Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine - May 2019

FOSSIL HUNTING

Enjoy

President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester

Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE

Director General: Nick Lomas

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Gary Martin says:

For most of us, the word ’dinosaur‘ probably conjures up evocative pictures of the tyrannosaurus rex, diplodocus or brontosaurus. But not all prehistoric creatures were such giants – and today, some 200 million years since they became extinct, you can still find traces of smaller, but no less remarkable, animals on our shores.

With this sense of discovery and adventure in mind, we sent Jonathan Manning to the Dorset coast to unearth his own little piece of history by taking part in a fossil walk and hunt at Lyme Regis. And he found plenty of evidence of prehistoric life – although the tiny ammonites he uncovered were a fraction of the size of the great T-Rex; indeed, they were smaller than the nail on his thumb.

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

Perhaps the best thing of all about fossil hunting is that a finders keepers rule is operated! You don’t need to return it to where you found it or hand it in – on the contrary, discover one of these archaeological treasures and you can take it back to the caravan or motorhome with you. And should you unearth a never-before-seen fossil there’s a chance it will be named after you!

“...unearth a neverbefore-seen fossil and it might be named after you”

Have you used your outfit on a voyage of discovery like Jonathan? If so, what have you found? I’d love to hear from you with details of your most obscure or rarest find – please write to me at magazine@camc.com.

Enjoy the issue!

Editorial Editor: Gary Martin

Deputy Editor: John Thynne

Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis

Design: Michaela Easey

Postal address

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

Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 779378

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

Business Development Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com

Commercial Executive – Regional 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

Digital advertising co-ordinator Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com enquiries@camc.com

This month’s cover: Surfing in Cornwall; Buzz Pictures/Alamy

the value of togetherness

YOUR XC60 AND EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

We believe in the power of working together. That’s why every detail of a Volvo, from its innovations to its design, is made to fit perfectly into your life. And also why we’ve partnered up with the Caravan and Motorhome Club to give you more. As a member, you can enjoy an exclusive £5,290.00 saving on our multi-award-winning SUV, the XC60 T5 R-Design. And you can discover our full range of benefits that will help you make the most of your car.

VISIT CAMC.COM/VOLVO OR CALL THE

Fuel consumption and CO2** figures for the Volvo XC60 T5 R-Design FWD Automatic, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Combined 30.1 (9.4) – 34.0 (8.3). NEDC CO2 emissions 165g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. **There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2

*Finance subject to status. Subject to availability at participating retailers only on vehicles ordered between 01/04/2019 and 30/06/2019. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle. (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Santander Consumer (UK) PLC trading as Volvo Car Financial Services RH1 1SR. Retail offer only. Excludes fleet operators and business users.

Touring

Cornwall’s coastline forms the magnificent backdrop for Lee Davey and family’s latest seven-site tour

Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook

Travel back in time on a fossil-hunting break in Dorset

Heidi Fuller-Love visits Barcelona and explores the historic sites of the Costa Brava 71 REGIONAL SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

Tests

Rob McCabe reviews two second-hand

News

Printing by Walstead Bicester

News from across the

Ideas for foreign holidays and tours

Rallies and news from across the country

Specials

MATTERS

The Club launched Experience Freedom two years ago

– see how much it has grown in that time

Enjoy a taste of centre rally life this year

The Southern Motorhome Show discount

DESIGN AWARDS

Part 2 of our annual competition round-up

A member details his experience following a caravan detachment

Regulars

GENERAL’S VIEW

Nick Lomas recommends the Club’s ‘simpler’ sites

The best pictures from your touring adventures

CAMPERVAN COOK

Martin Dorey shares a recipe for a tasty crab sandwich

Your comments and views

Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members

MATTERS

Tips on photographing orchids from David Chapman

SHOWCASE

A selection of wildlife books

A chance to win Club gift tokens

Pitching spots near public events

A handy guide to levelling

To advertise, call 01342 336817

The weird, wacky and wonderful world of

Opinion

Nick Lomas says:

On my travels I visit a wide variety of sites, from the ‘all-singing all-dancing’ ones like Seacroft on the Norfolk coast with outdoor swimming pool and brand new Wanderer Bar & Kitchen restaurant, to our simpler locations such as Bromyard Downs in Herefordshire, a pretty woodland getaway, set in the beautiful countryside between the historical cities of Worcester and Hereford.

I’d urge you to consider these quieter, often smaller sites when touring this year. You’ll receive the same great welcome as you get at all our sites but, while electric hook-up, fresh water supply and waste disposal are provided, there are no toilet or shower facilities – not a problem for those who have all these amenities on board, of course. Maintained to the same high standards as the rest of the sites on our network, these simpler locations are positioned in many breathtaking spots across the UK. Sometimes people say ‘less is more’ – well, this is especially true of these sites.

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.

You may have read in a previous issue how much the Club’s Director of Marketing, Harvey Alexander, enjoys touring the Lake District. Top of his list is one of these simpler sites –Borrowdale. Set in National Trust woodland five miles from Keswick, it sits on the shore of Derwentwater and is perfect for exploring the northern Lakes.

I can’t get enough of the views of Ben Klibreck from our Altnaharra site, nestled right on the shores of Loch Naver in the Scottish Highlands. When I stayed I went for the full back-to-nature experience, opting for a lochside pitch without electricity, taking care not to disturb the nesting oystercatchers. Club members even have the right to paddle on the loch and fish for salmon. I know this kind of touring break isn’t for everyone (including me if it’s for more than the odd night or two), but getting away from it all can be a real tonic.

I’ve mentioned sites in England and Scotland but you can have the exact same experience in Wales. Aberbran, for example, set on the site of a former railway station on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is a haven for wildlife. A peaceful oasis, it is operated by enthusiastic member volunteers.

“Sometimes people say ‘less is more’ –well, this is especially true of these sites”

These sites often have fewer pitches, which makes it a financial challenge to keep them viable despite a loyal following from many Club members. On the other hand they provide a very cost-efficient way of touring the UK, many of them being a part of our fantastic ‘Tour for Less’ offering (see the Club website for details). If you like Certificated Locations then you will love these simpler Club sites, too.

With such a range of sites and facilities on the network, there is a location that will appeal to everyone – and at a price to suit.

When you are planning your next adventure, think about enjoying the simpler side of life. Who knows, I may even see you there.

Happy touring!

“I’ve always been into the outdoors. I was just constantly walking the dog, playing out with friends or at the beach with family. My love for camping came along later when I started to extend those days out and stay out. I got to see more of Britain and that really exploded the possibilities. I didn’t realise we had all that in such close quarters.”

YOUR PHOTOS

Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera

A STOLEN MOMENT

Toft House Farm Certificated Location at Aislaby near Whitby is one of our favourite sites, and while enjoying a stay here we can never resist a visit to the characterful smugglers’ haunt of Robin Hood‘s Bay (above) which is on two iconic walking routes – the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast routes.

Peter Atkinson

AIR RAISING

It‘s not every day you are woken by hot air balloons taking off right by your pitch! This is the sight that greeted us one morning as we enjoyed a stay in our Y-reg Elddis Autostratus motorhome in Dinan, a pretty Brittany town.

Lynn Galletly and Dave Anderson

WE HAVE LIFT OFF!

Is there a more impressive sight in aviation than a Tornado taking off? I captured this GR4 departing RAF Marham in King‘s Lynn while enjoying a sunny week away on a lovely Certificated Location in Nelson‘s Country.

Mark Crisp

BEAUTY UNLOCHED

The Caravan and Motorhome Club‘s Morvich site is located in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the British Isles. This is Loch Carron, a sea loch on the west coast of Ross and Cromarty. Simply stunning.

Brian Homans

North-West France

North Yorkshire

Scottish Highlands

Norfolk

ROCK STAR

Here we are parked up at Uluru (or Ayers Rock), the iconic sandstone rock formation in Australia‘s Northern Territory. This was one of many highlights of our amazing six-month motorhome tour Down Under (we shipped our van over from the UK!).

MULL OVER...

Relaxing on a campsite almost on the beach at Fionnphort, the principal port on the Isle of Mull. The memory of this amazing place will live with us forever. Nearest Club site: North Ledaig.

Jackie and Wayne Statham

HARBOUR VIEW

While enjoying a stay at Baltic Wharf Club site in late December I captured this late-afternoon sunset from the Underfall Yard, looking across Bristol Harbour towards the Mardyke Ferry Landing. Robert Lee

Northumberland

STARS OF THE NIGHT SKY

While pitched up at Chillingham Barns CL on a beautiful cold and clear night, my wife insisted I take a ‘star wheel’ as she loves them. To my surprise, when I processed the image I found I had captured the Northern Lights too. A very unusual combination.

Jim and Helen Hunt

Inner Hebrides

2019 DEMO CARAVAN CLEARANCE

Experience Freedom with friends and family

Want to get away to a UK Club site with your non-touring friends or family? Well, you can – we have six great locations offering a range of glamping accommodation

You’ve already told us about all the great stuff you get up to when you stay in your caravans, motorhomes and trailer tents on our sites. But did you know that your non-touring friends and family can join you at selected locations and share those special memories, courtesy of ‘Experience Freedom’ from the Caravan and Motorhome Club?

SITES WITH ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL

Experience Freedom is our alternative accommodation offering – we have a range of superb glamping units at six carefully-selected UK Club sites:

n Abbey Wood on the outskirts of London

n Alderstead Heath in the Surrey Hills

n Brighton on the Sussex coast

n Coniston Park Coppice in the Lake District

n Daleacres in the tranquil Kent countryside

n Moreton-in-Marsh in the glorious Cotswolds

And you can choose from four different types of accommodation for that authentic ‘outdoors’ experience:

n Luxury glamping pods (from £59 per night) – at Abbey Wood, Alderstead Heath, Brighton, Coniston Park Coppice and Moreton-in-Marsh n Iconic Airstream caravans (from £69 per night) – at Abbey Wood, Brighton and Coniston Park Coppice

n Rustic yurts (from £69 per night) – nestled together at Daleacres

Cosy camping pods (from £39 per night) – at Abbey Wood, Brighton and Coniston Park Coppice

With 57 units in total, our Experience Freedom offering allows you to enjoy a touring holiday with your non-caravanning/motorhoming friends. Who knows, maybe you will also be tempted to leave your vehicle at home on one occasion to enjoy our sites in a different way, too.

Here, a member and a non-member share their thoughts on Experience Freedom...

MEMBER EXPERIENCE: MARK JAKEWAY

“We’ve [Mark and wife Patricia] got three daughters, all in their 20s. One of them still comes with us, while another [Sarah] has a long-term partner [Fraser] and they don’t want to share a caravan [a Sprite] with us, even though it’s a sixberth, so we look at ways of going away together because they still like holidaying with us.

“We’ve tried bed and breakfasts but they are quite expensive, so the pod [at Coniston Park Coppice] was excellent. We could go out together and we could come back together. We could walk into the village or drive somewhere together. The close proximity [of the pod and our caravan] made it all work.

“Fraser is very interested in wildlife so we went to the Osprey Watch. We also visited Wray Castle, enjoyed low-level walks in the valleys and went to Keswick.

“The pods were very reasonable – we probably would have spent as much or more if we’d gone to a B&B and we wouldn’t have had the convenience of being all together on site. We’re planning another holiday already. It’s going to be a yearly thing for us at Coniston Park Coppice.”

NON-MEMBER EXPERIENCE: ANNA BRACEWELL

“It was my first time on a Caravan and Motorhome Club site, at Moreton-in-Marsh, and I was impressed by the welcome my husband and I received. We had two nights in one of the glamping pods – which was spotless and really comfortable, with everything easy to operate. The welcome basket had drinks and snacks and there were instructions for the drop-down bed, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, TV and so on.

“Some friends of ours were staying on the site, too… they’ve got a motorhome and have been doing that for a few years now, so it was nice to be able to go away with them for a change. We were lucky with the weather… sitting on the deck

with a drink or having breakfast outside was lovely and it meant that they could join us. The birds were singing and there were three or four rabbits running around in-between the pods, so it was very restful – in fact, the way it’s all laid out means that you’ve got quite a lot of privacy when you’re sitting outside.

“We spent a lot of our weekend visiting the pretty towns and villages in the Cotswolds. Stow-on-theWold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway are all close, and we also went to Broadway Tower. Amazing views at the top. Moreton-in-Marsh’s high street is a short walk from the site, too, so that was handy, with all the shops and pubs.

“We’ve stayed at Airbnb places and tried different types of glamping before, and we’ll definitely book these pods again – our friends come here a few times a year and we only scratched the surface in terms of things to see and do.”

10% MEMBER SAVINGS

Best of all, as a member of the Club you save 10% on any glamping pod, Airstream, yurt or camping pod booking – that means for a week‘s stay in a yurt at Daleacres, for example, you will save more than £55. Indeed, on average members and their friends and families have saved £41.16 per booking on stays in 2019 thanks to the 10% saving and other special offers for members.

Anna Bracewell by Broadway Tower

Fraser and Sarah enjoying the great outdoors

YOU SAID...

“It was brilliant staying in an iconic Airstream. They are modern, luxurious and have a comfortable double bed.”

“Second time we have stayed in a yurt. We enjoy the motorhome lifestyle but are unable to go enough to justify buying our own van so it’s ideal you offer these sort of accommodations for folk like us.”

“The glamping pods were just wonderful – everything you need for a great break. Will definitely be going back.”

10% Saving as a member of the Club on every Experience Freedom booking

57

The total number of glamping units available on six UK Club sites £39

Prices start from only £39 per night for camping pods (and that’s before the 10% member discount)

Clockwise from above: glamping pods are luxuriously equipped; gleaming Airstream exterior...; ...and stylish interior; the Jakeways at Wray Castle; sumptuous and spacious yurt

Exclusive chance to stay at CarFest

We are delighted to share the news that the Club will be running pop-up campsites at CarFest North (26-28 July, Bolesworth Estate, Cheshire) and CarFest South (23-25 August, Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire) in 2019. What’s more, as a Club member, you can take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to purchase campsite tickets from 22 April 2019, over a week before they go on sale to the general public on 1 May 2019. Pitches will sell very quickly, so if you’d

like one don’t delay! CarFest – Chris Evans’ family music and motoring festival – has quickly become one of the most popular events on the calendar. This year there will be live performances from Beverley Knight, Jools Holland and Texas, among many other big-name acts, while four-wheel fanatics will be thrilled by car club displays, a ‘vintage village’ and much more. Meanwhile, celebrity chefs will treat festivalgoers to mouthwatering food and there will be

lots of family-orientated fun, too – see carfest.org for the full line-up.

To find out more and to book your tickets, visit camc.com/carfest

Enjoy an Isle of Wight break with the Club

If you are thinking of visiting the Isle of Wight this year, the Club is offering site-plus-ferry packages during the main touring season that start from as little as £139* for two people.

These special deals, which are exclusive to Club members, apply to four- or seven-night stays on a standard pitch at Southland Club site and return sailings with either Wightlink or Red Funnel ferries, travelling from Southampton to East Cowes, Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth.

Southland is close to the Isle of Wight’s south-east coast, near the towns of Sandown and Shanklin. As well as the miles of sandy beaches, restaurants with sea views and cliff-top walks, other attractions close by include Amazon World Zoo Park, Blackgang Chine theme park and the primate sanctuary Monkey Haven.

Children between the ages of five and 17 can be added to your booking from just £2.20 per night,

And our survey says...

You may recall last month’s column by the Club’s Director General Nick Lomas, in which he discussed the amount that the touring and leisure vehicle sector as a whole contributed to the national and local economies. The statistics were contained in the results of the first ever UK-wide survey of our sector, which was co-sponsored by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

while under-fives go free – so this is also a great option for families! To see a table of guide prices, terms and conditions and more information, please visit camc.com/ iowoffer. To book your break, please call us on 01342 316101

Communicating these impressive results to decisionmakers was always the ultimate aim of the sponsorship group – and that’s exactly what Nick did to packed audiences in the House of Commons at the start of English Tourism Week in April and at the Scottish Parliament as Scottish Tourism Month drew to a close in March.

At Holyrood Nick shared a platform with the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, while, on a busy day at Westminster, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – The Rt Hon Jeremy Wright QC MP (below) – attended a Tourism Alliance reception.

(and our advisors will be able to help you with any queries).

*Price quoted is the cheapest price for a standard touring pitch for four nights and a return ferry crossing for two people in a motorhome in April, September or October 2019.

Wales and Northern Ireland have not been forgotten: Wales Tourism Week is in May and the Club will support an event at the Senedd in Cardiff. Then we’ll be turning our attention to Northern Ireland and sharing the results with colleagues in tourism and others.

Nick Lomas

SHOWTIME

MAY

10-12

Gloucestershire: The Caravan and Motorhome Show, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletree-exhibitions.co.uk)

17-19 Berkshire: The Southern Motorhome Show, Newbury Showground, Chieveley (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)

JUNE

14-16 Warwickshire: Caravan and Motorhome Show, Stratford Racecourse, Stratford-uponAvon (Apple Tree Exhibitions, details as above)

21-23 Warwickshire: The Midsummer Motorhome Show, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth (Warners Group, details as above)

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

From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection

May sees the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Club’s Mayday breakdown service, a collaboration developed by then Director of Membership Services Jack Armstrong and Ernest Smith of National Breakdown (Green Flag). The Mayday breakdown service started at 8am on 1 May 1979 and, in a strange quirk of fate, the unenviable honour of being the very first customer fell to Jack Armstrong himself. At 10am on the very same day he skidded on mud on a country lane and ended up in a ditch with £2,000 worth of damage to his

On the MAGAZINE APP this month: video reviews of Auto-Trail’s Tracker EB and the Peugeot 3008, plus a cycle ride with Jonathan Manning and four extra regional site features

brand-new Audi. A Mayday patrol arrived within 20 minutes. Ernest Smith later contacted Armstrong to say that he didn’t mind him testing the new service... and also to ask whether he was taking it a bit far.

Mayday, together with Red Pennant – the Club’s overseas travel insurance service – continues to provide an exemplary and exclusive service for members to this day.

To find out more about the Club’s Collection, please visit nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/ collections/camc-collection or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/ camccollection).

Richard Noyce

Last call for National tickets

You recommend… Fish and chips

n “Fantastic fish and chip shop just along the road with a superb ice-cream shop next door.” (Club site: Stonehaven)

n “For a fish and chip supper you couldn’t do better than to visit The ‘No 1’ Fish Bar in Cromer near to the pier.” (Seacroft)

n “You have to go to Drakes for takeaway fish and chips, the best in the country for me.” (Knaresborough)

n “If you need gluten-free go to The Walrus pub, excellent fish and chips.” (Brighton)

n “We ate at Audrey’s awardwinning fish and chip café. Excellent meals at a good price.” (Bridlington)

A small number of tickets are still available for the National – the Club’s flagship event – so please visit camc.com/national or call 01342 336666 if you would like to join us. This year’s event will take place at Ragley Hall, Park and Gardens in Alcester, Warwickshire, from 24-28 May. The packed programme means there’s something for everyone – from an Abba tribute act and caravan manoeuvring competitions to quizzes and zorbing. Find out more by visiting the Club website, where you can also book a pitch for three nights (which includes electric hook-up and all daytime entertainment), buy tickets for the evening shows and purchase individual day passes, if required.

Whether you are new to touring or a long-term Club member, we look forward to seeing you there!

Thetford launches seat raiser

The new Toilet Seat Raiser from touring equipment and accessory specialist Thetford has been designed to help caravanners and motorhomers who struggle when sitting down or standing up.

The product can be used in conjunction with the company’s existing C200 and C2/C3/C4 cassettes and can be installed easily, raising the toilet seat’s height by approximately 7cm. See thetford.com for information.

In brief

Taking place on 9 June 2019, Open Farm Sunday – which is managed by the LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) organisation – is a fantastic opportunity to learn about life and work on a farm. Why not use the search function at farmsunday.org to find a participating farm and plan a visit to a nearby Club site this June?

R D Blackmore’s romantic novel Lorna Doone is the theme of this year’s Dulverton Summer Festival (29-30 June, on the edge of Exmoor National Park).

A programme of events across the town will include re-enactments, children’s storytelling sessions, live music, a movie screening and much more, while the festival is part of a wider, year-long celebration across Exmoor to mark the 150th anniversary of the novel’s publication. For more information, see visit-exmoor.co.uk. The nearest Club sites are Exebridge Lakeside and Exmoor House.

Will you be attending Latitude Festival (18-21 July, near Southwold in Suffolk)? If so, look out for the ‘Trailer Park’ area, which will feature a range of re-purposed, brightlypainted caravans and campervans. Previously, a similar Trailer Park created for Ireland’s Electric Picnic festival incorporated the likes of a Narnia-themed caravan and ‘Terrible Terry’s Jail’ (a ’van with bars on the windows, from which festival goers had to escape by solving puzzles).

