Motor Caravanner February 2024

Motor Caravanner THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB FEBRUARY 2024

CL Site s Night S & t op s Ple

SHOW PREVIEW THE CARAVAN, CAMPING & MOTORHOME SHOW

ase ma to pre-b ke sure ook site s before you go

IN FOCUS INSURANCE & SECURITY

PLUS

DISCOVER THE

EAST OF ENGLAND

GROUP NEWS TECH TALK TEA BREAK TEASERS

SCAN HERE

for news • group rallies • membership renewals & much more visit

www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

£1.95 where sold

Stand 4080

INSIDE FEBRUARY 2024

42

From the Chair

I

13

56

47

CLUB NEWS

6 8

IN FOCUS

Camping with the Club CL Sites & Night Stops update Macmillan 'coffee morning' Club member receives prestigious award Join us in Alicante

SHOW PREVIEW

13 The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show returns

OUT & ABOUT

56 Insurance & Security: Demystifying the accident claiming process with the help of experts

REGULARS

27 Group News & Diaries 42 Tech Talk 66 Tea Break Teasers 68 Bazaar 70 Classified

47 This month we visit the East of England Countrywide Publications

Motor Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Caravanner Reydon Publisher/Editor: THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB FEBRUARY 2024

CL Site s Night Stop&

SHOW PREVIEW THE CARAVAN, CAMPING & MOTORHOME SHOW

s Please make sure to pre-b ook sites before you go

IN FOCUS INSURANCE & SECURITY

PLUS

DISCOVER THE

EAST OF ENGLAND

GROUP NEWS TECH TALK TEA BREAK TEASERS

SCAN HERE

for news • group rallies • membership renewals & much more visit

www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

£1.95 where sold

Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk Advertising: Danny Lewis T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk Sinead Taylor T: 01502 725865 E: sinead.taylor@micropress.co.uk

hope you have all managed to get out in your motor caravans already this year. I know some areas have had dreadful rain and in some places snow, but I am sure that even in such conditions some of you managed to get out and about.

The 2024 handbook will, I trust, have been perused by you already and I would encourage you to make plans to visit one of our CL sites, and if you could, please send us some pictures and a review as these will help fellow members a lot.

The exclusive deal we have with Haven is in this issue, along with details of how to get it. Please remember that you will need to take your membership cards with you to show when you arrive.

We now have a new member of our administration team at head office and I would like to welcome Penny to our team.

Don’t forget the subscriptions go up by £1 on 30th March, so if yours is due, please do it sooner rather than later…. every little helps.

Happy travels.

Jacci Club Chair

Cover photo: Sunset at West Mersea, Essex. Photo: HelenHotson/www.shutterstock.com

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 3

MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern WR13 6NA T: 01684 311677 E: info@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Office opening: Mon-Thu 9-5pm Fri 9-2pm MCC Office Administration: Julie Stanbridge

Club Contacts www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

CLUB OFFICIALS

Chairman: Jacci Durkee (07931 527691) Vice Chairman: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325)

CL & Night Stops: Carol Biggs (01473 620933) Disability Advisor: Keith Poole (07736 544490) keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Exhibition Team: Jacci & Graham Durkee (07931 527691)

Casual Campsites: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325)

Members: Alistair Bartlam (07754 131893) Carol Biggs (01473 620933) Derek Clarke (07931 733656) Graham Durkee (07931 527691) Claire Edwards (07972 863905) James Forrester Kate Jones (07747 000587) Les Kendrick (07860 286561) Selma McMullan (07752 678454) Keith Poole (07736 544490) Anne Taylor (07414 852497) Steve Wynn (07916 131892)

grahamd@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Head Show Marshal: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Financial Officer: Paul Maguire (07973 827506) Junior Leaders: Maria Hill & Gill Crosby juniors@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Festival Rally Site Manager & Head Show Marshal: Mick Pilkiw Webmaster: Anna Billson webmaster@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Homecraft Coordinator: Selma McMullan (07752 678454)

homecraft@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Magazine/Handbook: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325)

suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Health & Safety Officer: Keith Poole (07736 544490) keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

To email a member of the Council of Management please use first name & first letter of surname followed by @ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk ie jaccid@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST 1 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 40 42 54

West Country Sussex Kent Essex Anglia East Wessex Chiltern East Midlands Severn Valley NW Mids & NW Lancashire Yorkshire N. Counties Scotland West Wessex Avon Channel Island SWP S&W Wales Nene Valley Isle of Wight N. Ireland The rest of Europe Ireland Motorcycle

Secretary

Jan Wilcox 07833 625740 Jo Smaje 07528 845553 Sharon Jarvis 07428 909442 Liz Dyer 07899 848074 Sandra Glendenning 07876 473055 Diane Milton 07971 888492 Peter Ingham 07815 789909 Bob Smart 07943 075876 Haley Scarborough 0747 999 1035 Penny Feeney 07518 271742 Steven Wright 07966 224196 Awaiting EGM results Tony Edwards 07976 235365 Aileen Clark 07771 845199 Alastair Bartlam 07754 131893 Christine Gautier 07976 306116

Telephone

westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk avon@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sheila Revill Pauline Greaves Peter Moore Heather Jennings Iris McEwan

07796 188220 01873 857542 07790 779024 07875 191797 07790 981492

swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

As N. Ireland Group Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725839 Contributors: Jack Bancroft, Kavanagh Deville, Frances & Michael Howorth Advertising: Danny Lewis E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725862 Countrywide Publications, Suffolk IP18 6DH

E-Mail

motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the Editor and his contributors and do not necessarily represent official Club policy. All Material copyright. The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd 2024. All Rights reserved. While every care is taken when accepting advertisements neither the Club nor the Publisher can accept responsibility for unsatisfactory transactions which arise. Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd. The opinions, advice and information contained in this publication are offered solely to inform members as to matters which will be of assistance to them.

The Motor Caravanners’ Club and Countrywide Publications accepts no responsibility for any opinion, advice or information expressed by any person in any article contained herein and members should seek their own counsel on matters before acting or relying on any opinion, advice or information.

Bespoke Conversions

Trimming service available

All campers include RIB seat & TUV elevating roof

2 Years warranty All vans fully certified

New & used camper sales

Full conversions start from £12,250 + VAT

01482 848236

8ballcamper www.8ballcamperconversions.co.uk

Club News DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Daniela Baumann/Shutterstock

Looe, Cornwall

Camping with the Club this year CASUAL CAMPSITES

Our first casual campsite of the year sees us return, by popular demand, to Tencreek Park in Looe, Cornwall from 8-22 June.

Pitches are £21 pupn which includes 2 persons and up to 2 pets (if required). Pop-ups and awnings are allowed within your own pitch space.

Price includes EHU, use of all facilities and entertainment. There is a small charge for the swimming pool.

Bookings open on 26 January and close 20 May. A £20 non-refundable deposit is payable direct with the site on booking with the balance due 8 April. To book visit www. dolphinholidays.co.uk/the-motorcaravanners-club. You will need the password which is available from the members area on the Club website or by phoning the office and giving your membership number. This offer is for MCC members only.

There are 2 pitches available for 2 host vans FOC including EHU to arrive on 7 June to set up, if you are interested in hosting this event please contact Sue Pilkiw on 07562 324325.

6 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Our second Casual Campsite is near Driffield, East Yorkshire at East End Farm Campsite, Garton-on-theWolds from 2-16 September, see 2024 handbook for more details.

HAVEN

The Club are pleased to announce that we have secured another deal with Haven Holidays for 2024 at the following parks: Blue Dolphin; Golden Sands; Haggerston Castle; Lakeland; Seaview; Thornwick Bay; Presthaven Sands; Perran Sands; Skegness; Cleethorpes beach; Littlesea; Marton Mere; Reighton Sands; Seton Sands; Greenacres; Hafan y Mor; Kiln Park and Primrose Valley.

The offer is for a 5 night stay (Sun-Fri) with prices ranging from £40-£60 depending on pitch.

There is also a 5% discount available on stays of 3 or more nights from 8th March to 4th November (please note this is not combinable with the 5 night offer).

The offers are for MCC members only. For more information, available dates and full terms and conditions please visit the Club website.

CL & NS UPDATES NEW Forest Pitchup (NS54456) Brook Cottage, The Branch, Steam Mills, Gloucestershire GL17 9DB Vincent Edwards 07951 603338 (9am-6pm) cost: £18 pupn. EHU £5 open: All year access: 4 m directions: On A4136 between Monmouth & Gloucester take A4151. After 200 turn L next to Steam Mills Primary School into The Branch. Follow road & site at rear of Brook Cottage. facilities: Waste, bins, dogs allowed, toilet facilities, EHU. places of interest: Forest walks, all forest tourist spots. Bus stop on main road.

ADDITIONS Hawes Villa (CL94358) contact: Anna 07917 850126 Email hawesvilla@gmail.com cost: 2 people with EHU £21pupn. Includes awning and one pup tent. Without EHU £13pupn. MCC members £2 discount. Additional adults £6, children 16 & under £2pupn. facilities: Dogs allowed.

No longer cycle hire. places of interest: RSPB Leighton Moss.

Bonnie Banks (CL94440) Price now £15pupn, reduction for 2 or more nights for MCC members.

Hyten (CL94469) Website now www.clsites. co.uk/norfolk/hyten/cl.html

FROM £91,790

OM FROM 91,790 ,790our new premises is now open! we would love to show you around!

FROM £91,790

FROM FROM£45,500 FROM £45,500 £54,995

FROM £54,995

FROM £79,995

NEW Le Voyageur

NEW Le Voyageur

OM 790

£6,377

FROM £79,995

£6,377

Great ChoiceChoice of New &of PreNew Loved FROM A Great &Motorhomes Pre Loved Motorhomes

FROM £79,99

£79,995

2007 07 Dethleffs Esprit I7410-2 Single Beds Tag Axle, Awning, Garage NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) PRE OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES TBC £44,995 £59,133 Trend I7057 DBM, 150, Alloys, Silver, Design Pack TrendA7877-2 T7057 DBM, Island &Pack, D/D, Low Profile, BHP,Silver £54,540 £62,989 Trend 2015 15 Autosleeper Mercedes Burford Duo, 160 Auto, 5k mls,As2007 New£57,995 All-In-One Alloys, 180150 Engine TBC (RING 07 Dethleffs Esprit I7410-2 Single Beds Tag Axle, Awning, Garage NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK FOR UPDATES) 2009 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25k miles £42,995 NEW PILOTE IN STOCK NEW DETHLEFFS STOCK FOR UPDATES) PRE OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES Globetrotter Xli DBM 7850 150, EB, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/CDBM, Silver,IN High Level T7150-2 Silver Alloys Trend TBC (RING 2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 Miles, 3.0L Alde, £54,995 tion, 150BHP, Rear Singles Low Profile £59,133 Esprit 2006 56 Adria Vision i707SG, Rear3,600 Garage, 120BHP, Awning £34,995 I7057 150, Alloys, Silver, Design Pack TBC £44,995 P650 GJAuto,Leather,Alde,Rear Sensation, 150BHP, RearBed Singles Low Profile £59,133 tion 150 Singles+D/D £70,942 Grand Alpa A7820-2 180, Auto, Full Leather, 32” TV, 3rd/4th Seat TBC Rear Singles, Huge Garage £106,650 Trend T7057 DBM, Island & D/D, Low Profile, 150 BHP,Silver £54,540 P716 Sensation 150BHP, 5 Belts,Bed 6 Berth, Low Profile £62,989 Trend A7877-2 All-In-One Pack, 2015 15 Autosleeper Mercedes Burford Duo, 160 Auto, 5k mls,As New£57,995 2013 13 Dethleffs T7010VEHICLES 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam,TBC Rear Singles £54,995 PRE OWNED NON Esprit A CLASS tion 150PAuto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D £72,450 Alloys, 180 Engine 2009 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25k miles £42,995 Globetrotter XlI 7850-2 DBM Premium, Silver, 180 Auto, Awning TBC ion 150 Auto, Satellite, Sat Nav, Alloys TBC Globetrotter Xli 7850 DBM, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C Premium Pack,- 2010 G650 U Sensation,Bed, Rear U Lounge A Class, GB Pack, Rev Cam £67,477 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 6k mls,Chassis 3.0L160NOW BHP £49,995 64 Autotrail Dakota, 7kHabA/C mls,Awning,Maxi £53,995 on 150bhp,Alde,Island Elec HeightRear Adj Singles£71,397 Globetrotter Xli DBM 7850 150, EB, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, Silver, High Level Esprit T7150-2 Silver2014 Alloys TBCAlde,2006 2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 Miles, 3.0L Alde, £54,995 P650 GJ8m Sensation, 150BHP, Low Profile £59,133 180 Auto, Leather, Alde, Island Bed, Garage TBC 56 Adria Vision i707SG, Rear3,600 Garage, 120BHP, Awning £34,995 Gold,Leather,Island,Garage,360 Cameras £120,007 Rear Garage £54,995 NEW SUNLIGHT LOW PROFILES IN STOCK 2014 64Leather, Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage £52,995 P746 GJAlloys, Sensation 150 Singles+D/D Bed £70,942 Grand n,Auto,16 Model,Alde,Awn,Sat TVAuto,Leather,Alde,Rear NOW £67,980 £74,183 Alpa A7820-2 180, Auto, Full 32” TV, 3rd/4th Seat TBC Rear Singles, Huge Garage £106,650 tial, 150, Reverse Camera, Solar TBC Advantage I7150EB,150 Auto, Silver,Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 2013 13 Dethleffs T7010VEHICLES 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, Rear Singles £54,995 T67 130Bhp,Bed Garage, D/D£72,450 Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack, £51,388 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage PRE OWNED NON Esprit A CLASS P746 GJ Sensation 150 Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D 2009 59 Dethleffs Advantage A7871Awning 24k mls, 3.0L160 BHP TBC Alde, Rear U £51,995 EUR IN C STOCK XlIXliAutomatic 7850-2 DBM180BHP,Auto,6m Premium, Silver,Awning, 180 Auto, Pon, 740 Sensation 150 Auto, Satellite, Sat Nav, Alloys T69L Rear Island Bed , 130 ChassisGlobetrotter Pack Island Active Bed Pack, £53,852 150, Reverse Camera, Solar, £71,503 £52,995 Advantage I7150DBM, 150 BHP, AutoTBC ,Silver,Alloys, £75,134 Globetrotter 7850 DBM, HabA/C Premium Pack,2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 6k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, 2014 64 Autotrail Dakota, 7k mls,Awning,Maxi Chassis NOW £49,995 £53,995 201359 13 Dethleffs Magic WhiteA7871 T1 DB,24k 150mls, Auto,3.0L160 Lrg Garage G740 C Sensation 150bhp,Alde,Island Bed, Elec Height AdjCentre £71,397 D/D Pack, Active Pack,Auto,Garage,Singles £53,525 2009 g, 80Auto,Leather,Alde,DG Cab,HabA/C,Alloys £119,747 Dethleffs Advantage BHP Alde, £51,995 Globetrotter XXLABed, IvecoChassis 7200KG, 205 BHPGold,Leather,Island,Garage,360 8 Spd ZF Auto Alde, 360 Cameras, G781 Emotion 180 Auto, 8m Leather, Alde, IslandT68 Bed, Garage TBC Cameras £120,007 Rear Garage T60 6 Metre Rear Garage, Chassis Pack,Active Pack, 130 BHP £44,842 EUR IN STOCK Burstner £47,995 PROFILES2012 IN 62 STOCK Rear U Nexxo T740 Island Bed Low Profile £51,995 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage £54,995 £52,995 190 V6 Auto,Leather,1.8k Invertor,Solar £127,252 HabA/C, Electric 6 m Awning,6 Belts NEW SUNLIGHT LOW£123,473 G700 C Emotion,Auto,16 Model,Alde,Awn,Sat TV T58 NOW 6 Metre,£67,980 French Bed, £74,183 Chassis Pack,Active Pack, 130 BHP P700 GJ Essential, 150, Alloys, Camera, Solar TBC Ko,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KGReverse Poss £98,528 Advantage I7150EB,150 Auto, Silver,Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 2007 07 Mercedes TEC T Star (Hymer Group) 315 Cdi, NOW £39,995 £42,995 2013 13 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage T67 130Bhp, Garage,£45,352 D/D Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack, £51,388 NEW 4 Travel T7156-4, 150 Chassis Auto, Silver, £70,419 o,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss £97,287 T68 D/D Centre Bed, Pack, Active Pack,Manual,Hi Singles £51,590 2009 59 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 24k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, Rear U £51,995 NEW LEVOYAGEUR INIsalnd STOCK Rear Singles £51,995 Island Bed, Awning, Sat 150, TV’s Bed, Roof Air TBC 2011 61 Dethleffs Advantage t5701 Compact Low profile, French Bed £41,995 T69L Rear Island Bed , 130 BHP, Chassis Pack Active Pack, Automatic £53,852 G600 L Sensation, Reverse Camera, Solar, £71,503 Le Voyageur £52,995 Advantage I7150DBM,£49,967 150 Auto ,Silver,Alloys, Island Bed £75,134 mtre, French Bed, Ctre D/D Bed, Very Spacious Layout Alko,180Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles, Garage £108,479 T64 PRE 7OWNED A CLASS 2013 63 Autotrail Apache 700SE Awning Rev Cam, Sat Nav, TV £47,995 2013 13 Dethleffs Magic WhiteA7871 T1 DB,24k 150mls, Auto,3.0L160 Lrg Garage 2008 58Active Bessacarr E795 £36,995 T68G783, D/D Centre Chassis Pack, £53,525 2009 LV8.5 CF Fiat Tag, 80Auto,Leather,Alde,DG Cab,HabA/C,Alloys £119,747 59 Dethleffs Advantage BHP Alde, £51,995 2015OWNED 15 Mercedes Pilote Diamond Edition 5000Kg, 190Bed, V6 Auto 7k FS IN STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) Globetrotter XXLA Iveco 7200KG, 205 8Pack,Auto,Garage,Singles Spd ZF Auto 360Lo Cameras, R DETHLEFFS 2008 08 BHP Burstner Delphin T821GAlde, Tag Axle Profile, Rear Garage, PRE A CLASS 2011Pack,Active 11 Hobbey Siesta, French Low profile Ford 140 BHP,a/c,2012 c/c£36,995 T60180 6 Auto, MetreFullRear Garage, Chassis Pack, 130Bed, BHP £44,842 NEW IN 7m, STOCK 62 Burstner £47,995 miles,13 1 Owner, Supplied Here, Leather, Solar, BARGAIN £84,995 2013 Concorde Credo Emotion 713H, £79,995 -4 150,LEVOYAGEUR Silver, Large Lounge, Large Garage Rear U Nexxo T740 Island Bed Low Profile £51,995 ALDE £41,995 LVX8.3 CF Merc190 V6 Auto,Leather,1.8k Invertor,Solar £127,252 1 150 Auto,Awn,Solar, RevCam,Solar £60,290 £69,106 £65,478 HabA/C, ElectricSpec!

