caravancover Terms and Conditions Apply. *A sample of the Caravan Cover booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

The Caravan Club Ltd, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1UA, which trades as Caravan and Motorhome Club is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting https://register.fca.org.uk Our award winning contact centre is ranked in the Top 50 companies for Customer Service.

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

TEST KNAUS STARCLASS 695

Touch of

CLASS

Rob McCabe examines a high-end four-berth from Germany and finds a mixture of robustness and luxury

E

ven before I set foot inside the Knaus StarClass 695, I knew it was a winner.

That’s because it was awarded the title of Best Caravan Over £34,000 in the Club’s 2020 Design Awards, where it was also named as the winner of the Caravans Over 8ft Wide category. StarClass models are manufactured in Germany, but with British buyers firmly in mind, reflected in the decor and the amount of equipment on offer (whether standard or optional).

Let’s see what impressed the judges so much.

BUILD QUALITY

This caravan is impressive to behold. The thick, smooth aluminium sidewalls give off an aura of indestructibility, and the theme continues indoors with impeccable joinery work and details, such as overengineered hinges on the bedlockers that look as 92 March 2020

though they’d support the weight of a prop forward, never mind a bed base. For added reassurance, buyers receive a 10-year, factory-backed bodywork warranty.

TOWING

The StarClass weighs just over 1,600kg unladen, and a full two tonnes if you use up all of the extremely generous payload. Clearly, that means nothing short of a full-size SUV will be capable of hauling this beast comfortably.

Everything else combines to make this an easy tow.

Twin axles give a reassuringly large footprint on the road while bringing precision to low-speed manoeuvring, while the Platinum package included with our test vehicle (more on that later) features the desirable ATC trailer control system.

Like most StarClass buyers, you’ll probably want a motorised mover for fine-tuning its position after you’ve unhitched the car. www.camc.com

“

There’s a huge amount of storage space for anyone who uses this four-berth as a two-berth

Above, top to bottom: the lounge is small but welcoming; a slide-out table-top can be brought into use; guests benefit from a large double bed

DAYTIME

The lounge is small yet welcoming, with comfortable, supportive sofas. Although there are bolsters for all four corners, there’s no bulkhead to support the one nearest the entrance door – so you can’t actually lean into it. In my opinion, those bolsters and the plump scatter cushions are rather too prominently ‘Knaus’-branded, making it look as though the lounge has been sponsored. However, the cream-coloured upholstery does a very good impression of real leather; a more conventional beige fabric is also available.

As is so often the case with new caravans nowadays, the StarClass is offered with optional ‘packs’ that are almost de-facto standard because pretty much everybody specifies them (or a dealer will order the caravans so-equipped).

In this case, the £2,850 Platinum pack includes Alde radiator central heating, ATC, a fitted radio (shame that www.camc.com

”

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

the basic £31k doesn’t buy you that), Al-Ko wheel locks and some carbon-effect graphics. The Convenience pack – which can only be specified in conjunction with the Platinum one – costs a further £447 and adds really nice-quality, loose-fit carpeting, heavy-duty corner steadies, a jack, exterior gas and mains sockets and a front chest.

A freestanding table is easily accessible from its bespoke cradle on the underside of the nearside bed base. From here, it can also be lifted outside via the exterior hatch – a neat bit of user-friendly design.

There’s a huge amount of storage space for anyone who uses this four-berth as a two-berth: there’s a lot of room under the beds and the seat lockers alone, never mind the multitude of drawers, shelves and lockers (12!) at your disposal. And if you’re an everything-but-thekitchen-sink type of caravanner, this is the vehicle for you – there’s a monumental 355kg of payload available.

£34,687

NIGHT-TIME

User payload

Let’s start with the only real disappointment in this department. The blind that separates the bedroom from the front of the caravan looks like something you would find in an entry-level tourer; the cutaway to clear the bottom of the offside bed looks especially unappealing to me.

The bedroom itself, however, is peachy, boasting single beds (one slightly shorter than the other) that are exceptionally supportive and comfortable. Each occupant is well looked after, benefitting from a reading light and an overhead shelf for specs, coffee mug, phone and the like. They even get a personal mains socket.

The wall-mounted TV bracket above the dresser next to the entrance door swivels right around to allow viewing from the bedroom.