The next Tour De Yorkshire – an annual fixture on the professional road cycling circuit – will take place between 2 and 5 May 2019. Stages for this popular event will begin or end in Barnsley, Bedale, Bridlington, Doncaster, Halifax, Leeds, Scarborough and Selby, and you can see detailed route maps at letour.yorkshire.com. Club sites and Certificated Locations in Yorkshire can be found online at camc.com and in your Sites Directory and Handbook 2019/20

Super saver

We highlight a few of the deals and discounts in the Great Savings Guide that can save you money when you visit certain UK attractions

Have you picked up your free copy of the Great Savings Guide 2019 yet? This essential booklet details the savings that Club members can make in relation to more than 900 attractions and activities across the UK – from historic houses and hot air balloon rides to theme parks and train journeys.

If you would like a copy, you can order one from the Club Shop via the Club’s website (camc.com) – just click on ‘Shop and Offers’/’Club shop’/’View Club products’ to get one (postage and packing is free).

Nearly 50 attractions have been added to the Great Savings Guide in 2019, so we have highlighted seven of the best below. Why not take advantage and save while enjoying a superb day out?

1

Blenheim Palace

Enjoy a 30% discount on a Palace, Park and Gardens Ticket at this magnificent World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire (below). The ticket allows you to access the Palace State Rooms (with free audio guide), the Churchill Exhibition and an interactive ‘Untold Story’ experience, the Formal Gardens, 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and the Family Pleasure Gardens. An incredible day out. Stay at: Bladon Chains

2 Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Visit this wildlife reserve in Kent and go on the safari experience to see incredible animals native to South America, Asia and Africa... plus, little ones will love the giant models in the Dinosaur Forest. Club members get 20% off the price of a day ticket.

Stay at: Daleacres or Black Horse Farm

3

HMS Unicorn

One of the world’s most remarkable historic ships, this near-200-year-old vessel has been preserved as a museum and visitor attraction in Dundee, with four decks to explore. Learn all about the Golden Age of Sail and enjoy a 10% member discount on the price of entry. Stay at: Forfar Lochside

4

The Heights of Abraham

Get 20% off the full price of a cable car ticket and spend time overlooking Matlock Bath and the picturesque Derwent Valley on the edge of the Peak District. At the top you’ll have free access to guided tours of two famous show caverns, exhibitions including a ‘fossil factory’, woodland walks, a cafe/ restaurant offering spectacular views, two large outdoor play areas and more.

Stay at: Carsington Water or Chatsworth Park

5

British Airways i360

SITE BOOKINGS

Book your pitch on any of these sites via the UK Sites app, at camc.com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490

Take to the skies and see Brighton and the south coast as never before. Save 10% on standard ‘flights’ at this striking observation tower. Stay at: Brighton

6 Ness Botanic Gardens

Take advantage of two-for-theprice-of-one entry and stroll through more than 64 acres of beautiful gardens with fantastic views of the Dee Estuary. Stay at: Wirral Country Park or Chester Fairoaks

7 Silver Mountain Experience

A mix of history, myth and legend will inspire explorers of all ages at this unique silver-lead mine near Aberystwyth. A choice of guided tours of the mine are available, as well as fun theatrical experiences. Club members receive 15% off the price of admission tickets during the 2019 season.

Stay at: Gwern-y-Bwlch or Shawsmead

Terms and conditions apply to all offers – for more information see the individual offer listing in the Great Savings Guide 2019.

Make a break for it in May

Fancy a trip away over the next few weeks? We’ll take the hassle out of searching for you – our late availability calendar shows where pitches are free over the next three weekends across the network. Visit camc.com/lateavailability and plan your getaway today!

When dining in a good restaurant, have you ever wondered how the chef is able to create consistently good quality dishes, perfectly cooked with an abundance of avour? e secret could well be that you have just experienced the remarkable delights of sous-vide cuisine. French for ‘under-vacuum’, top chefs such as Albert Roux have been using this unique method since the ‘70’s to cook food at the perfect temperature, using either steam or water, to lock in all the goodness, taste and avour in a way that no other cooking method can replicate.

A BREAKTHROUGH

Parsley Box are the rst home delivery company to bring this delicious choice of sous-vide ready meals

direct to your kitchen table. e real beauty is because they are airtight vacuum sealed, you can store them for up to six months on an ordinary kitchen cupboard shelf –freeing up valuable fridge and freezer space! No defrosting is necessary, you simply heat through in a microwave or oven and voilà! You have a deliciously tempting meal to enjoy.

THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT

e brainchild of Adrienne and Gordon MacAulay, who were concerned about the nutritional values

in some of the convenience meals Adrienne’s mother was eating, their idea instantly took hold. e result is a revolution in accessing well balanced nutritional food that is a joy to eat. A quick study of the ingredients on any pack reveal a reduced amount of harmful ‘nasties’ and a higher dose of what does you good - in these days where obesity and diabetes are on the rise due to the foods we eat, this is so important.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Adrienne continues: ‘For instance, cooking broccoli by conventional means allows about 60% of the nutrients and goodness to escape – not so with sous-vide. e growing army of Parsley Box a cionados lay testimony to this with their 3,544 Trustpilot reviews. Here’s a recent one: ‘Well cooked; well tasty; well packaged; well delivered; well done! What more can I say.’ (Trustpilot, 2018)

THE NEXT BEST THING

Parsley Box is the perfect solution for those who enjoy their food but don’t want to prepare and cook full scale meals every day or, a great stand-by when you are pushed for time. ere is something for everyone, no matter what your taste. A warming cottage pie or lasagne; tender chicken chasseur with a delicious rich sauce; creamy pastas with bags of avour; curries to tempt your taste buds – the choice is yours. ere are puddings and soups too –all at incredibly a ordable prices, particularly if you take advantage of their 10 meal introductory o er for only £19.99 plus 2 free puddings while the o er lasts. Is Parsley Box the next best thing since sliced bread? ere is only one way to nd out.

INFORMATION: parsleybox.com/0800 612 7225

Unique Healthy Meals Service Makes Fridge And Freezer Obsolete for Caravanners

No freezing required, keep in cupboard, long shelf life.

Only wholesome ingredients

Easily heated in the microwave No subscription

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Only Parsley Box brings you homecooked taste and quality plus a unique solution to fridge/freezer storage problems. By introducing an innovative slow cooking process to vacuum seal in all the flavours and goodness, this means you can store the meals in your cupboard, not your fridge or freezer! Taste the di erence with our introductory 10 meal bundle o er for only £19.99 today.

For me the bonus is that I have little freezer space, the idea of keeping in a cupboard is excellent. I have recommended this company to friends. LesleyFoster

The Campervan Cook

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey continues his gastronomic journey around the UK. This month – a shellfish favourite on a last-minute break

We’ve just been on a mini adventure very close to home in our full-sized camper. I’m lucky to live in Cornwall and can spontaneously ‘nip’ to West Penwith for the weekend without too much hassle, which is great – but then anyone can take off at the drop of a hat if their unit is packed and ready.

Trevedra Farm Affiliated Site, one of the Club’s 11 sites in the county, is just a short walk from one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches at Gwynver (also known as Gwenver). I can still remember the first time I saw its azure water and white sand, way back in the 1980s when I was searching for new places to surf. It was so clean and beautiful I thought I’d arrived in California!

St Ives is one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in Cornwall’s farther reaches. The road to get there from Sennen Cove – the B3306 – is an amazing

The Cook recommends...

The Café at Tate St Ives. It overlooks the beach at Porthmeor and offers just about the best sea views of any place I know anywhere. There are lots of lovely local ingredients, with dishes made on the premises by smiley, engaged staff – get the table by the window.

And as a main...

The vegan platter will give you a taste of the best locally-grown produce in Cornwall. Completely guilt-free and delicious!

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

slow road and the town itself is a beach and art lover’s heaven. The Tate St Ives has recently had a makeover and is back in business with a permanent collection of incredible modern art from the town’s roster of great artists, including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and naïve genius Alfred Wallis. The views from the café at Porthmeor Beach and the impossibly blue Atlantic are great, too! [ See

RECIPE No.16

Lee Davey’s feature on the following pages for more Cornish inspiration – Editor ]

This month, my local trip inspired me to make crab sandwiches with tiger bread, an idea that originated in the Netherlands, but I first came across it in St Ives. If you can, pick up some dressed crab from a local crab shack, and enjoy on your own local adventure next time you get a night free. Bon voyage!

A crab sandwich to die for CUT OUT AND KEEP RECIPES

Makes two large lunches

Ingredients

3 tsp mayonnaise

2 tsp tomato ketchup

A pinch of cayenne pepper

A pinch of smoked paprika Black pepper to season

Method

In a bowl, prepare a mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, spices, pepper and lemon juice before ‘buttering’ both sides of the bread with it. Mix the brown and white crab meat together and spread on the bread. Add the sliced avocado and watercress then

Go on an adventure this year and stay in the UK

Whether you have a caravan, motorhome or campervan, we know the reason you are a Caravan and Motorhome Club member is because you love having the freedom to explore new corners of the world.

With the long hot summer of 2018 fresh in our memories and so much to see and do in the UK, there’s never been a better excuse to explore closer to home this year. Staying in the UK gives you the ease and flexibility that you’re looking for.

And whilst we know it’s fun to be spontaneous, we also know that you don’t want your freedom ruined by a breakdown which is why we o er Club members an exclusive breakdown service called MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover which is provided by Green Flag.

Wherever you choose to explore in the UK, we have the right cover for you whatever twists and turns your adventure takes, from being stuck on the hard shoulder, at home on the driveway or away in the Lake District.

The real question is, once you’re covered where should you go?

Cornwall

With the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s no wonder that Cornwall is a popular destination famous for its stunning scenery, historic market towns, attractive fishing, villages and picturesque riverside hamlets.

Wales

There’s something for everyone in Wales with hundreds of castles for those looking for some history, a beautiful coastline or, if you’re looking for more adventure, there’s always Snowdonia waiting to be conquered or Brecon Beacons National Parks to be taken in.

Scotland

Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and boasting dramatic contrasts from vibrant cities to breathtaking lochs, mountains and coastlines. Scotland is steeped in culture and history that appeals to those who want a bit of everything.

MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover

Because you’ve got better places to be.

So from misfuelling to dual recovery, MAYDAY is designed with you in mind which is why 89% of customers chose to renew their MAYDAY breakdown cover last year (Jan-Nov 2018).

With three di erent cover levels to choose from, we’ve got your staycation covered nationwide from £72 a year with Roadside & Recovery.

Even if you’re not with your caravan or motorhome when you need rescuing, MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover also covers your car year-round so you’re free to explore whenever you want.

And our newest cover level, Premium UK Plus, comes with Pre-Departure Cover which means that you are safeguarded if, for any reason, your caravan or trailer is immobilised prior to leaving. Meaning you don’t have to worry about those spontaneous trips!

SHORE

THING

Lee Davey and family explore Cornwall’s north coast , taking in pretty port towns and some of the UK’s finest stretches of sand

Lovely St Ives Bay

Trevedra Farm

Affiliated Site

Perfectly placed for visiting Land’s End, this site also boasts access to nearby Gwynver Beach and has a great on-site café.

Pitches: 80 | Open: 29 Mar-3 Nov 2019

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

Member view

“Wendy and John have a terrific team and you feel more than customers.

We like the comparative tranquillity on the Land’s End peninsula to the rest of Cornwall. Sennen Cove is a real treasure and there is nothing better than watching the sun set while sat outside The Old Success Inn of an evening.”

The Davis Family, caravanners from Llangennech

Site staff view

“As it’s a family-owned site, members like the relaxed feel of the site as well as the stunning views of the Cornish coastline.

Walking is fantastic in either direction plus we have nearby attractions such as Minack Theatre and St Michael’s Mount.”

Wendy Nicholas

Food & drink

The Blue Lagoon (fish and chips), Sennen Cove, Penzance TR19 7DF

Contact: sennenchipshop.com, 01736 871817

The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU

Contact: minack.com (see website for driving info), 01736 810181 Culture

Outdoor fun

Sennen Surfing Centre, Sennen Cove, Penzance TR19 7BT

Is there a region of England with a history that is as fascinating as Cornwall’s?

Contact: sennensurfingcentre.co.uk, 01736 871227

Contact: eurekaescape.co.uk, 01736 366663 For the family

Arthurian legend and tales of smugglers and pirates form part of the appeal for many visitors today, of course, while the events of many centuries pre- and post-Roman rule –including clashes between opposing tribes and armies, unsteady alliances and devastating plagues – are less widely-known, but every bit as captivating.

turned their heads. I suppose if the seaside and all its associated fun makes more of an impression on them then that’s fine – we would be making our way along Cornwall’s north (Atlantic) coast, after all, with lots of great beaches and dramatic cliff-top views along the way.

Eureka Escape Cornwall, The Basement, The Old Telephone Exchange, 44 New Street, Penzance TR18 2LZ

I’d been trying to pass on some historical information to my children at the start of this seven-site tour, but I seemed to be fighting a losing battle – the sun, the sea and ice-cream bought at a bucket-and-spade shop had already

Our itinerary would take us to an interesting mix of places: tranquil Club sites that are a stone’s throw from bustling surfing meccas, a family-owned Affiliated Site (AS) and three immaculately-kept Certificated Locations (CLs) that offer outstanding value for money. Before we pitched up anywhere, though, we made our way to a spot that has appealed to me for a long, long time…

Land’s End – most westerly point on the English mainland

END OF THE ROAD

“A school trip enhanced my fondness for this finger of land, which poked defiantly at the Atlantic”

My love affair with Land’s End began in the 1970s. An episode of Blue Peter piqued my interest – the BBC’s TV show included images of the famous sign that declares John o’ Groats to be a mere 874 miles away. A school trip in the 1980s enhanced my fondness for this finger of land, which poked defiantly at the Atlantic, and this eventually evolved into visits during caravan holidays with the family.

Land’s End has changed somewhat over the years. This time my children, Poppy and Charlie, loved a couple of the newer attractions, such as Arthur’s Quest – a King Arthur-themed adventure that uses the latest interactive

technology – and the 4D cinema, and if I’m being honest I enjoyed them too… However, there’s more to this location than high-tech amusements, and eventually we made our way along the coastal path to enjoy the iconic view – a must each time we are in this part of the world.

Our latest Cornish adventure could now truly begin, and soon enough we were unhitching our Bailey caravan nearby, at a site close to the village of Sennen.

Trevedra Farm AS is a short hop from the A30 – close enough to make for an easy tow, but far enough away to ensure that road noise peters out before it reaches your caravans and motorhomes. We’ve stayed here several times in the past but we

Green Pig Farm 2

Certificated Location

A beautifully kept CL with a tea room, offering views towards the coast and St Michael’s Mount. Towing routes to the site were straightforward. Open: 19 Mar-31 Oct 2019

Contact: 01736 351182

Sites Directory and Handbook p296

Site view

“A lot of members like to stay here for the walking routes, and with St Michael’s Mount visible from the site a few head towards the coast on foot, which is about four miles. There’s also a bus route that runs to St Ives and Penzance, so if you don’t feel like a walk, or you’d like to leave a motorhome on site, transport needn’t be an issue.”

Neil Rafter

Food & drink

Star Inn, Crowlas, Penzance TR20 8DX (please note – this pub is a favourite with beer lovers and does not serve food) Contact: 01736 740375

Culture

Chysauter Ancient Village, Newmill, Penzance TR20 8XA

Contact: english-heritage.org.uk

Outdoor fun

Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance TR18 4FF

Contact: jubileepool.co.uk, 01736 369224

For the family

Flambards (theme park), Clodgey Lane, Helston TR13 0QA

GUIDE

Contact: flambards.co.uk, 01326 573404

Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Top 5 Spring Hacks

brought to you by Club Shop

1. Keep dinner warmer for longer

There is still a nip in the air and if you want to dine outside, keeping food and drink warm can be a challenge. One easy way to help is to use bamboo tableware instead of melamine. The natural woody fibres offer better insulation than plastic and are lightweight too! The tactile feel of the material is a joy to touch and will be the talk of the campsite while not costing the earth.

Bamboo Dinner Set (multiple designs available)

£14.99 full price

£13.49 for members

2. Reduce weight and make space

Thetford have recently launched a new concentrated formula of their best-selling pink and blue toilet chemicals. A 780ml bottle of Aqua Kem Blue Concentrated is equivalent to a full 2L bottle - saving over half the weight and space. The formula has even been tweaked for greater impact, so you should see a significantly improved waste breakdown and reduced gas build-up. An easy win!

3. Pick up WiFi in the middle of nowhere

Getting online in remote areas can be unreliable, but you can take control with one of KUMA’s innovative WiFi connection kits. The Booster Aerial will pick up WiFi signal up to a mile away and connect with multiple devices, whilst the 4G kit allows you to insert any SIM to create a hotspot with the small but powerful boosting antenna. Minimal set up and easy operation makes these little devices even more appealing.

KUMA WiFi Booster Antenna Kit

4. Get an awning up in under 5

Ditch poles for an inflatable air awning and you’ll be relaxing with your feet up in no time. Opting for a single inflation point makes the whole process even easier, with some models able to inflate in under 5 minutes, even with a hand pump. It doesn’t take much longer to peg and pitch out the awning so you can have more time to enjoy the surroundings, especially when travelling away for shorter trips.

5. Stop dirt sticking when towing

No matter how sparkling you get your vehicle, a single trip can have it covered in grime again. You can prevent this by adding an invisible protective layer with an afterwash like Fenwick’s Bobby Dazzler. This creates a hydrophobic protective surface coating that actively repels water, dirt and algae. The wash leaves your vehicle sparkling and eliminates the need for polishing. Best of all, you can do it yourself, saving the cost of valeting. Use with a good quality cleaner and soft microfibre cloth for best results.

Thetford Aqua Kem Blue Concentrated

£11.99 full price

£10.79 for members

KUMA

Fenwicks Cleaner & Bobby Dazzler Bundle £25.97

“The view from the top at high tide, overlooking the horseshoe-shaped bay, is picture-perfect”

discovered lots of new things this time round, including the newly-constructed washroom block, which complements the on-site shop and café perfectly. As well as offering great facilities and a relaxed feel, the site’s location makes occupying even the most restless of children easy – so, unsurprisingly, we’re not the only people who return here frequently.

The kids – familiar with their surroundings – disappeared towards the beach straight away while my wife, Helen, and I checked in, booking a table in the café as a first-night treat.

Gwynver Beach is accessed via a (steep) footpath at the bottom of the site and it’s an absolute gem, with dogs welcome all-year round. The view from the top at high tide, overlooking the horseshoe-shaped bay, is picture-perfect, while, once the sea rolls away, it’s possible to walk along the sand as far as neighbouring Sennen Cove, where you

can enjoy a bite to eat in the pub, café or chip shop on the seafront. It’s worth bearing in mind that the journey back to the site can be taxing.

Green Pig Farm CL, our next destination, lies between the bustling towns of Penzance and St Ives. It is obviously much-loved by its owners: the site is full of flowers and the grass could easily be used for a game of bowls. Those pitched at the top enjoy a distant view of the small tidal island, St Michael’s Mount. If you’re ever after a long walk from this CL, I’m told that this historic Cornish counterpart to France’s Mont St Michel is an eight-mile round-trip, although there is a bus stop nearby, so the return journey could be more relaxing.

DID YOU KNOW?

Green Pig Farm has on-site tea rooms, and although we didn’t visit I’d be very surprised if the tea and cake is anything other than top notch, given the level of quality across the rest of the site.

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

If you’re lucky enough to pop in, please let me know what it’s like.

3

Godrevy Park

Club Site

In a particularly quiet area of Cornwall, this site is popular with members who love to surf –Gwithian Beach is a 15-minute walk away, or it’s a five-minute drive to the pay and display car park. Pitches: 120 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

Member view

“We’re staying here with my brother-in-law during the Welsh half-term. The site has plenty of room with good-sized pitches and there’s lots to do in the local area without having to travel too far.”

The Ward Family, caravanners from Abergavenny

Site view

“This site offers the quintessential family holiday and members choose to visit us for the stunning beaches as well as the surfing. The stretch of coast we’re on has unlimited loveliness and there’s so much to see and do within an hour of Godrevy Park.”

Gary and Sarah Langman

Food & drink

Balti King, 53 Fore Street, Hayle TR27 4DX

Contact: baltikingrestaurant.co.uk, 01736 755300

Culture

King Edward Mine Museum, Troon, Camborne TR14 9HW

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Contact: kingedwardmine. co.uk, 01209 614681

Outdoor fun

Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth coastal walk, Godrevy, Gwithian, near Hayle TR27 5ED

Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk/godrevy, 01872 552412

For the family

Paradise Park and JungleBarn, 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle TR27 4HB

Contact: paradisepark.org.uk, 01736 751020

Sennen Cove

Gwynver Beach

St Agnes Beacon 4

Club Site

Understandably popular with those who like striking cliff-top views and coastal paths, this quiet, well-tended site is located in the middle of Poldark country.

Pitches: 106 | Open: 15 Mar-30 Sep 2019

Member

view

“This is one of our favourite Caravan and Motorhome Club sites. It is peaceful with stunning views but still has a good central Cornwall position. Try and book when Perranporth carnival is on, it’s a great evening out for all the family!”