6 m Awning,6 Belts £123,473 2008Pack,Active 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 Excellent ,£45,352 Perfect 4 berth £36,995 T58 Metre, French Bed, Chassis Pack, 130 BHPCondition 2015 Dethleffs Esprit£98,528 i7150EB, 180 Auto, mls, of Spec inc 2014 15 14 Dethleffs Advantage i7011 Luxus, 16069k BHP, RearLots Singles, 10k mlsSat 2015 15 Elddis Majestic 125 Awning, Reverse Camera, £39,995 0EB,150 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 LV6.8 L, Fiat AlKo,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss 200713 07 Mercedes T Star (Hymer Group) 315 Cdi, Rev NOW £39,995 £42,995 2013 DethleffsTEC Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Cam, 2007 07 Poss Dethleffs Esprit I7410-24 Single Beds Tag150 Axle, Awning, Garage NG FOR 11 High Singles Awning, Rev Cam, Solar £56,500 £61,090 Travel T7156-4, Auto, Silver, £70,419 LV6.8 L, UPDATES) Fiat AlKo,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG £97,287 TV 200808 08Active Dethleffs Esprit RT 7014 Renault Auto, Single Beds Rear Bathroom NG FOR UPDATES) T68 D/D Centre Bed, £74,995 Chassis Pack, Pack,Manual,Hi Singles £51,590 2008 Burstner Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition, WAS £36,995 £33,995 £72,995 0DBM, 150 AutoPack ,Silver, Alloys, Island Bed £75,134PRE OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES Rear Singles £51,995 Silver, Design TBC LV8.5 CF, 8.5m Island Bed, Awning, Sat TV’s Isalnd Bed, AirAdvantage i7011 TBC Luxus, 160 BHP,Rear Singles, 10k mls 2008£44,995 7151-4 150 Auto,Island + D/D,SatTV,SatNav,Solar Reverse Cam, 2014 14 Roof Dethleffs 2011 61 Dethleffs Advantage t5701 Compact Low profile, French Bed £41,995 £36,995 08 Very Dethleffs Esprit 7014 Auto,Single WAS £36,995 £33,995 2007 07 Dethleffs EspritBed, I7410-2 Single Beds TagRT Axle, Awning, Garage Beds, PILOTE IN6 STOCK NEW2010 DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) T64 7OWNED mtre,160 French Bed, Ctre £49,967 10 Autosleeper Burstner Elegance i810, 160 Auto,Tag Solar, £62,995 Alko,180Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles, Garage £108,479 ALV7.8 Iveco Berth150 205BHP, Auto 8 Speed,7200KG ow Profile, BHP,Silver £54,540 2015 15 Mercedes Burford Duo, Auto, 5k mls,As PREAlKo,Alde, A Leather CLASS PILOTE INGJF,Fiat STOCK NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK FOR UPDATES) PRE OWNED NOND/D ANew CLASS£57,995 VEHICLES Spacious Layout Satellite TV,(RING Lots ofDesign Extras £72,995! £67,995 dition NOW £70,250 £77,259 Alloys, 180 Engine TBC Trend I7057 DBM, 150, Alloys, Silver, Pack WAS TBC 2013 63 Autotrail Apache £47,995 £44,995 2009 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25k miles 2008 08 TECFree FreeTec Tec688Ti 688Ti(Hymer (HymerGroup) Group) Ford140 140 BHP, GJ Sensation, 150BHP, Rear Singles Low Profile £59,133 2008£42,995 08 TEC Ford BHP £34,995 2008 58 Bessacarr E795 700SE Awning Rev Cam, Sat Nav, TV £36,995 2007 57DBM, Rapido Island Bed AEngine Class, NOW £37,995 £42,995 Trend T7057 Island9090F &Pack, D/D, Low Profile, 150 BHP,Silver £54,540 Ptor, Sensation 150BHP, Belts, 6 Berth, Low Profile £62,989 Trend 2015 15 Autosleeper Mercedes Burford Duo, 160 Auto, 5k mls,As New£57,995 2015 15 Dethleffs Advantage i7051 EB,Fiat 150130BHP BHP Auto,Rear Singles, Hab A/C, 3605 Degree Cameras £117,598 A7877-2 All-In-One Alloys, 180 TBC 2009 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25kG783, miles 5000Kg, 190 £42,995 ,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C High Alloys TBC 2015 15HighMercedes Pilote Diamond Edition V6 Auto 7k 2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 3,600 Miles, 3.0L Alde, £54,995 NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) WAS £34,995 £31,995 U Rear U LoungeDETHLEFFS A Class, GBSilver, Pack, Rev Cam Level £67,477 FSSensation, IN STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) SPECIAL OFFER 2008 08 Burstner Delphin T821G Tag Axle Lo Profile, Rear Garage, 2009 59A7871 Swift Bolero 630 EW, 10k mls £34,995 £34,995 PRE OWNED ATBC£31,995 CLASS 2006 56 Adria Vision i707SG, Rear Garage, 120BHP, Awning £34,995 Globetrotter XliRapido 7850 EB,Mercedes 180BHP,Auto,6m HabA/C Level Esprit T7150-2 DBM 150, Silver Alloys 4k mls Satellite & TV,Awning, Rev986M, Canera, 1miles Owner, AS NEW £64,995 201056 10 Dethleffs Advantage Miles, 3.0L Alde, £54,995 GJ Sensation, 150BHP, Rear Singles Low Profile £59,133 2004 04 Automatic 20kSilver, NOW £34,995 2006 Adria Vision i707SG, Rear3,600 Garage, 120BHP, Awning EB, Leather Double Floor, 150 Auto £94,270 11 Hobbey Siesta, French Bed, Low profile Ford 140 BHP,a/c, c/c£36,995 GJ Sensation 150 Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D Bed £70,942 2008 08 TEC Rotec 612, LHD, Awning, Compact Transverse Bed 2011 £31,995 Full Leather, 32” Cab TV, 3rd/4th Seat TBC Grand Alpa 13 A7820-2 180, Auto, FullI7150-2 Leather, 32” TV,miles, 3rd/4th Seat TBCAwning, £106,650 Rear Singles, Huge Garage £106,650 1 Owner, Supplied Here, Leather, Solar, BARGAIN £84,995 2013 Dethleffs Esprit DBM, 3.0L Auto, Sat TV, GT PACK, Black £61,090 2013 13 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, Rear Singles £54,995 2010 10 Swift Suntor 630G £34,995 PRE OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES 2013 13 Concorde Credo Emotion 713H, 180 Auto, Full Spec! £79,995 450BHP, Travel T6966-4 150, Silver, Large Lounge, 7m, Large Garage £69,106 GJ Sensation 150 Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D Bed £72,450 2013 13 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, Rear Singles £54,995 ALDE £41,995 PRE2007 OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES 56 Dethleffs Advantage i6611, 2.8JTD, 26k mls, Rear Singles, Garage DBM, 150 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys £77,120 AdvantageT6651 150 Auto,Awn,Solar, RevCam,Solar £60,290 £65,478 DBM Premium, Silver, 180 Auto, Awning TBC C Sensation Auto, Satellite, Sat Nav, Alloys TBC Globetrotter 2007 07 Dethleffs Esprit I7410-2 Single Beds Tag Axle, Awning, Ga CK NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) 2012 62 Sunlight T64 Front Pull Down Bed, Awning, GlobetrotterXlIXli7850-2 7850 DBM, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C Premium Pack,£64,995 2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 6k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, mium, Silver, 180 Auto, Awning TBC 2014 64 Autotrail Dakota, 7k mls,Awning,Maxi Chassis NOW 28k, £49,995 2008 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 , Perfect 4 berth £36,995 C Sensation 150bhp,Alde,Island Bed,TV, Elec Height Adj £71,397 0BHP,Style Pack,AIO Pack,32in Hab A/CSilver, 2008 08 Autocruise Gleneagles, 3.0 160 BHPinc £34,995 2015 15 Dethleffs Esprit i7150EB, 180 Auto, 9k Lots of£53,995 Spec HP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C Premium Pack,£34,995 2014 14 Dethleffs Advantage i7011 Luxus, 160 BHP,mls, Rear Singles, 10k mlsSat 2015 15 Elddis Majestic 125Excellent Awning, Condition Reverse Camera, £39,995 Emotion Auto, 8m Leather, Alde, Island Bed, Garage TBCRear 2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, -4, 150180 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Lengthways Pull Down £70,266 Gold,Leather,Island,Garage,360 Cameras £120,007 Advantage I7150EB,150 Auto, Alloys, Singles £75,134 Reverse Camera £29,995 2014 64 Dakota, 7kSovereign, mls,Awning,Maxi Chassis NOW £49,995 £53,995 Rear Garage 2015 64Autotrail Burstner Viseo i690 5k 6k mls,130BHP, Safari Room Awn NEW SUNLIGHT LOW PROFILES IN STOCK Trend I7057 DBM, 150, Alloys, Silver, Design Pack TBC 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage £54,995 £52,995 Advantage T6611 HighDelivery Singles Awning, Cam, Solar £56,500 £61,090 £ C Emotion,Auto,16 Model,Alde,Awn,Sat TVLow NOW £67,980Rev £74,183 150BHP, Rear Singles Profile £59,133 LOUNGE LAYOUT, Immediate £104,352 GJ Essential, 150, Alloys, Reverse Camera, Solar TBC T67 2006£54,995 06T6511 Swift Suntor 600s £26,995 2003 03 Autosleeper Luxor EK, 39k miles, 2.8HDI, solar£51,388 NOW £27,995 £29,995 TV £74,995 Advantage I7150EB,150 Auto, Silver,Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 Cameras £120,007 2014 64 Dethleffs 2013 Advantage AIO Special, Rear Singles, GarageRev Cam, 130Bhp, Garage, Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Activea/c, Pack, 2008 08 Dethleffs RT 7014 Renault Auto, Single Rear Bathroom 63 Autotrail Sat Nav, TV 2008 £47,995 01 Auto, Silver, Alloys, 7m Corner Bed £65,329 08 Burstner Esprit Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition, WASBeds £36,995 £33,995 RearD/DGarage £72,995 2009 £59,995 59 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 24k mls,Apache 3.0L160 700SE BHP Alde,Awning Rear U £51,995 IN150 STOCK

N STOCK

N STOCK

tion, 150BHP, Rear Singles Low Profile

on 150BHP, 5 Belts,IN 6 Berth, Low Profile NEW PILOTE STOCK on, Rear U Lounge A Class, GB Pack, Rev Cam

FROM FROM NEW £45,500 £54,995 Le Voyageur FROM FROM £45,500

£67,477

£54,995

FROM £79,995

NEW Le Voyageur

& Pre Loved Motorhomes £6,377 £6,377

A Great Choice of New & Pre Loved Motorhomes

Great Choice of New & Pre Loved Motorhomes

CK 0BHP, 5 Belts, 6 Berth, Low Profile

£62,989

NEW DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) Trend T7057 DBM, Island & D/D, Low Profile, 150 BHP,Silver

£54,540

PRE OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES 2015 15 Autosleeper Mercedes Burford Duo, 160 Auto, 5k mls,As New

Advantage 150 Auto ,Silver,£71,503 Alloys,T69L Island Bed £75,134 LEVOYAGEUR INI7150DBM, STOCK 2014 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIOAutomatic Special, Rear Pack, Singles, Garagei7011 £52,995 Trend A7877-2 All-In-One Alloys, 180 Engine160 BHP,Rear Singles, TBC LMagicEdition Sensation, 150, Reverse Camera,150 Solar, Auto,Island Rear64 Island Bed , 130 BHP, Chassis Pack Active2014 Pack, £53,852 £52,995 10k Advantage I7150DBM, 150Reverse Auto ,Silver,Alloys, Island Bed £75,134 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25k miles T7151-4 + D/D,SatTV,SatNav,Solar Cam, 14FOR Dethleffs Advantage Luxus, mls 2009 SELECTION OF SUNLIGHT LOW PROFIES AVAILABLE QUICK DELIVERY FROM £36,995£ 2013 13 Dethleffs Magic£45,000 WhiteA7871 T1 DB,24k 150mls, Auto,3.0L160 Lrg Garage £51,995 ear Lounge A Iveco Class, GB Pack, Rev Cam £67,477 ver,Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 2008 08 Dethleffs Esprit RT 7014 Auto,Single Beds, WAS £36,995 £33,995 T68NEW D/D64 Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Pack,Auto,Garage,Singles £53,525 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Rear Singles, Garage Chassis Pack, Active Pack, £51,388 CFBed, FiatUTag, 80Auto,Leather,Alde,DG Cab,HabA/C,Alloys £119,747 2009 59 Dethleffs Advantage BHP Alde,Leather 2010 10Special, Burstner Elegance i810, 160 Auto,Tag AlKo,Alde, Solar, £62,995 Globetrotter XXLA Iveco 7200KG, 205 Active BHP 8T7150-2 Spd ZF Auto Alde, 360 Cameras, Globetrotter XXLA 6Low Berth 205BHP, Auto 82014 Speed,7200KG Globetrotter Xli 7850 EB, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C Silver, High Esprit DBM 150, Silver Alloys TBC 2006 2009 59£59,133 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 24k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, Rear UT740£51,995 201056 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 3,600 Miles, 3.0L Alde, 50BHP, Rear Singles Profile Satellite TV, Lots Extras WAS £72,995! £67,995 6 Metre Rear Garage, Chassis Pack,Active Pack, 130 BHP £44,842 EVOYAGEUR Black IN STOCK Island Bed Low Profile £47,995 Level Edition NOW £70,250 Rearof U Nexxo £51,995 Adria i707SG, Rear Garage, 120BHP, Awning 3Leather, CF Merc190Pack V6 Auto,Leather,1.8k Invertor,Solar £127,252 T60 HabA/C, Electric 6m Awning,6 Belts£77,259 £123,473 2012 62 Burstner Chassis Active Pack, Automatic £53,852 2008 TEC FreeVision Tec688Ti 688Ti (HymerGroup) Group) Ford140 140 BHP, £52,995 200808 08 TEC Free Tec (Hymer Ford BHP £34,995£ Silver,Alloys, Island Bed £75,134 T58 6 Metre, French Bed, Chassis Pack,Active Pack, 130 BHP 57 Rapido £45,3529090F 50 Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D Bed £70,942 L, Fiat AlKo,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss £98,528 2007 Bed Class, Fiat 130BHP NOW £37,995 £42,995 2007 07Island Mercedes TEC TA Star (Hymer Group) 315 Cdi, NOW £39,995 £42,995 2013 13 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, 2015 15 Dethleffs Advantage i7051 EB, 150 BHP Auto,Rear Singles, 2.3KW Invertor, Hab A/C, 360 Degree Cameras £117,598 Grand Alpa A7820-2 180, Auto, Full Leather, 32” TV, 3rd/4th Seat TBC Rear Singles, Huge Garage £106,650 4 Travel T7156-4, 150 Auto, Silver, £70,419 L, Fiat AlKo,150Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss £97,287 2013 13 Dethleffs Magic White T1 DB, 150 Auto, Lrg Garage £51,995 T68 D/D Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack,Manual,Hi Singles £51,590 2013 13 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, Rear£31,995 Singles ck, Active Pack,Auto,Garage,Singles £53,525 OWNED A630 CLASS VEHICLES 50 Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D Bed 2009 59£72,450 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 24k mls, 3.0L160 Alde, WASNON £34,995 Rear Singles £51,995 CF, 8.5m Island Bed, Sat STOCK TV’s Isalnd360 Bed, Roof Air TBC NEW DETHLEFFS IN (CHANGING DAILY) 2011 61BHP Dethleffs Advantage t5701 Compact Low profile, French £41,995 £64,995 PRE 205 BHP 8Satellite, SpdAwning, ZF Auto Cameras, 2009 59 Swift Bolero EW, 10k mls £34,995 T64 mtre, French Bed, Ctre D/D Bed, Very Spacious 2004 Layout7850-2 £49,967 4k DBM mls Satellite & TV, Rev Canera, 1Auto, Owner, ASBed NEW Alko,180Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles, Garage £108,479 PRE 7OWNED A CLASS 04Low Rapido Mercedes Automatic 986M, 20k miles NOW £31,995 £34,995 Globetrotter XlI Premium, Silver, 180 Awning TBC 50 Auto, SatAlde, Nav, Alloys TBC Esprit I7150-2 EB, Leather Double Floor, 150 Auto £94,270 2013 63 Autotrail Apache 700SE Awning Rev Cam, Sat Nav, TV £47,995 sGJF,Fiat Pack,Active Pack, 130 BHP £44,842 2012 62 Burstner Nexxo T740 Island Bed Profile £47,995 Globetrotter Xli 7850 DBM, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, HabA/C Premium Pack,2008 58 Bessacarr E795 £51,995 £36,995 Rear 2008 08 TEC Rotec 612, LHD, Awning, Compact £31,995 2010 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 6k mls,Transverse 3.0L160Bed BHP £49,995 Alde, 2015OWNED 15 Mercedes PiloteUDiamond Edition G783, 5000Kg, 19013 V6 AutoDethleffs 7k Limited DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) lts £123,473 2014 64 Autotrail Dakota, Chassis NOW AL OFFER DETHLEFFS 2013 Esprit I7150-2 DBM, Sat TV,Singles, Awning, 2008 08 Burstner Delphin T821G Tag3.0L Axle LoAuto, Rear Garage, Globebus T7,Pack, 150BHP, GT PACK, Black Cab £61,090 PRE A CLASS 0bhp,Alde,Island Bed, Elec Height Adj £71,397 Pullingers Leisure Vehicles 201010 10 Swift Suntor 630G 7k mls,Awning,Maxi £34,995 2011 11 Hobbey Siesta, French Bed, Low profile Ford BHP,a/c, c/c£36,995Garage suto, Pack,Active 130 BHP £45,352 2007 56 315 Dethleffs Advantage i6611, 2.8JTD, 26kProfile, mls,140 Rear Esprit T7150-2 DBM, 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys £77,120 miles, 1 13 Owner, Supplied Here, Leather, Solar, BARGAIN £84,995 8m Leather, Alde, Island Bed, Garage TBC 2013 13 Concorde Credo Emotion 713H, 180 Auto, Full Spec! £79,995 eltageT6651 T6966-4 150, Silver, Large Lounge, 7m, Large Garage £69,106 ALDE £41,995 Gold,Leather,Island,Garage,360 Cameras £120,007 2007 07 Mercedes TEC T Star (Hymer Group) Cdi, NOW £39,995 £42,995 2013 Dethleffs Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, 2012 62 Sunlight T64 Front Pull Down Bed, Awning, 150 Auto,Awn,Solar, RevCam,Solar £60,290 £65,478 Rear Garage 11Advantage Firsti7150EB, Avenue, Halstead, Essex CO9 2EX ,ck, £70,419 NEW PROFILES IN STOCK 200815 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 , Perfect 4 berth £36,995 £64,995 2015 15 Dethleffs Esprit 180 SUNLIGHT Auto, 9k ofLOW Spec Sat 2014 14 A/C Dethleffs i7011 Luxus, 160 BHP,mls, RearLots Singles, 10kinc mls Active Pack,Manual,Hi Singles £51,590 Grand ALPA, 180BHP,Style Pack,AIO TV, Hab Dethleffs Advantage Special, 2015 Elddis Majestic 125Excellent Awning, Condition Reverse Camera, £39,995 2008 64 08 Autocruise Gleneagles,T6511 28k, 3.0AIO 160 BHP Rear Singles, Garage £34,995 age I7150EB,150 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Rear Singles £56,500 £75,134 £34,995 2014 ,16 Model,Alde,Awn,Sat TV NOW £67,980 £74,183 tage T6611 High Singles Awning, Rev Cam, Solar £61,090 450, Travel T6966-4, 150 Auto, Silver,Pack,32in Alloys, Lengthways Down £70,266 Rear Singles Camera £29,995 TV Pull 2015 64 £74,995 Burstner Viseo i690 Sovereign, 5k mls,130BHP, Safari Room Awn 2014 64 Reverse 2008 08 Dethleffs Esprit RT£51,995 7014 Renault Auto, Single Rear Bathroom Alloys, Camera, TBC Advantage t5701 Compact LowAuto, profile, French Bed £41,995 2008 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition, WASBeds £36,995 £33,995 £72,995 Advantage I7150EB,150 Silver,Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 age I7150DBM, 150Reverse Auto ,Silver, Alloys, Island BedSolar £75,134 2011 61 Dethleffs Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garag 130Bhp, Garage, Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack, £51,388 Bed, Very Spacious Layout £49,967 Edition T7151-4 150 Auto,Island + D/D,SatTV,SatNav,Solar Reverse Cam, 2014 14 Dethleffs Advantage T67 i7011 Luxus, 160 BHP,Rear Singles, 10kD/D mls 2008 SUPERB HUGE LOUNGE LAYOUT, Immediate Delivery £104,352 £36,995 £59,995 200663 06 Swift Suntor 600s700SE £26,995 2003 03Rev Autosleeper Luxor EK, miles, 2.8HDI, a/c, solar £29,995 2013 08 Dethleffs Esprit RT 7014 Auto,Single Beds, WAS NOW £36,995£27,995 £33,995 2009 59 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 3.0L160 Rear U Autotrail Apache 700SE Awning Cam, Sat Nav, TV39k £47,995 2010 1063 Burstner Elegance 160 Auto,Tag £62,995 Autotrail Apache Awning24k Revmls, Cam, Sat Nav,BHP TV Alde,£47,995 Advantage 150Auto Auto, Silver, Alloys, 7m2013 Corner Bed £65,329 otter XXLA Iveco T6601 6 Berth 205BHP, 8 Speed,7200KG N STOCK Satellite TV, Lotsi810, of Extras WAS AlKo,Alde, £72,995!Solar, Leather £67,995 er, Black Edition NOW £70,250 £77,259 2008 58 Bessacarr E795 £36,995 NEW 50, Reverse Camera, Solar, £71,503 T69L Rear Island Bed , 130 BHP, Chassis Pack Active Pack, Automatic £53,852 08 TECFree FreeTec Tec688Ti 688Ti (Hymer Group)Ford Ford 140 BHP, 2008 08 TEC (Hymer Group) 140 BHP £34,995 Advantage I7150DBM, 1502008 Auto ,Silver,Alloys, Island Bed £75,134 2007 15 5708 Rapido 9090F Island Bed A Class, 130BHP NOW £42,995 nd G783, 190 V6 Auto 7k 2015 Dethleffs Advantage i7051 EB,Fiat 150 BHP Auto,Rear Singles, KW Edition Invertor, Hab A/C, 3605000Kg, Degree Cameras £117,598 2008 Burstner Delphin T821G Tag£37,995 Axle Lo Profile, Rear Garage, WAS £34,995 £31,995 DETHLEFFS IN STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) SELECTION OF NEW SUNLIGHT LOW PROFIES AVAILABLE FOR QUICK DELIVERY FROM £45,000 2013 13 Dethleffs Magic White T1 DB, 150 Auto, Lrg Garage 2009 59 Swift Bolero 630 EW, 10k mls £34,995 4k mls Satellite & TV, Rev Canera, 1 Owner, AS NEW £64,995 Le Voyageur 2004 04 Rapido Mercedes Automatic 986M, 20k miles NOW £31,995 £34,995 2011 11 Hobbey Siesta, French Bed, Low profile Ford 140 BHP,a/c, c/c £36,995 T68 D/D Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack,Auto,Garage,Singles £53,525 7150-2 EB, Leather Double Floor, 150 Auto £94,270 uto,Leather,Alde,DG Cab,HabA/C,Alloys £119,747 ather, Solar, BARGAIN £84,995 2008 08 TEC RotecBHP 612, £41,995 LHD, Awning, Compact Transverse Bed £31,995 ion £79,995 Globetrotter XXLA Iveco 7200KG, 205 Cameras, 2009 59 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 24k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, Esprit I7150-2 DBM, 3.0L Auto, Sat TV, Awning, bus T7,713H, 150BHP, GT180 PACK, Auto, Black CabFull Spec! £61,090 2013 13 Dethleffs ALDE 2010 10 Swift Suntor 630G8 Spd ZF Auto Alde, 360£34,995 T7150-2 DBM, 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys £77,120 2007 56 Dethleffs Advantage i6611, 2.8JTD, 26k mls, Rear Singles, Garage 2012 62 Sunlight T64 Front Pull Down Bed, Awning, £64,995 T60 6 Metre Rear Garage, Chassis Pack,Active 130 BHP £34,995£44,842 2012 62 Burstner N STOCK 2008 £127,252 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition , Perfect berth £36,995 ALPA, 180BHP,Style Pack,AIO Pack,32in TV, Hab 2008 084Autocruise Gleneagles, 28k,Pack, 3.0 160 BHP £34,995 EB, 180 Auto, 9k mls, Lots of A/C Spec inc Luxus, 160 BHP, RearInvertor,Solar Singles, 10kDown mlsSat el T6966-4, 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Lengthways Pull £70,266 2015 Elddis Majestic 125 Awning, Safari Reverse Camera, 611 Auto,Leather,1.8k Reverse Camera £39,995 £29,995 HabA/C, Electric 6 mRoom Awning,6 Belts £123,47302/10/2017 12:38Rear U Nexxo T740 Island Bed Low Profile 2015 6415 Burstner Viseo i690 Sovereign, 5k mls,130BHP, Awn £6,377 MH_011217_Pullingers.indd RB HUGE LOUNGE LAYOUT, Immediate £104,352 200663 06 Swift Suntor 600s700SE Awning £26,995 2003 03 Autosleeper Luxor EK, 39kT58 miles, 2.8HDI, a/c, solar NOW £27,995£59,995 £29,995 Chassis 6 Metre, French Bed, Pack,Active Pack, £45,352 2013 2013 Autotrail Apache Rev 130 Cam, SatBHP Nav, TV £47,995 age T6601 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Delivery 7m 1Corner Bed £65,329 £74,995 2008 08 Dethleffs Esprit RT 7014 Renault Auto, Single Beds Rear Bathroom 0Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss £98,528 2008 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition, WAS £36,995 £33,995 07 Mercedes T Star (Hymer Group) 315 Cdi, Rev NOW £39,995 DethleffsTEC Esprit T7010 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Cam, £72,995 4 Travel T7156-4, 150 Auto, Silver, £70,419 200713 Auto,Alde,Leather,6.8MTR, 3500KG Poss £97,287 SELECTION OF NEW SUNLIGHT LOW PROFIES AVAILABLE FOR QUICK DELIVERY FROM £45,000 7011 Luxus, 160 BHP,Rear Singles, 10k mls 2008 08 Dethleffs Esprit T68 RTD/D Centre Bed, Chassis Pack, Active Pack,Manual,Hi Singles £51,590 £36,995 7014 Auto,Single Beds, WAS £36,995 £33,995 Rear Singles d160 Bed, Awning, Sat Solar, TV’s Leather Isalnd £67,995 Bed, Roof Air TBC Auto,Tag AlKo,Alde, £62,995 ras WAS £72,995!