Beds

Front double (7ft 1in x 4ft 9in); two fixed singles (6ft 8in x 2ft 6in and 6ft 3in x 2ft 6in) Heating

Alde central heating, programmable Fridge/freezer

Dometic tower fridge-freezer Toilet

Dometic MRO

1,645kg (32.38cwt) MTPLM

2,000kg (39.37cwt) 355kg (6.99cwt) Overall length

27ft 1in (8.26m) Overall width

8ft 2in (2.49m) Overall height

8ft 5in (2.57m) Figures from literature



Supportive, comfortable single beds March 2020 93

TEST KNAUS STARCLASS 695

Unfortunately, there’s nowhere to site gel or shampoo in the shower cubicle, but in all other regards it’s a truly wonderful washroom.

LIGHTING

The 695’s width means any overnighting guests benefit from a huge double bed when it’s made up, supported by beautifully put-together slats that look like they’ll last an eternity.

KITCHEN

With its thick, dark-coloured, granite-look worktop and matching wall panel, the kitchen really oozes quality. A fold-up extension helps provide decent working space, as does the fact that the glass sink cover has a big cut-out, so you can still use the tap when it is lowered.

There’s a roster of cooking options that you would expect at this price level: dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill, and a fitted microwave. The Dometic tower fridge is a beauty – sleek and elegant, and featuring a huge freezer compartment that’ll serve you well on extended trips.

WASHROOM

The floorspace that might otherwise have gone into the compact lounge looks like it has fetched up in here – this is one seriously roomy end washroom that’s capacious enough to be used as a dressing room. It’s nicely turned out too, with the shallow wash basin encased in the same thick, granite-look surface that adorns the kitchen. On the back wall next to it is a tall, elegant heated towel rail/radiator that wouldn’t look out of place in a posh hotel ensuite.

The lounge may be small but there’s lots of illumination available, thanks to a quartet of directional reading lamps, ambient lighting running above the overhead lockers and a trio of flush-fitting lamps built into a very classy-looking binnacle on the ceiling.

The kitchen is similarly well catered for (sorry…), with three bright, flush-fitting lamps (one directly over the hob, which is good to see) and a little strip that runs along the underside of the cabinetry.

There’s another of those classy binnacles on the bedroom ceiling, adding punch to the reading lamps that live above each of the single beds, and the ambient lighting imparts a pleasing glow. There’s a bit of a throwback in the washroom, where two handsome-butdecidedly-old-school wall lamps flank the mirror. The shower gets its own dedicated light.

It would have been good to see a light above the mirror on the nearside dresser, as this could have added a finishing flourish to an already impressive showing.

VERDICT

Yes, it’s an expensive caravan – but most Knaus buyers will be looking to get many long years of trouble-free service in return for their outlay, and the sturdy StarClass does give the impression that it’ll oblige. The bedroom (that blind apart) and its ensuite facilities are superb, making this a great option for those lucky enough to go away in the caravan for extended periods.

Far left: kitchen has everything you would expect at this price Inset: glass sink cover features a handy cut-out Above: end washroom is roomy and stylish

RATINGS

95%

BUILD QUALITY

88%

TOWING

88%

DAYTIME

90%

NIGHT-TIME

87%

KITCHEN

88%

WASHROOM

92%

LIGHTING

90%

OVERALL

With thanks to: You can cover this caravan with the Club for £419* per year. Please see camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details

Vehicle supplied for testing by Knaus UK, Contact: knausuk.co.uk

*Based on standard new-for-old cover, cover limit of £35,000 (caravan and equipment), £500 contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected).

Includes security discounts of 15% for Al-Ko ATC, 15% for Al-Ko Diamond Standard wheel lock(s) and 10% for alarm with tilt sensor. Legal protection is an optional extra charged at £9.75 for the year. Subject to underwriting – a copy of the cover wording, including benefits, limitations and exclusions that apply, is available on request. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.

94 March 2020

www.camc.com

TEST RAPIDO M96

DREAM MACHINE Available with a host of options, this upmarket, four-berth A-Class from France can be tailored to your needs, says Nick Harding

F

rench manufacturer Rapido has been offering superior vehicles for decades and currently boasts a portfolio that spans everything from van conversions all the way through to some rather upmarket A-Classes. Its flagship models for 2020 appear in the ‘M series’, initially comprising two models, each based on Mercedes’ latest Sprinter chassis-cowl with Al-Ko extension.

Tested here is the island-bed M96 (the M66 sister model has single beds). It starts with a 3,500kg chassis, and a price of £88,000. As is the way, especially the

96 March 2020

higher you go up the motorhome price scale, there are all kinds of optional extras to consider, beginning with the mysterious sounding ‘Pack M’ (£4,490), of which more later. The overall price for this example tops out at just over £105,000 which, I’d suggest, is around the amount most folk will end up paying for an M96 suiting their specific requirements.

