Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – May 2020

MAY 2020

THE BEST OF BRITISH Find out how the Club and its members are pulling together

ON TEST Volvo V60 and Bilbo’s VW campervan rated

PICTURE PERFECT How to take the most brilliant nature photos

FROM THE ARCHIVES Take a caravanning trip down memory lane

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

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

CARAVAN OF THE YEAR 2019 & 2020 WINNER OF GOLD OWNER SATISFACTION AWARDS 2019 & 2020

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

WHY CHOOSE ADRIA?

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COMMENT EDITOR

WELCOME

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

Postal address Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA Club contact details For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm) Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded) Site booking (members only)/ UK Club sites advance booking 01342 327490 Cover Caravan 01342 336610 Insurance Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334 Home/contents 0345 504 0335 Travel Service 01342 316101 Red Pennant (Overseas Holiday Insurance) 01342 336633 Brochures on Club services 01342 327410 Technical advice 01342 336611 Club Magazine editorial 01342 336640 Legal helpline 01275 378728 Advertising enquiries General number: 01342 336817 Commercial Manager Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com Commercial Executive: Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com Digital Advertising Co-ordinator: Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com

Gary Martin says: You don’t need me to tell you that we are living in unprecedented times. But it doesn’t and shouldn’t stop you thinking about future plans and future touring adventures.

That’s where we think we can help here on the magazine. This issue is packed full of inspirational content – not only giving you some ideas for holidays yet to come (add the coast-to-coast tour undertaken by Lee Davey and family on pages

you using your van “asArea classroom or games room? Maybe a café?

22-31 of this issue to your wish list), but also highlighting what you can still do now, if your caravan or motorhome is parked on the driveway (why not join in the fun of our Big Little TeaTime Festival – see page 67 for details).

CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MAGAZINE MAY 2020 TOURING: NORTH AND SOUTH DEVON SITES AND CLS TESTED: VOLVO V60/USED CARAVAN BUYING ADVICE/BILBO’S NEXA+

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

COVER IMAGE:

Find out how the Club and its members are pulling together

www.camc.com

ON TEST Volvo V60 and Bilbo’s VW campervan rated

PASS p1 Cover.indd 1

www.camc.com

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

MAY 2020

THE BEST OF BRITISH

PICTURE PERFECT How to take the most brilliant nature photos

”

I think that is the great thing about belonging to a Club – that community spirit rises to the fore and you see not only the Club still helping its members, but the members helping each other and the Club. That is what makes you and this organisation so special.

To that end, we would love to hear and see what you are doing instead of travelling – are you using your caravan or motorhome as a classroom or games room? Maybe a café or extra bedroom? Let us know and we will ublish your at home adventures in a future issue. Stay safe!

FROM THE ARCHIVES Take a caravanning trip down memory lane

07/04/2020 12:08

North Devon coastline near Woolacombe (Anna Stowe Landscapes/Alamy)

May 2020 3

WHAT MAKES AN

Member Offer Member Offer

ADVENTURE? Paul Dobie Cotswold Outdoor Store Expert Bakewell

01.

The right kit, tried, tested and loved by us

02.

The best destination, shared with like-minded people

03.

The perfect pitch, with a little help from the experts

20% special discount

for Caravan and Motorhome Club Members using code AF-TCCLUB-M1 online.

Trusted by our partners since 1974 cotswoldoutdoor.com Full T&Cs apply. Please see online for details. Offer expires 31.05.20.

5 May 2020

www.camc.com

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MAY 2020

TOURING 22 32 34

UK SITES The Davey family enjoy the cream of Devon on a coast-to-coast tour DIRECTORY UPDATES Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook ACTIVITY BREAKS Jonathan Manning laces up his walking boots to tackle the Norfolk Coast Path

PLEASE RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY

Your magazine isnow delivered in a recyclable paper wrap

TESTS 82

86 90

CAR Volvo V60 CARAVAN buye s uide MOTORHOME ilbos e a

NEWS

44

18

REGULARS

12

HEADLINES Club and industry updates SITES The latest from around the network

SPECIALS 10

40 48 50 64 66 68

CLUB MATTERS How the Club and its members are pulling together in difficult times CLUB SHOP Kit to help you prepare for you ne t bi adventu e CARAVAN HISTORY How caravans played an important role in the Second World War DESIGN AWARDS Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards round-up – Part 2 PUZZLES Test your brain power with Sudoku, Word Wheel and much more...

CLUB MATTERS How you can support your Club NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY David Chapman selects some of his favourite photographs

7 8

21 38 42 44

60

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW Nick Lomas shares his thoughts YOUR PHOTOS The best photos from your touring adventures THE CAMPERVAN COOK Martin Dorey rustles up some homemade burgers for the barbie MEMBER OFFERS Special deals to help make your barbecue a roaring success LETTERS Your comments and views COUNTRY MATTERS David Chapman gives tips on how to capture the beauty of bluebells PRODUCT SHOWCASE Kit for cooking al fresco

60

8

62

CROSSWORD A chance to win Club gift tokens 75 PRACTICAL Emily and Daniel Faircloth offer a youn ste s e s e tive on tou in 79 ASK YOUR CLUB e t advi e on ehi le ise Duty and MOT testing 95 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS To advertise, call 01342 336817 106 TAIL LIGHTS The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring May 2020

5

F45S The compact wall-mounting awning of Italian design The easy-to-use and simple to install awning which combines today’s best technologies, service and quality.

Constantly renewed, the F45s awning is compact and functional, making it the best choice for your holidays!

F80S

F80s. New awning for roof installation The F80s is an awning with a small cross-section which better integrates it to the contour of vehicles. The technical solutions which have been implemented mean a more compact awning protrusion. Latest innovations include dual predisposition for LED lighting (on the lead bar or awning case) and three lead bar guides, making the F80s the most versatile roof mounted awning.

F40van The high performance removable roof-mounting awning for camper vans F40van is a roof-mounting awning designed specifically for camper vans. Thanks to its reduced size and integrated brackets, it is the perfect complement to the vehicle. Designed with attention to detail, with automotive style finishings. It unrolls in an overhand motion to guarantee fabric tension.

CaravanStore XL The manual awning for caravans The CaravanStore is the best choice for caravans, quick and easy to install, fast to open and close, and always stable and safe when deployed. The awning extends by 250cm (from the 280cm version up) to offer a wide area of shade. It is available in ten lengths and two types of bag and two of fabric to satisfy even the most demanding taste.

XX November 2019

www.camc.com To see the full range of options available visit fiamma.com

COMMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL

OPINION Nick Lomas says:

camc.com/enquiries This magazine is also available as a page turner on the Club website and an app free of charge for members.

For non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app, each issue costs £2.29 (Google Play) or £2.99 (App Store).

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.

351,884

Circulation: Jan-Dec 2019

Printing by Walstead Bicester

www.camc.com

As I sit writing this at my desk at home, rather than at Club HQ, I’m looking out onto a very different world. It’s astonishing how much can change in a matter of weeks – or even days. We have implemented all our emergency plans and Club office team members are now online and on the phone serving members from home.

Our travel and Red Pennant emergency services teams helped thousands of tourers return to the UK in haste as the coronavirus spread across the world, and our sites teams have managed a calm and orderly hibernation of the domestic sites network.

“

Here's to calmer times... and I wish you and your loved ones good health

”

As responsible citizens and members, I know you’ll be doing your bit to support family, friends, neighbours and others at this worrying time. As a Club, we’re following Government advice and guidance very carefully. So now that we are restricted in our movements, and keeping our distance, allow me to try and offer some positives.

Why not use this time to plan your next escape, particularly if your existing holiday plans have been put on hold? Use the Club in different ways from usual. Get inspiration from the website and this magazine, and download back issues online or on the magazine app.

Technology can help us still feel connected, so take a look at the Club’s Facebook and Instagram pages – sort through your holiday photos and share

some with us, and get involved in the conversations going on in the digital world. Club centres, regions and divisions are ‘in the know’ locally, so why not look at their social media sites? Check out our member offers to save money on fuel, essential car maintenance, a new bike to keep fit and supermarket shopping.

Looking to the future, I know communities across the UK and beyond can’t wait to welcome visitors back to enjoy their hospitality in pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions. And as we know from the major survey the Club undertook as part of the UK Caravan & Camping Alliance – ‘Pitching the Value’ (see my Opinion piece, April 2019 issue) – you’re an important force for good and will play a key part in the nation’s economic recovery.

So here’s to calmer times for us all, and I wish you and your loved ones good health. All being well, I look forward to meeting you on one of our wonderful Club sites in the coming months, when we can once more take to the open road, breathe the fresh air deeply and enjoy the great outdoors.

May 2020 7

SPECIAL MEMBER PICTURES

YOUR PHOTOS

Your most memorable touring moments caught on camera Lake District

TOP OF THE WORLD! Hardknott, Lake District National Park. I have not been well for some time now, and my husband decided to take me for a drive to cheer me up… when we got to the top and looked behind us the view was breathtaking, so I put on a brave face and walked five yards which resulted in this picture of me feeling blessed.

Lorna Driver

Central Highlands

ZEBRA CROSSING

This pair were spotted on the Club’s Tale of Three Countries tour in the Etosha Pan National Park, Namibia.

Glyn Kearley

TAKE A GOOD LOCH

Namibia

8 May 2020

This image was taken following a walk from Maragowan Club site climbing the cairn – looking back along Loch Tay. I love this photo as I was so proud to have made the climb; it was such a beautiful day and the views throughout were fabulous.

Andrew Smee www.camc.com

Spain

South of France

FRUIT FÊTE A stay at La Vieille Ferme in the South of France resulted in a visit to the Fête du Citron in Menton on the Côte d’Azur. These spectacular creations are constructed using the region’s fresh in-season lemons and oranges. This year’s theme was ‘carnivals of the world’. The photo features our famous Notting Hill, one of the many creations on display.

Robert Preston

FREE PRIZE DRAW

Send us a photo and you will automatically be entered into a free monthly draw, giving you the chance to win some fantastic prizes! See camc. com/competitions for full prize draw terms and conditions

HIGH LIFE While touring Spain in our NV200 Campervan we visited Montserrat.

It was a beautiful crisp, sunny day up in the mountains. The views were amazing and the Basilica was very interesting.

Carol Duerden

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

#inspiringadventures

SHORE LEAVE Taken near Morvich Club site, the image shows the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape with the old tug providing an interesting focal point.

Ian Jefferson New Zealand

We were holidaying in our camper van on the Isle of Mull and took a sea safari for the day. The sky was as blue and clear as the sea, and we were delighted to see a whole range of wildlife, including minke whale, sea eagle, storm petrel. But my everlasting memory was of our beautiful, friendly dolphins. They came from all directions to swim with us, and as a very amateur photographer I was overjoyed to discover I had captured this shot.

My proudest achievement!

Alison Richardson

BOULD OVER These boulders – natural wonders – are in New Zealand… taken whilst on the Club’s New Zealand Discovery tour.

Annett Croasdale West Scotland

www.camc.com

Inner Hebrides May 2020 9

SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

One for all

Your Club and fellow members are here for you during these testing times

PULLING TOGETHER

Due to uncertainty over ferries, Greg and Sharron Cunningham, the hosts of one of our Long Stay Winter Sun holidays at Camping Don Cactus, led a convoy of British caravanners more than 1,000 miles through Spain and France so they could catch the Eurotunnel home. One of the drivers was 87-year-old member Eric Bradbury, accompanied by his wife Pam. The group, which travelled at a sensible pace to cater for all members, was fortunately able to secure pitches at the Twin Lakes campsite north of Bordeaux, where they were given a warm greeting and offered welcome cups of tea.

We are happy to say that everyone completed

A

s communities across the country get to grips with the effects of Coronavirus, we thought you might like to hear about how the Club has been looking after you – and how you have been looking after each other.

As the situation has progressed we have heard lots of ‘good news’ stories from across

the journey safely, making their way on to their respective homes in Dorset, Shropshire, Hartlepool and Scotland!

“Everybody was very stoic – we all made the best of it,” says Sharron. “There was a lot of laughter even though it was very stressful at times. We were a happy little throng really!

I rang them all to make sure they got home all right and they were fine.”

Eric, who drove around 1,700 miles in total, says the experience hasn’t put him off travelling overseas in the future. “My wife’s been on to me about going next year!” he says.

Note: these were exceptional circumstances but the Club does not usually recommend travelling in convoy.

the Club (see the News pages for more).

The Red Pennant emergency service has been working flat out to help members returning from overseas for example; UK Club site staff went beyond the call to look after visitors during the early stages of the crisis; Centres continue to operate and do their bit for charity; and members are going the extra mile to help one another.

Here’s just a taste of what’s been going on…

SAFELY HOME

Muriel Forbes-Park had been holidaying in Spain with her husband Michael. But when she boarded her flight home and started coughing, she was told to disembark. She went to the local hospital where the doctor told her no treatment was necessary.

The Club’s Red Pennant staff liaised with the couple and organised a taxi from the hospital to a good-quality hotel where they spent the next four nights. Return flights were booked and on arrival in Birmingham, the Club again arranged a taxi to take them to their home in Derbyshire.

“You couldn’t fault it [the service received],” says Muriel.

VIRTUAL RALLY

Greg and Sharron Cunningham

Don Cactus

10 May 2020

Long Stay Winter Sun holidaymakers

Being unable to travel didn’t stop Cumbria Caravan and Motorhome Club Centre from rallying – they held an event over the internet instead.

The rally began with an opening ‘flag’ ceremony, and this was followed by a competition to see who could build the best caravan model out of a shoebox! Each committee member made a short film, and teenage rallier Callum edited them all together.

Says Treasurer Daniel Jackson, “We wanted to make sure that our members felt they still belonged to the centre and Club by keeping in touch, offering a virtual brew and chat, and, of course, making sure those who are individually isolated are not as lonely as they might be.” www.camc.com

CROSSING THE BORDER

Mike and Geraldine Jamieson had been staying in Luz, Portugal. Following news of ferry cancellations, they decided to embark on the long journey back to Devon by road. They set off with another motorhoming couple from Cornwall, and Mike says they offered each other terrific “moral support”. The Jamiesons contacted the Club asking for information on crossing the border from Portugal into Spain. Red Pennant staff researched government advice and sent official web links on to them, all the while keeping them updated with ferry information. Ultimately, the Jamiesons caught a crossing from Calais to Dover.

One of their comments – “It’s great to have the Club back-up on tap when the going gets tough.”

Another couple who made the long journey home from Spain by road instead of by ferry were Alan and Maureen Jameson from North Yorkshire. The Jamesons took their time, starting near Benidorm and stopping every 150 miles or so on their odyssey, eventually catching the Eurotunnel from Calais. While they didn’t need to call on Red Pennant on this occasion, Alan says, “I always take it out – it’s a comfort to have it.”

“

It’s great to have the Club backup on tap when the going gets tough

”

EASTER SURPRISE

South Essex Centre was unable to hold its scheduled Easter Rally – so it decided to donate all 90 of its Easter eggs to the Little Havens children’s and young people’s hospice in Benfleet.

The committee would like to thank all the members who had been booked on the rally – and who missed out on their chocolate!

5000 50 The number of calls offered to the Contact Centre Travel Team during the week commencing 16 March

www.camc.com

BACK IN BLIGHTY

“

We wanted to make sure that our members felt they still belonged to the centre and Club

The Club has been liaising with more than 50 sites in Portugal and Spain to understand the local situation

700

”

At the peak of the travel restrictions more than 700 Red Pennant policy holders were believed to be in Europe. The Club has been trying to help them return safely home May 2020 11

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

Headlines The latest stories from the touring world

CLUB HELPS THOSE IN NEED AT 17 SITES Despite the temporary closure of the UK sites network to members of the public, 17 Club sites have remained open to provide accommodation for key workers, those caring for vulnerable relatives nearby, some people who are unable to return to their homes abroad, and others whose homes are currently unavailable.

We would like to express our thanks to the site teams for helping

these people at this time. The majority of the 17 sites are in London and England’s south-east, but also, for example, in Birmingham and Newport, and tend to be near major conurbations and hospitals.

All UK sites and CLs are currently closed. Please keep an eye on our website (camc.com) for further updates and observe Government guidance at all times (gov.uk).

‘We look forward to welcoming you back’

STAY IN TOUCH...

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Club by using our website (camc. com). As well as offering plenty of important advice, all our online channels are busy keeping you entertained. Here’s a brief guide...

WEBSITE At the time of writing, a page of guidance is available for members at camc.com/whats-on/ caravan-club-news/novelcoronavirus-advice. This includes key information about UK campsites, while there are separate sections covering European travel advice, worldwide travel guidance and Red Pennant. This

12 May 2020

information is being updated regularly. Meanwhile, at camc.com/ blog, you’ll find plenty of extra content. For example, we recently added technology tips to help you stay in touch with friends and loved ones, advice for those working from home, ideas for exercise and suggestions for those who are at home with children. You will also find plenty of inspiring, touringrelated articles here, too – perfect if you’re planning lots of trips away later this year.

CLUB MAGAZINE You can read digital editions of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine by downloading the Club Magazine App for free from the App Store and Google Play. Simply search for ‘Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine’ in either store, get the app, sign in and enjoy on your phone or tablet. You can read any issue from January 2013 onwards via the app.

All Club members can also view the magazine online using our ‘page turner’ service, when logged into the

Club website. The page turner can be found at caravanclub.co.uk/ blog/club-magazine/archive. As well as the most recent issue you’ll find an archive stretching back to January 2019 here.

As always, we welcome your correspondence via the usual email address (magazine@camc.com) and politely request that you use this where possible rather than posting letters at this time.

SOCIAL MEDIA It's full steam ahead on the Club’s social media channels, where you’ll find loads of fun posts, inspirational stories and ideas for fun things to do – you can find us on Facebook,

Twitter and Instagram @candmclub.

As always we would love to hear from you – now is the perfect time to share your favourite touring memories, your plans for the future and what you have been up to.

Our Club Together forum at camc.com/clubtogether is a great place to chat, share your thoughts and stay in touch with fellow members – here you’ll find a wide range of discussions on all-things touring as members share tips, stories and photographs.

If you want to chat with other members, especially if you’re in need of some community spirit at this time, then Club Together is the place to go.

Finally, the Club’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/ caravanandmotorhomeclub) is home to an extensive video archive, including car, caravan and motorhome tests, cycle rides and guides to many UK Club sites and overseas locations – great for planning those future trips and purchases! www.camc.com

Club singers help Samaritans

WANDERER GIVEN LISTED STATUS

We are delighted to report that The Wanderer – the world’s first purpose-built leisure touring caravan – has been awarded ‘Listed Status’ by the Engineering Heritage Awards Committee of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Designed and commissioned in 1884/85 by the author and former Club Vice-Chairman Dr William Gordon Stables, and bequeathed to the Club by his daughter in 1961, the historic caravan was built by the Bristol Wagon Works Company and is 18ft long, weighing two tonnes. Towed by two horses, The Wanderer travelled around 1,400 miles in the summer of 1885 alone, GET INVOLVED from Twyford in Berkshire to Inverness, Help us celebrate the before returning to the south of England by new Big Little Tea Time train. The journey subsequently continued Festival every as far as Lymington in the New Forest – Wednesday until quite a tour by anyone’s standards! mid-May! See page 67 If you would like to see The Wanderer and camc.com/bltf for more info at a future date, it is currently housed at Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club site in the beautiful Cotswolds.

National at Belvoir Castle cancelled We’re sorry to confirm that The National, due to take place at Belvoir Castle, will not be going ahead this year.

The decision was taken following the Government’s announcement that it would be implementing increased social distancing, to avoid large crowds gathering and to ensure we don’t put further strain on the emergency services.

Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We know The National is held dear by Club members, volunteers and staff alike, www.camc.com

but the safety and wellbeing of our members, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance, so I’m sure you will support this announcement.”

