Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine – September 2019
Patron: HRH The Prince Philip President: Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester
Chairman: Grenville Chamberlain OBE
Director General: Nick Lomas
Club contact details
For comprehensive contact details, see camc.com/contact
Main switchboard 01342 326944 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)
Membership services and magazine circulation 01342 318813 (calls may be recorded)
Site booking (members only)/UK
Club sites advance booking 01342 327490
Cover
Caravan 01342 336610
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Car/motorhome 0345 504 0334
Home/contents 0345 504 0335
Travel Service 01342 316101
Brochures on Club services
01342 327410
Technical advice 01342 336611
Legal helpline 01275 378728
enquiries@camc.com
Gary Martin says:
In this month’s issue we follow a young family on a caravanning adventure to the Arctic Circle (see p10-11), Andrew Ditton enjoys the sights and sounds of a Scottish music festival (p38-40) and Karla Baker and her partner Stephen highlight how disabilities need not be a barrier to embarking on an overseas tour (p68-69).
Furthermore, Jane McGowan and her family enjoy a seven-site holiday in England’s North-East (p24-34), while David Chapman continues to travel the country in his motorhome in search of our finest wildlife (p62-64).
That’s the beauty of owning a caravan, motorhome or trailer tent – what you do, where you go and when you do it is entirely up to you. You simply get away, your way...
“...what you do, where you go and when you do it is entirely up to you”
Editions of your Club magazine – with lots of extra content – are also available via an app on iPhone/iPad and Android tablets and phones.
We would love to hear about your touring adventures in 2019. Whether you escaped to a rural retreat, used your vehicle as a base from which to participate in a hobby, pastime or sport, or set off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure overseas, please let us know how you got away this year.
Send your stories and photos to magazine@camc.com and we will publish a selection in a future issue – you never know, you might just inspire fellow members to follow in your touring footsteps. Enjoy the issue!
Editorial Editor: Gary Martin
Deputy Editor: John Thynne
Assistant Editors: Stuart Egan, Stephen Hollis
Design: Michaela Easey
Postal address: Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA
C lub Magazine editorial: 01342 336640
Advertising enquiries
Business Development Manager: Ian Lea 01342 336753 ian.lea@camc.com
Commercial Executive – Regional: Adam Johnson 01342 336742 adam.johnson@camc.com
Commercial Executive: Steve Walters 01342 779377 steve.walters@camc.com
Production Controller: Tara Erroll 01342 779371 tara.erroll@camc.com
Digital Advertising Co-ordinator: Vicky Powell 01342 779378 victoria.powell@camc.com
Cover: typical Northumberland countryside Credit: Michael Conrad/Getty
Touring
24 UK SITES
Jane McGowan takes in the delights of England’s North-East coast on a seven-site family tour
36 DIRECTORY UPDATES
Updates to your Sites Directory & Handbook
38 ACTIVITY BREAKS
Andrew Ditton heads to the Inner Hebrides for a memorable music festival, using his caravan as a base
44 FOREIGN TOURING
Denmark is the destination – John Rawlings experiences the north coast of Zealand and beautiful Copenhagen Tests
Swift Kon-tiki Sport 560
Club and industry updates 20 SITES
News from across the network
49 OVERSEAS
Ideas for foreign holidays and tours
103 CENTRES
Rallies and news from across the country
Specials
12 CLUB MATTERS
Looking for a new vehicle? The Club is on hand to help
68 ACCESSIBLE TOURING
Karla Baker heads across the Channel
80 TICKET OFFERS
Somerset and Lincoln show discounts
93 NEW MODEL NEWS
Round-up of product launches from Adria, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis and Swift
Regulars
PLEASE RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY
The wrapping for this magazine is recyclable at larger supermarkets
7 DIRECTOR GENERAL’S VIEW
Nick Lomas talks about our Certificated Locations
10 YOUR PHOTOS
The best pictures from your touring adventures
23 THE CAMPERVAN COOK
Martin Dorey says it’s time to mussel in!
54 MEMBER OFFERS
Exclusive deals and discounts for Club members
58 LETTERS
Your comments and views
62 COUNTRY MATTERS
David Chapman introduces the hawfinch
66 CROSSWORD
A chance to win Club gift tokens
71 FAMILY MATTERS
Using your caravan to visit historic sites
72 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Footwear special
75 PRACTICAL
Upgrade... or extend
78 ASK YOUR CLUB
Your questions answered
99 EVENTS DIARY
Pitching spots near public events
107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
To advertise, call 01342 336817
122 TAIL LIGHTS
The weird, wacky and wonderful world of touring
Printing by Walstead Bicester
Opinion
Nick Lomas says:
One of the benefits of being a member of our Club is exclusive access to a 2,300-strong Certificated Location (CL) network – each a little gem of a (usually rural) site offering a maximum of five pitches
We are privileged to be able to issue a certificate (hence the name) for these locations to operate as Caravan and Motorhome Club sites for the exclusive use of members under the 1960 Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act. Indeed, our network of these small five-pitch sites is unrivalled in both size and variety.
CLs work for everyone...
This magazine is also available at £2.29 (Google Play) or £2.99 (App Store) per issue to non-members who download the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine app.
Readers are asked to note that the Caravan and Motorhome Club cannot accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery or operation of any products advertised or mentioned in this journal. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply any form of approval or recommendation.
Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions.
The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act.
All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation.
All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.
Mail order advertisers are required to state in advertisements addressed to the public, their true surname or full company name, together with the address from which the business is managed.
Calls to phone numbers starting 084 and 087 cost up to 7p per minute plus your service provider’s charge.
1. The owners operate them as small businesses in their own right, setting pitch fees and payment terms and offering bespoke experiences (I have seen everything from communal picnic and barbecue areas to farmyard and vineyard tours).
2. The Club certificates these sites to ensure basic levels of facilities (appropriate access, fresh water and chemical waste disposal) are provided, and that insurance and, if necessary, water and electricity safety checks, are carried out each year. Enthusiastic volunteer members visit each CL once a year to check that it is operating well but also to provide support to the owners. We advertise these CLs in the Handbook, on the Club website and on our UK Sites app. We don’t charge CL owners for doing this, we simply ask them to join the Club.
3. You, the member, are then able to book and stay on an exclusive piece of British countryside in the knowledge that you’ll be sharing it with only four other outfits at most.
In recent years, CL owners have invested heavily to improve their facilities – 80% of CLs now provide electric hook-ups, 41% have toilets and more than a quarter offer showers.
CL owners are never going to make a fortune based on an income from a maximum of five outfits per night, especially when the cost of providing hook-ups, roadways, hardstandings and washroom facilities are taken into consideration. There are also hidden costs for insurance, water provision and waste disposal (many rural locations are reliant on tanks as they do not have mains drainage, for example),
“...80% of CLs now provide electric hook-ups, 41% have toilets and more than a quarter offer showers”
plus there are annual safety checks and maintenance to consider.
Overwhelmingly, CL owners tell us they run their small sites for a little extra income, but the personal satisfaction of welcoming members to their homes or parts of the country are important factors.
If you visit a CL, and I strongly advise that you do, please respect the fact that you are often in the grounds of someone’s home or property and take care to observe any payment and booking terms – a late cancellation can reduce income by 20%!
If you or someone you know has a piece of land or owns a rural attraction, farm shop, pub or sports club and has half an acre or so that could become a CL, please let our dedicated team in East Grinstead know about it by emailing clresponse@camc.com.
Happy touring!
Join us for the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle show. e only place where you can step inside, browse and compare all the new-for-2020 models under one roof from leading UK and European manufacturers. Plus, stock up on the lastest musthave accessories and gadgets.
To discover more and book your tickets, visit mcshow.co.uk or call 0844 873 7333
YOUR PHOTOS
Club members the Butlers (two adults, a toddler and a cat) bring you highlights from their 4,650-mile caravanning adventure to the Arctic Circle. We’d love to see more of your pictures – so keep us posted!
1.
BRIDGING THE GAP
To cross into Sweden from Denmark, we used the five-mile long Øresund Bridge which connects Copenhagen and Malmö – and offers breathtaking views over the Øresund strait.
3. GULF COURSE
Driving past the frozen Gulf of Bothnia (the northernmost ’arm‘ of the Baltic Sea), half way up through Sweden on the E4, my wife happily took a turn piloting our Volvo/Bailey outfit. The E4 road stretches for an incredible 990 miles, although the Finnish part is just 0.62 miles long!
2.
CHILD’S PLAY
Our first stop in Sweden was near Jönköping on the shores of picturesque Lake Vättern. After travelling for eight hours, our two-year-old daughter couldn’t wait to get out of the car and help us pitch for the night – fitting an Al-Ko wheel lock is child’s play, it seems!
Seven days after leaving home in England we arrived in Lapland, pitching up at a snowy Ranua Zoo Camping. Nearby Ranua Wildlife Park is the second northernmost zoo in the world.
5. PAUSE FOR CLAUS!
We couldn’t come all this way and not say hello to Father Christmas at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Our daughter picked up a brochure which she loved looking through, pointing out every Santa and reindeer she spotted!
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
Sweden
4. LAPLAND LANDING
Denmark
Finland
Finland
Sweden
6. THE CIRCLE LINE
While at Santa Claus Village you can cross the Arctic Circle, marked by the lamps behind us here. Did you know that the position of the
Finland
8. SKI FUNDAY!
Ylläs ski resort signalled the most northerly point of our adventure. We didn’t expect to be skiing in April! As you can
10. TWO OF THE BEST
Heading south through Sweden on the E45 (which at 3,225 miles is the longest north-south route in Europe, passing through seven countries), we drove through many pretty villages. This is a quiet spot we found for lunch. Our nine-year-old Volvo XC90 did a brilliant job of towing our twin-axle Bailey.
After seeing reindeer on reins at Santa Claus Village, our daughter was over the moon to see wild reindeer crossing the road in front of us. Such majestic animals.
9. LIGHT FANTASTIC
Crossing the border back into Sweden, we spent a night in the Arctic Circle near the village of Jokkmokk. We parked in a layby overlooking one of the beautiful partiallyfrozen lakes for 2½ hours, admiring this incredible sunset, which made up a bit for not seeing the Northern Lights.
11. PURR-FECT PARTNERS
After 4,000 miles of sitting next to each other, these two remain best of friends and enjoy a walk together upon our return home! This is a trip that will live long in all our memories. Amazing! Sweden England
FREE PRIZE DRAW: Send us a photo and you will be automatically entered into a free monthly draw, offering the chance to win some fantastic prizes! See camc.com/competitions for full prize draw terms and conditions
Finland
Finland
Sweden
Help to buy
Looking to
change your car, caravan or motorhome?
Well, the Club is on hand to help you with your purchase so you can make the best-informed decision possible
September is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year for new car purchases, while October sees all the major players in the caravan and motorhome industry unveil their 2020 models to the public for the first time at the Motorhome and Caravan Show. So now is the perfect time to show you exactly how the Club can help you when you need to change your towcar, caravan or motorhome – whether you are buying new or second-hand.
OUTFIT MATCHING SERVICE
Accessing the Club’s Outfit Matching Service is the best way to ensure a towcar and caravan are a safe, legal and comfortable match, so make sure you take advantage of it before looking into a purchase.
An online calculator tool is available free for Club members (camc.com/outfitmatching), while a telephone service provides members and prospective members alike with help – we have a team of experts waiting to talk you through your options.
Whether you have a specific car or caravan to match, or would like to look at recommended outfit combinations, the Club is here to help.
We take into consideration a wide range of technical details so you can clearly see towcars and caravans that are a good match.
At the time of writing, we have 101,141 different car models and 25,435 variants of caravan on our database (and it is being updated all the time) –offering a huge number of potential combinations.
We don’t just cover new models either – our list of cars goes back in depth to 1996 (with a few earlier vehicles), while our caravan listings start with tourers from as far back as 1980. Caravans include dealer specials and weight upgrade options, plus trailer tents, folding campers and folding caravans. So, whatever your budget, whatever vehicle you are interested in, you are catered for.
On average, around a quarter of a million online outfit matches are completed every year – we also receive several thousand more phone enquiries.
If you need a bit of help with the outfit matching process, give our expert team a call on 01342 336611. We can talk you through each step and provide further advice on related issues such as driving licences. This is particularly useful if you are thinking about buying your first outfit.
Please also note that if you are using the Outfit Matching Service online, webchat support is available (during office hours) should you require further assistance.
OTHER WAYS WE HELP YOU
n Club awards: our annual Towcar of the Year, Caravan Design and Lightweight Leisure Trailer Awards and Motorhome Design Awards are not just held to recognise and reward the best vehicles in the automotive and leisure industries – they are first and foremost designed to provide you, the member, with a wealth of invaluable information to help you in your buying decision. Latest results can be seen at camc.com/whats-on/awards.
The expert judges’ feedback is not only used to provide the basis for the reports you read in the Club magazine and on our website, it is also available to the manufacturers upon request – helping drive the caravan and motorhome industry forward. And remember, since all these competitions have been going for a number of years (Towcar of the Year was first held by the Club way back in 1983, for example), there is an abundance of historical information available through our Technical Advice service on 01342 336611 or technical@camc.com – important should you be buying second-hand.
n Online buying advice: whether you are in the market for a towcar, caravan, motorhome or trailer tent, read our handy guides on the Club website.
You can read our motorhome test reports in the magazine each month
Simply hover over ’Advice & Training‘ at the top of the home page and select the relevant vehicle content from the drop-down menu.
n Try before you buy: interested in owning a caravan or motorhome but want to make sure the lifestyle is for you before you take the plunge? Well, thanks to our hire service you can try before you buy – see camc.com/tbyb for further information.
n Magazine tests/reviews: check out the car, caravan and motorhome tests in the magazine each month. Although we cover predominantly new models, we also look at the used market for caravans and motorhomes from time to time. Again, there is a plethora of historical information available – what was new a year, two years, five years, 10 years ago, is now of course second-hand, so the tests will still be relevant when you are searching for knowledge and information to help you in your buying decision.
n Classified advertisements: Finally, for those on tighter budgets, check out our classified ads in the back of the magazine (and on the Club website) where fellow members list their used cars, caravans and motorhomes for sale. You might just pick up a bargain.
Clockwise from above: get the match right and you are set for a happy touring experience; Towcar of the Year is an established competition; choosing a caravan can be a daunting experience due to the sheer variety on offer – we can help
250,000 The average number of online outfit matches made by members each year
126,500
The number of different car and caravan models covered by the Outfit Matching Service
Look out for the 37th Towcar of the Year results in the October issue of the magazine
1983
The prestigious Towcar of the Year competition was first held by the Club 36 years ago
Stage is set for the NEC show Contact Centre opening hours
Are you going to this year’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC? Running from 15-20 October, the huge event will see numerous manufacturers showcasing their new-for-2020 outfits alongside suppliers of accessories, appliances and more. Meanwhile, at the Live Theatre, special guests will take to the stage to discuss their outdoor adventures and take part in cookery demonstrations.
We are delighted that popular TV presenter and Club member Matt Allwright (right) will be joining us again on Club Day, Tuesday 15 October. Later in the week, blogger Karla Baker, who has written two articles for the Club magazine about accessible touring (see page 68 of this issue for the latest one), will discuss her travels alongside partner Stephen.
Other on-stage highlights will include presentations from Countryfile presenter and adventurer Helen
If you are attending the NEC show, you might like to consider staying on the Club’s temporary site, which will be open from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October inclusive.
A stay at the site is ideal if you have a long journey ahead of or behind you, or if you’d like to spend an evening
In a change to previously published opening hours for the Contact Centre, the additional Saturday opening (9am – 1pm) for Caravan Cover will run up to, and including, 31 August 2019. The extra evening hours trial for Caravan Cover (see p16 of the June issue) will finish on 30 August 2019.
Skelton, whose travels have taken her as far as the Amazon River and the South Pole, and compère and comedian Rowland Rivron. If you would like to attend or find out more
deliberating over a big purchase.
A free shuttle service will take you from the site to the NEC halls and back, and the pitch price includes access to electric hook-up, evening entertainment (Monday to Saturday night), fresh water and waste facilities. Pitch fees are £40 per night
information about the show, please see the advert on pages 8 and 9 of this issue or visit mcshow.co.uk. The Club will be happy to see members at stands 7.12 (main Club section) and 19.03 (Experience Freedom), and a ticket offer will be included in next month’s issue.
on paved surface and £35 per night on shingle. We also have special ‘Super Sunday’ prices of £30 and £25 respectively (20 October only).
A limited number of pitches were available at the time of going to press. Please visit camc.com or call 01342 336666 to secure your spot.
Deputy Mayor praises “wonderful” Buxton
We recently welcomed Councillor Paul Hardy, Deputy Mayor of High Peak Borough Council, as well as representatives of Derbyshire County Council to Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. While on site the officials were able to see the results of the £1.5m development work carried out during 2018, including the refurbished reception block, new washroom facilities and new bike and dog wash. The attendees from Derbyshire County Council had been involved at the planning stage, so it was a good opportunity to show them the improvements.
“We were extremely impressed with the spaciousness of the site and all its excellent facilities,” said Councillor Hardy. “The new shower block and family wet room were amazing and extremely clean. We were impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the pride you have in this wonderful facility. The site is a great asset to the Buxton area and I wish you all the success for the future.”
Opening hours for members wishing to take advantage of our award-winning Caravan Cover will then be the same as on all other lines for the rest of 2019: Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.30pm.
Full details of how to contact us can be found at any time online at camc.com/contact and any further changes will be communicated, in advance, through both the Club magazine and the website.
The end of the road for Lunar?
Sadly, it emerged during July that Preston-based manufacturer Lunar Caravans – for many years one of the UK’s largest makers of caravans, motorhomes and campervans – had entered administration.
Attempts have been made to seek a buyer to save the company, but the administrators – who were appointed on 16 July – announced 124 redundancies at the end of the month.
David Acland, one of the administrators, said: “Despite a significant amount of interest from UK and international buyers, we are yet to receive an acceptable offer for the business as a going concern.
“We are now approaching the planned summer shut down and without funds to continue we have sadly had to make 124 redundancies.
“Our priority is now to ensure those affected have the support they need during this difficult time and we will be working closely with [trade union] Unite and South Ribble Borough Council to do this.”
It is understood that the search for a potential buyer is ongoing, despite the redundancies. At the time of writing no official announcement has been made about existing warranties for Lunar models.
Left to right: Club Executive Committee member and Sites Committee Chair John Lefley, Councillor Paul Hardy (Deputy Mayor) and Paul Barnes, Club Head of Estates
In brief
Following member feedback we have extended the opening dates at Morn Hill Club site in Hampshire. As a result, the site will remain open until 4 November 2019 instead of 30 September.
The Cheltenham Owners Club (COC) is currently preparing for a 70th Anniversary Rally, which is scheduled to run from 26-31 May 2020 at Ledbury Rugby Club, Herefordshire. The COC is extending an invitation to all Cheltenham owners to join in with the celebrations. For more event details please email cheltenhamownersclub@ outlook.com and to discover more about the COC see cheltenhamownersclub.co.uk.
Fang Fest (a Festival of Practical Arts) will take place at Fangfoss near York on 7 and 8 September – a great day out from the York Club sites (there were some pitches available at Beechwood Grange as this issue went to press). Entry to the festival is free and there will be art and craft demonstrations and displays. See fangfest.co.uk for information.
Members staying at Hawes or Lower Wensleydale Club sites may wish to consider a visit to nearby Bolton Castle (above). Open until 1 November in 2019 (except for occasional closures due to weddings), this medieval stronghold features themed events throughout the rest of the touring season, including music, theatre and even a ‘surprise assault’ by Spanish forces! Find out more at boltoncastle.co.uk.
