Motor Caravanner November 2021

Motor Caravanner THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB NOVEMBER 2021

NEW MODEL NEWS

OUT & ABOUT

NOW IS THE TIME TO GO WINTER TOURING

BRITISH BELTERS FOR 2022

PLUS

Escape

country

GROUP NEWS TEA BREAK TEASERS RECIPES

to the

One of the largest counties in the country, Somerset boasts a wide range of beautiful landscapes to explore this autumn

SCAN HERE TO JOIN THE CLUB

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

o.uk www.themotorcaravannersclub.c

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INSIDE

NOVEMBER 2021

From the Chair

42

F 8

20

CLUB NEWS

6 Diamond Jubilee announcement CL Sites & Safe Knights update 8 The Crown that slipped?

12 Casual Campsites 16 Setting boundaries

NEW MODEL NEWS

20 Part 2: British belters

50 Winter touring: Now is the time to go winter cruising. By Frances & Michael Howorth

REGULARS

29 Group News & Diaries 58 Tea Break Teasers 61 Food & drink 65 Bazaar 66 Classifieds

OUT & ABOUT

42 Somerset: Escape to the country 46 Cotswolds driving route

Motor Caravanner THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS CLUB NOVEMBER 2021

NEW MODEL NEWS

OUT & ABOUT

NOW IS THE TIME TO GO WINTER TOURING

BRITISH BELTERS FOR 2022

PLUS

Escape

country

to the

One of the largest counties in the country, Somerset boasts a wide range of beautiful landscapes to explore this autumn for news • group rallies • membership

GROUP NEWS TEA BREAK TEASERS RECIPES

SCAN HERE TO JOIN THE CLUB

renewals & much more visit

o.uk www.themotorcaravannersclub.c

£1.95 where sold

50

Countrywide Publications Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH Publisher/Editor: 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 Cover photo: Glastonbury Tor near Glastonbury in Somerset. www.shutterstock.com/AlexeyFedorenko

irstly, I have an announcement with reference to CoM. Pet and Tony Heal have stepped down from Council of Management with immediate effect. They have decided that, for them, the time is right to fully pursue their other interests and commitments. I would like to thank them for the work they carried out on CoM, especially to Pet for her support as Vice Chair and her work with the Haven deals and Tony for his work as Safety Officer during the particularly difficult time of Covid.

This does mean that we have two vacancies on CoM. Please feel free to contact me or any other member of CoM for further information if you are interested in volunteering to join.

By the time you read this most Group AGMs will be over and I bid welcome to all new Committee members and again say a big thank you to those who have stood down for their work in the past.

The decision by CoM to limit the number of times a Group could rally (TC) in another Group’s area announced last month caused some comments, not all polite, but it was decided that we would give the Groups the opportunity to voice their feelings in a formal setting. To this end all Groups were invited to send a representative to a Zoom meeting. This has taken place and the results will be put forward, along with all correspondence received by the office on the matter, to the next meeting of CoM to enable an informed review to take place.

On a brighter note I hope you are all still enjoying your ‘vans and looking forward to Group Guy Fawkes and other rallies (TCs).

Kate Jones Club Chairman

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 3

Club Contacts www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

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

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

Chairman: Kate Jones (07747 000587 or 01935 863815)

Disability Advisor: Maurice Brooks Exhibition Team: Jacci & Graham Durkees Head Show Marshal: Sue Pilkiw Homecraft Coordinator: Tina Botterill Magazine/Handbook : Sue Pilkiw

Members: Carol Biggs (01473 620933) Tina Botterill (07946 596059) Maurice Brooks (07956 814339) Derek Clarke (07931 733656) Graham Durkee (07931 527691) Jacci Durkee (07931 527691)

Peter Johnston (07810 434110) Les Kendrick (07860 286561) CLUB OFFICIALS Selma McMullan (07752 678454) Casual Campsites: Ann Bond Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) CL & Night Stops: David Denham Keith Poole (07736 544490) Financial Officer: Paul McGuire Anne Taylor (07414 852497) Insignia: Marion Brooks (07956 138318) Junior Leaders: Maria Hill & Gill Crosby To email a member of the Council of Management please use first name National Rally Site Manager & Head Show & first letter of surname followed by @themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Marshal: Mick Pilkiw ie katej@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST 1 West Country 2 Sussex 4 Kent 6 Essex 7 Anglia 8 East Wessex 9 Chiltern 10 East Midlands 11 Severn Valley 12 NW Mids & NW 13 Lancashire 14 Yorkshire 15 N. Counties 16 Scotland 17 West Wessex 18 Avon 20 SWP 21 S.& W.Wales 22 Nene Valley 23 Isle of Wight 24 N. Ireland 40 The rest of Europe 42 Ireland 53 SERG 54 Motorcycle