The Club will be issuing full refunds to anyone affected by the cancellation.

We would ask that you don’t call us while we are working through the process of managing the cancellation of the event; we will begin issuing full refunds as soon as possible.

Nick added, “This decision has not been taken lightly. We appreciate your understanding during these difficult times.”

CONTACT CENTRE Please note that the Contact Centre has temporarily changed its hours to 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (all lines), and 9am-1pm on Saturdays (Caravan Cover only) until further notice. For the time being, we will continue to operate our webchat service until 9pm Monday to Friday.

This will be reviewed periodically to ensure that members are fully supported.

Please see camc.com/ contact for information.

Throughout 2019 the Caravan and Motorhome Club Singers raised money for Herefordshire Samaritans, and in February they presented a cheque for £600 to the charity. Trish Chandler – a member of the Singers and volunteer at the charity – is pictured here with Singers Chairman Bill Humphreys and Treasurer David Clay. This year, the group has decided to support the Longfield Hospice, Stroud, which cared for former Singers member Angie Hubbard before she passed away.

KEY ROLE

Are you a competent pianist? The Caravan and Motorhome Club Singers would love to hear from you, as their regular accompanist is retiring. The Singers usually meet at around five weekend rallies each year and perform in two or three concerts. Members come from all over the UK and most rehearsals take place in central England.

If you would like more information about the role, or the Singers generally, please email secretary.ccsingers@gmail.com.

May 2020 13

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

HOW TO ENJOY NATURE FROM HOME

If youre loo ing for a big adventure when things return to normal you might like to consider a 360-mile tourist route in Snowdonia that has been launched to show off the very best of the region.

Snowdonia 360 will attempt to emulate the success of the North Coast 500 route in the Scottish Highlands, which has proved hugely popular with Club members. The circular tour travels through Snowdonia

National Park and takes in the likes of Anglesey, Colwyn Bay, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Betws-y-Coed, Bala and Portmeirion.

It passes close to the Club sites at Coed-Y-Llwyn, Min y Don, Cae Mawr and Penrhos as well as Riverside Touring Park Affiliated Site, so you can use our UK network for a memorable trip.

For more information – including an interactive map – see snowdonia360.

YOU RECOMMEND… Certificated Locations for golfers

“

Food in the clubhouse was excellent and very welcome after playing golf on the nine-hole course.

Cilgwyn Golf Club CL, . Ceredigion

“

Lovely peaceful site with easy access and a warm welcome. Beautiful golf course with driving range and putting green.

Burstwick Country Golf CL (above), East Riding of Yorkshire

“

”

The golf course was very well maintained… Brilliant place for foodie golfers.

Toft Country House Hotel and Golf Club CL, Lincolnshire

”

”

“

One of the [two] golf courses is called The Grove, which has fantastic entertainment facilities including an eight-lane bowling alley.

Golfers View CL, Herefordshire

”

“

The site is well mown and pretty level and has a golf green close by – only a nine-hole course so it welcomes visitors. The local rabbits appeared every morning and evening to entertain us.

St Kew Golf Course CL, Cornwall .

”

Contact Centre’s hat-trick The Club’s Contact Centre scooped three gongs at the Top Companies for Customer Service awards. As well as being named ‘1st Overall for Email Services 2019’ and ‘3rd Overall for Best Channel 2019’, the Club won the ‘Best in Travel Services and Hospitality Sector 2019’ award. In addition, the Contact Centre’s social media and call-handling operations achieved top-10 finishes.

14 May 2020

Peter Martin, Club Head of Operations – Membership Services, said that the results were “a truly amazing achievement, showing great consistency across everything the Contact Centre does.”

The Contact Centre has become an even more important resource in recent months, taken thousands of calls from members seeking assistance on their homeward journeys to the UK.

CLUB SHOP You can still place orders in the online Club Shop, operated

by Prima Leisure, (shop.camc. com).

However, at the time of writing, the warehouse was closed until 21 April (with the potential for a longer closure period).

Orders will not be dispatched until the warehouse reopens.

For more information please see p38 of this issue.

Ross Hoddinot

ROUND TRIP

Club members may be interested in a new project from The Wildlife Trusts, which encourages people to get out into their gardens, if possible, and tune in to nature at home.

Experts from the Trusts are bringing the great outdoors to our mobiles, tablets and computers, with more than 20 webcams set up across the UK that allow people to watch the likes of puffins in Alderney, peregrines in Nottingham and bats in Essex (wildlifetrusts.org/webcams).

Meanwhile, every Wednesday at 10am a new video will be broadcast on YouTube (wtru.st/Wildlife-Watch-YouTube) – these cover everything from how to build a pond to recognising different bird songs.

The Trusts have produced lots of information on activities to keep children entertained – from making bird feeders to building hedgehog homes. Go to wildlifetrusts.org/looking-afteryourself-and-nature to find out more.

Wildlife experts from individual Trusts across the UK are currently posting blogs and videos on a range of topics, and people are being encouraged to share what they have spotted in their gardens or local parks on social media using #EverydayWildlife.

Michael Blencowe, of Sussex Wildlife Trust said: “The role wildlife plays in our lives has become more important than ever. It helps to lift our spirits and improve our mental wellbeing.”

www.camc.com

NE W Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two (Caravan and Motorhome Club Edition) with its new advanced Dual Core Processor will guide you to your destination avoiding height, width and weight restricted roads.

Providing you with route warnings such as sharp bends or steep hills, the Avtex Tourer Two will even advise you of traffic jams and offer alternate routes when available.

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

– Camper specific speed limits tailored to your vehicle.

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

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

Unlimited updates for Safety camera alerts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

for further information call

02920 847670 avtex.co.uk

November 2016 XX

NEWS CLUB AND INDUSTRY

SITE NEWS

Chairman of The Caravan Club Frank Collins and members depart for the United States

FROM THE ARCHIVES Stories from the Club’s Collection The Club’s Collection, hosted at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, recently received a wonderful and rare piece of caravanning history memorabilia.

In 1967, a group of Club members – led

by Chairman Frank Collins – was invited by the Wally Byam Airstream Club to take a historic tour of America. We have acquired rare footage of the journey, originally shot on Standard 8 film by former Chairman of the East Surrey Centre and founder of The International Caravanning Association, the late John Jeffery. The film was kindly donated by his son David, who also travelled on the tour.

The party arrived in Washington DC in early June, where 20 gleaming Airstream caravans towed by Pontiacs were lined up ready for a 5,600-mile tour to San Francisco. Each day the outfits would set

out on a planned route, regularly travelling over 300 miles after a 5am wake-up call.

Evening activities or dinners would be laid on at the destinations.

En route, the party took in all the sights, including Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe Springs, Disneyland and Yosemite National Park, before finishing at an International Rally of 200 Airstream caravans. At this point a French group made the return journey to Washington as the British contingent flew home. The wonderful colour footage received by the Collection contains highlights of every step of the journey set to music of the day.

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

Angela Willis

Members can now book stays at UK sites up to 31 August 2021. Visit camc.com or use the UK Sites Booking App. We know you can’t travel at the moment but now is the perfect time to plan your next big adventure!

Keep an eye on the website for news of when sites will be reopening.

The Marquess of Bath The Caravan and Motorhome Club was saddened to learn of the death in early April of Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath.

The Club has a long association with Longleat, the Marquess’, ancestral home in Wiltshire, having opened a site there in the 1980s and extended it further at the turn of the century.

The Marquess attended the Club’s centenary celebrations at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich in 2007 and seemed to enjoy himself very much.

Dressed in his trademark brightlycoloured robes, he happily took the coach with other guests back to Westminster at the end of the night.

The thoughts of the Club are with the Marquess’ family and loved ones at this sad time.

Blackpool walkies Blackpool South Caravan and Motorhome Club Site now has a dog walk for you and your four-legged friends to enjoy in the future. For more information on Club sites with dog walks, dog washes and dog-friendly pubs nearby see caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/ dog-friendly-campsites.

TAKE FIVE!

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

1 South Tynedale Railway, Cumbria

Climb aboard for a leisurely ride through scenic North Pennines countryside – and why not bring your own picnic (two-for-the-price-ofone entry).

Nearest site: Englethwaite Hall

2 Peak Rail, Derbyshire

Experience the thrill of steam and diesel travel on a heritage service between Matlock and Rowsley South Station (10% off train fares).

Nearest site: Carsington Water

3 Cream O’ Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway Enjoy an adventure playground, cycle tracks, karts, nature trails and fabulous ice cream (one free adult entry when accompanied by one full-paying child).

Nearest site: Garlieston

High Beeches

4 High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden, West Sussex

Explore 25 acres of beautiful woodland and water gardens and enjoy an al fresco lunch (10% off admission price).

Nearest sites: Gatwick, Slinfold

5 South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, Yorkshire

Enthusiasts will love this collection, which covers a century of flight (25% discount on entrance tickets).

Nearest site: Clumber Park

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

16 May 2020

www.camc.com

Tow before they go.

Member Offer

UP TO £3,000 OFF THE KORANDO FREE

TOWBAR FOR CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME CLUB MEMBERS†

2 tonne maximum towing capacity‡ Twice class winner in Towcar of the Year 2018/2013 2.2L diesel engine, 400NM torque Year warranty

KORANDO

FROM £19,495 BEFORE SAVING*

Fuel consumption figures in mpg, Korando: Low 25.7 – 35.8, Medium 36.2 – 45.6, High 40.1 – 49.6, Extra High 35.3 – 39.2, Combined 35.3 – 42.8. CO2 emissions in g/km: 152 – 185. *Model featured is a Korando 2.2D ELX auto at £26,545 before saving including optional metallic paint, including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund Licence & first registration charge. ‡2 tonne maximum towing capacity on diesel models. Offer available at participating dealers only and can be amended or withdrawn at any time. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may be modified or changed at any time. For photographic purposes only towing mirrors weren't used. Warranty covers 7 years or 150,000 miles.www.camc.com †Free fixed tow bar offer is available on Korando C255, while stocks last. Offer available to members of over 3 months.

January 2020 17

NEWS

SI

S

LATE BREAKS

We have some great sites to consider for later this summer here s a small selection *Prices d listed are base tch pi rd da an st a on gh hi e th g rin du adults season for two n and two childre (under 17).

Incleboro Fields Looe

Cromer beach

Despite the current sites networ closure , we ho e you are ma ing lans for later in the year and loo ing forward to touring once again. his month, we have selected eight Club sites that are erfect for families loo ing for a late summer holiday emember, too, that we have ourer lorer sites, where giant outdoor games (dominoes etc) are rovided and where activity boo lets encourage budding artists and outdoor adventurers In fact, with the e ce tion of Start Bay, all of the sites listed below are ourer lorer sites see camc.com/tourerexplorer for the full list and more information ou can boo using camc com or the Sites Boo ing a (which can be downloaded for free from the oogle lay and A le A stores)

NEW ENGLAND BAY, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

amilies will love the beautiful scenery and clean, sandy beach here ( ust a short wal away from your itch) he erally uestrian Centre, ust two miles from the site, offers ony riding lessons for children Price: from £31.60 per night (£221.20 per week)* MEATHOP FELL, CUMBRIA amilies who love wal ing and cycling together are well served at Meatho ell, while you could also ta e a boat ride on 18 May 2020

Have fun on a Tourer Explorer site indermere or try sailing, canoeing and windsurfing on Coniston Water.

Price: from £39.30 per night (£275.10 per week)* POOLSBROOK COUNTRY PARK, DERBYSHIRE his e cellent site sits within a acre country ar that is home to a children s adventure lay area, caf for refreshments and many well stoc ed la es for fishing In the wider area you ll find the ulliver s alley theme ar as well as Sherwood orest un ar Price: from £40.50 per night (£283.50 per week)* MALVERN HILLS, WORCESTERSHIRE amilies will en oy wal s in the nearby Malvern ills Area of utstanding atural Beauty, while day tri s to ton u on Severn and orcester will rovide lenty of entertainment try the free orcester City Art allery and Museum, where you can marvel at a Roman mosaic and discover the collections of ictorian adventurers Price: from £32.80 per night (£229.60 per week)* INCLEBORO FIELDS, NORFOLK olidays on the orth orfol coast will live long in the memory whether you s end your time crabbing in the sun on Cromer ier or rela ing on the beach at Sheringham you ll have a terrific time at the seaside.

Price: from £37.60 per night (£263.20 per week)*

Great Savings Guide Don’t forget to browse the 2020 Great Savings Guide this summer – it’s bigger and better than before!

Save on over 1,000 attractions and experiences across the UK and Ireland.

See camc.com/ greatsavingsguide for more information.

LITTLEHAMPTON, WEST SUSSEX More seaside fun awaits on ngland s South coast Littleham ton is home to arbour ar where you can s end hours on rides and other amusements and a miniature land train that runs along the romenade Bognor egis, Worthing and Brighton are easy to visit.

Price: from £35.80 per night (£250.60 per week)* START BAY, DEVON his site is in a beautiful location Sla ton Ley ational ature eserve is close by, while ids will love oodlands amily heme ar , about minutes drive away.

Price: from £35.00 per night (£245.00 per week)* LOOE, CORNWALL Looe has a heated, o en air swimming ool here s also a mini golf course, tennis court, lay area and layground on site it s a real boredom buster Price: from £43.40 per night (£303.80 per week)*

IMPORTANT INFORMATION **Please note that at the time of publication UK sites are scheduled to reopen on 1 July 2020. See camc. com for the latest information and follow official Government advice at all times (gov.uk). Please check with attractions with regard to updated opening dates.

www.camc.com

Innovative Upgrades After weeks indoors, now is the perfect time to plan some simple upgrades. These two practical product ranges produced by UK companies provide solutions to several age-old problems:

The Kartt Jockey Wheel - Why is it So Special?

Kartt is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of quality jockey wheels. Working with input from The Caravan and Motorhome Club, Kartt have used their decade of experience to design a jockey wheel that will overcome many problems experienced by the caravan user when choosing a replacement jockey wheel.

After rigorously analysing every component, Kartt created a jockey wheel that is tough enough to withstand impacts of cobbles, curbs, ruts and most other surfaces without breaking,

•

Unique ergonomic and safety-focussed features.

•

Heavy duty and virtually maintenance-free.

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•

Smooth travel across almost all surfaces.

KARTT Caravan Jockey Wheel £63.00 RRP £56.70 for members

Club Club Shop

Shop

CORONAVIRUS CLUB SHOP: CLOSED FROM 24 MAR - 21 APR 2020 Following Government advice and guidelines, PRIMA Leisure, who operate our Club Shop, have made close from 24 March to 21 April. As this is a fast moving situation, the closure dates may be extended. This action is being taken to help Subject to products being in stock, all current orders in the system will be dispatched.

PRIMA Leisure will keep the online shop running and will still take orders (this includes taking payment).

However, the orders will not be dispatched until the warehouse is back open and running.

The Sliding Socket Solution from Whale

The new Easi-Slide range includes sockets for BBQ points, electric inlet and outlets, and water. The installation process is simple as the sockets The sliding lids are available in white, grey and black - they slot on with a simple click so are easy to replace if needed.

Whale Sliding Socket + Lid from £16.99 (socket) + £6.99 (lid) RRP from £15.29 (socket) +£6.29 (lid) for members

Offers available for a limited time only whilst stocks last. Prices subject to change.

Buy online from Club Shop at: shop.camc.com

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Cook

COLUMN MARTIN DOREY

The Campervan

Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey checks his recipe books for an easy meal that can be made at home. This month: mouth-watering barbecue burgers

H

ow’s the garden? Mine is looking lovely for once because we’ve had some time to tend it. And the weather, thankfully, has been warm enough to fire up the barbecue and pretend we’re somewhere else, instead of sitting it out at home.

Like you, I’ve had my wings clipped recently and have had to cancel all trips for the foreseeable future, including one to France in the campervan. So, during lockdown, we’ve been keeping safe and keeping our spirits up with gardening, cooking and planning.

We’ve not yet resorted to a campout on the driveway in the campervan – but it’s only a matter of time. Actually, I might suggest that for tonight!

THE COOK RECOMMENDS...

When life gets back to normal, check out The Coombe Barton Inn, Crackington Haven, Cornwall – a fantastic beachside pub that does lovely grub.

AND AS AN APPETISER

If you can’t decide, go for Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas. It’s heavenly nosh – the fish is brought in by the Cornish fleet and cooked to perfection!

It seems like the right time to share a few salad leaves and a fluffy white bap my favourite recipe for making burgers and you’ve got a classic right there on at home. Think of it as a trial run for your your plate. Much better than raiding the next camping trip. Burgers are a barbecue freezer at the supermarket! staple and are really easy to make with a few basic ingredients. I crown my burgers with a generous dollop of home-made tomato and chilli Man Jam I made for Movember a few years ago (Google me if you’d like to get in touch for the recipe), CUT OUT but any spicy and tangy tomato chutney will do.

Add some strong cheddar,

AND KEEP

RECIPES RECIPE NO. 28

Easy peasy ers lockdoOwn burg SERVES TW

INGREDIENTS

1 small red onion 1 clove of garlic 250g beef mince ped thyme 1 tbsp of finely chop 1 large egg 2 large white rolls ves) t (or any green lea 2 handfuls of rocke r da ed ch e tra matur 2 thick slices of ex ey to serve utn ch ato tom Spicy seasoning for Salt and pepper,

METHOD

MEMBER SINCE...

Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016

www.camc.com

ely. garlic and chop fin Peel the onion and and some me thy ef, be the Mix in a bowl with re and egg into the mixtu seasoning. Crack the to d pte don’t be tem mix it through, but tough; the burgers will be overwork the mix or form s, nd ha an cle th h’. Wi leave it a little ‘roug

es to . Transfer the patti into two flat patties fridge, the in m the ve lea d a board or plate an . tes nu mi 30 for or somewhere cool, or barbecue over a hot griddle Cook the burgers r minutes fou or ee thr – ing lik until done to your the rolls in rve Se . od guide on each side is a go cheddar of e ves, a thick slic with a handful of lea . ey utn ch and a big dollop of

May 2020 21

TOURING UK SITES

COAST TO COAST Devon is the destination as Lee Davey and family take on a special challenge

A stunning stretch of North Devon coastline near Woolacombe

Anna Stowe Landscapes UK / Alamy

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Lee Davey and his family enjoyed their Devon adventure in October 2019, prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. Please keep up to date with current travel advice on the Government website (gov.uk) and our website (camc.com); we also recommend that you check with businesses/attractions that are listed regarding opening dates. We hope you enjoy the article and that it will give you some good ideas for your own future holidays.

22 May 2020

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

May 2020 23

TOURING UK SITES

1

Willingcott

Kids for £1

Club site

Nearby Woolacombe makes Willingcott a favourite with surfers and beach lovers, while direct access to the National Cycle Network is another bonus.

Pitches: 128

Member view “We live nearby but we stay here to play golf and it feels as though we’ve had a weekend away.

It’s a lovely area as we have the beaches and coastal paths as well as views across the countryside.”

Bernie and Lyn Phillips

Site view “Woolacombe beach is incredibly popular and we have a dedicated wetsuit shower. Clovelly is a popular destination and nearby Ilfracombe holds Victorian days.”

Ray and Fiona Rainford

Food & drink The Red Barn, Barton Road, Woolacombe EX34 7DF Contact: redbarnwoolacombe. co.uk, 01271 870264

Culture GREAT Chambercombe Manor, SAVINGS GUIDE Chambercombe Lane, Ilfracombe EX34 9RJ Contact: chambercombemanor. org.uk, 01271 862202 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

Outdoor fun Surfing Croyde Bay, 8 Hobbs Hill, Croyde EX33 1LZ Contact: surfingcroydebay. co.uk, 01271 891200

For the family Borough Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe EX34 7HE Contact: boroughfarm.co.uk, 01271 870056 24 May 2020

“

Our coast-to-coast trip took in the very best of North and South Devon

T

he challenge of the ‘coast-to-coast’ trip captured my imagination from an early age, as grainy, 1970s TV footage spotlit a succession of lovable eccentrics who travelled the length of the UK in, or on, unsuitable vehicles.