T64 7 mtre, French Bed, Ctre D/D Bed, Very Spacious Layout £49,967 2011 61 Dethleffs Advantage t5701 Compact Low profile, French Bed 0Auto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles, Garage 2008 £108,479 PRE OWNED A CLASS Pullingers Leisure Vehicles Limited 08 TEC Free Tec 688Ti (Hymer Group) Ford 140 BHP, 2008 08 TEC Free Tec 688Ti (Hymer Group) Ford 140 BHP £34,995 2013 Autotrail Apache A Class, NOW £37,995 £42,995 7051 EB,Fiat 150130BHP BHP Auto,Rear Singles, 200863 58 Bessacarr E795 700SE Awning Rev Cam, Sat Nav, TV WAS £34,995 £31,995 Sudbury Road, Little Maplestead, Halstead, Essex.

CO9 2SE 2009 59 Swift 630 EW, 10k mls 2015 15 Mercedes Pilote Diamond Edition G783, 5000Kg, 190 V6 Auto 7kTag STOCK (CHANGING DAILY) 2007£34,995 07 Dethleffs Esprit I7410-2 Single Beds Axle, 2008 Awning, 08 GarageBurstner Delphin T821G Tag Axle Lo Profile, Rear Garage, DETHLEFFS INBolero STOCK (RING FOR Rev986M, Canera, Owner,NOW AS £31,995 NEW £64,995 HLEFFS Pullingers Leisure Vehicles Limited atic 20k1miles £34,995NEW PRE OWNED A CLASS NEW DETHLEFFS INRotec STOCK (RING FOR UPDATES) UPDATES) OWNED NON A CLASS VEHICLES 2008 08 TEC 612, LHD, Awning, TransverseTBC Bed PRE£31,995 I7057 DBM, 150, Alloys, Silver, Design PackCompact 2011 11 Hobbey Siesta, French Bed, Low profile Ford 140 BHP,a/c, c/c £44,995 11 First Halstead, Essex CO9 2EX -2 3.0L Auto, Sat TV,Singles, Awning, HP,DBM, Rear Singles Low Profile £59,133 Trend 2010 10 SwiftAvenue, Suntor 630G £34,995 miles, 1 Owner, Supplied Here, Leather, Solar, BARGAIN £84,995 2013 13 Concorde Credo Emotion 713H, 180 Auto, Full Spec! £79,995 Trend T7057 DBM, Island & D/D, Low Profile, 150 BHP,Silver £54,540 0, Silver, Large Lounge, 7m, Large Garage £69,106 ,11, 5 Belts, 6 Berth, Low Profile £62,989 2015 15 Autosleeper Mercedes Burford Duo, 160 Auto, 5k mls,As New £57,995 2.8JTD, 26k mls, Rear Garage ALDE Trend A7877-2 All-In-OneT64 Pack, Alloys, 180 Engine TBC 2009 09 Eriba Jet, Awning, Solar, 25k miles Auto,Awn,Solar, RevCam,Solar £67,477 £60,290 £42,995 2012 62£65,478 Sunlight Front Pull Down Bed, Awning, £64,995 Lounge A Class, GB Pack, Rev Cam 200815 08 Burstner Ixeo IT664 , Perfect 4 berth Globetrotter XliAutocruise 7850 150, EB, 180BHP,Auto,6m Awning, Silver,i7150EB, Highi7011 LevelTBC Luxus, 2008 08 Gleneagles, 28k, 3.0HabA/C 160 BHP £34,995 T7150-2 DBM Silver Alloys £34,995Esprit 2010Auto, 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 3,600 Miles, 3.0L Alde, £54,995 HP, Rear Singles Low Profile £59,133 2015 15 Dethleffs Esprit 180 9k mls, Lots ofRear Spec Sat 2014 14 Dethleffs Advantage 160 BHP, Rear Singles, 10kinc mls 2006 56 Adria Vision i707SG, Garage, 120BHP, Awning £34,995 2015 Elddis Majestic 125Excellent Awning, Condition Reverse Camera, 150 Auto, Silver, Alloys, Rear Singles £75,134 Reverse Camera £29,995 overeign, 5k mls,130BHP, Safari Room Awn£56,500 uto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D BedSolar £70,942 hmiles, Singles Awning, Rev Cam, £61,090 Grand Alpa A7820-2 180, Auto, Full Leather, 32” TV, 3rd/4th Seat £106,650 TBC PRE Rear Singles, Huge Garage 2013OWNED 13 Dethleffs T7010VEHICLES 150BHP,Blue,Awn, Rev Cam, Rear Singles08 £54,995 NON Esprit A CLASS uto,Leather,Alde,Rear Singles+D/D Bed £72,450 TV £74,995 2006 06 Swift Suntor 600s £26,995 2.8HDI, a/c, solar NOW £27,995 £29,995 2008 Dethleffs RT 7014 Renault Auto, Single Rear Bath 2008 08 Burstner Esprit Ixeo IT664 Excellent Condition, WASBeds £36,995 2013 63 Autotrail Apache 700SE Awning Rev Cam, Sat Nav, TV £47,995 £59,995 £72,995 XlIXli7850-2 DBM180BHP,Auto,6m Premium, Silver,Awning, 180 Auto, Awning TBC uto,150 Satellite, Sat ,Silver, Nav, Alloys TBC Globetrotter M, Auto Alloys, Island Bed Globetrotter£75,134 7850 DBM, HabA/C Premium Pack,2010 10 Dethleffs Advantage A7871 6k mls, 3.0L160 BHP Alde, 2014 64 Autotrail Dakota, 7k mls,Awning,Maxi Chassis NOW £49,995 £53,995 Bed, Elec Height Adj £71,397 4p,Alde,Island 150 Auto,Island + D/D,SatTV,SatNav,Solar Reverse Cam, 2014Cameras 14 Dethleffs Advantage i7011 Luxus, 160 BHP,Rear Singles, 10k mls 2008 08 Dethleffs Esprit RT 7014 Auto,Single Beds, WAS £36,995 8m Leather, Alde, Island Garage DELIVERY TBC FROM Gold,Leather,Island,Garage,360 £120,007 ES FORBed, QUICK £45,000 Rear Garage 2010 Burstner Elegance i810, 160 Auto,Tag AlKo,Alde, Solar, Leather £62,995 NEW SUNLIGHT LOW PROFILES IN 10 STOCK o 6AVAILABLE Berth 205BHP, Auto 8 Speed,7200KG 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage £54,995 £52,995 6336_PMH_011217_Pullingers.indd 1 02/10/2017 12:38 Model,Alde,Awn,Sat TV NOW £67,980 £74,183 Satellite TV, Lots of Extras WAS £72,995! £67,995 NOW £77,259 Alloys, Reverse Camera, Solar TBC £70,250 Advantage I7150EB,150 Auto, Silver,Alloys, RearPack, SinglesActive Pack, £51,388 £75,134 2014 64 Dethleffs Advantage T6511 AIO Special, Rear Singles, Garage T67 130Bhp, Garage, D/D Centre Bed, Chassis 2008 08 TECFree FreeTec Tec688Ti 688Ti(Hymer (HymerGroup) Group)Ford Ford140 140 BHP, 2008 08 TEC BHP

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CLUB NEWS

Thanks to all members who again made our Macmillan Coffee Morning a huge success, below is an extract from Macmillan's thank you letter acknowledging just how important these contributions our: "Thank you so much for taking part in the Coffee Morning this year.

You raised a fantastic £1,010.15 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

We hope that you enjoyed it and that you'll pass on our thanks to everyone who helped and made it a success. Please also send thanks on behalf of Macmillan to the Motor Caravanners' Club.

Feel amazing? You should do. Not only were you part of an unforgettable day, but every penny

you raised is helping us do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.

To put it into a little bit of persepctive how your wonderful donation can help, every £938 could support our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists to run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for 1 hour. In this time, they could answer 16 calls and web enquries.

Thank you again for your kind donation and for helping others living with cancer. We couldn't do it without people like you and we are grateful you are a part of our Macmillan team."

Teresa Guyver

shutterstock/Alajeel

Macmillan 'coffee morning'

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Join us in Alicante The 2024 FICC Rally is being held in Alicante Spain from the 26th June to the 3rd July 2024 at the Alannia/ Costa Blanca campsite in Alicante Spain. More information will be available later in the year. Should you wish to register an interest please email me your name, address, group, membership number to lesk@themotorcaravannersclub. co.uk and I will keep you updated.

Les Kendrick, FICC Chief Delegate.

OBITUARY Ray Noble It is with great sadness SWP group announce the passing of our Chairman, Ray Noble, on the 5th January. He will be greatly missed.

Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Barbara. RIP Ray.

Club member receives prestigious award Club member Charlotte Nightingale, and her daughter, Savanna, were both recently honoured at Black History Month Basingstoke Community Achievers Awards in recognition of their extensive community work here and in Ghana.

As regular readers will know, Charlotte is the founder of Tetknight, an NGO/Charitable organisation based in Sherfield and Ghana, championing education, training and enterprise for young Ghanaians.

Savahna, who grew up as part of the MCC family, was also 8 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

recognised as an executive member of Tetknight and as the founder of her own community program which focuses on mental, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Black History Month Basingstoke Achievers Awards ceremony is held to celebrate those who are doing great things in the Basingstoke area to further inclusion, diversity and equality. Invited guests included members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, local faith and community groups, and of course the award recipients and their guests.

Charlotte and Savahna receiving their award (above left & right) and the Bishop of Basingstoke (left).

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February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 9

EVERYDAY DRIVE BUT BIG ENOUGH TO HOLIDAY IN Fully Winterised Motorhome - insulated for sub-zero use. Wild Camping Ready low power design maximises 12v systems for longer use without mains electricity.

Pulsar Only 5.4 metres long

This motorhome is built as standard on the 6 speed manual Fiat Ducato 140Bhp, with an optional upgrade to the excellent 9 speed automatic gearbox.

Full details are on our website.

The Pulsar is a true car replacement motorhome. Unlike many similar sized motorhomes the Pulsar comes equipped with a full kitchen, washroom and shower along with an adult sized double bed and 4 belted travel seats. The Pulsar also has loads of storage space for all your belongings with generous storage in the kitchen and large high level cupboards all round.

The rear travel seats slide in seconds to make up 2 single beds or a large double. They will also make into two sofas so that you can sit around the tables for a meal!

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The kitchen has a 3 burner hob, oven and grill with a good sized sink and 90 litre fridge/freezer. The kitchen also boasts lots of storage drawers for food and personal belongings. There is a tall wardrobe for hanging space. The Pulsar comes as standard with 2 side sliding doors to give a very car like feel when using the rear seats as travel seats.

E S Hartley Ellesmere 0151 350 6870

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Maple Garage 01964 534144

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Nick Whale Motorhomes 01386 870852

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As with the rest of the WildAx range the Pulsar is winterised as standard and has the Truma Combi 4e for heating and hot water.

This van is only 5.4m long!

Southern Bracknell 0800 028 3417

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Highbridge Caravan Centre 01626 832792

Higher Brooks Plantation, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot TQ12 6QZ highbridgecaravans.co.uk

Geoff Cox Leisure 01332 781562

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Highland Campervans 01667 457304

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Continental Leisure Vehicles 01269 831151

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AWNINGS FOR CARAVANS, MOTORHOMES & CAMPERVANS Ideal for long holidays or weekend breaks, Maypole awnings are quick and easy to set up and provide essential extra space when on site: Air & Pole options Awnings for caravans and motorhomes Driveaway awnings for campervans Accessories available

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Our products will be on display at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2024 in Hall 1 12 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

OUT & ABOUT | SHOW PREVIEW

Hillside Leisure's Hopton campervan Auto-Trail's Excel 690T Adria Twin Max

Morelo Empire Liner

Rapido's C series CO3

13-18 FEBR UARY 2024

Caravan Camping and Motorhome Show The

We hit the trail and get adventure-ready for the 2024 show in Birmingham that paves the way for a year of fun behind the wheel of our motorcaravans.

H

appy campers are gearing up ready to hit the roads and head off the beaten track in 2024. The firing gun for the start of the season is, as always, The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show. Returning to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham. It runs from Tuesday 13 until Sunday 18 February.

Following the successful show in February 2023, the annual Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is

on course for another session of six days of camping, glamping, and motor-holiday inspiration. The show has become the UK’s, start-of-theseason show for all things adventure and exploration. Spanning five halls of the exhibition centre, it caters for anyone with a lust for the great outdoors.

Featuring the latest the industry has to offer, the show provides many of us with the first opportunity to step inside over 700 different models from UK and European manufacturers, dealers and brands.

The list of attendee exhibitors is impressive and includes Coachman, Bailey of Bristol, Adria, Auto Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Chausson, Carthago, Frankia, Pilote, Roller Team, Malibu, Premium Motorhomes, Hillside Leisure, Bilbo's. Danbury, Rolling Homes, Kaktus Vans and more.

The new campervan offering from Adria for the 2024 season is the Adria Twin Max, using a MAN base vehicle and available in a choice of three layouts. Responding to demand for more motorhomes >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 13

OUT & ABOUT | SHOW PREVIEW

Bailey's Endeavour EV

Adria Coral

Elddis Evolution

on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, Adria have launched a new model in the Coral range. Taking centre stage on the Auto-Sleepers stand will be the all-new M-Star campervan. Also based on the Mercedes Sprinter, it is a hi-spec long wheelbase, somewhat opulent, van. Auto-Trail have reinvented their popular Excel motorhome range. The Excel’s namesake is the popular Auto-Trail compact range launched in 2011.

The new ranges build on this legacy and are aimed at those who feel ready to upgrade from a campervan or van conversion to something that feels more spacious and has more storage options.

Bailey will display five motorhomes in their Adamo range and all three of their new Endeavour campervan range, first seen last October. The show will also give show-goers another opportunity to see the Endeavour

EV, their development concept of an all-electric campervan. Whilst impractical at this stage, to the point that Bailey has no immediate plans to release it onto the market, it is nevertheless, a really interesting and thought-provoking concept. If you missed it at the October show, we urge you to take a moment and check it out at this one.

Brownhills will be displaying a selection of motorhome models from well-known manufacturers as well as the exclusive Elddis Evolution range. There are 13 models within the Evolution range for the 2024 season, including four campervans, with layouts to suit all requirements.

Carthago adds the new c-tourer to their motorhome model line-up.

Available as a low-profile or A-Class motorhome, the new model comes in numerous variants on either the Fiat Ducato or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and enhanced with an >>

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New appointed dealer for Coachman

OUT & ABOUT | SHOW PREVIEW

Carthago c-tourer AL-KO low frame chassis. The X range, a new category of vehicle between the van and the ultracompact camper, is what Chausson calls their perfect solution for modern travellers! This compact vehicle offers many advantages for those looking for a flexible and mobile travel experience.

The new Travel Master Imperial is Coachman's first A-Class motorhome. The front offers an electrically operated drop-down double, with a spacious fixed island bed at the rear. They will also be exclusively revealing the Coachman Sportivo 565, a brand new model.

Built on a medium wheelbase MAN TGE, the all new Hopton campervan from Hillside Leisure boasts a spacious rear lounge, central kitchen and a fully equipped washroom offering all the luxury you need.

New exhibitors at the show, Kaktus, will display their Dune campervan for the first time. Built on a MAN chassis, the panel-van has a roof pod to create extra height and light with side pods with windows on both sides to create extra width.

On the inside you'll find Scheel Mann seats, cassette toilet, shower, a VitriFrigo Fridge, LED lighting throughout, and a memory foam double mattress bed.

Marquis will be bringing their all new Benivan motorhomes as well as the Benimar and Mobilvetta. If 16 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Carthago c-tourer size is important to you, the Morelo Empire Liner 98 MB is built on a Mercedes Actros chassis, and at 18 tonnes, will be the largest vehicle ever exhibited at the NEC Show by Premium Motorhomes. Sadly driving license restrictions do not allow us to drive one otherwise we would Auto-Trail's Excel 690T

have smashed our piggy bank and gathered up our loose change to put down a deposit!

Project Yonder debuts the brand new, state of the art 4X4 Mercedes Sprinter campervan.

Freedom 4X uses the off-road capabilities of the All-Wheel Drive Mercedes Sprinter and combines them with an advanced off grid set up to enable absolute freedom.

The Rapido group will be showing a selection of new motorhomes from their Rapido, Itineo and Dreamer ranges. A new Low Profile compact C series C03, with a transverse bed over a storage area and permanent steps for easy bed access, will also be on display.

Launching in the UK for the first time this year, Robeta will be bringing the Adonis with a popup roof. The first vehicles in the series are already in production, and a four-wheel drive version is expected to follow soon. Roller Team will be displaying a selection of motorhomes including the Zefiro 665, Zefiro 696, Zefiro Sport, AutoRoller 707, Auto-Roller 746, T-Line 700, T-Line 740, Pegaso 590, Pegaso 745 as well as two new motorhomes that we know very little about at this stage.

Showgoers will be able to get inside and compare the different new model layouts, fittings and >>

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE STARTS HERE View the latest 2024 models at the show.

See us on our usual stand: 307 75

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OUT & ABOUT | SHOW PREVIEW innovations from the industry’s biggest brands.

The show offers would-be purchasers the chance to speak directly to manufacturers and dealers to get their specific questions answered. Best of all, we think, the show gives us the chance to buy products ready for the season ahead.

Conveniently all leisure vehicles are parked under one roof making it easy to make comparisons between one offering and another. Other halls display an array of new tents and trailer tents.

They are pitched in the dedicated camping hall, meaning visitors, nomads and holidaymakers alike can easily step inside, compare each model and discover the best fit for them.

It does not matter if it is a solo adventure or family holiday you are hunting for, you are almost certainly going to be able to find it at the show. On display you will find the newest and coolest tech, gadgets, awnings, and accessories to complete any motor caravan holiday. From bike-packing accessories and cooking equipment, to pet travel essentials and eco-friendly batteries, everyone can benefit from trying out and testing new products.

With winter set to slink off with

Chausson X

Project Yonder's Freedom 4X its tail between its legs, it is time to think about summer holidays.

Showgoers will be able to plan their dream 2024 holidays from start to finish as they meet campervan and motorhome hire companies as well as campsite and park operators. This a great show for you to research the best locations and book campsite pitches for the year ahead.

Be sure to check out the Advice Centre. It does not matter if you are an off-road expert or camping novice, those interested in touring will all be able to get free and

impartial help and advice on all things motor caravan related at the show. From buying advice to security systems, the experts at the Leisure Vehicle Advice Centre say there’s no question they cannot answer! We plan to ask them how to plan a romantic weekend campervan getaway. After all, it will be Valentine's Day on Wednesday 14 February!

Bring the kids to the show! There are lots of free fun activities to keep the young and the young-at-heart entertained. The show’s iconic kayak >>

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 19

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OUT & ABOUT | SHOW PREVIEW

Auto-Sleepers' all new M-Star

Benivan motorhome and paddleboard pool is set to make a comeback this year. Get your wet suit on and experience water sports ahead of hitting the water first hand. If rock climbing is your bag, or wannabee pastime, try climbing the show’s custom-built castle-themed battlement climbing wall.

If you just want to sit and watch, the much-loved Inspiration Theatre features a line-up of personalities who are happy to share their love for the great outdoors. We enjoy

the theatre for the top tips, funny anecdotes and roadtrip memories it offers.

Talks and presentations from industry organisations and enthusiasts such as Kat Bird and Marcus Leach, will try and inspire showgoers to try something new, check out a new destination and immerse themselves in the lifestyle. We predict that, as in previous years, the show will be jam-packed with insight, talks and training for beginners and experienced leisure vehicle owners alike. New for this show, guests will have the chance to expand their camping culinary skills watching TV’s Kwoklyn Wan cook up a storm creating delicious recipes and demonstrating how to cook meals easily and quickly when pitched up and parked.

Karen Dodd, Marketing Director at NCC Events, said: “We’re really looking forward to delivering

another fantastic show. There’s even more on offer than the 2023 event with over 400 companies taking part in the show – many exhibiting for the first time.

Whether you’re already enjoying the fun, freedom and adventure of campervan, caravan, motorhome or camping holidays or are wanting to find out more about how to get started, you’ll find all the products, services, friendly help, advice, and inspiration you need for successful breaks away.”

Tickets are available to purchase now at ccmshow.co.uk.

A £1.25 transaction fee applies to all bookings. Tickets are nonrefundable. Car parking is included in the ticket price. Prices start at £12.50 and increase £15.50, subject to availability if purchased on or after 13th February. No dogs (except assistance dogs) are allowed into the show but children under 16 years are! Up to two children per adult can get in free when accompanied by a paying grown-up but they will still require a ticket to get into the show.

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 21

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NEW NAME...NEW LOOK!

LUB C S R E N N A V A R A THE MOTOR C

P U O R INTERG L A V I T FES FRIDAY S IP DAY TlnRshire

Linco ge n Herita Aviatio d n a e Centr ll Spa & Woodha ss Skegne

2024 24

Including the Club AGM

0 2 Y A M 8 2 23

Camper UK Leisure Park, Church Rd, Swinethorpe, Newark, Lincs NG23 7EE

All pitches must be pre-booked.

Booking form in Members’ Area on website and monthly magazine.

THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS’ CLUB INVITES YOU TO JOIN YOUR FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE OUR

MCC INTERGROUP FESTIVAL AND AGM 2024

Camper UK Leisure Park, Church Road, Swinethorpe, Newark, Lincs NG23 7EE 23-28 May 2024

BOOKING FORM ALL PITCHES MUST BE PRE BOOKED, NO PAYMENT AT GATE From Thursday 23 May: £150.

From Friday 24 May: £120

Coach trips all on Friday Lincolnshire Aviation Museum and Woodhall Spa £25pp Skegness £15pp

The above rally fees are for two adults, extra adults incur a cost of £2.50 per person per night.

Lead adult

Membership No

2nd Adult

Group

3rd Adult

Tel No.

Address

Tick if this is your first Festival or Rally n Van registration

Postcode No Adults

No Children

Names & age of children

Vehicle

Tick

Towing car or Trailer

Up to 7m

n n n n

n n n

7m – 8m 8m – 9m+ Caravan & Car

Disabled Parking Area n Badge Ref No

(only needed if parking in disabled area)

EHU for medical need only is available in Disabled Parking Area only at £60. Tick if req n No EHU available on rally field. Long EHU cables may be required. EHU remittance due: £ Date arriving

Date leaving

Lincs Aviation Museum and Woodhall Spa (no. of seats) Rally fee due £

Skegness (no. of seats)

Coach fee due £

Total payment due (rally fee + coach trips + EHU): £ Payment: 1. Online booking form on the MCC website – www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk – pay by card at the time of booking.