BUILD QUALITY

The spacious A-Class Rapido features all-GRP bodywork – sides, roof and underfloor – as well as Styrofoam insulation. This example has also been www.camc.com

Main pic: the M96 feels fantastically spacious Left, top to bottom: upmarket exterior; the cabin is packed with gadgets; luxurious fixed double

TECHNICAL

Price

£105,100 OTR Engine

DRIVING

If you think driving an A-Class looks tricky, be assured that you do soon get used to it because you know exactly where your leading edges are in a unit like this. There’s a good curve to that windscreen and the leading pillars aren’t so thick as to impede vision.

This vehicle has a 188bhp engine and 9G Tronic automatic gearbox – adding £2,200 and £2,290 to the price, respectively. I’d argue they’re in keeping with a vehicle of this stature, turning a decent performance into something a bit special.

Other key extras are included in the aforementioned Pack M, covering multimedia system, sat-nav, reversing monitor, semi-automatic cab air conditioning, adjustable leather steering wheel with controls, electric parking brake, fog lights, automatic headlights, cross-wind stability system and keyless starting, as well as elements such as the kitchen extractor unit, thermal windscreen blind, passenger’s cab door and more.

Remember this is also a full four-berth. Either or both of those short, inward-facing settees can be adapted into forward-facing travel seats – not easy, but manageable, which makes them ideal for occasional use.

DAYTIME

upgraded to the 4,500kg chassis and, as you’d expect at this level, it has a proper double-floor construction, offering not just superior insulation but also extra low-level storage, all accessible from the outside (surprisingly, not from inside). Meanwhile, features such as coach-style mirrors are a sign that you’re dealing with an upmarket motorhome.

The interior also screams quality – just look at the furniture construction, those easy-clean, high-gloss locker doors and premium catches and handles. The cheap-looking hinges on the toilet door are a little disappointing, however. www.camc.com

Despite the mid-’van placement of the kitchen and toilet and shower facilities, it’s actually quite an open-plan layout. Up front you get a slightly unusual arrangement of two very short settees which complement the easily swivelled cab captains’ chairs.

Benefitting from plenty of natural light, lounge occupants sit around a fixed-pedestal-leg table with a hinged top, which helps when you want to walk through from the front to the rest of the living quarters.

The two-tone leather featured here is one of a number of upholstery options, and costs £2,280. In the UK, the M96 comes with Truma Combi 6 heating and hot water, with an Alde system available as an option.

NIGHT-TIME

There are two great double beds available in here but the rear island will surely take precedence. It has some 30cm of electrical height adjustment and the mattress is 6ft 6in x 5ft 3in. In other words, it’s a whopper.

Then there’s the usual A-class drop-down double, also a pretty generous 6ft 3in x 4ft 7in, at the front end. It’s manually operated, but there’s little effort involved.

Both mattresses are on sprung wooden slats. You’ll sleep exceedingly well!

2.2-litre turbodiesel Euro VI Power

188bhp (140kW) @ 3,800rpm Torque

325ft lb (441Nm) @ 1,400-2,000rpm Transmission

Nine-speed auto, FWD MRO

3,175kg (62.5cwt) MTPLM

4,500kg (88.58cwt) User payload

1,325kg (26.08cwt) Overall length

24ft 9in (7.54m) Overall width

7ft 9in (2.36m) Overall height

9ft 8in (2.95m) Max internal height

6ft 9in (2.06m) Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/20.2 gals (91.8 litres)/2630mpg

Vehicle supplied for testing by Brownhills, A1/ A46 Junction, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2EA Contact: brownhills.co.uk, 01636 704201 March 2020 97

TEST RAPIDO M96

WASHROOM

Above: versatile L-shaped kitchen Below: ready for dining Right: a rooflight sits above the shower

RATINGS

86%

BUILD QUALITY

92%

DRIVING

78%

DAYTIME

85%

NIGHT-TIME

80%

KITCHEN

80%

WASHROOM

88%

DETAILS

84%

OVERALL

KITCHEN

What initially looks like a kitchen that’s slightly on the small side actually hides a few surprises. Its L-shape makes it space efficient, and it comes with a three-ring (in-a-line) hob and separate rectangular sink, which allows for a decent amount of permanent worktop. You can add to this with a slot-in extension to the left of the sink, should you wish.