The Cox Family, caravanners from Somerset

Site view

“Members like our site for the location as well as its simplicity. The coast path is always popular as we are just a 10-minute walk away, and if your dog is enjoying a holiday too, Trevaunance Cove is dog-friendly all-year, with Chapel Porth welcoming dogs from October to Easter.” Ray and Viv Bond

Food & drink

Culture

“If you’re an art lover, pretty St Ives is a must-visit”

Bear Bar & Kitchen

St Agnes, at The Peterville Inn, St Agnes TR5 0QU

Contact: bearbar. co.uk, 01872 553335

Blue Hills Cornish Tin, Trevallas Coombe, St Agnes TR5 0YW

Contact: cornishtin.com, 01872 553341

Outdoor fun

St Agnes Head Lookout Loop walk, St Agnes Head TR5 0ST

Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk/st-agnes-head

For the family

Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre, Feadon Lane, Portreath TR16 4PE

Contact: feadonfarmwildlife.co.uk, 01209 844136

DID YOU KNOW?

IVES HAS IT

If you’re an art lover visiting this part of the world, then pretty St Ives is a must. The main draw is the Tate St Ives gallery on the seafront, which primarily showcases the work of British artists, while the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden –associated with the Tate but in a different location – displays this important 20th century artist’s bronzes and other works. The town – close to a number of great beaches – has a maze of cobbled streets, traditional fishermen’s cottages and a wide variety of independent eateries and shops, making it a perennial favourite with British holidaymakers. This was confirmed by site staff at our next destination, Godrevy Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, on the opposite side of St Ives Bay, not far from Hayle. They told me that

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

Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly

the site was particularly popular in the summer holidays, with Club members often booking a full three weeks and spending most of those 21-days on-site or close by.

After a leisurely breakfast in the caravan we followed a sign at the back of the site that simply read ‘To the Beach’. Even with my mediocre navigational skills heading towards the sea was easy enough, even though Bill (our Jack Russell) was a bit livelier than normal thanks to the abundance of rabbits in the area.

Venturing through the dunes, we arrived at Gwithian, at the eastern end of a band of sand that stretches all the way to Hayle, three miles away. The seaward-facing side of the beachfront car park was full of vehicles carrying surfboards or draped

Above: fishing boats in St Ives Below: looking towards Gwithian Beach

Ian Sheppard / Alamy

robertharding / Alamy

Cordless Performance

Gtech’s Grass Trimmer uses an 18V motor, giving you the power to cut and edge the lawn – without a cord to hold you back. However the main thing you will notice is the weight. At only 1.75kg it is incredibly easy to manoeuvre, putting less strain on your arms and back.

Practical and Easy

Designed for comfort and ease of use, the trimmer features an adjustable handle for improved convenience. Equipped with a one-handed power trigger and safety switch to prevent accidental starting, it is simple to operate.

Lithium-Ion Battery

The trimmer is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery, giving you up to 30 minutes runtime** on a single change.

Versatile

With a twist of the cutting head the trimmer easily converts to a precision edger, allowing you to give your lawn a neat nish.

Easy Change Blades

The Gtech Grass Trimmer uses easy change blades that simply hook into place instead of string and no need to spend time threading, unspooling or worrying about having enough line.

You will also receive a FREE Garden Rack, so that you can store your Grass Trimmer, battery and charger neatly and a FREE Safety Kit to ensure that you stay safe while you enjoy using your new Grass Trimmer.

Important: Please use code FT97 at checkout to get this offer.

Mount Pleasant Farm

Certificated Location

Situated between Wheal Rose and Towan Cross, Mount Pleasant Farm is in a quiet, rural location with views across unspoilt farmland. Open: all year | Contact: 01209 890677

Sites Directory and Handbook p297

Site staff view

“We’re proud of our CL and we’ve had several members comment on how well we keep the grass and how we try to make sure things are set out with Club members in mind. Chapel Porth Beach is a short drive and with the A30 just five minutes away, most of Cornwall is within easy reach!” Stuart Harvey

Food & drink

Etherington’s Farm Shop, Wheal Rose, Scorrier, Redruth TR16 5DF

Contact: etherington-meats.co.uk, 01209 899203

Culture

St Agnes Museum, Penwinnick Road, St Agnes TR5 0PA

Contact: stagnesmuseum.org.uk, 01872 553228

Outdoor fun

United Downs Raceway (stock car/banger racing), St Day, Redruth TR16 5HU

Contact: autospeed.co.uk

For the family

Cornwall Riding Academy, Buller Hill, Redruth TR16 6SS

Contact: cornishridingholidays.co.uk, 01209 211852

with dripping wetsuits when we visited, and if the external wetsuit shower at Godrevy Park is anything to go by, surfing is an increasingly popular pastime among Club members.

Despite being lent a golden glow by the generous sun, the beach wasn’t busy, and we spent a relaxing hour at a mobile café watching a TV advert being filmed on the sand. It was good to see a ‘Two Minute Beach Clean’ board here – part of magazine contributor Martin Dorey’s campaign for litter-free beaches; it has clearly had an impact at spotless Gwithian.

HAYLE AND PACE

Hayle itself boasts an abundance of independent shops, so you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for an unusual gift or somewhere to eat and drink. We also came across Coast 2 Coast Karting and booked an ‘Arrive & Drive’ session. The supplied kit was freshly laundered, the instruction was excellent and we had a great time on the outdoor track despite being on the receiving end of a sudden downpour for the first time that week. It ticked all the boxes – the experience didn’t cost a fortune and we had a welcome cup of tea while we waited too!

Carrying on our tour and driving north-east, we were soon firmly in Poldark country – Winston

Below:

Graham’s historical novels are set in Cornwall and both of the BBC’s TV adaptations have used Cornish locations during filming. The ‘Poldark effect’ has boosted the local economy, with fans of the popular show flocking to various sites across the county; you can find handy guides online at visitcornwall.com/poldark and bbc.co.uk/poldark.

None of the backdrops is more striking than the rugged landscape of St Agnes Head. Here, huge engine houses look out over the coastline, and they are instantly recognisable to those who have watched the adventures of Captain Ross (in the series, the area represents Nampara Valley, part of Poldark’s family estate). If you’re staying at St Agnes Beacon Club site this iconic scenery is just a short walk away – head south down Beacon Drive to the car park on the right, take the footpath from the car park and you’ll see the huge chimney of an engine house – a reminder of Cornwall’s mining heyday.

Sadly Helen didn’t spot Poldark’s famous shirtless grass-cutter during our visit, so we continued along the coast path in search of the Chapel Porth Beach Café, where she overcame her sorrows with the aid of a hedgehog ice-cream (famed in these parts for their medicinal properties, and definitely not made from spiny mammals). Such was the popularity of this café

with my family – and the cliff-top walk to get there – that we often sought it out for a post-lunch treat.

A few miles inland, towards the town of Scorrier, you’ll find Mount Pleasant Farm CL. Another well-maintained site, it offers rural views a five-minute drive from the A30, making it a great base for anyone wishing to sample the delights of Cornwall – Falmouth, Penzance, St Ives, Truro and Newquay, for example, are all within easy reach. We had a great time following seemingly never-ending trails in this area on our mountain bikes, armed with little more than an Ordnance Survey map app. The routes rivalled some of the ones we have sampled in Wales.

PORTH OF CALL

Heading north again along the Atlantic coast we arrived at Treamble Valley Club site. Around four miles inland from Perranporth, this quiet oasis is a great place to retreat to when you’ve had enough of the packed, peak-season beaches. Divided into sections, the layout gives the feel of a much smaller site, but there are more than 130 pitches and the facilities on offer reflect this. Recent investment has improved the children’s playground, with lots of rides and a zipwire on offer. We stayed on a grass pitch near the play area which was perfect for the kids, but should

Treamble Valley 6

Club Site

Tiered areas give Treamble Valley the feel of a smaller site and it boasts one of the best children’s playparks on the Club network.

Pitches: 133 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019

“The dog walk, in my opinion, is the best on the Club circuit, my dog loves chasing around the maze at the top of the dog walk. There is a pleasant walk to Holywell Bay direct from the site – it takes about an hour.” startruegig, caravanner

“Members particularly like the different areas that the site has, such as the quiet and open areas, as well as the selection of local beaches such as Crantock, Holywell, Perranporth and Fistral. Holywell and Perranporth are about an hour’s walk and if you’ve built up an appetite, the Smuggler’s Den is great for food. We like to think our site is one of the prettiest in the South-West!”

Wendy Watson

Food & drink

The Smugglers Den Inn, Trebellan TR8 5PY

Contact: thesmugglersden.co.uk, 01637 830209

Culture

Trerice (Elizabethan manor house), Kestle Mill, near Newquay TR8 4PG

Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01637 875404

Outdoor fun

Perranporth Golf Club, Budnic Hill, Perranporth TR6 0AB

Contact: perranporthgolfclub.co.uk, 01872 572454

For the family Site view

Blue Reef Aquarium, Towan Promenade, Newquay TR7 1DU

Contact: bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay, 01637 878134

Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide

Member view

Left: tin mining remains at St Agnes Head

Right: time for ice cream!

this part of the world is renowned for surfing

Jeremy Pembrey / Alamy

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

Ocean Meadow

Certificated Location

A CL with hardstanding pitches that overlooks the town of Perranporth – views that you’ll never forget.

Open: 1 Jul-1 Sep 2019

Contact: 01872 571888

Sites Directory and Handbook p296

“Each of our pitches is hardstanding and we have electric hook-ups available for each. As we’re located on a hill overlooking Perranporth, the views are stunning and can reach for 20 miles on a good day. If you’re bringing a dog, we also have a two-acre walking field which is popular.”

Yvonne and Charles Morgan

Food & drink

Perran Dairy Ice Cream Parlour, 33 St Pirans Road, Perranporth TR6 0BJ

Contact: 01872 859389

Culture

Perranzabuloe Museum, Ponsmere Road, Perranporth TR6 0BW

Contact: perranzabuloemuseum.co.uk, 01872 573321

Outdoor fun

Dairyland Farm World, Tresillian Barton, Newquay TR8 5AA

Contact: dairyland farm world.com, 01872 510349

Pirate’s Quest, St Michael’s Road, Newquay TR7 1RA

you be looking for a quiet, tucked-away spot there are plenty to choose from.

Perranporth is another UK beach and surfing hotspot, with competing shops selling buckets, nets, wetsuits and surfboards. The beach stretching northwards from the town centre is arguably the major attraction. During our visit we spotted beach-friendly wheelchairs that were available to hire – I was amazed at the way they ploughed through the sandy terrain, affording access to those who might otherwise struggle to enjoy certain parts of the coastline. This stretch is also blessed with a pub called The Watering Hole, serving really good food and boasting one of the best – and largest – beer gardens I’ve ever seen.

Perranporth is dotted with campsites, and the Ocean Meadow CL is another one that I can recommend. Only a mile from the beach, it sits high above the town, giving its occupants commanding views. Visitors are obviously drawn to Perranporth itself, but the CL’s location makes trips to St Agnes Head and beyond easy enough too.

– we usually plan our next trip to the spiritual home of smugglers and pirates before we’ve even left. The scenery in this part of England’s South-West is stunning; not just along the jagged coastline, but also inland, with moorland, pretty villages and monuments to grab your attention. Maybe next time we’ll give the beaches a miss in favour of a more history-focussed trip.

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

Perranporth was the end of our journey, but it won’t be long before we return to Cornwall

Cycling | Camel Trail

Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide For the family

Contact: piratesquest.co.uk, 01637 873379

Following an old railway line, this 18-mile National Cycle Network ride from Wenfordbridge to Padstow via Bodmin makes for a great family excursion, being mostly flat and free from cars. For a really short and easy ride, you can try cycling the traffic-free five miles from Wadebridge to Padstow. And twitchers take note: the Camel River is a Special Area of Conservation, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll spot some interesting birdlife along the estuary.

Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/camel-trail

Site staff view

Andrew Ray / Alamy

The sun sets on a memorable holiday

GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE

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 WARWICKSHIRE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON (5m SE) – Upper Goldicote Farm, Mr Wisdom Smith, Banbury Road, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7NR. 01798 740052; 07831 474553; goldicotecaravanpark@ hotmail.com. 52.152359, -1.636153. Open 31 Mar-31 Oct; 2 acres; dogs; adv bkg req; grass pitches; ideal for families; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; pub within 1m; coarse fishing & golf within 5m; fr £10 (pitch + all occ).

SCOTLAND DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

NEWTON STEWART (3m S) –Sorbie Primary School, Wigtown Road, Sorbie, Newton Stewart

DG8 8EL. 01988 850304; 07730 654039; sorbieschoolcamping. co.uk; info@sorbieschoolcamping. co.uk; 54.792649, -4.434656. OAY; 0.75 acres; adults only; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling blocks req; hdstdng; enhanced pitches (with EHU & drinking water); 16A; max o’fit length 10mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wc & shwr exc; information rm; dog walk fr site; bus 20mtrs; town & shop within 1m; game fishing, coarse fishing, golf, watersports and place of significant interest within 5m; sand beach within 3m; fr £18 (pitch + all occ).

SCOTTISH BORDERS

EYEMOUTH (4m WNW) – Bee Edge, Mr Alisdair & Mr William Hamilton, Reston Road, Eyemouth, Scottish Borders TD14 5TJ. 07872 629441; 07773 347209; bee-edge. co.uk; beeedgeholidays@ btinternet.com. 55.878348; -2.169727. OAY; 1 acre; dogs; hdstdng; 16A; adv bkg req; views; lawned; wkg fm; Wi-Fi; dog walk fr site; public trans in 800mtrs; town, shop & pub within 1m; game fishing, golf & watersports within 5m; sandy beach 1m; fr £20 (pitch + all occ).

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

UPDATES

IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs with a pub symbol are located on the site of a public house – some have a pub located nearby (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference number refers to the Directory

25 BRISTOL – Green Gables. Site is 6.7m NE from Bristol.

57 HUNTINGDON – Nursery Cottage. New telephone numbers: 01480 891008 and 07860 895347.

354 SUDBURY – The Boars Head Hotel. This site does welcome dogs. 415 HONITON – Beer Farm. New email: BeerFarmCL@gmail.com. 843 ORMSKIRK – Hey By Bonds. New email: HeyByBondsCL@gmail.com.

976 SPALDING – The Paddocks. This site does welcomes dogs. £14 includes pitch + all occ.

1227 ABINGDON – Burcot Brook Lodge. This site now has electric. 1362 LANGPORT – Hilltops. This site does welcome dogs.

1413 STAFFORD – Stable Park CL. Please only use mobile 07799 392439.

CLOSURES

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

411 HOLSWORTHY – Mr Robert Jiggins, Blagdon Farm

570 SOUTHEND-ON-SEA – Mrs J Avery, Flemings Farm Camp Site 1515 HAILSHAM – Mr & Mrs P Bishop, Coopers Croft Cattery 1702 POCKLINGTON – Mr and Mrs J D Medley, Ball Hall Farm

Eyemouth

“ The best thing about fossil hunting is that you never know what you’re going to find”

LET’S GO...

Fossil hunting

Jonathan Manning walks in the footsteps of dinosaurs on a stroll of mind-blowing discovery along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

The best thing about fossil hunting is that you never know what you’re going to find,” says Paddy Howe, walk leader and geologist at Lyme Regis Museum. He’s been searching for fossils along Dorset’s coastline for almost half a century and his enthusiasm remains undimmed. If you know where to look and what to look for, there are archaeological treasures to discover after every high tide along the Jurassic Coast.

Some are carried in by the waves, but the majority are washed down from the cliffs where the multiple layers of ancient blue lias rock, limestone and sandstone slowly surrender their secrets to the elements. Bad weather, it turns out, might rock a caravan at Wood Farm AS, but is also a harbinger of good fossil hunting.

As we wait for high tide to subside, Paddy takes out a selection of fossils from his rucksack to reveal the sort of thing we might find amid the sand and rocks. With the excitement of a schoolboy showing off a grasshopper in a matchbox, he passes round the vertebra of an ichthyosaur, a type of reptile once common in these parts; a selection of ammonites, spiralled like rams’ horns; and an echinoid, a stone with a fantastically-detailed image of a sea urchin etched into its surface.

“Anyone know what this is?” asks Paddy, holding up a shiny coprolite pebble.

It’s a fossilised poo, complete with Jurassic fish scales. Contrary to popular opinion, here’s proof that you can ‘polish a turd’!

Scampering above the waves we begin our walk – we being a retired couple from

Cambridge, myself, a young Austrian couple, and an elderly husband and wife from Florida. The Jurassic Coast is globally renowned for its rich fossil history. “This is the only World Heritage Site where you are actively encouraged to take away artefacts,” says Paddy. “Don’t try that at Stonehenge!”

FINDERS KEEPERS?

The ethics of fossil hunting are straightforward –anything found on the beach is fair game to keep (if they’re not collected they’ll be destroyed by the sea), but you’re not allowed to hack away at the cliff. If you find a never-before-seen fossil you’re encouraged to have it catalogued and classified by the nearby Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. There’s a chance the experts will name it after you.

Regardless of my caravan’s MTPLM, I’m secretly hoping to find a T-Rex jaw, pterodactyl wing or diplodocus spine, my dinosaur knowledge honed by Spielberg rather than text books. But this is not the place for such glamorous discoveries. Between 200 and 208 million years ago – “give or take a week,” says Paddy – this area was a warm, shallow ocean, so its fossils are of reptiles and sea creatures. Any larger skeletons probably belonged to dinosaurs washed down rivers by floods.

With this in mind, my search moves from macro to micro as I scan the beach with the focus of a forensic scientist at a crime scene. My initial discoveries include a translucent pebble that turns out to be a fragment of a beer bottle rather than amber, and a piece of flint that I had been hoping would be a sea snail. Paddy lets me

“It covers barely a third of my thumb nail and is made from iron pyrite, otherwise know as fool’s gold”

Clockwise from top: scouring the foreshore for ancient treasure; Jonathan’s tiny ammonite find; the amazing Jurassic Coast

down gently and starts to point out clues to more promising places to search.

A cluster of rusted metal objects is an auspicious spot to look for golden ammonites, and sure enough a tiny, shiny, perfectlyspiralled fossil glints out of the sand. It covers barely a third of my thumb nail and is made from iron pyrite, otherwise known as fool’s gold, yet it feels extraordinarily precious – 195 million years ago it was bobbing around in these waters.

The dates are bewildering, sobering evidence that our own existence accounts for the briefest flicker on Earth’s timeline.

IRON AGE FIND!

We saunter slowly down the beach; this may be billed as a fossil walk, but there’s not much walking involved. It is, though, utterly engrossing. I barely notice the lap of the waves or the cry of gulls as my eyes sweep backwards and forwards. It’s also rather alarming to see how such a lovely beach, on closer inspection, carries the detritus of human life. Spark plugs, metal pipes and rusting machinery nestle in the sand, alongside glass of all colours. Paddy points out a steam iron and quips, “Iron Age find?”

As we approach the far end of this out-andback walk, less than a mile from where we started, Paddy gathers a series of limestone

rocks that he likens to giant Smarties and places them on an altar-like boulder. Removing a heavy geological hammer from his rucksack, he starts to crack the rocks. Some turn out to be solid limestone, but others open to reveal the beautiful calcite spirals of ammonites. Each stone feels like a Jurassic scratchcard; some are winners containing fossils, others are duds.

My walk back to Lyme Regis Museum is unlike any coastal walk I’ve done before. Instead of gazing to where sky meets sea, I concentrate on the sand and pebbles at my toes, stooping to investigate the tell-tale signs of a possible fossil and trying to get my head around the fact that creatures lived here nearly 200 million years ago. Fossil walking is mind-blowing and addictive.

n A guided fossil walk costs £12 and includes a free tour of Lyme Regis Museum. For further details, see lymeregismuseum.co.uk.

WHERE TO STAY

Wood Farm Caravan Park Affiliated Site (woodfarm.co.uk, 01297 560697). Information about sites can be found online and in your new Sites Directory & Handbook.

BEACHY HEAD, SUSSEX

Below the towering chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, the chalk boulders and flint nodules on the foreshore prove a rich hunting ground for fossils of ammonites and bivalves.

Info: discoveringfossils.co.uk

Stay at: Broomfield Farm

WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Join paleontologist Byron Blessed on a fossil hunting trip and check out dinosaur footprints along the foreshore.

Info: fossils-uk.com

Stay at: North Yorkshire Moors

ISLE OF WIGHT, HAMPSHIRE

The south-west coast of the island is one of the best places in the UK to seek dinosaur fossils, with bones from more than 20 different dinosaur species found here.

Info: island-gems.co.uk

Stay at: Southland

Veryan Dale / Alamy

Costa living

Heidi Fuller-Love falls for ancient Catalonia and the towns and villages of the Costa Brava

Strolling along ‘La Rambla’, Barcelona’s famous open street leading from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell on the glittering seafront, is a bit like walking through a film set. ‘Living’ statues – Galileo painted in gold, Salvador Dalí with curly moustache – stand next to chatty vendors selling brightly-coloured balloons. There are street artists and pavement cafés and sweet smells of sugary, doughnut-like ‘bunyols’.

is a city that you can spend weeks exploring. Unfortunately, we had only booked three days’ stay at Vilanova Park. Less than an hour’s bus ride from Barcelona, this friendly campsite offering indoor pool, tennis courts and its own restaurant is perfectly situated for exploration.

beverage was created by Facundo Bacardí, who was born here in Sitges in 1814.