2. By Post: send your completed form to: The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd, Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern, WR13 6NA giving your telephone number. The Office will contact you for payment by bank credit or debit card. CONTACT NUMBER Closing date: Thursday 9th May 2024 (booking forms or cancellation refunds will not be accepted after the closing date) Signature

Date

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ARRIVE UNBOOKED AND PAY AT THE GATE.

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GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

Group news coordinator: Jade Soanes T: 01502 725840 E: groupnews@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Post: Motor Caravanner magazine, Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Deadline: 5th of the month for inclusion in the following month's magazine

FEBRUARY 2024

ANGLIA Fifty-two vans came to our Christmas Rally at Sheringham, including 13 vans from other areas. Friday evening, we started with soup and French bread, followed by the Christmas Jumper competition. The gents' best jumper was won by Bob Thorne with his wife Carol Thorne winning best ladies' Christmas jumper. Then we sung the 12 days of Christmas with each table singing a day each. Ben was running from table to table to ensure we all sang in sequence. Fun and laughter was had by all. The evening was finished off with a few games of bingo.

Saturday morning, we decorated the hall and at 5pm we gathered for a Bucks Fizz and a fantastic Christmas meal.

The cook at Sheringham High School did us proud. Then we were entertained by Steve Moyse.

Sunday morning, we had tea, coffee and mince pies followed by Ben's bonus ball and the raffle. There were so many raffle prizes that a lot of members won more than once. Keith thanked everyone for attending the Anglia rallies throughout the year, the committee for all their hard work organising things behind the scenes and everyone who helps run them and make them a success.

Forty vans came to our New Year rally at Terrington.

Saturday night started with cheese, biscuits and mulled wine, followed by a music quiz and then bingo. 2024 Programmes were also given out.

New Year's Eve was a free day to go into town or just spend time with friends. The hall was decorated ready for the evening and there were also games available to play, including parking a remote-control motorhome. We all met in the hall at 6pm for the wonderful buffet that the committee had spent all day getting ready. We then danced the night away to Travis Graham. A great singer who had the dance floor filled for most of the night. At midnight so many poppers and streamers went off that the dance floor

completely changed colour with everyone celebrating the new year.

New Year's Day the committee cooked a full English breakfast/brunch for all members, with some members then going for a walk around the village to walk it off, whilst others caught up with friends or played games in the hall.

Mid afternoon we met up for coffee and cake. The evening started with a small buffet meal followed by Ben's bonus ball then a Chinese raffle that had everyone laughing and stealing the prizes. Then we had a small break before doing the raffle. A great weekend was had by all.

On a more serious note, we did have some cancellations at the last minute, which seems to have happened a few times at recent rallies. This can affect our costings and due to this the committee is discussing whether to charge a £20 non-refundable booking fee for next year’s Christmas and New Year's rallies. We will of course let you know when a decision has been made.

Upcoming rallies: 16-18 February at Fakenham High School, start time 5pm. 22-25 February at Stalham Poppy Centre, start time 1pm. Both rallies are bookable, please contact Teresa to book.

AVON Our Christmas celebrations went with a whoosh! It was rather windy, to put it mildly, at Holiday Resort Unity on the edge of the Severn Estuary. Gloves and hats were donned to brave the cold on Saturday afternoon, to have a glass of warming mulled wine and a mince pie, before a great buffet spread in the Tavern in the evening. The roasties were a nice addition to the buffet and were the best I’ve ever had away from home. We all gave Ann our best wishes, and hopefully she will have made a full recovery by now, after her wind related fall. The entertainment, Six Machine, couldn’t be faulted, with luck we will get to enjoy them again soon.

New Year was spent at Whitstone School, Shepton Mallet.

Some ventured out for fish and chips, a Chinese, the pub and the prison. The latter was due to close shortly, but has >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 27

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GROUP NEWS an uncertain reprieve for the time being. There was plenty to occupy everyone during the days with tea/coffee on tap at all times. Quizzes, puzzles, Jenga, sandcastle building for example, then there were the cakes, an evening meal and first class ice cream cornets with those posh cones. Delish!

A few games in the evening, with tables pitted against each other, Duck Rescue, quoits and a Donkey Derby. This was followed by our own End of the Pier Revue when a variety of acts kept us amused. We never found out how much that doggy in the window was, nor what happened after Albert got swallowed by the lion. Stan and Raye were resplendent as pearly King and Queen, and Stan (aged 93) sang a solo. Well done everyone, it was fun. The winning table (chocolates and bubbly) were the Crabs. Pat made a very brave Miss Hi-di-Hi, in quite short shorts, and well deserved her prize.

The committee would like to record their thanks to everyone who helped either practically and/or by donations. £18 was raised in the rollup for the donated whisky.

Our next rally is 14-19 March, 5 nights at Northam Farm, Brean, TA8 2SE. £19 pupn incl hardstanding and EHU, + £1 rally fee. This is a full facility site, easy walks to the beach and buses for Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea. The venue requires that this is a bookable rally. Text Christine on 07976 306116 to reserve your pitch.

Please contact any committee member if you are able to host, or co-host a rally. There are some different and interesting venues in the 2024 programme as well as old favourites. Volunteers are needed and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, ACG

Upcoming rallies: 14-19 March at Northam Farm, Southdown Road, Brean, TA8 2SE. Bookable, text Christine on 07976 306116. Holiday Rally at Orchards Holiday Park, Newbridge, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight on 9-23 September.

Bookings direct with the site on 01983 531331.

CHILTERN Chiltern Group saw the changing of the years in a very jovial (if not damp) four-night rally at Cottesloe School, Wing.

Although the rain gods were against us, the temperatures were kind and the Alde and Truma systems managed easily. We welcome the following write up from Martin, one of our attendees: Chiltern New Year's Eve 2023. We all arrived Friday, 48 vans in total. After being parked up by the committee, we all descended on the hall for the evening being entertained by Nick Dadd singing 60s & 70s tunes, packing the dance floor for most of the evening.

Saturday saw a lot of us in the local pub for a few pints and a plate of nosh. Then in the hall for some games and socialising. Saturday evening we were set the task of building the Leaning Tower of Chilterns, with the MCG narrowly beating Kent for the tallest.

Sunday a few of us went for a wet walk around the village before we all dressed our tables. Sunday evening we were presented with a pre-dinner drink followed by a lovely dinner of sweet and sour pork or beef chilli or veggie choice with rice or jacket potato, followed by yummy puddings. Then we were entertained by Leon’s Disco over the New Year, the dance floor being full all evening, a great night had by all.

Monday we had a coffee morning with prizes for the Best Decorated Van and a Van Picture Quiz, followed by the end speeches. Some went home and some stayed for an afternoon game of bingo. In the evening we had a lot of fun with Paul and Sharon’s music quiz followed by kazoo recitals from all the tables with a lot of laughter.

Tuesday we woke up to yet another rainy day, some of us headed off home early while a few brave souls stayed for a final coffee morning. Well done Chiltern for another great party weekend. Martin, MCG Chiltern group

Avon group "Who wears short shorts?" >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 29

GROUP NEWS Thank you Martin and thank you to all who attended and made this a great rally and especially the visitors from many groups, including the seven first timers, five from Chiltern.

Upcoming rallies: 8-10 March at Wrenn School, Bkg Reqd, NN8 3JJ. 28 March-2 April at Greatstone School, Bkg Reqd, TN28 8SY. 2-7 April at Dane Court School, Bkg Reqd, CT10 2RT.

EAST MIDLANDS Beckingham Christmas Party. On Friday evening the rally was opened by the Vice Chairman Paul Arndt welcoming everyone. The evening was then filled with bingo, seasonal quiz, children’s pass the parcel and the Christmas jumper competition. Men’s best jumper was won by Robin O’Neil and the women’s won by Kate Matthews. Dave Sears and Jane Arndt then entertained with some Christmas songs.

Saturday afternoon Sue Pilkiw crafted with the children and tables were decorated for the evening. Saturday evening, to give us all energy to party the evening away, an individual plated party food selection was consumed. Santa Claus suddenly appeared with gifts for the children and one over-demanding overgrown child (Robin). Sue Pilkiw won Teddy by guessing its birthday correctly. Money raised by this was for this year’s charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. This was followed by an inclusive rendition of the 12 days of Christmas which caused laughter, tired legs and breathlessness. After a small delay our entertainer for the night Kylie Dee arrived, and then whilst setting up managed to cause a power cut, which Ian Hides solved by the loan of a generator. She then went on to give us a brilliant night filled with singing, dancing and a random soft snowball fight.

Sunday coffee morning the raffle was drawn. Lucky numbers were won by Sandra Goddard then the vice chairman Paul thanked all for coming and wished everyone a safe journey home and a Merry Christmas. Lastly, a big thank you to the nice man with a tractor who helped all those who had to park on the grass to get off safely. Debbie 34 vans attended the annual New Year's Rally at Ingoldmells. The weather was cold and wet but that didn’t dampen the atmosphere.

On Saturday evening the Chairman Brian opened the rally by welcoming visitors from the Anglia and Nene Valley Groups, as well as first time ralliers from East Midlands.

Tonight was a celebration night for Jane and Paul Arndt who were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Congratulations from us all. A faith supper was arranged and everybody contributed to make it a brilliant spread. Thanks to Jane for providing the delicious cakes. Bingo was played, then a game of Scattergories which was jointly won by Les and Ian’s table, followed by karaoke.

Coffee morning on Sunday followed by a free day to enjoy Skeg Vegas or just walk up to see the sparkling blue sea. Tarts and Vicars was the theme for this year’s rally and thanks to everyone for going the extra mile and joining in. You all looked great. We were entertained by A’Day a 30 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

brilliant singer who got everyone dancing from his first song until after midnight. Thanks to Robin for his excellent video and for setting off the confetti rocket at New Year.

Monday there was a games and cake afternoon and then in the evening there was a table dingbat quiz followed by a silly pass the parcel and the raffle was drawn. We then played Open the Box which was won by Les Pert who donated £10 of his winnings to our charity Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pauline also did a lucky number card which was won by our new member Sharon which made another £25 for the charity.

At coffee morning on Tuesday the vice chairman Paul thanked everyone for making it a brilliant weekend. Thanks especially to Jane and Kath for organising the faith supper and the stewards Brian, Ian, Jean and Yvonne for all their work. Yvonne

EAST WESSEX Ten East Wessex and two West Wessex joined us at Burnham Copse for New Year, fortuitously we had dry weather to park everybody up. Friday evening was catch-up with music and another fiendishly annoying anagram rally quiz.

After visits to shops and local cafes/pubs on Saturday we had card bingo in the afternoon. Jake Ward, one of our favourites, entertained us in the evening (see photo). He had us all singing and dancing and a lucky few even got to share some of his costume pieces.

New Year's Eve afternoon was skittles with a husband/ wife final won by Val. We had a raffle in the evening, then Steve had us all dancing and singing with his uproarious music and welcoming in the New Year (don't mention the party poppers that failed to meet expectations).

Monday was card bingo in the afternoon, a Chinese Raffle later and then skittles won by Bob. Myra won the rally quiz getting twenty out of twenty. Unfortunately a couple of our group had to cancel but for those that missed Jake, we have booked him for Easter (venue to be determined). Your scribe is temporary, so if you wish to see fewer large words, you are welcome to take on the role. Happy New Year.

Upcoming rallies: 9-11 February at Ringwood Junior School, Hightown Road, Ringwood, BH24 1NH. Valentine's East Wessex group

GROUP NEWS with Singing Duo Emma & Paul on Saturday. Two nights, hard standing, heated hall. Pete's music, raffle. This is a school with narrow access so no arrivals before 5pm. £14 pupn, (£13 singles).

KENT Happy New Year to all our Kent MCC members! As I write this article, we are experiencing heavy winds and lots of rain across Kent with the temperature soon to be plummeting down! Not a lot to look forward to but we do have something to look forward to... our rally season is opening up and probably you will receive this magazine at the same time as our first rally at Sandwich is in progress. Tony and Marilynne have a fun weekend planned and hopefully you have braved the weather and joined us in all the shenanigans which will feature in the March magazine.

Our Rally Programme for 2024 is now available on the Kent MCC Website at kentgroupmcc.weebly.com with latest updates being communicated via our Facebook page – Kent Group of the Motor Caravanners’ Club. If you are aware of someone who does not have internet access, please consider calling them to keep them updated.

Please note that we have secured a new rally venue at Slough Fort which is a Victorian fort overlooking the Thames at Allhallows, Rochester, ME3 9QF. Dates are 20-23 June.

Each weekend rally does need hosts to “own the weekend.” The minimum you need to do is welcome people as they arrive and make sure they are pitched up in a safe manner and slot in a coffee/tea meet up at some point during the weekend. The rest is up to you! It can be a quiet weekend or one filled with silliness or perhaps you like to take us on a ramble, preferably to the local pub, but the extra fun is all up to you. Please do speak with the committee if you need any advice or help and don’t be put off if you can’t be there to pitch people up, we can find someone to do that.

So, moving forward I need to let you know about our upcoming rallies in March and April: 15-17 March at St. Edmunds Catholic School, Old Charlton Road, Dover, CT16 2QB. The school is a short walk from Dover town centre, the castle and the White Cliffs. This is a bookable rally so please contact Sharon on kent@motorcaravannersclub.co.uk.

28 March-1 April at St. Richards School, Bexhill, East Sussex. TN40 1SE. This rally will be held over the Easter weekend and will be hosted by Sussex Group, so please book with their secretary.

25-28 April at Bridge Farm, Appledore, Ashford, Kent.

TN26 2DA. Appledore is a quaint Kent village with a shop and a pub with the Royal Military Canal running close by affording excellent walks and fishing. This is a bookable rally.

We have seen a lot of new members joining us at our rallies during 2023 as well as visitors from other Groups popping in on their travels. It is so good to see new people and you are all very welcome. We know that many of you have said that you enjoyed your visit and will come back to see us again. If you have not been to Kent Group before you will be sure of a warm welcome – so why not pop along.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and you are free to join in as much, or as little, as you wish.

LANCASHIRE Following our splendid Christmas and excellent action packed New Year rallies we are looking forward to our games weekend at the Whittingham & Goosnargh Sports and Social Club PR3 2JE on 9-11 February. Shortly followed by our Canberra Club rally BB2 7LF on 16-18 February.

MOTORCYCLE We are looking ahead to warmer days and getting together with friends from the Motorcycle group again, especially after many of us met up at the New Year party weekend put on by the Chiltern Group. Martin Borrill wrote a review for us. 15 MCG vans (29 members) attended the Chiltern New Year's Eve Rally at Wing, near Leighton Buzzard.

We all arrived on Friday 29th December and met up in the hall in the evening, taking two tables but kept extending as more MCG members arrived. It was a lovely evening meeting up with everyone. Lots of chatting and a good singer for entertainment, getting the MCG dancing ladies up on the floor whilst the men, in true biker style, sat around the edges waiting for the non existent “come on” from one of the lovely ladies.

Saturday saw us up the pub (what’s new). After a couple of pints and a bit of munch most of us ended up back in the hall for more socialising and board games. On Saturday evening, the games theme continued and we were split into teams to compete in the ‘Build the tallest structure with newspapers task'. MCG had four teams and predictably we were all super competitive and many fine structures were built, only for most to fall down! Anyway we took victory with Big Andy’s Table beating Kent by about 3 inches. Following the excitement we got out our homemade gins and shared them around with some new flavours being presented.

After a well deserved lie-in and the appearance of blue skies and sunshine on New Year's Eve morning Katrina encouraged us out for a walk around the village. But the rain clouds came over and soaked us all. After drying out we returned to the hall to dress our tables for the evening. We had chosen a black and gold theme and then decorated them with a wonderful array of treasures.

At 6pm we were all in the hall for the evening’s festivities, starting with pre-dinner drinks, then a lovely meal followed

by Leon’s disco up to and into the New Year. A few of us donned our MCG t-shirts and performed a five-star rendition of the Time Warp and we all danced and laughed the night away. There were prizes awarded for best dressed table, decorated van and film pictures. Also the 'one pound raffle' with rewards of money, Chiltern's raffle and of course bingo!

On Monday we all attended the coffee morning, then a few of our group headed home, while the rest stayed for one more night of Paul and Sharon’s Music Night of Fun and Mayhem. Tuesday saw the relentless rain again and we all >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 31

GROUP NEWS Motorcycle group

headed home. Huge thank you to Chiltern committee for all their hard work.

NENE VALLEY We start our first rally for 2024 with a visit to the Gliding Centre on 2-4 February. When booking for this rally please let us know what food, if any, you would like. It is possible to have fish and chips Friday evening, please specify large or small fish. Saturday evening, we are having a haggis supper, and the cook will be doing her roast lunch on Sunday.

February 23-25 we will be at Wrenn School, Doddington Road, Wellingborough. We can have a 1pm start as it is halfterm. It is not far to walk into the town centre, where there is the shopping centre, theatre, museum, Wetherspoons etc.

We will have the use of a classroom.

March 15-17 is at Cogenhoe Bowls Club, where Jane and Denis would like you to wear green to enjoy their evening meal for an Irish-themed night. Corned beef, mash, cabbage and gravy at £2 per head.

An additional rally is planned for April 26-28, at Home Farm, Cople Road, Cardington, Beds. (see website for details).

Upcoming rallies: 2-4 February at The Gliding Centre, Husbands Bosworth Airfield, Sibbertoft Road, Husbands Bosworth, Leics. LE17 6JJ. Cost £12 pupn. Start time 1pm (bookable). We are hoping to provide hookup, for which there will be a charge if taken (approx £10 per w/end).

Please indicate your food requirements when booking.

23-25 February at Wrenn Academy, Doddington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2JJ. Cost £12 pupn. Start time 1pm (bookable). 15-17 March at Cogenhoe Sports and Social Bowls Club, Brafield Road, Cogenhoe NN7 1ND. Cost £13 pupn (plus £2 for meal if required). Start time 1pm (bookable). 5-7 April at Barnwell Village Hall, Church Hill, Barnwell, Peterborough, PE8 5QD. Cost £14 pupn. Starts 1pm.

NORTHERN COUNTIES Hello again everyone. January is always a quiet month but we do have our Christmas Party weekend and New Year rallies to report on.

Our Christmas Party weekend on 8 to 10 December was held at a new venue the Darlington Auction Mart, with access to the town centre where there was an ice sculpture trail to follow. This was hosted by Neil and Jo Huggon with 32 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Bill and Ellen Hanby, plus many helpers, well done all. We had 34 Northern Counties members and nine visitors.

Christmas lunch was arranged with outside caterers and was enjoyed by all. Homegrown entertainment throughout. A successful weekend.

Our second rally report was the old favourite New Year rally at Redcar Racecourse from 29 December to 2 January 2024; a very popular location with the town and seafront within a relatively easy walk (depending on your abilities)!

This was hosted by the Committee and a special thanks to George Jobson and John Ternent for arriving the day prior to get set up and assist with the booking in and parking up, and Dave Brown for assistance with the electrics etc. We had 35 Northern Counties members with eight visitors. There were two nights of professional entertainment and lots of quizzes and games throughout the weekend, with a buffet on New Year's Eve and Carole Browne went to buy the cream cakes for afters! There was also a lovely bottle raffle.

Our first rally of 2024 is at East Durham College, Houghall Campus DH1 3SG on the weekend of 9-11 February – please note this is a working agricultural college and access is not allowed until 5pm Friday afternoon. Buses outside the site for trips to Durham – although for those fitter people among us, it is a nice walk along the river. We hope to see you at a rally soon.

Don’t forget to check our website for rally information and important updates: www.mccnortherncounties.co.uk.

Paula & Tony Edwards

NORTHERN IRELAND Mistletoe and wine rally in Larne 2023. A very wet night for welcoming the motorhomes which saw 25 vans braving the elements and, as the weekend continued, it did not dampen the spirits in any way!

On Friday night Christmas music was played while people chatted which was followed by bingo, ably run by Debbie Tinsley, then mulled wine and mince pies and shortbread, which was served up by Ruth Ross and her team. Dancing ensued with music by DJ William Tinsley before people headed to bed.

Saturday morning was still damp, but, despite this, members went into the town shopping; there was a craft fair being held in Larne market yard. Some went out for lunch and some entertained in their own vans. Saturday night, there was lots of fun with the usual ballot and dancing to Dave Kane into the wee small hours.

Sunday morning was the usual meet up where the Chairman thanked the hosts, co-hosts and the catering team as everyone had a very enjoyable weekend.

Shortbread was offered when people arrived and an extra raffle was distributed, where a snowflake to hang on a tree made by Adeline McClenaghan could be won. Twelve snowflakes were duly won in accordance with the 12 Days of Christmas. The winner of the number plate draw was Iris McEwan and the Christmas Quiz was won by Thelma Kyle-

GROUP NEWS Ewing. Some birthday celebrations were announced as well as a wedding anniversary.

The next rally was announced for the new year, which is to be in Cookstown, and details of the Dinner Dance in midJanuary was also mentioned to be held in Rosspark Hotel in Kells, with deposits needed by 1st January 2024. Joan Hill Despite a horrendous weather forecast, 25 vans arrived at Cookstown Primary School on 29th December and our hosts David, Christine, David and Thelma assisted by Roy and Jenny expertly ensured they were parked and all signed in for this three day rally. Heavy rain continued through Friday night, but it didn’t appear to disrupt the get together in the hall, where friends were reunited and the music provided by Roy had plenty of us on the dancefloor.

Fortunately, the rain ceased for Saturday afternoon and shopping in town where many traders had braved the weather and set up their market stalls. Saturday night, Bob McEwan, assisted by his wife Iris, had us all scratching our heads with a table quiz centred on N. Ireland, modesty nearly (but not quite) forbids me mentioning that it was my team that won!

Quite a few of us headed out on Sunday to the local Royal hotel for meals, which were reported to be of generous portions and great quality. We later gathered in the school hall to toast in the New Year. The club had provided a couple of bottles of wine, nibbles and party poppers to each table to get the evening off to a fine start. Dave Kane provided the live music and ensured that the party atmosphere continued right through to the small hours with everyone filling the dance floor. A very successful raffle with a numerous selection of prizes was run by Denise, Betty, Iris and Barbara and £200+ was raised. 2024 was welcomed in at midnight with the usual joyous celebrations and singing.

Despite the lateness and conviviality of the previous night’s celebration the Monday morning coffee morning was well attended. Our Chairman, David Kyle Ewing, welcomed everyone and gave deserved congratulations to our own Joy Coalter, who had been awarded a BEM in the King’s honour list for her work in the field of education.