Secretary

Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH

Telephone

Heather Bubb Carole Bennett Janice Wellard Barbara Mossman Derek Clarke Diane Milton Steve Wynn Sue Pilkiw Liz Harrison Penny Feeney Marie Moran Julie Broughton Tony Edwards Aileen Clark Alastair Bartlam Kay Norman Barbs Noble Peter Heale Peter Moore Heather Jennings Irene Hewitt

07817 916904 07769 944009 07831 659951 07727 100456 01473 620933 07971 888492 07399 552452 07562 324325 07710 668715 07518 271742 07869 403936 07544 327193 07976 235365 07771 845199 07754 131893 07837 357950 07722 885018 07894 583520 07790 779024 07875 191797 07880 736307

As N. Ireland Group Andrea Barker 0191 4104227 Pat kirby 07826 080304

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725839 Advertising: Danny Lewis E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk T: 01502 725862

Please note that Secretary details may have changed due to AGMs.

E-Mail 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 swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk serg@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk 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 2009. 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.

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At last!

9th June to 13th June 2022 DIAMOND JUBILEE NATIONAL RALLY AND AGM Put these dates in your diary and come and help us celebrate 60 years of THE MOTOR CARAVANNERS’ CLUB at Staffordshire Showground, Weston Road, ST18 0BD. Watch this space – more details and booking form to follow.

FREE PRIZE DRAW WINNERS As a special thank you for your continuing support the Club will be running a free lucky draw every month until March 2022. Five lucky members will win £10 off the cost of their next membership subscription. Congratulations to October’s winners: Mr M J Harris Avon; Mr E O'Donnell N. Ireland; Miss J Barlow Severn Valley; Mr R Edwards Severn Valley; Mr K J Stanley East Midlands.

6 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

CL Sites SCOTLAND (NEW) Ashlar Farm Motorhome Aire (CL94483) Tormore Cottage, Machrie, Isle of Arran KA27 8DX Contact Angus Smith 07903 589898 or 004740222923 (9am-5pm) Email angus.s@online.no cost: £12.50 MCC members open: All year access: 12ft entrance directions: 20 minute drive from the car ferry in Brodrick, over the String Road. Located on the island perimeter road. facilities: Fresh water tap, rubbish bins, hard standing, chemical disposal, electric hookup, disable friendly, dogs allowed and exercise area. Suitable for 7 day stays. places of interest: On bus route, walking distance of Kings Caves, Machie Standing Stones and driving distance of Machrie Golf Club, Cafe Tyme, Machrie Tearoom, Villages of Blackwater Foot and Pirmill.

Safe Knights The following places no longer participate in the safe knights scheme: DEVON Morley & Jenny Huxtable ANGUS KIRRIEMUIR Margaret Ried

Friendly Parking Do you know any friendly parking places suitable for motorcaravanners? Please email your suggestions to David Denham, davidd@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

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CLUB NEWS | NIGHT STOP REVIEW

The camping field at the Crown Inn

The Crown Inn

The Crown that slipped?

Brian & Alma Herschell stop off at a Club Night Stop to find out more

A

lma and I recently booked to join the MCC Motorcycle Group for its Extravaganza rally at Kemble airfield – a journey of 168 miles and, as we had been asked to arrive with a full water tank, I decided to look for somewhere near to the airfield to stop the night before the start of the rally. A Google search came up with The Crown Inn, Cerney Wick – some 12 miles from our destination.

There were several comments about the site on Tripadviser, most of which were unfavourable – 'the site is like a tip', 'the Landlord is a scruffy unkempt individual', 'the pub had craft beers, which I like. I bought a pint, and it was horrible, then I realised why the 8 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Lock Keeper’s cottage on the old Cotswold canal

locals were drinking lager'. One long post refers to 'The real Basil Fawlty'. On the site where I found it, it said ‘affiliated to the MCC’ so I glanced in our CL Sites & Night Stop magazine and there it was at the bottom of page 25, listed as a Night Stop with a charge of £10 per night, including electric hook up. I decided I could put up with it as it was just for one night and if the comments

were true, I could then take steps to have the entry removed.