A new caravan and motorhome show will be held at Aberdeen’s recently-opened P&J Live Arena from October 25-27. See pandjlive.com or lovetouringexpo.co.uk for more information.
QUESTIONS at the ready
Two of the Club’s Regions will be holding Question Time events this September, and both will include light refreshments and tours of fascinating museums as part of the day. Members can join the Northern Home Counties Region on 14 September, where they will have the opportunity to put questions to a panel that will include Malcolm Groves (Club Vice-Chairman), Julie Constable (Head of Insurance), Chris Newey (Head of Travel) and Martin Spencer (Technical Manager). The event will take place at 11am at The Whaddon Way Church Centre, Bletchley MK3 7JS, and a free tour of Bletchley Park Museum (above) – the home of British codebreaking during the Second World War – will take place afterwards. Parking is available on site. RSVP to Dave Rickard (vicechairman@ northernhomecountiesregion.info).
The nearest Club sites are Ashridge Farm, Grafham Water, Bladon Chains and Commons Wood. Members will also be welcome at the Northern Region’s event on 28 September at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds LS10 1LT (top). Beginning at 11am, there will be a chance to discuss Club matters with a panel featuring Nick Lomas (Director General), Malcolm Groves, Phil Monkman (Regional Manager) and Graham Turner (Social Media Manager). Afterwards, attendees can browse the National Collection of Arms and Armour – which includes Henry VIII’s armour – at the venue for free. A multi-storey car park is nearby. Please RSVP to Sylvia Moran (northernregionsec@hotmail.co.uk). The nearest sites are Hebden Bridge, Bolton Abbey and Knaresborough.
SHOWTIME
SEPTEMBER
6-8 Somerset: The South West Motorhome Show, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet (Warners Group, call 01778 391123 or see outandaboutlive.co.uk)
20-22 Lincolnshire: The Motorhome Show Season Finale, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln (Warners Group, details above)
27-29 Hampshire: Caravan and Motorhome Show, New Forest Showground, nr Lyndhurst (Apple Tree Exhibitions, call 01805 603943 or see appletreeexhibitions.co.uk)
OCTOBER
4-6 Worcestershire: The Malvern Caravan Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern (Warners Group, details above)
15-20 Birmingham: Motorhome and Caravan Show, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham (NCC Events, call 01252 318251 or see mcshow.co.uk)
25-27 Aberdeenshire: Love Touring Expo, P&J Live Arena, Aberdeen (Adventum Events, see lovetouringexpo.co.uk)
Note: details subject to change –please telephone event organisers in advance for up-to-date info.
From The Archives: News from the Club’s Collection
Together with 10 like-minded enthusiasts for horse-drawn leisure caravanning, John Harris Stone formed The Caravan Club of Great Britain and Ireland in 1907.
Born in 1853, Stone had a relatively privileged childhood in Bath before studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. He had a passion for the great outdoors, so caravanning, which in the 1880s was still in its infancy, was the perfect activity.
Harris Stone was quick to identify the need for a club to “bring together those interested in ‘van life – purely as a pastime”. In addition to being the Club’s Honorary Secretary for over 28 years, he also wrote several books, including Caravanning & Camping Out,
a mine of practical advice and helpful tips for the novice caravanner. During the First World War he was too old for the front line, but he
was instrumental in supplying caravans, responding to an urgent request from General Haig. By 1938 the Club had lost touch with Stone, but the then Club Secretary tracked him down to East Finchley, where he lived in the aptly-named ‘Caravan Cottage’. As a result, many important documents relating to the early years of the Club were transferred for safekeeping in the Club archive. Stone passed away the following year.
To find out more about the Club’s founder and the Club Collection, please visit nationalmotormuseum. org.uk/collections/camc-collection or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/ camccollection).
Richard Noyce
Simply enter the size and weight of your motorhome or towing outfit and the Avtex Tourer Two 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.
Club Shop
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 campgroundsand 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
Dashaway length
In our test of the Wheelhome Dashaway (see August issue, p86) it was incorrectly stated that the overall length of the tourer is 19ft 3in (5.87m). Please note that this should have been 13ft 2in (4.0m) – our apologies if this has caused any confusion.
500 up for AWS
The Approved Workshop Scheme (AWS) is a joint enterprise between the National Caravan Council (the UK trade body for the industry), the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. It is the benchmark for touring caravan and motorhome habitation servicing in the UK.
The scheme – which recently passed the 500 member mark – is the only one of its kind to be supported by all of the major UK caravan and motorhome manufacturers, allowing ‘approved’ workshops to carry out servicing during the warranty periods on their products without invalidating them. Members’ workshops are monitored throughout the year and assessed on an annual basis to ensure they are continuously qualified to the correct standards, have the relevant insurances, calibrated tools and equipment and follow professional customer practices.
Martin Spencer, Technical Manager at the Club, said: “I’ve watched the AWS go from strength to strength over the past 20 years. I recall when we had an ambition of 100 workshops, and reaching this milestone of 500 is truly remarkable.”
Read the mag online
As mentioned last month, the magazine is now available to read on the Club website (and you can download a PDF to read offline, if desired). This version includes much of the extra content that appears on the Magazine App each month. Please see caravanclub.co.uk/news-features/ club-magazine/archive.
Members complete charity ride
Club members Andy and Nathan Reeks (pictured) completed a charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John o’Groats in July.
As previously mentioned in the news pages earlier this year, the intrepid father and son team took on the challenge of riding from the far south-west of the UK mainland to the most north-easterly point, raising money for St David’s Hospice Care (an organisation that supports cancer patients and their families) along the way. It took them 12 days, with stays at Club sites such as Exebridge Lakeside, Bunree and Brora providing some respite for tired legs. The route was devised with Club sites in mind by friend Ian Waite, whose many roles supporting the duo included driver, cook and mechanic. They were joined by wives Judith, Gemma and Carole at their final site, Dunnet Bay – a surprise visit to celebrate the achievement.
With mostly favourable weather, a lack of punctures and no injuries, they rode a total of 997 miles and have to date raised nearly £7,000 for the charity (see justgiving.com/fundraising/nathan-reeks). The cycling team passed on their thanks to the helpful site staff they met along the way and promise to visit the locations again for more leisurely breaks. Well done to all!
Enjoy an open weekend at Elddis
County Durham-based caravan and motorhome manufacturer Elddis will welcome visitors to an open weekend on 21 and 22 September 2019 (Elddis Ltd, Delves Lane, Consett DH8 7PE).
The child- and dog-friendly event allows enthusiasts to see the company’s premises, with a factory tour and the chance to examine the new 2020 season ranges planned. You can also purchase spares or extras, if required.
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You recommend…
Certificated Locations with fishing on-site or nearby
n “Three well-stocked lakes with carp up to 30lbs and many other species of coarse fish... if you forget something there is a small shop that sells bait, etc.” (Pittlands Fishery Caravan Park CL, Horsmonden, Kent)
n “The pond is a large one with plenty of species to catch, even for the younger ones who fancy trying their luck.” (Beeches Private Fishing CL, Baumber, Lincolnshire)
n “My husband loves the fishing with a wide range of choice of well-stocked lakes offering coarse and fly fishing so that’s him happy. For me, the location and scenery is beautiful, relaxing and so peaceful.” (Llandegla Trout and Coarse Fishery CL, Wrexham)
n “Just spent two nights at this cracking CL... each pitch has its own private swim which is great for anglers plus the tackle shop on site is top class.” (Rookery Waters CL, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire)
n “Once through the yard you come to a beautiful fishing lake.” (Clump Hill Farm CL, Wimborne Minster, Dorset)
Club liaises on safety issues
this month: Jonathan Manning goes for a ride near Lower Wensleydale Club site; plus video reviews of the Mazda6 Tourer and the BeauEr 3X
Club staff – supported by the Northern Region – will be there to greet members and give help and
advice on Club matters. Entry is free but places must be booked in advance at elddis. co.uk/openweekend. Free car parking is available. For more information, please contact the Regional Secretary (northernregionsec@hotmail.co.uk) or visit northernregion.co.uk.
The Club works behind the scenes to represent members’ interests. We try to ensure that when legislators look at this sector they’re as well-informed as possible. That has been the case with a Department for Transport (DfT) study on trailer safety during the past year. We worked closely with DfT staff and their researchers, and coordinated with other representatives from our own sector. The report, published in mid-July, concluded that neither mandatory registration nor MOTs are needed for caravans or other light trailers. That’s not to say there are no safety concerns at all in this sector, but the DfT has listened to our argument that there are better strategies to address these than more regulation.
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Book your seasonal pitches for 2020
Stay for longer and you could pay as little as £3.31* per night
Over 80 UK Club sites offer seasonal pitches – a ‘home from home’ where you can leave your outfit and visit at leisure, without having to tow or manoeuvre each time you want to stay. By booking a longer-term seasonal pitch on a UK Club site you’ll be getting the best pitch price available. What’s more, we have frozen or decreased prices on selected seasonal pitch sites in 2020.
WHY BOOK A SEASONAL
PITCH?
Some members like to book a single pitch for a longer period – the entire
summer, for example – and then go on spontaneous weekend getaways or extended breaks, taking advantage of a truly flexible system. Here is a selection of benefits:
n Prices start from £3.31 per night* and are lower than for standard touring pitches at the same site.
n All-inclusive price: the pitch fee includes two adults and any children up to the age of 17, electric hook-up (where included) and all services on site.
n You get to enjoy your own dedicated pitch
IT’S ALL GO AT COMMONS WOOD!
As we reported last month, Commons Wood Club site is scheduled to fully reopen on 6 September, with a new toilet block. (The site has remained open as a service-point-only site.) There is also a new washing-up and kitchen prep area. Site staff would like members to know that nearby Welwyn Garden City is celebrating its centenary in 2020. A year-long programme of events begins in January with a Festival of Light, while a carnival, a royal visit and a spectacular closing ceremony are also on the agenda! See wgc100.org for more information – and remember you can book your pitch up to a year ahead at camc.com.
n Dogs go free
n It offers you the flexibility to stay for a longer break (up to 21 days at a time) or enjoy shorter holidays.
n There are more than 80 Club sites across the UK to choose from.
n Friends and family are welcome: when you’re not using your outfit on your seasonal pitch, why not invite your friends and family to try it out –they’ll just need to pay the normal touring pitch and per person fees, plus non-member fee if relevant.
n In 2020 you can choose your preferred pitch before arriving on site.
HOW TO BOOK
Call 01342 336615 to check availability and then download a booking form from camc.com/seasonal, where you’ll also find more information as well as a list of available sites and prices. (If you’ve booked before you’ll find a form inserted with this issue.)
Send your completed form to us by 20 September 2019 to be entered into the ballot system (this ensures all members are treated fairly and have an equal chance of securing their preferred location(s)).
*Based on indicative price per night when booking a seasonal pitch at Balbirnie Park Club site for 77 nights at a total cost of £255.
Store your outfit from just £0.92* per day
Need somewhere to store your outfit? Over 40 UK Club sites offer storage facilities, some of which have 24-hour CCTV in operation, controlled access and staff on site. You can choose from all-year, seasonal (ie the main touring season) or temporary storage (eg a few weeks or a couple of months) to suit your needs. Why not consider storing your outfit on or near your favourite site, or perhaps keep it closer to home? From just £0.92 per day*, storing your outfit is affordable and we’ve even frozen prices at selected storage facilities for 2020. See camc.com/storage for more information and a booking form. Forms for seasonal storage need to be sent to the Club by 20 September 2019 to ensure entry into a ballot system.
*Based on indicative price per day when booking storage at Lower Wensleydale Club site or Scarborough West Ayton Club site for 234 days at a total cost of £215.
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Ilminster Club site
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The Campervan Cook
Writer, cook and campervan owner Martin Dorey is an expert at rustling up tasty treats on tour. This month he samples seafood along France’s west coast
You may remember that last month I mentioned that I was about to set off on a ‘slow road’ adventure in France. Well, we’re back, having had a great time!
We made it as far south as Île de Ré near La Rochelle, following a route down the west coast to explore a few of the islands in the Atlantic. First Quiberon, where there is a fabulous drive along the Côte Sauvage, and then the Île de Noirmoutier, where the Huttopia site is in a protected forest right next to a lovely, sheltered beach – p28 of the Venture Abroad brochure, site code A45.
You can cross the bridge to the island or take the very slow road – a causeway that’s only exposed at low water. I know the French love their seafood
but I was really surprised to see so many people on the causeway digging for clams and cockles. There were hundreds of them!
Each of the islands has a different character and low-rise Île de Ré – with its salt flats, marshland and tiny villages of cobbled streets and closelypacked, whitewashed houses – was our favourite. There are beaches to suit surfers, swimmers, boaters and sun-worshippers. It’s a great place to cycle too, with villages and ports connected by bike routes, many of which are traffic free. Each village has a market selling typical French produce, from nectarines and peaches to oysters and
mussels. We took full advantage! One evening we visited the Phare des Baleines, an impressive stone lighthouse built in 1849. Afterwards, at a nearby beach, we discovered a tiny shack with a few tables free. Never one to resist some good food (the smells were amazing) we nabbed a spot, ordered a couple of beers and enjoyed a plate of fruits de mer, which included whelks, shrimps, prawns and oysters. The verdict? Pas mal, despite my partner Lizzy having to brace herself before eating the whelks!
RECIPE No.20
The Cook recommends...
La Cabane de la Patache, a tiny beachside bar near Les Portes-en-Ré with views over the water. Book early for a table almost on the sand, sit back and enjoy the food while watching the world go by.
And as a main...
When you’re this close to the water there’s only one thing to try: fresh, local seafood.
MEMBER SINCE...
Campervanner Martin Dorey joined the Club in 2016
Moules in cream with bacon
Serves four Ingredients
4kg of fresh mussels
A glass of rosé
A pack of smoked bacon, chopped
1 white onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic
A handful of chopped parsley
150ml of cream
Method
CUT OUT AND KEEP RECIPES
This dish is really quick and easy to make –similar to moules marinière and absolutely delicious. You’ll really love it if you want to remember the fabulous dishes you’ve enjoyed on your hols in France. First, prep the mussels by debearding and cleaning them. Some people advocate leaving them overnight in fresh water with oats, but I usually just clean and rinse them in fresh water and leave them for about half an hour. Discard any that float. Cook the bacon until crispy in a large pan, then remove and put aside. Fry the onion in the
bacon fat until soft, then add the garlic. After a minute or so add the rosé and then, when it’s bubbling, add the mussels to the pan and put on a lid. Steam the mussels for about four or five minutes until they open, shaking the pan every so often. Finally, put the bacon back into the pan, turn off the heat, add the cream and the chopped parsley and stir. Serve with crusty white bread and butter. Vive La France!
St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay
A GREAT NORTH RUN
Jane McGowan and family experience the best of coast and country on a seven-site tour of County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland
Bill Allsopp / Alamy
1
Old Hartley
Club Site
Wake up to the beauty of the Northumberland coastline every morning at this lovely site. Use as a base for Whitley Bay and Newcastle visits. Pitches: 59 | Open: 15 Mar-4 Nov 2019
Member view
“We are staying for four nights – we have been on a five-week tour. We have been to Hadrian’s Wall, the lighthouse and Whitley Bay itself. We have also been to the Cragside National Trust site – that’s well worth a look.”
Steve and Bunny Russell, caravanners
Site staff view
“The views! Everybody loves them and you get a good one from most pitches. We would definitely recommend the fish and chips at The Harbour View [Seaton Sluice] – it’s a great restaurant and takeaway within walking distance.”
Sheila and Michael Howse
Food
& drink
Milbourne Arms, Holywell Village, Holywell NE25 0LL
Contact: milbourne-arms.co.uk, 0191 298 0568
Culture
Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QR
Contact: nationaltrust.org.uk, 0191 237 9100
AThe Big Shoot, Dinnington NE13 7AB
Contact: thebigshoot.co.uk, 01661 822444
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide Outdoor fun
For the family
Bluereef Aquarium, Grand Parade, Tynemouth NE30 4JF
Contact: bluereefaquarium.co.uk, 0191 258 1031
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
s a Lancashire lass, childhood holidays were either spent heading directly north to the Lakes, or south-west for Wales. An unwritten rule forbade us from venturing across the Pennines into the ‘enemy’ territory of Yorkshire. Our easterly aversion meant not only did we miss out on the beautiful White Rose county, but the wonders of Northumberland remained shrouded in mystery. It was time to put that right...
Recent holidays with my own family are mostly been spent looking for ways to entertain children with varying interests (watersports, history, shopping) and skin tones – two members of our clan have red hair, meaning breaks at sun-drenched foreign resorts are not very popular.
What could be better then, than a trip to England’s North East, which not only boasts a couple of the country’s most iconic cities, some majestic castles and an international watersports centre, but a mixed climate with warm rather than hot summers.
“Oh, but it’s such a long way away,” wailed child number two (we live in Surrey). Not to be deterred I announced that the distance factor had already been taken into account with a planned overnight stop at Poolsbrook Country Park Club site, close to the Peak District.
The site – although not part of our ‘official’ tour – is definitely worth a mention. Not only does it make an ideal stopover for those travelling from north to south or vice versa (it’s close to the M1), but the location at the
heart of a country park offering fishing, walking and cycling opportunities means it’s great for a longer stay, too.
Following a pleasant night, we took to the motorway once again and headed for our first ‘proper’ stop at Old Hartley Club site. After what had been a significant drive (roughly three hours including a break), it was wonderful to arrive at this picturesque site with its splendid clifftop position. We opted for a pitch (all are hardstanding) in the bottom corner which, like most at Old Hartley, boasted wonderful views of St Mary’s Island and its lighthouse.
Keen to explore, we took a trip to nearby Whitley Bay, a traditional Victorian resort that has benefitted from recent regeneration and offers miles of sandy shoreline. There is a bus
stop a few hundred yards from the Club site entrance with services running regularly (around every 20 minutes) into town.
One spot of particular interest is Spanish City – a seafront leisure and dining complex with a fascinating past. Founded by theatrical impresario Charles Elderton in the early 1900s, it was loosely modelled on the great buildings of Andalucia with a dome that quickly became the talk of Tyneside (it was the second largest in England behind St Paul’s Cathedral). Originally home to ‘pleasure gardens’ and a series of circus-style spectacles, the City has also served as a barracks, a ballroom and a bingo hall.
Today, after a £10m refurbishment, it hosts a variety of live events and festivals, as well as some fine dining establishments, including
Potland Farm Cottage 2
Certificated Location
This attractive CL offers five hardstanding pitches. It has fine views – look out for the free-roaming chickens!
Open: all year
Contact: 01670 860035
Sites Directory & Handbook p428
“This is our third visit and we really like this CL. We enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography and there are some wonderful nature reserves close by as well as estuary towns and wonderful coastline.”
Michael and Carol Powell, caravanners
Site view
“The majority of visitors are interested in historic houses and castles such as Cragside and Alnwick Castle. Druridge Bay is about six miles away, while the pub two miles away does good food and is dog friendly.”
Newbiggin Maritime Centre, Church Point, Newbiggin-by-theSea NE64 6DB
Contact: nmcentre.org.uk, 01670 811951
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Outdoor fun
Northumberland Coast Path (join at Cresswell)
Contact: northumberlandcoastpath.org
For the family
Whitehouse Farm Centre, North Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth NE61 6AW
Contact: whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk, 01670 789998
Member view
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Barter Books, Alnwick
Mike O’Carroll / Alamy
NIGHTS
THURSDAY
The UK's original, premier tribute to the Jersey Boys & the music of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons; The Ragdolls
Durham Grange 3
Club site
The ideal spot for anyone wishing to explore the historic city or fantastic countryside – easy access from the M1.