We stopped to admire Miró’s circular tile mosaic and took a selfie with Christopher Columbus, before heading over to La Boqueria, a dazzling food market full of stalls selling slippery seafood, cured hams and strong-smelling cheeses. We buy ‘bocadillos’ stuffed with tortilla and slathered in olive oil and have a picnic on the waterfront before setting out to explore.

W hether you’re looking for Antoni Gaudi’s colourful buildings, superb museums showcasing contemporary artwork, boutiques selling cutting-edge design or Michelin-starred restaurants serving inventive cuisine, Barcelona

O ver the next few days we hiked up to the Miró museum on top of Montjuïc, wandered in Plaça del Pi (a charming square full of bars and antique shops at the heart of Barcelona’s animated Barri Gótic), tracked down most of Gaudi’s masterpieces and visited a number of world-class museums. We also had a day in Sitges, just a 15-minute drive from Vilanova Park. This lively town, packed with colourful shops and seaside cafés, is renowned for its October fantasy and horror film festival.

A fter spending an hour in the Cau Ferrat museum, the house once owned by painter Santiago Rusiñol (now packed with modernist artwork), we headed for Casa Bacardí. During our fascinating two-hour visit, I learnt that the

Following part of the original Via Augusta Roman road towards Girona the next day, we stopped off at Mataró, home to the ruins of a Roman bath house, before enjoying a long, lazy lunch in Lloret de Mar further along the Costa Brava. Once a fishing village, this lively resort is well known for its beaches, which are packed during the summer months. But in early spring the sands are near deserted – as are the narrow streets of the old town, clustered around the parish church of Sant Romà, with its domes and turrets covered with coloured tiles.

In the afternoon we headed for L’Estartit, a pretty jumble of shops and cafés topped by the crumbled remains of a 13th-century palace –referred to by expats as ‘Spain’s best kept secret’. Sitting at a café, looking out over the Medes Islands, we ordered ‘pintxos’ – Catalan for tapas – of grilled artichokes, local Botifarra sausage and garlicky noodles fideuà served with calamari.

famous

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book the featured sites by calling 01342 316101 or visiting camc.com/ overseas. For further info, see p162 and p164 of the Venture Abroad 2019 brochure

With direct access to a long, sandy beach and excellent facilities, including a good-sized pool and a small restaurant, our next site, Camping Playa Brava, is about 20 minutes’ drive from L’Estartit.

ON LOCATION

terrace and ordered coffee served with delicious xuixos pastries stuffed with custardlike crema catalana.

Less than an hour’s drive from Barcelona and close to the coast, this hillside campsite has swimming pools and excellent kids’ facilities. Touring pitches: 687 | Open: all year

Visitor view

“Talk to reception for information on what there is to visit – they are very helpful. But you should also use the visitor centres in town, where you can get maps.”

Beverley and Stephen Worth

Site view

This part of Catalonia is renowned for its striking medieval villages and Peratallada, just a short hop inland, is justly renowned as the most beautiful of them all. In fact this stone stronghold is so picturesque that it was chosen as the location for a large portion of the 1991 film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Entering through El Portal de la Verge (The Portal of the Virgin) we passed over the moat that surrounds the village. Wandering through narrow, flower-bedecked alleys we discovered small cobbled squares fringed by ancient stone houses dozing in the sun. Finally emerging onto the main Plaça de les Voltes, we sat on a café

Still following the movie trail, we spent the afternoon in Girona. Known as ‘the city of a thousand sieges’, its walls, winding alleyways, towers and striking bridges made it the perfect double for the mythical ‘Braavos’ in Game of Thrones The following day, after filling up with a typical local breakfast of pa amb tomàquet (toasted bread topped with grated tomato and drizzled with olive oil) in a café overlooking brightly-coloured trawlers in the pretty resort of Roses, we ended our trip in Cadaqués.

The drive along the winding mountain route to reach this picturesque village was breathtaking. In the early 20th century, one third of the inhabitants of this coastal town emigrated to Cuba. When they returned having made their fortunes, these ‘Americanos’ (as they

“Vilanova Park is in a privileged situation, 40km to the south of Barcelona and 49km to the north of Tarragona. Our customers appreciate warm all-year-round temperatures and in our Restaurant Mas Roquer the customers can taste traditional dishes of the Catalan cuisine.”

Martí Jubany, head receptionist

Food & drink

Restaurant La Masia, Pso. Vilanova, 164-166, 08870 Sitges Contact: lamasiasitges.es, 0034 93 894 10 76

Culture

Casa Batlló, Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona Contact: casabatllo.es/en, 0034 93 216 03 06

Outdoor fun

Free Walking Tour of Barcelona, leaves from Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona

Contact: freewalkingtoursbarcelona.com, 0034 62 294 04 71

For the family

Barça Stadium Tour & Museum, C/Arístides Mallol 12 (main Access 15) and Av De Joan XVIII (Boulevard Access 9), 08028 Barcelona Contact: fcbarcelona.com, 0034 90 218 99 00

Vilanova Park (site ref: E08)

2

Playa

Brava (site ref: E35)

This spacious, well-cared-for site overlooks a long sandy beach and has a good-sized pool. It’s close to the historic city of Girona and only a few hours’ drive from the French border.

Touring pitches: 738 | Open: 18 May-7 Sep 2019

Visitor view

“I enjoyed the quiet and familiar atmosphere. It’s in the heart of the Costa Brava, which is a fantastic starting point to discover medieval towns and fantastic gastronomy.”

Nicholas Wagner

Site view

“This is the perfect place for families looking for relaxation near a fantastic beach with breathtaking views of the Islands of Medes. We offer cycling, water sports and entertainment for the children in the high season.”

Raül Blazquez, information and booking department manager

Food & drink

Zanpanzar, Carrer de la Cort Reial, 12, 17004 Girona Contact: 0034 97 221 28 43

Museu del Cinema – Tomàs Mallol Collection, Carrer de la Sèquia, 1, 17001 Girona

Contact: museudelcinema.cat/eng/museu_ info.php, 0034 97 241 27 77 Culture

Outdoor fun

Aventura Girona (various activities and locations) Contact: aventuragirona.com, 0034 63 316 16 79

For the family

Costa Brava Parc Aventura, Cami del Bernegar, s/n, 17256 Masos de Pals, Girona

Contact: costabravaparcaventura.com/en, 34 972 82 57 69

were known) built ornate mansions that can still be seen along the waterfront.

Cadaqués was once a magnet for artists, including Picasso and Matisse, but the man who spent most time here was surrealist genius Salvador Dalí, who had a house in neighbouring Port Lligat. Constructed from a jumble of fishermen’s dwellings, Dalí’s house (now a museum) is packed with unusual items collected by the artist.

Our Catalonian adventure had taken in impressive cities, charming villages and beautiful coastline – as well as the best in Mediterranean cuisine. I’ll be back!

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer Heidi Fuller-Love joined the Club in 2017

Illustration: Louise Turpin

Family

AUSSIE RULES!

If you’re searching for the holiday of a lifetime, you need only look Down Under...

Australia is a land of incredible diversity. Cosmopolitan cities, captivating coastline, exotic wildlife, lush rainforest, staggering rock formations and ancient culture – all await in the land Down Under. The Club offers two escorted motorhome tours in this wonderful country. Led by experienced local hosts, these offer the perfect opportunity for exploration. Call 01342 779349 or visit camc.com/ worldwide to find out more.

DRIVING DOWN UNDER ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour

Departure and price: 6 Sep 2019 from £5,799pp/7 Oct 2019 from £5,999pp (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, all transfers, 4-star centrally located hotels in Adelaide and Cairns, welcome and farewell dinners, local tour hosts, colonial tramcar dinner in Melbourne, Sydney Harbour lunch cruise, ranger guided tour to Fraser Island.

DETAILS

This incredible tour takes in the jaw-dropping scenery and exciting cities of Australia’s south and east coasts. Starting in Adelaide and concluding in Cairns (the October 2019 trip runs in reverse), this adventure is led by highly knowledgable local tour leaders who will help you get the most from your Australian experience.

Following a two-night stay in Adelaide’s four-star Pullman Hotel, you will pick up your motorhome and set off through the Coorong National Park for the town of Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Afterwards, many guests will want to visit the spectacular Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – declared neighbouring state Victoria’s first National Park in 1892, it is home to the likes of emus, koalas, kangaroos and wallabies.

It’s then on to Melbourne, via the breathtaking Great Ocean Road.

Whitsunday Islands

Below from left: Fraser Island; koala; Airlie Beach

Bottom: Sydney Harbour

On arrival in Australia’s second largest city you will enjoy a dinner with a difference aboard a historic burgundycoloured tramcar.

Heading north-west, via the early goldmining ‘boomtown’ of Beechworth, picturesque Lake Hume, and Corryong, you will make for Canberra. Highlights to look out for in the Australian capital include the striking Chinese Embassy and the long-house style building of the High Commission of Papua New Guinea.

Iconic Sydney is next on the itinerary, where you will enjoy a harbour lunch cruise. You might want to add Bondi Beach or the Opera House to your list of must-visit locations.

Continuing up the eastern seaboard, guests will stop at Port Macquarie, the surfing hotspot of Byron Bay and

the whale-spotting mecca of Hervey Bay. A trip to the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island – is part of your package. By day 28 you will reach Airlie Beach – gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the famed Great Barrier Reef – where you might be temped onto a crocodile tour (perfect for holiday snaps!)

Your tour concludes in Cairns, where the worlds of tropical rainforest and coastal reef collide. Here you will enjoy

a farewell dinner, where the conversation is guaranteed to flow as you reminisce over your holiday of a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS

Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Coorong National Park, Great Ocean Road, Fraser Island (dingo watching), Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, discover the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

OUTBACK AUSTRALIA ESCORTED TOUR

Duration/type: 36-day escorted motorhome tour

Departure and price: 7 Apr 2020 from £5,799pp/ 8 May 2020 from £5,399pp (based on two sharing)

Price includes: outfit hire, return flights, all transfers, 4-star centrally located hotels in Adelaide and Darwin, welcome and farewell dinners, local tour hosts, Sounds of Silence Dinner at Uluru, Field of Light Pass, Nit Nit Dreaming Cruise, Yellow Water Cruise, in-vehicle tablet with GPS.

DETAILS

Enjoy a true outback experience as you journey through the heart of this incredible country. Beginning in the wine-producing regions around Adelaide, travelling through the ‘Red

Centre’ and concluding in tropical Darwin, this is your chance to soak up a magnificent mixture of scenery and culture (the May tour follows the same itinerary in reverse).

After three nights rest at Adelaide’s Pullman Hotel, you set off for the Flinders Ranges National Park, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Australia. Options include an aboriginal cultural tour, a flight over the Wilpena Pound mountains or a four-wheel driving tour.

As you travel northwards, you will stop at Coober Pedy, Australia’s largest opal-producing centre and one of the hottest places in the entire country (summer temperatures of 50˚C are not unknown). Visit an underground home or an opal mine, or perhaps venture further afield to see the ‘Moon Plain’.

The next highlight is Uluru (Ayers Rock). Held sacred by aboriginal peoples, this immense red sandstone monolith has to be seen to be believed. Enjoy champagne and canapés before a ‘Sounds of Silence Dinner’ beneath the setting sun and embark on a short transfer to a remote desert location where you can take in the immersive ‘Field of Light’ experience.

Soon you will arrive at Alice Springs, where attractions include a visit to the Old Telegraph Station and the opportunity to find out about the famous Royal Flying Doctor Service. It’s then on to Tennant Creek – the embodiment of true ‘outback Australia’. From here you could visit the ‘Karlu Karlu’ (Devils Marbles) rock formations or head for an authentic aboriginal art gallery. There’s no time to rest,

however, as Katherine Gorge awaits. In this beautiful region we have included a cultural cruise on which you will learn about the indigenous Jawoyn people.

Your final leg ends at Darwin, the Northern Territory’s modern capital, where you can unwind for two nights before your flight home. But first you have the delights of two National Parks to discover. Kakadu is a region of wetlands and ancient escarpment with a vast array of birdlife, while Litchfield has extraordinary waterfalls – a fitting conclusion to your adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

State capitals of Adelaide and Darwin, Coober Pedy (famous for its opals), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) Below from left: Karlu Karlu rock formations; Katherine Gorge; Litchfield National Park; drive through the ‘Red Centre’

n roll weekend in stoneleigh the jive aces • phil hayley & his comments • rockin the joint Bo walton & red alert • glenn darren & the krew katz elvis 56 • The Jets • the revolutionaires • the roosters marc robinson & the counterfeit crickets the alligators • the outsiders 300+ new & used vehicles for sale 30+ local & national dealers 1000+ accessories & camping essentials large exhibition area with

50's hair & make up tuition vintage clothing parade

rally in your motorhome, campervan, caravan or tent free jive lessons day trips for campers

Letters

Your chance to have your say.

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

‘Decades of merriment’

After nearly 40 years of caravanning my Mum and Dad have wound the legs up for the final time.

There have been decades of merriment, mishaps and mayhem across Europe. Dad bears the scars of every caravan they’ve ever owned (having whacked his head on every window at some point).

We could not be more grateful to them both for introducing us to such an enjoyable pastime. Remembering paragliding, cable

Power struggle

cars, swimming in Lake Bled and the many birthdays spent in a variety of countries. Also remembering all the times Mum and Dad have helped fellow campers in one way or another. Mum will describe their longer stays in Spain and the good times with the many friends they made. She will vividly remember the lovely people of Barcelona having to move tables and chairs out of the way as Dad had driven up a street that was marked for

pedestrians only for that one day (with caravan attached).

So, raising a glass to Jackie and Derek Usherwood. Thank you for so many memories. We look forward to the other holidays we have planned.

Leanne McMahon, via email

Editor’s note: Thanks Leanne. Perhaps as a family you might like to try our Experience Freedom glamping offering – see pages 12 and 13 for further details.

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

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

enquiries@ camc.com

I read your test article on the Ford Focus Estate (April) with interest until I got to the ‘Towing’ and ‘Verdict’ sections where you complain about the lack of power. You then say maybe you should consider the 2.0-litre engine. It should have been fairly obvious looking at the engine output data that this would be the case and the tested vehicle would not be fit for purpose.Why not test the 2.0-litre in the first place? The Focus is undoubtedly a great car but this magazine should prioritise itself with the towability of its test vehicles which means picking cars with a chance of achieving this goal. Richard Carey, via email

Editor’s note: We try to test towcars with varying weights, power outputs and price-tags. There are certainly cars out there with less powerful engines that are capable of towing small caravans. The Ford Focus Estate 1.5TDCi EcoBlue Titanium X is one such vehicle, but our reviewer found it a little underpowered when towing our test caravan.

Memory lane

It was a sad day for us, 27 February 2019 – the day our caravan had to go to the breaker’s yard. We had owned it for 19 years and towed it for 17,957

miles but, despite regular servicing and all our efforts to take care of it, the British weather finally defeated it. After collecting it from winter storage, we found that water had got in through the roof and everywhere was wet, with the ceiling panels damaged and water in the cupboards. It was not an economical repair due to its age, so it had to go. The end of an era.

Our first venture into trailer caravanning was in 1966 when we hired a Sprite Alpine, hooked it to the back of our Ford Cortina and set off to see the world in a fortnight! Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Lake District and Scotland. How naive! Just a fleeting glance at each, really, with more time towing the thing around, than looking around. We soon learned.

In the following few years we continued to hire caravans, until 1971 when we were able to buy our first van, also a Sprite Alpine. In the same year we joined The Caravan Club. In the ensuing 48 years we progressed to other caravan outfits and travelled all over the UK as well as Western Europe.

We have derived huge benefits from belonging to the Club. Our children were raised on weekend rallies and we made many lifelong friends. We sampled both Club sites and CLs as the fancy took us and have visited every county in England, most in Wales and the majority in Scotland. Overseas, we have towed our caravans to France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. Our favourite site has always been Camping Jungfrau at Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland.

My involvement with the Club has not solely been as a member. From 1990 to 2003 I was a site inspector responsible for visiting Certificated Locations in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and parts of Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.

In 1992 I was accepted as a recovery chauffeur for the Red Pennant service and continued working for them until 2015 when a couple of mini strokes prompted me to call it a day. Thankfully I recovered

1966: the first trip with an Alpine 864

completely but felt it unwise to continue to drive long distances across the continent on my own.

My wife and I have enjoyed the freedom that caravanning has given us over the past 50 years or so, but it is time to move on. Because of our age now, we will not be buying another caravan but may well hire one (or a motorhome) for a holiday trip at some future stage.

For that reason, we will continue with our membership of the Club that we have enjoyed for nearly 50 years.

Brian Homans, via email

What vignette?

I’ve read with interest the letters in the last two issues of the magazine regarding vignettes in Switzerland. Having now completed five European holidays in my motorhome, I have never yet bought a vignette or paid a toll. It’s easy – just set the sat-nav on ‘No tolls’. Yes, I use motorways where there are no charges, and the rest of the time excellent and often nearly-empty dual carriageways, plus beautiful and again often-nearlyempty country roads.

I tend to drive between 100 and 400 miles a day and the time difference is really not great I’m sure – but you do get to see and know an awful lot more of the real country.

Terry Taylor, Hampshire

Cover query

I expect you know that when you apply for vehicle insurance one of the more intimidating questions is “Have you ever had insurance cancelled or refused?” I now almost have to say, “Yes”, because this year my renewal invitation read, “Unfortunately, this year we are unable to offer cover for you. As none of our insurers cover drivers over the age of 85 years old.”

So it was a case of getting back to basics. I chose one of the price comparison sites, which usually lists a dozen or 20 offers arranged in price order. My ‘list’ was of one single entry. Perhaps I’d better explain that I wasn’t seeking cover for any shiny six-wheeler costing the same as a holiday home. Our modest motorhome – our sole means of transport – has been on the road since the year 2000 and currently occupies a standard car park space outside our ‘sheltered’ bungalow.

Been there, Dunnet!

Four years ago, we bought our first caravan – small and old but perfect for us. We intended to use it for local weekends at our sailing club and maybe a few little forays a little further afield.

When we first bought it, we joined the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Inspired by articles on the North Coast 500 in your magazines, we planned a long trip for May 2018 with our little van around this route, starting off from Essex where we live.

To start with, we thought we’d take each day as it came and book ahead as we went. As a trial we rang up one of your big sites on the north coast (Dunnet Bay) and found they were already full for the date we wanted. “Oh dear,” we thought, revised the plan slightly to accommodate Dunnet Bay, and then booked up everything in advance so that we knew we could get in everywhere when we arrived.

What about our own Club?

Unfortunately, no. I had passed CAMC’s upper age limit some years ago. Even the firms that specialise in dealing with safer, older drivers have arbitrary cut-off ages.

Mike Hosken, Staffordshire

Insurance department response: Sadly, due to our current underwriting provisions, the Club is unable to offer new Motorhome Insurance policies to members over 80, although we are able to offer renewals to existing policyholders over this age. If members are struggling to find adequate cover for their motorhome (in fact, any vehicle) it is worth checking out BIBA – the British Insurance Brokers' Association (biba.org). It offers a free-of-charge online ‘Find A Broker’ service.

Access issues

I’ve just read the letters page in the April 2019 magazine and one place the disabled access query writer [from Frank Ledger, regarding his wife] may find information is the Facebook group of ‘Disability caravaning and tenting camper and motorhomes’. I am one of the administrators of this group, which offers advice and support. I’m a solo motorhomer who is a wheelchair user.

The whole trip took three weeks from Essex. We had the van serviced, bought new tyres for the car and off we went.

We had the most wonderful time. The scenery was even better than expected and the weather was superb. We even squeezed in a day trip to the Isle of Skye and another day trip to the Orkneys.

We met some lovely ‘neighbours’, saw wild deer on the beach, the most fantastic sunset on the north coast which seemed to go on for hours – it was nearly midnight

If this information can be published, it may be of use to many others.

Sarah Jane Mogford, via email

Water worries

The most common fear for caravanners is ‘damp’ – but your magazine hardly, if ever, reports on this problem. Not only that but waiting for parts to repair these faults. You test new and used caravans but never tell us what the waiting time is for parts. I always look in your Letters pages but these problem never get printed – are you telling us damp doesn’t exist and no one ever writes to you? Come on, stand up for your members and show some backbone and print the facts.

Peter O’Brien, via email

Technical team’s note: Damp – yes, it’s still an issue, but not to the extent it once was. New materials and construction techniques have (a) reduced the risk of damp occurring, and (b) minimised the impact if it does happen, through removal of wood from many caravan structures. Older vehicles remain vulnerable of course. Our 2015 Leisure Vehicle Survey highlighted this issue, and we communicated detailed findings to the major manufacturers. Waiting times for

when it got dark. We went for hikes and saw beautiful waterfalls and so many fantastic, uncrowded beaches.