There’s a decent-sized cutlery drawer and an oven/ grill finished in colouring to match the gloss of the drawers and lockers. Over the hob is a rather swish, touch-control extractor unit with light, and other details include a kitchen roll holder and spice jar rack.

An automatic-energy-selecting 149-litre Thetford fridge/freezer sits across the corridor from the kitchen unit. It’s set slightly off the floor for ease of access, over a drawer. There’s a large, shelved locker above – presumably where a microwave oven will go if you have such a need.

Washroom facilities are split across a shower cubicle on the offside and a toilet room on the near. The former is fully plastic-lined and has a rooflight with fold-down hanging rail as well as a small rack for soap and shampoo. I feel the choice of different coloured strip lighting around the central console is a bit of a gimmick, while the small-diameter plughole is a bit of a negative.

The toilet room is more practical. There’s a rectangular counter-top basin with ‘click-clack’ plug and rather elegant mixer tap, although the basin itself isn’t particularly deep. You don’t get a window, but there are two mirrors, one of which forms the front of an upper-level locker (the other slides across shelved areas with elasticated retainers – ideal for storing all your lotions). Note, also, not one but two mug holders!

DETAILS

Handy fixtures and fittings come thick and fast: from the shoe locker to the triple coat hook just inside the habitation door; from the shower fittings in the large garage to the cubbyholes either side of the island bed.

Power sockets include the single mains and double USB in the kitchen, USBs and 12V outlets either side of the main bed and mains power in the toilet room.

VERDICT

Of course you’d expect a Mercedes-based A-class that costs over £100,000 to exude quality – and this Rapido doesn’t disappoint.

Adding extras can seriously ramp up the price – but many love a motorhome that’s perfectly suited to their requirements.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £667.36* per year. Please see camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

*Quote (correct as of January 2020) is for the model as tested worth £105,100. Based on a 55-year-old male living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus (unprotected) coming from a motorhome of similar value/ experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps vehicle on a drive. Quote is based on 3,000 miles per year, with £300 damage, fire and theft excess. Vehicle must have a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, and due to the value, the vehicle must also be fitted with a tracker. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

98 March 2020

www.camc.com

Get a guaranteed £25 off your existing Motorhome Insurance renewal premium* Created just for you

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

£25 off your existing renewal premium so get a quote today* Visit camc.com/insurance/ motorhome Call 0345 504 0334

*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 Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.

PRACTICAL BASICS

ss February 2020

www.camc.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dealer Marketplace Welcome to our new advertising section dedicated to caravan, motorhome and campervan dealerships across the country! It’s the perfect place to start looking for your next home-from-home. But, before you start browsing, check out these handy buying tips…

AlphaProd/Shutterstock

WHY BUY FROM A DEALER?

The law offers greater protection when you purchase from a dealer than when you buy privately. The caravan’s condition must be as described accurately by the seller; it must be fit for its purpose and it must be of satisfactory quality (however, this latter stipulation does not apply to defects specifically brought to the purchaser’s attention, or to defects that ought to have been revealed by any examination the purchaser or another may have made).

New vehicles bought through a dealer will come with a warranty, and many second-hand motorhomes and campers will also have some form of guarantee – make sure you are aware of any exclusions or restrictions.

CARAVANS

We have lots of advice on our website – visit camc.com/advice and click on ‘Hiring and buying guide’ – but here are a few pointers to get you started. n It may seem obvious – but think hard about what you want to use your caravan for. Are you looking to spend the odd weekend away or stay for extended periods on specific sites? Do you need basic facilities for two or a family-sized vehicle? Would you like to take the grandkids away occasionally? n Is your car suitable for towing? The Club recommends that for comfort and safety the weight of your caravan with its contents should not exceed around 85% of the car’s kerb, or unladen, weight.

We have a fantastic online ‘outfit matching tool’ which helps you see which caravans your car can tow – find it at camc.com/advice. n If you are buying second-hand, check how old the caravan is – the age of a caravan can usually be identified from a serial number, most frequently found on the chassis or on a chassis plate.

Double check that it has not been stolen – a CRiS check at cris.co.uk can not only identify a caravan reported as having been stolen, but can identify the age of the newer models of caravan and also whether there are any outstanding HP payments. Check that the details of the CRiS registration document tally with those of the caravan. The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Theftcheck Service (01342 336885) can also help. n Check for damp inside cupboards, bed lockers, and anywhere there is a corresponding outside seal on the caravan. Most caravan dealers should be happy for you to use a moisture meter or damp detector.