Various John o’ Groats to Land’s End contraptions were built in living rooms and garden sheds in an effort to bag the ‘and finally...’ slot on the evening news.

”

Incredible as it would have been, such a long-distance adventure was out of the question on this occasion. Our own coast-tocoast trip would involve travelling with caravan in tow from the Bristol Channel to the English Channel, taking in the very best of both North and South Devon.

Devon’s near neighbour, Cornwall, is usually singled out as England’s surfing mecca, but Woolacombe’s main beach is surely a title contender, boasting a reef break that, I’m told, provides surfers with a decent amount of ‘swell’. www.camc.com

2

Uplands

Certificated Location This CL offers great views and has a pub within easy walking distance. Hardstandings and a posh loo and shower block are further attractions.

Contact: 01769 540242 Sites Directory & Handbook p331

Site view “We’re central for lots of locations such as the RHS gardens [Rosemoor] and the beaches, as well as Torrington. We also have a shop 50 yards in one direction and a pub 50 yards in the other!

Barnstaple isn’t far away if members are looking to visit a larger Devon town.”

Jordan, Colin and Clare Court

Food & drink

BOOKING INFO For current information Ilfracombe on UK sites bookings, please refer to our website The most northerly site during camc.com our trip, Willingcott, is just 2½ miles

It’s one of those rare places that manages to please everyone, regardless of age or time of year, as thrill seekers can take to the waves, while others relax on the sandy shores, or in the town’s numerous shops and cafes.

The beach is also incredibly dog-friendly, with mutts galore charging along the sand during our October half-term visit. Should you wish to holiday during the warmer months, canines are still welcome, with a few restrictions (see.woolacombetourism.co.uk). www.camc.com

from Woolacombe, and is obviously popular with surfers and beachgoers. The wash block is equipped with wetsuit showers and a laundry drying area, but cyclists are equally at home thanks to direct access to Route 27 of the National Cycle Network. It takes about 40 largely traffic-free minutes to reach Ilfracombe on two wheels, but my jelly legs baulked at the idea of a much longer route southwards to Barnstaple.

Anna Stowe Landscapes UK / Alamy

The Exeter Inn (close to the CL), Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh EX37 9NS Contact: 01769 540281

Culture Okehampton Castle, Castle Lodge, Okehampton EX20 1JA Contact: english-heritage.org.uk, 01837 52844

Outdoor fun Quince Honey Farm, GREAT SAVINGS South Molton EX36 3RD GUIDE Contact: quincehoney farm.co.uk, 01769 572401 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

For the family Cobbaton Combat Collection, Chittlehampton, Umberleigh EX37 9RZ Contact: cobbaton combat.co.uk, 01769 540740

May 2020 25

TOURING UK SITES

Boats on the beach at Sidmouth

3

Exebridge Lakeside Club site

This site has a large playpark for the kids and an excellent dog-walking field. Great location for visits to Dulverton.

Pitches: 80 Tent camping available here.

Member view “It’s a lovely quiet site that’s clean and tidy.

We’ve stayed here for a number of years and visited lots of the local towns and attractions, but nothing beats walking the dog in the Devon countryside.”

Roger and Ann Dancer

Andy Hunting / Alamy

Site view “Views from the site are stunning.

We have one of the best on-site dog walks on the network and keen anglers have coarse fishing next door and fly fishing just up the road. Licences can be purchased from reception.”

Paul and Ann Matthews

Food & drink The Anchor Inn, Exebridge, Dulverton TA22 9AZ Contact: anchorinnexebridge. co.uk, 01398 323433

Culture Dunster Gallox Bridge, Park Street, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SR Contact: english-heritage.org.uk

Outdoor fun Exmoor National Park Contact: exmoor-nationalpark. gov.uk, 01398 323665

For the family Diggerland Devon, Verbeer Manor, GREAT SAVINGS Cullompton EX15 2PE GUIDE Contact: diggerland.com Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

26 May 2020

Passing through Barnstaple with car and caravan (instead of a bike), the A377 took us to Uplands CL, which occupies a quiet spot in the village of Chittlehamholt.

As the name suggests, from its lofty position the site offers commanding views of the Devon countryside, and the family-run business is equipped with a posh washblock (complete with large shower) and hardstandings should they be required.

The local pub is a huge plus too, with many members choosing to dine out rather than cook in their caravan or motorhome, while provisions can be bought from a shop just 50 yards from site.

WAR MACHINES

The nearby Cobbaton Combat Collection proved irresistible to my son Charlie and I during our visit. Inside, dozens of Second World War vehicles are surrounded by a mind-boggling array of period artefacts;

displays simulate life for those in combat, as well as those at home between 1939 and 1945.

If wartime memorabilia is not your thing, the Uplands owners pride themselves on being able to make suggestions that suit the needs of most members, whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly walk, local beach or other attraction.

Our next stop was to the east at the popular Exebridge Lakeside Club site. This was our first ever visit, so I posted a question on Twitter, asking if anyone had stayed before and whether they had any recommendations for things to do.

The response was overwhelming, with several families stating that this well-placed site was firmly in their top three, and that frequent visits were necessary to experience everything that this area has to offer.

Nearby Dulverton and its medieval bridge over the River Barle were mentioned repeatedly.

This lovely market town is home to a wonderful variety of independent shops, restaurants and www.camc.com

“

Sidmouth was described by John Betjeman as ‘caught still in a timeless charm’

4

Nomansland

”

Certificated Location

toonm8 / Alamy

An easily accessible, welltended site with great views over the Devon countryside.

Contact: 01363 773229 Sites Directory & Handbook p322

Site view “Members visit our site for a spot of rest and relaxation.

Some spend the day golfing; others visit the local area and enjoy a coffee somewhere. The National Trust properties of Knightshayes and Killerton are nearby.”

Bob and Sheila Webb

David Gee / Alamy

Food & drink

www.camc.com

Culture Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton EX16 7RG Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01884 254665 kevin nicholson / Alamy

tea rooms and is situated on the southern fringes of Exmoor. You can find out about things to do in this wildly beautiful region in the National Park Centre in the main square.

In need of supplies, we also headed into Bampton, just an eight-minute drive from the Club site, and were instantly struck by its character. During much of the year it possesses a sleepy charm, but when we visited preparations were well underway for Bampton Charter Fair, which dates from the 13th century when Henry III granted the town its Royal Charter. On the last Thursday in October, each year, the streets are filled with stalls, live music and street performances.

It was time to head south for Nomansland CL, which, as well as offering access to both of Devon’s coastlines, is popular with members seeking a large helping of rest and relaxation or wanting to explore on foot or by train.

Devon is blessed with a fine selection of National Trust (and, for that matter, English

Why not enjoy a barbecue with sausages and burgers from the on-site shop?

Contact: 01363 773229

Three scenes at Sidmouth, from top: Jurassic Coast cliffs; girls play on a pebble beach looking out to the Channel; a family takes a stroll along the sand

Outdoor fun Downes Crediton Golf Club.

Hookway, Crediton EX17 3PT Contact: downescrediton gc.co.uk, 01363 773025

For the family Exeter’s Underground GREAT Passages, 2 Paris Street, SAVINGS Exeter EX1 1GA. GUIDE Contact: exeter.gov.uk/ passages, 01392 665887 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

May 2020 27

TOURING UK SITES

5

Putts Corner Club site

Located between Honiton and Sidmouth, Putts Corner is a lovely, scenic site. The pub and bus stop are a five-minute walk away.

Pitches: 117

Member view

Site view “Popular days out tend to be the Jurassic Coast, the Donkey Sanctuary and Sidmouth, which is a Victorian seaside town. A number of visitors will stay at Putts Corner so they can visit the donkey they’ve adopted at the sanctuary.”

Mandy Margett and Sue Mann

Food & drink Hare & Hounds (footpath from site), Putts Corner, Sidbury EX10 0QQ Contact: hareandhounds-devon. co.uk, 01404 41760

Culture Salcombe Hill circular walk (five miles, moderate), Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth EX10 0NY Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 01297 680507

Outdoor fun Sidmouth Town Beach, The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8BD Contact: visitsouthdevon.co.uk

For the family Karting Nation – Exeter, GREAT SAVINGS Greendale Business Park, GUIDE Sidmouth Road, Woodbury Salterton EX5 1EW. Contact: kartingnation.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

28 May 2020

Widgery's Cross, Brat Tor, Dartmoor

Heritage) properties, and both Killerton and Knightshayes estates are an easy drive away.

Nomansland’s owners have invested a considerable sum to ensure stays are as comfortable as possible, offering a loo and shower block, choice of serviced pitches and hardstandings to its guests.

To underline the popularity of walking in this area, local rambling groups regularly book several pitches and plot an eight-to-ten-mile excursion before returning for afternoon tea.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

Nomansland is also a handy spot for visiting Exeter and solves the parking conundrum.

Parking is free at Crediton Station (at the time of writing) – 2½ miles away from the CL – and the city can be reached in just 18 minutes by train. I’m told that a Devon & Cornwall Railcard can be a worthwhile investment thanks to the reduced fares it provides for the duration of your stay.

To the east, sitting between the popular holiday spots of Honiton and Sidmouth, lies Putts Corner. Obviously walking is popular wherever you are in Devon, but take a stroll from this attractive Club site and you’ll be

Ladram Bay

Vibriant / Alamy

Andrew Ray / Alamy

“The site is very convenient as I live 90 minutes away – so, if the weather is good, I’ll book a pitch.

It’s a very friendly site and ideal for the coast.”

Michael Rawlingson

doing the community – as well as yourself – a service. Purchase a circular route map from the friendly wardens and your donation goes to the Air Ambulance. Last year, walkers raised an impressive £380 between them.

SAFE HAVEN

Talking of worthy causes, The Donkey Sanctuary is a very short drive from site, near Sidmouth, offering an opportunity for a fantastic day out. Home to hundreds of www.camc.com

Illustration: Louise Turpin

www.camc.com

and Holeacre is understandably popular with rambling fans, offering electric hook-ups and hardstandings all year round.

ANIMAL MAGIC

Clear days reward visitors with beautiful views, and if you are lucky you might spot deer, foxes, buzzards, skylarks and woodpeckers.

If wildlife really is your thing, nearby Dunsford Nature Reserve or the National Trust’s Fingle Woods are popular attractions. Ten miles to the east – and technically the closest

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

Image Professionals GmbH / Alamy

donkeys, mules and hinnies that have been rescued from mistreatment or placed in the charity’s care, this charming attraction also boasts scenic farm trails, a nature centre, play area, maze, restaurant and gift shop.

Many members who have ‘adopted’ a donkey regularly stay at Putts Corner so they can visit ‘their’ furry friends.

Venturing further afield (an easy thing to do as there is a bus stop close to the site), the South West Coast Path is a walker’s dream, but don’t overlook Sidmouth itself – this picturesque seaside town was described by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman as “caught still in a timeless charm”.

You can’t tour Devon without making mention of Dartmoor, and fortunately Holeacre – the final CL destination on this tour – is located inside this wonderful National Park.

During the 1980s I trudged for many a mile across the moor in pursuit of my Duke of Edinburgh Award – and despite memories of sodden boots, cold tents and emergency Kendal Mint Cake, my love for this rugged landscape remains undiminished. This unique area is a mecca for well-prepared walkers who anticipate Dartmoor’s ever-changing weather,

May 2020 29

TOURING UK SITES

6

Holeacre

Certificated Location A peaceful site with views that stretch for miles. An information hut is a useful bonus.

Contact: 01647 24292 Sites Directory & Handbook p323

“Our CL is a level site in the Dartmoor National Park with panoramic views.

The National Trust properties of Castle Drogo, Finch Foundry, and Teign Gorge are nearby, and we have an adjoining field to exercise your dog.”

Geoff and Joyce Dicker

Food & drink The Old Thatch Inn, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter EX6 6JH Contact: theoldthatch inn.co.uk, 01647 24204

Culture Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, nr Exeter EX6 6PB Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk

Outdoor fun Beck Falls Ancient Woodland Park, Dartmoor (check website for directions) Contact: beckyfalls.com, 01647 221259

For the family House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass, The Old Pottery, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9DS. Contact: houseofmarbles.com, 01626 835358

30 May 2020

Sebastian Wasek / Alamy

Site view

Exeter Cathedral (above); Haldon Forest (right) is a mecca for mountain bikers

“

Mountain biking hotspot Haldon Forest is only a couple of miles away from the site

”

destination to the English Channel – Exeter Racecourse Club site was the final destination on our Devon-based coast-to-coast trip.

Exeter’s horse racing season runs from October until April so there is some crossover with the site’s usual opening dates (for most of the summer, it is a surprisingly quiet location). Fans of the sport of kings can pitch their caravan or motorhome alongside the course for a ringside seat – or, if you want to be in the thick of the action, your Caravan and Motorhome Club membership card grants half-price access to seating in the grandstand.

Meanwhile, Haldon Forest is only a couple of miles away from the site. Renowned as a mountain-biking hotspot, it is also home to a Go Ape treetop course. My daughter Poppy and I had a fantastic time climbing

through the canopy, eventually returning to terra firma via the zipline (a highlight of the entire trip!).

If you’d like a touring challenge, why not consider following my coast-to-coast route some time in the future? Talking of which, maybe that John o’ Groats to Land’s End adventure isn't beyond the realms of possibility.

Where’s that map...?

MEMBER SINCE...

Caravanner Lee Davey joined the Club in 2006

www.camc.com

7

Exeter Racecourse Club site

Located within the grounds of the racecourse, this site offers great walking opportunities and access to the city of Exeter.

Pitches: 103 Tent camping available here.

Member view “It’s a very nice site, particularly if you have a dog as there are lots of walks. It’s also a nice relaxed site outside of race days with lots of space between pitches.”

Lyn Adams

Andrew Lloyd / Alamy

Site view

Walking | Dulverton Loop

Named after Henry Williamson’s beloved literary creation, this is among the finest walking and cycling routes on the National Cycle Network, being almost entirely traffic-free over its 30-mile length. Passing along the nature-rich environs of the Taw-Torridge Estuary, it takes in mudflats and salt marsh, oak woodlands and hazel coppice, railway tunnels and bridges, and a series picturesque Devon towns and villages including Braunton, Great Torrington and Meeth. Otter-ly brilliant.

Route plan: https:// www.sustrans.org.uk/ find-a-route-on-thenational-cycle-network/ tarka-trail/

Use the ViewRanger walking app to enjoy a vast array of walks in Devon, such as the Dulverton Loop, a three-and-a-halfmile moderate circular. It follows the winding River Barle through woodland before a steep climb takes you back to Dulverton for tea. Following the seven-day free trial, Club members save 12% on a PREMIUM + Ordnance Survey Maps for Great Britain subscription with ViewRanger.

Visit camc.com/viewranger for details.

www.camc.com

J Bewley/photojB

Cycling | Tarka Trail

“Members use this site as a stopover on their way to Devon and Cornwall, but we do have much more to offer! The beautiful city of Exeter, pretty seaside towns and villages and, of course, Dartmoor.”

Rob Jeanes

Food & drink Route 5 American Diner, Haldon Hill, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XS. Contact: routerestaurants.co.uk, 01392 833886

Culture Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS Contact: exeter-cathedral.org.uk, 01392 255573

Outdoor fun Races at Exeter Racecourse Contact: thejockeyclub.co.uk, 01392 832599

For the family Go Ape - Haldon Forest, Bullers Hill, GREAT Kennford EX6 7XR SAVINGS GUIDE Contact: goape.co. uk, 01603 895500 Member offer available: camc.com/greatsavingsguide

May 2020 31

TOURING CERTIFICATED LOCATIONS

CL SITES UPDATES IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note that at the time of publication UK sites are scheduled to reopen on 1 July 2020. See camc.com for the latest information and follow official Government advice at all times (gov.uk).

Please check with attractions with regard to updated opening dates.

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 reference/ map number in the 2019/20 Sites Directory & Handbook. They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise shown.

Blasford Hill Fishery

UPDATES

NEW CLS ENGLAND

ESSEX

CHELMSFORD (3.6m N) – Blasford Hill Fishery, Mr Neville Rice, Blasford Hill, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PF. 51.778905, 0.473503. 07789 816461; info@ blasfordhillfishery.co.uk. 1 acre; dogs; adv bkg req; grass; 16A; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad + 2 ch).

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

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.

1962 DORNOCH – Davochfin Farm. New email: dornochlochans@gmail.com.

1982 MORAY – Glenlivet. New manager and contact details: Meg McHardy; email: glenlivetmeg@ gmail.com; 07983 607774.

Routes – an important note. Routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may include roads unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers or caravans. There may also be specific weight, width or height restrictions.

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

Cairngorms National Park is within easy reach of Glenlivet CL 32 May 2020

VWB photos

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

801 POULTON-LE-FYLDE – Miss J L Baker, Old Mill House 1269 BRIDGNORTH – Miss S M Riley, Woodspring Farm 1638 CLENT – Steve Bastable, Yew Tree Farm

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 21

ACTIVITY BREAKS WALKING Wells-next-the-Sea

LET’S GO ON A...

LONG-DISTANCE

RAMBLE A Visit Britain

Jonathan Manning enjoys the solitude and splendour of the Norfolk Coast Path

34 May 2020

stiff breeze snaps flags to attention and ruffles the petals of poppy wreaths at the foot of the war memorial in Hunstanton’s Esplanade Gardens. A few metres to the right, gazing west over the Wash, stands an ordinary-looking footpath sign with an extraordinary message – Cromer 47 miles, Hopton-on-Sea 84 miles.

The fingerpost marks the official start of the Norfolk Coast Path, a longdistance trail that hugs the North Sea

eastwards, all the way to Great Yarmouth and beyond. The original national trail ended at Cromer and my 2015 guidebook locates the finish line in Sea Palling – but the official terminus of the trail is now Hopton-on-Sea. By the time you lace up your boots, the Norfolk Coast Path may well have invaded Suffolk!

There’s a sense of purpose when you tackle a long-distance path, and a sense of satisfaction in ticking off the stages as the highlighter pen traces its way across the Ordnance Survey map. The distances may look intimidating and the landscapes challenging – the

Pennine Way, for example, climbs 268 miles along the rugged spine of England – but, section-by-section, weekend-byweekend, or even week-by-week, the tally of miles covered gradually outnumbers the miles remaining.

For debutant long-distance walkers, there’s no better trail to tackle than the Norfolk Coast Path. Its ‘national trail’ status means the waymarking is superb, although there’s barely any call for a map. Simply keep the sea on your left or right depending on the direction you choose and follow the path ahead – if your ankles get wet you’ve gone wrong!

www.camc.com

Jonathan at the start

Moreover, the coastline as far as Sea Palling is brilliantly served by an hourly Coasthopper bus service that whisks walkers to the start of each day’s section – or back at the end of the day.

(Quick tip: catching the service first thing in the morning means there’s no anxiety at the end of a stage about whether the bus will come or not.)

Add into the mix three Club sites plus a generous sprinkling of CLs to serve as basecamps – so there’s no need to carry your life on your back in a giant rucksack – and the logistics of taking on the Norfolk Coast Path are all set fair.

www.camc.com

FEAST FOR THE EYES

But all of this is, of course, back to front.

The motive to walk the Path lies not in its bus services, campsites or its ease of navigation, but in its magnificent and surprisingly varied seascapes. From the red-banded cliffs of Hunstanton to the epic sweeps of sand at Brancaster, Wells-next-the-Sea and Great Yarmouth, to the salt marshes of Burnham Deepdale and Cley, this is a walk where the scenery and light change with dramatic effect.