I telephoned the pub and a pleasant enough chap assured me there would be no problem accommodating us for the required night. We then arrived at the pub mid afternoon and the pub was locked, but a full timer who often frequents the night stop came over continued on p11

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CLUB NEWS | NIGHT STOP REVIEW continued from p8 and said the landlord would be back in time to open the pub at 6pm. He told us to park in the corner and sort out a hook up. We did as he said and parked next to The inside of the pub, wit h a headless a motorhome displaying Chris, Margaret (my gla ss on the table) the MCC window banner and landlord, Graham, drin king tea. and owned by Chris and Margaret (we travelled separately to Kemble and Graham Palmer, was anything but by coincidence were again sited unkempt and scruffy and apart next to them). from him, the only other staff My first impressions of the Night member was his chef. Graham Stop were favourable. The grass explained that he had only recently on the camping area was mown re-opened the pub after the Covid but patches of wild meadow had shutdown and so business was just been left for the wildlife. There starting to pick up. We had already were four or five older cars at the had our evening meal (tea to us side of the pub, and I later found Northerners) so I just had a couple out that the landlord was a retired of pints of very nice beer while garage owner/mechanic. The pub talking to Graham and taking some was a typical old country pub, set photos. Chris and Margaret were in a tranquil setting. The landlord,

also in the pub. The menu looked good and included a Specials board; one customer had a beef chilli with rice and he said he really enjoyed it.

I told Graham who I was and told him I would write this article. I would thoroughly recommend this stopover to anyone looking for peace and quiet.

Incidentally, I should just mention the two rallies with the Motorcycle Group were fantastic and value for money.

Brian Herschell.

Footnote: Graham replied on Tripadvisor to the chap who said he had had a bad pint and asked why he walked out without saying anything and not given Graham the chance to put things right.

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CLUB NEWS | MEMBERS CASUAL CAMPSITE

Casual Campsite Christmas menu Saturday 11 December Starters Winter Spiced Tomato Soup with bread roll

Classic Prawn Cocktail with bread & butter

Chicken Pate

With red onion chutney & toast

Main Traditional Roast Turkey

Nearby Purton Ships' Graveyard is well worth a visit

First and last Join us for a final Casual Campsite of 2021 and the first of 2022

W

e end the year at Sharpness Docks Workers Club, The Docks, Sharpness, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9UN over the weekend 10-12 Dec 2021.

This is a special Christmas dinner weekend with the dinner on Saturday evening.

The parking is on grass with hard ground underneath, clean water and Elson, toilets available

when club house is open. No hook-ups available, but I'm sure members can survive for a couple of days.

This is a great area for walking along the Severn and overlooks the Severn Bridge, also excellent safe areas for dog walking, fishing also available with licence holders, or members can join the social club for a small annual fee.

Arrival will be from 11am Friday 10th and departure on Sunday 12th at members' leisure. Price per unit for camping is £10 for the continued on p17

Succulent slices of turkey served with thyme roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, honey glazed carrots, brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage and cauliflower cheese, all topped with a root vegetable gravy

Roast Topside of Beef

Roast beef served medium rare, with thyme roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, honey glazed carrots, brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage and cauliflower cheese, all topped with a root vegetable gravy and Yorkshire pudding

Mushroom & Brie Wellington

with thyme roast potatoes, honey glazed carrots, brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage and cauliflower cheese, all topped with a root vegetable gravy

Desserts Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Sticky Toffee Pudding with butterscotch sauce

Sherry Trifle

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Three Counties Motorhomes in Poole, Dorset, deals with all vehicle hand-overs, servicing and repairs.

Countrywide Motorhomes Main A31, 215 Ringwood Rd, St. Leonards, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2QB Tel: 01202 881089 Prices from £20,000 to over £60,000.

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LeoBay Campsite

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 £18 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 14 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

C SE OV CU ID RE

16/02/2021 09:22

CLUB NEWS | MEMBERS CASUAL CAMPSITE continued from p14 weekend (not per night). The three course dinner has three options for each course, cost will be £25 per person (at time of booking your preference for each course needs to be added, see menu on page 14).

As usual with any Casual Campsite we will endeavour to make your weekend as special possible.

Full payment in cash or cheque to be paid to Ann Bond by 18 Nov. There is a maximum of 60 table places available for the dinner.

For more details please email or text me at bond annbond83@ gmail.com or 07805 795549.

Tewksbury Abbey

T

he first campsite of 2022 will see us return to Gloucestershire in March to Croft Farm Water Park, Bredons Hardwick, Tewksbury, Gloucester Gl20 7EE. 25 March to 8 April 2022.

Arrival from 12 noon, departure by 12 noon.

Unfortunately this will still have to be bookable due to site preference. Booking from 25 March to 8 April (2 weeks) or one week 5 March to 1 April or 1 April to 8 April.