Pitches: 76 | Open: all year Tent campers welcome.
Member view
“The fascinating city of Newcastle is just half an hour’s drive from Old Hartley”
Valerie’s, where you can enjoy an all-day brunch amid the splendour of 1920s glamour.
CAUSEWAY TO GO
A stay at Old Hartley would not be complete however, without a stroll to St Mary’s Island. A nature reserve, it is connected to the mainland by a causeway (accessible for around 16 hours a day – you can find out about tide times at whitleybayonline.com/tides.php or facebook.com/stmaryslighthouse, but keep an eye on local information boards) which is a very pleasant 25-minute
walk from the Club site. From the viewing balcony you will be treated to glimpses of seals and other wildlife, and, on most days, you can climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse. You can buy souvenirs and refreshments on the island while there are ice cream stalls and toilets on the landward side of the causeway, too.
DID YOU KNOW?
The fascinating city of Newcastle – packed with shops, heritage sites and cultural highlights – is just half an hour’s drive from Old Hartley but it would have to wait for another day. We decided to venture further north to Alnwick and its celebrated castle, which doubled up as Hogwarts in
You can find the most up-to-date details of the featured sites on the Club website. Alternatively, turn to the relevant pages in your Sites Directory
“We are new to this site – we chose it as we wanted to visit Beamish Museum. You can spend the whole day there. We are also hoping to visit Darlington Railway Museum and then Lightwater Valley on the way home.”
Janet and Robin Beaumont, caravanners
Site staff view
“Durham itself and the Cathedral are very popular. There is a park and ride not far away which is great for people in motorhomes. The city has lots of great places to eat.”
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
GREAT SAVINGS GUIDE
Above: on the front at Whitley Bay Right: checking out the bug hotel at Durham Grange Club site
Sara Winter / Alamy
Tyne Bridge
Old Bridge End 4
Certificated Location
Offering lovely views, this site is a great base for visits to the cathedral city of Durham (three miles away) and Hadrian’s Wall.
Open: all year
Contact: 01913 710086
Sites Directory and Handbook p302
Member view
“It’s very peaceful and there are lovely views. The owners are very helpful and have given us lots of information about where to visit. They even brought us two eggs this morning!”
Andy and Lynne Boocock, motorhomers
Site view
“At the moment we have a barn owl visiting and if you get up really early you might spot deer on the edge of the forest. The main place people go when they stay is Beamish museum – Club members get a discount.”
Christine and Tony Gallimore
Food & drink
Doggie Diner, 40 Canterbury Road,Durham DH1 5PY
Contact: doggiediner.co.uk, 0191 447 6161
“The castle conjures up magical memories – and not just the wizarding kind”
Beamish – The Living Museum of the North, Beamish DH9 0RG
Contact: beamish.org.uk, 0191 370 4000 Culture
Outdoor fun
Quad Nation,Broom House Farm, Witton Gilbert DH7 6TR
Contact: quad-nation.co.uk
Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
For the family
Broom House Farm Forest Adventure, Broom House Farm, Witton Gilbert DH7 6TR
Contact: broomhousedurham.co.uk, 0191 371 9697
the Harry Potter films. The castle, which has been the seat of the Percy family for more than 700 years, conjures up all kinds of magical memories – and not just the wizarding kind.
The gardens are mesmerising, featuring pristine shrubberies, rose gardens and fountains, while the castle grounds are alive with lessons in broom flying, fighting displays and jester shows. You can go on a movie and television tour (the castle has featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Downton Abbey and more) and there is even the opportunity to dress up in medieval costume and lock someone in the stocks!
The town itself is also home to one of the country’s most famous literary hotspots – Barter Books. This wonderful second-hand bookshop is the brainchild of Mary Manley. Back in 1991, her husband, Stuart, offered her the use of the front room in his small manufacturing plant, located in Alnwick’s old Victorian railway station. From there the project grew into what the New Statesman magazine termed, “The British Library of secondhand bookshops”. As well as the thousands of books that line the walls, attractions include a model railway and fabulous café.
On our return from Alnwick to the Club site, we stopped off at Potland Farm Cottage CL, not
far from Newbiggin-bythe-Sea. This immaculate site offers easy access to a number of fine walks and horse riding enthusiasts will be happy to hear there is a riding school just next door.
GRANGE FINDER
Bidding a sad farewell to Old Hartley, we headed for our next site, Durham Grange. Within close proximity of the A1(M), this open, level site is ideal for anyone looking to explore one of England’s most historic cities.
And you cannot even think about visiting Durham without a trip to the city’s magnificent 11th-century cathedral, which stands guard on the banks of the River Wear. There is so much to see inside, including, of course, the breathtaking Rose Window, the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the tomb of The Venerable Bede. Look out for various exhibitions throughout the year, and take the opportunity to climb the Central Tower, which offers magnificent views over the city.
Alnwick Castle – aka ‘Hogwarts’ – and the River Aln
Teesdale Barnard Castle
Club Site
On the outskirts of the pretty market town of Barnard Castle, this compact site sits amid acres of glorious countryside.
Pitches: 76 | Open: 22 Feb-30 Oct 2019
Member view
“We came for the walking and there are plenty of riverside paths to explore as well as High Force [waterfall]. We also enjoyed the mini-golf course at the base of the castle.”
Rachel Nicholson and Kitty Fleming, campervanners
Site staff view
“There are lots of lovely towns around – Barnard Castle itself and Middleton-in-Teesdale – as well as places of interest. But mainly we get people who want to make the most of the scenery and the excellent walking across The Teesdale Way.”
Kevin and Karen Greenwood
Food & drink
The Three Horseshoes Hotel, 7 Galgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8EQ
Contact: three-horse-shoes.co.uk, 01833 631777
Culture
Darlington Railway Museum, Station Road, Darlington DL3 6ST
Contact: head-of-steam.co.uk, 01325 405060
Outdoor fun
Bowlees Visitor Centre, Bowlees, Newbiggin DL12 0XF
Contact: northpennines.org.uk, 01833 622145
You can just about manage to explore Durham Cathedral and the neighbouring Castle (both of which were granted World Heritage Site status in 1986) in a day. The 1,000-year-old castle is now part of Durham University and students have replaced the lords and ladies who once walked its hallowed halls. As people actually live here, visitors must join one of the organised tours – visit dur.ac.uk/durham.castle/ whatson/tour to reserve your place
a covered lounge should you need to shelter from the elements.
Contact: teesdale-alpacas.co.uk, 07976 423258 For the family
Teesdale Alpacas, Jock House Barn, Boldron, Barnard Castle DL12 9SP (postcode for sat-nav)
After all that walking we headed down to the riverbank in search of more restful activity. Although you can paddle down the river yourself – Browns Rowing Boats has been hiring out vessels for more than 100 years (brownsboats.co.uk) – we opted for a cruise as the weather was mixed to say the least.
The Prince Bishop embarks on 60-minute trips taking in the cathedral, castle and bridges. Onboard commentary is provided and there is
Old Bridge End CL is less than 15 minutes’ drive from this impressive city, although, as you sit outside the caravan, drinking in the quiet meadowland scenery, you would never know it. Energetic types could leave the car/motorhome on site and walk the three miles into Durham, or take a shorter stroll to Witton Gilbert, where you will find a couple of pubs and a handy newsagent. For cyclists, the village’s decommissioned railway line is now navigable as part of National Cycle Route 14.
TIME FOR TEES...
It was time for us to hit the road again and head south in search of our third main site, Teesdale Barnard Castle, which sits on the edge of the lovely North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The nearby market town of Barnard Castle is pretty attractive in its own right – frequented by
Illustration: Louise Turpin
the likes of Charles Dickens, Walter Scott and William Wordsworth, it is also the subject of a classic painting by J M W Turner.
Clockwise from above left: historic dresses on display at the Bowes Museum; in the stocks at Alnwick Castle; Alnwick Castle Gardens’ Poison Garden; a visitor to St Mary’s Island; Spanish City in Whitley Bay
DID YOU KNOW?
You can book Club site pitches via the UK Sites app, at camc. com/searchandbook or by calling our Advance Booking Service on 01342 327490. Please call Affiliated Sites (AS) directly
It’s a lovely place to walk around and browse the antique shops, but something in particular had caught my husband’s eye – the Bowes Museum. Built in the 19th century to house a growing collection of antiquities and objets d’art by local businessman John Bowes and his beloved wife and artist Josephine, the chateau-style building is a pure joy.
Not only does it contain artworks by El Greco and Goya but it is also home to ‘The Silver Swan’ a simply beautiful and awe-inspiring piece of engineering, constructed in the 18th century by John Joseph Merlin. Its history is too detailed to go into here; just make sure you are in the gallery at 2pm to witness its daily, 40-second
Smith House Farm 6
Certificated Location
Situated between Stockton and Darlington, this working farm site is well placed for visits to Middlesbrough or even the North York Moors. Open: all year
Contact: 01642 580709
Sites Directory and Handbook p303
Member view
“We are staying here in-between rallies and it has been great. The owner is very, very welcoming and we will definitely be back.”
performance. You will not be disappointed.
With memories of mechanical masterpieces fresh in our minds, we bade farewell to Barnard Castle and made our way to Smith House Farm CL. This peaceful site on a family-owned working farm is perfectly situated for anyone keen on visiting historic Darlington or Middlesbrough.
And Middlesbrough is very much on the agenda for those visiting our final destination –White Water Park Club site. If you do nothing else, make sure you check out the famous Tees Transporter Bridge which carries people and vehicles across the river in a ‘gondola’ suspended from the main structure.
The main attraction for my youngsters, however, were the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre and the vast Teesside Park
Gladys and Alan Gee, caravanners
Site view
“Yarm is nearby, which is a lovely town with lots of places to eat. Preston Park and Ormsby Hall are good places to visit, as is Butterfly World and Beamish.”
Mrs Coulthard
Food & drink
The Porky Pint, 40 Mill Lane, Stockton-on-Tees TS23 1HG
Contact: facebook.com/theporkypint, 01642 557721
Culture
Mining Art Gallery, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Perfectly placed for the Tees Barrage International Watersports Centre; shopping fans will love the nearby retail park, too.
Pitches: 97 | Open: all year
Member view
“It’s an area we haven’t covered on other holidays. We’ve been to the retail park, Darlington and Great Ayton where the Cook monument is. We’d recommend it to anyone wanting to explore the North East and coast.”
Mr and Mrs Varty, caravanners
Site staff view
“It’s a wonderful place to be. We have the nature reserve next door, seals in the river and, of course, the Tees Barrage. There’s a Beefeater pub just outside the gates and a big selection of restaurants over at the retail park.”
Annora and Dennis Hoole
Food & drink
retail development, both of which are within easy reach of the Club site.
The site itself boasts a state-of-the-art, refurbished toilet block, an upgraded play area and a number of new hardstanding pitches. The site entrance has also been improved, while motorhome waste points have been added.
After settling in at this spacious, tree-lined location, we wasted no time in heading to the white water facility, hoping to book a canoeing lesson. But it would seem we were not the only ones keen to make use of this acclaimed attraction – while visitors are more than welcome to try their hand at canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding, you’ll need to book around six weeks ahead to be certain of securing a spot!
While my heart was in my mouth just watching them, they loved it and it was well worth the £9.95 per person price tag.
So with aching arms and legs (them) and a slightly stiff neck (me), we packed up the motorhome and waved goodbye to the North East. It took me some 40 years to make the trip to Tyneside. Somehow I feel it won’t take me that long to return.
MEMBER SINCE...
Kaminaki Greek Taverna, 92 Church Road, Stockton TS18 1TW
Contact: kaminaki.co.uk, 01642 607949
Culture
Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens, Staddlebridge, Northallerton DL6 3JG
Contact: rallynation.co.uk Member offer available: camc.com/ greatsavingsguide
Sensing our daughters’ disappointment, the friendly receptionist suggested we could try the adjacent Air Trail – a high-ropes ‘climbing adventure course’. Sadly, I had ‘forgotten’ my trainers and my husband was steeling himself for the five-hour drive home – so it was up to the junior members of our party to take on the 18m-high wood and steel structure that overlooks the Tees.
Cycling | Consett & Sunderland Railway Path
The Stanhope & Tyne Railway once heaved limestone across the North East. Now, cyclists follow its course 26 miles from Lydgetts Junction to Roker in Sunderland on a National Cycle Network route that passes through woods and wetland and is adorned with artworks commemorating the region’s industrial past. Riding into Sunderland alongside the River Wear, you’ll go by the Stadium of Light, the marina and finally the beach where the North Sea awaits. Route plan: sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/consettsunderland-railway-path
Jane McGowan joined the Caravan and Motorhome Club in 2019
Wilf Doyle / Alamy
Inside Durham’s impressive Cathedral
CL sites updates
CL SITES
Also see the CL section of the Club website (camc.com) for the most up-to-date details on all CLs. Pitch fees may be subject to variation – check with the CL owner before booking.
NOTE: CL entries are identified by a unique reference/map number in the 2019/20 Sites Directory & Handbook They are listed here using the same number, unless otherwise shown.
NEW CLS
ENGLAND CHESHIRE
CHESTER (6.6m ENE) – Bank Farm, Mrs Sue Pym, Station Lane, Little Barrow, Chester, CH3 7JW. 01244 301465; 07963 468707; susanpym1@gmail.com; 53.220302, -2.795926. Open 1 Mar-31 Oct; 1 acre; dogs; battery charging; grass; max o’fit length 14 mtrs; peaceful; views; lawned; wkg fm; dog walk fr site; town, shop & pub in 1m; golf & watersports in 5m; fr £8 (pitch + 2 ad).
DORSET
SHERBORNE (8m SSE) – Cherry Cottage CL, Mrs Lynn Pearcey, Middlemarsh, Sherborne, DT9 5QL. 01300 345507; cherrycottagecl.com; cherrycottagecl@gmail.com; 50.866082, -2.463716. OAY; 0.75 acre; adv bkg req; dogs; battery charging; hdstdng; grass; 16A; peaceful; views; lawned; wc (sh); lndry facs; Wi-Fi; info rm; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & pub in 1m; coarse fishing in 5m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).
KENT
MAIDSTONE (5.7m SW) – Highlands Park, Mr Henry and Mrs Charlene Wilson, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, ME18 6AL. 07787 405792; charlene743@btinternet. com; 51.235789, 0.439453. OAY; 2 acres; dogs; levelling blocks req; grass; Wi-Fi; fr £12 (pitch + all occ).
LINCOLNSHIRE
MABLETHORPE (3.2m SW) – The Stables, Mr and Mrs Grimshaw, Main Road, Maltby-le-Marsh, Alford, LN13 0JP. 07538 057713; thestables. philnina@sky.com; 53.316496, 0.206825. OAY; 0.5 acre; Adults only; dogs; some sl pitches; levelling
blocks req; pond; battery charging; grass; 6A; peaceful; wc (exc); shwr (exc); Wi-Fi; info rm; dog walk fr site; public trans, shop & pub in 1m; coarse fishing & golf in 5m; sandy beach in 3m; fr £14 (pitch + all occ).
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
RETFORD (4m NW) – Hill Crest Farm, Mr Michael and Lyndis Ing, Old London Road, Barnby Moor, Retford, DN22 8QS. 01777 860596; 07914 383610; 07773 181905; twoings@ yahoo.com; 53.351538, -1.006144. OAY; 2 acres; adv bkg req; dogs; battery charging; grass; 16A; ideal for families; views; B&B; storage facs; lndry facs; Wi-Fi; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & pub in 1m; game & coarse fishing, golf & watersports in 5m; fr £17 (pitch + 2 ad).
Please remember that CLs are privately-owned businesses. If you make a booking and subsequently don’t show up, a 20% loss will be incurred by the CL owner if that pitch cannot be resold. So, if you have to cancel your booking, please give the CL owner as much notice as possible. CL owners have individual cancellation policies so charges may be incurred if you cancel or don’t turn up. Routes – an important note. Routes provided by autoroutes or satellite navigation systems may
self-catering acc; dog walk fr site; public trans, town & shop in 1m; coarse fishing, golf and watersports in 5m; shingle beach in 2m; fr £15 (pitch + 2 ad).
UPDATES
IMPORTANT: Nightly fees may differ from those published in the Directory due to a change of facilities or ownership. It is therefore essential to confirm current fees when enquiring or making a booking. Not all CLs with a pub symbol are located on the site of a public house – some have a pub located nearby (up to three miles away), so please check with the owner before visiting. CL reference number refers to the Directory
242 BRAMPTON – Hunley Farm. Correct price: from £10.
292 WIGTON – Throstle Hall. New email: robert.j.mounsey1946@ gmail.com.
359 AXMINSTER – Perhams Green Farm. New email: tollets@hotmail. com.
928 LOUTH – Furze Farm. Landline no longer in use. New mobile: 07711 264193, 07789 554571.
2145 PWLLHELI – Pen Yr Orsedd. New contact details: tonymandy7@ gmail.com; mobile: 07379 294028. 2227 LLANDRINDOD WELLS –Caely. Now offers EHU.
CLOSURES
The following CLs have closed since publication of the Directory 2019/20 and the July 2019 issue of the magazine unless otherwise stated.
451 SALCOMBE – Mr J Bowes, Eldoret.
690 WINCHESTER – Mr C, Mrs S Easter and Mrs C Easter Thorne, Yew Tree Cottage.
1573 RUGBY – Mr S Woodley, Muswell Leys Farm.
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
jenziep / Stockimo / Alamy
Robert Robertson performs at Tiree Music Festival
To a music festival LET’S GO...
Andrew Ditton blows away the myth that music festivals are only for the young and sets sail for Tiree
Music festivals passed me by in my younger days –they were always something ‘other people did’.
and previously
But on a visit to the Outer Hebrides about 10 years ago, I heard a track on the radio that blew me away. It was called Gairm A’ Chuain/ Wits End and was played by a band I’d previously never heard of called Skerryvore. From that moment on, I was hooked on music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
It turns out that Skerryvore headline a festival on the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree. Tiree is a truly beautiful place that is often referred to as ‘The Hawaii of the North’, thanks to its white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. The Tiree Music Festival, or TMF for short, is a smallish event capped at 2,000 attendees. It features acts from the West Coast of Scotland, from traditional cèilidh duos to fusion electro Gaelic house bands.
What’s more, the festival offers a separate campsite for caravans and motorhomes. I found I was close enough to the action to partake as much or as little as I wanted, yet far enough away to catch up on rest or chill out with festival friends when the need arose. Trust me, you will make festival friends. Nothing bonds people quite as quickly as a mutual appreciation of the same music.
My adventure started in Oban, at the Club’s North Ledaig Affiliated Site – a large yet beautiful location offering sea views from most pitches; the perfect base for a spot of relaxation before my onward boat trip. If you are heading to TMF, the music will often begin on board the Oban to Tiree ferry as impromptu sessions break out. The air is thick with excitement and anticipation, and everyone is smiling.
early enough, but as Tiree is officially one
Checking into the festival site itself was easy, and I was shown to my pitch.Electric hook-ups are available if you book early enough, but as Tiree is officially one of the sunniest places in the United Kingdom, my van’s solar panel was more than sufficient.
Over the next three days, many different artists played a whole kaleidoscope of music styles,albeit with a healthy and hearty Scottish bias. A programme helps you keep track of who is performing, where and at what time, and each set is kept to about an hour in length.
LUCKY DIP
It is always worth dipping in and out at festivals and making an effort to listen to artists you don’t already know. I had never heard of Face the West but I popped in to see them play – it turned out to be the most entertaining and uplifting performance I have seen in a long time, and I soon became their newest fan (along with about 500 other people).