Lovely pubs and cafés punctuate the route – please take a bow The Lifeboat Inn at Thornham, The Crab Hut in

Brancaster Staithe, Salthouse’s Dun Cow, Rocket House Café in Cromer, Bacton Fish Shop, and Smallsticks Café in Happisburgh. Plus there are convenience stores, supermarkets and the occasional deli for DIY picnic lunches (the Thornham Deli got this trek off to a tasty start).

Above all, there’s a fabulous contrast between the buzz of small seaside villages and the wind-blown isolation of the path as it follows the tideline or clambers onto a sea wall for farreaching views over the salt marshes.

At most points of the trail walkers are no more than a mile or two from a town

May 2020 35

ACTIVITY BREAKS WALKING

Info: nationaltrail.co.uk

Stay at: Incleboro Fields Club site, Seacroft Club site, Great Yarmouth Racecourse Club site.

Old sea wall near Burnham Deepdale

Alternative long distance paths 1. Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Rollercoastering its way southwards from St Dogmaels to Amroth, this stunning trail rises and falls for 186 miles. The clifftop views are spellbinding, and in the late spring and summer the carpets of wildflowers are beautiful. Pembrokeshire coastal bus services make it easy for walkers to tackle linear stages of this national trail.

Info: nt.pcnpa.org.uk Stay at: Freshwater East Club site, St Davids Lleithyr Meadow Club site, Shawsmead Club site

2. South Downs Way

With careful planning it’s possible to walk all 100 miles of this national trail from Winchester to Eastbourne relying on buses, trains and only one taxi to shuttle back to the start of a day’s stage. Highlights include gorgeous downland, the meanders of Cuckmere Haven, and the spectacular Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.

Info: nationaltrail.co.uk Stay at: Morn Hill Club site, Littlehampton Club site, Northbrook Farm Club site, Brighton Club site

3. Great Glen Way

Hike coast-to-coast across Scotland, perhaps using Club sites at either end of this surprisingly straightforward trail. The 79-mile route crosses from Fort William to Inverness via Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal towpath.

A Citylink bus service runs the length of the Great Glen, making linear walks easy to plan.

Info: highland.gov.uk/greatglenway Stay at: Bunree Club site, Culloden Moor Club site

or village, but civilisation feels a galaxy away below these huge skies, when it’s just the birds for company. Columns of gulls rise on the breeze without beating a wing, lapwings twist and turn with balletic grace, and redwing, oystercatchers and scores of other waders scurry over the mudflats in search of their next meals. This is five-star birdwatching territory, from the RSPB reserve at Titchwell to the reedbeds and hides of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley and Salthouse Marshes.

My binoculars re-emerge farther to the east at Sheringham’s lifeguard lookout station. It’s just 45m above sea level yet delivers views that seem to extend as far as the start of the walk. In Cromer, the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum provides an interesting diversion after an ice cream on the pier, while the gas power station at Bacton proves to be one of the few blots on this landscape.

Each day starts in the same way, clambering onto the Lynx or Coasthopper bus to pick up the 36 May 2020

For current information on UK Sites bookings, please refer to our website camc.com

path where the previous day ended. I try to keep my eyes closed during the journey to avoid spoiling the surprise of the route to come – windmills and flint-walled churches are examples of regular eye-catching landmarks.

Some days the distances disappear in the flash of an eye, smooth level paths facilitating brisk progress over 15-plus miles. Other days the soft sand of Holme or the gruelling shingle of Cley and Weybourne turn seven or eight miles into a slog. At least by walking west to east, the prevailing breeze is at my back.

TIME AND TIDE

Wind and waves have conspired at Happisburgh to erode the coastline with alarming effect, a phalanx of giant boulders at the top of the beach attempting to protect the village from tumbling into the clutches of the North Sea. A few miles further on, rock groynes and a concrete sea wall defend Sea Palling.

After the solitude of Waxham and Horsey, the seaside resorts of Newport, Caister-on-Sea and Great Yarmouth arrive as a shock to the system.

Fleets of static caravans stand on holiday parks, amusement arcades lure tourists with music and flashing neon, and gulls wheel idly by, waiting for the squeals and dropped chips of summer.

As previously mentioned, Hopton-on-Sea is the final destination for now but the government has already published proposals to extend the 'England Coast Path' from here to Aldeburgh in Suffolk, so like a gift that keeps on giving, there’s more to come from this sublime trail.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Jonathan Manning walked the Norfolk Coast Path before the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Please check the Government’s official website (gov.uk) for the latest travel and social distancing advice. We hope you enjoy planning your own future long-distance rambles.

From top: Hunstanton; Brancaster Beach www.camc.com

BOOK

ON THE

APP

“

..xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

”

-Steven, Raleigh customer

Caravan and Motorhome Club members save up to £280 on an electric bike and receive a free helmet with all bike purchases Terms and conditions apply visit camc.com/raleigh for details

raleigh.co.uk @RaleighBikes @RaleighBikesUK @RaleighBikes_UK

www.camc.com

November 2016 XX

MEMBER OFFERS SPECIAL DEALS

SAVE WITH THE CLUB

When the weather starts to warm up, you’ll want to mow the lawn and fire up the barbecue.

The Club Shop stocks a wide range of Cadac barbecues and accessories, all with exclusive 10% savings for members. Visit shop.camc.com and use the discount code CS-0218-PRIMA IMPORTANT INFORMATION CLUB SHOP: CLOSED FROM 24 MAR-21 APR 2020

Following Government advice and guidelines, PRIMA Leisure, who operate our Club Shop, have made the difficult decision to close from 24 March to 21 April. As this is a fast moving situation, the closure dates may be extended. This action is being taken to help protect staff and customers.

Subject to products being in stock, all current orders in the system will be dispatched. If products have been ordered and are not in stock, PRIMA Leisure will notify affected customers.

PRIMA Leisure will keep the online shop running and will still take orders (this includes taking payment). However, the orders will not be dispatched until the warehouse is back open and running.

SAVE £11 ON THE COOK 2 PRO DELUXE Ideal for your use in the garden or while you’re out on tour, the Cadac BBQ 2 Cook 2 Pro Deluxe is a lightweight tabletop cooker that works with refillable low pressure gas cylinders. The independent burners are fired up quickly and safely with automatic piezo ignition.

Find out more at shop.camc.com

A TASTY 10% OFF THE BBQ GRILLO CHEF 2 The Grillo Chef 2 Chef Pan Combo is easy to assemble, and packs down small to fit in your caravan or motorhome, but big enough to cook tasty meals for all the family. Full price £209.99 – but members can buy it for £189. Find out more at shop.camc.com Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all Club Shop products – see shop.camc.com for details 38 May 2020

Feast on these deals

Whether you’re looking to stock up on barbecue food or simply fancy giving yourself a treat, these fantastic foodie offers are perfect for Club members

Great deals on barbecue accessories n The Cadac 33cm diameter Pizza Stone is compatible with the Cadac Grillo Chef and Carri Chef as well as other gas barbecues and electrical ovens that can accommodate its size n The Cadac 3 Piece BBQ Utensil Set comprises a spatula, tongs and a fork all made from quality stainless steel. They feature handy hanging loops and soft-touch handles. Find out more at shop.camc.com

Hinterhaus Productions/Getty

Expand your al fresco dining kit options with these handy accessories:

Save 4% every time you shop at Sainsbury’s Members using the Sainsbury’s Everyday Shopping Card saved an average of £200 during 2019. Every time you top up your Everyday Shopping Card with at least £50, Sainsbury’s will give you a 4% discount.

For example, if you load £100 onto your card, it will cost you just £96. Once topped up it can be used in-store for food, wine, homewares, fashion, electricals, entertainment, gifts and treats.

Find out more at camc.com/sainsburys

GREAT GIFT HAMPER DEALS If barbecues are not your thing why not enjoy a picnic instead with a hamper from The Cornish Hamper Store? Check out a fantastic selection featuring everything from Cornish cheeses and cakes to ales and ciders. You can enjoy a 10% discount at camc.com/the-cornish-hamper-store.

Terms and conditions apply to all member offers – see camc.com/memberoffers for details www.camc.com

May 2020 39

SPECIAL CLUB SHOP

BE PREPARED You might not be able to get away at the moment, but there’s plenty you can do to prepare for your next adventure. Check out these Club Shop products designed to keep you safe, secure and comfortable – see shop.camc.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CLUB SHOP: CLOSED FROM 24 MAR - 21 APR 2020

Following Government advice and guidelines, PRIMA Leisure, who operate our Club Shop, have made the difficult decision to close from 24 March to 21 April. As this is a fast moving situation, the closure dates may be extended. This action is being taken to help protect staff and customers.

Subject to products being in stock, all current orders in the system will be dispatched. If products have been ordered and are not in stock, PRIMA Leisure will notify affected customers.

PRIMA Leisure will keep the online shop running and will still take orders (this includes taking payment). However, the orders will not be dispatched until the warehouse is back open and running.

TRUMA LEVEL CONTROL This product allows you to see how much gas you have in your LPG cylinder via an app on your smartphone.

A measuring device attaches to the bottom of your cylinder and uses ultrasound technology to determine how much gas remains. It then sends information about the percentage available and how many days you have left via Bluetooth or SMS when used with the Truma iNet system. The LevelControl device attaches to the bottom of steel containers using magnets. See camc.com/shop for full details and restrictions.

Full price: £130 Member price: £117

Tyre-Pal TC215B/2 tyre pressure monitoring system

GasStop emergency gas shut-off valve This fantastic device mechanically shuts off the flow of gas in the event of a leak. Simple to fit, it also features a gas level indicator so you can tell if you are running low. Designed for use with propane LPG cylinders using low pressure regulators (up to 50mbar), it comes with a five-year warranty.

Full price: £39.99 Member price: £35.99

MILENCO WRAITH WHEEL LOCK

Protect your pride and joy with the Milenco Wraith caravan wheel lock. Simply push the high-grade steel bar through the wheel and lock into the Low Mass Security Wheel Bolt Receiver (which replaces one of your standard caravan wheel bolts). Designed to be simple to fit, it features a highvisibility, non corrosive plastic cover, while a foam back protects your alloy or steel wheels. Conforming to the Sold Secure Gold Standard, the Milenco Wraith is engineered to give you greater peace of mind while you are away or your caravan is in storage. (Not suitable for motorhomes.)

Full price: £129.99 Member price: £116.99

Tyre-Pal systems allow you to keep a close eye on your tyre pressures at home or while you’re out on the road.

Simply unscrew the standard dust caps on your vehicle’s wheels and replace them with the special locking sensors (two provided with this pack; extras may be purchased separately) – these communicate wirelessly with a monitor that sits in your vehicle cab.

A digital display keeps you up to date while audio and visual alerts warn you if pressures drop too low or a tyre is in danger of overheating.

Full price: £135 Member price: £121.50

Information correct at time of publication. Terms and conditions apply to all Club Shop products – see shop.camc.com for details 40 May 2020

www.camc.com

NE W DISCOVER THE NEW Pro Series

Multi-Channel, Watch & Record The new Avtex DRS-PRO series sets a new standard in mobile portable entertainment.

Connected Series

The Biggest Shows, Live & On Demand, all together in one place Fire Angel CO-9BT and all for free

carbon monoxide detectorThe new Avtex connected TV series with

Freeview Play. Scroll forwards and backwards • Watch one programme and record another on any CO-9BT carbon monoxide alarm is platform Digital TV or Satellite TV at the same time designed to give you greaterthe peace through TV guide for 7-day catch up, plus Easy to install, the Fire Angel

home or out on tour.

• Watch a DVD and record a TV programme at theof mind while at loads more Suitable for wall mounting or left on same time

• Timer record from programme guide – Pause / Playback live TV CORONAVIRUS Please note the Club Shop

• Instant record on Digital TV Satellite TV website is stillor running and taking to USB or HDD (not included) orders.

However, following

demand with BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 & UKTV Play. Watch channels only accessible with a connected TV.

free-standing as a portable device, it has a seven-year warranty. Powered by 2 x AA batteries (supplied).

Usual Prima Leisure price: £29.99 Member price:•£26.99 Full HD connected

government advice, the

• DVB-T2 /S2 Tuners warehouse was closed from 24

March until 21(Ideal April 2020.

All • AQT one button tuning system for touring) orders received during that

period will be processed and • On screen battery meter

dispatched from 21 April 2020

• Mains/battery 240v AC/12v/24v DC (subject to government advice).

Available in 19.5” 21.5” 24” Full HD screen sizes

• • • • • • •

TV with built-in satellite decoder Tuners DVB-T/ DVBT-2 / DVBS / DVBS2 Freeview HD Freeview Play 7 day forwards and 7 day backwards programme guide AQT one button tuning system (Ideal for touring) On screen battery meter Mains/battery 240v AC/12v/24v DC

Available in 19” 21” 24” 27” Full HD screen sizes

for further information call:

02920 847670 avtex.co.uk

Availability of channels subject to geographic location and coverage. Aerial upgrade may be required. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability. Minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps required for

www.camc.com May 2020 XX catch up and on demand services. Watching on demand and catch up programmes will count towards any monthly broadband data allowance. 7-day catch up for selected channels.

CORRESPONDENCE YOUR VIEWS

Letters

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

STAR LETTER

LET THE MIND WANDER

TonyWest/Getty

Spring in Troutbeck, Cumbria

Three weeks of lockdown and I don't think we have ever valued, or missed, our freedom of movement so much. Thank you for trying to keep the sites open, but it was inevitable they would have to close, and we, as many others, had to see our Easter holiday plans take a back seat to more serious issues. My mind often wanders to the places

we love to visit – Cornwall, South Wales, Cumbria, and Derbyshire.

Photos, including those of our fantastic trip to the Outer Hebrides two years ago, have brought a smile to my face, and a longing to my heart. Orkney, where we had hoped to visit for the first time this summer, may still be possible, but time will tell.

Our old Compass Calypso is sitting on the drive, waiting patiently.

For now, all we can wish for ourselves, our family and friends, and all in the Caravan and Motorhome Club is our good health, and many wonderful days ahead when we can once again visit the places we love, and find new places to fall in love with.

Joan Pickavance, via email

Send your letters to: enquiries@camc.com or magazine@camc.com.

POSITIVE MESSAGES As we cant go away (or to school), Georgia-May Bushnell is doing some creative writing using your lovely magazine images as prompts.

Caro Bushnell

I wanted to share my photo from May 2019 of the coastal path from Boscastle. Longing to get away... fingers crossed we will later in the year.

Karen Waple

Camping anyway, but on our drive.

Miss the sites and cant wait for reopening.

Jennifer Beaumont

It’s a scoop!

Responding to [Club Together Community Manager] Rowena’s suggestion that “it would be really nice to share some stories” and to “get some inspiration from your photos for when this is all over”, I thought that it might be amusing to share some of our ‘Ice Cream Selfies’.

They’re mainly from overseas trips with one exception; however, they all suffer from two deficiencies. Firstly, I never think 42 May 2020

to take a photo until we’ve scoffed the tops of our cones. Secondly, you can’t tell from the background where they’ve been taken!

When you all get back to summer touring, perhaps we could have a competition for ice-cream selfies. Singles, couples, best background, mystery location, most exotic setting – just some of the categories we could have!

Chasncath, on Club Together

xxxxxxxx www.camc.com

NickDavid/Getty

Plant passion You’ve been sharing your gardening projects and offering each other handy tips…

Apart from my raised bed project, there’s not that much happening elsewhere in the garden. There are, though, signs of life, not least the Clematis Armandii ‘Enham Star’ with its clusters of creamy-white flowers with a heady scent. There’s a dwarf cherry just coming into flower and the climbing roses are starting to shoot. Last year we planted a Viburnum Plicatum ‘Kilimanjaro’ – can’t wait to see that in all its glory – a fabulous plant that holds its flowers for a good while.

Freddy55

I’m hanging back from sowing all our seeds [posted late March].

I like it to warm up a bit and can leave trays on the floor of the greenhouse. If I hadn’t got the space we have, I’d be attempting to grow some veg or herbs in pots or whatever. Even if it doesn’t feed the nation it would give me something to look at. brue It will be carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, parsnips, onions, peas and runner beans – oh, and some courgettes and squashes, plus the usual tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers, and salad stuff, redcurrants and strawberries. I hope to put in a pear tree and espalier it along the fence – I’m reading up on that bit! huskydog

CANINE CORRESPONDENCE Even your pets have been keeping in touch…

Hi everyone. My first post as an independent canine Club member.

My humans aren’t in total lockdown yet, but are behaving a bit strangely, so I thought I’d take to this web thing and give it a go… If you want to share lockdown tips, keep in touch, add a photo, say hello to a mate you haven’t seen for a while, feel free to add something here, on the Sniffer [Sniffer, Diary of a Dog in Isolation] thread! It would be good to hear from other confined canines, but in these special circumstances, anything that woofs, neighs, squeaks, grunts, moos, tweets... ok, even meows… is most welcome to join in. takethedogalong Hello Sniffer, I thought I’d comment on my owners who seem to be acting even stranger the last few days… When on a walk in the parks we keep our distance from my mates (Ben, Lassie, Satan and even Charlie who I adore) and despite my efforts to get to them www.camc.com

POETRY (ALMOST IN MOTION) Hitched up and ready, but we can’t go Unable to travel but yearning to tow From our window we look to the beckoning road Our vehicle wanting to carry its load So we must seek our adventures in fantasy and play The sun will shine to tempt us to stray But our travels for now must be all in the mind To be happy and loving and responsible and kind But the good times, the great times, the family we, Will continue our journeys just you wait and see With laughter and love and cake and tea The world will soon reopen, just you wait and see Anon

KEEPING BUSY Following a request on Club Together for news of what members were planning to do during their time at home, we received a flurry of replies. Here’s a small selection…

Possible jobs so far: Thorough clean and wax of the MH. Thorough clean and repaint of my old bike. Edit last two years’ foreign trips dash cam footage and photos into some sort of narrated video footage. Tidy garage. OH did mutter about decorating the lounge about the same time as my selective hearing disorder flared up again. cyberyacht As well as servicing all my vehicles I am taking a bit of garden wall down so I can manoeuvre the MH better and also taking up a childhood

the recall signal means I’m deprived of canine company.

Apparently someone called Papa John is calling this evening with my supper – I’ll keep an eye out for him later today. By the way, my name is Merl, short for Merlin, and the picture is of me active on the beach – do you love the wide open spaces of beaches? Hope to hear from you soon and keep wagging.

KeithandMargaret

hobby of model making for the evenings. Bought a few kits – better than toilet roll, at least there were loads in stock!

Rajohno Sorted out 800 family photos from about 1914. Those people I know I have written details on the reverse. Also sorted out a whole load of postcards from the 1890s onwards; these included over 50 between my grandfather and grandmother before they were married.

Oneputt

Your mag needs you!

We know you can’t get away in your caravans, motorhomes and campervans at the moment but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear your news! Please email us at magazine@camc.com with stories about your most enjoyable breaks and what you are looking forward to doing when things calm down. We’ll use your correspondence on these Letters pages. (Due to movement restrictions it is easier for us to deal with emails than printed letters at present.)

May 2020 43

COUNTRY MATTERS BLUEBELLS

44 May 2020

Into the blue David Chapman offers tips on how to take great photos of the bluebell wood – perfect for next year’s spring break.

B

ritain is the bluebell capital of the world – in fact half of all the bluebells on the planet grow here. These beautiful flowers thrive in our temperate, damp climate, while making the most of the spring sunshine in woodlands around the country.

There are a few reasons why they are so closely associated with woodland. Firstly, areas filled with trees are undisturbed by ploughing – so bulbs can become established over a long period (the presence of bluebells is actually an indicator of ancient woodland). Secondly, the tree canopy allows sunlight through in spring, allowing the bluebells to grow, while in summer it provides shade to prevent the plants drying out. A lovely mulch in autumn also promotes the plants’ growth.