MOTORHOMES AND CAMPERVANS n First decide whether you are going to opt for a ‘coachbuilt’ motorhome (where the living area of the vehicle has been purpose-built onto a cab and chassis) – or a ‘conversion’ (where a commercial van has been adapted for touring). A coachbuilt will generally be more expensive – but roomier and more highly specified – while a conversion may be suitable for everyday use

(driving around town, doing the school run etc). There are numerous subclasses of motorhome from ‘over-cab’ to ‘A-Class’ to elevating-roof models – familiarise yourself with the different types by visiting camc.com/advice.

“

New vehicles bought through a dealer will come with a warranty

”

n Inspect vehicles thoroughly before committing to a purchase. As with caravans, check for damp and look at the wheels. Are the tyres the right size for the wheel rims and do they match?

Are they suitable for the maximum weight and speed of the motorhome?

Ask to take the vehicle for a trial run and note its behaviour on the road. Five years is the maximum safe life of a tyre, regardless of mileage. n If you are buying a second-hand vehicle, ask for a detailed history of previous services, MoTs etc.

FOR MORE BUYING TIPS PLEASE SEE CAMC.COM/ADVICE AND CLICK ON ‘HIRING AND BUYING GUIDE’ www.camc.com

March 2020 101

Dealer Marketplace FEATURE TITLE SUBTEXT

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3 BERTH • DIESEL • AUTOMATIC • 30,000 MILES

HYMER YOSEMITE

£52,995

SAVE

£15,000

4 BERTH • DIESEL • AUTOMATIC • 30,000 MILES

HYMER TRAMP CL 678

£59,995

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4 BERTH • AUTOMATIC • 25,000 MILES

OPENING TIMES Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 Saturday 09:00 - 15:00 Sunday Closed

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QUALITY USE MOTORHOMES NEW & USED CARAVANS, NEW & USED CARAVANS, QUALITY USE MOTORHOMES QUALITY USE MOTORHOMES brought to you by the and Motorhome Club NEW & USED Caravan CARAVANS, THE BETTER WAY QUALITY USE MOTORHOMES THE BETTER WAY

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CALL US ON: 01452 730100 LATEST M Or Visit: www.goldencastle.co.uk CALL US ON:US 01452 CALL ON: 730100 01452 730100

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CALL US ON: 01452 730100Huge range CA of acces Everything you need Or Visit: CALL USwww.goldencastle.co.uk ON: 01452 730100 CAO A38 Tewkesbury Road Gloucester, GL2 9PX

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OWNERS The leading pre-owned motorhome SURVEY and VW camper specialist SATISFACTION

Motorhome Dealer Group are a multi-award winning family owned business with outlets in Hampshire and Dorset.

We have over 80 price checked motorhomes and campervans always in stock. Countrywide Motorhomes and the VW Kamper Centre are both located in St. Leonards near Ringwood, Hampshire While Three Counties Motorhomes is based in Poole, Dorset.

Three Counties Motorhomes, 46 Hatch Pond Road, Nuffield Industrial Est, Poole, Dorset, BH17 0JZ Tel: 01202 673735

VW Kamper Centre, 215 Ringwood Road, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2QB Tel: 01202 855531

Countrywide Motorhomes, Main A31, 215 Ringwood Rd, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2QB Tel: 01202 881089

Prices from £20,000 to over £60,000.

All vehicles supplied with a National Warranty. A Family owned business, run by moto home enthusiasts. From two berth compacts to six berth family models.

The biggest and best selection of VW campers in the country.

Pre-owned and brand new conversions.

Actual vehicles on-site ready to buy.

No waiting for a build slot. All price ranges, specifications, colours, berths & layouts.

Coachbuilt, Low Profile and A-Class motorhomes. Campervans and Conversions, all types and sizes. Part Exchanges always welcome, best prices paid. Nationwide delivery and collection available.

Unrivalled quality, unrivalled choice, unbeatable value.

You’ll find the same high standards of vehicle preparation and customer care at all our branches.

View interior and exterior images of all our stock online at...

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Sell us your motorhome or campervan!

We’d love to talk about buying your motorhome We sell so many motorhomes from our sites in Hampshire and Dorset, we’re always looking to buy fresh stock.