Full facility site, the bar and restaurant is open from Friday to Sunday, also club room and bar will be open to us on Wednesday evening (own drinks not allowed).

All pitches have 10 amp hook-ups, max of 2 pets per van.

I have 50 pitches in total, 30 hard stand for heavier vans for which you will need heavy pegs for awnings etc and 20 on grass fronting roadside so no problem as it's well drained ground.

Pop-ups are allowed.

A special price of £20 pupn inclusive of hook-up. Full payment in cash to be paid to hosts on arrival at MCC reception, not the site.

This is an early spring CCS to dust off the winter blues, in a lovely part of the country with some pretty villages within walking

distance; bring your wellies or walking boots to get out and enjoy the area either on foot or bikes. Bus stop easy walk from site entrance into Tewksbury where buses can to be taken to other towns making good use of your bus passes.

To book please email me at annbond83@gmail.com. Names, membership number, vehicle registration, van length, any pets, dates required. As no deposits are taken and we only have limited places, please check your 2022 diaries before booking.

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 15

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Setting boundaries

The expanded ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Last month the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded. Here's a quick guide to what has changed and how it may effect a trip to the capital.

I

ntroduced on 8 April 2019, the world’s first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was implemented in London, and it has had a tough effect on emissions and pollution. Now this zone has been expanded.

How have the London ULEZ boundaries changed?

The boundaries were originally shared with the central London Congestion Charge zone but

from 25 October 2021, the ULEZ expanded to every borough inside the A406 North Circular Road and the A205 South Circular Road. The Circular roads are not included in the new boundaries, but it does mean that every journey you make into London inside the roads will incur a charge.

When does it operate?

The expanded ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week,

16 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

with the exception of Christmas Day. Each charging day runs from midnight to midnight and automatic number plate recognition cameras will check vehicles against a database to check exemption status, discount eligibility, and charge payment.

Which vehicles will be exempt from charges?

In addition to cars and motorcycles, continued on p19

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* Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Motorhome Protect is a trading name of Insurance Factory Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 306164). For mutual security, calls are recorded and may be monitored for training purposes.

* MOTOR CARAVAN INSURANCE COVER • Cover for American motorhomes available • Insurance for Trikes, Buggies & Quads • Discount available to club members • Limited mileage discounts • Stand-alone breakdown cover

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Open All Year “An excellent campsite with exceptional facilities”

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NEWS

Map showing ULEZ expansion up to the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205) fromChigwell 25 October 2021

Finchley

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Woodford

Wood Green

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Battersea

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A31

Wimbledon

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Isle of Dogs

A 10

Bermondsey A2

What if I forget to pay?

Drivers have up until midnight three charging days after they travelled to pay the charge. If not paid, a £160 fine (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days) will be issued for vehicles up to 3.5-tonnes GVW. Payment will be accepted by mobile phone app or online.

Find out more about the expanded London ULEZ at https:// tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-lowemission-zone

R i v er Thames

GREENWICH

Woolwich

GREENWICH

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Greenwich

Deptford A2

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Lewisham

LEWISHAM

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LEWISHAM

BROMLEY

MERTON

continued from p16 vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5-tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW)) and minibuses (up to and including 5-tonnes GVW) will be required to meet the expanded London ULEZ emissions standards to avoid paying a charge.

Check if your motorhome meets the ULEZ criteria at https://tfl.gov. uk/ulez-2021.

A13

Poplar

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Clapham

Brixton

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CITY OF LONDON

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City of London

Vehicles are not charged for driving on the North Circular Road (A406) and IlfordSouth Circular Road (A205) Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright 2020

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ISLINGTON

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HACKNEY

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Stoke Newington

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Central London ULEZ boundary in operation since April 2019 and Congestion Charge Zone boundary

AD

1 A4

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BARNET

Kenton

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Walthamstow

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Tottenham

ULEZ boundary from 25 October 2021

REDBRIDGE

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ENFIELD

Friern Barnet Stanmore more

Other Clean Air Zones around the country Other UK cities are following London’s lead with the introduction of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) that follow the same principle as the ULEZ. Just as with London, noncompliant vehicles will attract a charge. Four grades – A, B, C and D – exempt various vehicles, but the emissions standards are in line with the London ULEZ. The grade each CAZ has is determined by the local authority implementing it, but they are regulated by a national framework outlined by the UK government in February 2020. CAZs in Bath and Birmingham are already operational. Bristol, Newcastle and Portsmouth will follow by the end of 2021, with Liverpool and Manchester in 2022.