Festivals are not just about the music though. There is normally plenty else going on besides, and TMF was no exception. Having never tried yoga or meditation, I took the opportunity to enjoy a session of yoga nidra one morning, which got my day off to a wonderfully relaxed and smooth start.
I also eyed up the circus skills workshop which looked terrific fun – but there were too many young kids putting their parents to shame with their tricks and turns, so I decided to give that a miss.
Alan Peebles ,
“Storytelling sessions were held in both Gaelic and English”
from above: relaxing...; ... and dancing in the sunshine;
In fact, youngsters were pretty spoiled for choice when it came to entertainment and fun. Storytelling sessions were held in both Gaelic and in English, and on two afternoons there were traditional instrument workshops for tots. Children were shown how instruments such as pipes and the accordion work, then given a demonstration, hopefully inspiring the performers of tomorrow!
The cosy cinema tent showed interesting indie films, and was on occasion given over to intimate acoustic performances. I was lucky enough to secure a place at Robert Robertson’s acoustic set. The insanely talented front man from the band Tidelines delighted the tiny (and hugely over-subscribed) audience with anecdotes, stories, and his powerful, enchanting singing. To witness such talent first-hand in someone so modest was a moving experience.
MORE THAN THE MUSIC
During the day, the long, white sandy beach beckoned, and impromptu beach sports events broke out, from relay races to handball matches. Families made sandcastles, people grabbed some ‘alone time’ and walked along the
shore, and I sat on the warm sand with my dog, drinking in the idyllic scene.
Almost as quickly as TMF started, the headlining band, Skerryvore, were concluding the music on Sunday night with their traditional encore, Path to Home, an appropriate tune if ever there was one: “The Gathering has to end now, with last words spoken, as our people leave again, a thousand miles from home.”
With heavy hearts the next day, tents were packed away and caravans hitched up. Friends hugged and said farewell, and slowly the reluctant journeys home started. I hadn’t quite travelled a thousand miles to reach TMF from Kent – but I can assure you every one was more than worthwhile.
FESTIVAL FOCUS
Are you a music lover? Consider these festivals within reach of Club sites...
TIREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
A celebration of Scottish music in an incredible location.
Info: tireemusicfestival.co.uk
Before travelling stay at: North Ledaig AS near Oban
SESIWN FAWR, DOLGELLAU
Family-friendly folk festival with a strong emphasis on Welsh music.
Info: sesiwnfawr.cymru/en/home/
Stay at: Gwern-y-Bwlch
CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL
Attracts artists from around the globe.
Info: cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival
Stay at: Cambridge Cherry Hinton
THE GREAT ESTATE, CORNWALL
Billed as a ‘most rumbunctious garden fête’! Info: greatestatefestival.co.uk
Stay at: St Agnes Beacon or Carnon Downs
Anti-clockwise
Callum Beattie plays the Elevate Stage
Alan Peebles
Alan Peebles
HAPPY DAYS
Beautiful coastlines, ornate castles and colourful cities – no wonder the Danes are so contented, writes John Rawlings
Did you know that Denmark is actually made up of more than 400 islands, including Zealand (the most populous and the island on which capital Copenhagen sits), Funen, Lolland and Fur? That it has one of the oldest monarchies in the world? That it is the third happiest country in the world?
I learned all this during my recent trip as well as one more very important fact – the Danes are lovely, friendly people.
The journey from Hook of Holland to our campsite, Dronningmølle Strand, on the north coast of Zealand, was more than 500 miles (we saved some time by taking an additional ferry from Germany). But it was more than worth it – the site is just a couple of minutes’ walk from a lovely beach of the same name, on what is referred to as the Danish Riviera. There was something about the
place – it may have been our imaginations but the sun seemed to feel brighter here, and the air fresher, than anywhere else on our trip.
This part of the country is also known as Royal North Zealand due to its proliferation of castles and its popularity with kings, queens and nobles over the centuries. Conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, it’s a popular holiday destination for the Danes, who often leave their caravans, complete with huge awnings, pitched for the season for weekend retreats.
K ronborg Castle in Helsingør, just 10 miles from the campsite, is a classic example of the rich history of this region of Denmark. Dating from the mid-1600s, this magnificent Renaissance fortress is filled with beautiful rooms, including a 60m-long ballroom (the largest in Europe when it was built), plus a fine collection of tapestries
and paintings. It is known as ‘Hamlet’s Castle’ as Shakespeare used it as inspiration for ‘Elsinore’ in his famous play – although nobody knows whether the Bard actually visited. Live performances based on Hamlet are staged here daily during the summer months.
The castle occupies a strategic position on Zealand’s north-eastern extremity, where the Øresund – the stretch of water that separates Denmark from Sweden – is at its narrowest. If you want a taste of Sweden while you’re here, ferries cross the strait to Helsingborg throughout the day.
Make sure you explore Helsingør’s quaint old town, admire the boats in the marina and visit the fascinating Maritime Museum of Denmark – an attraction whose exterior construction is almost as fascinating as the exhibits held within.
Nyhavn, Copenhagen
DID YOU KNOW?
Dronningmølle
Strand (H22)
This fine site is close to a beach and within easy reach of magical Helsingør.
Touring pitches: 300
Open: 29 Mar-19 Oct 2019
Site view
“We’ve had visitors from as far afield as Russia and China, but most are from Denmark, Norway or Germany. Most of our visitors come to enjoy the beach, relax, go cycling and see some local history.”
You can book the featured sites by calling 01342 316101 or visiting camc.com/ overseas. For further info, see p214 of the Venture Abroad 2019 brochure
Keeping to the castle theme, we also paid a visit to Frederiksborg Castle, a striking palace constructed on three islets on a lake in Hillerød, about 25 miles north of Copenhagen.
It was completed in 1620 for King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway, and, like Kronborg, is magnificently ornate. In 1859 it was gutted by a terrible fire but was rescued by the brewing magnate J C Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg. Jacobsen not only paid for the reconstruction but proposed the development of a museum. The result was The Museum of
National History, which has been based at the castle since 1878.
Just a 20-minute walk from Frederiksborg, and a great base for visiting both the north coast and the capital city, is Hillerød Camping. This delightful, green, family-run site boasts a small shop and a shared kitchen with covered terrace where you can eat with your fellow campers should you so wish.
It was time to head for Copenhagen, less than an hour’s train journey from Hillerød. Like most tourists we headed straight for the Little Mermaid
Culture
Kronborg Castle, Kronborg 2 C, 3000 Helsingør
Contact: kongeligeslotte.dk, 0045 49 21 30 78
Outdoor fun
Rudolph Tegners Museum & Statue Park, Museumsvej 19, 3120 Dronningmølle
Contact: rudolphtegner.dk, 0045 49 71 91 77
For the family
The Øresund Aquarium, Strandpromenaden 5, 3000 Helsingør
Contact: oresundsakvariet.ku.dk, 0045 35 32 19 70
Rainer
Lesiewski/Dreamstime
Jan Wlodarczyk/Alamy
The Frederiksborg Castle
Tisvilde, Kattegat Coast, Zealand, Denmark
Niels Quist / Alamy
robertharding / Alamy
Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy
Hillerød Camping (H21)
Within easy reach of the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle, this family-run site is great for a quiet break.
Touring pitches: 110
Open: 13 Apr-22 Sep 2019
“We enjoy meeting visitors from all over Europe. Most guests visit Hillerød, Frederiksborg Castle and Copenhagen.”
statue, which sits on a rock just off the Langelinie promenade. Based on the character from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, the bronze figure is much smaller than you might expect – and constantly surrounded by people taking ‘selfies’!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Club offers overseas holiday insurance specially designed for caravanners and motorhomers – call 01342 336633 for a quote
We then walked to the Amalienborg Palace – home of the Danish royal family – and watched the famous changing of the guard ceremony. We also stopped at the Nyhavn to admire the traditional, colourful townhouses, canal and old fishing boats that recall the city’s nautical past. This is a great place to unwind at the end of the day in one of the numerous restaurants. Apparently, Hans Christian Andersen lived at Numbers 67, 18 and 20 during his lifetime, composing his children’s classic, The Princess and the Pea, at the latter.
from traditional Danish to French and Asian, while music, ballet and dance lovers are drawn to performances on the open-air stage and in the concert hall.
Founded in
Founded in 1843, the gardens are also home to lush green spaces, beautiful flower displays and gorgeous architecture. Fortunately – for we weary sightseers at least – they were also conveniently located next to the train station for our trip back to the campsite. As the carriages gently rocked us on our way we reflected on a superb short break. That’s one island down then... e
MEMBER SINCE...
Motorhomer John Rawlings joined the Club in 2009
GARDEN CITY
We ended our day in Copenhagen at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens. It’s rather unusual to see an amusement park in the middle of a city. Not only does it offer rides for thrillseekers (including a wooden rollercoaster that dates from 1914), it’s a great venue for eating out as well as live entertainment. Food options include everything
Illustration:
Louise Turpin
Site view
VENTURA AIR TRINUS
WINTER
MAGNUM FLINT
AMBASSADOR DAWN
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Departures and prices: 9 December 2019 from £575 (two people plus outfit)
When you think about the hot weather we’ve been enjoying recently, it’s hard to believe that Christmas is only four months away!
But now is the time to start planning for that magical period of the year – and if you are looking for an extra-special gift, the Club’s Christmas Markets tour is the ideal starting point.
Guests on this four-night escorted tour will actually have the chance to visit three spectacular markets (one in the Netherlands and two in Germany).
The starting point and base for your four-night escorted tour is Camping Den Driesch, a small, friendly site on the outskirts of the town of Valkenburg
in the south of the Netherlands. The site enjoys a fine hilltop location looking out over the historic town and its castle ruins. On arrival, participants will enjoy a welcome meeting as well as mulled wine and a traditional Dutch snack.
On the second day, you will head over the border by coach to Cologne in Germany (pictured), where you can search for festive bargains and soak up the unique atmosphere at numerous markets across the city.
Your third day is spent closer to base at Valkenburg’s famous market, hosted within its atmospheric cave system. Claiming to be the largest, oldest and most-visited underground Christmas market in Europe, the ‘Kerststad’ (Christmas town) boasts long, spacious, decorated galleries.
Finally, Aachen Christmas Market beckons. Centred around the magnificent cathedral and town up
that perfect gift
A European Christmas market pick up
. Join us on a four-night escorted tour – or go it alone, using a top German site as your base
hall, this brightly-lit festival is the perfect place to pick up a traditional gift. Make sure you taste some ‘printen’ (similar to gingerbread) as well as other traditional treats such as ‘domino stones’ and ‘spekulatius’. To conclude this memorable tour, guests are invited
KLEINENZHOF, GERMANY (G23)
to enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant before their trip home the following morning.
We are taking bookings for this fantastic tour now – all excursions and meals on the itinerary are included in the price.
price.
If you are feeling more adventurous or would rather go it alone, the Kleinenzhof site in the north of Germany’s Black Forest is perfectly placed for visiting a variety of magical Christmas markets. Calw, about half an hour’s drive away from the campsite, holds a spectacular event at its historic Market Place from 28 November to 1 December – look out for gingerbread stands, arts and crafts, trumpeters and singing angels. A little further afield but still within easy reach is Stuttgart, where, from 27 November to 23 December, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at one of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
EIFEL-CAMP, GERMANY (G21)
This lovely site, next to picturesque Lake Freilingen, is within an hour’s drive of historic Cologne and its Christmas market (25 November to 23 December).
Christmas in Cologne
AUSSIE ADVENTURES
We’ve just launched our fantastic 2020 worldwide tours programme –to kick things off let’s take a look at two epic new Australian holidays...
TASMANIA – THE WILD ISLAND STATE
Duration/type: 24 days/independent motorhome tour
Departure and price: year round from £3,099 per person for 2020 departures (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights from the UK to Hobart, all transfers, four nights’ hotel accommodation in Hobart including breakfast, Hobart City Tour, trip on the West Coast Wilderness Railway and a Macquarie Harbour cruise
DETAILS
Separated from the Australian mainland by the 150-mile-wide Bass Strait, Tasmania is an island like no other, boasting everything from deserted beaches and lush countryside to glacial lakes and majestic mountains.
This 24-day independent motorhome tour gives you the
perfect opportunity to discover this spectacular landscape. You don’t have to worry about booking your campsites – we’ve arranged 16 nights at some great spots, including electric hook-up.
Before you set off on your tour, you will have the chance to unwind in Hobart and enjoy a tour taking in its beautiful harbour and fascinating colonial buildings.
After three nights in a comfortable hotel you will pick up your Maui motorhome and head for the Tasman Peninsula. Here you will have the chance to explore the magnificent Tasman National Park which features 300 metre-high cliffs, striking rock formations such as ‘Tasman Arch’ and a vast array of wildlife, including brushtail possums, sea eagles, dolphins, penguins and migrating whales. Nearby is Port
Arthur, the site of a former penal colony and home to many historic buildings, including the Penitentiary, Commandant’s House and Asylum.
You then journey up the east coast towards Freycinet National Park (pictured above), another region rich in wildlife. The pretty resort of Coles Bay, which marks the gateway to the Park, is a wonderful place to stop, while the perfect semi-circle of Wineglass Bay will live long in the memory.
St Helens, the state’s most easterly town, is your next destination. Be sure to visit St Helens Point Conservation Area, a region of sand dunes and beaches that is popular with walkers, anglers, birdwatchers and surfers.
You’ll now head west through towns with names such as Pyengana, Moorina and Nunamara on your way to Launceston (renowned for its beautiful public and private gardens),
before continuing on to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park (inset picture), a region of lakes, ancient rainforest and wildlife such as platypus, echidna and the iconic Tasmanian devil.
As you near the end of your holiday you will visit Strahan, gateway to the cool-climate rainforest of South West National Park. As you set sail from Macquarie Harbour on a cruise along the Gordon River, take a moment to reflect on the adventure of a lifetime...
HIGHLIGHTS
Hobart, Port Arthur and the Tasman National Park, Freycinet National Park, St Helens and Georges Bay, Launceston, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, Strahan, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Gordon River Cruise
The mountains and coastline of Freycinet National Park
Cradle Mountain
QUEENSLAND – THE SUNSHINE STATE
Duration/type: 36 days/independent motorhome tour
Departures and prices: year round from £3,999 for per person for 2020 departures (based on two sharing) Price includes: outfit hire, return flights from the UK to Brisbane, all transfers, three nights’ hotel accommodation in Brisbane including breakfast, 29 nights’ pre-booked campsites including electric power, Brisbane City Tour, Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, Kuranda Train and Skyrail, Fraser Island
Covering an incredible 715,000 square miles, Queensland is an enormous holiday treasure trove of beaches, coral reefs and rainforest – as well as classic, red-earthed Outback country. This 36-day independent motorhome tour gives you the opportunity to discover the
‘Sunshine State’ in all its glory. After three nights in the comfortable Novotel Brisbane hotel and an exciting Brisbane City Highlights Tour, you will be transported to the Maui depot to collect your vehicle. Early on the tour, you’ll stop at characterful Dalby, before heading on to Roma where you can find out about Australia’s oil and gas industry at The Big Rig – Oil Patch Museum.
More social history is on offer at the Historic Blackall Woolscour – a fascinating working, wool-cleaning facility – while heritage towns such as Longreach and Winton are also on the agenda.
On Day 13 you will arrive at the zinc and copper mining town of Mount Isa – take a trip to the Hard Times replica mine and get a feel for life at the pitface.
It’s then on to the famous fishing hotspot of Karumba (where you could
head off on a mud crab and crocodile tour) before you have the opportunity to visit Cobbold Gorge, a region of incredible sandstone formations and a narrow ravine carved over thousands of years by fast-flowing waters.
More natural wonders are on show in the volcanic Undara region before your adventure continues in Cairns – where the rainforest meets the reef. Included on your adventure is a cruise to the lush, uninhabited Frankland Islands, where you will have the chance to see an amazing variety of wildlife during a snorkelling experience. Another excursion takes you to Kuranda via the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where you can learn about ancient native traditions.
Townsville and its sea turtle hospital, beautiful Airlie Beach and
picturesque Yeppoon are highlights of your coastal journey southwards to Hervey Bay. From here you will visit Fraser Island – the largest sand island on the planet – while you have the option of going on a whale watching tour.
Heading along the Sunshine Coast you’ll stop off in upscale Noosa (pictured above). As you wander the pristine sandy shores, take time to reflect on an adventure like no other...
HIGHLIGHTS
Brisbane, Winton (the dinosaur capital of Australia), Mount Isa and the School of the Air, Longreach – home of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, Undara and the lava tubes, Cobbold Gorge, Cairns – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach, Fraser Island, Noosa
GREAT LATE BREAKS
As the summer season draws to an end in the UK, why not consider a late break in France, Portugal, Spain or Italy?
LES ORMES, DOMAINE AND RESORT (B08)
Set within the grounds of the Château des Ormes, Les Ormes has everything you need for a great break, including the new covered ‘Dome’ swimming area, a supermarket, spa, three restaurants and two bars. Visitors also have access to golf, fishing and horse riding facilities (fees apply). There are some fantastic places to visit nearby, including iconic Mont Saint-Michel (45 minutes), the historic city of Dol-de-Bretagne and Mont Dol, where legend has it that Saint Michael fought off Satan (15 minutes), and the atmospheric town of Dinan (35 minutes) with its ramparts, half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.
Estepona,Spain
SÃO PEDRO DE MOEL (W18)
Set in a pine wood, within a few minutes’ walk of a sandy beach, São Pedro de Moel is a fantastic base for exploring central Portugal. The nearby town of the same name is home to numerous shops, bars and restaurants, while, a little further inland, Marinha Grande (15 minutes by car) is home to a famous glass museum. Leiria (30 minutes by car), with its beautiful 16th-century cathedral, is also great for a day trip.
LA BELLA VISTA (E06)
This modern campsite offers excellent facilities, including a shop, restaurant and swimming pool, as well as direct access to a clean beach. The Costa Del Sol is renowned for its golf, horse riding and water sports, while daytrippers may be attracted to Gibraltar (40 minutes by car). The fine, sandy stretches of Marbella are also within easy reach, while Cádiz – home to attractions such as the Castillo San Sebastián and an 18th-century Baroque cathedral – is just an hour and a half away.
VILLAGIO DEI FIORI (Y18)
Perched on the Mediterranean coast is Villagio dei Fiori, an idyllic site boasting its own filtered seawater pools, a private beach and restaurant serving local specialities and takeaway pizzas. The old town of Sanremo is a 30-minute walk (or 10-minute bike ride) away, while fans of two-wheeled adventures will be pleased to learn a 24km-long coastal cycle route is within easy reach. The delights of the French Riviera are also close by – Nice, for example, is less than an hour’s drive from the site.
Sanremo,
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02920 847670
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The Club is delighted to report that we have joined forces with Jaguar Land Rover to offer members excellent discounts on a range of outstanding vehicles – including up to 24% off the stylish Jaguar XE and XF, plus up to 10% off capable towcars Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport. Find out more at camc.com/JLR.
Witter Towbars and Westfalia Automotive are offering members exclusive discounts on a range of towbars, electrical kits, cycle carriers and other towing-related accessories. Find out more at camc.com/wittertowbars.
SAVE 10% ON
FITTED MOVERS
When it is difficult to position your caravan easily – or if you simply want to take the stress out of manoeuvring – a caravan mover provides the perfect solution. Witter Towbars and Westfalia Automotive UK have partnered with Purple Line to provide a discount on fully-fitted motor movers from the latter’s ‘enduro’ and ‘e-go’ ranges. Visit camc.com/motormover for more details.