However, similar conditions can be found elsewhere. For example, it isn’t uncommon to find bluebells growing on the coast or in meadows, providing the ground isn’t disturbed and there is something such as bracken to shade the ground in the height of summer.

Bluebells tend to grow in large masses, creating a distinctive, heady scent, (it is worth closing your eyes, covering your ears and simply immersing yourself in the smell). But for most of us their biggest impact is on the eye – a carpet of bluebells is an astonishing spectacle that we naturally want to capture on camera.

www.camc.com

May 2020 45

COUNTRY MATTERS BLUEBELLS

WHERE TO STAY

Bluebells can be seen from late April to mid-June across the UK. Generally, early May is best in the south and late May in Scotland. The best bluebell wood I have ever seen is at Upper Soudley in the Forest of Dean – try staying at Lucksall AS next spring. Meanwhile, there is a beautiful bluebell meadow at Enys Gardens near Penryn in Cornwall (try Carnon Downs AS). Finally, the Island of Skomer in Pembrokeshire is hard to beat for coastal bluebells – stay at Freshwater East.

For current information on UK sites bookings, please refer to our website camc.com

Bluebell photography is a challenge, partly because, such is their reputation for beauty, it is difficult for a single image to live up to expectations. Nonetheless I have a few tips.

LAST LIGHT

Avoid photographing bluebell woods in the middle of the day – particularly when it is sunny – because the contrast is too great for most cameras to cope with and colours will become washed-out. Instead, try to visit at first, or last, light when the sun is less harsh and warmer in tone.

Vary your height of view. Try crouching to see if the flowers form a thicker band of blue from a lower angle, and find something that breaks the mass of colour to act as a focal point. It might be a fallen log or a fern.

Compose your photo so this feature is in the lower left, or right, of the frame.

If you are using a DSLR camera you will need to use a small aperture to get enough depth of field (to get all of the scene sharp). This might mean you need a slow shutter speed and 46 May 2020

therefore you should use a tripod. Compact and phone cameras always provide more depth of field but I would still recommend bracing yourself against a tree trunk for extra stability when photographing in the slightly darker environment of a woodland.

With the sun low in the sky, try taking photos into the light and using the shadows of the trees to lead the eye into the picture. If the sun is behind you, try standing in the shade of a tree to avoid casting your own shadow into the picture.

If you are not happy with the colour of the bluebells in your photos, try changing the white balance setting on your camera. Set it to the cloud symbol to make the photos warmer or the sun symbol to create cooler hues.

MEMBER SINCE...

Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000

MAY LOOK OUT FOR Here are a few things to look out for in the natural world in May n Wood-sorrel: this pretty, nodding flower can be found in woodlands – it has distinctive trefoil leaves n Bloody-nosed beetles are so-named because they can secrete a red fluid from their mouths when threatened n Swifts – most of us will see our first swifts of the year in May; listen out for their screeching calls over villages and towns

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SPECIAL WARTIME CARAVANNING

All in it

together

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Angela Willis looks into the vital role played by caravans and caravanners during the Second World War

A

s this country experiences one of the most testing periods in its history, it is fascinating to look back and see how people coped with adversity in the past. In May this year we mark 75 years since VE Day, and while the celebrations have been put on hold for the time being, now is an opportune time to examine the role of caravans and caravanners during the dark days of the Second World War. While we are, of course, unable to travel at the moment, it is interesting to note that the can-do, all-in-it-together spirit of the community is as strong now as it was then...

During the 1930s, a growing number of families had access to a motor car, and enthusiasm for the trailer caravan holiday was growing at an incredible pace (along with Club membership numbers.) However, the role of the caravan instantly changed in September 1939 with the onset of the Second World War, as fear of an imminent aerial attack by the enemy spread.

48 May 2020

One and a half million of the most vulnerable, including children, expectant mothers and people with disabilities, were swiftly evacuated from cities to the safety of more rural locations.

Owners of touring caravans quickly discovered that they were able to keep their families together by loading belongings into their cars, hitching up and towing to the safety of the countryside.

The introduction of petrol rationing limited the use of a caravan for leisure activities, and The Club took the decision to suspend rallies and social events for the duration of the war. Despite these factors demand for touring caravans surged. Manufacturers, uncertain about the future, keenly advertised their stock as a way to safe in wartime. Caravan sites also opened up to evacuees, promoting themselves as safe havens for urban dwellers.

Caravan Club advert, December 1940

www.camc.com

“

The Caravan Club found a role in supporting the influx of new caravanners

”

Despite widespread evacuation, bombing did not come as quickly as many feared and, emboldened by a feeling that the war would soon be over, many people returned to their homes by the end of the year. It wasn’t until the following September - 1940 - that the Blitz began in Britain, and air raids devastated the capital and other towns and cities. As more families found themselves homeless, there was a huge demand for touring caravans, but by this time many good-quality ’vans had already been snapped up. Some bomb victims were housed in quickly-built caravans of a poor standard at great concern to those who had worked hard to establish the good name of the trade.

With very few holidays being taken, The Caravan Club found a role in supporting and providing advice to the influx of new caravanners making ’vans their homes due to evacuation and bombing. Club membership numbers continued to rise throughout the war, as the organisation advised even the most experienced on how best to prepare for a time of great danger. The Caravan magazine was awash with practical advice on how to make your outfit safe from the enemy, including how to black out windows to block out light and methods of camouflaging tourers with paint, netting and branches.

As winter neared, wartime caravan dwellers faced the challenge of preparing their poorly-insulated vehicles, originally designed for fair-weather holidays. Effective insulation had not been developed, so owners set to work modifying wall linings and installing stoves. These changes proved vital in order to reduce condensation, with many reporting that the damp could soak mattresses and bedding. The Caravan magazine’s editor, Bill Whiteman, even reported that he woke one morning to find his hair stuck to the wall by frozen condensation!

Yet these wartime improvements contributed greatly to the development of better ’van insulation.

Despite the hard winters, caravanners reported that they found themselves in much better health. It was also claimed by one caravan dweller, Mrs Murray of Middlesex, that ’van life provided greater safety from direct bombing. She reported in The Caravan that after a near miss her outfit was sent flying into the air, and she herself was shot across the caravan and onto a mattress – but, astonishingly, not even a window was broken!

As the war came to an end in 1945, evacuated caravan dwellers gradually returned to their homes. Yet for those whose houses had been completely destroyed, caravan living was a more long-term prospect until large-scale home building projects took effect in the 1950s. www.camc.com

A member of the Home Guard and a young recruit with evacuees and their trailer caravans at Elstree, 1940

The Vicar of Upnor, Kent, and his wife lived in a caravan after struggling to get fuel for the vicarage, February 1943

A camouflaged caravan advertised as the ‘Safest Home in Time of War’, 1940 In the month following VE Day – June, 1945 – Whiteman looked to the future in the pages of The Caravan: “The holiday demand will be a very eager one, and after six years of war, holidays are not a luxury but a real need for war-strained civilians, quite apart from for the servicemen to be discharged.” It was his feeling that, “Caravan holidays will be just what will appeal to thousands of civilians, pent up in factories and offices for long hours all these years, and to servicemen who have got used to the open air.”

By 1947 Club membership had risen to 4,000 and members gradually headed back to Europe on tours.

As restrictions on petrol and materials were lifted, caravanning entered a golden age in a Britain determined to enjoy its freedom. n To find out more about the history of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, visit nationalmotormuseum.org.uk and follow @camccollection on Twitter.

May 2020 49

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

GOOD SHOW!

PART TWO

Sammy Faircloth concludes her round-up of the Club’s 2020 Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards – held in February at the NEC In the last edition we reported on the results of the Campervan and Van Conversion classes in our newly-renamed Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards.

This month we complete our round-up by announcing the top three in each of the Coachbuilt, A-Class and Dealer Special categories. Eighty-six vehicles were scrutinised in these sections,

bringing the total number of entries to a staggering 132.

A panel of independent judges worked tirelessly, inspecting, testing and cogitating over a five-day period at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC. Each had a specific area to cover. such as electrics and safety, comfort, kitchens/washrooms,

air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, technical aspects and stowage. They certainly upped their step counts that week!

These awards are designed to help members when they are considering buying a new leisure vehicle. Maybe your next home from home lies within these pages.

So without further ado...

CLASS SEVEN COACHBUILTS UNDER £50,000 WINNER

SWIFT EDGE 412

Price: £48,045 Registering a comfortable win, the new Swift Edge is an ideal first motorhome designed for the adventurer in all of us. The judges agreed it offered plenty of space and storage for a two-berth motorhome.

The front seating can be made up into a very sizeable 7ft x 4ft 3in double or two single beds at 6ft 2in x 2ft 4in each. One judge commented, “A great layout for two. Good for cooking and sleeping!”

RUNNER-UP

ELDDIS ACCORDO 105

Price: £47,399 A winner last year, this lovely, compact motorhome for two is a well-deserved runner-up on this occasion. The good-sized rear washroom with separate shower cubicle is a big plus point, while its side galley kitchen offers adequate space to prepare meals. New this year is Whale Complete Heat 4KW Space-Saving heating. “A fantastic all-rounder that ticks a lot of boxes,” enthused one judge.

50 May 2020

THIRD PLACE

COMPASS AVANTGARDE 115

Price: £44,867 This is the smallest two-berth coachbuilt in this class (at 5.7m in length), but it doesn’t compromise on the size of its kitchen area or storage.

A runner-up in 2019, it retains a place on the podium and was described by one of the judges as a “no-nonsense, comfortable, two-berth in a compact and manageable size”. With its “stylish and airy” feel, it will certainly be a “first love” for some.

www.camc.com

CLASS EIGHT COACHBUILTS £50,000-£55,000 WINNER

BAILEY ALLIANCE SILVER EDITION 66-2

Price: £54,499 It may be ‘Silver’ in name but the Bailey Alliance was clearly the gold medal winner in this class.

With its Truma 100W Solar Panel, Dometic Reversing Camera, rear fixing point for a cycle rack, Thule Omnistor wind-out awning, exterior gas barbecue point and 230V socket, this van really “ticks a lot of the right boxes” mused one judge.

The Alliance is a really versatile, spacious motorhome for two, with a decent payload of 745kg that allows for plenty of personal belongings or sporting equipment.

THIRD PLACE

ELDDIS AUTOQUEST 185

RUNNER-UP

SWIFT ESCAPE COMPACT C502

Price: £52,475 At 6.44 metres, the C502 is the new, slightly longer model in the Compact family range. It’s a two-berth motorhome with fixed twin beds to the rear, central washroom and kitchen area and separate dining section. There is an additional pair of seatbelts should

www.camc.com

you need to accommodate extra passengers. One judge commented that it came with the “quality” that is synonymous with the Swift brand.

Price: £51,117 This reasonably-priced four-berth motorhome is ideal for families. It has a decent-sized rear washroom, fixed single beds, a mid-kitchen area and lounge/ dining section that makes up into a double. Additionally, it has a respectable 100-litre underslung fresh water tank, 70-litre underslung waste water tank and the new Complete Heat 4KW Space Saving Whale Heater. One judge awarded high marks for “excellent lift-up seats with Isofix”, though some thought it just needed a spot of colour in the upholstery which was described as very “grey”.

May 2020 51

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS NINE COACHBUILTS £55,000-£60,000 WINNER

BAILEY AUTOGRAPH 69-2

Price: £59,005

This sizeable two-berth Autograph claims a class win, picking up where the Autograph 79-4T left off last year. It has a generous U-shaped lounge area to the rear, and not only is this perfect for socialising but it also makes up into a substantial bed measuring 6ft 9in x 6ft 2in. With super through-boot storage area, Thule Omnistor wind-out awning, Dometic reversing camera and more, this is a “fantastic, comfortable touring van for long adventures” according to one judge.

RUNNER-UP

ELDDIS ENCORE 250 Price: £57,849 This is a big beast for its class at 7.4m long and 2.75m wide, and as a result the interior has an airy, spacious feel. With a fixed island bed to the rear, a ‘boutique’-style basin in the washroom, and internal headroom up to 6ft 6in, it certainly has plenty going for it.

One judge described it as “a great layout, [with a] smart interior – it’s got the wow factor!”

Another commented: “The Alde heating is a real bonus at this price point.”

52 May 2020

THIRD PLACE

AUTO-TRAIL IMALA 734 HB

Price: £56,989 This is a new model for 2020, boasting an elevated sleeping area and a large garage underneath in which to store bikes, surf boards or other large items. The kitchen contains plenty of preparation space and has all the appliances you would expect from a good-quality motorhome (ideal for preparing family meals). www.camc.com

CLASS TEN COACHBUILTS £60,000-£75,000 WINNER

AUTO-SLEEPER NUEVO EK

Price: £62,495 One judge summed up this little star perfectly: “A beautiful van for couples who want comfort in a compact package.” At 5.75m long, it has some great features, including an extractor fan above the hob, swing wall with integrated washbasin in the washroom, colour reversing camera, 80W solar panel, external TV socket, external gas barbecue point, external 230V mains socket and more.

There’s even a cocktail cabinet containing crystal wine glasses.

This really is a great motorhome for a sophisticated couple.

THIRD PLACE

BAILEY AUTOGRAPH 79-4I

RUNNER-UP

SWIFT KON-TIKI SPORT 597

Price: £68,995

In contrast to the winner, this Swift Kon-Tiki Sport is a true giant at 8.11m in length. Perfect for an active family, it has clearly defined sections, a large garage, versatile sleeping areas and plenty of storage space. In true Swift style, it doesn’t hold back on LED lighting and spotlights, while there are USB points and TV points to ensure everyone is kept entertained. The well-equipped kitchen comes with dual-fuel hob, Thetford oven, tall slimline dual-hinged Dometic fridge and built-in microwave oven. It was summed up by one judge as “a great all-rounder offering a bit of everything”.

www.camc.com

Price: £62,505 Following in the footsteps of the successful 79-4 and 79-4T, the Bailey Autograph 79-4I claims another podium position for the Bristol manufacturer. Its fixed island bed offers the added advantage of drawer space underneath, but there is also a through-boot storage area and brackets for a rear bike rack.

You’ll stay toasty thanks to the Alde Hydronic Compact 3020 programmable radiator heating system with combined water heater. It was summed up thus : “A luxury spec with a mid-range price tag.”

May 2020 53

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS ELEVEN COACHBUILTS OVER £75,000 WINNER

SWIFT KON-TIKI 675

Price: £101,400 At 9m long, this whopper of a motorhome comes with Swift Vision technology – this features colour side and rear-view cameras that give the driver an ‘all-round’ view. The judges described it as “luxurious”, “a cruise liner of a motorhome”, “sumptuous and magnificent” and “special”.

The curved roof window above the fixed bed and the ‘Skyview’ panoramic opening sunroof really let light flood inside. The Kon-Tiki is the height of opulence, incorporating many splendid features such as a heated floor, Corian work surfaces and Alde heating. A real head-turner!

THIRD PLACE

AUTO-TRAIL FRONTIER COMANCHE HB

Price: £87,164 Another giant among the contenders, the 8.79m-long Comanche is the biggest in the Frontier range. Stand-out features include an exterior cold shower unit, leather seats, a cocktail cabinet, air-con cooled water bottle storage in the cab, external gas barbecue point, Hydronic Central Alde heating and hot water and a 100W solar panel.

RUNNER-UP

MOTO-TREK EURO-TREKA QB

Price: £98,563 This unique entry prompted the following comments from the judges – “Spacious with plenty of wow factor” and “The space!!”. The key to these statements was the pair of slide-out sides – one for the kitchen area and one for the master suite.

It’s great to see a queen-sized bed in a motorhome that you can actually walk around when it’s fully extended.

There’s even a fixed dressing table for those who like to preen!

54 May 2020

British company Moto-Trek installs features that appeal to the domestic market, such as plenty of 230V sockets, a wine rack, 90-litre fridge/ freezer, microwave and more. www.camc.com

CLASS TWELVE A-CLASS UNDER £90,000 WINNER

MOBILVETTA TEKNO LINE K YACHT 79

Price: £84,995 Stepping in to this A-Class you are immediately struck by its beauty. With gently flowing curves, highlighted by rows of LED lights, it really is a stunning looking machine. Even the combi oven/grill and fridge feature gentle curves to blend in with the cupboards. The Mobilvetta comfortably sleeps four, with a fixed island bed to the rear and an electronic drop-down bed over the lounge area. The central washroom boasts sliding doors that offer privacy to the bedroom areas. “Bright and appealing,” was the opinion of one judge.

RUNNER-UP

THIRD PLACE

KNAUS L!VE 700 MEG

ROLLER TEAM PEGASO 590

Price: £70,553

A new addition to the Knaus family is the L!ve 700 MEG. Based on a Fiat Ducato chassis, it has an impressive exterior incorporating stylish LED headlights and rear lights. The interior has a very European design feel to it, with Roman blinds in the living area and voile curtains in the sleeping section. Noticeable features include the pop-up TV on the

www.camc.com

passenger seat back, a dropdown bed, large garage space to the rear and a pivoting wall in washroom. “Beautifully finished and great value,” was one judge's conclusion.

Price: £59,640 The baby of the class at a mere 5.99m long, Roller Team’s Pegaso 590 is a great-value A-Class motorhome. The simple interior boasts a touch of Italian style with leather seats and lots of LED lighting. Kit includes a solar panel, rear camera with monitor in the rear mirror, coach-style door mirrors, slide-out TV bracket, bike rack and more. Designed with couples or young families in mind, one judge summed it up thus: “Super affordable A-Class with unfussy and minimalist interior.”

May 2020 55

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS THIRTEEN A-CLASS OVER £90,000 WINNER

FRANKIA I8400 PLATIN PLUS

Price: £170,780 Based on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, Frankia’s i8400 Platin Plus is a decadent A-Class motorhome, offering a leather-upholstered, U-shaped lounge area; slide-out TV; well-equipped kitchen incorporating dual-hinged fridge and freezer; microwave; combi oven/ grill; coffee machine; Alde heating and plush washroom area. Featuring a drop-down double bed over the cab, it sleeps four.

One judge felt it was “Windsor Castle on wheels!”

RUNNER-UP

THIRD PLACE

CARTHAGO CHIC E-LINE I 51 QB DA

RAPIDO M96 ALDE

Price: £155,504

As its name implies, this is indeed a ‘chic’ A-Class motorhome. Nice touches include the electronic front blinds, pull-out TV, coffee maker, wine cabinet, shoe cabinet, bottle rack, substantial garage, 56 May 2020

double floor storage compartments and floor hatches. One judge felt it had “clever touches and bags of wow factor, with practicality too.”

Price: £104,650 The two-berth Rapido M96 has a certain ‘Je ne sais quoi’ about it. A particular highlight is the Alde (Arctic Comfort Plus) heating system which should keep you comfy in all weathers, while it boasts a very ‘French-style’ interior (distinctive touches include a kitchen roll holder and spice rack).

The electronically height-adjustable island bed is great should you fancy a read in the afternoon. Very impressive. www.camc.com

CLASS FOURTEEN TWO-BERTH DEALER SPECIALS WINNER

VEHICLES 4 LEISURE ELDDIS PRESTIGE 120

Price: £46,899 What was notable about this particular motorhome was the “excellent” payload of 746kg, which is fantastic in a van measuring 6m in length.

Vehicles 4 Leisure has enhanced this compact vehicle with features such as an external shower point, bike rack, Dometic awning, external 230V socket and external barbecue point. The pleasing side kitchen would appeal to any chef, boosted further by a microwave and extractor fan. The silver GRP sides and exclusive Prestige graphics were the icing on the cake.