England Clean Air Zones dates and charges Bath 15 Mar 2021, CAZ C, £9 Birmingham 1 Jun 2021, CAZ D, £8 Bradford Jan 2022, proposed CAZ C Bristol Oct 2021, proposed CAZ C/D Gateshead Late 2021, proposed CAZ C Greater Manchester May 2022, CAZ C, £10 Liverpool 2022, TBA London (ULEZ expansion) 25 Oct 2021 Newcastle Late 2021, proposed CAZ C North Tyneside Late 2021, proposed CAZ C Oxford (Zero Emission Zone trial) Late 2021 Portsmouth November 2021, CAZ B Sheffield Proposed CAZ C, £10 Scotland low emission zones Aberdeen February-May 2022 Dundee February-May 2022 Edinburgh February-May 2022 Glasgow February-May 2022 November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 19

NEW MODEL NEWS

PART 2

Good news! In addition to some highly desirable new models to suit all budgets, upgrades to current ranges have been significant and worthwhile. Gentleman Jack is our guide…

British belters AUTO-TRAIL FORD ‘U’ LIKE Auto-Trail first got behind the blue oval decades ago when they produced the Stag PVC on Ford’s finest. After a considerable gap, Tribute coachbuilts built on the Transit chassis-cab were launched, offering viable alternative underpinnings to the ubiquitous Ducato/Boxer. More recently, Tribute coachbuilts have morphed into the Auto-Trail F-Line range, initially with four models available. Now there’s a newbie, the 6.88m (22’ 7”)

2

two berth, rear lounge F 68 [1-3].

It’s really on-the-pace to meet the resurgence in demand for modestlysized coachbuilts with this layout.

Price: £50,729 OTR but we would add the Drivers’ Pack and Lux Pack, each of which inflate the price by

1

20 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

3

4

5

£1,499. Look-out for a full live-in test of an F68 in a future edition of Motor Caravanner magazine.

EXPEDITION EXPANDS Such has been the success of AutoTrail’s VFM Expedition range of

6

high-top PVCs, they’ve extended the offer to include four coachbuilts ranging in size from the C63 6.34m (20’ 10”) to the C73 7.25m (23’ 9”) The tight focus on VFM continues with the coachbuilt range kicking-off with the pictured Expedition

C63 [4-6] at a dagger-sharp £46,995 OTR (Fiat Ducato 140BHP).

Photographs illustrate how the offside settee converts easily into two face-forward travel seats.

EHG UK 155 STRETCHES Erwin Hymer Group UK (Elddis and Compass) has slightly stretched the popular Autoquest/Avantgard 155 [7 & 8] and it now rests on the longer L3 chassis…overall length: 7.338m (24’ 1”). The change is to facilitate the inclusion of a dedicated table storage cupboard which can be seen on the far right of the kitchen base cupboards.

Price: £51,969 OTR (Peugeot Boxer 140 BHP).

TWO STOREY CAMPERVAN Actually, these launched this year, but will be in full production for 2022. The CV80 [9-11] is the latest

7 in the EHG’s Elddis Autoquest/ Compass Avantgarde ‘campervan’ ranges…their definition!

‘Downstairs’ it copies the CV 20’s layout. Significantly though, it then adds an ‘upstairs’ bedroom with panoramic views, both facilitated by adding a rear-hinged elevating- >>

8

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 21

The all new Expedition 68 The Expedition 68 is Auto-Trail’s first foray into the world of dedicated sports campers. With over 38 years of experience in designing and building motorhomes of all shapes and sizes, this is the only campervan they have created specifically for cyclists to travel and transport their bikes, equipment, and themselves.

Starting from £42,538 OTR.

Want to know more? Visit: www.auto-trail.co.uk/expedition TOGETHER WE’RE GOING PLACES

2-4

4

6.36M

NEW MODEL NEWS

9

10

11 roof to crown the high-top. Of great importance to some members is that all the range is built on the LWB not the XL/LWB version, so just sneaks under 6.0m (19’ 8”) length. £50,469 OTR (Fiat Ducato 140bhp).

RANGE UPGRADES EHG UK has refreshed and upgraded fixtures and fittings across their motorhome ranges. Too many to mention everything, but following are the most important: Autoquest/Avantgarde: New soft furnishing fabrics and exterior graphics, plus an improved heating control panel. The Peugeot Boxer gains auto lights and wipers, cab aircon, cruise control and a passenger airbag as standard – previously in the extra-cost Cab Lux Pack. For the first time, mobile internet and Wi-Fi systems will be available as cost options.