We had such fun that we decided to do it again this year, but this year we are going to do a round trip of Wales. The only thing we will change is the number of nights at each campsite. Last year we mostly just spent one night at each site –this meant we never had a whole day to explore the area except for Skye and the Orkneys where we had planned in two nights.

Sally Wilson, via email

parts – this is a topic which forms much of the focus of an ongoing joint project between ourselves and The Camping and Caravanning Club. It’s not an easy issue to address, at least in terms of body panels, as these often need to be manufactured on a one-off basis in relation to repairs.

Turn that light out!

The Club offers access to sites in some beautiful, rural locations, away from light pollution, with potentially superb views of the night sky. I’m sure I’m not alone in enjoying a bit of stargazing while away in my van, and also manage the occasional night-time photograph.

Many members may not be aware of just how bright their awning lights are and how difficult they make observing the night sky. A sky with the ghostly trail of the Milky Way tumbling down to a tree-silhouetted horizon can so easily be obliterated.

Obviously awning lights serve a useful purpose, for night-time use of an awning or to assist entering and leaving a van, but so often in the wee hours, awning lights are left glaring out into the darkness, serving no useful purpose. So could I please make a plea – only use your awning lights when really necessary.

Martin Bradley, via email

HYUNDAI SAVINGS

Hyundai is proud to offer members fantastic savings on its range of new cars. From the i10 ( What Car? ‘City Car of the Year’ winner four years in a row), on which you can receive a discount of £830, right up to the seven-seat Santa Fe Premium SE Automatic (you could save over £5,600), there is a great-value Hyundai out there for you. Find out more at camc.com/hyundai

ON CRUISES

Award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering members a 10% discount on their first sailing with the company – and that’s in addition to any current offers! Existing Fred. Olsen customers can save 5%, in addition to their 5% Loyalty Club discount. Visit camc.com/fredolsen to find out more.

Buying a caravan or motorhome is always exciting – but it can be a bit daunting, too. For peace of mind, why not let an expert engineer carry out a thorough inspection before you buy? Caravan Inspectors offers three packages priced from as little as £130 (a saving of £30 for Club members on the usual price of £160). Find out more by visiting camc.com/mcea.

Caravan and Motorhome Club members benefit from an exclusive 15% discount on the Better Sleep Company’s luxury range of caravan bedding and home furnishings, all sourced from quality manufacturers. See camc.com/better-sleepcompany for more information.

10% OFF COLAPZ PRODUCTS

Colapz offers a fantastic range of space-saving, collapsible buckets, watering cans and liquid carriers. These flexible, eco-friendly, durable solutions are perfect for caravanners and motorhomers. Find out more at camc.com/colapz

STEAM RAILWAY –

10% DISCOUNT

Travelling by steam train on the Vale of Rheidol Railway is a fantastic way to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in western Wales. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century. Club members can claim a 10% saving between 1 April and 30 September 2019 (and a 30% saving between 1 October and 3 November 2019) – find out more at camc.com/vale-rheidol

Members can save an additional 20% on brand-new, already pre-discounted appliances from the likes of Whirlpool, Hotpoint and Indesit. Choose from over 850 products, ranging from washing machines, dishwashers, cookers and fridges to kettles, toasters and juicers and more. Find out more at camc.com/hotpoint

Established family business SK Campers is offering members a £500 discount on its bespoke hand-crafted Volkswagen conversions. All of the campers, converted to a high standard by the company’s UK-based team, come with a 12-month warranty (and a five-year warranty on the Austops pop-top roof). Visit camc.com/skcampers for details.

LIVING

COLOUR

David Chapman offers tips on photographing some of the most spectacularly beautiful plants on the planet

Main picture: lady’s slipper orchids

This page, clockwise from left: green-winged orchids; northern marsh orchid; fly orchid; bee orchid

MAY LOOK OUT FOR

If you are out orchid spotting in May, keep an eye out for the following too...

n Cuckoo spit which is created by the tiny froghopper

n The scorpion fly can curl its tail up to resemble a scorpion

n Slow-worms might be seen in long vegetation – try looking under logs

The Orchidaceae is a family of flowers believed to date from 100 million years ago. Over the aeons, these beautiful plants have evolved into some fascinating and specialised forms – and we are fortunate to have around 50 species in the UK.

Orchids can be recognised by their leaf structure and by their ornate flowers and unusual tubers. They have simple, stalkless, straight leaves with parallel veins, a little like irises, lilies and grasses, though the leaves of some British orchid species are quite heavily spotted.

May and June are the best months to get out and spot orchids – so dust-off your camera and see if you can find some of these beautiful flowers.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

1. Most orchids are tall and slim so get the camera down to their level to take photos. This will enable you to show both the leaves and the flower in focus.

2. Instead of getting really close to the flower, try moving a little further back and zooming in with a telephoto lens – this will help to blur the background if your camera is very low to the ground. Choose a background that complements your subject – you might get an out-of-focus orchid behind a sharp one, for example.

3. The best time to take flower photos is early or late in the day (when the sun is low in the sky) or when it is cloudy.

4. Use a reflector: put a piece of white, silver or gold card underneath or to the side of the flower to fill in some of the shadows created by the sun.

5. Try shooting towards the light to get a rim-lighting effect; this can help make the subject stand out from the background; reflectors are very useful for this sort of picture.

6. Something more technical for DSLR users. If you get very close in order to show the beauty of a single flower using a macro lens, you will need to use a smaller aperture to try to get all of the flower sharp. But even with a small aperture the depth of field is reduced significantly when you get very close. If you can’t get the image sharp enough, try ‘focus-stacking’ (take several photos focused at different points across the subject and then stack them in imaging software).

ORCHIDS TO SPOT

Some species of orchid are commonly spotted in wildflower meadows or nature reserves.

1. Early purple orchids flower in early May and can be found on roadside verges, in woodlands and by the coast.

2. Southern marsh and northern marsh orchids are common in damp meadows in the south and north of the UK from late May to June.

3. Common spotted orchids can be found on roadside verges across much of lowland England, particularly on chalky ground, in June.

4. Heath spotted orchids are found in June in

5. On limestone and chalk (including calcareous dune systems), in suitable wildflower areas, bee orchids can be found in mid-June.

WHERE TO STAY

Good bases for orchid spotting...

Site: Alderstead Heath

Visit Box Hill in Surrey (11 miles away) from May to July to see the following: bird’s-nest, man, common spotted, bee, fragrant, pyramidal, common twayblade, broad-leaved and white helleborines.

Site: Meathop Fell

Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve (12 miles away) is a great place to see lady’s slipper orchid in late May/early June.

To book, open the UK Sites app, visit camc.com/ searchandbook or call our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000 acidic soil such as on bogs and moorland and are more common in the west and north of the UK.

Clockwise from above: froghopper in cuckoo spit; scorpion fly; slow-worm

• Watch one programme and record another on any platform Digital TV or Satellite TV at the same time

• Watch a DVD and record a TV programme at the same time

• Timer record from programme guide –Pause / Playback live TV

• Instant record on Digital TV or Satellite TV to USB or HDD (not included)

• DVB-T2 /S2 Tuners

• Frameless design, edge-to-edge HD viewing

• Ultra-wide viewing angle

• One button tuning

• 12v / 24v / mains

02920 847670

NATURAL SELECTION

Jane McGowan puts the latest wildlife books under the microscope

Walking in London: Park, Heath and Waterside 1

Written by Peter Aylmer, this great little book, subtitled ‘25 walks in London’s green spaces’, offers plenty of insight into the natural environment of the UK’s capital. For example, did you know that, as well as catering for over eight million people, London is also home to more than 13,000 wildlife species including 300 different birds? The guide highlights obvious walking areas – royal parks, the Thames Path and so on – but also takes you to less well-known spots such as the hills and woods near Croydon, where you may encounter plants as exotic as the pyramidal orchid. Comprehensive, easy-to-read and small enough to slip into a backpack or pocket.

Wildlife of Britain

Published by DK, this is an absolutely stunning guide to British wildlife. Although billed as a ‘pocket’ edition, this 600-page book boasts detailed descriptions of more than 1,800 species of British animal and plant life. It is divided into clearly marked sections and packed with stunning photographs, facts and figures on everything from bluebells to biting midges. I absolutely loved this book – you can use it while exploring the countryside but it also makes for a compelling read once you’re back on

Collins Complete Guide to British Coastal Wildlife

Packed with fabulous images (each double page spread features at least six), this title offers an impressive examination of all the creatures, great and small, that inhabit our coastline. The book begins with information on topics such as coastal exploration and the terrain you might encounter, conservation and ‘seashore etiquette’ (leaving stones and boulders as you find them, for example). There then follows more than 350 pages detailing all manner of species including seaweed, crustaceans, insects and flora. This is a fantastic source of information that will provide hours of interest. You can save on this title by visiting camc.com/dash4it.

MEMBER OFFER

4

Publisher: Collins

RRP: £17.99

Contact: collins.co.uk

Author James Lowen has researched a fantastic selection of destinations for wildlife devotees to enjoy throughout the year. Stretching from Cornwall to Bute, a basic itinerary accompanies each suggested ‘weekend’. Over the course of 48 hours you are given ‘wildlife targets’ to meet, while telephone numbers, sat-nav details and suggestions of places to stay (although we have that covered, obviously!) add to the book’s usefulness. There are some wonderful photographs and the text is written with a lightness of touch that really piques your interest.

Since the 1950s iSpy Books have kept youngsters entertained on car journeys, rambles and seaside strolls. But would this edition be able to entertain my tech-absorbed offspring? Yes, is the simple answer – the kids had a whale of a time with i-Spy Nature help you spot local wildlife, and score points for your observations. Priced at a very reasonable £2.99, you would be silly to leave home without it.

Publisher: Collins RRP: £2.99

Contact: collins.co.uk

6

Wonderland –A Year of Britain’s Wildlife Day by Day

Publisher: Bradt

RRP: £14.99

Contact: bradtguides.com

Moving away from the traditional guidebook style is Naturalists Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss have compiled a beautiful work celebrating the glory of our nation’s nature. The book unveils a series of everyday ‘wonders’ – from the sound of dragonflies on hot summer’s mornings to the subtle shades of blossom in April and May; things most of us tend to ignore. It comes highly recommended by Springwatch favourite Chris Packham and would certainly make an ideal holiday read.

Publisher: John Murray

RRP: £12.99

Crossword

cycle (5)

Incline (4)

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 17 May 2019. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

1 Tremble (5) 2 Aerial (7) 3 Jumping animal (8)

Love and dedication (8) 5 Music writer (8)

Aussie slang for a girl (6) 7 Spiny plant (6) 8 Short coat (6) 13 Domestic fuel (8)

18 Neither (3)

20 Single (3)

21 Pimples (5)

22 Completely bewilder or perplex (7)

23 Car club (1,1,1) 25 Joke (3)

26 Stain-removing substance (7)

28 Tentacles (4)

30 Tiny

from work (6)

mist (3)

Minor fight (5)

Tired after a long day (5)

29 Sugar substitute (9)

32 Charming as a knight (7)

35 Examining (7)

37 Specify in particular in a contract (9)

39 Norwegian (5)

41 Cash (5)

43 Prohibit (3)

44 Small apartment (7)

47 Underground railway (4)

48 Superior nun (6)

51 Stupid (8)

52 Curved headroom (4)

54 Large and imposing (5)

55 Window shelf (5)

56 Sales bids (6)

57 Reject with contempt (5)

58 Level (4)

59 Clothed (7)

60 Cold vegetable dish (5)

Member

Give your front door, conservatory, patio or balcony a sunny uplifting Mediterranean feel with these breathtaking 3ft tall winter hardy Oleander. Easy to grow, Oleanders thrive on neglect, surviving hot, dry weather or temperatures as low as -5ºC ...no wonder it’s one of the UK’s favourite hardy exotics!

We have a limited number of these mature, well-established plants available. Supplied at 3ft tall in 5 litre pots, they can be seen at over £40 each in garden centres.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and you can buy one for just £19.99. Or, save an extra £10 and buy two for only £29.98 – that’s just £14.99 each!

Standard Flowering Oleander

0.8-1m Tall Potted Plants – JUST £19.99

BUY 2 FOR JUST £29.98 SAVE £10.00!

Smothered in beautiful hot-pink blooms all summer long! Incredible instant impact for any garden!

One of the UK’s favourite hardy exotics

Perfect for patio pots, or framing a door or gateway Lush, evergreen foliage for year-round interest

FESTIVAL OF FUN

Not been to a rally before? Why not join likeminded caravanners and motorhomers at one of 11 events being held nationwide to celebrate Centre Festival Weekend 2019

If you haven’t yet experienced the fun of a Club rally, then see what all the fuss is about by taking part in our first ever Centre Festival Weekend. From Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September*, 11 events will be held at locations in England, Scotland and Wales. So what are you waiting for? Get your caravan or motorhome packed and discover the camaraderie and enjoyment that can be had at a Centre rally…

1 ESSEX

HOSTING CENTRE: South Essex

VENUE: Brookfields, 54 Mill Lane, High Ongar, Essex CM5 9RN

CONTACT: Phil Goldspink on 07711 706818 or email secretary@secc-online.org.uk

DETAILS: Highlights of this fun weekend in Essex include a friendly darts competition, family games, a barbecue and an evening of light-hearted entertainment.

2 ESSEX

HOSTING CENTRE: North Essex

VENUE: Gosfield Shopping Village, Petersfield Lane, Gosfield, Essex CO9 1PU

CONTACT: email John and Kath Murton on northessexsecretary@ gmail.com

DETAILS: Meet new friends, enjoy pleasant countryside walks or visit the on-site café and antiques centre. It’s your weekend and your choice!

3 CUMBRIA

HOSTING CENTRE: Cumbria

VENUE: Grasmere Sports Ground, Stocks Lane, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 8SL

CONTACT: Bev Ramshaw on 01228 546537/07738 057118 or email cccumbriarallysec@gmail.com

DETAILS: With toilets, showers and caravan battery charging facilities, the temporary site is convenient for walks and has nearby public transport links to Keswick, Ambleside and Windermere. A coffee morning/ forum and Saturday-night family social with quizzes and games complete the weekend fun.

4 RUTLAND

HOSTING CENTRE: Mid-Anglia

VENUE: Lyndon Top Caravan Park, Lyndon Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8RN

CONTACT: Karen McDonald on 07540 885497 or email chairman@midanglia.org.uk

DETAILS: This lovely venue offers plenty of good cycling and walking opportunities – indeed, on Saturday morning you can join a group bike ride to a local pub. Other highlights include a Saturday-evening get-together and a barbecue (weather permitting).

5

DERBYSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Derbyshire

VENUE: Shepherds Flat Farm, Eyam, Derbyshire S32 5QS

CONTACT: see derbyscmcentre.co.uk for booking form

DETAILS: Stay at Shepherds Flat Farm and you can enjoy all the fun of the Eyam Plague Village Carnival. Watch the large parade pass through Main Street, browse the many stalls and tuck into a sheep roast.

6 PERTHSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Fife & Tayside

VENUE: Noah's Ark Caravan Park, Newhouse Farm, Perth PH1 1QE

CONTACT: Renwick Kirkhope on 01592 780406 or email renwickkirkhope@yahoo.co.uk

DETAILS: The highlight of this weekend at Noah’s Ark Caravan Park, which is ideally located for you to explore part of the amazing North Coast 500 route (one of the world’s top coastal road trips), is a family social event on the Saturday evening in a local club.

7 OXFORDSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Upper Thames

VENUE: Clanfield, Oxfordshire OX18 2SU

CONTACT: see upperthames centre.co.uk

DETAILS: Enjoy a relaxing weekend at this pretty riverside site in the village of Clanfield. With fishing, walking and the dog-friendly Ye Olde Swan pub all on hand, you won’t need to go far to enjoy yourselves here. Bring food for a shared supper on the Saturday.

8 HAMPSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Berkshire

VENUE: Scotts Haven Campsite, May Bush Lane, Southampton, Hampshire SO32 3QF

CONTACT: email Peter Biggs at rallysec.bcc@gmail.com

DETAILS: Leave the urban jungle behind at this African safari-themed rally on the edge of the Forest of Bere close to the South Downs National Park. Watch out for ‘wild animals’, ‘exotic birds’, ‘dancing monkeys’, ‘tribal dancing’, a ‘hunt of the day’ feast and a whole lot more. The historic towns of Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester are all within easy reach.

9 OXFORDSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Upper Thames

VENUE: Marsh Gibbon Village Hall, Clements Lane, Marsh Gibbon, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX27 0HG

CONTACT: see upperthames centre.co.uk

DETAILS: This rally runs alongside the Marsh Gibbon Beer Festival where, in addition to a large selection of beers to try, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, browse a variety of stalls and pop along to an evening gin bar. You will need to arrive on the Friday and levelling blocks may be required as the camping field will have been used for grazing sheep.

10 LEICESTERSHIRE

HOSTING CENTRE: Leicestershire

VENUE: Foxton Locks, Gumley Road, Foxton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7RA

CONTACT: email Jessica Browne at secretary@lccmc.uk or see lccmc.uk

DETAILS: As well as boasting the longest and steepest staircase locks in the UK, Foxton Locks on the Grand Union Canal is home to the remains of the Inclined Plane – a magnificent piece of Victorian engineering, best described as a chairlift for boats. Some 4,000 boats pass through Foxton Locks each year, and you can while away the day by watching them from the towpath or take a boat trip yourself!

11 WEST SUSSEX

HOSTING CENTRE: East Sussex

VENUE: Gatwick Aviation Museum, Valence Byways, Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, Gatwick, West Sussex RH6 0BT

CONTACT: Steve Hornsby on 07940 377006/01293 884786

DETAILS: This weekend allows you to see a unique collection of aircraft from the golden age of British manufacture. The collection includes classic designs dating from the 1940s to the 1970s, from famous names such as Avro, Hawker, Gloster, De Havilland and Percival.

*Please check exact dates, prices and arrival times with rally organisers

RUTLAND Lyndon Top Caravan Park, Oakham

Caravan Park,

ESSEX Gosfield Shopping Village, Gosfield

Say ‘HELLO’ to the additions to the STATUS and VISION PLUS family

For almost 30 years we have been supplying you with innovative, British designed and manufactured market leading products.

In 1992 we launched the first STATUS antenna and it’s been the market leading brand ever since. Here’s what’s new for 2019...

STATUS 270

STATUS 570

Now in its third generation since its launch in 2001 and still the industry’s No.1 fitted directional antenna; each evolution improving on the previous adding additional features and enhanced levels of performance. Designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £154.45 to £180.45

Our latest design of omni-directional antenna is a compact, lightweight, streamlined design utilising our latest most powerful dipole array. Our most discrete antenna to date, designed and manufactured in the UK! MRP £88.95

NEW NEW

VISION PLUS TVs

Drawing on our years of experience, our latest 18.5” & 21.5” 12 volt TVs combine both satellite and terrestrial tuners with excellent viewing angles, picture quality and lightweight design. They’re great value and made in the UK! MRP £279.00 to £289.00

Available at all good caravan and motorhome accessory shops

...keeping you in the picture

TV WALL BRACKETS

Incorporating our unique Quick Release TV Plate, the InTransit Lock and locking arms, we now offer a bespoke range of four strong, lightweight, fibre reinforced polymer TV brackets. All conceived, designed and manufactured here in Nottingham and aimed specifically at our mobile market. MRP £19.95 to £33.95

Vision Plus

Events diary

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

6-7 JULY

Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival

Head to the Norfolk coast to take part in this celebration of all-things motorised. See an array of classic and contemporary vehicles, browse the trade stalls and search for parts at the Autojumble. On Saturday the event incorporatesThe GreatYarmouth MotorcycleTakeover, during which an estimated 15,000 motorbikes will descend on the seafront!

Web: great-yarmouth.co.uk/ whats-on/wheels-festival.aspx

Club site: Great Yarmouth Racecourse

“...an estimated 15,000 motorbikes will descend on the seafront”

1-7 JULY

Llangollen 2019

Since 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has attracted singers and dancers to a celebration of peace and friendship. A vast line-up of performers takes to the stage during the day, while evening acts during 2019 include Jools Holland, Rolando Villazón and the Gipsy Kings. Rounding things off on the Sunday is ‘Llanfest’, featuring The Fratellis and The Coral.

Web: international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Club site: Riverside AS

4-6 JULY

Exeter Craft Festival

Exeter’s Cathedral Green plays host to some of the best artists and makers based in the South-West.This friendly event, which has been running for over 40 years, features more than 100 stalls selling ceramics, textiles, metalwork, jewellery and more. As well as watching beautiful pieces being created, visitors can enjoy the likes of Punch and Judy shows, face painting, jazz music and dance demonstrations.