Joint runners-up: Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 105; Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 175

CLASS SIXTEEN OVER FOUR-BERTH DEALER SPECIALS WINNER

LOWDHAMS LEISUREWORLD SWIFT KON-TIKI SPORT GRAND PRIX 596

Price: £73,495 With the same dealer additions mentioned in Lowdhams Leisureworld’s Class 15 winner, the Grand Prix 596 was described by one judge as “good looking”. In night mode, it sleeps six courtesy of a front double, drop-down double and rear bed that can be made up into a 6ft 8in x 5ft 4in double or pair of singles (5ft 4in x 2ft 3in and 5ft 8in x 2ft 3in). Ideal for an adventurous family with teenage children. During the day, the U-shaped seating area to the rear and lounge at the front offer plenty of relaxation space.

Runner-up: Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 196; Third place: Marquis Leisure Elddis Majestic 196

CLASS FIFTEEN THREE-FOUR-BERTH DEALER SPECIALS WINNER

LOWDHAMS LEISUREWORLD SWIFT KON-TIKI SPORT GRAND PRIX 599L

Price: £69,995 This motorhome stole the hearts of the judges, scoring high in the ‘wow’ stakes. Lowdhams Leisureworld has upgraded the engine from 140bhp to 160bhp, while extra lavishness comes www.camc.com

in the form of leather seats, heated cab seats, an external shower, electric folding mirrors and more.

Please note, this model features the lounge option and, while marketed as a four-berth, there are only two seatbelts.

Runner-up: Lowdhams Leisureworld Swift Hi Style 604; Third place: Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 185 May 2020 57

SPECIAL CLUB AWARDS

CLASS SEVENTEEN CAMPERVAN/VAN CONVERSION DEALER SPECIALS WINNER

VEHICLES 4 LEISURE ELDDIS PRESTIGE CV20

Price: £43,967 Following the Elddis Autoquest CV20’s victory in Class Three last month, Vehicles 4 Leisure’s dealer special claims its own top-of-the-podium finish.

Superb extras include a 100W solar panel, bike rack, roll-out awning, Thatcham 1 alarm system, cab blinds and white mirror protectors.

One judge pointed out that it is “very well-equipped for a small van”.

Runner-up: Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth CV20; Joint third place: Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth CV40; Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige CV40

MOTORHOME AND CAMPERVAN DESIGN AWARDS 2020: COACHBUILT, A-CLASS AND DEALER SPECIAL ENTRANTS CLASS 7 COACHBUILTS UNDER £50,000 Auto-Trail Tribute F62 Benimar Primero 313 Compass Avantgarde 115 Elddis Accordo 105 Roller Team Zefiro 696 Swift Edge 412

CLASS 8 COACHBUILTS £50,000-£55,000 Auto-Trail Tribute F70 Bailey Alliance Silver Edition 66-2 Benimar Primero 301 Compass Avantgarde 196 Elddis Autoquest 185 Roller Team Auto-Roller 707 Swift Escape Compact C502

CLASS 9 COACHBUILTS £55,000-£60,000 Auto-Trail Imala 734 HB Bailey Autograph 69-2 Benimar Tessoro 487 Chausson Titanium 720 Elddis Encore 250 McLouis Fusion 373 Roller Team T-Line 743

CLASS 10 COACHBUILTS £60,000£75,000 Adria Compact Supreme DL Auto-Sleeper Nuevo EK Bailey Autograph 79-4I

Malibu T410 Mobilvetta Tekno Line Kea P 65 Moto-Trek Limited Xcite EB Rapido 656F Swift Kon-Tiki Sport 597

CLASS 11 COACHBUILTS OVER £75,000 Auto-Sleeper Burford Duo Auto-Trail Frontier Comanche HB Carthago c-tourer T 148 LE H Hymer BMC-T 580 Malibu T 430 Touring Moto-Trek Euro-Treka QB Swift Kon-Tiki 675

CLASS 12 A CLASS UNDER £90,000 Adria Sonic Axess 600SL Knaus L!ve 700 MEG Itineo RC740 Malibu I44I Touring Mobilvetta Tekno Line K Yacht 79 Rapido 886F Ultimate Line Roller Team Pegaso 590 Weinsberg CaraCore 650 MEG

CLASS 13 A CLASS OVER £90,000 Carthago Chic e-line I 51 QB DA Frankia i8400 Platin Plus Hymer B-MLi 780 Malibu I 500 Touring Rapido M96 Alde

CLASS 14 TWO-BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS Marquis Leisure Elddis Majestic 105 Elddis Majestic 175 Elddis Majestic 275 Elddis Majestic 115 Elddis Majestic 120 Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 105 Elddis Prestige 115 Elddis Prestige 120 Elddis Prestige 175 Lowdhams Leisureworld Sunlight Sunvan V60 Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth 115

CLASS 15 THREE - FOUR-BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS Glossop Caravans Swift Celebration 464 Swift Celebration 494 Marquis Leisure Elddis Majestic 135 Elddis Majestic 194 Elddis Majestic 250 Elddis Majestic 155 Elddis Majestic 185 Elddis Majestic 255 Elddis Majestic 285 Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 155 Elddis Prestige 135 Elddis Prestige 185

Lowdhams Leisureworld Dethleffs Eurostyle T7057 EBL Swift Kon-Tiki Sport Grand Prix 599L Swift Hi Style 604 Dethleffs Eurostyle T7057 DBL Kimberley Caravans Compass Kensington 155

CLASS 16 OVER FOUR BERTH COACHBUILT DEALER SPECIALS Marquis Leisure Elddis Majestic 196 Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige 196 Lowdhams Leisureworld Swift Kon-Tiki Sport Grand Prix 596 Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth 196 Swift Celebration 486

CLASS 17 CAMPERVAN/VAN CONVERSION DEALER SPECIALS Vehicles 4 Leisure Elddis Prestige CV20 Elddis Prestige CV40 Lowdhams Leisureworld Ford Custom Summit LWB Glossop Caravans Elddis Chatsworth CV20 Elddis Chatsworth CV40

THE PRICE OF THE ENTRANTS INCLUDES THE VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF JUDGING. FOR MOST ENTRANTS, THIS WAS £2,135, ALTHOUGH THIS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCED IN THE BUDGET DATED 11 MARCH 2020.

58 May 2020

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May 2020 XX

HOT STUFF PRODUCT SHOWCASE BARBECUES

Jane McGowan looks at barbecue-related products IMPORTANT INFORMATION CLUB SHOP: CHANGES FROM 24 MAR-21 APR 2020

Following Government advice and guidelines, PRIMA Leisure, who operate our Club Shop, have made the difficult decision to close from 24 March to 21 April. As this is a fast moving situation, the closure dates may be extended. This action is being taken to help protect staff and customers.

Subject to products being in stock, all current orders in the system will be dispatched. If products have been ordered and are not in stock, PRIMA Leisure will notify affected customers.

PRIMA Leisure will keep the online shop running and will still take orders (this includes taking payment). However, the orders will not be dispatched until the warehouse is back open and running.

Prima Bamboo Jug & Cup Set Really get into the spirit of the barbecue with this fun ‘Tex-Mex’-themed set from Prima. Predominantly made with environmentally-friendly bamboo, the pack comprises a jug (22cm x 12cm at widest point), four tumblers (13cm x 8cm at widest point) and a tray (33cm x 26cm). The jug comes complete with a lid for spill-free pouring, while the tray features a deep rim

and cut out handles to makes carrying easier. Available in an alternate ‘hamburger’-themed design, the items are dishwasher safe!

RRP: £13.99 (£12.59 from Club Shop for members) Pack weight: 1.6kg Contact: shop.camc.com

Cadac Tapas Set This fantastic set of four aluminium dishes makes a great addition to your outdoor kitchen. Designed to be used for cooking ‘tapas’-style small dishes (potatoes, rice etc) on top of the barbecue, the bowls double as a great mini frying pan for eggs, pancakes or mini omelettes – what could be better than an early-morning barbie breakfast?

Each dish measures 60

April 2020

around 10cm wide and features a small grip handle. The non-stick bowls are suitable for both gas and charcoal barbecues, as well as small gas hobs and camping stoves.

RRP: £22 (£19.80 from Club Shop for members) Pack weight: 0.6kg Size: 10cm diameter each Contact: shop.camc.com, cadacinternational.com www.camc.com

Outwell Corte Gas Grill

Described as “the king of portable barbecues”, this is certainly a substantial piece of cooking kit. Atop the sturdy base sits a chrome-plated steel grill, while an easy-to-clean removable drip tray is a handy feature. Chef will be pleased to note there is variable heat control while the removable tables sitting either side of the main cooking area are the perfect place to rest utensils or cooked food items. The legs fold neatly under the central section making the Outwell Corte easy to store when you’re home or away.

RRP: £157 Weight: 7.56kg Packed size: 69.5cm x 43.4cm x 38cm Contact: outwell.com

Sommen Charcoal Bucket Barbecue This great-value barbecue is ideal for a spot of impromptu al fresco dining. Available from B&Q, the bucket-style painted steel outer has a diameter of 27cm – I would estimate that you could cook between six and eight sausages or up to four burgers on top of the chromed-steel grill at any one time. The Sommen also has a carry handle and separate tripod base which raises the bucket off the ground. Excellent.

RRP: £9 Weight: 1.5kg Contact: diy.com

Argos Home 18 Piece BBQ Accessory Set

This compact set features an array of essential cooking utensils, including a slice, fork, siliconecoated tongs, eight skewers, corn-on-the-cob holders and a grill cleaner. After use, each item can be returned to its allotted slot in the lightweight, zipped carry case. Weighing just 1.1kg, this kit is easy to store in the caravan or motorhome and, priced at just £15, is very good value too.

RRP: £15 Weight: 1.1kg Size: 41cm x 18.5xm x 4.5cm Contact: argos.co.uk

Explore Some More Apron I absolutely loved the quality and quirky design of this apron from independent maker Explore Some More. Made from 100% cotton, the apron is just one item in a range of British-crafted items that feature the summery pastel motorhome/ campervan motif. Other products include coasters, cushions, placemats, tea towels and oven mitts. Even if you can’t get out at the moment, this unisex apron is the perfect reminder of your recent touring adventures.

RRP: £11.99 Contact: facebook.com/exploresome

www.camc.com

May 2020 61

PUZZLE CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD £90 in Club gift tokens to be won

£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 15 May 2020. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.

Due to the current situation, please clearly photograph and email your answer grid to crossword@camc.com. Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry.

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NAME: ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

ACROSS 1 Letter destination (7) 5 Nocturnal burrowing animal (6) 8 Pistol case (7) 10 Rise on the wind (4) 11 Holy (6) 12 A snag (5) 14 Child’s bed (3) 15 In the area of centre stump in cricket (3-6) 16 Genuine (4) 17 Come to a halt (4) 19 Cricket-bat oil (7) 22 Happen again (5) 24 Purify (7) 26 Fledglings’ home (4) 28 Circus joker (5) 29 Powerful, like strong alcohol (6) 31 Whip soundly (6) 33 A medicinal cure-all (6) 35 Badge or symbol (6) 38 Royals 1485-1603 (5) 39 Blood vessel (4) 40 In the Christmas spirit (7) 43 Verdant (5) 45 Different types of life (7) 47 Duration (4) 49 Cure (4) 50 Dynamite (9) 53 Charitable gifts (3) 54 Pub board game (5) 55 Reddish-brown hair (6) 56 Greenish-yellow fruit (4) 57 The only remaining (4,3) 58 Truthful (6) 59 Doubly (7)

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

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER:

April solution: Across: 1 Distraught 6 Fahrenheit 11 Syrup 12 Anticipation 14 Edit 16 Dome 17 Run 18 Eases 20 Foster 21 Togs 22 Cocoa 23 Samurai 25 Tie 26 Bedtime 28 Fist 29 Deadpan 33 Penicillin 35 Goldilocks 38 Cut down

62 May 2020

DOWN 1 Give help (6) 2 An outbreak of spots (4) 3 Tear into thin strips (5) 4 Rubbing up the wrong way (8) 5 French bar or restaurant (6) 6 Announce a decision (7) 7 Small edible berry (10) 9 To fold under (4) 13 An unofficial strike (7) 15 A lot (4) 17 Penniless, spent up (5) 18 Conspire (4) 20 Rest and comfort (4) 21 Raw hide (4) 23 A gleeful chuckle (7) 25 A loose wrap across the shoulders (5) 27 To defraud or cheat (7) 28 Pal (4) 29 Strain to see (4) 30 Two times (5) 32 Wild West carriage (10) 34 Spoil completely (4) 35 Reach of sight (3-4) 36 Cobalt or sapphire (4) 37 To fish with a rod (5) 39 Huge (4) 41 Timetable (8) 42 Swoop (4) 44 Put to death by law (7) 46 Mars or Saturn (6) 48 An orderly system (6) 51 Next question please! (4) 52 Tiny island (5) 54 Hard of hearing (4)

41 Gait 42 Bye-byes 45 Hay 46 Sparkle 48 Dense 49 Sash 50 Melody 52 Cello 54 Ham 55 Trod 57 Flea 59 Presidential 60 Never 61 Suspenders 62 Experience Down: 11 Disgrace 2 Springclean 3 Ripe 4 Gratitude 5 Tatters 6 Facts 7 Hopes 8 Extra time

grid E

9 Hood 10 Togetherness 13 Non -stop 15 Duo 19 Equation 20 Fast 24 Arid 27 Melon 29 Daddy 30 Ail 31 Space heaters 32 Lingerie 34 Coo 36 Clean-shaven 37 Bill 39 Toyshop 40 Wash-basin 42 Belly-flop 43 Body 44 Germ-free 47 Emotive 51 Due 52 Cadge 53 Lines 56 Drop 58 Anti

MARCH WINNERS £50 first prize: Mrs Libby Jones, East Lothian £10 runners-up: Richard Ion, Lancashire; T March, Dorset; J C Wild, Hertfordshire; Paul Brown, Cambridgeshire Please note: prizes will be posted as soon as possible.

Take a photo of your answers and send to crossword@ camc.com with the subject heading May Crossword.

Please do not include any other correspondence with your entry

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PUZZLES BRAINTEASERS

PUZZLE PAGE

Can you solve this selection of teasers? Answers are on the right, so you may wish to cover them

SUJIKO

WORD WHEEL

Sujiko solution Nine-letter word: Portfolio Word Wheel solution Place the numbers 1-9 in the spaces so that the number in each circle is equal to the sum of the four surrounding spaces

Can you find the hidden word using all nine provided letters? For those seeking an extra challenge, try to find as many words of three letters or more as you can that use the central letter.

24=Excellent, 20=Good, 16=Average

SUDOKU

FUTOSHIKI

All you have to do is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1-9

Fill the blank squares so that each row and column contains all the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Use the given numbers and the symbols that tell you if the number in the square is larger (>) or smaller (<) than the number next to it

Sudoku solution Futoshiki solution

64 May 2020

www.camc.com

MILENCO

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Ex ceeds Sold Secure Gold Standard Corrosion resistant plastic cover Low mass security bolt f or saf ety F its steel and alloy wheels 5 Y ear Warranty included Quick and easy to fit

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5 Year Lock Guarantee.

to be the most secure wheelclamp available for a motorhome. Exceeds Sold Secure old standard.

Fits steel and alloy wheels.

NEW High Security Commercial Steering Wheel Lock offers excellent theft protection for motorhomes.

Designed to be compact in si e (length 76cm) easy to fit yet, extremely strong and resistant to all types of attack. Stops steering wheel rotation. Fits all vehicle Steering Wheels.

A Gold Sold Secure Powerful theft deterrant.

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SPECIAL CLUB MATTERS

For Your Club We set out ways in which the Club has been supporting members, and how you can help

A

message from Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club: First and foremost my thoughts go out to all of our members, staff and friends of the Club who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and we hope that by pulling together we can get through this very difficult time.

Since we were founded in 1907 we have served and represented those who are united in a passion for the great outdoors. We have provided sites and places to stay, advice, travel assistance and financial protection to generations of caravanners, motorhomers, campervanners and campers.

Over the past 113 years we have survived the hardship of two World Wars, petrol rationing in the Suez crisis, the three-day week, Foot and Mouth in 2001 and now we face the global Coronavirus pandemic.

A TRUE MEMBERS’ CLUB

It is vital to remember that the Club is a true members’ Club that is owned by you, the members, and run by members – the Executive Committee. They are elected from amongst you and volunteer to be your board of directors. (They receive no pay for their tireless hard work.)

Thanks to prudent management and years of support from members like you paying their subscriptions and buying our services, we have built up an unrivalled network of sites and Certificated Locations across the UK. As a members’ Club we pay no dividends to shareholders or bonuses to directors so that any surplus funds are used to invest in sites and services for you. This 66 May 2020

year we are committed to investing in Cayton Village in Yorkshire, Penrhos in Anglesey and Troutbeck Head in the Lake District.

SUPPORTING OUR MEMBERS

Immediately following the Government’s advice, the management team and the staff worked tirelessly to maintain a full level of service by relocating our East Grinstead Office employees to work from home.

Faced with the closure of our UK sites network and the cessation of all travel operations, which together represent over 60% of Club revenue, we have taken the tough decision to Furlough over 800 site staff and approaching half of our staff at East Grinstead using the financial support provided by the Government at this point in time.

Please be reassured your membership support teams are fully equipped to answer calls and deal with emails and online queries. In addition we have a small number of site staff remaining to help support key workers or vulnerable members who are still on site. While the sites remain closed we hope to keep sites secure whilst providing a place for many of our site management staff to live as they cannot travel and be ready to welcome you back when the current restrictions are lifted.

Throughout March we answered calls from thousands of members in Europe and beyond who found their travel plans disrupted or aborted and helped rebook sites and crossings to enable them to get back to the UK. Our lines have remained open throughout, when many other operators and travel companies

have been overwhelmed and unable to cope. We have prioritised members using our Travel Service but have also helped others in difficult circumstances.

We have also helped to achieve a reduction in motorhome tax for new vehicles announced in the March Budget following meetings with the government.

But now we need your support…

WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE OUR FUTURE

We need you to maintain your subscription to help tide us over during this financial uncertainty.

In return we will continue to provide our call centre and online services in full, our magazine will continue to be produced (you can download our app to read scores of back issues), our social media will be more active than ever, whilst our award-winning Club insurance and Caravan Cover continue to provide protection.

I am also pleased to confirm we have opened our UK site bookings for 2021 to give you, as members, priority for a full year’s touring ahead.

We have received so many messages of support for our staff during this difficult time and I personally thank you for those messages. We are a club built on a passion for the great outdoors by like-minded people and we must do everything we can together to ensure our wonderful Club remains wonderful for the next 100 years.

Please support us if you are able by continuing to be a Club member.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Support your Club

As communities get to grips with the effects of Coronavirus, we want you to know that your Club and your fellow members are here for you during these challenging times.

From our site staff remaining to help support key workers and vulnerable members on our campsites, to the thousands of calls from members into the Contact Centre and Travel Team who have worked tirelessly to help our members get home from overseas destinations, now, more than ever, we need to look out for and support each other.

That’s where you come in.

To keep all these great member products and services running, we are asking you to support your Club wherever you can.

Membership

Our membership is so much more than just our great campsites and there are so many ways you can benefit from your membership whilst at home – from discounted camping and walking equipment to savings at major retailers such as Sainsbury’s.

You can still book ahead for 2021, plus we’re offering savings on future campsite stays.

If it’s about to run out, please support your Club by renewing your membership today.

See camc.com/membership.

www.camc.com

“

Your membership support teams are fully equipped to answer calls and deal with emails and online queries

”

It’s time for

for tea

Stephen Hollis looks at Club events designed to be enjoyed at home during this difficult time

Financial Services

Our award-winning range of financial services and products is invaluable at this time. Protect your caravan while it’s at home or in storage by renewing or taking out Caravan Cover. Keep your campervan or motorhome safe with our Motorhome Insurance.