Encore/Concerto: New fabrics, finishes, an acrylic splashback to the kitchen area, fridge-freezer upgrade to Dometic Series 10, a better kitchen mixer tap, 2 X USB ports, plus wireless mobile phone charging, are all conversion upgrades. In addition, the already well-specified Fiat Ducato base gains auto-lights and wipers.

14

13

SWIFT GROUP SELECT SELECTION Swift Select – previously limited to PVCs – has now expanded by replacing the Escape Compact range of narrower (2.26m/7’5”) coachbuilts with its own range monikered (I feel you are ahead of me on this!) Swift Select Compact C range [12-14]. For 2022 they gain a Lanzarote Grey cab, an improved habitation door, dual-fuel hob for the cooker and some USB ports on the aisle face of the settee seat box. The interior photographs are >>

12

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 23

NEW MODEL NEWS

15

of the C404…another new runner in the 2022 ‘U’-shaped lounge sweepstake. Although the exterior graphics claim the exterior image to be of a C404, we think it is of a C205, as there is no rear window.

Swift Select C404 stretches the tape to 6.65m (21’ 10”) and has a windscreen price of £56,195 OTR (Fiat Ducato 140BHP).

GREAT ESCAPE Members may remember that the Escape range started off as an entry level offering, but, following the introduction of the Edge range, it has been the subject of market drift and last year became a mid-range offering. Further

16 enhancements for 2022 will see further promotion in market placement as it is set to supersede the Kon-Tiki Sport range – which many thought to be inappropriately named as it diluted the kudos that went with the flagship

01484 661 918

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24 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Kon-Tiki name. New Escapes are extremely well-equipped and benefit from many tweaks and upgrades. Layouts going forward are (predictably) the best-selling from previous Escape and KonTiki Sport ranges. Exterior lifestyle image [15] is of the Escape 684, 7.84m (25’ 9”) £66,195 OTR. In the photograph the lady is examining the flyscreen door which is included as part of the habitation door upgrade. The door itself is now to higher spec, has more fitted extras and it’s wider! 600mm (1’ 11.6”) to be precise. The more impressive ‘entrance’ is joined by cream softclose locker doors, an improved kitchen featuring a better worktop >>

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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

NEW MODEL NEWS and splashback, a refreshed washroom with an integrated and inset vanity sink. Those of us built for comfort rather than speed will also appreciate the wider dropdown electrically operated double-bed. All travel seats are fold-down Aguti ones [16] that store under the settees when not required and also include Isofix fittings.

A dekko around the outside reveals the smart new metallic Iron Grey cab, improved graphics and that every model has a lit and heated garage with twin exterioraccess doors and an internal one.

A RAFT OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR KON-TIKI We’ve not sufficient space to list them all…suffice to say, K-T’s got the lot! The seven-model range

17

[17-18] is priced between £79,995 - £90,995. Certainly, these are beyond the reach of the author, but they are not overpriced considering the equipment levels… quite the reverse in fact. After 38 years in continuous production Swift’s Kon-Tiki remains a motorcaravan icon.

18

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GROUP NEWS & DIARIES NOVEMBER 2021

ANGLIA

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 Next Deadline: November 5 for inclusion in December's magazine

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We had 27 units attend Burnt House Farm for our "Bangers & Mash" rally. The weather was kind to us and several members walked out across the fields. A fish and chip run was arranged by Derek and Brian for Friday tea time which was enjoyed by all considering it was a 9 mile return run by Derek and Brian to collect them. Friday evening we played bingo only to find our machines power supply was faulty! However Keith found a bingo app on his phone and Derek did a great job of calling. Jenga was played to much fun and noise when the tower collapsed.

Saturday morning we had volunteers for spud and onion bashing and the site's barbeque was set up ready for the meal in the evening. 110 sausages, 25 kilos of spuds and 15 kilos of onions! Saturday evening we sat down to our meal which was enjoyed by all. This was followed by card bingo and general chat.

Sunday was coffee etc in the morning and in the evening for those left general chat in the Pavilion. Monday was DIY day. Thanks to Derek and Carol for sorting out the food and cooking the mash, those who parked up and to all involved on the sausage and onion cooking dept.

Seventeen units came to Acle Academy which replaced Whittlesey. This was our first time here and it is a pleasant site. We had first timers John and Lynn Christie, we hope to see you again. We could only use the gym but Keith, Tony, Teresa and Carole sorted it out.

It was only a short walk into the village where you could catch a bus to Norwich or Yarmouth every 20 minutes.