Web: exetercraftfestival.co.uk

Club site: Exeter Racecourse

12-14 JULY

Stonehaven Folk Festival

Head to the picturesque harbour town of Stonehaven on Scotland’s east coast for a weekend of great music. Musical performances from local and international artists take place at

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

17 venues, including the town hall, market square and numerous pubs. Watch out for the ‘World Paper n’ Comb Championships’ and Aqua Ceilidh in the open-air swimming pool!

Web: stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk festival.com

20-21 JULY

Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival

Funkirk Farm in Skipton is the venue for the fourth edition of this popular celebration. Live celebrity demos from the likes of the Hairy Bikers and Mary Berry will wow the crowds, while visitors will be able to browse hundreds of stalls and enjoy fantastic street food. Add a vintage funfair and a top line-up of music tribute acts and you have the recipe for the perfect weekend.

Web: yorkshiredalesfoodanddrink festival.com

Club site: Wharfedale

Events diary

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

5-6 MAY Truckfest

Peterborough’s East of England Showground welcomes more than 2,000 trucks of all shapes and sizes, including the ‘star’ of the classic 1970s film, Smokey and the Bandit.The temporary site on the showground has hook-ups, toilets, basic washrooms, fresh water and chemical disposal.

Temporary site open: 3-7 May

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

8-12 MAY

Royal Windsor Horse Show

Watch the world’s best horses and riders take part in carriage driving, showjumping, dressage, polo and endurance competitions. OnThursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, a spectacular 90-minute pageant will take place to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.The temporary site on Windsor Racecourse has hook-ups, fresh water and waste disposal, but no toilets or washrooms. Temporary site open: 8-12 May Contact: RuthTaylor on 01753 545142 or email taylorg13@sky.com

7-9 JUNE

Retrofestival

Head for Newark Showground for a celebration of all things retro. Classic cars, bikes and scooters, steam

engines, vintage aircraft, fashion and music from the 1920s to the 1980s will ensure you are entertained.The temporary site, with hook-ups, is on the showground – access to the site is based on each person having a valid festival weekend ticket.

Temporary site open: 6-10 June

Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260 or email berkshirecc@gmail.com – for bookings, go to berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk (a non-returnable £50 deposit will be requested on receipt of booking)

15-16 JUNE

Wings & Wheels

Fascinating aircraft and car displays will greet visitors to this Dunsford Park in Surrey show. As well as aerial treats from the likes of the Red Arrows, you will be able to view supercars, military vehicles and monster trucks.There is a children’s zone, while Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio, are sure to be a hit with music lovers.The temporary site is at Loxwood, just a few miles away.

Temporary site open: 14-16 June

Contact: Nick and Julie Eagleton on 07947 359691

18-19 JUNE

The Royal Cheshire County Show

Clay House Farm in Knutsford is the venue for a celebration of farming and the countryside. As well as livestock and other animals, you will see monster trucks, dog and horse shows plus live demonstrations.The temporary site opposite the showground has fresh water and chemical waste disposal.

Temporary site open: 16-21 June

Contact: Paul Bowler on 01782 513276/07974 107078 or email bowler. rallies@btinternet.com

29-30 JUNE

Bloxham Rally

Smiths Fields in Bloxham, near Banbury, brings together steam engines, classic cars, Spitfire displays, a working farm area, falconry and more.The temporary site (no toilets or hook-ups) is adjacent to the showground and your pitch fee includes entry to the show.

Temporary site open: 28-30 June

Contact: MarionTanner on 07761 933532 or email honrallysecretary@ middx.co.uk

2-7 JULY

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Packed with gardening inspiration, stunning floral displays and workshops in a majestic setting, this is a must for all garden lovers. A free bus service takes you from the temporary site at Apps Court Farm in Walton-on-Thames to the show. Facilities on site include toilets and showers, plus two carp fishing lakes. Temporary site open: 30June-7July

Contact: Roger Smith on 01403 264155/07768 484821 or email roger. psmith@talktalk.net

3-7 JULY

Henley Royal Regatta

The world’s best-known regatta is just as famous for being a social occasion as it is for being a highlight of the sporting calendar.You will be pitched close to the river, with easy access to the towpath where you can picnic and watch the rowing.There are no hook-ups but water and waste facilities are available.

Temporary site open: 3-8 July

Contact: Hazel and Andy Bridle on 07789 815299 or email henley@ upperthamescentre.co.uk

19-21 JULY

The Norfolk Motorhome & Campervan Show

Head for the Norfolk Showground near Norwich to browse new and used motorhomes, thousands of accessories and enjoy live music.The temporary site on the showground has limited toilet blocks but no hook-ups. All bookings must be made directly with Warners Group, at West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire PH10 9PH (see showgoer. co.uk for the official booking form –mark it ‘Beds CC’ to ensure you are pitched together).

Temporary site open: 19-22July

Contact: Bronya and Martin Findlay on 07818 808115

26-28 JULY

The Big Cheese

The south Wales town of Caerphilly comes to life with street entertainers, living history encampments, a traditional fun fair, fire eating, minstrels, troubadours and much more.The temporary site on the nearby Caerphilly Rugby Football ground will offer toilets and showers and battery charging facilities. For more details and a booking form, visit southglamorgancentre.com.

Temporary site open: 25-29 July

Contact: Martin Cawley on 07789 771442 or email chairman@ southglamorgancentre.com

9-11

AUGUST

Retrofestival

The second Retrofestival of the year is held at Newbury Showground in Berkshire, and is a celebration of all things from the 60s to the 90s –including vehicles, fashion and music. The temporary site, with hook-ups, is on the showground – access to the site is based on each person having a valid festival weekend ticket.

Temporary site open: 8-12 August

Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260 or email berkshirecc@gmail.com – for bookings, go to berkshirecentre caravanclub.co.uk (a non-returnable £50 deposit will be requested on receipt of booking)

10-11 AUGUST

Driffield Steam and Vintage Rally

Driffield Showground in EastYorkshire opens its gates to steam engines, vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors, plus steam and electric organs for a fun family weekend.The temporary site is on the showground.

Temporary site open: 7-11 August

Contact: Trevor Brooks on 01482 355636/07885 932387

See camc.com/centres and p113 of this issue for more centre information and coverage

As a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, you have access to savings at over 900 attractions through the UK and Ireland.

Finding Level

SPOTLIGHT ON:

The Sandringham Estate

Walk in the footsteps of royalty and access fantastic beaches from this fantastic site in the heart of Norfolk

Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.” That is some statement, considering King George V had visited some of the most exotic locations around the globe but plenty of members will echo those sentiments following a stay at this popular site in the heart of the Royal Estate.

Four generations of the Royal Family have resided at Sandringham House since it was purchased for Albert Edward – who became Edward VII – in 1862. Her Majesty The Queen remains a regular visitor but kindly allows you to pitch up in her back garden ( albeit one spanning some 20,000 acres!).

The beauty of staying within the Royal Estate is that the area’s main attraction is literally on your doorstop. It is possible to walk to the house and gardens via the many trails

that criss-cross the woods around the site and it is definitely worth setting a whole day aside for a visit (please check sandringhamestate.co.uk for opening times).

You can stroll through the lavishly furnished main ground floor rooms and picture the royals having a cup of tea by the open fire. There is also a fascinating museum housed in the former coach houses and stable block, while the 24 hectares of glorious gardens are considered by many to be the finest of the Royal gardens (see our Great Savings Guide for discounted entry).

There is a country park (which is free to visit) featuring two nature trails, an adventure playground and visitor centre with café and restaurant. The whole estate is within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural

Sandringham House

Moated Oxburgh Hall

Sandringham Estate

Sandringham Estate

Club Site

This spacious site is set in the heart of the beautiful royal estate within six miles of the north Norfolk coast.

Pitches: 138 | Open: all year

Member view

“Excellent location with lots of walking from the caravan door and ideal for dogs. Friendly, and very helpful wardens and clean facilities.”

Catherine Ross, caravanner

Member view

“We spent most of the time walking our Weimaraner through the acres of woodland that are available straight from the site and being that it is so vast you hardly see anyone... Lovely walks to Sandringham and if you go further afield you have Hunstanton and other coastal towns on your doorstep.”

Bisto36, motorhomer

Food & drink

The Coach and Horses, 77 Manor Road, Dersingham PE31 6LN

Contact: thecoachpub.com, 01485 540391

Culture

Castle Rising, Lynn Road, King’s Lynn PE31 6AH

Contact: castlerising.co.uk, 01553 631330

Outdoor fun

Snettisham Park, Bircham Road, Snettisham, King’s Lynn PE31 7NG

Contact: snettishampark.co.uk, 01485 542425

For the family

BlackBeards Adventure Golf, Southern Promenade, Hunstanton PE36 5BH

Contact: blackbeardsgolf.wixsite.com/ blackbeards, 01485 535737

“Castle Rising is the former residence of Queen Isabella”

Beauty meaning there are also countless walking routes to choose from (dog owners should be aware of the risk of Seasonal Canine Illness between September and November).

BRILLIANT BEACHES

It would be easy to spend all your time within walking distance of the site – and many probably do – but those who venture further afield will discover a long list of attractions and places to visit. You can hop on a bus from the gates of the site to Hunstanton where you can relax on the sandy beach, explore rock pools and marvel at the unique striped cliffs and brilliant sunsets (interestingly, it is one of the few places on the east coast of England where the sun sets over the sea).

There are numerous other excellent beaches within easy reach of Sandringham – Snettisham, Heacham and Stubborn Sands are slightly closer while Brancaster, Holkham and Wells-next-theSea are further along the coast – but if the weather is not on your side then the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary is a good option on a rainy day, or you could jump on a special tour boat and go looking for seals. This stretch of coastline is also popular with birdwatchers with RSPB

reserves at Snettisham – renowned for the so-called ‘whirling wader spectacle’ where tens of thousands of wading birds take flight as the incoming tide pushes them off the mudflats –and Titchwell Marsh.

Sandringham House is not the only impressive building with a fascinating history in this part of the world. A couple of miles down the road is Castle Rising, the former residence of Queen Isabella – its keep is recognised as one of the best preserved and most lavishly decorated in England. Meanwhile, the moated country house of Oxburgh Hall, Houghton Hall and the magnificent Holkham Hall are all well worth a visit.

A bus service also runs from the site to the historic seaport of King’s Lynn which, believe it or not, boasts more Grade I-listed buildings than York. One of these is Custom House – on the quayside behind the statue of little-known explorer George Vancouver –which handily doubles as the tourist office so you can pick up more tips on how to make the most of your holiday in this fantastic area.

Right: Castle Rising’s famous keep Below: Holkham Hall has hosted the National

Family matters

Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (16) and son Charlie (11) love the great outdoors and the touring lifestyle. This month – wildlife watching

Caravanning and motorhoming holidays present families with fantastic opportunities to appreciate the natural world – but did you know that you could use your trips to help scientists study the effects of global warming?

The Woodland Trust is gathering data from across the UK in an effort to answer the following questions: ‘What effect has recent weather had on wildlife?’ and ‘Does climate change affect timings in nature?’

The ‘Nature’s Calendar’ project involves thousands of helpers recording key environmental events – such as when buds open, blackberries ripen or butterflies emerge from their cocoons –to see whether they are affected by a changing climate. It’s easy to get involved – simply visit naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk, where you’ll also find lots of advice on which species to look for and at what time of the year.

The idea is that you visit the same spot regularly, but there is no reason why you can’t incorporate one of your observation sessions into a caravan break. We chose to start our voyage of discovery at Kingsettle Wood in Dorset. About an

hour’s drive from the Club’s Hunter’s Moon site and fairly close to home, it was the perfect location. Armed with a downloadable guide, we soon discovered how much we took for granted and how many trees, bugs and fungi we normally stroll past without even noticing.

Back at the caravan, with tea and hot chocolate made, results were uploaded to the Nature’s Calendar website. (Bill – our Jack Russell – was happy to take a nap, exhausted after his part in our investigation of the changing seasons).

If busy schedules don’t allow for as many caravan or motorhome trips as you’d like, you can use your garden or regular dogwalk as recording locations, of course. Although our nature hunts will be just a very small cog in a huge green machine, we hope they’ll do some good. The survey is also the perfect excuse to get outside and learn more about the wildlife around us.

MEMBERS SINCE...

Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006

Helen’s view

Even if we’re not away in the caravan, I’m aiming to continue my Nature’s Calendar odyssey from home. I bought some ‘seedballs’ last year which will hopefully grow into a selection of bee-friendly flowers – so following the progress of the humble bee and its friends seems like a natural progression. Having a list to follow certainly helps, and I’ve learnt a huge amount in a short time.

Charlie’s view

We’ve been on countless walks before and we’ve ridden our mountain bikes on lots of off-road trails, but I had no idea there were so many species of trees or bugs right in front of us! The guide we downloaded was a bit like an i-Spy book and it was only when we started looking for things that I realised just how many things are affected by changes in our weather. Bill (our Jack Russell) also enjoys taking part as he gets lots of walks!

TOP FIVE EXAMPLES OF THINGS TO SPOT

1 Swifts – record the first time you see one (they arrive from late April)

2 Queen red-tailed bumblebee – note the first time she emerges after hibernation (from March in the South, April in the Midlands and May in the North)

3 Cuckoo flower – record when petals have opened so you can see the flower (late March to mid-May)

4 Meadow foxtail – first flowering (mid-April to early June)

5 Horse chestnut – first flowering (mid-April to mid-May)

Charlie explores Kingsettle Wood...

... and Bill joins in

The Woodland Trust has over 1,000 UK sites

Source: Woodland Trust

NEW NEW

The NEW Generation Mirror Protectors now have a thicker multi layer shell with patented ribbed form on the outer edges. This offers greatly improved impact performance to the mirror casing and side indicator lens. Fits Fiat Ducato. Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Available in Black or White. Conforms to all Vehicle Safety Standards

Super Heavy Duty

Hitchlocks engineered and designed to be the strongest Hitchlocks on the market. Superior shielding locking system. 5 Year Lock Guarantee. Certified to far exceed Sold Secure Caravan Gold. Carry case included.

Stacka Corner Feet

are durable and high quality. 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.

Lightweight Alko

Hitchlock This is our NON Sold Secure version of our Super Heavy Duty Hitchlock. This design is lightweight and easy to fit. Insurance Approved.

Aluminium

Double Steps

Non slip surfaces even when wet. The key to Milenco Award Winning Steps safety performance is the fact that the base is larger than the top –ensuring the step cannot topple over, nor will it sink into the ground or damage awning carpet.

NEW High Security Steering Wheel Lock

High Security

Steering Wheel Lock is a Gold Sold Secure powerful theft deterrent. Exceptional quality featuring an ultra high security lock in a steel construction. Designed to be compact in size, easy to fit yet extremely strong and resistant to all types of attack. Fits all vehicle Steering Wheels. New Extra Long Commercial version now available.

Aluminium Level has now been upgraded for even easier lifting. Will lift 1000kg per wheel (Caravan 2000kg, Motorhome 4000kg). Weighs less than 5kg. Enables precise levelling with the minimum effort. Fits 13-16” wheels and is ideally suited to use in conjunction with Alko. Comes complete with Carry Case.

Internal Universal

Thermal Blind Top quality superior, 7 ply construction

Thermal Blinds. Keeps your Motor home cool on hot days and warm on cold days. Prevents condensation. Extreme tested to -50 + 50 degrees. Complete with Milenco easy release suckers. Unique, innovative, universal design to fit every Motorhome standard cab.

The Southern Motorhome Show special offer

Use the coupon on this page to save on admission to this popular Berkshire event in May

Visit Newbury Showground from 17-19 May and not only can you browse nearly 400 new and used motorhomes for sale from more than 40 UK dealers, as well as thousands of camping accessories, gadgets and gifts, but you can also enjoy four nights of 1960s-themed entertainment.

If you choose to camp on site, the highlight will be Saturday’s show, during which headline acts Marmalade, Edison Lighthouse and Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich take to the main stage. Tickets are just £10 per person (children £5) when booked at the same time as your pitch (£55 Thurs-Mon/£50 Fri-Mon) – but hurry, the deadline is 2pm on 1 May. Entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Sunday is free to those camping on site.

MEMBER TICKET OFFER

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 completed voucher at the pay gate upon arrival. Alternatively,

advance tickets are available at just £5 per person (order before noon on 16 May) – simply call 0844 581 4928 (calls are charged at 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge). There is no charge for children, while parking and a

complimentary show guide are part of your entry fee. The show opens daily at 9.30am, closing at 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday.

For more details about camping at the show or attending as a day visitor, see showgoer.co.uk.

ALL BASES

Andrew Ditton unveils the results of the Coachbuilt, A-Class and Dealer Special classes as we complete our round-up of the Club’s 2019 Motorhome

Last issue we brought you the results from Campervan and Van Conversion classes in the Club’s prestigious Motorhome Design Awards, held at Birmingham’s NEC. This month we concentrate on the big coachbuilts and A-Class machines as well as

‘dealer specials’. To be entered into the latter categories vehicles needed to be badged differently from original-manufacturer models, and be available exclusively through one dealer/dealer network. And reflecting an increased interest in campervans

CLASS SEVEN COACHBUILTS UNDER

£45,000

WINNER ELDDIS ACCORDO 105

Price: £43,149

It was the Accordo 105’s terrific rear washroom that really wowed the judges; almost all of them noted the provision of such luxury in an entry-level van. “Ideal for those who use CLs and sites without facility blocks,” affirmed one judge. Storage was also given the thumbs-up, partly thanks to the “massive” wardrobe, while working surfaces were rated “better than most”. It wasn’t just the

RUNNER-UP

COMPASS

AVANTGARDE 115

Price: £40,617

“Compact, lightweight and affordable”, the adorable 115 certainly packs a punch when it comes to comfort and storage. The tried and tested layout

generally, we have introduced a ‘Dealer Special Campervans’ Class for the first time.

Once again a team of independent judges swarmed over each vehicle, examining aspects from safety and security to comfort and cupboard

Design Awards

space – rest assured that no cushion was left unturned in their quest to find the strongest entries. That said, the assessors agreed that the standard was consistently high –sometimes only a point or two separated a winner from a runner-up.

space and aesthetics that notched up points. An underslung steel spare wheel helped tip the balance as the Accordo emerged a deserving class winner. “An absolute cracker!” enthused one judge.

THIRD PLACE

BENIMAR PRIMERO 331

Price: £43,995

Although the Benimar provides high levels of luxury, the judges found the odd compromise here and there. Most liked its “bright” interior and “good” bathroom, but eyebrows were raised over

might not have scored high marks for innovation, but the Compass scored well for its practicality and “cosy, appealing” ambience. Accessible sockets and fuses won valuable points, too.

the positioning of mains sockets,

and the “disappointing” kitchen. Not an issue if you cook outside, of course! While the rest of the interior was admired, the comfort of the side settee raised a few concerns.

COVERED

CLASS EIGHT COACHBUILTS

£45,000-£49,000

WINNER BAILEY ALLIANCE 59-2

Price: £47,999

Bailey of Bristol has produced another cracking motorhome that simply ticks all the boxes. The end-kitchen and washroom emerged as the judges’ favourite features in this two-berth motorhome. The fact that the worktop over the fridge is at the same height as the rest of the kitchen, and that a drainer is provided, delighted two assessors in particular. Up front, the smart black cab conceals a 160bhp Peugeot engine. The only criticism raised was about table storage – it is under a seat, which can sometimes prove problematic to extract.

RUNNER-UP

SWIFT ESCAPE COMPACT C205

Price: £48,190

“Compact – it does what it says on the tin!” commented one judge, referring to the Swift’s diminutive ‘easy-to-park’ 5.99m length. Despite this, the C205 boasts a generous garage space. You can’t have everything though, and the pinch is felt once you get into the cabin where

one judge noted there was “…not a lot of living space”. However, storage was felt to be “adequate” and a tracking device is a security bonus.

THIRD PLACE AUTO-TRAIL TRIBUTE 615

Price: £46,263

Here we have a four-berth family van, and the way it caters for that many occupants in a limited space is a feat worthy of praise. Despite “limited” storage for four, the kitchen judge enthused about ”…lots of practical surface” in the galley to ease preparation of family meals. The grey

interior looks “clean and fresh” according to one judge, but “lacks cheer” according to another.

CLASS NINE COACHBUILTS

£49,000-£55,000

WINNER ELDDIS ENCORE 255

Price: £53,049

In a competition where only a whisker divided the top three in most classes, it is noteworthy that the Elddis Encore won by a healthy margin in this category. The kitchen assessor raved “…one of the best I have seen today!”, while the heating and ventilation judge cooed over the Alde central heating. The stowage judge loved the “hugely practical” interior and fulfilment of all EN requirements delighted the technical judge. The plethora of mains sockets pleased the electrics and safety examiner, while cabin comfort was scored highly by the comfort judge.

RUNNER-UP

SWIFT ESCAPE 684

Price: £52,770

Offering a dinette at the front and rear fixed beds over the garage, the Escape 684’s interpretation of a popular layout was felt to be more successful than others, being “comfortable” and “easy to live with”. An impressive payload in excess of 500kg impressed the technical judge, while the provision of six mains

sockets and a plethora of lighting options went down well with the electrical assessor. Superb quality of finish led one judge to summarise: “It feels far more expensive than £52k!”