Members have collectively saved £1,517,357 using our offers between 1 January and 30 June 2019
25% OFF MICHELIN MAPS AND GUIDES
Michelin offers a wide range of high-quality products, from hotel and restaurant guides to national, regional, local and ‘Zoom’ maps. Club members save 25% – find out more at camc.com/michelin
for details
Members can save £2 on entry to the award-winning, 65-acre RHS Garden Rosemoor near Torrington in Devon. This beautiful garden features an enchanting array of landscapes and formal planting within a lush, sheltered valley. A wide variety of events is held all year round. Download your Great Savings Guide voucher online at camc.com/greatsavingsguide.
From fabrics to fillings, everything that goes into making a Better Sleep Company product is carefully selected and rigorously tested. You can save 15% on tailored linen, duvets, mattress protectors and toppers from their caravan range. Visit camc.com/better-sleep-company for more details.
FREE REMOTE OFFER
The E&P self-levelling system enables you to get your motorhome level and stable at the touch of a button. The company is offering Club members a free remote control (RRP £200), which complements the fixed control panel within the vehicle, when they have a system installed. Find out more at camc.com/ep-hydraulics
10% AT CLUB SHOP
The KARTT Premium Jockey Wheel, featuring an ergonomically designed handle and solid rubber wheel, is engineered to be tough enough to withstand the impact of curbs and ruts, yet not too heavy. Visit shop.camc.com to find out more.
Letters
Your chance to have your say. The writer of our star letter will receive copies of our three-edition overseas touring guides
Send your letters to Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA.
Alternatively, email us at enquiries@camc.com or magazine@camc.com. Apologies, but due to the quantity of post we receive, we are no longer able to send acknowledgements on receipt of letters. If your letter is not intended for publication, please email or write to the appropriate department (eg Emergency Services, Finance, Insurance, Technical, Travel Services, Sites Operations etc) – see camc.com/contact for further details.
enquiries@ camc.com
It’s good to talk
We have just returned from Troutbeck Club site where we were pleasantly surprised to discover that our neighbour was one of the resident organists at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. All of us being fans of the famous theatre organist, Reginald Dixon, who played the fantastic Wurlitzer that our new on-site neighbour plays, we had much in common.
This chance meeting reminded me of another on a Club site back in the early 1970s. Our neighbour back then was an entrepreneur
Off-grid is great
Being a fan of recent technologies, particularly those that can be applied to caravanning, I would like to relate our off-grid experience following your practical article in the August issue.
Having made up our minds that we wanted to be as independent as possible a few years ago, we started to look at the technologies that would help us achieve that. In 2013 we fitted our first solar panel (135W), a second 110Ah lead-acid battery and a 2k PSW (pure sine wave) inverter. All was fine for a couple of years but the batteries started to fail due to the demands we placed upon them. We were looking at replacing both batteries but didn’t want to be faced with having to replace them every three years. The answer was a lithium battery!
Although more expensive than a lead-acid battery at the outset, a lithium battery is cheaper in the long run – it weighs less too. So, we took the plunge and had one fitted.
Some months later we purchased a new Coachman and, as part of the show offer, had a 300W solar panel fitted. We then transferred our lithium battery, electronics and inverter into the new van – but could we use all the on-board equipment in the Coachman, such as LEDs and microwave oven, while touring off-grid?
So far, our experience has been amazing. The lithium battery has far
and a very interesting character. In those days we had to struggle carrying our water to and from the service points in large plastic bottles, often on makeshift trolleys. I remember this elderly gentleman asked me why I struggled with these heavy old plastic bottles. I asked him what was the alternative? At this point he showed me his Aquaroll and Wastemaster and I immediately asked him where he bought them from because they were just brilliant.
Then came the shock because he told me that he had invented them. Yes the lovely elderly gentleman I was speaking to was Mr F L Hitchman, the inventor and subsequent producer of these great products we caravanners know and love today.
You see it’s often worth saying hello to your neighbours on site because you never know who they might be and what fascinating stories might be revealed.
Barry and Sheila Rogers, Gloucestershire
outperformed the lead-acid counterparts. We have just returned from a six-week stay in Wales where we were able to operate our toaster, microwave, blender and vacuum cleaner all via the inverter. The TV was switched on during really wet nights for 2-3 hours at a time, while we were
also regularly using the usual lights and pumps – and the state of charge of the battery never dropped below 78%, and for the vast majority of the stay was 95% or above.
These new technologies free the caravanner from EHU without any sense of ‘roughing it’ and the savings on site fees are paying us back for the initial investment. Just brilliant!
Merve Gaskin, via email
Storage solutions?
After three caravans, we have now bought one with a fixed bed. I wonder if other members have tips for using the massive storage this provides. Has anyone come up with innovative ways of stopping what is stored from sliding around?
Jonty Wild, via email
Merve Gaskin’s solar panels and pure sine wave inverter
Good Samaritans
While towing up to the Lake District on the M6 recently, we suffered a blow-out on a caravan tyre, with some debris in our wake (I called Highways Agency straight away).
Almost immediately another caravanner stopped just ahead of us to check we were okay. As he drove off, another car stopped behind us and a chap in his 30s (with two little girls asleep in the back of his car) also came to see if we were okay, advising us not to continue trying to fix it ourselves. He seemed very concerned for us – the debris must have made the incident look a lot more scary than it had been.
We thanked him and sat tight waiting for the cavalry. Another 15 minutes passed and we saw this same man walking down the slip road with a bag of sausage rolls, cheese pasties, water and cake to keep us going in case we were in for a long wait. Thankfully, Green Flag were soon with us and we were on our way within the hour, only to have a second blow out on the remaining caravan tyre less than a couple of miles later.
The same recovery team returned and were amazing. We followed them all the way to Carnforth to the farm-based Certificated Location we had booked. Our caravan was deposited on the pitch and within five minutes fellow campers, Margaret and Jim, came over to ask if we took milk and sugar and proceeded to help us get set up.
I really hope these people get to recognise themselves from this tale. We have been caravanning for over 30 years and never had problems like this before, so to then receive all of this kindness from complete strangers was overwhelming. There are some really lovely people out there.
Sue and Neal Clements, via email
Kind gesture
What could be friendlier than another Club member giving you her tea towel because you had forgotten to pack yours? That is exactly what another member did for us. Then she said, “Just keep it, I have plenty with me in our caravan.”
I was so grateful and at the same time beating myself up for leaving ours on the kitchen bench. Oh yes, I knew exactly where they were! Now each time I reach into my drawer
and that ‘friendly’ tea towel meets my hand, it makes me think of that very kind fellow Club member.
Carole and Denis Martin, Hampshire
Electrical warning
While enjoying a stay on the New Forest Centenary site, I noticed that an owner of a campervan had left their pitch. Nothing strange about that, but the electrical hook-up was left plugged into the post with the van end left on the ground. It was also raining. I reported this to the site staff who disconnected the lead and put a plastic bag over the 16A connector.
A couple of minutes later a toddler came along. It’s not outside the realms of possibility that the child could have picked up the lead and suffered horrific injury – or worse. This is not a dramatic observation but a reality.
This is just an accident waiting to happen. So, if you are leaving your pitch, just remove your lead from the post. Remember too that when you hook-up, you plug the hook-up lead into your van first, then the post.
Chris Bushell, via email
A year on one site
We recently stayed at the Club’s Start Bay (formerly Stokeley Meadow) site and it occurred to me that this was the 40th year we had been coming to the site in our own caravan, having previously used my wife’s parents’ van. I took my log with us. After we had been there for six nights I knew we would pass a milestone. Yes, we had spent 365 nights on the site over 40 years. Have other members achieved a similar milestone on their favourite site?
Roger Muir, via email
First-class facilities
How nice it was to spend four days at the Club’s Kinlochewe site in a beautiful area of the Highlands on Scotland’s north-west coast. It is well situated with mountains on either side, and we were very impressed with the site staff, Andrew and Susan Glasgow, who were enormously friendly and helpful.
After spending five weeks in the Hebrides where Club sites were not available, it was such a pleasure getting to Kinlochewe where we felt so much at home. I often think that
we take the Club and its sites for granted, but we are so fortunate to have such a well-run organisation. We live in South Africa and have spent the last 12 summers as members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club touring the British Isles and Europe in our motorhome, and we feel privileged to have been able to make use of the Club’s facilities. Rhys and Norma Rolfe, via email
Arrival times 1
I am becoming increasingly concerned that some Club members can no longer grasp relatively simple skills like telling the time.
As we all know, when you choose a site from the Directory it will state a time not to arrive before – for example, for Warwick Racecourse it’s midday. Why then on a recent visit to the site did some inconsiderate members consider it to be acceptable to start queuing up to get in from 11am?
The site staff had not even had time to finish cleaning the toilet and shower blocks at that point. Arriving before the permitted time is becoming an increasing problem across the network, causing dangerous congestion, particularly at sites with limited access such has Brighton and Cheddar.
I think the only way to put a stop to this is for all site staff across the network to turn away all arrivals before the permitted time for that particular site. After all, if you book a hotel for the night with, say, a check-in time of 2pm, it’s no use turning up at noon expecting access to your room! If you are lucky the hotel reception may look after your
Plaque race
I have been a Club member for 27 years and always collect a plaque when staying on one of your sites.
My in-laws (Stan and Sylvia Morris) were site staff for many years and before that we always had a bit of a competition going as to who could collect the most plaques. We never caught them up/overtook them until after my father in-law sadly passed away in 2014.
To date I’ve collected 140 plaques and try to travel around every two to three days so that we can get more plaques when we are away!
Stephen and Denise Morris, via email
luggage but you will be sent away until your check-in time.
So please everyone, plan your journey, stick to the Club rules and make everyone’s well-earned holiday more enjoyable.
Mike Mallen, via email
Arrival times 2
It must be one of the biggest bugbears of many site staff when members turn up early when the earliest arrival time has been clearly stated. The arrival time is there for a reason. Mainly for allowing members to leave, especially if the entrance to a site is narrow and single lane, and also for the staff to carry out any necessary jobs around the site.
My husband and I arrived home yesterday after 18 lovely days in Wales. We enjoyed nine nights at the Brecon Beacons Club site (with the best shop!) and then made our way to Coed-Y-Llwyn in Snowdonia.
We set the alarm early and set off thinking that the journey would be longer than it was. We were aghast to find the sat-nav telling us arrival was going to be 10.35am – and the site had clearly stated no arrivals before 1pm. So what did we do?
We found a lay-by with a beautiful view and stayed there for 2.5 hours, made our lunch, walked the dog, read and had a nap until it was time to leave, so that we would arrive at the appropriate time – after 1pm!
It really galls us to see so many members just turn up and expect to be accommodated. It is selfish. So come on fellow campers, if we can find a lay-by, why can’t you?
Jenni Brittle, via email
Herbal remedy
Upon arriving at Poolsbrook Country Park Club site we were intrigued by the large green empty box sitting outside the facilities block. Over the next two days it was transformed into a wonderful herb garden.
I would like to say a big well done to the staff on this site for providing us with such a fantastic facility. The thought, imagination and sheer hard work that went into building this herb garden was much appreciated.
We have visited a few Club sites with herb gardens and I must say that we always try to incorporate a handful of herbs into our culinary delights wherever possible. It is a pleasure to visit sites where it is obvious that the staff look after their domain to such a high standard.
At Poolsbrook there were also plenty of hanging baskets and tubs around the site which were flowering beautifully.
Louise and Richard Reeve, West Yorkshire
The extra mile
My whole family wish to tell how very professional and helpful the site staff at Cambridge Cherry Hinton Club site have been.
My youngest grandson of nine months, Max, was emergency admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and we needed to get into a nearby caravan site to create a base for the family to visit and stay overnight, including Max’s mum and dad as they could only use the parent overnight facility for two nights.
I tried to book online but the site was full for most of the nights we needed, so I called the site as soon as the office opened and once I explained the situation I was told that “we’ll find you somewhere – just come and we’ll sort it when you arrive.”
This was brilliant for us as they not only kept a pitch as close to the entrance as possible but they told us they would ensure we could use it for as long as we needed as we didn’t know when/if Max would be discharged. This gave us a base for family members to use for any overnight stays and day-time resting while waiting for progress on Max’s treatment.
Please ensure they get recognition for this extraordinary service, they were brilliant.
Max has been discharged, although he needs another operation, but he is now on the road to recovery. John Flowerdew and family, via email
By the book
While on holiday at Bromyard Downs Club site, my husband and I had our usual visit to the information hut. While I was looking at the leaflets, he was rummaging through a shelf of second-hand books. He came away with a book on how to build a garden pond, which surprised me as he had never mentioned wanting one before! By the time we returned home he had convinced me it was a good idea to install a wildlife pond. We now have a lovely little pond and are planning to complement it with a wild flower area. My husband has started to build a bug house and has aspirations to put a hedgehog hibernation shelter under a bush. All this came about because of a book found by chance in the information hut, and the best of it is the garden will be low-maintenance so we won’t have to curtail our motorhome
On manoeuvres
I just wanted to say many, many thanks to Vaughan for a brilliant Club motorhome manoeuvring course.
To say that I was apprehensive beforehand is an understatement. We are brand new to the motorhome fraternity, having bought our first vehicle in March this year. We hadn’t even had a trial run in one before and just decided to go for it!
My better half is a confident driver and I have been happy to let him take the lead, and I’ve also been somewhat reluctant when he has said, “Do you fancy a drive?” Although I did once pluck up the courage to drive about three miles from home, then wimped out! The course has changed everything. I would have snorted if anyone had told me that I would be driving in and out of cones, in reverse as well as forwards, or feeling very relaxed and chilled driving round the streets of Evesham. After the course I rang my husband and told him I was driving home and would see him in about 30 minutes. It took me 40 because I got lost, but I loved every minute!
We are planning our next trip to the Lakes – and guess who is driving?
Ruth Dyson, via email
Editor’s comment: If, like Ruth, you would like some expert tuition in driving a motorhome (or towing a caravan), then book a manoeuvring course at one of our 16 locations across the UK – see camc.com/ training for more details.
holidays to do more gardening. On top of that the frogs and hedgehogs in our area will be happy. A win-win situation I think, so thank you to the person who left the book in the hut!
Penny Barnard, Hampshire
Armchair fans
Having just read the letter from Peter and Victoria Jones (‘Wish list’, August issue), I had to check to make sure that my wife or I had not written it. We have been banging this drum [for proper armchairs and a fixed bed layout] ever since fixed-bed models became available. We have been looking to change our existing van for a shorter transverse bed option but to no avail. I have asked manufacturers and dealers but with no success. The normal response is that market research has shown little demand.
Colin and Anne Daultrey, via email
Hob protector
I was very interested to read your Ask Your Club article in the July issue on glass hob cover failures.
Although we’ve not experienced inadvertently turning the knobs on our gas hob on in our Bailey Autograph 68-2 motorhome, we very rarely use the gas or electric rings after buying an electric kettle. As a result we use the hob cover more as a work surface, but I was concerned that it would get scratched or even broken if anything fell out of the top cupboards.
So, I need to protect it. I found an acrylic worktop saver on Amazon – there are three sizes in various colours and I found the large size totally covered the hob. I put a sheet of non-slip drawer liner under it and it doesn’t move.
During transit I slip the acrylic worktop saver down inside the side of the wardrobe just in case it slips off while travelling. This is one of the best items we have purchased for our motorhome and the glass cover on our hob is in pristine condition. Hope this may be of interest.
Jane Matthews, via email
Watch the birdie
Autumn is the ideal time to spot rare birds in the UK . David Chapman introduces the secretive but beautiful hawfinch
Autumn is preparing to cast its spell on the countryside. Trees will turn golden brown before they shed their leaves; swallows will depart; redwings and fieldfares arrive.
There are many other regular occurrences that we can predict to a certain extent, but not every autumn is the same. If the weather is settled we might see migrant butterflies such as the clouded yellow and red admiral arriving on the south coast. During a period of easterly winds in September we will see more migrants from Scandinavia, with wryneck, bluethroat and red-breasted flycatchers recorded along our south and east coasts. Strong westerlies later in the month may bring very rare migrants from America.
Later in the autumn, should there be colder weather and a shortage of voles in Scandinavia, we could see short-eared owls arriving in the UK. Similarly, lower temperatures and a sparsity of berries might send an influx of waxwings our way.
Two years ago we had an invasion of hawfinches.Our breeding population is thought to be about 800 pairs, and our normal total wintering population might be 15,000. This regular influx is in keeping with a general south and westward movement of birds from northern and eastern Europe seeking milder conditions and a better source of food.
Normally the majority of hawfinches over-winter in heavily wooded countries such as Germany where they feed on the seed of a variety of trees. However, two years ago we had an unusual period of weather in October. Much of Europe had easterly winds while the UK was affected by Storm Ophelia, which initially brought
SEPTEMBER LOOK OUT FOR
n Lapland buntings arrive on the east and south coasts from Scandinavia during periods of easterly winds
n White-rumped sandpipers from America are seen after westerly winds
n Silver Y moths might arrive in the south following a period of southerly winds. Look for the distinctive Y-shaped mark on their fore-wings
exceptionally warm southerly winds and clouds of Saharan dust across the Channel.
This peculiar weather is thought to have been one of the main triggers for the arrival of an unprecedented number of hawfinches in southern England – a staggering 50,000 as a rough estimate. It is likely that a shortage of food in their usual wintering areas contributed to their decision to migrate to the UK but here they found suitable conditions and delighted bird watchers generally.
The hawfinch is a beautiful bird. It is our largest finch with a huge beak capable of cracking open a cherry stone. Males and females are similar in appearance – they have a row of blue feathers in their wings which have twisted, club-shaped ends, making them remarkably striking. The hawfinch is extremely wary and secretive, making it very difficult to spot despite its large size and colourful plumage.
The birds spend most of the year in the tree tops where, in summer and autumn, they eat the seeds (hornbeam, elm and ash are popular varieties). Hedgerow fruits such as hips, holly berries and haws, from which the species gets its English name, are also eaten. Later in the autumn and through winter they are forced to come to the ground to find the remaining seeds of beech trees and others – this is when you are most likely to see them at garden bird tables. Look out for them – you won’t be disappointed!
MEMBER SINCE...
Motorhomer David Chapman joined the Club in 2000
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Club sites near good areas to spot hawfinches this autumn
Site: Black Knowl
The New Forest is one of the best places to see hawfinches due to the proliferation of trees, with Blackwater Arboretum in particular attracting good numbers. New Forest Centenary is a good alternative site.
Site: Lucksall
A good base from which to visit the Forest of Dean which has become a popular spot for hawfinches in the autumn. The village of Brierley is a focal point, where they are attracted by hornbeam trees.
Clockwise from left: white-rumped sandpiper, silver Y moth, Lapland bunting
Crossword
£50 in Club gift tokens will be won by the sender of the first correct solution opened on Friday 20 September 2019. Four runners-up will each receive £10 Club gift tokens.