ALL MAKES AND MODELS CONSIDERED • UK’s Best Buyer • Immediate Valuation • Instant No Risk Bank Transfer Prior To Collection • Courteous Efficient Service • Free Nationwide Collection • Outstanding Finance Settled • Open 7 Days A Week • Recognition For Extras Fitted And Careful Ownership

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Travelworld Caravan Motorhome SP Sales Ad Feb 2020 FIN_Layout 1 05/02/2020 15:56 Page 1

brought to you by the Caravan and Motorhome Club

WELCOME TO THE UK’S NO.1 GERMAN MOTORHOME RETAILER

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld

(ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT)

HYMER Exsis-I 580 Pure

Dethleffs Globebus I6’ It

Was £85,375 Now £74,065

Was £71,735 Now £69,735

SAVE £11,310

SAVE £2,000

HYMER Camper Van Duo Car S

Carado T 337 Was £51,511 Now £47,995

BEST PRICE £70,690

SAVE £3,516

Dethleffs Trend T 7057 DBM

HYMER Camper Van Free 600 Campus

BEST PRICE £59,910

BEST PRICE £60,295

Was £53,514 Now £49,995 SAVE £3,519

HYMER B Class Modern Comfort I 600

Niesmann + Bischoff Arto 77 E

Niesmann + Bischoff Arto 82 E

BEST PRICE £132,323

BEST PRICE £150,598

BEST PRICE £101,625

Carado T 447

Looking for a great price on a Motorhome? Think Travelworld!

Travelworld are the UK’s No.1 retailer of quality German Motorhomes, including the latest Hymer models and a range of other leading brands. Get a great package on a new Motorhome or save big with our great selection of pre-owned vehicles. Just get in touch or call into Travelworld’s showroom, the Erwin Hymer Centre, which is located off J14 of the M6 near Stafford. We look forward to welcoming you!

Call 01785 87 87 87 / email info@motorhomes.co.uk / visit www.motorhomes.co.uk

ERWIN HYMER CENTRE Travelworld Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14, Stafford, ST16 1NZ. XX November 2016

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TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the unusual world of touring

COSY OUTFIT

Would you count a tea cosy as an essential part of your touring kit? Perhaps not, unless you had one like this! David Eastwood is the proud owner.

QUEEN MACHINE

Our thanks to Geoff and Chris Geldard for this great spot – a 1905 Renault model VB (though it was actually built in 1904). The couple saw it in Fishguard and were told that it belonged to the AA – hence the numberplate. The organisation purchased it in the mid-1960s, while the original owner was Elizabeth, Lady Cheylesmere, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary, who is believed to have ridden in the car many times. According to the website veteran-cars.co.uk a pair of picnic baskets at the back may have been installed at the ueen s request

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 or tag @candmclub on Instagram and we’ll print the best.

That’s a-moose-ing If you’re negotiating the terrain of the Canadian Rockies you need a serious tourer... or perhaps not, as Moira Lalor discovered near Banff. The owners of this fun outfit have clearly been busy, adding a multitude of paintings and stickers to their car and tourer, but it’s the moose on top that steals the show. Or is it a caribou? Can anybody elk?

122 March 2020

Small talk

“I spotted this little cutie while touring in the Grand Canyon,” says Daphne Skinner.

“Compared with the monster campervans – or should I say ‘RVs’ in America – this little one certainly tugged at my heartstrings.” The owners certainly have a good sense of humour!

SCOUT HUT According to Iain Waddell, this caravan stands on display at the Scout Association HQ, Chingford. It was presented to Scout Movement founder Lord Baden-Powell by the Boy Scouts of the World, as a token of gratitude, in 1929. “The entire gift was made up of a Rolls Royce car (nicknamed ‘Jamroll’), the Eccles caravan and a pair of braces!” explains Iain.

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PORTABLE POWER With a Punch

New for

2020 The new Platinum Leisure Plus EFB batteries can cope with 200+ cycles, and are ideal for motorhomes & caravans needing higher power consumption.

The Platinum range also includes, AGM Plus Class A for motorhomes and caravans frequently used without electrical hook up, or the Platinum Leisure Class C for minimal off grid usage.

For more information or to find your nearest stockist please call 0161 971 5000 or email info@platinuminternational.com

For more information call 0161 971 5000, email orders@platinuminternational.com or visit www.platinuminternational.com

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It’s What’s Inside That Counts

November 2019 114

Be stuck in a book, not stuck in the mud.

Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales

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*Prices based on Roadside and Recovery. Lines open Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities. Mayday UK Breakdown Cover is provided by Green Flag and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, both part of the same group. Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No.1179980. A sample MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover poicy booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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