New members Deborah and Steve Parry were given a warm welcome. The Chairman also announced that the rally quiz sheets will no longer be used and a bonus voucher will be awarded instead in addition to the normal number plate draw. The number plate draw was won by Ernie Corry and the additional number plate draw was won by Maurice McIlhagga. The Chairman concluded by wishing all a safe journey home. Sam Arlow

NWM&NW Our Christmas Party at Bickerton Village Hall on 8-10 December went well and was enjoyed by everyone. Thirtyfour vans attended with visitors from Severn Valley, S&W Wales, Northern Counties and East Midlands. The parking was good on hard-standing though it was a little cosy in the hall.

On Friday mince pies and mulled wine were served followed by a pub quiz of six rounds of questions covering a wide variety of topics from current affairs, Christmas films to TV Santa faces. Half way through we had bingo and then, heads down for the rest of the quiz. This was won by Jon and Elaine's team who had only one point more than Darren and Shirley's team. Well done to all the teams for taking part and to Christa for setting a quiz to test the "little grey cells".

The Christmas jumper competition was won by Margaret McKinnon for the ladies and David Jones for the men as judged by Charles Sharman and Gail Blackwell.

Many joined the crafting session on Saturday or just came for a chat, coffee, or hot chocolate. Thanks again to Christa. In the evening it was party time starting with a sherry reception before the three-course Christmas meal which went quite well though there were some delays. Our entertainer, Cherry Bomb, soon had the floor full of dancers trying to shake off their meal. Tombola was held in the interval and many were seen returning with loads of prizes, then the dancing resumed. A great night enjoyed by all.

On Sunday before departing it was coffee, more mince pies and the raffle.

New Year was celebrated at Tilstock Village Hall. It was "meet and greet" on Saturday followed by bingo. Les and Joyce Kendrick took most of the money, though Margaret, Darren, Brenda and Jacqui managed to win a little. Shirley and Glenys decorated the hall for the party. Geoff and Mike were on "spud bashing" and Jacqui did the mashing for our sausage, mash and beans supper followed by gateaux.

Les came dressed for the occasion in a kilt and kindly allowed us to use his dongle so we could tune in for the midnight count down and fireworks. Shirley found a cryptic chocolate and sweet quiz to tease us all. This was won by "chocaholic" Linda assisted by Pam, Mike and Bob. A few left on New Year's Day as they had to work leaving the rest of us to enjoy the leftover sausages and gateaux. A big thank you to everyone who helped and supported this rally to make it enjoyable for all.

Details for booking rallies or if you think you can host or help with rallies contact the rally officers, Jon and Elaine: email nwmnwrally@hotmail.com or mobile 07525 851394 Upcoming rallies: 9-11 February at Offley Hay Village Hall, 2 Mere Rise, Copmere End, Stafford ST21 6HH. Hard standing and grass parking. Limited space. Book with Elaine 07525 851394. 23-25 February at Aldridge Community Centre, Anchor Meadows, Aldridge WS9 8AN. Hard standing, room for socials, own drinks. Transport museum. Book with Jon and Elaine 07525 851394. 1-3 March at Brymbo Sports Club Heritage Way, Wrexham, LL11 5GT. St David's Day. Hard standing, bar drinks. Buses into Wrexham.

SCOTTISH As I write this between Christmas and New Year there is not a lot to report. However by the time you are reading this the new rallying season will be upon us. There are seventeen >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 33

GROUP NEWS rallies planned for 2024 and the committee would encourage you to attend at least some of them. They are spread all over Scotland from the Borders to Inverness so at least one will be near you. Please note all rallies start at 2pm unless otherwise advised.

Upcoming rallies: 19-22 April at Foresterseat Caravan Park, Burnside, Arbroath Road, Forfar DDD8 2RT. Starts 2pm.

22-25 April at Logierait Railway Farm, Near Pitlochry PH9 0LH. Starts 2pm.

SEVERN VALLEY The Severn Valley Group held their New Year Rally at Ledbury Rugby Club 29th December-2nd January. Despite the chilly wet weather outside, all those attending received a warm welcome. Forty-six motorhomes braved the elements to see in the New Year with eight MCC groups being represented.

There were plenty of events to keep everyone entertained. Saturday night saw the ever popular “Mel & Him” entertaining us – always a crowd pleaser. This was accompanied by hot pork rolls with stuffing and apple sauce.

On Sunday the tables were decorated ready for the New Year’s Eve disco and basket meal. There was also a theme of black and white dress, with many of the revellers dressing up to see in the New Year.

For one Severn Valley member the weekend was a close shave – with Mick having his “santa” beard shaved off for charity. He raised £170 for the Midlands Air Ambulance – well done Mick and thanks to those who delved deep into their pockets to support him.

On New Year’s Day 56 hungry members had a lovely meal at The Full Pitcher. On Tuesday everyone said their farewells and made their way home. Thank you to the rally hosts and those who pitched in to support the host and committee to ensure things ran smoothly and any issues were resolved. The committee have received some great feedback from those who attended – we are very pleased that you all had a good time and we look forward to welcoming you again at our future rallies.

Please check the SV website for upcoming rallies and for our Easter rally which is currently awaiting confirmation.

New committee member, Andy, has given the website a facelift to make it a little more user friendly. You can now also access Google maps and venue websites directly from the SV website. We also now have a buying & selling page for motorhome related items (full details are on the website).

If you haven’t yet signed up to our Facebook page I would urge you to check it out.

SWP I hope you are all well, healthy and have survived the festive jollities and enjoying the New Year ready for more rallies with friends old and new.

Our Christmas Party rally was held at Cofton Holiday Park, Dawlish. Although the weather was very wet with roads flooded, by the time many had arrived on the Thursday, the 34 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

rain eased and all were parked up and settled with the most gorgeous evening sunset. In total we had 22 vans (four West Country, one West Wessex and 17 SWP).

On the Friday evening we were welcomed with a predinner drink before being seated. We all had a lovely time with free wine flowing and great food. It was then time to dance the night away, well until midnight at least.

Saturday was dry, and many had taken advantage to go walking or cycling along the river banks. Some called in at Powderham Castle for tea and cakes, some took the bus to Exeter to visit the Christmas Market. Saturday afternoon gave us the opportunity to all to get together to enjoy warm mince pies and mulled wine, it was very welcome and thanks to Mel and Pete for organising.

Sunday was the much-anticipated Grand Christmas Raffle with amazing prizes to be won, organized by Sally and Ian, with one lucky winner getting the top prize of a £75 M&S voucher.

Thanks go to Barbs, Ray, Mel, Pete, Sally and Ian for organising a great Christmas Rally.

Our New Year's Rally was held at Trevarrian Holiday Park, near Newquay. Although the weather wasn’t kind to us, with extremely strong winds and at times torrential rain, a total of 21 vans (one Avon, seven West Country, and 13 SWP) gathered to see the end of 2023. After getting settled we all enjoyed a basket meal followed by a game of ten pin bowling. Then many took part in a very serious game of bingo while we enjoyed meeting up in the bar with old and new friends. New Year's Eve turned into a fantastic party night, where we all made merry and danced the night away. At midnight everyone joined hands to sing Auld Lang Syne then went around the room wishing all a very Happy New Year. It was a very memorable and enjoyable evening.

Although the weather was against us it did not stop us having a great time.

Please remember if any changes to the rally programme are necessary they will be notified to all MCC members through the monthly newsletters, SWP and MCC websites together with our Facebook page.

Upcoming rallies: 16-18 February (Valentine's Rally) at Trevarrian Holiday Park, Newquay, TR8 4AQ. 28 March-1 April (Easter Rally) at Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, Cornwall TR8 5PW. Please note: May 30-3 June Teignmouth Rally, is a bookable rally due to limited spaces, which will be open to SWP members from 29th April and open to all MCC members from 13th May. Booking info to follow.

S&W WALES Hi everyone, at last the rain has stopped and, as I write, the winter sun is shining which is good rallying weather.

8-11 December at Hi-Tide, Porthcawl. A big thank you to the hosts Betty, Liz, Colin and Glyn for parking us up in the heavy rain and freezing winds; the result of storm Elin. There were 32 vans in all; quite a good turnout for the time of year.

We were made very welcome by the manager, Helen Pierce, and all the staff of The Harbour Lights restaurant and bar at >>

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GROUP NEWS the Hi-Tide. Quite a few of us were in the bar on Friday night and enjoyed a quiz set by Bruce which was won by a team called the Jingle Bells, consisting of John, Sandra, Kath, Peter, Jan and Anthony.

The rain stopped on Saturday and we managed to get out around the town but it was very windy. As we walked into town we were amazed at the number of surfers that were braving the waves on Trecco Bay. The Christmas party was a real treat with a lovely buffet with lots of hot and cold items followed by a seven piece band. They are the ‘Sorted Ska Band’ from Fishguard and they were very good especially doing Madness songs. The raffle was also held on Saturday with two special hampers as the star prizes.

Sunday was again very windy with Storm Fergus named by the Irish Met Office but I suppose it is to be expected in the winter.

29 December-2 January at Kidwelly Community Centre. The hosts were Sue and Keith Howard, Muriel and Dave Butt. Despite torrential rain and howling winds we had 25 vans at the New Year rally including first timers Lesley, Martyn, David and Julie, Paul Stevens from Severn Valley group and Dylis and Bob Jarrett, old friends of the club, from the Avon Group.

Friday we kicked off with a meet and greet as usual followed by a few games of bingo and music in the background, a nice slow start to the rally. The use of the hall from 12pm every day really makes all the difference socially with tea and coffee available until 9pm, with the non-stop rain it was lovely to be able to chat with friends or get stuck into a jigsaw or two.

Saturday afternoon John, Julie and Penny had a bit of a jam session with Les and Idris singing along. In the evening we had a few games of bingo followed by John Davies, Keith Howard and Julie Stevens on guitars who led a good old singsong. That was followed by a quiz all about the year 2023 it was won by a team who called themselves “The Geriatrics”.

New Year's eve still raining, however it was cosy in the hall with the tables decorated beautifully. Have a look at the club's Facebook page as there were photos and videos uploaded on the night. The dress theme was rugby shirts but it’s not compulsory for anyone fancying sequins. As quite a few people were leaving on New Year’s day we had the raffle, Glyn our treasurer won a bottle of malt whiskey; as he doesn't drink it he asked for it to be auctioned by Dave.

It was won by Tim Watts, the entertainer’s father, who paid £40 for it in aid of our charity, Wales Air Ambulance. That amount was boosted by £15 thanks to Alex, Keith, Lesley and Martyn.

The artist was Sean Watts, a young man from Aberystwyth, who did a tribute to Elton John in the first session, Freddy Mercury in the second and finished off the night with a soul set. He was very good with a good sense of humour, getting plenty of feedback from the members. We had a few dances and encouraged by artist Sean a few sing songs and rounded off the night at 2am.

A very quiet, slow start to New Year’s day with only eight

vans staying over. After a visit to the local rugby club in the afternoon to watch the Scarlets we had a very easy evening.

On behalf of the hosts can I say how easy you all made the rally for us. Not one of you arrived before 2pm on the Friday and we thank all of you for your offers of help all through the rally, it is much appreciated. For any members who are worried about hosting you will never be on your own, help is always on offer. Thanks to Muriel Butt for this report.

Listed below are the excellent forthcoming rallies – some are bookable so make sure you book early by contacting Keith, our Rally Officer, and do not miss out.

Upcoming rallies: 15-18 February at Saint Richard Gwyn School, Barry CF63 1BL. New Venue. Valentine’s Weekend.

Hall, showers, toilets. Starts 12noon. 8-11 March at Tycroes Rugby Club SA18 3NY. Showers, toilets, entertainment.

Starts 12 noon. 28 March-2 April at Hi Tide, Porthcawl CF36 5BT. Easter weekend, showers, toilets. Bookable. starts 2pm. 19-21 April at Dan yr Ogof Caves, SA9 1GJ. Includes EHU, hardstanding. Bookable. Starts 12noon. For all bookable rallies please contact our rally officer on 07791 524227 or keithjhoward17@gmail.com.

SUSSEX I hope you are all rested after the festivities, eager to begin the new year’s travels in your vans. Let’s hope the weather is kind and the roads are clear.

Our Christmas rally at Thomas A Becket Junior School was the first for our new committee as hosts, with attendees from Essex (spectacular prize winners), Kent, East Wessex, West Wessex, West Country as well as our own Sussex members. The weather was mostly cold but dry, although the sun was missing most of the time which did not help the solar panels! Thank you everyone for arriving after 6pm on Friday, minimising congestion in the approach to the school.

Friday saw the annual Xmas jumper competition, with a record number of entrants. This was won by Barbara Mossman from the Essex group, husband Nigel coming a close second. Card bingo, a game of Heads and Tails and a singalong with action of the 12 Days of Xmas completed the Friday evening get together.

Saturday afternoon had craft activities attracting several participants and the table sales enabled some members to make more space for new additions while others increased their load! The tombola by Jackie took the overall weekend charity take to £82 for the KSS Air Ambulance Service. Well done! We were entertained in the evening by a Sussex favourite, DJ Tom, ensuring an active session. Jackie had also organised the raffle, which was increased by several donations. Essex members outdid everyone with a spectacular table display, justifiably increasing their prize haul.

The rally closed after coffee on Sunday morning, with lots of positive comments made to the new committee.

Thank you for your help, support and participation in >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 39

GROUP NEWS making the weekend a success.

This was closely followed by the New Year’s Rally at St Richard’s in Bexhill. Again we welcomed visitors from Essex, Kent, West Country and East Wessex as well as Sussex, braving the sun, wind, rain, thunder and hailstones!

Quizzes from Mary kept our brains active during the first evening, with Rockin Robbins providing the music on Saturday night to ensure our bodies got an equal workout.

Mandy Beeke organised competitions, quizzes and music for our New Year’s Eve entertainment, her hard work made the evening a great success and was appreciated by all.

Well done! An extra big thanks to all who helped.

Upcoming events: 16-18 February at Thomas a Becket Junior School, Worthing, BN14 7PR. Start time 6pm.

Valentine's theme plus a special birthday celebration on Friday. Saturday evening entertainment with the RetroLites so 60s/70s clothing optional. 28 March-1 April at St Richard’s Catholic College, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1SF. Bumper Easter rally with NoFitState Friday, Rockin Robbins Saturday, fun and games on Sunday, plus the usual activities including the Easter Bonnet parade. Joint with the Kent group but hosted this year by Sussex. Please check our Facebook page and website for more details.

WEST WESSEX Although we are now in 2024 it’s not too late to remember the Christmas Party! Santa managed to call in and distribute presents to everyone and after a delicious buffet we danced the night away. We enjoyed a quiz evening with bingo and a race night. Many braved the cold, and sometimes wet, to venture into town where a Christmas Market was being held.

Our New Year celebrations will be reviewed next month as it was after submission date for this month.

Upcoming rallies: 29 February-3 March at Herston Farm Camping Park, Washpond Lane, Swanage BH19 3DJ. 50* 37’ 05.68” N. 1*58’ 48.49” W. Full facility site including electric. Blues Festival Weekend, starts 12 noon.

Book with Maria (07887 393137). 28 March-1 April is our Easter Rally at St. Michael’s Middle School, Colehill Lane, Wimborne BH21 7AB. 50* 48’ 34.90” N 1*57’58.89” W. Starts 12 noon. Food and entertainment. Full details on West Wessex website.

WEST COUNTRY Sitting writing this early in the New year with the wind howling and the rain lashing down, I am hoping that this year brings drier weather for many of our events.

From the 1st March booking opens for any other group MCC member for our 60th anniversary celebrations at Cofton in April; we have allowed West Country members first booking choice as we have been allocated a number of pitches on hardstanding and all other pitches will be on grass. We would like to welcome as many West Country members as possible, it is after all your group.

Our next rally will be at Riverside, South Moulton. This is a familiar venue for our group, and we are always made welcome with hardstanding and a welcoming clubhouse, should anyone wish to join us please contact our rally officers for booking.

Our second rally of the year is at Unity in Brean; for all those that enjoy walking or cycling there is a path between Brean and Weston-Super-Mare. There is also direct beach access which is dog friendly. We have access to rooms for our private use on two evenings and will be starting the celebrations for our 60th with entertainment. Other nights there will be access to the site facilities. Buses run from outside the site to Weston, Burnham which enables you to travel further afield.

Please remember booking is required for all events and the form for our popular Exmouth rally is available on our website, all other bookings to be made to our rally officers.

Upcoming rallies: 7-11 February at Riverside, South Moulton EX36 3HQ. 19-24 March at Unity Farm, Brean TA8 2RB. 16-21 April at Cofton Holiday Park EX36 8RP, our 60th anniversary celebrations.

40 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

West Wessex group

Yorkshire group

YORKSHIRE Hi everyone. As we did not have an elected committee from the AGM at Wetherby, we had to hold an EGM which took place on Saturday 9th December at the Christmas Rally at Driffield Showground where a new committee was subsequently elected, of which I am now the secretary. Thank you to Jacqui my predecessor for all your help so far, a big thank you to all last year’s committee for all the work organising everything and covering several roles each due to a shortage of committee members.

Raymond Bolton The Christmas Rally was incorporated with the EGM. Forty-one vans attended comprising 37 Yorkshire; two East Midlands; one each from Essex and Northern Counties.

On the Friday night quiz, bingo, music/dancing and karaoke were held. Saturday morning the EGM to elect the new committee was set up, followed in the evening by a buffet, raffle (all prizes wrapped in Xmas paper), disco, prize for the best decorated table and superb entertainment by singer/ guitarist Johnny Flinton. Sunday we held a coffee and biscuit morning prior to departure. A good time was had by all.

Our New Year’s Rally was held 29th December to 2nd January at Malton & Norton RUFC Clubhouse. Arriving on Friday there was a fairly quiet evening with a pie’n’pea

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supper, quiz, bingo, find the key (which was not won), finishing off with karaoke.

Saturday it rained all day followed by severe wind which didn’t stop some members walking into Malton town centre.

In the evening we were entertained by Alfie Pearson doing an Elvis tribute, which was excellent, during the interval we held find the key again in which the winner got £100.

New Year’s Eve brought torrential rain again, we held a 40s themed night where we were entertained by Colin Bourdiec, a comedy/magician/George Formby tribute. Prizes to best female and best male attired. There was also a buffet, raffle and find the key with the winner earning £50.

New Year’s Day, several vans departed. In the evening we had a second quiz and played games and bingo followed by music from our resident DJ/Chairperson Mark Greenley. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

Our next rallies are 9-11 February at Wetherby Racecourse (Valentine's rally) and 23-25 February at Skipton Auction Mart, all starting at 1pm.

RALLY AMENDS EAST MIDLANDS 9-11 February rally has had a change of venue, the new venue is: North Muskham Community Centre, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 6HL.

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February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 41

TECH TALK with Gentleman Jack

In the last of this series of Tech Talk, Jack answers showgoers’ questions concerning the names given to various types and genres of motor caravan (sic). However, he wishes to emphasise that what follows is just another set of opinions…hopefully informed ones…but none-the-less, just opinions.

NOMANCLATURE Q. HOW MANY OFFICIAL TYPES OF MOTORCARAVAN ARE THERE IN THE UK? A. According to the DVLA and VOSA…only one for both big and small [1 & 2]. It appears within information field D.5 (Body type); under Section 4 (Vehicle Details); on the Form V5C log book [3]. It is ‘motor caravan’ (two words).

That said, among enthusiasts there are delineated sub-groups of type of motorcaravan, but these are not recognised by DVLA as a ‘Body Type’. Their names are used by motorcaravanners to aid identification and ease communication. In particular, the groups monikered ‘PVC’ – Panel Van Conversion – [4] and ‘coachbuilt’ [5a & 5b].

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PVC AND A COACHBUILT? A. PVC’s (also referred to as ‘van conversions’) utilise all the original commercial vehicle’s bodywork for their entire length, but on occasions, only up to the top of the side walls. The most popular type of coachbuilt in the UK uses the cab of the original, but grafts a new body behind it. Usually, the chassis extensions behind the cab are from the original vehicle manufacturer (such as Fiat or Mercedes-Benz), 42 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

1

2

4 3

5b

5a

6 7

8 though a sizeable minority replace them with extensions and rear suspension from a third party… usually Al-Ko Kober. Another type of coachbuilt [1] – called an ‘A-Class’ in Blighty – doesn’t use any of the base vehicle manufacturers’ bodywork, instead it fabricates a complete body shell which is the same width throughout its length, making the cab integral to the main salon. A-Class coachbuilts are sometimes described as having an exterior which resembles a coach.

Q. PLEASE EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIFFERENT DESIGNS OF PVC ROOFS. A. There are three common variants, plus a hybrid. ‘Tin-tops’ [6] have a standard-height metal roof crown,

which doesn’t allow occupants standing-height. When deployed, elevating-roofs [7] (sometimes referred to as ‘pop-tops’) allow occupants to stand-up in at least part of the interior. High-tops [4] enable standing height throughout the motorcaravan’s length. Finally, increasingly in vogue, is the hybrid.

These are high-top motorcaravans with an elevating-roof added to the crown, which facilitates the inclusion of an upstairs ‘bedroom’ [8].

Q. MY DEALER AND MANY MANUFACTURERS STATE THAT ONLY COACHBUILTS WITH A BED ABOVE THE CAB ARE OVERCABS. IS THIS TRUE? A. Self-evidently it isn’t. If the coachbuilt body extends over the base vehicle cab then it is an

‘overcab’ (the clue is in the name), whether it is a low-profile overcab as in [5a] or a bulbous Luton overcab as in [5b].

Q. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF COACHBUILTS ARE THERE? A. Two more in common usage.

Firstly ‘unitary’ coachbuilts [9].

These are ones in which the residential bit is completely separate from the cab (not just divided from it). Global Expedition motorcaravans such as [9] are built this way to allow maximum axle articulation and for the body to pivot in the middle when traversing extremely undulating rocky terrain. ‘Slide-outs’ are (usually) coachbuilts but with at least part of one wall which extends outwards in order to gain valuable floor space when on-site [10]. >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 43

TECH TALK

9 11

10 12

Q. WHAT DOES A MOTORHOME NEED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH TO JUSTIFY ITS DESCRIPTION AS A LINER CLASS? [1 & 12] A. Wags might opine that, “It needs to have a badge that says so, plus a sense of exclusivity and importance”.

A more prosaic answer is that there is no official minimum standard of equipment, The term ‘Liner Class’ is an invention of marketing departments and focus groups. That isn’t to say that those monikered as such are not highly-desirable, they most certainly are!

Q. FINALLY, ONLY ONE PERSON ASKED THIS QUESTION,

BUT I’VE INCLUDED IT AS SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM THE FREQUENT DEBATES OVER WHETHER (SAY) THE BANCROFT DREAMCATCHER XXL IS A CAMPERVAN OR A MOTORHOME! PETER W HAD BEEN HAVING A ‘FRIENDLY DISCUSSION’ WITH HIS VISITING AMERICAN SONIN-LAW OVER WHETHER HIS CONCORDE LINER (THERE YOU GO) IS A ‘TOY HAULER’.