Friday evening we played cash bingo with our machine in full working order again. Saturday morning

was fine but at 2pm the heavens opened and did it rain. It didn’t really stop until late evening.

In the evening we had a quiz set by Jan Hague which strained the little grey cells. I thought I had set some real difficult ones but Jan’s really took the biscuit. Then David Seals entertained us until late.

Sunday morning tea, coffee, Chairman's chat, Dodgy Dip and raffle rounded off a pleasant weekend. Thanks to all who assisted in any way with parking up serving tea, selling raffle tickets etc. Scribe Derek Upcoming TCs: 12-14 November at Terrington Village Hall PE34 4LZ. Starts 5pm. 3-5 December is our Xmas party at Alderman Peel School, Wells next the Sea NR23 1RB. Starts 16.30pm. Price now £60 per 2 person unit, £45 single person unit. Price adjustment: Due to circumstances at the school we will now be having a 2 course buffet provided by our usual caterer. Own cutlery and crockery required. Further info on FB or website.

30 December-2 January is our New Year rally at Terrington Village Hall PE34 4LZ. Starts 1pm.

All these are bookable through Carol on 01473 620933 or email dereksherman41@gmail.com.

Please always check that a rally is going ahead prior to the event. Please let us know if you are unable to attend a rally that you have booked.

AVON Cross Keys, East Lydford, Somerset, 9-12 September.

Thanks go to Sue and Pete, Gill and Dave for hosting the rally at Cross Keys. The lovely two acre field was located behind the Cross Keys pub. Around the edge of the field were lots of blackberries to be picked along >> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 29

GROUP NEWS with apples in the pub garden.

Thursday evening began with a get together in the function room where we played two games of Play Your Cards Right. Eddie won the first game and Allan the second. Mark provided background music.

Friday had people visiting Street, with its outlet centre, or Wincanton from the bus stop outside the pub. In the evening Pete organised three knockout games of skittles with Steve, Debbie and Penny emerging victorious.

Saturday saw people walking along to a beautiful village, West Lydford and on to St. Peter’s church and beyond alongside the river Brue. Others visited the motorhome show at the nearby showground at Shepton Mallet. In the evening, after many had enjoyed a meal in the function room, we had bingo.

Sunday morning was a lovely day for the coffee and biscuits, Sue gave out the relevant info and Gill read out the answers to the Dingbats quiz that people had attempted at their leisure during the rally. Christine and Brian were the winners and won a bottle of wine.

Marilyn and Allan ran the raffle. Some of us stayed on for the delicious Sunday lunch before heading home.

Frome Cricket Club, Somerset, 23 -26 September.Mark, Penny, Kevin and Yvonne were the hosts at a sunny Frome cricket club. They welcomed a total of 28 vans.

Thursday evening began with bingo in the clubhouse followed by a catch up and natter with other members.

Friday, people ventured into Frome and beyond, to places such as Warminster and Chippenham. In the evening Mark hosted a general knowledge quiz and followed that with a song request session with Penny finding and playing an extremely varied selection.

Saturday was market day in Frome and because the annual carnival was cancelled again this year the town organised a fun day in the town’s Victoria park. The cricket club provided entertainment in the evening with a duo playing and singing songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, with lots of singing and dancing along it was a very enjoyable time.

Sunday coffee morning had Sue reading out the notices, including upcoming rallies and giving out plaques to first time visitors. Mark and Kevin ran the raffle and afterwards it was farewell to Frome, for now.

Stay safe, Allan Upcoming TCs: 29 December-2 January is our New Year party at Whitstone School, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5PF. Please check Avon group website for updates and to pre-book with our secretary, Mrs Kay Norman.

CHILTERN At the time of writing there are still spaces available for the Chiltern Christmas Party. If you would like to attend please feel free to text Julie (details on website) 30 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

to see if this is still the case. The event is being held at Hurst School – a new venue for us – and there is lots of parking available.

There was only one TC in September on which to report and this was held at Stoke Bruerne. Fifteen vans attended a four night temporary campsite over the weekend of 9-13 September, with seven visitors.

Unfortunately the planned Village at War event had been cancelled so attendees enjoyed a free and relaxing time at this lovely village along with get togethers and excellent quizzes held each evening in the shelter. Thank you to the stewards Jane and David Turnbull who made this a successful event.

Upcoming TCs: 26-28 November at Hurst School, Baughurst, RG26 5NL.

EAST MIDLANDS

07562 324 325

Our Brownhills rally is fully booked. To book a rally, contact Anne Taylor: email anneeastmidlands@gmail. com or phone 07414 852497. The booking forms for our Grand Dinner/Dance at Springfields and our New Year rally at Ingoldmells are available on our website or at East Midlands’ rallies. Full payment required when booking.