Remember, we also offer products like car insurance and home insurance, so your most valuable possessions are also protected.

There’s plenty of time right now to research the right policy for you – why not give us a try?

Support your Club by renewing your cover or insurance policy with us, and if you havent used the Club Cover or insurance products before, give us a go…

See camc.com/insurance.

latest news about your Club… and of course for those of you who are already on Club Together, keep posting your amazing stories. We know your fellow members love them and we love reading them, too. If you haven’t used Club Together before, why not register today and enjoy this friendly, social community?

We’re also running the Big Little Tent/TeaTime Festivals, providing tips to keep you healthy and happy at home (via camc.com/blog), producing the Club magazine, offering our expert technical advice, lobbying on your behalf and much, much more.

Here to support you

As well as the Club website, you can find us on all the social media channels @candmclub, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. If you’re not following us already, make sure you check out our latest posts to inspire, motivate or just keep you up to date with the

YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CLUB BY: • Renewing your current membership • Using our award-winning cover and insurance products • Booking stays at Club sites for the year ahead We thank you for your support

www.camc.com

W

hile we’re all adapting to a different way of life, it can be difficult to keep the little ones – and sometimes the big ones for that matter! – occupied and entertained. As we cannot get out and about in the great outdoors in our caravans and motorhomes or meet up with loved ones at the moment, the Club has launched two exciting events to bring people together – the Big Little Tent Festival and the Big Little TeaTime Festival.

The Big Little Tent Festival has been a popular event in the calendar since it began in 2015 as a way of encouraging people who had never been camping to try it in their back garden with all their home comforts close at hand.

This year the festival was held on 15 April, with those taking part able to download free festival packs containing tips, recipes, bunting, wristbands and flags to help them make the day go with a swing.

And while social distancing meant that friends and family (apart from those living in the same house) weren’t able to physically be together under canvas, the wonders of technology meant everyone could still share the experience with loved ones. As an added

bonus, all those who downloaded a festival pack were entered into a draw to win one of six Cotswold Outdoor tents worth £190.

The Big Little TeaTime Festival proved an instant hit with members when it was launched on 1 April as a way for children to reconnect with their grandparents and other family members. This festival is taking place every Wednesday until mid-May, with Club members of all ages encouraged to have tea in their tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans at their home addresses, and share the experience with loved ones via video messaging, social media and telephone. And when people upload their TeaTime fun pictures on camc.com/photowall they will be in with a chance to win a £50 Marks & Spencer Voucher (terms and conditions apply – see camc. com/bltf).

For more information visit camc.com/bltf and follow @CandMClub on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up-to-date with the TeaTime activities May 2020 67

SPECIAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BIGGER Cornwall-based photographer and writer David Chapman has been contributing fantastic content to the Club magazine for nearly two decades. His Nature’s Way and Country Matters pieces have taken him all over the country in search of fascinating subjects. Here we find out a bit more about the man behind the lens and ask him to highlight some of his favourite images over the years.

Caravan and Motorhome Club: What sparked your interest in wildlife photography?

David Chapman: My dad got me interested in photography, and my love of wildlife was born at an early age, largely from our regular weekend family trips to stay on a Caravan Club Certificated Location (CL) in the Yorkshire Dales.

How long have you been doing it as a profession?

I left teaching to become a professional photographer (and writer) in 2003. One of the most significant steps that convinced me I might be able to make a living from photography was when I started writing for The Caravan Club Magazine in 2002.

A lot of your photography features the West Country – is Cornwall a good place to be?

I have lived in Cornwall for 28 years. It’s an amazing place for landscape photography; it also has some wonderful wildlife and a really strong sense of community which has been very supportive of me.

Do you have a favourite subject?

Bird photography is a challenge and I enjoy challenges!

What about a favourite photograph?

My favourite photos are not necessarily my ‘best’ photos. The pictures that are most important to me are the ones that bring back happy memories. For that reason one of my favourites is the mountain hare photo accompanying this article (see the following pages to find out why).

68 May 2020

You’ve written some books – tell us about those I’ve written 14 books, all of which focus on photography, wildlife and walking in Cornwall. The fact that I have been able to specialise on such a special county with a remarkably strong sense of identity has helped me to develop my career.

How far around the world has your photography taken you?

Until last year I hadn’t ever travelled outside of Europe, but over Christmas my wife, Sarah, and I took a trip to the Falkland Islands to see penguins and albatrosses. It was amazing – but I won’t be selling the motorhome to dedicate myself to world travel any time soon!

Do you use your motorhome to help you with your profession?

Through my life I have moved fairly seamlessly from caravanning as a child with my family, to motorhoming as an adult with my wife.

Throughout this time I have explored Britain and its countryside with my camera. Without the van (cara or motor), I would simply not be where, or who, I am today.

Do you have a favourite Caravan and Motorhome Club site?

This is a tricky one! I look for a site that offers good potential to explore the surrounding countryside, on foot, particularly in areas that are good for wildlife. For those reasons, in recent years, I have really enjoyed staying at Castleton (Derbyshire), Stover (Devon) and Wirral Country Park (Cheshire).

If you could give our budding wildlife photographers a single tip, what would it be?

Learn about your subject. Without a knowledge of what you are photographing, you won’t be able to do it justice.

Read on to find out more about some of the best photographs ever to feature in the magazine! www.camc.com

PICTURE

Swallow

This was a really challenging photograph to capture. I noticed that swallows were coming to drink from our pond using the same flight path fairly regularly, because there was a narrow gap between the water lilies.

I set up my camera pointing at this gap, pre-focused it manually and triggered it with a long remote release when I saw swallows entering â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the zoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I took about 100 photos and at no point was I actually looking through the camera! I was pleased with this one.

Technical: Taken with a 200mm lens on a Canon 1DX using a long remote control and tripod; shutter speed 1/4000th of a second, aperture f4 and ISO 500.

www.camc.com

May 2020 69

SPECIAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Mountain hare

For several years I worked as a part-time lecturer on a wildlife photography degree course at Falmouth University. I organised a variety of field trips, and each year, in early spring, I took a group to the Cairngorms.

During the particularly cold spring of 2013 we went stalking mountain hares in the snow. The astonishing thing about this photograph, for me, is that we had managed to get eight students and two staff to within about 8m of this particular mountain hare without it being alarmed. So we all had the opportunity to get similar photos.

Our sense of elation was immense and I was so proud of everyone, but after about two hours of crawling through the snow on an exposed mountainside in Scotland we were ready for a hot drink!

Technical: Taken with a 300mm lens (plus 2x converter) on a Canon 5D Mark III, hand-held; shutter speed 1/12500th of a second, aperture f5.6 and ISO 400.

70 May 2020

www.camc.com

Glow-worm

Sometimes getting a photo is about being in the right place at the right time. I have spent many years learning about the wildlife of Cornwall so I know where and when to go – but there is still an element of good fortune required to photograph any aspect of natural history.

On a beautiful, calm summer’s evening I went for a walk on the dunes near Perranporth and found lots of glow-worms – but only one of them was good enough to sit in the right spot at the right time and glow for me.

One lesson I have learned time and time again is that it isn’t possible to get a good photograph of every critter you find. You have to keep searching until you find the one that offers the best opportunity.

Technical: Taken with a 100mm macro lens on a Canon 5D Mark II; shutter speed 1/60th of a second, aperture f5.6 and ISO 200

71

SPECIAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Southerscales and Whernside

When I am writing about the wildlife of a specific habitat, I like to have a decent image to show the habitat as well, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always easy!

Sarah and I had been walking at the Southerscales nature reserve, near Ingleton, one afternoon searching for flowers in the 'grikes' of a limestone pavement.

I spotted this viewpoint of the Whernside peak and thought it would make a good photograph. But the light in the middle of the day was too harsh, so I went back later in the evening when the sun was lower in the sky.

The soft light of the evening sun has picked out the texture of the limestone pavement and I was lucky to have such a beautiful sky which I darkened a little when taking the photo using a neutral density graduated filter.

Technical: Taken with a 16mm macro lens on a Canon 5D Mark IV, using a neutral density graduated filter as well as a tripod; shutter speed 1/40th of a second, aperture f14 and ISO 100.

72 May 2020

Kimmeridge Bay

I was visiting Dorset specifically to take landscape photographs and I had done my research. I thought that Kimmeridge Bay looked good and that it would be best at sunset when the tide was fairly high. I arrived early afternoon and spent time scouting around for the best viewpoints.

The key to a successful landscape photo is the foreground. Here, I used a very wideangle lens to include the beautifully shaped rocks near my feet, while remembering to have the horizon roughly on the ‘top-third’ of the photo and the tower off-centre.

I used a neutral density filter to increase the shutter time – this has enabled me to blur the water around the sharp rocks.

Technical: Taken with a 16mm macro lens on a Canon 5D Mark III, using a neutral density 10 stop filter and a neutral density graduated filter as well as a tripod; shutter speed 5 seconds, aperture f11 and ISO 100.

www.camc.com

May 2020 73

PRACTICAL KIDS’ STUFF

Family values Sammy Faircloth’s children seem to have inherited their parents’ love of the caravanning life... but what do they like about it?

I

have very fond childhood memories of adventures away in our Lynton tourer. We were a family of six and caravanning gave us the comfort and warmth that our old tents could not provide. Now I have two children of my own (Emily and Daniel) – and I thought it would be nice to get their views on the touring lifestyle. We bought our first caravan in 2013 – a Bailey Orion 460-5 – and over the past seven years, we have had many adventures in the UK and abroad.

EMILY’S VIEW

I enjoy caravanning – particularly in the summer, as I love the sun, sea and beaches. Personally, I prefer to travel abroad, and my favourite campsite is El Delfin Verde on the Costa Brava in Spain. It has a huge pool, massive supermarket stacked with tasty food, crêpe stand and gift shops. Although I am a sun lover, I also enjoy caravanning at Christmas with www.camc.com

all the festive lights. The dark nights mean we can snuggle up in the warmth of our caravan and watch movies as a family. On some Club sites they have a video library where you can hire a video for a small fee .

On arriving at the site, I tend to sort the inside of the caravan as I don’t like getting cold in the winter and I don’t like getting sweaty in the summer. The only outside job I don’t mind doing is the corner steadies – but Daniel and I tend to fight over that.

My first experience of touring was when my grandad took me to Ferry Meadows Club site in his motorhome. He used to show me how to empty the toilet and for some reason I enjoyed it! Now I get my brother to do it.

Some of my favourite activities have been visiting theme parks and festivals and hill walking. However, my favourite activity was going down the rapids on an inflatable in Jura, France.

May 2020 75

PRACTICAL KIDS’ STUFF

The best thing about caravanning is that we can go for as long as we like without spending too much money. Most years we go to Spain for three weeks, and sometimes we stop off in France or Germany.

Having a caravan has allowed me to experience new cultures, make new friends and go on amazing adventures. Would I have a caravan when I am older? Yes!

DANIEL’S VIEW

My first memory of caravanning was in Hollands Wood in the New Forest and I learnt to ride my bicycle aged six years old. It felt like a great achievement. One of my happiest memories was also in the New Forest, where I found a swing rope over a stream. It was great fun dropping into the water on a hot, sunny day.

I love travelling abroad because the weather is usually better than in the UK. I am an all-year-round caravanner though and love the winter for skiing. One of my favourite holidays abroad was in the Ardèche, France. We visited the Pont d’Arc on a very hot day and I spent the whole time jumping off rocks into the river.

It was such fun!

When we arrive on site, we all have our jobs to do.

My favourite job is to survey the campsite and find out where the service points, toilet facilities, safety equipment, information room and playground are.

It’s a bit like orienteering. Other jobs that my dad makes me do are taking the rubbish to the bins and emptying the waste water.

When we spend the day in the caravan, I like to play board games and card games or read books.

A favourite breakfast is pancakes and, when we go to Spain, I like helping my mum or dad cook a paella.

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

PARENTS’ VIEWS

The children have always helped us with setting up, packing away and cleaning the caravan – they have never really seen it as a chore and we feel that they have learnt valuable skills that they can use when they are at home.

We have always prepared meals in our caravan and we encourage the children to think of ways to ‘keep it simple’. They have even been known to cook flapjacks!

With cooking comes the washing up and drying up, so we all take turns. Being in a confined space means it’s important to try and keep things tidy. We all dislike setting up and packing away, but we have always said to them, “The quicker we do it as a team the quicker we can go out and enjoy ourselves!”

Caravanning has helped us to spend a lot of quality time together as a family and we enjoy exploring the great outdoors and trying new activities together.

Hopefully, our children will join the next generation of caravanners/motorhomers!

76 May 2020

www.camc.com

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NEW

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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, or sink into the ground.

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NEW Triple 3/ Quattro 3 Levels 2020 version 3 now

available offering improved strength and performance.

Offering a lattice high-grip surface that pockets the wheel at every height eliminating the need for chocks. They have a solid base which is ideal for use on soft ground.

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This Hand Rail is used for extra stability providing easier access. As well as offering additional security against breakins or attacks when locked across the door. Door Frame Mounting also available.

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Treat your friends to the perfect gift With a year’s Club membership

Let your friends discover the joys of touring with the Club and all the fantastic benefits included, when you buy them a Gift Membership.

Plus you’ll receive a £10 Club voucher, so it’s a present guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Find out more at: www.camc.com/gift

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PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

MOT/cover update

Q A

How does the current situation affect things like MOTs and insurance?

First a necessary proviso – this is a constantly developing situation, and while these details were correct as we went to press, some elements will undoubtedly change further as time progresses. Up-to-date FAQs can be found on the Club website at camc.com/faqs; that page includes additional information on our insurance and Caravan Cover products.

MOTs: For cars, campervans and motorhomes, the date on which your MOT will be required (including first MOTs on younger vehicles) will automatically be extended by six months. You can confirm that the extension has been applied by using the Check MOT History service (gov.uk/ check-mot-history). Extensions will usually be applied on or just before the normal MOT due date. Note that you must still keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Annual service schedules and warranties: It is tricky to be absolutely precise here. If your vehicle is due a service, but is currently not being used or only used very lightly, it’s likely the manufacturer will be willing to extend the service interval with no detriment to warranty cover. Several manufacturers (especially caravan makers, many of whom have extended service intervals by three to four months) have already indicated this on their websites or social media. If the vehicle is still in regular use and you feel a service is necessary to ensure safety and roadworthiness, contact your dealer or the vehicle manufacturer/importer for advice. Note that dealers and the smaller manufacturers may have limited capability in terms of handling customer contacts at present, so be patient, and try different options (eg email or webchat via website) if phones are not being answered.

Vehicles not in use: If your campervan, motorhome or perhaps second car is not in use and is being kept off the public highway, you

www.camc.com

A SORN form (left) can be found at: https://assets. publishing.service.gov. uk/government/ uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_ data/file/807217/ v890-make-astatutory-off-roadnotification.pdf

can declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification – see gov.uk/make-a-sorn).

You’ll receive a handy refund on any full months of tax paid.

Vehicle insurance: SORN-ed vehicles and caravans don’t legally need to be insured/ covered, but failing to maintain cover could be a false economy. It’s strongly recommended that cover is maintained to protect against ongoing risks, such as theft, fire, accidental damage, weather or vandalism. Our own cover and insurance products, and, as far as we’re aware, all others, can maintain cover on a vehicle which is SORN-ed for reason of not being in use without difficulty.

Storage: If your caravan, campervan or motorhome is being kept somewhere other than your normal storage location, you must let your insurer know, as your cover may need to be updated. If you can’t access your storage area to check your outfit, though, or keep its battery charged to maintain security products, don’t worry. Insurers should not penalise you for anything you are not reasonably able to do at present.

n For updates or to find out more on insurance and cover, please see camc.com

Please address your questions to:

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

camc.com/advice

May 2020 79

PRACTICAL Q&A

ASK YOUR CLUB

The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions

VED for motorhomes

Q

Can you clarify the details of the announcement on motorhome Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the recent budget?

A

We were pleased that Government and HM Treasury listened to the arguments presented by the industry (supported by the Club). We didn’t get everything we would have liked, but the key change – reversing the decision to tax motorhomes as if they are cars – was made. Here are some further details...

• From 1 September 2019 to 12 March 2020, the majority of motorhomes were placed in passenger car VED classes. This meant owners paid a very high rate of tax in their first year (typically £2,135), a lower amount in years two to six (£465) and a much lower amount in subsequent years (£145). The rate in years two to six includes £320pa premium tax for vehicles that cost more than £40,000 (as is the case for most new motorhomes).

• The budget on 11 March 2020 changed things back to the situation preceding 1 September 2019 – ie from 12 March, the majority of motorhomes will be taxed along with vans and other commercial vehicles in the Private/Light Goods or Private/Heavy Goods categories (the latter if weighing over 3,500kg). That means most motorhome owners will pay £265pa (or £165pa if their vehicle is over 3,500kg).

• For the unfortunate group of owners whose vehicles were registered from 1 September 2019 to 11 March 2020, HM Treasury has informed us that there is no way to retrospectively amend their taxation. Those vehicles continue to be taxed at the rates that applied when they were sold. This is an issue that subsequent owners will need to note too – during their first six years, these vehicles will be more expensive to tax; after that, they will be slightly less costly.

• The new tax rates apply until the end of March 2021. From 1 April 2021, motorhomes will remain aligned with light goods vehicle taxes, but there will be a new regime for those payments. Full details, including rates at which goods vehicles and motorhomes will be taxed, have not yet been determined. We expect to see details of those rates near the end of 2020.

The change came after a very well-run campaign led by the industry’s trade body, the National Caravan Council (NCC), which gained support from a large number of MPs. The Club was closely involved, supporting the campaign on behalf of members, contacting parliamentarians and attending a meeting at the Treasury, where we were able to present concerns directly to the key decision maker on this issue. We also spoke directly with the Head of Vehicle Taxation, the senior civil servant responsible for implementing tax policy.

Meeting at HM Treasury, October 2019, left to right: Club Technical Manager Martin Spencer, Treasury Minister Simon Clarke MP, campaign supporter Sir David Amess MP, NCC Director General John Lally

Please address your questions to:

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

camc.com/advice 80 May 2020

www.camc.com

www.camc.com

November 2016 21

Country files

TEST VOLVO V60 D4 AWD CROSS COUNTRY PLUS

Lesley Harris gives us the lowdown on a class-winning vehicle from our Towcar of the Year competition

V

olvo has always done well in the Caravan and Motorhome Towcar of the Year competition and this year was no exception. The XC40 clinched the overall trophy, while this month’s test car, the larger V60 Cross Country Plus, triumphed in what was the most fiercely-fought category. Just a few points separated the top five contenders in the 1,500kg-1,700kg caravan weight class, with the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar’s E-Pace and XF Sportbrake and Nissan’s X-Trail all in the running. Yet, it was the Volvo that shone through – let’s find out why.

82 May 2020

COMFORT

If you want something between an estate and an SUV, with off-road capability, then the V60 Cross Country Plus is certainly an option. From the outside, it lives up to its name, retaining similar styling to its V60 Estate sibling but with added attitude. There are rugged touches around the wheel arch extensions, sills and lower grille, while the rear bumper is embossed with the ‘Cross Country’ moniker.

And as ground clearance is increased by 60mm over the standard V60, the Cross Country has a purposeful, chunky look about it.

The interior is typically Volvo – minimalist, stylish and beautifully crafted. A 9in portrait touchscreen infotainment system is standard

www.camc.com

Stylish, minimalist interior www.camc.com

CLASS WINNER

May 2020 83

TEST VOLVO V60 D4 AWD CROSS COUNTRY PLUS

There are rugged touches around the wheel arches and sills

“

The Cross Country has a purposeful, chunky look about it

”

across the range, sitting nicely in the sculpted dash. The swipe-and-pinch screen is easy to use, and usual features include sat-nav, phone connection and DAB radio. However, you will have to pay £300 extra in order to be able to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the screen is easy to use when stationary, it’s really fiddly when you’re on the move – simple operations such as adjusting the climate control become long-winded and distracting.