HE ASKED ME TO SETTLE THE MATTER. A. ‘Toy Hauler’ is a term more frequently used in America and Canada. It describes a certain

type of RV, both motorised, and towed [11] where the rear section is isolated completely to form a separate full-height garage. AFAIK all Concorde models with a car garage accessed from the rear [12] have a bed above it. Thus, in the immortal words of Sir Humphry Appleby, the answer is, “Yes…and…No”. For the sake of family harmony, call it whatever your son-in-law thinks is appropriate…at least when he is visiting!

Happy travels in your leisure vehicle, however you choose to describe it…

Ferry Good for Al-ko The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step ahead for motorhome owners. Covering all requirements expected from a levelling system. it is simply and quickly operated using the on-board touch-screen controls or operated remotely from an iPhone 5 and above or an Android phone via a Bluetooth free app.

Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension system, all your suspension and levelling needs are catered for.

At AS Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve and stay ahead of our competitors.

Using innovative materials to reduce the weight of the systems, without any compromise to quality.

AS Air Suspension UK Ltd. 131 Chester Road, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 6ET info@as-airsuspension.co.uk www.as-airsuspension.co.uk T 01925 740666 • M 07874 046643 44 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Are you driving illegally?

When did you last check your motorhome weight?

Ministry figures suggest up to 80% of motorhomes may be operating overloaded!

Drive an overloaded motorhome and you not only risk a fine, you also risk your insurance and the safety of you and your passengers!

When looking to buy your next motorhome, insist on an accurate, up-to-date weight ticket!

The brochure may state a MIRO or payload allowance, but these figures can be out by as much as 5% (average 125kg).

This is more likely to be against you than in your favour, so it is always recommended that you visit a weighbridge to check your vehicle’s weight.

Need to uprate to carry more payload?

If you think you might have a payload issue, we can help.

SvTech is able to increase/uprate the payload allowance on many makes and models.

Behind the scenes of every SvTech uprate, testing of a vehicle is carried out to create a ministry recognised test report, which is then use to cover subsequent uprates. This report and testing is vital in supporting an uprate, and is a legal requirement. Do not be fooled into thinking it’s just a paperwork exercise, as offered by others.

Reaching 70? Need to consider downrating?

SvTech can downrate your motorhome to 3500kg should you not pass, or wish to take, your medical. You must first weigh the motorhome to find out what payload you will have available at 3500kg. For further guidance on downrating please visit our website at www.svtech.co.uk/motor-home-downrates To promote road safety, SvTech designed a free-to-use, Load Distribution Analysis (LDA) program which helps the user to know their likely laden weight and how best to position their goods about the vehicle to avoid an axle overload. Please visit our website www.svtech.co.uk/lda to find out how you can stay safely within your vehicle limits.

For any questions regarding these matters, please contact 01772 621800 or email, webenquiries@svtech.co.uk

www.millhillfarm.net millhillfarmcamping@live.co.uk Quiet, friendly touring site near Dunwich Camping pods available Fishing / Bird watching / Dog friendly Close to RSPB Minsmere, Southwold and the Suffolk Coast

Sutton Hoo

Holidays Campsite

Westleton Road, Darsham, Suffolk IP17 3BS | Tel: 01728 668555

On a small working farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • WiFi • Toilet & shower block • Dogs allowed • 10-minute walk to the famed Sutton Hoo National Trust site • Close to Woodbridge, Rendlesham Forest, Orford and Framlingham.

01394 389013 holidays@suttonhoo.co.uk Camping, Touring & Holiday Accommodation Visitors Welcome to BASECAMP, our Café, Bar and Restaurant

Next month we travel to... the South of England

Pinecones Caravan & Camping A Premier Caravan & Camping site in the beautiful settings of North Norfolk

OPEN ALL YEAR

WWW.CLIPPESBYHALL.COM 01493 367800 CLIPPESBY HALL, HALL ROAD, CLIPPESBY, NR29 3BL

• 12 month site • Walks/cycling from the site • Sandringham Visitor Centre (25 min walk) • Snettisham Beach (60 min walk) • Water Mill walk (90 mins walk) + more • Pubs: Two village pubs within a short walk, both dog friendly with great food • Nearby bus stop • Bike hire • Free ice on site • Dog friendly • Luxury individual bathrooms • Takeaway food on site • Children’s play area • Free WiFi • Calor Gas stockist • Luxury pitches available with heated picnic huts • Electric vehicle charging available

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T: 01485 544224 | E: info@pinecones.co.uk www.pinecones.co.uk 46 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024 66_651_RunCottage_ADVURN22056.pgs 09.09.2014 14:44

FMG-Advent

OU T & A B OU T

Sunset over boats on the beach at West Mersea, a small tidal island off the Essex coast.

Credit: Helen Hotson/shutterstock.com

THIS MONTH WE VISIT...

EAST OF ENGLAND

THE ONLY WAY TO SEE ESSEX Frances & Michael Howorth visit the east of England and discover the best way to see Essex is in a campervan or motorhome.

D

isregard reality TV stereotypes. Ignore the gold chains and fake tan labels, Essex is a great place to take a motorcaravan. Once clear of the urbanisation, north of London, Essex drops its capital dormitory status, and reverts to its rural roots.

It is a divine destination, even in the depths of winter, which is when we visited.

We ventured north eastwards, travelling up the A12 towards Colchester. We turned right before we got there, driving through Braxted Park to Tiptree, home to Wilkin and Sons the jam makers.

We had heard about the Tiptree tea

room, museum and jam shop and wanted to make a visit.

The tearoom museum was started over 50 years ago when John Wilkin began collecting paraphernalia of preserve making and Essex village life. Now, in the building where the famous jam was first prepared, you can get an idea how the business grew from a husband-and-wife team, to become a living teatime legend. The Wilkin family have been farming at Tiptree, Essex, since 1757. They have been making quality preserves there since 1885. Fruit crops still grown on the farmland around the factory include strawberries, raspberries, mulberries, Morello cherries, rhubarb,

damson, Victoria plum, greengage, quince, and the curious medlar.

All are turned into jam and sold across the world in jars bearing the iconic Tiptree label. Did we mention tea? Yes, and it is a good thing we did, because the tearoom on site is far too good to miss. We tucked into high-tea for two, beautifully presented and served on a threetiered china cake stand, with your choice of freshly made sandwiches, afternoon tea includes freshly baked sultana scones, Cornish clotted cream and Tiptree jam, along with a selection of individual fresh pastries.

It was somewhat difficult to tear ourselves away from such a feast, but time and tide wait for no man, and >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 47

OUT & ABOUT | EAST OF ENGLAND

A walk from Chigborough Farm along the River Blackwater

Following the gruffalo trail at Thorndon Country Park

Michael with Nick, curator of the Tiptree Museum

it was the tide that was dictating our agenda on our first day.

With high tide expected to be at 8pm that evening, we needed to cross onto Mersea Island well before 6:30pm. After that, The Strood, a causeway that connects the island to mainland Britain, could become submerged and unpassable. The island, in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries, has been a holiday hotspot for centuries. There is evidence suggesting that Roman soldiers garrisoned at Colchester came here to fish. The island is divided into East

Voyager leaving the White Hart Inn in west Mersea.

48 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

and West Mersea and while we were planning to have dinner and stay overnight in West Mersea, our first stop was Cudmore Grove, a Country Park in East Mersea.

Managed by Explore Essex, this park has a beach with impressive views across the water towards Brightlingsea. Meadows offer a myriad of walking opportunities that will take you past interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife. Winter brings wading birds and wildfowl, including flocks of Brent geese. There are WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements, as well as the remains of a 16th century blockhouse fort and a cliff that has produced 300,000-year-old fossils. In summer, a foot ferry service connects the park with Brightlingsea and St Oysyth, and a return trip on board could be a destination highlight in its own right.

Set close by saltmarshes and mudflats, West Mersea is firmly in oyster territory and there are several

shops selling them. The town hosts an array of independent shops, guesthouses and restaurants and is most famous for pretty, colourful beach huts. Row upon row of them stand sentry at the water's edge. But we are not here for shopping or the beach huts. We have dinner booked at the White Hart Inn in town. It is located at the heart of West Mersea village, opposite the church and a delightful museum. Parts of this pub date from the 15th century, but it was closed and became derelict in 2013. In November 2021, under new ownership, the pub was brought back to life with a partial rebuild and complete refurbishment that has created a contemporary yet still cosy and comforting restaurant with rooms. Book dinner and perhaps even breakfast the following morning, and the chances are, if you ask nicely, they will let you stay overnight in their car park. That is what we did, and truly enjoyed both meals. Ed Campbell, the new chef at this Michelin-mentioned eatery, has created a comprehensive set

Bateman's Tower on a walk along the shore at Brightlingsea

of menus including a well thought through set menu that offers splendid value.

Timing our island departure with that of the tides, we drove across a still-drying Strood on our way to Walton-on-the-Naze, and the chance to go fossil hunting. We had a date with Peter Dimmick, known locally as the fossil man. He was going to tell us all about sharks’ teeth!

The Naze Nature Discovery Centre is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Here the centre runs discovery classes in all manners of ecology and environmental nature. Peter showed us teeth the size of a man’s palm and explained they were the fossilised remains the Megalodon shark, a species that became extinct over 3 million years ago. While these are somewhat difficult to find on the beach, Peter did explain how easy it was to find smaller, fossilised teeth on the beach. After a quick lesson in spotting, it was time to put our newfound knowledge into practice.

And it did not take long for us to locate teeth from a sand shark that

Some of the wine at New Hall Wine Estate

Michael fossil hunting with Peter Dimmick at The Naze Beach

died some 55 million years ago!

Picking it up, it is hard to come to terms with the fact that we were the first humans to have ever done so in the history of this planet. The 70-feet high cliffs that line the beach are being eroded away and are in danger of slipping. It is not wise to venture too close to the edge.

Full of picture-perfect views, Walton-on-the-Naze is a family seaside resort with sandy beaches, seafront gardens and quaint narrow

streets. But we did not linger long.

We wanted to visit Brightlingsea, the seaside town we had gazed at the day before, from our viewpoint on Mersea Island. Situated between Colchester and Clacton, this small coastal town sits on the mouth of the River Colne and Brightlingsea creek.

We walked along the water’s edge to see pretty beach huts lined along the shore and made our way to the grade II listed Bateman’s Tower and gazed upon Mersea Island from the other side of the river. In the summer months, children go crabbing here, the beach is perfect for paddling and swimming, and the community lido is also open. When you finish walking along the sea front wander into the picturesque town and grab some lovely seaside fish and chips!

Our overnight stop and base for the next few days was the campsite at Chigborough Farm. Nestled among 130 acres of arable land and fishing lakes, it is a rural oasis on the outskirts of Maldon. The >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 49

OUT & ABOUT | EAST OF ENGLAND

Tollesbury

Famous for its historic university, Cambridgeshire also includes many museums and art galleries.

Packed full of stunning architecture and nature, Cambridge is renowned for its impact on history.

The tightly packed city centre is perfect for exploring ancient colleges, cobbled streets and the picturesque “Backs” alongside the river Cam. For a unique way to explore, try your hand at punting.

The Boathouse is a pub in the heart of Cambridge situated on the river, a great place to rest between visiting other attractions. travel from far and wide for brunch here. Guests can also enjoy several other attractions onsite. Chigboro’ Fisheries, which was opened in 1981, still provides a tranquil setting for both coarse and trout fishing. You can use the lakes to try your hand at paddleboarding or hire rowboats

shu tte rs

rney sdo

50 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

hr i k /c

Home Water at Chigborough Farm

River Cam in Cambridge

There is more to Cambridgeshire than just academia. You can visit a World War Two aerial hanger at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, admire a Norman cathedral in Peterborough or you can follow the footsteps of one of the county’s most famous residents, Oliver Cromwell to Ely to treat yourself to views of sprawling wetlands from the lantern towers. Orchard Lodge is a Club CL open all year round.

Owned and operated by Stephen and Linda Cruttenden and located in Huntington, it is a great place to stay. c to

campsite is located next to Home Water, the largest Fly Fishing Lake at Chigborough Farm. It's sheltered by hedging on the east, south and west, and has paddocks, open farmland and The Essex Wildlife Trust Reserve to the north.

Embracing their passion for angling and farming, Paul and Sam Tallowin returned to Essex in 2000 and have lovingly managed the farm and fishery since 2006. They produce cereals and vegetables on the arable farmland that has been in the family for three generations. The farm has evolved over the years, with Paul and Sam diligently restoring old farm buildings and converting them to other uses. Among these developments, visitors can now enjoy Lambton and Jackson Smoked Salmon and the mouth-watering delights from the Black Pig Cafe also on site. Adam Blackett, the café owner, was trained by Albert Roux.

His food speaks for itself, and people

EXPLORE MORE...

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

and pedalos. Or you can explore this beautiful area on one of the farm’s hire bikes. Just download the App-Bike app, follow the simple instructions and away you go!

Head to the neighbouring villages of Goldhanger or Heybridge Basin by joining the sea wall at the end >>

GRASMERE CARAVAN PARK

Memorable holidays on the North Norfolk Coast Touring pitches and beach huts nestled next to Wells beach

pinewoods.co.uk

• Hardstanding & grass pitches • Launderette • Toilets/showers including disabled • Wi-Fi available • Sorry no dogs allowed t: 01493 720382 w: www.grasmere-wentworth.co.uk Grasmere Caravan Park, 9 Bultitudes Loke, Caister-On-Sea, Norfolk NR30 5DH

Award Winning Family Resort

The perfect location for exploring the North West Norfolk coast and countryside. > FREE Leisure and Entertainment Passes > Walking Distance to Beach and Town Centre > Mains Serviced, Serviced and Standard Pitches > Variety of Onsite Food and Drink Venues > Golf, Fishing, Tennis and Bowls > Heated Shower Facilities > Rally Groups Welcome > 24h Reception FREE > Open Year Round* (not supplied) *Limited facilities in off-season

Awnings

Booking hotline: 01485 534211 Lines open: 8am - 8pm Monday to Saturday. 9am - 6pm Sunday.

or scan QR code to book online Quote Ref: MC2024

Searles Leisure Group, South Beach, Hunstanton Norfolk PE36 5BB

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 51 SLR CAMPING 107.5 X 70 JAN 24 ARTWORK.indd 1

15/01/2024 14:45

Holkham Hall

EXPLORE MORE...

NORFOLK From the bright lights and seaside fun of Great Yarmouth to the tranquillity of the Norfolk Broads and the rich cultural heritage of Norwich, the county’s capital city and UNESCO's first City of Literature, there is much to see and do in Norfolk. Delia Smith, Stephen Fry, Hugh Jackman, James Dyson and Martin Shaw have, at some stage, called Norfolk their home and we envy them that. We spent a week or so in Norfolk last year enjoying the 90 miles of unspoilt coastline, busy market towns, and seaside resorts, and wrote about our experiences in the February 2023 edition of this magazine. Norfolk is famous for pretty villages, traditional pubs, luxury hotels, country houses, large estates, birdwatching, boating, beaches, and coastlines. Our trip shu tte rs

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ck

grap oto Ph l__ ve ra /T hy

Great Yarmouth

52 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Brograve Windmill on the Norfolk Broads

combined many such attractions.

We really enjoyed Holkham Hall, a Palladian style mansion, built

by Thomas Coke, the first Earl of Leicester, between 1734 and 1764.

The village of Banningham with its traditional green surrounded by houses and a large church with an impressive 15th century tower, was another favourite. We strolled from there through the village in search of its infamous snake pit. Locals believe Richard Cromwell, the son of infamous Lord Protector Oliver, had a 14ft pit dug, into which were put ten venomous snakes. He said that any man who had doubts about the morals of his wife had the right to throw her into the pit.

If she escaped unhurt it proved her innocence!

We enjoyed the town of King's Lynn so much, that we wrote a separate feature which was published here one month later. We stayed at Mill Cottage Motorhome Pitches, a beautifully laid out and maintained Motor Caravan Club CL run by Sharon and Charlie Hunt. As keen motorhomers of many years, they understand the need for safe, comfortable sites in good locations and they offer just this at the CL.

>> of Chigborough Road. And if ever it rains, they have a pottery barn where you can unleash your creativity and get inspired with pottery painting.

Chigborough Farm is a wellsituated location from which to explore the heart of the Essex countryside. We visited Tollesbury, Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch from there. Tollesbury marina, with its iconic red lightship, is a great place for walkers and nature lovers, and the marshes are home to a variety of wildlife. The village sits at the mouth of the River Blackwater and the swirling saltmarshes there were used to film the Apple TV series, The Essex Serpent.

Sam Lonergan, one of the owners of Crouch Ridge Vineyard with their gin

OUT & ABOUT | EAST OF ENGLAND We drove over to Maldon, parked up and mooched along the high street to see the iconic Moot Hall building which stretches over the pavement. Down the hill, Thames barges lay along the river. The market town of Maldon has a strong maritime history and is the home of Maldon Sea Salt. Sadly, however, the factory that produces the salt EXPLORE MORE... does not offer tours. If you continue walking through town, you reach View from Chiltern Hills Promenade Park on the banks of the River Blackwater. This dates to The cider orchards in Herefordshire Edwardian times and was also one HERTFORDSHIRE are said to produce over half of of several filming locations used With a stunning natural backdrop, the cider consumed in the UK, hereabouts during the filming of The Herefordshire is the perfect place and many farms and producers Essex Serpent! for outdoor pursuits. give tours and let you sample and In Burnham-on-Crouch we found The quintessentially English purchase directly from them. a pleasant circular walk which allows countryside found in and around you to see the whole town. This the Chiltern Hills, an area of five-and-a-half-mile walk takes you outstanding natural beauty, BEDFORDSHIRE from local parkland to the boats of boasts an impressive selection If you are interested in history and the marina, along the quay beside of pubs, restaurants, and historic the arts or simply want to relax and the Crouch Estuary, then into open market towns. One of the enjoy quiet, unspoilt countryside, countryside. It passes through two most beautiful is Bradenham, Bedfordshire is a haven of true distinct habitats along the way. a National Trust village with tranquillity. Full of beautiful little Grassland birds can be spotted in a traditional manor house. towns and villages, you will never the countryside section of the walk; There are some great walking run out of places to explore. Despite meanwhile, in the middle of the walk, opportunities. Admire the views its proximity to London, and its you can see coastal birds including from Coombe Hill, Pulpit Hill superb transport links to the capital, waders, gulls, ducks and little egrets. or Watlington Hill or discover Bedfordshire is predominantly a Even during our wintertime visit the the woodland at Juniper Bank. rural county. You can find delightful river was buzzing with yachts and The Lee Valley Regional Park views and plenty of greenery – judging by the sheer number of is a 10,000-acre, 26 mile long to explore and get lost in at sail boats hauled up alongside the linear park, much of it green Dunstable Downs, the Chiltern Hills, riverbanks – summertime will see the spaces, partly located in Greensand Ridge and the river become alive with sails and jolly Hertfordshire and is Forest of Marston Vale. sailors. home to its own The county is steeped Feeling thirsty yet? Fancy a bite to camping and in history, with many eat and some of the local wine? We caravan park. kings and queens were, so we drove a few miles out of Tucked of England holding Burnham-on-Crouch to Crouch Ridge away next court and hunting Vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting with to a fantastic in its great forests. a cheese and charcuterie board. Ross lake teeming Queen Eleanor's Dunstable and Samantha Lonergan are fifth with wildlife, the body was rested Downs generation Essex farmers. Over the peacefulness found overnight in Dunstable years the family farm at Althorne at Lee Valley Camping and a stone cross was raised has evolved from raising dairy herds and Caravan Park will surprise to mark the occasion. Catherine of to arable farming, to becoming a you. It is great site for exploring Aragon was incarcerated near the vineyard where the wine they make from. For a unique tour, why not market town of Ampthill during her is sold from the cellar door at the try one of the Herefordshire Cider divorce from King Henry VIII. Use wine barn. Back in the day, there Routes? There are three cider the Club CL at Lower Wood End was a shack on the farm selling trails, all of which can be enjoyed Farm in Marston Moretaine as your oysters from the beds at Althorne in a motorhome or campervan. base.

Creek. Now they pair their sparkling >> February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 53

Bury St Edmunds

SUFFOLK

ut

te r st o ck /E

Suffolk, the county that first sees the sun rise over England, is awash with beaches, forests, meadows and heaths. Pay a visit to Lowestoft, the country's most easterly town. Foodies will love Bury St Edmunds with its many award-winning fine dining establishments, while beer lovers can enjoy a pint, or three, of Greene King from a brewer whose art has been practiced hereabouts for more than 200 years. History buffs can enjoy visits to Sutton Hoo or Framlingham Castle, and some of the country’s best preserved medieval dwellings in Lavenham. There’s also plenty of fun stuff for kids in Suffolk, including rare breed farms, animal and wildlife parks, living different areas. Thorndon North has 500 acres of beautiful woods, parkland, meadows, and ponds.

There are marked trails for people to walk or cycle, as well as places to spot various wildlife. The Gruffalo Trail is a fun attraction for families, and there’s also a shop on-site to buy merchandise, cards, gifts, and more. Thorndon South benefits from open parkland, which is often busy with people enjoying picnics. There are views across the countryside, and you can even see as far as Canary Wharf on a clear day! There’s an obstacle course for dogs and people

W Y M ed ia

54 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

EXPLORE MORE...

sh

Crouch Ridge wines with local oysters in the restaurant and on the outdoor terrace.

The 15-acre vineyard is planted with three classic cool climate grape varieties, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris. The characteristics of the area, 'the terroir' defines the wines, helping to make them balanced. Like Burgundy, they have warm summers and cold winters and have south facing vines. The proximity of the river Crouch creates a microclimate and helps moderate the temperature throughout the year. Here the vines are also on slopes, helping the grapes get as much sun as possible. The clay soil helps to retain the heat, keeping the vines warm throughout the night. We loved their chardonnay, it had a refreshing citrusy taste. While that was our first choice out of the five our sommelier, Matt, gave us during our tutored tasting, the others were some of the best English wines we have tasted in quite a while. As well as wine tastings and delicious food, the estate also boasts selfcatered cottage accommodation.

Ask nicely, and Sam the owner might allow you to pitch up overnight beside Hall Farm Cottages.

Nearby, the New Hall Wine Estate in Purleigh farms 65 acres of vines. New Hall Wine Estate is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Their wine has won national and regional awards, and their site has proven over the years to be an ideal place to grow vines. Sadly, the vineyard does not offer tours or tastings, but you can pop into the cellar door shop and buy their wares.