THIRD PLACE BENIMAR TESSORO 486

Price: £54,995

How refreshing to find a motorhome based on a Ford Transit – and the powerful 170bhp version at that. An extractor fan over the hob pleased the heating and ventilation judge, while the stowage examiner scored the spacious garage highly. However, the table is stored in the garage, which could prove a little inconvenient. Provision of a barbecue point would suggest the Benimar

might be popular with those camping in warmer climes – although if the weather does break, the kitchen inside is “easy to use”. The washroom is “spacious and well equipped”.

CLASS TEN COACHBUILTS

£55,000-£65,000

WINNER

BAILEY AUTOGRAPH 79-4T

Price: £57,999

Alde heating, good travel seats, generous USB provision and stacks of ‘wow factor’ helped cement the Autograph’s position on top of the podium. Storing the table under the

CLASS ELEVEN COACHBUILTS

OVER £65,000

WINNER SWIFT KON-TIKI 675

HIGH-LINE CAB

Price: £96,145

The Swift Kon-tiki is as big as it is bold and beautiful. No fewer than 11 mains sockets and six USB sockets were counted, and the kitchen judge was delighted by the “nice and simple” galley offering “good space and a high spec”. The “clever and spacious” washroom also came in for praise, while adjectives such as “luxurious”, “sumptuous” and “impressive” peppered the score sheets. But with a price tag approaching £100k, you’ll need deep pockets as well as a huge driveway. Certainly the motorhome of dreams and aspirations.

floor represents an impressive use of space (but you obviously have to stoop down to floor level to release or position it). Be aware of the less-than-

THIRD PLACE AUTO-TRAIL TRACKER EB

Price: £62,996

If you prefer to wash in the van, the Tracker EB is for you, its “huge” shower drawing comment from most judges. The washroom, the “snazzy”

generous length of the beds, however. Outside, provision of a sun canopy, 220V socket and barbecue point helped rack up the scores.

leather upholstery a generous entry step and handrail were the stars of the Auto-Trail show. Truma combi heating, cab air conditioning and an extractor fan in the kitchen tick plenty of boxes, but the stowage judge was none-toopleased about the “awkward” table stowage under the bed.

AUTO-SLEEPER NUEVO ES

Price: £58,995

The Nuevo features extras such as a reversing camera, a winter pack, an 80W solar panel and a canopy, but would arguably be better suited to a couple rather than the potential full complement of four. Whether you like or dislike the traditional interior, there is no denying its “sumptuous and solid” feel. The swivelling bulkhead in the washroom is “ingenious”.

CLASS ELEVEN continued COACHBUILTS OVER £65,000

RUNNER-UP AUTO-SLEEPER

BURFORD DUO

Price: £82,995

The Burford Duo is based on a Mercedes-Benz, and one of the many qualities that the three-pointed star on the bonnet brings to the Burford is an electronic handbrake. So no more reaching down to the floor when you’re driving, and no

more ‘handbrake faff’ when you’re turning the driver’s seat. Needless to say, the specification level is high, although at this price you might expect Alde central heating.

CLASS TWELVE A-CLASS UNDER £90,000

WINNER CARTHAGO

COMPACTLINE I138DB

Price: £86,030

Carthago lifts this trophy for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the designers appear to have achieved the impossible – a sumptuous, elegant, comfortable A-Class with a huge garage and a generous payload in a motorhome with an MTPLM of 3,500kg. Carthago has a reputation for building desirable, well-engineered vehicles, and this model is no exception. “Neat and well planned” and “solidly built” were among the judges’ comments. Some compromise does creep in though, in the form of a compact kitchen and lack of spare wheel.

THIRD PLACE AUTO-TRAIL FRONTIER DELAWARE HB

Price: £74,847

Despite its four berth capability, the Delaware is unashamedly a couple’s van, and makes for an ideal long-term tourer. A huge garage will swallow toys galore, but beware of the resulting overhang at the rear. Alde heating, an Omnivent, a canopy, and

but consider the fact there is a fair climb up to the beds at the back. Fiat’s 150bhp engine is standard; perhaps a little on the under-powered side for a 4,500kg motorhome.

CLASS TWELVE continued A-CLASS UNDER £90,000

RUNNER-UP ROLLER TEAM

PEGASO 590

Price: £62,930

Here is another compact and accessible 3.5 tonne A-Class, although the Roller Team is considerably more affordable than the class winner. Whether you like the interior decor or not is down to individual taste, but the judges were unanimous in finding the seats hard and unforgiving. The kitchen judge

was thrilled at the high spec of the fridge freezer, but less pleased by the lack of workspace. As well as the light overall weight and generous payload, you get a proper spare wheel.

CLASS THIRTEEN A-CLASS OVER £90,000

WINNER FRANKIA I840 PLUS LOUNGE

Price: £138,135

In a word – gorgeous! For £138k you get stacks of pitch presence in this five-tonne (yes, five-tonne!) A-Class. The layout is perfect for long stays on site, offering the “sumptuously appealing” lounge at the rear, and a generous bedroom over the cab, divided by the luxurious walk-through washroom. Alde central heating comes as standard; however, there was no spare wheel or any enhanced security features to be found.

THIRD PLACE MALIBU I 500 QB TOURING

Price: £89,930

The Malibu was the most expensive entry in this category, as well as being the heaviest, with an MTPLM of 4,250kg. Judges commented on the Malibu’s general appeal, but as a four-berth motorhome offering two double beds, the strain might start to show if you have a full complement of bodies on board. The kitchen and

washroom judge praised the magnificent shower but criticised the tiny kitchen. A reversing camera is provided, but there was no sign of a spare wheel.

www.elsan.co.uk

CLASS THIRTEEN continued

A-CLASS OVER £90,000

RUNNER-UP

CARTHAGO LINER-FOR-TWO I53 (FIAT)

Price: £147,320

When the provision of a coffee machine adds £1,385 to the purchase price of a motorhome, you know you’re dealing with the luxury end of the market.

“Nicer than my house by a long way!” said one judge. “Super luxury”, “brilliant”, “fabulous” and “massive appeal”were further comments related to the Carthago. The electrically-operated chaise longue delighted the luxury-loving judges. Time to buy a lottery ticket?

CLASS FOURTEEN

TWO-BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS

WINNER

RICHARD BALDWIN ELDDIS DONATELLO

Price: £48,538

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes will soon need to invest in a larger trophy cabinet! No stranger to the winner’s podium, 2019 has delivered huge successes for them yet again. The Donatello is based upon the Elddis Autoquest 175, offering parallel single sofas up front and a terrific rear washroom. Add a solar panel, heated seats, cab blinds, external barbecue and mains points, external shower and a plethora of other goodies, and you have an outstanding motorhome for both short breaks and extended tours.

Runner-up: Richard Baldwin Elddis Picasso; Third place: Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 175.

THIRD PLACE

HYMER B MCI 580

Price: £103,180

Desirable Mercedes attributes such as the electronic handbrake as well as impeccable Hymer build quality delighted the judges, so why didn’t it come out on top? Unfortunately, the very compact kitchen and lounge areas didn’t prove popular; neither did the provision of Truma heating as opposed to more desirable Alde. Still, compromises need to be made to achieve the desirable MTPLM of 3,500kg.

CLASS FIFTEEN

THREE-FOUR BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS

WINNER RICHARD BALDWIN ELDDIS RUBENS

Price: £49,288

Rubens features a short lounge up front and a French bed at the rear. It’s a comfortable layout, although one judge commented on the “compromised” bathroom. The cab has not been forgotten in the upgrade process – in addition to heated seats and blinds, it also features a walnut dashboard and a ‘white gold’ exterior finish. The latter certainly wowed the judges, one of whom remarked that it “…makes the vehicle stand out from the crowd”.

Runner-up: Richard Baldwin Elddis Raphael; Third place: Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 155.

CLASS SIXTEEN OVER FOUR BERTH COACHBUILT

DEALER SPECIALS

WINNER LOWDHAMS LEISUREWORLD SWIFT BESSACARR HI-STYLE

596

Price: £68,870

Judges raved about the Hi-Style’s colossal payload – all 822kg of it! However, as it has an MTPLM of 4,250kg, you will need to check your licence restrictions (see caravanclub. co.uk/advice-and-training and click on ‘Advice for beginners’ to find out more) before you drive it. To cope with the added weight, part of Lowdhams’ Hi-Style package includes an engine upgrade to 150bhp, which also helped rack up the points. A Bessacarr motorhome comes with an awning as standard, and Lowdhams has enhanced this offering by adding an exterior shower point, a barbecue point and an exterior mains socket. Inside, judges were wowed by the “great looking” upholstery.

CLASS SEVENTEEN ANY CAMPERVAN DEALER SPECIALS

WINNER RICHARD BALDWIN HILLSIDE LEISURE VOLKSWAGEN CARAVAGGIO

Price: £48,888

Combine a class-winning converter with a class-winning dealership and this is the result. Sliding through the tills at under £50k, this Volkswagen-based van is keenly priced. “Very good value in its class, with a strong warranty,” remarked one judge, in reference to the outstanding five-year cover. It is reassuring to see it comes with a 360˚ CCTV camera system linked to a Category 1 alarm. A walnut dash, winter pack, and slats to the ‘upstairs’ bed complete the luxury spec of this outstanding four-berth camper.

Runner-up: Furrows Ford Rolling Homes Ford Explorer Sport; Third place: Lowdhams

Leisureworld Wellhouse Leisure Ford Custom Summit SE.

Runner-up: Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 196; Third place: Lowdhams Leisureworld Swift Freestyle 694.

CLASS 7

COACHBUILTS UNDER £45,000

Benimar Fiat Primero 331

Compass Avantgarde 115

Elddis Accordo 105

CLASS 8

COACHBUILTS

£45,000-£49,000

Auto-Trail Tribute 615

Bailey Alliance 59-2

Compass Avantgarde 196

Elddis Autoquest 194

Roller Team Zefiro 696

Swift Escape Compact C205

CLASS 9

COACHBUILTS

£49,000-£55,000

Auto-Trail Tribute 736 G

Bailey Alliance 76-4T

Benimar Ford Tessoro 486

Chausson Titanium 640

Elddis Encore 255

Lunar Renault Cassini EL

Roller Team T-Line 590

Swift Escape 684

Weinsberg CaraCompact 600 Pepper

CLASS 10

COACHBUILTS

£55,000-£65,000

Adria Matrix Axess 590ST

Auto-Sleeper Peugeot Nuevo ES

Auto-Trail Tracker EB

Bailey Autograph 79-4T

Benimar Fiat Mileo 282

Roller Team T-Line 740

Swift Bessacarr 599

CLASS 11

COACHBUILTS OVER £65,000

Adria Matrix Supreme 670DC

Auto-Sleeper Mercedes-Benz

Burford Duo

Auto-Trail Frontier Delaware HB

Carthago c-tourer T 148 LE H

Hymer B MCT 690

Malibu T 430 Le Touring

Moto-Trek Euro-Treka QB

Swift Kon-Tiki 675 High-Line Cab

CLASS 12

A-CLASS UNDER £90,000

Carthago compactline I138DB

Malibu I 500 QB Touring

Roller Team Pegaso 590

CLASS 13

A-CLASS OVER £90,000

Carthago liner-for-two I53 (Fiat)

Frankia I840 Plus Lounge

Hymer B MCI 580

CLASS 14

TWO-BERTH COACHBUILT

DEALER SPECIALS

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes

Masters Collection Elddis Picasso; Masters Collection Elddis Donatello Lowdhams Leisureworld Dethleffs

Eurostyle T7057 DBL; Freestyle C205

Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 105; Elddis Prestige 115V; Elddis Prestige 120; Elddis Prestige 175

CLASS 15

THREE-FOUR BERTH COACHBUILT

DEALER SPECIALS

Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 135; Elddis Prestige 155; Elddis

Prestige 185; Prestige 194

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes

Masters Collection Elddis Raphael; Masters Collection Elddis Rubens

CLASS 16

OVER FOUR BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS

Lowdhams Leisureworld Swift Freestyle 694; Bessacarr 596

Vehicles for Leisure Elddis Prestige 196

CLASS 17

ANY CAMPERVAN

DEALER SPECIALS

Richard Baldwin Motorhomes

Masters Collection Hillside Leisure

Volkswagen Caravaggio

Lowdhams Leisureworld Wellhouse

Leisure Ford Custom Summit SE

Furrows Ford of Shrewsbury Rolling Homes Ford Explorer Sport

STRONG ALLURE

Lesley Harris falls for this SUV from Peugeot, a Class Winner in our most recent Towcar of the Year competition

The Peugeot 3008 has won a host of awards, and as a result it was no surprise when it was named a Class Winner in the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year 2019 competition. The 3008 Allure BlueHDi EAT8 model wowed the judging panel in the Caravan Weight 1,100-1,350kg Class.

Peugeot have really gone to town with the 3008. Not only does the Peugeot look great, but it comes loaded with tech and equipment as standard and boasts a top-notch interior. So, let’s take a closer look at this test model – the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 177bhp Allure – and discover why it has won the hearts of motorists, as well as a collection of silverware.

First, it's worth mentioning that the vehicle now looks like a proper crossover. Gone are the dumpy looks of its predecessor, replaced by curvaceous lines and bold features that make

it stand out from the crowd. The deep front grille gives it an instantly recognisable identity and, along with the similarly distinctive rear lamps, it now makes for one of the most interestinglooking SUVs on the market.

COMFORT

Inside, Peugeot has pulled out all the stops – this 3008 has an interior that is practical but also stylish and exciting. High-grade, soft-touch materials are used throughout and an attractively textured cloth adorns the dash and door trims. Chrome-effect trim surrounding the air vents and gear shift also adds to the elegance of the cabin.

Once seated, it’s almost as if the cockpit wraps itself around you; everything is within easy reach and you feel cocooned, like a fighter pilot ready for take-off! Behind the small steering wheel –designed to be looked over rather than through

– you get Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dash, which is standard across the 3008 range. This 12.3in screen – normally something found on the options lists with other marques – is easy to use and the graphics are clear. It is better than some of the rival systems out there. There are also lots of neat touches, including the piano key-styled switchgear, which works in conjunction with the 8in infotainment screen, providing access to the music, sat-nav, heating and ventilation functions.

The 3008 is a five-seater; if you need more then you’ll have to upgrade to its bigger sibling, the 5008. Your rear passengers won’t be complaining, though, as the 3008 has wide-opening doors and a decent amount of head and leg room is provided. There’s a flat floor too, so there will be no fighting for foot space, although the middle seat is still slightly compromised, due to the front central console extending a fair way back.

DRIVING

Clockwise from above: cocoon-like cockpit with small steering wheel; distinctive rear lamps; plenty of space in the back; lots of tech as standard

My test car had the 8-speed automatic gearbox fitted, and came with a host of standard equipment including the Safety Plus Pack, which includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Keeping Assistance, Driver Attention Alert and Peugeot Smartbeam Assistance.

Owners of the 3008 will be rewarded with an engaging drive – there’s little body movement and the suspension does a decent job of soaking up any thuds and bumps. With 295lb ft (400Nm) of torque on offer it has plenty of punch, if needed, when driving solo; on the motorway it’s a relaxed cruiser and surprisingly quiet. The 8-speed gearbox is smooth and makes light work of keeping the 3008 on point. The small steering wheel makes the SUV feel agile, however, even with a wheel of this size, not everyone will be able to find an optimum driving position without part of the dash being obscured.

TOWING

From the Allure trim upward you get the 180° colour reversing camera as standard – great for hitching. Once again, I was coupled up to

Price as tested

£33,680

Insurance

Group 23

Club insurance

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

Engine

4-cylinder in-line diesel, 1,997cc

Power

177bhp (132kW)

@3,750rpm

Torque

295lb ft (400Nm)

@1,750-2,250rpm

Transmission

8-speed, automatic

Spare wheel

Space saver

from manufacturers’ literature

Kerbweight 1,480kg (85%=1,258kg)

Gross vehicle weight

2,090kg

Gross train weight 4,090kg

Noseweight limit 80kg

Towing equipment

Detachable towbar with TSM (Trailer Sway Mitigation) (£550)

Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel/11.7gal (53 litre)/ 52.5mpg solo/ 28.7mpg towing CO2 124-128g/km

*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of existing renewal, including cover and price (eg a copy of your renewal notice), when cover is on a like-forlike basis. Please note, terms and conditions, eg excess(es), may vary from your current insurer. Courtesy car is subject to availability. Subject to terms and conditions and the Insurer’s acceptance of the Risk. The Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

a Bailey Pursuit. While hitching it was noted that the electrics on the car were rather far back and a bit fiddly to connect. Still, I was looking forward to seeing if the 3008 was as good at towing as I remembered, having previously put it through its paces during the Club’s Towcar of the Year competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

can specify the optional Peugeot Grip Control, which should be able to help you out if the going gets tough.

Boot space in the 3008 is also good – 520l with seats in place, rising to a maximum of 1,482l. A retractable towbar will set you back £550 and I would suggest opting for the power tailgate (£750), as the rear door is a tad on the heavy side.

I’m happy to report that it lived up to my expectations. Even while hauling the caravan, it provided a really comfortable drive – there was no tugging or pitching, just a relaxed, secure experience. I felt thumps in the cabin a few times when travelling over broken and uneven surfaces, but generally the ride was fairly smooth.

The steering was nicely weighted when towing and the gearbox coped well without hunting around, the car only getting a tad wheezy when pushed on steep inclines. On the motorway, it again felt safe without getting buffeted by passing traffic. There’s no four-wheel drive option on the 3008, but you

VERDICT

If you want a practical, economical family SUV that is both a stylish solo vehicle and a great towcar, with a massive amount of kit as standard, the 3008 should definitely be on your wish list.

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

Figures

WELCOME TO THE FOLD

Rob McCabe takes a close look at two versatile, second-hand Carousel tourers

This month, I’m looking at something a bit different: folding caravans. Arguably, the best-known brand is Carousel, made by Gobur Caravans in Norfolk. The company actually built its last new caravan in 2016 – but business is booming; it now focuses solely on refurbishing and selling used Carousels. I paid a visit to take a closer look at a couple of examples and to find out why folding tourers appeal to some caravanners. Let’s deal with the latter point first. You need only look at a fully-folded Carousel to see that ease of towing is the main attraction. It sits lower than most towcars – so the near-total lack of wind resistance means much better fuel consumption – and you get relatively unimpeded rear vision. Choose one of the Slimline models (5ft 8in wide, compared to the Standard’s 6ft 10in) and it’s narrower than the

towcar. It’ll live happily in the smallest garage or round the back of the house.

Enthusiasts speak warmly of the long-term water-resistant properties of these caravans. The overhang of the glass fibre roof envelops the rest of the vehicle rather like the lid of a shoebox, so it’s almost unheard of for a Carousel to come back to the workshop for water ingress treatment. Delamination is impossible too, thanks to the use of a sealed solid floor.

SETTING UP A CAROUSEL

When you arrive at your pitch the unfolding procedure is quick and simple. Start at the front by unclipping the travel catches and raising the front panel. Walk around to the back and do the same there. Next comes the nearside (entrance door) panel, followed by the offside one. Gobur

boss Richard Moss carried out all of that in just two minutes. You might think that it would take the uninitiated far longer – but everybody buying a Carousel from here goes through a handover process that lasts up to two-and-a-half hours, and by the time they’re ready to drive off they too can do it in two minutes!

Inside, all the overhead lockers obviously need to be lifted off and stowed on the floor for travelling (so there’s never any need to empty them); but, again, it’s a matter of a couple of minutes to slot them on to their sturdy metal rails. Folding is, as all the best technical manuals say, ‘a reversal of the procedure’ for unfolding. “The only bit of advice to remember,” says Richard, “is to start unfolding at the front, and to finish folding at the front.”

Let’s examine two Carousel models...

Make and model: Carousel Clubman

Year of manufacture: 2006

Current price: £12,995

Clubman in Carousel-speak basically denotes a longer bodyshell that allows more living/storage space. The seating is long enough to be used as two single beds or a double. Instead of slats, three solid wooden panels slot into place between the sofas to make up a king-size. Cleverly, you can use just two panels to give a standard double (6ft 1½in x 4ft 6in), which means you can leave the bed made up during the day and still have a couple of comfy seats.

The upholstery on this example is in excellent condition, with no fading or signs of wear; and it still feels impressively plump. The furniture has been built to last; all the lift-off sections have a reassuring heft to them, and the joinery is all very neat and precise.

The front kitchen – which tilts outwards and folds in one big section – is far more basic than you’d encounter in a ‘normal’ caravan, although this one has been up-specced to include a four-burner gas hob. Many get by with three. There is a grill (but no oven) and a compact fridge with an icebox. All these appliances are nice and clean.

You also get hot water, which isn’t always the case. Because all Carousels were bespoke builds, no two were ever the same, and many new owners (perhaps treating themselves to a nice upgrade from a tent or trailer tent) were happy with just a cold water system.

The compact washroom has a shower (of the pull-out-and-clip-on-hose variety) and a space-saving tip-up wash basin – again, it’s all in fine order. The unmarked free-standing table has a home in here.