1 Went away (4)
Even-handed (4)
1 He’s no sailor (10)
Fit to be eaten (6)
A warning of danger (5)
Wet thoroughly (8)
First-rate (3-5)
Running and throwing
game (7)
Dustbin (3-3)
Similar (5)
Without light (4)
Yellowish resin (5)
31 Strong temptation (10)
35 Novel with huge sales (10)
39 Additional (5)
40 Scolds constantly (4)
41 Quite enough (5)
42 Secluded (8)
43 Deliver an egg (3)
44 Wild beast’s lair (3)
45 An arch or bend (5)
2 Evening dress-coat (6,6)
3 Single item (4)
4 Any small tree (4)
5 Professional pest controller (3-7)
6 Ground tremor (10)
7 Lasting two years (8)
8 Orient (4) 9 Molten rock (4) 10 Work (10) 14 Citrus drink (9) 15 Pigeon call (3) 17 Club for striking a ball (3) 20 Run wild, on the _______ (7) 21 Wood-hyacinths (9) 22 A fixed look
47 Homes of twigs (5)
49 Scheme or plot (4)
50 Coming to a close (6)
51 Unpaid enthusiast (7)
54 Needle of wood (8)
57 Joker (8)
58 Ingrained dirt (5)
59 A cure (6)
60 A variety theatre (10) DOWN
West Yorkshire; Mrs N McGeachy, Bedfordshire; Ken Instone, Isle of Wight
NO BOUNDARIES
PART 2
Karla Baker and partner Stephen cross the Channel for the first time with their adapted caravan
One of the biggest benefits of owning a caravan or motorhome is the ability to take your accommodation – and many home comforts – anywhere you want. So why limit yourself to the United Kingdom when there’s a whole continent out there just waiting to be explored? It’s more accessible than you might think!
Earlier this year we took our specially adapted Bailey Unicorn on its first European adventure and, due to the added challenges that come with having a disability, there were a few extra things we needed to consider during the planning stage.
Staff at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Overseas Travel Service helped. They were able to organise special assistance on the
ferry crossings (making sure we were parked near the lifts for example) and helped us choose from the network of overseas sites, ensuring they had suitable facilities. I use a ventilator overnight, so it’s vital that we have a good source of electricity, and with continental sites it’s common to have lower amperage than here in the UK.
This was a concern for us initially, but the Club contacted the site directly and was able to ensure that we were on a pitch with 10 amps. It also provided copious amounts of information about towing abroad, and as soon as we were off the phone we received links to even more valuable resources, based on what we had discussed. It couldn’t have been more straightforward.
EARLY START
With all of the important things taken care of, the real fun could begin! Wanting to take an early, 90-minute Dover-to-Calais crossing, we spent the night before at the Black Horse Farm Club site, which is conveniently just over 10 miles from the ferry terminal.
The excitement was building quickly and before long we were cruising down the quiet, smooth French motorways. Despite it being my partner Stephen’s first time towing abroad, surprisingly he found it easier than towing in the UK, and we soon arrived at our campsite – Caravaning Des 4 Vents.
Situated on the edge of the quaint village of Crèvecoeur-en-Brie, the campsite’s location is perfect – it avoids the hustle and bustle yet is of
Main pic: the Champs de Mars from the Eiffel Tower
Insets (top to bottom): posing for a selfie; the Tower’s lift; second-floor viewing platform
Boarding the ferry was pretty straightforward (above); enjoying an accessible ride at Disneyland Paris (inset)
Right: set up at Caravaning des 4 Vents; shopping opportunities at Disneyland Paris; the spectacular Illuminations!
just 30 minutes by car away from the capital city. Disneyland Paris, meanwhile, is even closer.
France has so much to offer, from art and architecture to magnificent landscapes and great food, but after a long journey we wanted to ease ourselves into the holiday, heading to a nearby shopping village called La Vallée. Although it was full of designer shops and a bit out of our budget, it was a beautiful place to go for a gentle afternoon stroll before heading back to the site for a barbecue as the sun set.
DISNEY DATE
We spent the next day exploring the two huge parks at Disneyland –Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park – both of which are
packed full of magic and wonder.
I had visited as a youngster but it was Stephen’s first time, and we had a great time enjoying the selection of wheelchair-accessible attractions, reliving childhood memories and creating new ones together.
One of the highlights was the Disney Illuminations show as the day drew to a close. Although you might assume it’s more suited to children, you’d be surprised at how much there is for adults – it really is a great day out whatever your age and ability.
On our last day we couldn’t wait to soak up the culture of the capital itself. There are good transport connections from the site, but we’d heard that there was plenty of on-street disabled parking right in the centre, so decided
to drive in. We were actually able to stop right next to the Eiffel Tower!
There’s lots to see and do in Paris but a trip up Gustave Eiffel’s iconic monument is something we’ve always wanted to do together, and it’s surprisingly accessible. As a wheelchair user I was able to take the lift up to the second floor, where we had breathtaking views across the whole city as the sun shone down. It was the perfect end to a brilliant trip.
Aside from a few cobbled streets, we found France very accessible. It’s a wonderfully diverse country, and although we barely scratched the surface on our first European adventure, our whole trip went smoothly and we cannot wait to explore more in the future.
ROAD TRIP TOP TIP
If you have a right-hand drive car and don’t have a passenger with you who is able to reach through the window to grab tickets and pay at French toll booths – or if you would just rather not have to stop – we would highly recommend getting an Emovis toll tag. Once placed in your windscreen you simply drive up to the toll booth, the barrier will raise and the fee will automatically be withdrawn from your registered bank account at the end of the month. If purchase through the Caravan and Motorhome Club website you even avoid the €10 application fee – see camc. com/emovis for details.
Family matters
Lee Davey, wife Helen, daughter Poppy (17) and son Charlie (11) use their caravan to pursue a wide range of interests. This month – visiting historic sites and memorials
Sometimes it’s great to pitch up on a site, make a cup of tea, take in the beautiful surroundings and simply relax. However, we often plan specific things to do while we’re on a break – go kayaking, embark on a bike ride, attend a festival or find a series of ‘geocaches’ for example.
I have a keen interest in wartime history and, fortunately, my family are happy to go along with this passion. We’re going through a particularly important remembrance period at the moment –6 June marked the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings and, as this magazine drops we will have marked V-J Day, which effectively brought the Second World War to an end.
We have been making the effort to go in search of memorials and monuments that remember those from both World Wars who didn’t make it home. We’ve ‘collected’ quite a few – in the UK and on the continent – with some standing alone in the middle of nowhere, others in busy city centres.
It may sound a little grisly – but visiting a monument to pay our respects and then discussing the implications with our kids has
given them a greater understanding of history and helped them with their studies at school.
The First World War memorial in our village pays tribute to soldiers who were killed at Gallipoli and I was able to take a wreath paying tribute when I took part in an epic caravan odyssey to Turkey during 2018. (As it happened we actually travelled through 21 countries during the Bristol to Bosphorus Challenge – see baileyofbristol.co.uk/bailey-of-bristol/blog/444bristol-to-the-bosphorus for details of the trip).
Caravan and Motorhome Club sites up and down the country offer seemingly limitless possibilities when searching for memorials or points of historic interest – a modicum of research returns surprising results. Why not plan your own historical adventure when you go on your next break? You’ll be richly rewarded.
MEMBERS SINCE...
Caravanners the Daveys joined the Club in 2006
1 New Forest – there is a striking memorial (left) just a short walk from the main gate.
2 Abbey Wood – public transport will get you to The Cenotaph in an hour.
3 Grafham Water – this site is a 50-minute drive from Northampton
Charlie’s view
Dad and I followed our Second World War family history last year in our old 1967 caravan. Finding parts of Nissen huts on the site of my (paternal) grandfather’s wartime camp was almost like finding a monument but we found lots more memorials as we got closer to the coast. One of the memorials we visited was at Tarrant Rushton where my (maternal) great-grandfather was based and recently, with it being relatively close to home, we visited it again.
Helen’s view
The New Forest Centenary site in Hampshire is a great place to start if you are interested in military history. During the Second World War this area was awash with activity as trees offered cover from aerial reconnaissance and hastily constructed airfields were relatively close to France. Sections of the site have wartime references such as ‘Spitfire’ while there’s an impressive memorial a short walk from the main gate.
where you will find the Town and County War Memorial.
4 East Fleet Farm – Weymouth Cenotaph on the Esplanade is a 3½-mile walk or cycle away.
5 Culloden Moor – two miles from the memorial at Culloden Battlefield.
STEPPING OUT
Jane McGowan takes a look at a selection of walking shoes (and footwear designed to get smaller tourers out in the great outdoors!)
Make the most of the autumn (rainy!) weather with these fun wellington boots from Crocs (left). Children will love the bright colours and the handles that enable them to get them on and off in a hurry. Designed to offer a generous fit – you can layer up with socks in colder weather – the boots are, of course, waterproof and very flexible, making it easy to run, jump... and splash! Save on this product at the Club Shop.
RRP: £19.99 (£14.44 from Club Shop, £13 for members)
Colours: green, yellow Sizes: 6-13 (children’s)
Contact: shop.camc.com
If you are looking for a shoe that offers style, functionality and ‘green’ credentials, the Venture range from Keen (below) should be on your radar. The insoles of these shoes feature ‘probiotic technologies’ that are said to break down odour in sweat without the use of heavy metals or hazardous chemicals. Furthermore, the company says it has created water-repellency without using potentially harmful perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These boots are very light and have some great features such as ‘speed hooks’ for easy lace adjustment and a removable insole with arch support.
RRP: £129.99
Colours: dark olive/raven, steel grey/ magnet, blue nights/raven, black/black Sizes: 6-14
Contact: keenfootwear.com
The Edgepoint II (above) is a great-looking, comfortable autumn walking shoe. Offering a slip-resistant sole, rubberised toe and heel bumpers, as well as a cushioned collar for comfort, the Edgepoint is both practical and stylish option. Again, it is surprisingly light at just 310g – perfect for all-day wear and easy to store in the caravan, motorhome or campervan. Save on this product at the Club Shop (check Regatta’s website for special seasonal deals).
RRP: £60 (£35.95 from Club Shop, £32.36 for members)
Colours: grey Sizes: 3-8
Contact: shop.camc.com
Regatta Women’s Edgepoint II
Keen Men’s Venture Mid Hiking Boots
Crocs Kids’ Handle It Rain Boot
2
These Outline shoes from Salomon (right) are ideal for a long walk or hike – but are perfect for general leisure use as well. They were very comfortable, mostly due to their lightweight construction (each shoe weighs just 330g) and flexibility. In terms of grip, the 5cm-deep lugs on the soles should ensure you maintain your footing on the slippiest of terrains, while the Gore-Tex membranes should keep your feet nice and dry. A men’s version is also available.
RRP: £120
Colours: five options
Sizes: 3.5-10.5 (larger sizes available by contacting Salomon)
Contact: salomon.com, 020 3510 0639
Next month: Watches for outdoor lovers
These solid-feeling walking boots (above) should offer plenty of protection for your feet and ankles on the longest of hikes – and they look good, too. A waterproof, breathable lining is designed to keep your feet dry, while a cushioned inner will provide shock absorption. The soles feature a number of triangular grip areas which certainly feel as though they would give you plenty of traction on a variety of surfaces. A smart leather upper is the icing on the cake. A good-quality, stylish boot.
RRP: £110
Colours: black
Sizes: 7-12
Contact: berghaus.com, 01254 277247
25
Regatta Samaris II Low (men’s)
This ‘low’ walking shoe (below) is ideal for anyone wanting to combine style with substance. The Samaris comes in a wide range of colours and boast technical features such as a ‘seam-sealed waterproof/breathable membrane’ and ‘Hydropel upper treatment’, designed to repel moisture. Featuring shock absorbing cushioning in the heel, they also have a tough carbon outsole. Although the RRP is £90 there were some good deals on Regatta’s website as we went to press. A women’s version is also available.
RRP: £90
Colours: pepper/lime green, black granite, Oxford blue/ash, dark denim/navy blaze, rock grey/classic red, dark khaki/gold
Sizes: 6-12
Contact: regatta.com, 0161 866 0486
Stage1: Handset shows which side is NOT level.
Stage4: Automatic cornersteadies descend and level the caravan front to back.
Stage2: Place the ramp on the side which is low.
Stage3: Press finding level. Caravan moves
An awning can dramatically increase your living space; dinettes are great in the daytime (below); fixed double bed option (bottom)
THE SPACE RACE
Sammy Faircloth needs more room – should she invest in a new caravan or use an awning to create more living space?
There are numerous reasons why you might want to buy a bigger caravan or motorhome. An addition to the family may have made things more crowded, your kids might rapidly be turning into teenagers, or perhaps the grandparents now fancy coming along for the ride.
My children are growing up fast and I often wonder whether we should take a leap and invest in a bigger caravan or look at other sleeping options using our current set-up. Just to set the scene, our daughter Emily is now 15 and likes her sleep and her own space, while 11-year-old Daniel wakes up early and jumps around like a puppy.
A NEW CARAVAN...
We own a five-berth Bailey Orion 460 caravan, which contains bunk beds, a dinette that converts into a single bed and a front dining area that transforms into a double. There is generally plenty of space for our family of four, but now the kids are
older and taller we find that the bunks aren’t the best option any more.
I recently researched new caravans and fixed beds – bunks, singles and doubles – are clearly very popular in leisure vehicle layouts at the moment. Dinettes – which traditionally offer great daytime ‘living’ space but can be turned into a bed at night – are becoming harder to find. That’s a shame because not only is a dinette incredibly useful for mealtimes, it is also a great place for the kids to play board games and have a bit of their ‘own’ space.
Fixed bunks tend to be made with young children in mind – in some caravans they can be less than 2ft wide – so fixed single beds either side of a central corridor may be a better option for bigger kids and teenagers.
I love the concept of fixed double beds, but sometimes they can make access to the washroom difficult at night. Think carefully about
The ‘Practical Advice’ section of the Club website contains a wealth of expert information. See camc.com/advice
or expect guests to stay over, particularly if you are a light sleeper!
My advice if you are looking to upgrade – take the children with you and get them to test the sleeping arrangements.
is a
...OR AN EXTENSION?
I have written many articles on awnings and am a big fan of their versatility. In order to meet the needs of our teenage daughter, we decided to invest in an annexe, which zips into the side of our existing awning. A separate inner tent makes the whole experience more comfortable. (Please bear in mind when buying a new awning that your outfit still needs to fit on a pitch and that you need to leave enough space between yourselves and your neighbours to comply with fire safety guidelines.)
If you don’t want to invest in a new, bigger awning, companies like Isabella offer enlargement services that can save you money. There are some limitations as to how big you can go, so speak to the specialists. Awnings can also add much needed space to campervans and coachbuilt motorhomes.
Companies such as Olpro offer brightly-coloured designs that incorporate sleeping areas for those who like to get back to their tenting roots.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re really considering investing in a new caravan or motorhome, I would recommend a visit to one of the big shows. Here you can really get a feel for the different types of layout available and test out the quality of numerous outfits’ beds. What’s more, large events such as the two annual shows at Birmingham’s NEC often feature stands run by the major awning manufacturers. I have thought hard about changing our caravan for a more teenage-friendly outfit, but I can’t quite find the right layout. For now I am happy to stick with our current set-up and use my awning to create extra space.
AWNING ENLARGING
Isabella International Camping is just one of a number of companies that can make your existing awning bigger. Here’s a snapshot of the enlargement process.
1. A triangular section in the roof panel is carefully removed. For reference, the triangle is laid out onto new roof material which is then measured to an increased size.
5. New profile is attached – holds Fix-On brackets.
Details: Isabella International Camping Ltd, isabella.net/uk, 01844 202099)
There
vast array of awning shapes and sizes (including those for motorhomes/campervans) on the market. Big shows offer the opportunity to check out awnings and caravan layouts
2. The new piece is cut out carefully.
3. Specialist sewing machines are used to sew in the new triangle section.
4. New eyelet is fixed into position.
Super Heavy Duty Hitchlocks
High Security
Quick and easy to fit
Corrosion resistant plastic cover
Low mass security bolt for safety
Fits steel and alloy wheels
5 Year Warranty included
Ask your Club
The Club’s technical team answers your pressing questions
QWhich motoring rules apply specifically to towing a caravan or driving a motorhome?
AThat’s quite a general question, but some of the most relevant issues are as follows.
n Driving licences: If you passed your initial driving test before 1997 and you are under 70 years old, you’re unlikely to face practical restrictions. Those passing from the start of 1997 onwards are limited to a towing vehicle/caravan combination with a combined maximum weight of 3,500kg, or a vehicle (eg motorhome) of up to 3,500kg maximum weight with a trailer of no more than 750kg. Upon reaching 70, you’ll need a medical test to retain any right to driving motorhomes above 3,500kg. Rights for car/caravan combinations carry forward.
n Speed limits: If towing, the speed limits are 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways or motorways. Solo motorhome limits are the same as for solo cars if up to 3,050kg unladen, but if the motorhome is over 3,050kg unladen the limits are 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 70mph on motorways.
n Lane usage: You must not tow in the outside lane of a three-ormore-lane motorway, unless this is unavoidable due to roadworks, accident or obstruction.
n Maximum dimensions: Caravans can be up to 7m body length (excluding drawbar but including a gas locker integrated into the body) and up to 2.55m wide. Any longer and you need a towing vehicle over 3,500kg maximum weight. Motorhomes can be up to 12m long and 2.55m wide.
n Roadworthiness: All road vehicles must be in a fit state and must comply with the relevant laws, even if they are only used occasionally or if, like caravans, they do not require an MOT. Your safety and your insurance cover depend on this.
n Number plate: Caravans must carry a plate matching the towing vehicle, and it must be a proper plate.
n Passengers: You can’t carry passengers in a caravan.
DETACHMENTS
If you read Ask Your Club on p90 of the February 2019 issue regarding inadvertent detachment of caravans, please read it again. If you haven’t read it, please do so or please see pages 650-652 of your Sites Directory & Handbook As we go to press, the past month has seen a caravan end up on railway tracks, another strike an oncoming car and, most tragically of all, one result in the death of a pedestrian. While we don’t know the full details in each of these cases, experience shows that caravans usually detach due to incorrect hitching, not mechanical failure. Please check and check again.
Passengers in a motorhome must wear seat belts where these are available.
n Towing mirrors: You must have an adequate view to the rear of a caravan. For the overwhelming majority of outfits, this will mean towing extension mirrors will be legally required.
This is just an overview. For much more on these topics and many others, check the ‘Technical’ section of your Sites Directory & Handbook (p624 onwards), or the ‘Advice and Training’ section of the Club website. Don’t forget you can
always contact the Technical Advice team for help too – technical@camc. com or 01324 336611.
Please address your questions to: Technical Information, Caravan and Motorhome Club, East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA
...and quote your membership number
The South West Motorhome Show discount
Use the coupon on this page to save on entry to this great show in Somerset
Taking place at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet from 6-8 September, the South West Motorhome Show gives campers and day visitors the chance to check out a fantastic range of new and used models from 25 national and local dealers, as well as browse accessories from over 130 specialist retailers.
Those staying on site can enjoy four nights (starting on Thursday 5 September) – of live classic rock action, including tribute acts to Bruce Springsteen, T-Rex, Dire Straits and The Eagles. Saturday evening will also see a performance by Lorraine Crosby, who famously duetted with Meat Loaf on the hit single I‘d Do Anything For Love (But I Won‘t Do That)
All evening entertainment is free for those camping except for Saturday night’s show, which costs extra. During the day, the Club will be offering free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring ‘taster sessions’ with our expert instructors.
Discounts are available for day visitors booking in advance, or you can bring along this voucher and save £1 (on the price of two tickets) on the gate. Children go free. The show opens daily at 9.30am, closing at 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 4.30pm on Sunday.
For more information about camping at the show, Saturday evening entertainment tickets or attending as a day visitor head to showgoer.co.uk.
The Motorhome Show Season Finale special offer
Save on admission to this exciting Lincoln show by using the coupon on this page
If you’ve decided that it’s time for a vehicle upgrade, or are thinking of biting the bullet and buying your first motorhome, then you should definitely visit this year’s Motorhome Show, Season Finale.
Taking place at Lincolnshire Showground near Lincoln from 20-22 September, there will be over 500 new and used models on display from over 40 dealers, as well as thousands of outdoor accessories.