Meanwhile, the V60 features a 12.3-in digital driver's display, which functions well and is easy on the eye.

You’ll immediately notice just how comfortable the leather-faced seats are.

They’re easily adjusted and there’s an extending under-thigh squab too. In the rear there is plenty of shoulder room for three adults to sit abreast, yet the middle seat is hampered by the overly large transmission tunnel, which will leave passengers fighting 84 May 2020

for foot space. A pull-down armrest containing cup holders adds extra stowage room, while the outer seats both feature Isofix fittings.

DRIVING

Volvo offers a choice of two engines for the V60 Cross Country – the D4 diesel and T5 petrol.

We’re testing the turbocharged 2.0-litre D4 diesel which provides 190bhp of power and 400Nm of torque, and if you’re going to be towing it’s the unit to go for. You also get four-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Once behind the wheel, you do get the sense of being just that little bit further away from the asphalt thanks to additional ride height – but this doesn’t impinge on handling. There’s plenty of grip and the revised suspension cushions most of the road imperfections.

Volvo has always put the emphasis on comfort, and the V60 Cross Country is a pleasure to drive, especially over longer distances. However, the steering doesn’t offer much feel and is a little vague at times, while the large pillars will give you a couple of blind spots to contend with around town. In addition to the normal driving modes, the Volvo is equipped with an Off-Road setting and Hill Descent Control. This being a Volvo, there is a host www.camc.com

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

£47,130 Insurance

Group 32 Club insurance

he Club s Car Insurance is guaranteed to beat your renewal remium by at least

Clockwise from above: ground clearance is higher than standard model; useful bottle holder; rear seating is comfortable for two; masses of load space when rear seats are folded

Engine

, cc, cyl, diesel in line Power

190bhp (144kW) @ , r m Torque

m( r m

,

lb ft)

Transmission

s eed automatic Spare wheel

yre sealant Kerbweight

1,784kg Gross vehicle weight

of safety features on offer – City Safety with Steering Support, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Run-off Road Protection to name a few.

TOWING

Hitching up is easier if the optional electric towbar has been fitted (£1,075) – a quick press of the button and away you go. An optional rear camera (£375) also helps. You’ll find plenty of luggage space on offer – there is 529 litres of capacity with the seats in place, rising to 1,441 litres with all seats folded, while an electric tailgate comes as standard. Our V60 was fitted with optional 19in wheels which did affect the ride somewhat. At lower speeds it felt a little lumpy, however, once speed picked up it became smoother, and on faster roads it was safe and secure. There was little pitching or tugging from the caravan and the engine had enough grunt to make overtaking easy and safe. The eight-speed auto gearbox works well once up to speed but I felt it was slow to respond when a quick burst of acceleration was needed, so pulling out at a junction or a roundabout can be frustrating, especially when towing.

1,840kg Gross train weight

VERDICT

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a capable 4x4 estate that has plenty of style both inside and out. If you don’t want a traditional SUV but need a family vehicle with AWD, then it’s well worth considering.

Noseweight limit

g Towing equipment

lectric retractable towbar , Fuel/tank/econ

13.2gal (60 litres) m g solo CO2

g m

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

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

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

remium Saving uarantee Sub ect to roof of e isting renewal, including cover and rice (eg a co y of your renewal notice), when cover is on a li e for li e basis lease note, terms and conditions, eg e cess(es), may vary from your current insurer Courtesy car is sub ect to availability Sub ect to terms and conditions and the Insurer s acce tance of the is he Club s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Bro ers Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of he Caravan Club Limited he Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the inancial Conduct Authority

www.camc.com

3,090kg

igures from manufacturer s literature RATINGS

85%

COMFORT

85%

DRIVING

87%

TOWING

86%

OVERALL

May 2020 85

SPECIAL BUYING USED

STUFF

of dreams When the world starts to return to normal, we know members will be itching to get out on the road once more. Here Rob McCabe offers his expert advice on purchasing that perfect second-hand caravan

On a used forecourt you should find plenty of variety

86 May 2020

A

n experienced motor trader who comments on the industry in a regular magazine column once wrote this: “Nobody buys a second-hand car through choice. When you sell a second-hand car, the best you can hope for is that you’re managing shattered dreams.” Ouch! Strong words indeed. Yet, while you may find a grain or two of truth in that sentiment, I can’t say I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, much of the good sense in buying a used car applies to buying a used caravan – indeed, if you get it right, you can come out ahead of the game. If treating yourself to

a well-looked-after, pre-owned caravan is high on your list of priorities when things get back to normal again, here are a few pointers to help ensure the only dreams you’ll have after making your purchase are sweet ones!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

The internet is a great research tool, so make full use of it to help narrow down your shortlist. By browsing private and trade for-sale ads you’ll quickly get an idea of how far your budget will go, or if you need to stretch it a bit to get the layout/age/features combo you want. Watch out for fake adverts and scam dealer websites, though.

But the best research tool of all is your own eyesight. It may seem an obvious thing to say, but www.camc.com

“

The internet is a fabulous research tool, so make full use of it to help narrow down your shortlist

”

disappointments come to pass, at least you haven’t wasted half a day and half a tank of fuel.

Before you travel, speak to the seller and ask direct questions. Does it have a service history? Is there any body damage? Do all the appliances work as they should? Be wary if the viewing address is anything other than a recognised storage compound or the seller’s home address.

More often than not, a seller’s description will be fairly realistic. And it’ll be a delight to turn up for a viewing and find that, if anything, they’re underselling the caravan. If you’re prepared to hold out for an example that makes you go ‘wow’ when you see it, my experience suggests that the van in question will fall into your lap sooner or later.

Every so often, I see five- to eight-year-old caravans that are all but indistinguishable from new, and they very often come with expensive extras such as a motorised mover or an awning – sometimes even both.

Find one like that, with a full service history (and a year’s warranty from a dealer), and the only ‘shattered dream’ will be if somebody beats you to it!

Top left: an Abbey Iona, 20 yearsold but in great condition Left: an eight year-old Compass Liberty

HATE WAITING?

If you’re tempted by a brand-new caravan, you may be non-plussed when you’re told how long you’re going to have to wait for delivery of your chosen model – it could be weeks, or even months. Go for a nearly-new one, though, and not only will the first owner have taken the biggest depreciation hit (saving you a big pile of money), but you will be able to tow it away as soon as it has had its pre-delivery inspection (or, if it’s a private sale, as soon as the seller can see that the money has landed in his or her bank account).

PRIVATE SELLER OR DEALERSHIP?

never be tempted to buy a caravan purely on the strength of a few photos on a website (however good they are) or on the seller’s declaration that “you won’t find a better example than this”. Always inspect a caravan in person before committing to parting with your cash (even for a deposit). There may not have been a photo of that unsightly scrape on the offside sidewall. The seller may have ‘forgotten’ to mention that the upholstery is starting to sag. And any number of high-resolution images won’t alert you to the slightly stale-smelling washroom.

For this reason, you may decide to limit your search to vehicles within an hour or so’s travelling time of where you live – if any or all of the above unexpected www.camc.com

Comparing certain models and years of caravan like for like, you’ll certainly save money by buying privately – and if the seller is a conscientious caravanning enthusiast who has kept the service book up to date and taken pride in keeping his/her outfit looking immaculate, you could be on to a good thing.

A dealer will charge more for that same caravan because they obviously need to make a profit on it (although some of that profit will have come from the previous owner who has had to accept a trade price).

But every caravan you buy from a dealer – excepting the very cheapest ones with ‘sold as seen’ signs in the windows – will come with a warranty, and will go through a pre-delivery

Gobur sells reconditioned folding caravans

May 2020 87

SPECIAL BUYING USED

Clockwise from above: some used caravans come with a motor-mover; others with an awning stored away; a dealer will always fix problems; you may need to sreplace tyres

inspection before it leaves the premises. Any ‘snags’ you’ve spotted while looking over it will be put right – a loose hob cover, a broken blind or an awkward cupboard door, say.

And because it’s already on site at a workshop, you can ask for it to be serviced (if this isn’t included in the price), and for new tyres to be fitted – you should do this as a matter of course if there’s no documented evidence that the tyres are under five years old.

Should you encounter problems, you also have more legal redress when buying from a dealer.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If you’re buying a relatively recent caravan from one of the established UK manufacturers, it’ll very likely have some bodywork warranty left on it – provided the service schedule has been kept up to date. Be on your guard if an owner hasn’t bothered with servicing – what else might they have scrimped on?

Check for damp. If you can’t borrow a damp meter, visually inspect every nook and cranny, and have a good sniff for the tell-tale musty smell. If you even think there may be an issue with damp, walk away – most caravans will be dry and tight, and it’s one of these that you want to buy. A spongy-feeling, bouncy floor points to delamination – again, get walking.

We’ve talked about ‘snagging’ – easy if you’re buying from a dealer, less so if it’s a private sale. If you’re still interested in buying a vehicle that clearly has a few little things that need putting right (you’re not buying a brand-new caravan, after all), factor in the cost of this when agreeing a price.

Make sure the caravan is safe to tow away. When you go to see it, check the electrics work properly when connected to your car, satisfy yourself that the handbrake and jockey wheel mechanism work efficiently, and ensure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressures.

88 May 2020

Who’ll be staying in the caravan with you? Take them all along when you go to see it, and literally try it for size. Does everyone get a good bed? Can you all sit comfortably in the lounge? Does it have enough lockers and drawers to accommodate all your bits and pieces?

And – this one is really, really important – do you get a good feeling just by being in it?

ALWAYS HAGGLE

Finally, even if you hate the thought of haggling or you think you’re rubbish at it, you should always have a go – you have absolutely nothing to lose and potentially an awful lot to gain. If a dealer is reluctant to bend much over the asking price, how about asking them to include next year’s service as part of the deal? Or what about doubling the length of the warranty? If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

I hope you've found the above advice helpful – here's to your buying your ‘dream’ used vehicle in the future!

You can cover your caravan with the Club See camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 336610 for further details www.camc.com

Caravan Cover when you need it 90% 91% 92% 88% 90% 94% 89% 91%

Our award winning Caravan Cover is here for you when you need it. And coming from your Club, with over 45 years of customer service and expertise, you can relax and make sure your holiday is one to remember.**

Get yourself award winning cover visit camc.com/caravancover or call 01342 488 338 for a quote today.

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From 13 March 2020 over 85% of our 160 UK Club Sites reopen, that’s already more than any other touring club. *Based on standardBook new-for-old cover limit of £23,000 £500490. contents cover and £100 voluntary excess. Includes 4 + years no claims discount (not protected). nowcover, online or give us (caravan a call and on equipment), 01342 327

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

Protection provided directly by your Club. This is promotional information only and a sample policy wording including the limitations and exclusions that apply is available upon request.

Terms and conditions apply. **We have been covering members’ caravans since 1972. *We pay out 96% of claims: Based on claims data 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.

TEST BILB S

A

NEX

Nick Harding finds that sim licity is ey in Bilbos latest conversion

GENERATION

H

ere we have a slightly different take on the Volkswagen-based campervan. It’s Bilbo’s Nexa+ – an elevating-roof model with four individual travel seats, twin single-bed sleeping accommodation and a proper, plumbed-in, electric-flushing toilet. And it’s based on the latest Transporter, the T6.1, with new front-end look and a lot more.

As ever, there’s an attractive starting price £51,900 in this instance – but there are numerous options available that many might consider essential.

90 May 2020

Here, the Ravenna blue metallic paint (£1,000), rear-view camera (£290), diesel heating (£1,250), 80W solar panel (£595) and lithium leisure battery (£650) are some of the additions that add seasoning. Other extras are available, as is a long-wheelbase variant.

BUILD QUALITY

Bilbo’s uses the solid Kombi version of the T6.1, ordered without the original rear seating but with extra windows. The company complements this with fuss-free, quality conversion work (incidentally, the first Nexa appeared on Volkswagen's T4 back in 1999). That side-hinged elevating roof, for example, www.camc.com

Main picture: Nexa+ adopts a walk-through layout Left, from top: Ravenna blue paint and extended roo das oard s s ar r a or kitchen includes work surface safety front that the T6.1 makes most major improvements. It has better headlights, Crosswind Assist, Emergency Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, front and rear parking sensors... and that’s just for starters. There are plenty of upgrade options available.

The advent of the T6.1 sees some diesel power changes – 109bhp is the starting point (up from 101bhp), while at the other end of the scale there’s a 196bhp unit (down from 201bhp). This example sports the 148bhp powerplant, coupled to DSG double-clutch automatic – which adds a £4,400 premium. Just one of the reasons for the improved drive is the switch to speed-adaptive electro-mechanical power steering (from the previous hydraulic).

On this evidence, it’s quieter out on the road – and Bilbo’s has always been good at keeping rattles to a minimum anyway.

There are changes a-plenty in the cab. This Nexa+ is based on the Highline version of the T6.1, so there’s a decent level of standard kit including air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, heated windscreen and USB and 12V power outlets.

There’s also a general upgrade to the dashboard, as well as what I can only describe as a ‘flatter’ steering wheel, featuring more integrated controls than previously. Everything’s still noticeably VW but it’s decidedly sharper than before.

DAYTIME

is to Bilbo’s own design and – typically – it’s practical and easy to operate. Notably, apart from the elevating roof fitting, the only hole cut in the bodywork by Bilbo’s is for the mains electricity inlet.

As for the T6.1, dare I suggest the doors and tailgate feel a bit lighter than on my old T5? As you’d expect, this latest version has a sharper design, both inside and out. There are new colours too – like the Ravenna Blue shown here.

DRIVING

It took the briefest of journeys to confirm that this is the best Transporter to drive, ever. But it’s on the www.camc.com

As mentioned, Nexa+ eschews the most popular, side-furniture VW camper floorplan and adopts a walk-through layout offering four individual travel seats and a kitchen and toilet at the back.

Those rear seats are RIB models from Scopema, a company long associated with such items. As dual-purpose units, just note they have rather long squabs for sitting and are fairly narrow when it comes to making the beds. Also, you might want to leave the head restraints at home if only two of you are using this camper.

There’s a lightweight table to retrieve from its travel location just inside the tailgate when you want to dine – indoors or al fresco. It fixes to a rail on the offside wall for the former, and there’s a rail just inside the sliding door for the latter (although I suspect most owners will prefer to take a separate outdoor table with them).

NIGHT-TIME

Two single beds are the order of the day here, utilising the cab seats swivelled and the rear units folded out.

There is sufficient floorspace that occupants can get out of bed and visit the loo – or, indeed, kitchen – at any time. There’s an option to make a double bed, but it’s rarely ordered according to Bilbo’s. You’ll no doubt find it easiest to store your sleeping kit in the seat

TECHNICAL

Price as tested

, Engine

litre turbo diesel uro I Power

bh ( ,

,

) r m

Torque

lb ft ( ,

,

m) r m

Transmission

s eed automatic, D MRO

,

g(

cwt)

MTPLM

,

g(

cwt)

User payload

g(

cwt)

Overall length

ft in (

m)

Overall width

ft

in (

m)

Overall height

ft in (

m)

Max internal height

ft in (

m)

Fuel/tank/econ

Diesel litres)

gal ( m g

igures from manufacturer s literature

Vehicle supplied for testing by Bilbo’s, Eastbourne Road, South Godstone, Surrey RH9 8JQ Contact: bilbos. com, 01342 892499

May 2020 91

TEST BILB S

A

Clockwise from far left: access via the back; rear RIB seats by Scopema; plumbed-in toilet; single beds made up

bases. Bilbo’s is one of the few campervan producers that offers proper curtains on tracks for all windows.

They’re lined and – according to the converter – offer better blackout and insulation than others.

KITCHEN

RATINGS

88%

BUILD QUALITY

86%

DRIVING

76%

DAYTIME

79%

NIGHT-TIME

80%

KITCHEN

70%

DETAILS

80%

OVERALL

You’re well kitted out in the kitchen department, with a three-ring hob and sink combination that has some worktop space to its left. The kitchen unit is also home to a grill (or you can order a microwave in its place) set over a drawer that includes a loose cutlery tray.

Beneath the sink are a larger drawer and an unshelved locker.

Across the corridor, a tall unit houses a 50-litre compressor fridge with lockers above and below. The floor locker here is also home to the leisure battery.

WASHROOM

The proper, plumbed-in toilet is discreetly concealed, thanks to furniture built around it and a hinged lid. It is a Thetford swivel-bowl unit, but you’ll want to ensure it suits you in terms of space. For complete privacy, there’s a curtain that hooks on. There’s the slimmest of wardrobes between the toilet and the vehicle side – offering a hanging rail as well as removable shelving.

DETAILS

Practicality really is kept to the fore here – if you want bling, you should probably go elsewhere. ‘Keep it simple’ is the Bilbo’s mantra. Do note, though, fittings like the touch-sensitive LED downlighters that are also dimmable, two sliding widows, proper metallined gas locker etc. Indeed, everything has a durable feel to it – from the flooring to the waterproof side and ends of the elevating roof, to the furniture, to the rubber strips along both sides (perfect for fending off the almost inevitable knocks and scuffs you’ll get from others parking too close).

VERDICT

Don’t be fooled by Bilbo’s straightforward approach to campervan manufacturing – this is a company that has an established reputation for practicality and reliability.

You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £513.26* per year. Please see camc.com/insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details

uote (correct as of A ril ) is for the model as tested worth , Based on a year old male living in Sheffield, with a ma imum no claims bonus (un rotected) coming from a motorhome of similar value e erience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and ee s vehicle on a drive uote is based on , miles er year, with damage, fire and theft e cess ehicle must have a factory fitted alarm and immobiliser Sub ect to underwriting he Club s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Bro ers Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of he Caravan Club Limited he Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the inancial Conduct Authority

92 May 2020

www.camc.com

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TAIL LIGHTS

Your observations on the unusual world of touring

Setting sail

“Old caravans don’t die… they go to sea!” jokes Christine Lamb. We’re not sure of the location, but it looks like it could well be Scotland. It’s certainly a novel way of testing a water ingress guarantee, though we wouldn’t recommend doing so.

BREEZY DOES IT

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

What dog doesn’t love sticking its head out of the window on the open road? It always raises a smile, as did this delightful cake scene depicting the full ‘wind in your hair’ experience.

It was made for Club member Clare for her retirement and the pooch in question is Herbie. Congratulations Clare – hope you enjoy all the extra free time!

WHAT, NO PLASTIC?

THE LAKE BRIENZ MONSTER

This ‘monster truck’ was spotted by Club member Sally Irwin while staying at the Aaregg campsite on Lake Brienz, Switzerland, a couple of years ago.

“I was dying to be able to look inside!” says Sally.

106 May 2020

We expect one or two pets were surprised when copies of the Club magazine began landing on doormats in a paper wrapping, as opposed to the plastic wrapper, but this picture of Baby Mittens with the February issue probably sums it up. Sorry Mittens, there were a few pictures of dogs inside that one!

HOME FROM HOME

Marilyn Fenn loves her new Rapido motorhome so much she was inspired to create a unique cushion cover from scraps in her craft box, working from a photograph of their model. It is displayed here by Marilyn’s granddaughter, who loves it as much as Marilyn. www.camc.com

PORTABLE POWER With a Punch

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The Platinum range also includes, AGM Plus Class A for motorhomes and caravans frequently used without electrical hook up, or the Platinum Leisure Class C for minimal off grid usage.

For more information or to find your nearest stockist please call 0161 971 5000 or email info@platinuminternational.com

For more information call 0161 971 5000, email orders@platinuminternational.com or visit www.platinuminternational.com

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November 2019 114

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November 2019 114 Visit camc.com/maydayy