The mains sockets onboard include connectivity for a TV, and there’s an exterior one for use in the awning too (bespoke awnings are available).

A spare wheel, a hitch stabiliser and a motorised mover complete the generous specification on this Clubman. There’s no heater, but you can have a mains-powered one fitted for about £250.

A surprising number of the Carousels lined up on the forecourt have a mover. An unnecessary luxury on such a lightweight vehicle? Well, I can imagine it being a godsend if you’re backing it into a garage with a couple of inches to spare on either side.

VERDICT

Not only is it in really super condition, the comfortable interior feels more spacious than you might expect when viewing this model from the outside.

Clockwise from opposite: the unfolding process is straightforward; this type of caravan is ideal if storage space is tight; wooden panels are used to create a double bed; simple yet effective kitchen; neat washroom

DID YOU KNOW?

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

Make and model: Carousel Standard Width 12/2TD

Year of manufacture: 2006

Current price: £10,995

As soon as you walk up to this 13-year-old example you can see that – in common with so many of its forecourt stablemates – it has a motorised mover fitted. Another common factor is the clean, unmarked condition of the bodywork – spending most of the time folded away obviously works wonders for the long-term condition of these things. The Standard Width is more than a foot shorter than the Clubman – ideal if your garage at home is especially bijou.

Step inside, and you’re aware of the reduced living space compared to the Clubman – the wraparound lounge seating is much more compact and makes up into a double bed only. As with the Clubman, though, the upholstery is in fine, well-cared-for condition.

In contrast to the other model I looked at, the original buyer of this one was happy to specify cold water only, which may seem rather spartan – but, in reality, unless you’re a regular user of your caravan’s shower, how often do you need hot water for anything other than a spot of washing-up or a quick freshen-up at the wash-hand basin? Boiling the kettle will sort you out in no time. Unsurprisingly, there’s no shower on board this example, but the washroom is reassuringly spick and span.

Yet again, all the furniture – clearly of good quality to begin with, which helps – is in solid, unmarked condition. The caravan has been through the workshop for its refurb, which consisted of the roof being removed so that the inner seal and outer travel seal could be replaced (this is done as a matter of course to every Carousel), replacing any perished rubber buffers, corroded hinges and the like, and fitting new gas hoses. It has also had a full service, and when it is sold it’ll get a new carpet and fresh tyres.

VERDICT

Limited storage space? Small car? Always use the site’s shower block anyway? You should take a look at this one.

With thanks to

Both caravans were on sale at Gobur Caravans, Marriott Way, Melton Constable, Norfolk NR24 2BT at the time of going to press (goburcaravans. co.uk, 01263 860031).

This model is significantly shorter (top); you’ll only get cold water in this kitchen (middle); upholstery is in excellent condition (bottom)

RIGHT ON TRACK?

A new end-washroom model takes the Tracker range up to six and could be ideal for couples seeking a touch of luxury. Nick Harding takes a closer look

Another year, another Tracker. Auto-Trail has upped the range to six models for this season with the introduction of the EB (the initials standing for end bathroom), offering a French double bed as the main sleeping accommodation

Various over-cab and rear seating options mean you can cater for up to six if you wish. Here, though, we take a look at the standard version, which could appeal to couples who want to tour with more than a bit of luxury.

BUILD QUALITY

As with all Auto-Trail’s coachbuilts, the Tracker has a GRP exterior on a composite bonded construction, with no wood at all in the sidewall

sections and aluminium extrusions for rigidity. A further enhancement for this season is the use of an extruded polystyrene called Styrosil for insulation. It’s covered by a 10-year body construction warranty and five years’ back-up for the habitation area, which adds up to one of the most comprehensive guarantee packages you’ll find on a motorhome.

The Tracker boasts some nice exterior features which set it apart from most rivals. Windows are flush-fitting Polyvision units. The semiintegrated awning maintains the streamlined look while not infringing on upper-level locker space inside. At the back, the locking cover for the spare wheel is signature Auto-Trail.

Clockwise from top: stylish exterior; roomy washroom has swivel-bowl toilet, fixed sink and... enormous shower compartment

ATINGS

Price as tested

£62,996OTR

Caravan and Motorhome Club Insurance

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

2.3-litre Euro 6

Anti-clockwise from below: well-equipped kitchen; twin-sofa lounge; high-spec cab Figures from manufacturer’s literature.

130bhp (98kW) @ 3,600rpm Torque 236lb ft (320Nm) @ 1,8003,000rpm Transmission

6-speed manual, FWD

(83.66cwt) User payload 880kg (17.32cwt)

‘Graphite’ is the official name for the metallic finish to the cab, while careful use of graphics ensures an integrated look. Indeed, typically Auto-Trail, this is a motorhome with presence. This is the Lo-Line version, which gives you internal lockers as well as a swooping wind-up sunroof that extends into the lounge. A Hi-Line is also available, as are extra travel seating arrangements. It’s all on Fiat’s standard chassis, using the Maxi version of the Ducato. Hence the 4,250kg maximum weight rating.

DRIVING

Fiat’s standard 2.3-litre 130bhp engine, as standard here, is hardly a slouch. Take it easy and you’ll get around 30 miles to the gallon too, but I wonder if buyers might be tempted by the more powerful 147bhp or 177bhp units which are available as cost options. You can also choose automatic transmission should you so desire.

*Quote is for model as tested worth £62,996. Based on 50-year-old banker living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus coming from a vehicle of a similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £100 excess and £100 voluntary excess. Due to the value of the vehicle a tracker device and a Thatcham Category 1 immobiliser must be fitted. 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.

It’s certainly a well-equipped cab. Air conditioning, cruise control, chrome instruments, silver plastic trimwork, steering wheel controls, Fiat stereo with DAB and sat-nav… they’re all here. Some of this is down to the ‘must-have’ Media Pack option.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £475.29* per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

The leather upholstery for the swivel cab seats (even on the armrests), which extends into the lounge, is another extra that some may want to go for.

DAYTIME

In the two-settee lounge you have a choice of two tables – a small circular one and a larger, rectangular free-stander more suited to meal times. My only beef is its travel storage location – although it tucks away neatly under the main bed, it is a little tricky to retrieve.

There’s plenty of living space in the EB and I can’t see the Truma Combi 6 heating and hot water system struggling to cope.

For a couple, there’s sufficient storage, too.

Overhead lockers are generous in capacity, there’s space in both settee bases (accessed via hinged lids,) plus room under the French bed.

NIGHT-TIME

The ‘French’ cutaway bed is there to make access through to the washroom easier but the disadvantage of such designs is deciding who sleeps where. In an ideal world, it would be the taller of the couple who’s also least likely to want to get up in the night, who takes the wall side. When I say taller, it’s worth knowing the mattress isn’t

over-long – Auto-Trail’s official dimensions are 1.91m x 1.31m (6ft 3in x 4ft 4in) maximum. There’s also a wardrobe set over drawers and a floor locker, plus a handy vanity unit with large mirror, all adjacent to the bed.

There’s a large padded headboard section with reading lights but the presence of overhead lockers may mean sitting fully upright isn’t feasible for taller folk while the absence of any open shelving is a shame.

You can also make a second double (measuring a healthy 2.08m x 1.22m or 6ft 9in x 4ft) from the lounge seating.

KITCHEN

They certainly know how to do good kitchens at Auto-Trail. Here, it’s the full complement of Thetford cooker (dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill, floor-level pan store) and sink with integrated drainer supplied by a lever-operated Caraflo mixer tap. There’s still a decent amount of worktop, especially if you use the cover for the drainer (it can also be flipped for use as a chopping board).

Storage comes in the form of three shelved lockers in the main kitchen unit, the main one also including a cutlery tray, plus a single overhead

locker. Across the corridor, there’s a slimline Thetford fridge with freezer compartment, offering a total capacity of 142 litres and set off the floor to make access easier. Two slight gripes are that the microwave’s position directly over the hob isn’t ideal and there’s a fan that runs constantly when the glass lid for the hob is open.

WASHROOM

One word: impressive. For starters, the washroom features one of the largest shower cubicles on the market (although it could do with a second plughole). There’s still room for a swivel-bowl toilet and fixed basin together with locker storage that’s well above the average, as well as open shelving. Other details include a window, towel and clothes holders and hooks, illuminated mirroring and toilet roll holder.

DETAILS

Everywhere you look, there are neat touches that turn this Tracker into something more than just another motorhome. Take the kitchen, where there’s everything from an illuminated acrylic splashback to an electric roof vent and a dedicated travel locker for the sink cover.

The cab boasts cupholders, USB and auxiliary ports, iPad holder, Remis blinds and more. All other windows have concertina blinds and flyscreens, as well as lined curtains where appropriate.

Excellent LED lighting throughout – ambient and spot – gives off a warming hue. There’s even an automatic light when you open the wardrobe, while the stereo system connects to extra speakers on the underside of the lockers in the lounge. Also part of the package are the My Auto-Trail online portal and Auto-Trail Connect, which includes a Thatcham Cat 6 tracking system.

VERDICT

The EB is a great addition to the Tracker line-up. Assuming you like the French-bed formula, there’s little you’ll want for in this Auto-Trail.

With thanks to

Vehicle supplied for testing by: Auto-Trail, Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 9TU Contact: auto-trail.co.uk, 01472 571000

Clockwise from above: lots of storage in the main bedroom; you have a choice of tables in the lounge... but stowage for the larger one is a bit awkward; cut-away French bed

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

n Cover for accidental damage, fire, theft, vandalism, storm and flood (awnings included as standard)

n Alternative accommodation (a hotel or caravan hire) if your vehicle is damaged or stolen

n ‘New for old’ cover for caravans and equipment up to 15 years old

If you’d like to know more about the Club’s products visit camc.com/ insurance/caravan or call 01342 336610

COVER STORY

A Club member who has purchased our award-winning Caravan Cover was delighted with the service he received while making a claim

It’s a long story,” says Brian Pleavin, “but I was on the way to take the caravan for a service and it detached at the top of my road. It damaged the back of my car, considerably, and the side and front of the caravan.”

It is the nightmare scenario for most caravan owners but, thankfully, no one was hurt during this particular incident. Brian –who had taken out the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s award-winning Caravan Cover – called to explain what had happened and, shortly thereafter, the damaged tourer was recovered to his home with the assistance of Red Pennant.

Under the terms of the Cover, Brian was entitled to a ‘new for old’ replacement caravan, but the accident had occurred during a particularly stressful time for the Pleavin family. Due to these circumstances, and partly because of his age, Brian had been planning to give up the touring lifestyle.

“I was getting the caravan serviced to sell it,” he says. “They said I could have a new caravan, and I explained my circumstances… I said it was very unlikely we’d be caravanning now because of my daughter’s ill health.”

Our Contact Centre is now open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays until 26 October for new Caravan Cover business, renewals and amendments. Call us on 01342 336610

Having requested a cash settlement, Brian was very pleased to receive prompt payment. “Three days later I received a cheque. In three days... that was awesome.

“The Club was absolutely fantastic,” Brian says, before adding: “You couldn’t fault the way they handled it. Sometimes you go with insurance companies [who] create a bit of hassle, questioning everything. There was none of that, I’m glad to say, at that particular time.”

The Club’s Caravan Cover provides protection for your caravan against theft, loss or damage, and operates in a similar way to caravan

insurance. We pay out on valid claims without you having to deal with the fuss of an insurer.

“You need reassurances,” Brian adds. “In my case I was stressed out enough as it was, and they were absolutely marvellous, as indeed were the [Mayday] breakdown and recovery service; they were superb. I’d recommend it to absolutely anybody.”

Although it looks as though Brian’s touring days may have come to an end, he is making new plans to go on holidays and cruises, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.

n A sample Caravan Cover booklet including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

For general information about detachments please see the ‘Ask Your Club’ article on page 90 of our February 2019 issue.

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As incoming water travels through the magnetic field, it causes the compounds which form the scale to be molecularly restructured. Treated water does not change or alter any of the natural mineral content of water so essential for life.

And it costs a lot of money! Just a few millimetres of limescale in your pipes can increase your energy costs by as much as 25%, and often much more. It doesn’t stop there - you will also use more washing-up liquid, more detergent, more conditioner, more soap and more shampoo. And you will find yourself buying more cleaning products to remove limescale deposits from kitchen and bathroom fittings. It’s also a fact that limescale also shortens the life expectancy of your home appliances, costing you even more in the long run. And the really expensive damage? The build-up of lime scale inside your boiler reduces its life expectancy by as much as 60%. And with just 5mm of limescale build-up in your copper cylinder your heating costs go up by around 50%! Hard water costs you money. Fact!

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Hello Michaela - Captions could do with a cut and 1/2 pt increase in size

Keep all to two lines.

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Pete

DID YOU KNOW?

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

On the

LEVEL

Whether you’re staying on a remote Certificated Location or a full-facility Club site, it pays to know how to ‘level’ your

outfit, says Sammy Faircloth

For comfort and safety reasons, it’s important that your outfit sits level on its pitch. A level set-up is usually necessary to make sure your waste water flows away effectively and to ensure an absorption fridge can work properly.

On most Club sites, it’s relatively easy to find a nice, flat spot for your caravan or motorhome, but there will be the odd occasion (especially on Certificated Locations) when you’ll need to put in a bit of extra effort to avoid the dreaded tilt. Fortunately, there are numerous devices out there that can help to put you on an even keel.

SPIRIT LEVELS

A ‘spirit’ or ‘bubble’ level is used to determine whether a surface is level across both transverse (nose to tail) and longitudinal (side to side) axes. You can make a simple level yourself, by filling a water container to a pre-marked line (see photo). Alternatively, you could download a spirit level

app onto your smartphone. The most reliable test zone is indoors and as close as possible to the centre of a caravan or motorhome axle.

LEVELLING EQUIPMENT

Purpose-made ramps and chocks (wedges used to prevent accidental movement once pitched up) can be relatively cheap.

There are many options out there – from all-in-one ramp and chock devices to multi-level ramps. However, if you want an even cheaper solution, you can make up your own levelling kit out of wooden blocks.

Grip mats placed under wheels or ramps will help stop your outfit sinking into soft ground and provide extra traction when you leave your pitch.

A completely different way to level a caravan laterally is sometimes adopted by owners whose outfit is fitted with a coupling bracket for a side-lift jack. Al-Ko’s products are remarkably easy to operate

Above: a traditional spirit level or smartphone app can be used to help you level your outfit

Below: a water container marked with tape can be used as a simple levelling device

9. Use pads or wooden blocks on corner steadies to avoid them sinking in soft ground and help to spread the load 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. This Froli levelling set includes interlocking chocks

2. Wooden blocks can be just as effective as purpose-made ramps and chocks

3. Grip mats provide extra traction when pulling away and prevent wheels or ramps sinking into soft ground

4. This Al-Ko side-lift jack allows the caravan to be raised so wooden blocks can be placed under the wheel

5. The Lock ‘n’ Level system uses an inflatable bag to raise a caravan’s wheel off the ground

6. The Smart-Trailer app communicates with a Base Station installed inside the caravan that tells the user whether the outfit is level or not

7. Automatic levelling employs powerful hydraulic jacks

8. At the push of a button, the jacks are deployed and within minutes your caravan or motorhome is level

– it’s a quick job to elevate a side which might be ‘sitting’ a bit low and then place ramps or blocks of wood strategically under the appropriate wheel.

The Lock ‘n’ Level is an innovative bit of kit. In order to achieve a lateral level, the caravan is positioned onto a bag (at this point you can fit your ‘through-the-wheel’ wheel lock should you so desire). While monitoring an internal spirit level, the bag is then inflated using a standard car tyre pump. ‘Front to back’ levelling can be achieved using the jockey wheel.

Another interesting new system is SmartTrailer. This boasts numerous functions including tyre pressure monitoring (when special valve caps are fitted) but another highlight is the levelling application. A free app is used to communicate with a base unit mounted inside

your caravan and check whether your outfit is level or not.

AUTOMATIC LEVELLING

‘Automatic levelling’ systems employ powerful hydraulic jacks operated via a fixed control panel or wireless remote control. At the push of a button, the jacks are deployed and within minutes your caravan or motorhome is level.

Motorhomes have featured automatic levelling devices for several years but few caravans are fitted with permanently-installed devices. These can be fitted retrospectively, however, by companies such as Al-Ko, E&P Hydraulics and Ma-Ve.

Most jacks have splayed feet to stop them sinking into soft ground but it’s a good idea

to invest in ‘outrigger pads’, which provide extra stability.

WORDS OF CAUTION

n Portable jacks that gain the approval of chassis manufacturers for lifting a wheel clear of the ground for puncture repair are not normally suitable for providing support when staying in your vehicle. n Corner steadies are solely designed to keep a caravan or motorhome level once you are pitched – they should never be used as lifting devices.

AND FINALLY...

Don’t forget that the Caravan and Motorhome Club offers a Caravan Manoeuvring training course that incorporates advice on levelling. See camc.com/ advice-and-training for more information.

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

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Hello Michaela - can we have a different cut-out instead of the clogs, please? †Hose

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Centre lines

Venue change for Shropshire Centre

The Shropshire Centre would like to make members aware that its ‘Family Games’ rally from 14 to 16 June has changed venue from Hawkstone Park to Hodnet Hall Gardens. Price of admission to the gardens is included in your rally fee. For more information please see shropshirecentre.co.uk.

Gloucs to do!

Gloucestershire Centre is holding a ‘2,500th Celebration Rally’ in the grounds of magnificent Cirencester Park from 3 to 9 July – and all are welcome. The organisers are promising a packed programme of events and entertainment over the course of the rally in this lovely part of the world. For more information, please see gloucestershirecentre.co.uk.

Fun for all

Members of the Mid West Yorkshire Centre enjoyed a fantastic Dinner Dance at the Regen Centre, Riccall, in March. The event – which coincided with the Comic Relief weekend – was attended by Club Vice-Chairman Malcolm Groves (who was snapped wearing his red nose!) and his wife Dorothy. Thanks to all for a very successful evening.

All abroad Details of overseas centre rallies in 2019

FRANCE

1-15 June

Location: Riva Bella, Ouistreham

Host Centre: Avon

3-24 June

Location: Le Coin Tranquille, Les Abrets*

Host Centre: East Sussex

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

19 June-3 July

Location: Camping Le Patisseau, Pornic

Host Centre: Wiltshire

22 June-6 July

Location: Camping Du Letty, Bénodet*

Host Centre: East Dorset

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

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

Colin Bartlett

The Gwent Centre regrets to announce the passing of Colin Bartlett in February at the age of 81 years.

Colin and his family joined the thenMonmouthshire Centre in 1970, and Colin served on the committee as Honorary Rally Secretary. Colin and wife Val were regular ralliers and also organised many events over the years – they received their 900th rally plaque in 2013.

Colin was a member of the organising committee or part of the Gwent Centre working party at nine Welsh Nationals between 1975 and 2018.

Colin will be remembered for his smile, sense of fun, willingness to aid others and the help and advice he gave to members. The thoughts of all are with Val, Ruth and John and their families at this sad time.

24 June-14 July

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

Host Centre: Dyfed

29 June-13 July

Location: Camping l'Île d’Offard, Saumur

Host Centre: Gwent

23 July-15 September

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

Host Centre: West Wales

ITALY

25 August-6 September

Location: Camping Fornella, Lake Garda

Host Centre: Cheshire

NETHERLANDS

27 July-10 August

Location: Allure Park Laag Kanje, Maarn*

Host Centre: Buckinghamshire

Details: This attractive campsite is a great location for a family rally. Highlights include a welcome meal in the site restaurant, a day excursion

to the beautiful ancient town of Arnhem with a visit to the Airborne Museum, and a day trip to a flower auction and afternoon in the lakeside town of Volendam.

17-31 August

Location: Resort de Arendshorst, Ommen*

Host Centre: Suffolk

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

30 August-9 September

Location: Camping Liesbos, Breda

Host Centre: South Essex

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

Tail lights

A look at the fun and unusual world of touring

“Is this the perfect set-up?” asks Shaun McCleave with regard to this very stylish combo, which he saw at The Sandringham Estate Club site last September. It looks like the owner is a member of the Retro Caravan Club, going by the flag on the A-frame; if they happen to be reading we’d love to see some pictures of the interiors.

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

On manoeuvres

Top dogs

Here we have Sandy the Whippet and Kody, two dedicated members of the rapidly-growing Carry-basket and Motorkennel Club (previously known as the Carry-basket Club), reading their monthly magazine and handbook. Planning summer trips to Wagtail Country Park AS, perhaps?

This unusual ‘over taking’ move was spotted by Club member Peter Truman on the A429 near Stratford-upon-Avon. Some people really do take unnecessary risks when trying to get past a caravan...

Piece of cake

“We are long-term caravanners from Durham,” says Norman Rogers, “and my wife, Margaret Rogers, recently celebrated her 70th birthday. She was surprised when presented with a Bailey Unicorn birthday cake.” An excellent effort – hats off to whoever made that one – and a belated ‘happy birthday’ to you, Margaret.