Let us hope that by the time you get there, the shop staff will have taken some happy pills and attended courses on how to talk to would-be customers.

Heading home to East Sussex, we were routed to pass close by Thorndon Country Park and decided to stop. Located outside Brentwood, and again managed by Explore Essex, the park has two distinctly

Anglo-Saxon helmet excavated at Sutton Hoo

museums, forest playgrounds, children’s festivals, and crabbing, said to be Suffolk’s county sport.

Stay at Mill HM Farm Caravan and Camping Park, in Saxmundham, or Run Cottage Touring Park, Woodbridge. But then who can resist the quaintly named Cakes and Ale Holiday Park in Abbey Theberton, near Leiston? Check out the February 2023 edition of this magazine for more ideas on where to go, what to see and where to stay. can also fish at Old Hall Pond.

Essex was indeed a very pleasant surprise. It was a county we have not visited very much to date, but our brief tour was an eye-opener, revealing how much the county has to offer. While it made an enjoyable winter touring location, we feel sure it would be even better in summertime. We very much hope to put that assumption to the test later in the year.

Frances and Michael Howorth acknowledge and thank Visit Essex www.visitessex.com for facilitating this trip.

shutterstock/chrisdorney

OUT & ABOUT | EAST OF ENGLAND

MOON & SIXPENCE Newbourne Road, Waldringfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4PP

Located in unspoilt Coastal Suffolk close to Woodbridge and the River Deben • Secluded, serviced motorhome and tourer sites including adult only area • Good choice of lodges and caravan holiday homes for sale; owner occupiers, close friends and family • Superb, tranquil, landscaped park and woodland • Dog walks & cycle trails

• Sandy beach, 100 acres of woods, meadows • 9 hole compact golf course, 3 hard tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, fishing mid September-mid October • AA Gold Award 5 Pennant Premier Park • Attractive lounge, bar and shop • Some hardstanding available

Tel: 01473 736650 Email: info@moonandsixpence.co.uk

www.moonandsixpence.co.uk

IN FOCUS | INSURANCE & SECURITY

PART 1

CLAIMING ON A MOTORCARAVAN

INSURANCE

POLICY Frances and Michael Howorth investigate the accident claiming process, trying, with the help of experts, to demystify the practice.

I

nsurance is a product we all buy. In some cases, it is a mandatory requirement and in others it is discretionary. but in almost every case, the buyer really has no idea how good the product is until the time they must use it. In fact, during the research for this feature, one unnamed broker told us that generally the buyer has no idea what they have actually purchased. It was that statement that prompted us to write this article and attempt to demystify motorcaravan insurance policies.

We asked industry insurance experts a series of searching questions in a bid to demystify the subject.

Like any other motor insurance policy, the cost of insuring a motorcaravan depends on many factors. The first link in the chain is the insurance broker. They act as intermediaries between customer and underwriters who are ultimately the insurance providers. Brokers quote for insurance having discussed the matter with an underwriter and then collect the premiums. Brokers also facilitate and expedite any claim processes should that become 56 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

necessary. And it is the insurance brokers who normally update clients on any claim decisions keeping them informed about the progress and status of their applications.

Because different brokers use different underwriters it is very unlikely that you will get the same figure from two different brokers. So, when looking for a quote, it pays to shop around. Insurance underwriters are professional whose job it is to evaluate and analyse the risks involved in insuring customers and their assets. Cynics might suggest they are people who use computer software to compute the risk for determining whether or not to approve the applicant.

Vehicle make and model and value are the critical influencers when it comes to getting a price but so too are storage location, age and number of drivers, previous claims or convictions, excess, no claims discount, annual mileage, and level of cover.

RISING PREMIUMS

In recent years premiums for campervans and motorhomes have increased dramatically. Insurance companies defend such rapid rises on the basis that the number of claims made by others is rising as are the amounts of funds being claimed by others. On the face of it, that looks like those who do not claim are being penalised by those who do claim. That argument only stands up until you are unfortunate enough to have to claim.

Ben Cue is the General Manager and Director of Operations at Comfort Insurance, a family owned business he has been involved with for more than 30 years. He says, “Yes claims have risen over the last five years although there was a drop, as would be expected, during the COVID period. But pre pandemic, there were a lot of storm claims and >>

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UPLOAD THE DETAILS Solutions motorhomes wanted Even damp or damag UPLOAD THE DETAILS OF YOUR MOTORHOME, wanted Fast,Models MARKETPLACE OF YOUR MOTORHOME, from 1992 friendly 01460 CAMPER OF CARAVAN UPLOAD THE DETAILS Fast, friendly and reliable Even damp or damaged CAMPER OF CARAVAN JUST ONCE TO RECEIVE Nationwide collectio THE DETAILS OFUPLOAD YOUR MOTORHOME, service and reliable 63320 Models from 1992damp - 2012or damaged Even BEST CASH WANTED CAMPER OFTHE CARAVAN OF YOUR MOTORHOME, Nationwide Models collection from 1992 - 2012 Instant service OFFERS FROM DOZENS JUST ONCE TO RECEIVE MARKETPLACE quote JUST ONCE OF TO RECEIVE CAMPER OF CARAVAN THE UK’S LEADING Instant Nationwide collection www.caravanmotorhomesolutions.co.uk THE BEST CASH PROFESSIONAL quote JUST ONCE TO RECEIVE THE BEST CASH DEALERS OFFERS FROM DOZENS THE BEST CASH LITTLECOMBE GARAGE, TOUCHES LANE, OF THE UK’S LEADING OFFERS FROM DOZENS OFFERS FROMEASY, DOZENS PROFESSIONAL CHAFFCOMBE ROAD, CHARD, SOMERSET TA20 1RR FREE SAFE, OF THE UK’S LEADING DEALERS Caravans & OF THE UK’SPROFESSIONAL LEADING Call Phillip Kelly BEng(HONS) MSc(Eng) SERVICE REPAIR CENTRE on 01757 247 104 or 07792064111 motorhomes DEALERS Fast, friendly PROFESSIONAL EASY, SAFE, FREE UPLOAD Motorhome THE DETAILS Servicing and reliable Even damp or damaged wanted OFDEALERS YOUR MOTORHOME, Models from 1992 Call- 2012 Phillip Kellyservice BEng(HONS) MSc(Eng) Fast, friendly Motorhome Habitation EASY, Checks SAFE, FREE

motorhomes wanted

Fast, friendly and reliable Even damp or damaged To advertise contact the team 01223 378045 l caroline.harland@cpl.co.uk service Models from 1992 - 2012 Instant Nationwide collection quote

Caravans & motorhomes wanted To advertise contact the team 01223 378045

l

caroline.harland@cpl.co.uk

WANTED

MEMBERS

AWNINGS

UPLOAD THE DETAILS CAMPER OF CARAVAN OF YOUR MOTORHOME, JUSTCaravan ONCE TO RECEIVE Servicing & repairs THE BEST CASH CAMPER OF CARAVAN JUST ONCE TO RECEIVE Accessory fitting OFFERS FROM DOZENS THE BEST CASH On-site servicing and habitation checks OF THE UK’S LEADING OFFERS FROM DOZENS PROFESSIONAL OF THE UK’S LEADING PROFESSIONAL DEALERS

■ VANGO AIRAWAY GALLI TALL DRIVEAWAY AWNING. with ground sheet.

Carpet. Bedroom tent. Excellent condition. £750. – Tel: 07885 079981 (Peak District)

EASY, SAFE, FREE

BODYSHOP DEALERS REPAIR CENTRE Motorhome/Caravan

EASY SAFEon 01757 247 104 or 07792064111 FREE MEMBERS

motor mover, aquaroll, Instant waste master, Carbon X poles, Good X 300 AWNING, Nationwide collection MEMBERS 25m hook up cable, £19,750, Tel: 07518 Phillip Kelly BEng(HONS) MSc(Eng) Condition plus AnnexCall (Metal Poles), 338748.

Curtains, Inner Tent, Groundsheet, £850. awning,(Southampton) motor mover,quote 1 owner, £17,000. – AWNINGS Tel: 07704 124237. Somerset)

■ VANGO AIRAWAYCARAVANS GALLI TALL DRIVEAWAY AWNING. with ground sheet.

AVONDALE DART 2 BERTHcondition.

2007 FullCarpet.■Bedroom tent.

Excellent history, motor mover, winter cover, £750. –Service Tel: 07885 079981 (Peak District) many extras, fully equipped.£6000 Tel

Call Phillip Kelly on 01757 247

Call Phillip Kelly BEng(HONS) MSc(Eng) Call Phillip Kelly BEng(HONS) MSc(Eng) on 01757on 247 104247 or 07792064111 01757 104 or 07792064111 CARAVANS MEMBERS

AWNINGS

■ VANGO AIRAWAY GALLI TALL DRIVEAWAY AWNING. with ground sh Carpet. Bedroom tent. Excellent cond £750. – Tel: 07885 079981 (Peak Dist

Double award winning Motorhome and Campervan Insurance

■ ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 100 poles, Good X 300 AWNING, Carbon TENTS &XAWNINGS Condition plus Annex (Metal Poles), Curtains, Inner Tent, Groundsheet, £8 Tel: 07704 124237. Somerset)

CARAVANS

108 April 2023

£13,500 ONO TEL: 07701 318109 (Chester)

■ 2007 SWIFT CHALLENGER 530 FSH & Damp service history, fully equipped, ready

AWNINGS

AWNINGS

108 April 2023

Tel: 07742 790786 ■ 2011 BAILEY ORION (Yorkshire) 440-4, Good condition, serviced annually, Tru form ■ SWIFT CHALLENGER 480 cover, Full Dorema awning, all theSR, bits,2 Berth, £9995.

01525 210398 Bedfordshire. full and-Tel: porch Awnings, lots of extras,

01372 458269 (Surrey) ■ 2018 BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA, FSH, ■ ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 1009 to go. £7950 Tel: 07885 413481/ 01623 motor mover, 1 owner, £17,000. – awning, motor mover, aquaroll, waste master, Carbon X poles, Good X 300 AWNING, ■ 2014 BAILEY UNICORN CADIZ, 4 berth, 795470 Nottinghamshire Tel:Tel: 07742 790786 (Yorkshire) 25m hook up cable, £19,750, 07518 motor mover, porch awning.

Absolutely Condition plus Annex (Metal Poles), ■ VANGO AIRAWAY TALL ■ TRIGANO SILVER 310 Excellent condition everything needed for Caravanning.

338748.

(Southampton) Curtains, Inner Tent, Groundsheet, £850. GALLI – kept in garage.

We think superior to main £15,500, Tel: DRIVEAWAY 07425 562755, (Somerset) ■ SWIFT CHALLENGER 480 SR, 2 Berth, ground sheet.

Tel: 07704 124237. Somerset) AWNING. with pop-up competitor.

High level windows.

■ 2011 BAILEY ORION 440-4, full Good and porch Awnings, lots of extras, Carpet.

Bedroom tent. Excellent condition.

■ 2010 COACHMAN AMARA Smart interior.

Photos available. Easy to CARAVANS condition, serviced annually, Tru form 4-Berth,–End WONDERER, £13,500 ONO TEL: 07701 318109 (Cheste tow.

Two berth.

Includes Power Compact £750.

Tel:Washroom, 07885 079981 (Peak District) cover,Two FullCalor Dorema awning, all the bits, Smoke-free, Damp-free, Porch Awning, mover. gas bottles. £8000.

- Tel: ■ AVONDALE DART 2Non-Smokers.

BERTH 2007 FullCRIS Registered, £8,975. £9995.

-Tel: (Sheffield) 01525 210398 Bedfordshire.

0114 2962050 ■ 2018 BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA, FSH, ■ ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 1009 07812 motor 891958mover, (Wales) winter cover, ServiceTel: history, TENTS & AWNINGS motor mover, Carbon ■X 2007 poles, Good 300 AWNING,Tel SWIFT CHALLENGER 530 FSH & aquaroll, waste master, many extras, fully X equipped.£6000 ■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA 2018, ■ 2020 Poles), CAMPTRAIL 500 TRAILER hook ready up cable, £19,750, Tel: 07518 Damp service history, fully25m equipped, Condition plus250Annex (Metal 01372 458269 (Surrey) Motor mover, Isabella Magnum berth large awning fitted 01623 TENT to go.2 £7950 Tel: 07885fully 413481/ 338748.

(Southampton) Awning, Many extras, £16,000.

- TeL: Curtains, Inner Tent, Groundsheet, £850. groundsheets. Storage box included.

■ 201401553 BAILEY UNICORN 673565 (Norfolk). CADIZ, 4 berth, 795470 Nottinghamshire Tel: 07704 124237. Somerset) £3,500 Tel 07790 949418 (Yorkshire) motor mover, porch awning. Absolutely ■ 2011 BAILEY ORION 440-4, Good ■ 2009 ABBEYfor VOGUE 2-520 excellent ■ TRIGANO SILVER 310 Excellent condition WANTED everything needed Caravanning. condition, annually, Tru form condition, Motor mover, service history, – WANTED kept in garage. superior to serviced main £15,500, Tel: 07425 562755, ■ PENNINEWe OR think CONWAY new canopy. £7,000 ono - (Somerset) Tel: 01427 cover, Full Dorema awning, all the bits, pop-up competitor.

High level windows. awaiting, can FOLDING CAMPERS cash 891050 (Nottinghamshire) ■ AVONDALE DART 2 collect, BERTH 2007Photos Full■ 2010 COACHMAN AMARA £9995.Easy -Tel: Smart all interior. available. to 01525 210398 Bedfordshire. models/ ages considered, ■ LUNAR GALAXY 4 BERTH, 4-SB, MEMBERS Please ring with details 07957 Power 552177 Compact 4-Berth, End Washroom, WONDERER, Service history, motor mover, winter cover, tow. Two berth.

Includes 2017, Excellent condition, used once. Full Smoke-free, Damp-free, Porch Awning, ■ 2007 SWIFT mover.

Calor gas bottles. £8000. many extras, fully equipped.£6000 Tel awning, motorTwo mover, 1 owner, £17,000.

– - Tel:CHALLENGER 530 FSH & AWNINGS awning, motor mover, owner, £17,000.

– CRIS Registered, Non-Smokers. £8,975.

01141 2962050 (Sheffield) Damp service history, fully equipped, read Tel: 07742 790786 (Yorkshire) 01372 458269 (Surrey) Tel: 07812 891958 (Wales) Tel: 07742 790786 (Yorkshire) ■ VANGO AIRAWAY GALLI TALL to go. £7950 Tel: 07885 413481/ 01623 TENTS & AWNINGS campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk ■ VANGO AIRAWAYDRIVEAWAY GALLI TALL ■ SWIFT CHALLENGER 480 SR, 2 Berth, sheet. UNICORN CADIZ, 4 berth, 795470 Nottinghamshire AWNING. with ■ ground 2014 BAILEY ■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA ■ condition.

SWIFT2018, CHALLENGER SR, 2 lots Berth, full and■porch Awnings, of extras, 2020480 CAMPTRAIL 500 TRAILER with groundtent. sheet.

DRIVEAWAY AWNING. Carpet.

Bedroom Excellent motor mover, porch awning.

Absolutely Motor mover, Isabella Magnum 250 £13,500 ONOlots 318109 fully 2TEL: berth large awning fitted SILVER 310 Excellent conditio TENT fullDistrict) and-porch Awnings, of07701 extras, £750.Excellent – Tel: 07885 079981 (Peak Carpet. Bedroom tent.

■ (Chester) TRIGANO Awning, condition.

Many extras, £16,000.needed TeL: for Caravanning. everything groundsheets.

Storage box included. £13,500 TEL: 07701(Somerset) 318109 (Chester) £750. – Tel: 07885 ■ 079981 (Peak District) 01553 673565 (Norfolk).

–(Yorkshire) kept in garage. We think superior to main ■ 2018 BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA, FSH, £15,500, Tel: ONO 07425 562755, ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 1009 £3,500 Tel 07790 949418 motor mover, aquaroll, waste master, pop-up competitor. High level windows.

CarbonVOGUE X poles, Good X 300 AWNING, ■ 2009 ABBEY 2-520 excellent ■ 2018 BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA, FSH, ■ ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 1009 WANTED 25m AMARA hook up cable, £19,750, Tel: 07518interior. Photos available. Easy to ■ 2010 COACHMAN Condition plus Annex (Metal Poles), Smart condition, Motor mover, service history, motor mover, aquaroll, waste master, X poles, GoodGroundsheet, X 300 AWNING, Carbon 338748.

(Southampton) Curtains, Inner Tent, £850.

4-Berth, End Washroom, WONDERER, tow. Two berth. Includes Power Compact WANTED PENNINE OR CONWAY new canopy. £7,000 ono - Tel: 01427 25m hook up cable,■Porch £19,750, Tel: 07518 Condition plus Annex Poles), Tel:(Metal 07704 124237.

Somerset) Smoke-free, Damp-free, Awning, cash awaiting,Two can Calor gas bottles. £8000. - Te CAMPERS mover.

891050 (Nottinghamshire) ■ 2011FOLDING BAILEY ORION 440-4, Good (Southampton) Curtains, Inner Tent, Groundsheet, £850. CRIS338748. collect, all models/ ages Registered, Non-Smokers. £8,975.

0114 CARAVANS4 BERTH, condition, serviced annually, Truconsidered, form 2962050 (Sheffield) ■ LUNAR GALAXY 4-SB, Tel: 07704 124237. Somerset) Please ring with details 07957 552177 Tel: 07812 891958 (Wales) cover, Full Dorema awning, all the bits, ■ 2011 BAILEY ORION 440-4, Good 2017, Excellent condition, used once.

Full ■ AVONDALE DART 2 BERTH 2007 Full£9995. -Tel: 01525 210398 Bedfordshire. condition, serviced annually, 2018, Tru form Service history, motor mover, winter cover, ■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA 2020 cover, Dorema awning, all the bits,530■FSH ■ 2007 SWIFT CHALLENGER & CAMPTRAIL 500 TRAILER many extras, fully equipped.£6000 Tel FullIsabella Motor mover, Magnum 250 ■ AVONDALE DART 2 BERTH FullTENT 2 berth large awning fully fitted £9995.

-Tel: 01525 210398 Damp service history, 01372 458269 2007 (Surrey) campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk Awning, Many extras, £16,000.

-Bedfordshire.

TeL:fully equipped, ready to go. £7950 Tel: 07885 413481/groundsheets.

01623 Service history, motor mover, winter cover, Storage box included.

01553 673565 (Norfolk).

■ 2014 BAILEY UNICORN CADIZ, 4 berth, 795470 Nottinghamshire ■ 2007 SWIFT CHALLENGER 530 FSH & £3,500 Tel 07790 949418 (Yorkshire) many extras, fully equipped.£6000 Tel motor mover, porch awning. Absolutely Damp service history, fullyexcellent equipped, ready 01372 458269 (Surrey) ■ 2009 ABBEY VOGUE 2-520 ■ TRIGANO SILVER 310 Excellent condition everything needed for Caravanning. to go. Motor £7950mover, Tel: 07885 413481/ 01623 – kept inservice garage. history, We think superior to main condition, £15,500, Tel: 07425 562755, ■ 2014 BAILEY UNICORN CADIZ, 4 berth, (Somerset) pop-up High level windows.

■ WANTED PENNINE OR CONWAY new 795470 canopy.Nottinghamshire £7,000 onocompetitor.

- Tel: 01427 motor mover, porch■awning.

Absolutely 2010 COACHMAN AMARA Smart interior. Photos available. FOLDING Easy to CAMPERS cash awaiting, can 891050 (Nottinghamshire) ■ TRIGANO SILVER Excellent 4-Berth, End Washroom, everything needed WONDERER, for Caravanning. tow. Two310 berth.

Includescondition Power collect, Compactall models/ ages considered, Smoke-free, Damp-free, Porch Awning, – kept in garage.

We think superior to main mover.

Two Calor gas bottles. £8000. - Tel: £15,500, Tel: 07425 562755, (Somerset) ■ LUNAR GALAXY 4 BERTH, 4-SB, Please ring with details 07957 552177 CRIS Registered, Non-Smokers. £8,975.

0114 2962050 (Sheffield) pop-up competitor.

High level windows.

2017, Excellent condition, used once.

Full Tel:AMARA 07812 891958 (Wales) ■ 2010 COACHMAN Smart interior. Photos available. Easy to

EASY, SAFE, FREE Bodyshop & Smart Repairs EASY, SAFE, FREE

Shower Tray & Sink Repairs Free Estimates Approved Bodyshop

awning, motor mover, 1 owner, £17,000. – Tel: 07742 790786 (Yorkshire)

■ SWIFT CHALLENGER 480 SR, 2 Berth, Instant NationwideEven collection and reliable and07792064111 porch Awnings, lots of extras, on or 01757 247 104 full or damp damaged £13,500 ONO TEL: 07701 318109 (Chester) service quote Models from 1992 2012 ■ 2018 BAILEY UNICORN CABRERA, FSH, ■ ISABELLA COMMODORE SEED 1009

WANTED

CARAVANS

■ AVONDALE DART 2 BERTH 2007

108 April 2023

history, motor mover, winter c TENTS & AWNINGS Best motorhomeService many extras, fully equipped.£6000 Te insurance provider

End Washroom, WONDERER, 4-Berth, tow.

Two berth. Includes Power Compact ■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA 2018, ■ 2020gas CAMPTRAIL 500 TRAILER Smoke-free, Damp-free, Porch Isabella Awning,Magnummover.

Two Calor bottles. £8000.

- Tel: Motor mover, 250 TENT 2 berth large awning fully fitted CRIS Registered, Non-Smokers. £8,975.

Awning, Many extras, £16,000.0114 - TeL:2962050 (Sheffield) campingandcaravanningclub.co.u groundsheets. Storage box included.

673565 (Norfolk).

Tel: 07812 891958 01553 (Wales) £3,500 Tel 07790 949418 (Yorkshire)

458269 (Surrey) Winner 2023TENTS &01372 AWNINGS

■ 2009 ABBEY VOGUE ■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA 2018, 2-520 excellent WANTED ■history, 2020 CAMPTRAIL 500 TRAILER condition, Motor mover, service Motor mover, Isabella Magnum 250 WANTED PENNINE CONWAY new canopy. £7,000 ono - Tel:TENT 01427 2 berth■large awning fully OR fitted Awning, Many extras, £16,000.

- TeL: cash awaiting, can FOLDING CAMPERS 891050 (Nottinghamshire) groundsheets.

Storage box included.