If you’re looking for a long weekend away, the show also offers four nights of Best-of-British themed entertainment (starting on Thursday 19 September). Acts scheduled to appear include Moondogs, Status Quo tribute State of Quo and the Glen Leon
Weekend pitches can be reserved from as little as £48 when booking
before 9 September and discounts are available for day visitors booking in advance. Alternatively you can bring along this voucher and save £1 (on the price of two tickets) on the gate. Children go free. The show opens daily at 9.30am, closing at
5pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 4.30pm on Sunday.
For more details about camping at the show or attending as a day visitor head to showgoer.co.uk.
Band. Saturday’s headline show is a must for all fans of the sixties, with both The Hollies and The Manfreds taking to the main stage for an evening of hits.
TTOURER DE FORCE?
Lesley Harris puts a comfortable family estate through its paces in a towing test
he Mazda6 Tourer has always been a practical family estate, but it now boasts a more powerful engine, revised styling and an updated cabin. Let’s take a closer look...
COMFORT
The latest incarnation of the Mazda6 Tourer has a new grille featuring a deeper-positioned mesh, while revised LED headlamps and fog lights have been incorporated into the headlight cluster. A redesigned bumper adds the finishing touch to a sleek, more aerodynamic look.
Step inside and first impressions are good. Our GT Sport Nav+ model is certainly very
well-equipped. For starters, the Nappa leather seats up front incorporate heating and cooling systems (rear passengers benefit from heated seats as standard). The seating is more comfortable than before, courtesy of increased side bolstering along with thicker and wider cushioning. And with plenty of adjustment, you should find your perfect driving position.
The Japanese Sen wood inlay gives the interior a an elegant feel, while neat little touches impress – the side ventilation louvres extend into the door trim to enhance the flow of the fascia, for example. Tactile suede is used across the dash, door and armrest, contrasting nicely with
the satin chrome detailing. And there’s a decent amount of stowage – a large glove box and plenty of cubbies for all your bits and bobs.
A smart dash – which is part digital, part analogue – is easy to read, and comes with Active Driving Display (heads-up display to you and me). Standard across the range, this works really well. Information is projected directly onto the windscreen, including turn-by turn navigation, speed and speed limit details.
A nd of course, there’s an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates all the usual sat-nav, DAB radio and phone connectivity functions you would expect.
Price as tested
£32,510
Insurance
Group 29
Engine
2,488cc, 4-cyl, petrol Power
Kerbweight
1,610kg (85% = 1,369kg)
Gross vehicle weight
Fuel/tank/econ
Petrol/ 62 litres (13.64 gal)/24.1mpg
Club insurance
There’s also a handy rotary control located in the central console that is much easier and safer to use, especially when driving.
Moving into the rear, you’ll find plenty of both head and leg room for your passengers. There’s lots of under-seat space for feet, although a fairly high transmission tunnel restricts the middle passenger a little. Again, that stylish satin chrome detailing adds a touch of flair. Drop the armrest and you reveal the heated seat controls, two USB ports and drink holders. The rear door bins will also accommodate a decent-sized bottle.
DRIVING
Far left: a sleek, more aerodynamic look for the new Mazda6 Tourer Clockwise from below right: the bumper has been redesigned; plenty of head and leg room for rear passengers; a relaxed cruiser with little noise; interior has an elegant feel s
The new Mazda6 is the first Mazda to benefit from the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine with Cylinder Deactivation technology. The engine seamlessly switches between two and four cylinders depending on the load situation, which, in theory, should improve your fuel economy without affecting performance. It’s also quieter when travelling – which has to be a good thing!
This new unit puts out 191bhp at 6,000rpm and has a maximum torque of 258Nm at 4,000rpm (a 2.2-litre diesel engine is also available).
There’s no manual option on this GT Sport Nav+ model, which comes with a six-speed
The Club’s Car Insurance is tailored to the needs of members using our 25 plus years of know-how. We guarantee to beat your renewal premium by at least £25*.
191bhp (142kW)@ 6,000rpm
Torque
190lb ft (258Nm) @ 4,000rpm
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Spare wheel tyre repair kit
2,113kg
Gross train weight 3,613kg
Noseweight limit 75kg
Towing equipment detachable towbar, £273.65
Figures from manufacturers’ literature unless specified
*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of existing renewal, including cover and price (eg a copy of your renewal notice), when cover is on a like-forlike basis. Please note, terms and conditions, eg excess(es), may vary from your current insurer. Courtesy car is subject to availability. Subject to terms and conditions and the Insurer’s acceptance of the Risk. The Club’s Car Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
automatic gearbox. Generally it works well although it is a little hesitant when pulling off the line. That said, on the motorway the Mazda6 Tourer is a very relaxed cruiser with little engine, wind or road noise.
DID YOU KNOW?
We guarantee to beat your insurance renewal premium by £25*. See camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 to get your quote
T he steering is light and precise and, for a large car, it’s surprisingly nimble. There’s good response from the steering, with sharp turn-in, while body control is kept in check and the car copes with both swooping corners and town driving alike.
TOWING
T he Mazda6 Tourer gets off to a good start in the towing department as the 360˚ bird ’ s-eye reversing camera with clear graphics makes hitching a doddle. However, it wasn’t always completely happy hauling the caravan (bearing in mind I was towing a unit at the upper end of its weight limit). Around town and at lower speeds I experienced a little tugging and bouncing, although on the open road and motorways, the ride was much smoother.
There was enough power for overtaking, although such manoeuvres did need a little thought and anticipation. There was little buffeting to upset the unit when passing larger vehicles. Visibility was generally good although the small rear windscreen lets the side down a bit. A large boot – 522 litres with seats in place – will easily accommodate all your towing gear. This expands to 1,665-litres with seats folded.
VERDICT
Overall the Mazda6 Tourer 2.5-litre GT Sport Nav+ is a very practical family car with plenty of space and loads of standard tech that deserves consideration as a towcar too.
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.
BEAU PEEP
Rob McCabe takes a look at an inventive and stylish French tourer that stands out from the flock
Hot on the heels of last month’s radical Wheelhome Dashaway comes a cylindrical French-built offering that extends to three times its ‘on-the-road’ size at the twist of a key. (Next month: a caravan that raises itself 15 feet on stilts so that you can look down on folk when you’re pitched; portable escalator included!)
The BeauEr 3X – named after its inventor Eric Beau and because the floorspace increases threefold when extended – is being officially imported to the UK by Yorkshire-based motorhome conversion specialist RP Leisure (trading as RP Motorhomes). It will have a quite different spec from the French-market model that we have for this sneak preview – but the wonderful technology that underpins it will be the same.
BUILD QUALITY
Having pitched the caravan in your desired position, undo the safety latches and insert the key into the slot by the A-frame; turning it activates
electronic actuators that slide one segment out to the left (as you face the caravan) to form the lounge area, and one to the right to form the fixed double bedroom. During this process – which takes less than a minute – the furniture inside folds into place automatically. Lower the corner steadies, unlock the sliding entrance door around the other side… and you’re in.
The opening and closing procedure can be powered either by the chunky 100Ah lithium-ion battery or by hook-up; and in the difficult-to-imagine event of neither of these sources being available to you, there’s a manual override.
The curvy polyester body panels are smooth and thumptastically sturdy. Indoors, the joinery is all very neat and precise; and although the two big window blinds were consistently awkward to retract, it’s nothing to concern would-be buyers in this country – all the windows will be served by the blind/flyscreen combination we’re all
familiar with on ‘normal’ caravans. It’s one of many upgrades that the importer will lavish upon UK-market models.
TOWING
At first glance, the MTPLM of 1,300kg looks a little bit on the high side for something that packs away so small when ready for the road. But it’s that minuscule footprint that makes towing (and storing) it so straightforward. The 3X is less than 13ft long and, at just 6ft 5in wide, it is only six inches broader than a Volkswagen Golf.
As with many continental caravans the A-frame extends for miles (nearly), which is a boon to stability under tow; and the built-in hitch stabiliser is, as always, a reassuring fitment. Almost by necessity, everything is compressed into the space over the axle, so weight distribution is about as good as you could wish for.
The BeauEr is bound to turn heads on site
Above: UK table will have a woodgrain finish
Left: handy bank of storage cabinets
Below: decent-sized double bed
Bottom: abracadabra!
DAYTIME
The lounge area requires a leap of imagination from all of us, because the UK model will be much plusher than this rather spartan example (which, interestingly, is destined for life with a new owner in California). The not-altogethervery-cosseting red leatherette seating will make way for deeper squabs finished in a luxurious fabric, with scatter cushions to add a more homely touch.
That big table, which sits flush against the kitchen unit when not in use, will have a wood-grain finish to help counter the rather clinical, shiny whiteness of this example’s interior; the same goes for the kitchen furniture, and for both sides of the wall that separates the bedroom/washroom from the rest of the cabin.
The bank of opaque-fronted storage cabinets by the entrance door is not only a practical feature, it is also rather attractive. Each unit
Price as tested £ 37,995 OTR (enhanced UK-spec price)
See ’Did you know?’ roundel below for quote*
is accessible either from the main body of the caravan or from the bedroom – a neat touch. One of them can give a home to a TV wall bracket, enabling viewing from lounge or bedroom.
Our test van had an electric heater bolted to the edge of the kitchen cabinet, but UK models will get a Truma Combi heating/hot water unit, which will be placed in a front external locker (alongside two gas bottles) and will be controlled from inside by a seven-inch touchscreen.
The two internal doors can be configured several ways, including to close off the bedroom and the lounge/kitchen area – which also results in a fully-enclosed loo/shower space. Or you can leave the bedroom door open, tucked against the wall, and close off the loo door to give an open ‘corridor’ from front to back. This format is probably the one to use during the day.
NIGHT-TIME
Like nearly every fixed-bed four-berth, the 3X is most likely to be used by couples – but the lounge transforms into a good-sized double to ensure that guests won’t feel short-changed. The bedroom (it takes quite an effort to avoid referring to it as the ‘rear’ bedroom; ‘The East Wing’ is more accurate) is unlike any other I’ve experienced, largely due to the odd sensation that comes from lying in what looks like an oversized torpedo tube.
The mattress – slightly smaller than the one that’ll be in UK versions – is agreeably comfortable, although the curved walls mean you’ll have your work cut out if you harbour any notions of sitting up in bed to enjoy a morning cuppa or having a read before lights out. And on that note, there’s only one reading light, so one of you probably wouldn’t even bother trying anyway. Storage space is largely taken care of by the aforementioned bank of shared lockers; and the
Caravan and Motorhome Club Cover
Figures from manufacturer’s literature.
raised platform that you step on to enter the room contains a couple of useful cubby holes, which is a clever use of what would otherwise be wasted space.
KITCHEN
Another leap of imagination is needed here! In essence, the layout stays the same – which is good, because it’s an attractive, coolly contemporary L-shape facility which any chef should enjoy. But the UK version gets a massive specification boost, headlined by a dual gas and electric induction hob. The gas bottle compartment underneath the hob in this example will be replaced by a Thetford Duplex oven and grill, while the existing compressor fridge makes way for a Dometic 70-litre fridge/freezer.
There’s a good, deep slab of work surface, and although dedicated kitchen storage space is modest, there should be enough spare capacity in the opaque-fronted lockers for a few tins and jars.
WASHROOM
The best that can be said for the shower is that it’s there if you really, really need it. The shower tray is covered by a lift-off floor section that forms part of the corridor between living and sleeping areas, but it’s tiny – and you’ll need to hold the attachment yourself to ensure full body coverage. As well as all that, the small on-board fresh water tank means you’ll need to get a bit of a wriggle on. The toilet compartment has a space-saving tip-up basin.
LIGHTING
A big shout-out for the ambient lighting, which looks great as it arcs around the centre dividing wall and casts a pleasant glow on either side of it. The kitchen and the washroom are both brilliantly lit, but the aforementioned single reading light in the bedroom is a let-down. The lounge area is well enough served by a couple of flush-fitting LEDs in the ceiling, but a subtle table lamp brought from home would give more laid-back illumination when relaxing in the evening.
VERDICT
The one thing the BeauEr has in common with the Dashaway we featured last month is that it’ll stop folk in their tracks, anywhere and everywhere. Owners will just have to get used to heads turning. The 38-grand asking price for the UK version is also a bit of an eye-opener but, to be fair, this is a low-volume, hand-built leisure vehicle with a brilliant, hi-tech party trick up its sleeve. Kitchen aside, there are compromises that potential buyers will need to ensure they can live with before they take the plunge.
n Note: various interior and exterior colour schemes are available.
With thanks to
Vehicle supplied for testing by BeauEr (beauer.fr, 0033 6 87 51 22 86). UK importer: RP Leisure, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (rpmotorhomes.com, 01423 781212; see also beaueruk.com)
Clockwise from above: various interior finishes will be available; furniture folds into place as caravan extends; compact washroom with flip-up sink
New
ISport extra
t might be hard to believe but the 2020 season is here already and Swift is set to unveil a host of motorhomes, including a whole new range in the shape of Kon-tiki Sport. The seven-model line-up (13 if you take into account seating options), usurps the Bessacarr range of recent years and offers a more mainstream complement to the upmarket original Kon-tikis.
This is the 560, a standard-formula French bed model that’s always going to find preference with couples, despite having the capability to transport and accommodate up to four. Hats off to Swift for not publishing a low shop-window price that simply gets hiked up when you add various essential options packs. Everything you see here is standard.
BUILD QUALITY
The usual SMART construction is behind the bodywork on all Kon-tiki Sports. It’s an acronym for Strong, Modern, Aerodynamic,
Sports come with a metallic black cab and some particularly striking graphics. They start the season with Fiat’s Euro 6 150bhp engine, but newer Euro 6d versions are on the way.
DRIVING
Resilient, Tested – it’s a timber-free set-up with GRP outer and inner walls as well as under floor, all backed by a 10-year warranty.
The full-length, partially recessed (streamlined but not impinging on locker space inside) awning is standard, as are a twin-lens reversing camera coupled to a 7in LCD screen and a back panel that includes fixings for a bike rack. All Kon-tiki
Fiat’s Ducato may be showing its age a bit now but there’s no denying its qualities as a base vehicle for a low-profile, 23ft-long coachbuilt motorhome like this. The Kon-tiki drives well with the bonus of the extra refinement that comes from Fiat’s more powerful 150bhp engine.
The cab itself lacks the quality offered by other base vehicles in some aspects but the bronze plastic trim around the vents and centre console help to lift a dashboard that might otherwise look a little mundane. Remis cab blinds are here too, while, pleasingly, Swift hasn’t overlooked a safe travel location for the side-fixing table – there’s a dedicated locker to the left of the fridge.
Nick Harding takes an early look at the newcomer to Swift’s iconic Kon-tiki range
Spacious lounge with table extension
Cab seats swivel for mealtime
Top: solid SMART construction
Middle:
Please see quote provided in the ’Did you know?’ roundel on this page*
*Quote (correct as of 7 August) is for the Swift Kon-tiki Sport 560 model worth £65,525. Based on 55-year-old banker living in Sheffield, with a maximum no claims bonus coming from a vehicle of a similar value/experience, who has no accidents, claims or convictions and keeps the vehicle on a drive, 3,000 miles per year, with £350 damage, fire and theft excess. With factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser. Subject to underwriting. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited, Insurance Brokers. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited. The Caravan Club Limited and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
DAYTIME
The main living area is up front, where the lounge comprises a half-dinette double travel seat behind the driver and a short, inward-facing settee behind the cab passenger. Captain’s style cab seats are height-adjustable and feature twin armrests, with the usual swivel action to allow them to be part of the lounge. The table should suffice for two at meal time but if you have additional guests, a small extension slots into place.
This area is all set up for TV watching, with bracket holder and sockets on the bulkhead behind the driver’s seat. Speakers for the stereo system and twin bullet lights are overhead, all set in a plastic ceiling console around a Skyview opening sunroof that really helps with daylight and ventilation. Dometic double-glazed acrylic windows come with concertina blinds, flyscreens and lined curtains.
The soft furnishing scheme is called Darwin and most would agree that it both looks and
feels upmarket. Furniture is from Italian specialist Tecnoform, while heating (and hot water) is courtesy of an Alde system.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can insure this motorhome with the Club for £660.27* per year. Please see camc.com/ insurance or call 0345 504 0334 for further details
If you’re happy to forego the rear travel seat, there’s also a same-price ‘Lounge’ variant of the 560 with twin settees.
NIGHT-TIME
The French bed measures a decent 6ft 2in long x 4ft 1in, tapering to 3ft 1in at its narrowest. It has the usual Duvalay mattress (an Apollo Luxe model here), is set at a good height and is served by reading lamps with dimmer controls, corner ledges, a large side window and a rooflight. I’m only 5ft 6in tall and could just about sit upright to watch TV, but ideally at least one reading lamp needs to be relocated. A pleated divider offers bedroom privacy and
there’s a full-length wardrobe, with shelving, adjacent to the washroom door.
KITCHEN
Step down from the lounge and you’re in the kitchen. The main unit here is along the offside with a full Thetford cooker (dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill) set to the right. The microwave is directly over the hob – not an ideal location for some, but it’s at a height that will be convenient for most adult users.
A stainless steel sink is set into a Fenix worktop and there’s a removable plastic drainer along with a handy fixed ledge beyond the sink. The main storage is under the sink area. Access is doubledoored but the Alde boiler and slot for the drainer means space is compromised while the cutlery drawer isn’t large either. A double-doored upper locker has racking for cups and plates.
Across the galley is arguably the star feature – Dometic’s latest 10-series, narrow-bodied 133-litre fridge with dual-opening door (ie it hinges from both sides), set off floor level for ease of access. The removable freezer section’s door hinges both sides, too.
WASHROOM
The shower cubicle at the far end boasts an Ecocamel Orbit showerhead on a riser bar while the plastic-lined walls are sturdier than most.
The swivel-bowl toilet in the middle of the washroom needs a bit of negotiating, but the fixed basin just inside the door is angled, making manoeuvring that bit easier. Upper and lower level lockers provide a decent amount of storage but there’s no window,
Clockwise from above left: well-appointed washroom; slimline fridge is a focal point; microwave over the hob; comfortable bed; angled basin makes manoeuvring a little easier
just the one towel holder and only a single drainage outlet in the shower tray.
DETAILS
Ease of use is a key factor in any decision to invest in a new motorhome and the Kon-tiki Sport generally scores well in that department. The cab seats are simple to swivel, the table tops are easy to retrieve from their travel locker, four spotlights in the lounge have a dimmer function and the waste bin in the habitation door is at a convenient height. Indeed, inside the door itself there are coat hooks, a grab handle and a floor-level locker that’s ideal for shoes etc. Surprisingly, there’s a lack of USB outlets in the main living area so you’ll have to make do with ones in the cab and the bedroom.
The Kon-tiki Sport 560 also comes with Swift Command Tracker (Thatcham Cat 7), VIN CHIP theft deterrent and Connect Direct.
VERDICT
There are no massive surprises here but there doesn’t need to be. Swift has brought some Kon-tiki flair to a tried-and-trusted format. The main bed may be French but in all other regards this is a British thoroughbred.
With thanks to
Vehicle supplied for testing by: Swift Group, Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4JX. Contact: swiftgroup.co.uk, 01482 847332.
Our motorhome insurance is designed with you in mind.
• New for old insurance for up to 24 months, with no mileage limit
• Contents cover protects single items up to £500 to a maximum combined £5,000
• Full policy cover in Europe, for up to 365 days per year
*Premium Saving Guarantee. Subject to proof of an existing renewal, including cover and price (e.g. a copy of your renewal notice) and when cover is on a like-for-like basis. Offer applies to new customers only. Subject to terms and conditions and the underwriter’s acceptance of the risk. Please note, terms, conditions and excess(es) may vary from your current insurer and excludes Breakdown and Legal cover, which needs to be purchased separately. A sample policy, including the terms and conditions that may apply, is available upon request. The Club’s Motorhome Insurance is arranged by Devitt Insurance
and Devitt Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by The
2020 VISION
We look into the (near) future to bring you details of some of the caravans and motorhomes you will see on dealer forecourts next year
ADRIA
Adria’s Altea caravan range is completely overhauled. A TV aerial, microwave oven and floor carpets now come as standard, while each of the four models features extra settees.
The flagship 8ft-wide Alpinas have also been redesigned – look out for the 623UL Mississippi and twin-axle 623UL Colorado. Adora continues as a four-model mid-market offering, with improved soft furnishings. The quirky Action continues, too.
Turning to motorhomes, all Adria’s 2020 models will offer Fiat’s latest Euro 6d engines, while there will be a proper auto transmission option on the more powerful units.
The Sonic Axess 600SL is a new, sub-7m long A-class, while in the drop-down Matrix series the
520 ST replaces the 590 ST. There’s also a newcomer to the popular Twin van conversion line-up – the 600 SPB GB will feature (unlike other Twins) a sliding door on the UK nearside.
Also look out for the new budget-priced Sun Living S70 SP, a five-berth, low-profile coachbuilt with transverse rear bed over a garage storage area.
BAILEY
Lovers of tourers big and small are catered for by Bailey’s two new ranges for 2020.
Big arrives in the shape of Alicante Grande, a trio of 8ft-wide, fixed-bed, four-berth models. Twin-axle Porto (longitudinal island bed) and single-axle pairing Estoril (twin singles) and Sintra (transverse island bed) all boasts spacious lounges and well-equipped L-shaped kitchens.
Above and left: new to the Adria stable is this A-class – the Sonic Axess 600SL
Stylishly finished and offering a contemporary look, each Alicante Grande benefits from a host of standard spec-features including Alde programmable central heating, Truma 100W solar panel and Tracker security system.
What about weights and prices? MTPLMs range from 1,596kg to 1,779kg, while the two single-axle models will set you back £28,499 with the Porto slightly more at £29,999.
If small is more your thing, then turn your attention to the Discovery, a range of individuallooking and lightweight (MTPLMs range from 995kg to 1,206kg) models in two-, three- and four-berth guises.
Discovery’s striking curved rear points at something a little different from the outside, a feel that is supported by interiors that stretch the normal boundaries of design a tad – D4-2 (£16,199) boasts a rear corner washroom with
Elddis took the wraps off (clockwise, from above left): 8ft-wide Avanté 868; Avanté 454 (interior above and exterior right); Autoquest CV60 campervan
spacious lounge, D4-3 (£16,999) sports lounges front and rear with kitchen and washroom amidships, while D4-4 (£17,499) features a full-width rear washroom with French bed.
COACHMAN
Out go the Vision and Pastiche tourer line-ups, superseded by Acadia – 10 models featuring between two and six berths, including an 8ft-wide range-topper, all with features such as Alde heating as standard. On the road prices start at £22,345 for the two-berth, end-washroom 460.
There are also extra-wide additions to the flagship Laser range. Excel models 850 and 875, both featuring retractable transverse island beds, top the Coachman offering for the year ahead, coming in at just under £40,000 apiece.
The £26,000-£28,000 VIP range features five models in 2020, with major revisions to the 545
and 565, island bed and twin singles models respectively. The whole VIP line-up sees detail upgrades including Pioneer stereos, Phantom Vanguard alarms and integrated phone chargers. n Look out for someting completely different from Coachman at October’s NEC show.
ELDDIS
New caravan models include the Elddis Avanté 454/Compass Casita 454 (transverse island bed with L-shaped front lounge) plus Affinity 520/ Capiro 520, two-berths with long settees and full-width end washrooms.
Also new is the 8ft-wide Avanté 868/Casita 868 – boasting an unusual rear French bed alongside twin bunks arrangement that looks perfect for adults with very young children.
There’s innovation in the newest motorhomes, not least the Elddis Autoquest/Compass
Left and above: Coachman signs Acadia to replace the departing Vision and Pastiche for the 2020 season
No painting or repairs for 25 years? It must
As Summer gives way to Autumn, there’s plenty to do in the garden. However, with ColourFence, one of the most tedious, time-consuming jobs disappears overnight. Not just for 2019 but for the next 25 years! That’s because there’s no need to paint or repair ColourFence. It’s guaranteed not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel for the next 25 years. Making it one of the world’s best maintenance-free fences. And, unlike other fences, ColourFence can withstand wind speeds of up to 130mph. There’s a choice of colours to harmonise and enhance your garden’s design. You’ll find our prices surprisingly competitive too. To see the full product range, call us today and find out why it makes sense to choose ColourFence.
“Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted, and a recent storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However,
& Mrs P. Glamorgan Maintenance-free
Guaranteed† not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel
Withstands wind gusts of up to 130mph No painting or repairs for 25 years Create your look with a choice of colours, designs and sizes
every cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments.
Mr
Blue Brown Cream
Avantgarde CV60 van conversion, a two-berth with a unique rear settee that extends to become a French-style double bed at night. Coloured paintwork is now on offer, too.
There’s also a new Encore, the low-profile, two-berth 250 featuring a rear island bed.
New features to look for across specific ranges and models include Whale’s latest CompleteHeat warm air system as well as ActivCare easy-clean, stain-resistant upholstery and Hypnos pocketsprung mattresses.
SWIFT
Clearly 8ft-wide caravans are all the rage! Swift extends its wider tourer offerings by introducing Eccles X/Challenger X for 2020 (joining Sprite Super and Elegance Grande as eight-footers in the Hull company’s portfolio).
Comprising four models – two single- and two twin-axles – all new Eccles X/Challenger X tourers offer four-berth accommodation. Of note is a new 850 layout with L-shaped front lounge,
rear island bed and transverse washroom. As you’d expect, interiors feel exceedingly spacious, while standard spec includes Alde central heating.
Moving onto motorhomes, the Bessacarr name is dropped for 2020 – all models are now badged Swift. New Edge and Kon-tiki Sport will no doubt make the headlines, but additions to the Select campervan (four-berth 174) and Escape coachbuilt (four-berth 675) line-ups are also worthy of mention. Described by Swift as “an ideal first motorhome”, Edge numbers five models – a pair of low-profiles and three overcab coachbuilts, offering anything from two- to six-berth accommodation. Perhaps the stand-out model is the 476, with high-level fixed single beds over a large garage storage area.
With nine models Kon-tiki Sport has every base covered, from two-berth 562 with rear wrap-around seating to six-berth 696 featuring a drop-down bed. Luxury spec extends to Thule roll-out awning, air con and reversing camera. No prices were available as we went to press.
For further information
Adria Concessionaires UK – adria.co.uk, 01787 888980
Bailey – baileyofbristol.co.uk, 0117 966 5967
Coachman – coachman.co.uk, 01482 839737
Elddis – elddis.co.uk, 01207 699000
Swift – swiftgroup.co.uk, 01482 847332
Swift progress (clockwise from top left): Select 174; Kon-tiki Sport 596; Edge 476; Edge 494; Kon-tiki Sport 599 interior...; ...and exterior; Eccles X 850
Superior Features:
• Side panels constructed from a lightweight high quality rip-stop polyester making the covers easy to handle and long lasting
• A bonded DuPont Tyvek roof panel o ers increased UV and water protection with higher water resistancy and has passed a rain test carried out by the AATCC
• An integrated undercarriage strap system with multiple click-close straps and a weighted ‘toss puck system’ eliminates crawling under the caravan or motorhome
• Storage bag with compression straps for easy packing and storage
• Adjustable front & rear tension straps and elasticized hem provide a custom t
• Multiple air vents reduce wind lofting and inside moisture
• Long zipper pulls reduce the need for a ladder
• Long zippered panels on both sides allow access to doors and storage compartments
• 4 Year Hassle-Free Warranty
Events diary
Need inspiration for a fantastic day out while staying on a Caravan and Motorhome Club site? Then look no further than this selection of events taking place near our sites in November 2019
17 NOVEMBER
Military Vehicles Day
Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, hosts an array of more than 100 vehicles charting the history of human conflict. Visitors will be able to watch some of them put through their paces on the 4x4 course at Mercedes-Benz World, while back at the museum site, the steep incline of ‘Test Hill’ awaits.The event will be brought to life by a number of wartime re-enactment groups.
“The event will be brought to life by a number of wartime re-enactment groups”
3 NOVEMBER
The Hidden Horticulturists
Head for the Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh for what promises to be a fascinating talk by Fiona Davison, author of The Hidden Horticulturists –The Untold Story of the Men who Shaped Britain’s Gardens. She will trace the stories of forgotten gardeners from Chiswick to Bolivia, uncovering tales of fraud and scandal along the way, and reveal a link between the book and the lecture venue.
Web: rbge.org.uk
Club site: Edinburgh
8-10 NOVEMBER
North Wales Choral Festival
Venue Cymru, in the seaside resort of Llandudno, is the venue for this celebration of music. A number of competitions are held over the course of the weekend, while the Festival Celebration Concert gives choirs the chance to relax and enjoy themselves. Featuring performances from male- and female-voice choirs, barbershop-style groups and more, this is an event for lovers of numerous vocal styles.
Web: northwaleschoralfestival.com
Affiliated site: Riverside
10 NOVEMBER
World of Wedgwood
Artisan Market
On the second Sunday of the month (February to December), World of Wedgwood in Barlaston, Staffordshire, plays host to a fantastic market.
For further details of events near Club sites, see camc.com
Listen to live music from local artists as you browse more than 50 stalls filled with fine foods and hand-crafted products.Take your walking boots along and you can also enjoy a relaxing walk in the adjacent Hem Heath Woods.
Web: worldofwedgwood.com
Club site: Castleton
23 NOVEMBER
Christmas Gift & Food Fair
Seek out that perfect festive gift within the magnificent surroundings of Ripon Cathedral in Yorkshire. More than 100 local traders will be selling seasonal treats, while visitors have the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto and enjoy turkey sandwiches and mulled wine. This is the perfect event to get you in the mood for the Christmas season.
Web: riponcathedral.org.uk
Club site: Knaresborough
Events diary
...Alternatively, why not pitch up on a temporary site? These enable you to attend a wide variety of exciting events and meet up with likeminded members. Please book in advance where possible
29 AUGUST-1 SEPTEMBER
Bournemouth Air Festival
Action in the sky, on the ground and on the water awaits visitors to the ‘UK’s biggest air festival’ on the Dorset coast. There will also be plenty of night-time entertainment along the 1.4 miles of promenade between Boscombe and Bournemouth piers, including a firework display. The temporary site at St Peter’s School in Southbourne is a short walk from Southbourne beach, an ideal location from which to watch the action. Please note: no dogs on site.
Temporary site open: 26 August1 September
Contact: Keith and RosemaryTagg on 01202 433396/07745 225396 or email rosemary.tagg@virginmedia.com
6-8 SEPTEMBER
Southport Air Show
Head for Southport seafront where aerobatics, historical aircraft and fast jets will entice you to look up at the skies, and military vehicles, a helter skelter, trampolines, inflatatable assault course and more will keep you and your family entertained on the ground. Or you could just sit back and enjoy all the action in the air from the comfort of your pitch on the nearby temporary site.
Temporary site open: 6-9 September
Contact: Peter and Gabby Oxley on 01257 410473/07986 244910 or email peteroxley135@hotmail.com
21-22 SEPTEMBER
Kop Hill Climb
A must for motorsport enthusiasts, the Kop Hill Climb at Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Watch more than 250 cars and bikes from all eras make their way up the famous hill climb. You can also gain a close-up view of the vehicles in the paddock, see hand-built karts competing in the Soapbox Challenge, listen to live music, browse the trade stands and enjoy hot food and a beer tent. The temporary site is within walking distance of the event – there are no toilet facilities nor hook-ups.
Temporary site open: 20-22 September
Contact: Colin Henderson on 07808 839795 or email honrallysecretary@ middxcc.co.uk
21-22 SEPTEMBER
Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props
Historic cars and motorbikes, classic planes and vintage music combine to create an extravaganza at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton. On the ground, watch iconic F1 cars, hot rods, dragsters and motorbikes in action, then look up to the skies to see breathtaking aerial displays and acrobatics. Add live music, a vintage fun fair and a shopping village into the mix, and there is something for
the
everyone. The temporary site on the aerodrome boasts toilet blocks and hook-ups.
Temporary site open: 20-23 September
Contact: Sandie and Alan Evans on 01767 640263/07887 541762 or email sandiejevans@gmail.com
21-22 SEPTEMBER
The Royal County of Berkshire Show
Top: Bournemouth hosts an air festival in this summer
Above: world-class cycling comes to Yorkshire in September
Held at Newbury Showground, this traditional county show gives you the chance to see a variety of livestock. You will also find a craft tent, a food fayre, a vast array of trade stands and lots of ‘Have-a-Go’ activities for the whole family to try – from an assault course and crazy golf to circus skills and archery. Horse lovers will, er, love the equine section, while the event will showcase a variety of rural working crafts. The temporary site is within walking distance of the show.
Temporary site open: 19-23 September
Contact: Stuart on 07813 254260, email berkshirecc@googlemail.com or download a booking form from berkshirecentrecaravanclub.co.uk
22-29 SEPTEMBER
UCI Road World Championships Elite cycling comes to Yorkshire for the 92nd UCI Road World Championships. See the sport’s biggest names compete in time trials and road races.
Starting in Leeds, the 284.5km men’s road race will evoke memories of the epic opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France. The riders will tackle iconic climbs like Buttertubs Pass and Grinton Moor, before completing seven laps of a circuit in Harrogate and crossing the line on The Stray. Ripon, Northallerton, Richmond and Doncaster will also host starts of races. The temporary site is at Knaresborough – a £5 deposit will secure your pitch.
Temporary site open: 22-29 September
Contact: email rallysecmw@gmail. com or visit midwestyorjshirecc.net
See camc.com/centres and p103 of this issue for more centre information and coverage
“On the ground, watch iconic F1
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Centre lines
Avon gives charity a lift
Members of the Avon Centre Committee had the chance to visit the base of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity recently. The centre is collecting funds for this specialist service during 2019 – it raised over £800 over the course of a pair of Cornish rallies in June.
Having a ball
All the fun of the Chair
A horseshoe throwing competition was just one of the highlights of a successful East Hampshire Centre Chairman’s Event, held at Royal Victoria Country Park near Southampton.
Opera singer Jennifer Parker-Lummis entertained visitors on Saturday with a selection of classical numbers and songs from stage shows and film, while members enjoyed chilli, Bolognese and a choice of desserts. The committee cooked a full English breakfast for attendees on Sunday before the appearance of local brass band Denmead Brass and a traditional cream tea.
Welcome to our section dedicated to the Club’s centres. To search for a Centre event or find your local group’s details, see camc.com/centres
Mid West Yorkshire Centre organised the Joint Yorkshire Centres Sports Rally from 5 to 7 July at Rufforth Playing Fields near York. Pictured is the winning mixed volleyball team (from the host centre) – well done!
Lincs with the past
Lincolnshire Centre is hosting a 60th Anniversary Rally at Swinethorpe near Lincoln from 9 to 13 April 2020.
Entertainment will be provided by a Freddie Mercury tribute act and close-up magician, while there are plans for an afternoon tea dance and ‘Last Proms’-style performance from the Club band. Youngsters will be able to enjoy an all-day circus skills workshop, inflatable fun zone, Easter crafts and an egg hunt.
The centre is also asking members with any photos or other memorabilia that relate to the history of the centre to get in touch. For online booking and further information, please visit lincolnshirecentre.co.uk.
Aloha-d of fun!
Making grass skirts was just one of the activities at West Hampshire’s ‘Polynesian Pyesmead’ rally at Pyesmead Farm near Romsey in July. Rally officers Matt and Alison Tracey and Kate and Clive Dupont (pictured) arranged the likes of cocktails and games, while the on-site swimming pool proved a popular attraction. Next year’s rally at Pyesmead will have a ‘pirates’ theme.
Winners! Left to right: Anne and Richard Herne; Malc and Anne Cresswell; Sue and Keith Carlton
Strat’s entertainment
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse” – Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse was the venue for a Shakespearethemed East Hampshire Centre rally in June. Rally officers arranged a two-hour guided tour of the town, which naturally featured locations associated with The Bard. Other highlights included a boat trip, quiz night and games on the rally field.
Advance warning
The Upper Thames Centre’s 70th Birthday Rally will be held at Witney Rugby Club near Oxford from 23-27 July 2020. The site has excellent access and facilities and there will be fun and entertainment throughout the event. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the famous ‘Dreaming Spires’ of Oxford and its colleges, just a short drive away. More information will follow later in the year – put the dates in your diary!
Your magazine needs you
Every month, we print two pages of news dedicated to the activities of the 69 Caravan and Motorhome Club centres across the UK and Ireland – but we need your help to fill them!
Please encourage your Committee members to send in stories about your centre’s activities – we would love to hear about memorable rallies, anniversaries, celebrations, sporting achievements, charity successes and more. If you are submitting pictures, please ensure that they are as high resolution as possible – the more colourful the better. Send articles for consideration to john.thynne@camc.com.
Ripon rally chalks up 21 years
Mid West Yorkshire Centre celebrated 21 years of rallies at Ripon Racecourse with a special cake. The rally has been a huge success over the past couple of decades, raising more than £40,000 for charities.
Plenty of families attended and it was great to see children, parents and grandparents all having so much fun on the rally field. Chairman Keith Fielding and his wife Janet are pictured cutting the cake.
Join East and West at Dalmahoy Hotel
The Scottish Caravan Club’s East and West Centres are inviting allcomers to their joint 70th Anniversary Celebrations at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Kirknewton, near Edinburgh, on 25 January 2020.
On arrival, guests will receive a complimentary drink. This will be followed by a magnificent three-course meal and the chance to dance the night away to the sounds of the White Doves band. Tickets are priced at £30 per person.
A rally is being held in conjunction with the event at Linwater Caravan Park from 23 to 27 January. Transport will be arranged to and from the celebration. For more information, please contact East Centre Chairman Margaret Devine on 07974 810082 or chairman@scc-east-centre.com.
Arsty/Dreamstime
Tail lights
A look at the fun and unusual world of touring
MORE ON THE APP
Reading the signs
Our thanks to Mr R J French for sending us this pair of chuckle-inducing photographs. The potentially confusing sign setting out the pub opening hours (left) belongs to an establishment near Fareham, while ‘World’s End’ is a hamlet north of Portsmouth. “Why bother?” asks Mr French, wryly, with regard to the request underneath.
Shed heaven
Nest egg
Unfortunately, the member who sent this photo (left) didn’t give their name. They did say that they received a surprise, though, when they removed their hitch cover to discover that they had a lodger! Fully-bonded bodyshell, warm and cosy interior, impervious to water... you can see where caravan designers get their ideas, can’t you?
“The photo was taken in Strasbourg, France,” says Peter Blake, of the blue van (below left). “It just shows that some men cannot be parted with their beloved shed even on holiday!” As if to prove the point, the very next email we received contained another van-shed combo (below right) – this one was spotted near Weymouth. Thanks to Christine Weedon!
If you’ve seen something unusual on a Club site, CL or while you’ve been out and about, send your picture to magazine@ camc.com and we’ll print the best.
The
long and the short of it
Marj and Peter Dawson kindly emailed several pictures from their travels for the Tail Lights page, and we’ll include a few in forthcoming issues. Here’s an interesting tow vehicle/caravan match (above) – would anybody like to have a go at reversing it onto a pitch?
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