01553 673565 (Norfolk). collect, all models/ ages considered, 949418 (Yorkshire) ■ LUNAR GALAXY 4 BERTH, £3,500 4-SB, Tel 07790 Please ring with details 07957 552177 2017, 2-520 Excellent condition, used once. Full ■ 2009 ABBEY VOGUE excellent WANTED condition, Motor mover, service history, ■ WANTED PENNINE OR CONWAY new canopy. £7,000 ono - Tel: 01427 cash awaiting, can FOLDING CAMPERS 891050 (Nottinghamshire) campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk collect, all models/ ages considered, ■ LUNAR GALAXY 4 BERTH, 4-SB, Please ring with details 07957 552177 2017, Excellent condition, used once. Full

■ 2014 BAILEY UNICORN CADIZ, 4 motor mover, porch awning. Absolute everything needed for Caravanning. £15,500, Tel: 07425 562755, (Somers

108 April 2023

■ 2010 COACHMAN AMARA WONDERER, 4-Berth, End Washroom Smoke-free, Damp-free, Porch Awnin campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk CRIS Registered, Non-Smokers. £8,9 Tel: 07812 891958 (Wales)

Get a quote today

108 April 2023

Call 01422 396 742

Please mention ‘Motor Caravanner’ when calling

or visit www.caravanguard.co.uk/mc

■ BAILEY UNICORN VALENCIA 201 Motor mover, Isabella Magnum 250 Awning, Many extras, £16,000. - TeL: 01553 673565 (Norfolk).

Open 7 days

Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

■ 2009 ABBEY VOGUE 2-520 excelle condition, Motor mover, service histo new canopy. £7,000 ono - Tel: 01427 891050 (Nottinghamshire)

February 2024■MOTOR 57 4-SB, LUNARCARAVANNER GALAXY 4 BERTH,

2017, Excellent condition, used once.

IN FOCUS | INSURANCE & SECURITY bad weather related issues.

Once we came out the other end of the first lockdown, there were then more road accidents and a lot more theft of vehicles.”

FACTS AND FIGURES

According to the RAC, there are 41.32 million vehicles using the roads of Great Britain every day.

They also suggest that 2.54 million of them are motorcaravans.

Comparethemarket.com – an insurance comparison website – has revealed that there are approximately 126,247 road accidents in Great Britain every year, which works out at almost 346 each day. By our calculations this means there are 3,207 motorcaravan accidents per year or 8.8 per day.

So, on average what percentage of your policy holders made a claim in a year? Stuart Craig is Head of Leisure at Howden Insurance, the new name for A-Plan, and the brand behind Shield Total Insurance, a specialist caravan and motorhome insurance company. He told us, our question would perhaps be better aimed at underwriters rather than brokers. “But,” he added, “We have experienced a claims frequency of

58 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

41.32m vehicles use Britain's roads every day of which....

2.54m

of those claims’ costs. They have increased around 100%, meaning that pay outs have been greater."

Stuart Craig confirmed this, adding, “Patterns are returning to what might be considered as normal after a lull during Covid, and a big post-Covid boom, but whilst frequency is stabilising, costs continue to rise significantly.”

are Motorcaravans between 8-18% as a norm over the last 5 years. This varies considerably by insurer and by year. There is also a question of what is regarded as a claim. Windscreen incidents for example, are always high but with most policies, they do not count against your no claims bonus.”

Adrian Flux is one of the UK’s largest specialist motor insurance brokers. They have gained a good reputation and have more than 50 years’ experience in arranging cover for every kind of motorcaravan imaginable. Scott Goodliffe has worked for them for 20 years and is now the company’s product underwriting manager. He believes that if non-fault and windscreen claims are included, then on average 6% of motorhome users make a claim each year. He says that this figure has not changed much when compared to five years ago. “What is different, he says, “Is the severity

3,207

motorcaravan accidents a year or

8.8

per day CLAIM FAILURE

Motorcaravan owners pay out premiums every year and hope never to instigate a claim. When they do, there are only two things can happen. Either the claim gets fully or partially paid out, or it fails and the insured is left with nothing.

But why do claims fail and what is the most common reason why they >>

5

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It features a hardened steel construction with a pick proof ultra high security locking mechanism. It has been engineered to be extremely secure and very easy to fit, all in a compact design. It is a highly visible and powerful theft deterrent which exceeds the Gold Secure Standard.

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MOTORHOME & CAMPER VAN

INSURANCE

Key benefits of a Lexham motorhome & campervan policy Up to £3500 cover for personal items

Unlimited cover for fixed accessories

Motorhome replacement if less than 12 months old* (T&Cs apply)

Unlimited windscreen cover

Optional breakdown cover

270 days EU Cover

Left hand drive and imports

Modified & custom built acceptable

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Lexham Insurance Consultants Ltd is a company registered in England, Company No. 3897329, registered address: Unit 21, Hopper Way, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4NG. *Terms & Conditions apply

60 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

IN FOCUS | INSURANCE & SECURITY

“

The most common reason for a claim failing is misinterpretation of personal information, such as where your vehicle is parked overnight

Owners who use a tracking device should make sure they keep any subscriptions up to date. When the motorhome is not used for extended periods of time, it pays to regularly check that electronic devices, such as alarms and trackers are actively working. Steph Bentley told us “Some issues are not covered by a motorhome insurance policies.

These include wear and tear, vermin damage and mechanical breakdown, so claims for items not covered are not pursued.

Guard insurance for almost 10 years.

She believes the key to successful claiming depends on policy holders keeping their insurance company fully informed about how and when they use their campervans or motorhomes. She says, “If there are any changes to things like security or storage then it’s really important that customers let their motorhome insurance company know so their cover remains valid.” She adds, “It’s also important for owners to make sure that any security listed on their motorhome insurance schedule is actively used when the motorhome is in storage or on site and that the motorhome is stored at the location specified.”

What can policy holders do to make sure their claim is successful? The easiest way to make sure any claim is successful is by ensuring that the information provided to an insurer at all stages of getting cover, and regarding the claim, is true. “Declare all material details at the time of policy inception,” says Stuart Craig, he adds, “And anything material to the claim at the time of the incident.

Report a claim as quickly as possible and photographic evidence always helps.”

Evidence is key when it comes to being involved in an incident. Almost everyone has a camera phone these days. Take pictures of the scene, the other vehicle, your vehicle and any damage. Make sure you get the names of those in the other vehicle, >>

CLAIM SUCCESS

do? Stuart Craig says, “It’s usually due to a failure on the part of a policyholder to declare a material fact, or the ‘claim’ may be for something out of the scope of the policy.”

“The most common reason for a claim failing is misinterpretation of personal information, such as where your vehicle is parked overnight, or failing to disclose appropriate information, be it via modifications to the vehicle, says Scott Goodliffe.

He adds, “Drivers think bending the truth will save them money in the short term, but it often comes back to hit them in the pocket, and hard.

Steph Bentley, has worked as Claim Liaison Manager at Caravan

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 61

IN FOCUS | INSURANCE & SECURITY note down their vehicle registration details and ask them for the name of their insurer. It is not always easy to do that in moments of high stress especially if the incident is serious, but you should try.

As soon as you can ring your claim line and give them the details of the incident.

Sean McNally, has been the Sales Manager, at the brokerage firm Staveley Head for 20 years.

He says, “However minor you think a road accident is, you must stop.

Failing to do so is an offence per section 170(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.” His advice is to look around, checking if anyone has been injured in the accident. If someone has been you should call the police and an ambulance if necessary, as soon as possible. He continues saying, “Take photographs of any damage to all vehicles involved and

report the claim to your insurance company from the scene, if safe to do so, otherwise, at your earliest possible convenience.”

Working alongside Aviva, Comfort Insurance have a claims statistic that shows 98.97% of all claims are paid out. Ben Cue says, “We work very hard when offering quotes for customers over the telephone where we validate and check all the information that is being provided so if a claim should fail or not be paid out, it’s ultimately down to an error or an issue on the information provided by the customer. This means the insurer would not have accepted the risk if the incorrect information had been supplied at the point of the policy being incepted. Regardless if a customer is one of ours, or anybody else's, it’s imperative that all the information provided is accurate

and correct when effecting the policy at each renewal. If personal circumstances change during the year, do not wait for the anniversary of the policy. Customers need to ensure that the information is provided at the point of that material fact changing. Otherwise, this could have an impact on their insurance.”

Clearly, the key to successfully claiming after an accident depends on being open honest and frank while taking out the policy, keeping the insurance company advised should changes in your circumstances change and obeying some simple rules at the time of any incident. In next month's issue we look at how to make an insurance claim following a vehicle theft and how insurance companies help customers unlucky enough to find themselves in that situation.

SECURITY

While insurance is there if the worst happens, when it comes to theft there are several things you can do to protect your motorhome and reduce your premium along the way. Here are a few options to consider...

EXTRA LOCKS Your motorhome is most vulnerable to thieves through its doors and windows, so it makes good sense to fit additional habitation door and window locks to make their job more difficult, and help you feel more secure during the night.

ALARMS Fitting an alarm in your motorhome will ensure any potential thief is quickly deterred, as well as alerting you and others nearby to the attempted break-in.

62 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

IMMOBILISERS

VAULTS AND SAFES

Usually, the value of the items within your motorhome pale into insignificance compared to the value of the motorhome itself.

In the unfortunate event that someone does gain access to your home from home, you can prevent them from being able to drive it away by utilising wheel and steering wheel locks.

It's not always possible to carry your valuables with you when away in your 'van, but you can keep them secure and out of sight in a portable safe so only you can access them.

GPS TRACKERS Used alone or in conjunction with an alarm, GPS trackers ensure your vehicle's location can be accurately pinpointed in the worst case scenario.

SECURITY CAMERA While your motorhome is parked at home between trips or being stored during the colder months, it can become an obvious target for theft. Installing a CCTV camera that keeps it in view can help deter thieves and capture any attempts.

st Motorhome Buyers

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WE PAY AND COLLECT

Over 30 years motor trade experience Call us on FREEPHONE 0800 699 0302 - ask for John or Gary ...or visit us online at www.1stmotorhomebuyers.co.uk and fill out our online form Part of the 4Front Motor Group

PLEASE NOTE: We do not buy any motorhome older than 2010 or any of the following: VW panel van conversions, Ford Transit panel van conversions, or any other panel van conversion that is not a branded factory build from new.

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Widdicombe Farm Camping Los Gallardos

“Possibly the friendliest adult only caravan site in Suffolk”

www.runcottage.co.uk Call 01394 411 309 info@runcottage.co.uk

On-site mini bus available

In sunny Almería, Spain - It’s Europe’s sunniest spot!

• Family run, category 2 peaceful, community campsite in the south of Spain - near Mojácar • Bowling greens • Busy bar, restaurant & shop • Full services (Inc: UK TV hookup & much more) • Full service pitches available

+ (34) 950 528 324

01622 870838 www.hopfarm.co.uk

In the English Riviera

R.T.A: AL- 4-04-0017

www.campinglosgallardos.com

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. Pitches for motorcaravans, tourers and glamping pods, as well as self-catering bungalows. Within walking-distance of the beach. Clubhouse with licensed bar, serving meals. WiFi. Grocery shop & laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool.

Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking advised for bank/school holidays.

Open 1st March until New Years Day.

01792 687205 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk enquiries@bankfarmleisure.co.uk

Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1LL

T: 01803 558325 E: info@widdicombefarm.co.uk W: www.widdicombefarm.co.uk

Discover the Landscape Treasure the Memories Camping in Every Season

Tel 01305 782575

www.bagwellfarm.co.uk Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

Whether you love the seaside or want to explore the Lakes, Stanwix park is the place!

Self Catering Apartments and Caravans to hire for 3, 4 and 7 night breaks. Camping Pods and fully serviced pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes.

www.stanwix.com / Tel: 01697332666 7 DAY SPECIALS FOR OVER 50S

Riverside is a quiet, secluded countryside park. Convenient for easy access to the beautiful South Hams’ beaches, Dartmoor National Park, Cornwall and Brittany Ferries port.

T: 01752 344 122 info@riversidetouringparkplymouth.co.uk www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk

Peaceful and spacious 5 pitch site conveniently located for NC500 route stopover

07796 662 256 info@kessockcaravanpark.co.uk

• Site open all year • A large family run touring park • A collection of self catering cottages and static caravans • Seasonal, heated enclosed outdoor/indoor swimming pool • Children’s play area • State of the art over 18s health club with gym, adult indoor pool, steam room and sauna • Coffee house serving refreshments • Bar and takeaway with entertainment Charmouth, Dorset DT6 6QL | 01297 560226 www.manorfarmholidaycentre.co.uk

Glen Nevis

Ashbourne | Derbyshire

Caravan Park

BEN NEVIS

YOUR PITCH?

glen-nevis.co.uk

holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk

01397 702191

A quiet, beautiful Highfield Farm touring park located Touring Park just five miles from Cambridge.

Set in attractive undulating countryside, the area boasts a variety of attractions, from ancient buildings to wildlife parks.

camping | touring | self catering Just 2 mins drive from the lovely market town of Ashbourne. Ideal base for exploring the Peak District.

Coarse fishing lake. Direct access to the Tissington Trail cycle route

www.callowtop.co.uk 01335 344020

To advertise your campsite in our directory, give Sinead a call on:

Tel/Fax: 01223 262308 www.highfieldfarmtouringpark.co.uk Long Rd, Comberton, Cambs, CB23 7DG

Looe Country Park Bucklawren Road, Nomansland Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1QS

01503 240265 info@looecountrypark.co.uk www.looecountryparkcaravancampsite.co.uk

01502 725865

Highfield, Rushenden, Alsager Avenue, Queenborough, Kent ME11 5LA

A CAMPSITE WITH A DIFFERENCE...

LeoBay is quite unique as it is a campsite with fitting facilities, so if there’s that little something you need doing from replacing a bulb to a complete conversion we do it all. Our experience goes back 40 years.

Our core experience is in auto electrics and vehicle security as well as vehicle diagnostics, we use factory diagnostic software to solve your problems. Trained in both vehicle and mains voltages we can also inspect and test your mains hook up too! Gas that’s no problem either! Now there’s a service that makes life simple, so next time you need help, come and stay at LeoBay, a nice cuppa on arrival, we will sort your problems while you relax on our 1st class site. There’s even a courtesy vehicle to use during your stay at LeoBay! LeoBay is a site in a million, completely built by us and independent, so all are welcome whether you’re a club member

or not. We have drawn on our 25 years as motorhomers, collating all the best bits from the many sites we have visited over the years. The pitches are all wide hardstanding, with a 10amp hook up and your own grass area to spread out on, the site sits up on a hill over looking the sea with amazing views. On site facilities include a unique summer kitchen, where everyone can chat, relax and eat under cover, there’s a barbeque and pizza oven for you to use, or sit and relax by the open fire with a bottle or two. We like to make sure you’re warm and comfortable so the shower block is heated, with two large rooms, and to top it off the gardens are just splendid. Pets are welcome; the dog walks along the shore are great, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch. So as you can see it’s well worth a visit at just £25 per night all in.

For more info or to book call us on 07899 927467 visit the website www.leobay.co.uk or email steve.leobay@gmail.com

LEOBAY WISHES ALL CLUB MEMBERS A WONDERFU L 2024

LI T SP BAT HI EC TE UM IA RY LI ST

Tea break teasers See page 68 for solutions

Codeword Crack the code and fill in the grid.

Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a number from 1-26.

Two letters are given as a starter, can you decipher the rest of the code to discover all the words?

Sudoku

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game.

A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Medium

66 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

Hard

Wordsearch Can you find the countries listed below?

Angola Aruba Belize Canada Chad China Estonia Fiji Gabon Guam Iceland India Iraq Israel Italy

Across

Crossword Puzzle

3 Ringed (7) 8 --- Goldberg, actress (6) 9 Highway (4) 10 Lax (5) 11 Last (8) 12 Heavy blow (4) 16 Predicted (7) 19 Spark off (7) 20 Belonging to us (3) 21 Old match (7) 23 Its capital is Montevideo (7) 24 Involuntary muscular contraction (3) 25 Up-to-date (2,5) 26 Covered (7) 30 Young lady (4) 34 Instruction to keep cool (4,4) 36 Tyrone county town (5) 37 Forbidden action (2-2) 38 Vortices (6) 39 Learned the ropes (7)

Kenya Laos Mali Nauru Niger Oman Peru Qatar Russia Spain Togo USA Wales Yemen

Down

1 North Wales seaside resort (4) 2 Incentive (6) 3 Shrill chirping insect (6) 4 Canons (5) 5 Landlocked SE Asian nation (4) 6 Sketched (4) 7 Father (4) 11 Spreading out (9) 13 Top brass (4-3) 14 Death for a cause (9) 15 Place (4) 17 Earthquake scale (7) 18 Value (5) 19 Armistice (5) 22 Smoke duct (4) 27 Approached (6) 28 Assent (6) 29 Grey (5) 31 "Prince ---", Borodin opera (4) 32 Spoils (4) 33 Individual facts (4) 35 Sediment (4)

February 2024 MOTOR CARAVANNER 67

Bazaar

Tea Break Teasers (from pages 66 & 67)

Codeword

Private sale advertisements ACCESSORIES OUTDOOR REVOLUTION AWNING E-Sport Air 325 XL, w325cm/d250cm/h265280cm. As new, used 3 times. Inc ground sheet and pump. £300. Tel: 01562 638494 or 07726 306921 (Kidderminster)

Sudoku - Medium

TOW BALL MOUNTED THULE BIKE RACK never used, £250. Tel: 07430 330305 (N. Wales)

WESSEX TRAILER unbraked, lightweight, anti corrosion, design adapted to carry mobility scooter, Fiamma top box, new tyres, 4 load securing points. £375. Tel: 07483 246124 (Bridlington) A-FRAME CAR-A-TOW with jockey wheel, all electrics and break away cable, plus spares. Well looked after, used 4 times only, VGC. £220 ONO. Tel: 01275 844159 (Bristol)

Members'private sale advertisements

Sudoku - Hard

Club members are entitled to a FREE classified lineage advertisement of up to 30 words. To be included, please send your listing along with this form to: Motor Caravanner, Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6DH or email: bazaar@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk.

If you wish to include a photograph, please enclose a cheque for £12 inc vat payable to Countrywide Publications.

Please indicate whether your item is: FOR SALE

FREE ADVERT

WANTED

ADVERT WITH PHOTOGRAPH (£12 inc. VAT)

I enclose my cheque payable to Countrywide Publications (please write name and address on back of cheque)

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Crossword Puzzle

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: • Advertisements will be placed in the next available issue.

• Emailed listings that include photos will not be used until the cheque is received.

• Listings will not be used unless a valid membership number is provided

Wordsearch

Name: Address:

Postcode:

Telephone: Club membership number:

68 MOTOR CARAVANNER February 2024

We Buy Motorhomes & Campervans For your convenience, we offer bank transfers or cash*. (we simply pay on collection or delivery)

Birmingham Street Stourbridge, DY8 1JE

01384 848439

We offer nationwide collections.

Sell with confidence, a secure and comfortable transaction.

(Please see our Google reviews.)

We always pay a fair price for your vehicle.

AEG Guarantee All our vehicles come with the following: Minimium 12 Month Warranty

Full Habitation Service

New MOT

Mechanical Service

Classifieds REPAIRS & SERVICING

Accident Repair Specialists

ialists

Insurance approved specialist motorhome repairers and re-finishers since 1987 motorhome nce 1987 ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE REPAIRS INSURANCE CLAIMS PAIRS HABITATION SERVICING All makes & models catered for NG

d for 170 Stafford Road, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 4AH

Tel: Tel: 01543 01543 572686 572686 www.motorhomerepairs.co.uk www.motorhomerepairs.co.uk WS11 4AH

erepairs.co.uk

TYRESAVE .co.uk Tel: 07831 365 412 www.tyresave.co.uk We are based in Deeside, North Wales, close to Chester, Cheshire and the Wirral.

Enhance and smarten your Motorhome with Alloy Wheels.

15” and 16” heavy duty wheels to fit most vans from £440 for 4.

We can supply by Mail Order or fit in our tyre depot near Chester.

See our website for more choice.

WANTED

HOYLES

DENHOLME

MOTORHOMES, MOTORHOMES CAMPERS & 4X4S & CAMPERS TOP PRICES PAID TOP PRICES PAID

We can come to you Countrywide Collection Cash, Bankers Draft or Bank Transfer Bank transfer, Cash or Bankers Draft Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime sales@hoylesdenholme.co.uk

01274 832836 •07786 735544 Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime

01274 832836 07786 735544

WILKINS

MOTORCARAVANS

Established in the Cotswolds (Glos.) since 1970.

SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME? You could be £1,000s better off.

For details and advice about our highly successful brokerage service.

Call us, it will be worth it!

01285 821216

See us at: www.wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk Email: sales@wilkinsmotorcaravans.co.uk

WANTED

MERIDIAN MOTORHOMES

si

nc Es e t.

19 77

Quality Motorhomes & Freedom Caravans Bought and Sold

SELLING YOUR MOTORHOME OR CARAVAN?

Tel: 02380 405122 Top prices paid • Professional, family-run dealership “We BUY motorhomes & caravans that are up to 15 years old”

www.viscountleisure.co.uk • Southampton SO31 8BN

Newly appointed Adria Action (lightweight caravans) and Freedom Caravans Dealer for Southern England

MOTORHOME HIRE www.meridianhire.com

01243 572672

Unit 7 Church Farm, Old Park Lane, Bosham, Chichester, PO18 8EX

info@meridianmotorhomes.com www.meridianmotorhomes.com

Cor

TOWBARS & VEHICLE EXTRAS

UNO & DUO Foldable Trailer

SCAN TO WATCH UNO VIDEO

Check out our deals

www.pfjones.com LOWERING FLATBED SCAN TO WATCH DUO VIDEO

FOR BIKES & MOTORBIKES www.LNBTowbars.co.uk

0117 9694955

INSURANCE

Foldable Trailer - Small Page Advert (94 x 70mm).indd 1

CAMPSITE

sales@lnbleisure.co.uk

RUBBER SEALS

11/01/2024 10:28

NEW CATALOGUE ISSUE 16

Motorhome insurance

01422 396 742

Please mention ‘Motor Caravanner’

www.caravanguard.co.uk/mc

Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SOLVE YOUR SEALING PROBLEMS MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

Rubber seals and trims for caravans & motorhomes FREE, fully illustrated catalogue Please visit our website or call

01425 617722

Whether you love the seaside or want to explore the Lakes, Stanwix park is the place!

Self Catering Apartments and Caravans to hire for 3, 4 and 7 night breaks. Camping Pods and fully serviced pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes.

www.stanwix.com / Tel: 01697332666

Seals+Direct Ltd, Unit 6, Milton Business Centre Wick Drive, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6RH Email: sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk

To advertise

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

WANTED

Cornwall Commercials

For the recovery and transport of motorhomes and RV’s (by Low-Loader) Towing Service for Caravans and Boats on Trailers

UK and Europe 01579 340790 For more information please refer to our website www.cornwallcommercials.co.uk

rnwallComm_MCM_2x2.indd 1

call Danny on 01502 725862

11/2/10 15:34:14