If for any reason you can’t make a rally/TC that you have booked, please just contact Anne (or any member of the Committee) to inform us of your cancellation.

Casino Rally at North Muskham, 17-19 September – Twenty vans attended the rally; three first timers, one East Midlands, one Chiltern and one Yorkshire. On arrival members were welcomed and pitched up by the stewards Mick, Sue, Anne and Ron. On Friday evening the chairwoman Anne gave her welcoming chat then members played bingo followed by a game of True or False.

On Saturday some members caught the bus into Newark while others went a walk by the River Trent.

In the evening it was time to get dressed up to attend the Casino evening and spend some “funny” money.

The winner was Daniel. Then the yearly Snail Races took place. Adrian won the Men’s Race, Charlotte won the Junior Race and Champa won the Ladies’ Race.

The overall champion was Adrian who keeps the gold (plastic) cup for a year. Les then put on some dance music to end the successful evening.

On Sunday members went to a coffee morning and the raffle was drawn. Thank you to the stewards for their hard work in putting on a very enjoyable rally.

Yvonne Upcoming TCs: 19-21 November at Brownhills, A1/ A46 Junction, Newark Notts NG24 2EA. 3-5 December at Springfields Events Centre, Camelgate, Springfields, Spalding PE12 6ET. 17-19 December at Waddington Village Hall, Mere Road, Waddington, Lincoln LN5

9NX. 30 December-2 January at Royal Arthur Centre, Skegness Road, Ingoldmells, Lincs PE25 1NP.

EAST WESSEX September 17-19 saw us at Ringwood Junior School in the New Forest for what traditionally would be our carnival rally. Unfortunately the earlier cancellation of the carnival and fireworks meant that numbers were down on what we would usually expect, so it was quieter than usual but the lovely weather made up for it.

Eight vans (six East Wessex, one West Wessex and one Kent) arrived and the small number meant we could all park on grass rather than hardstanding.

Friday evening we had use of a hall for the first time in ages. We sat drinking and chatting together whilst DJ Cowboy Pete kept our feet tapping with his lively background music until one of the visitors from Kent could contain himself no longer. He jumped to his feet, leapt onto the dance floor and took us completely by surprise with his amazing dance moves as we could only watch in admiration. Of course we couldn't leave him to dance alone, could we.

Saturday was a hot day and some headed straight for the town, surprisingly busy with a craft fair that seemed to bring in the crowds. Dozens sat at tables in the sun enjoying a meal or a beer whilst listening to some excellent street entertainers.

We had afternoon coffee gathered on the school field in the shade, with Larry calling the card bingo.

Back in the hall for the evening, Cowboy Pete's music entertained us as we played deck shuffle, which was won by, yes, Kent's answer to John Travolta. Sheila did the raffle and Larry gave his chit chat.

On Sunday the sun returned following overnight showers; after morning coffee people began to drift home having had a thoroughly relaxing weekend.

Special thanks to Cowboy Pete for his 60s and 70s music.

This month we hope a new committee will be formed; even if you can't commit to being on the committee you can still help out by offering to do reception, organising a raffle, or a game or quiz, doing a rally report for the magazine, buying biscuits and cake etc. It really is appreciated.

Upcoming TCs: (We have decided that all still need to be prebooked). 12-14 November at Easebourne School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne GU29 9AG. Professional entertainer Jake Ward on Saturday.

Sandwiches and nibbles to be provided. AGM on Sunday morning at 10.30. Bookings: Yvonne 07484 685436 / 02380 611910. Cost £16 pupn; arrivals from 5pm.

10-12 December at Easebourne School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne, GU29 9AG. Christmas rally with professional entertainer Kenny Weaver on Saturday.

Bookings: Larry 07789 393829. Cost £32 pu for the

weekend. 30 December-2 January *change of venue* now Burnham Copse Primary School, Newchurch Road, Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 4HN. New Year rally with the return of popular duo The Simpsons to help celebrate the arrival of 2022 . Bookings: Diane 07971 888492.

Cost £48pu, to be paid by 12 December, please. See our website for further information: www.eastwessex. moonfruit.com. All welcome. Before setting out please check the website for any last-minute changes.

ESSEX The return to one of Essex's favourite sites, Pleshey.

Unfortunately when we were here earlier in the year we were unable to use the Village Hall. This time we could use the hall and it seems as though we were getting back to normal.

On Friday evening we all went over to the hall for a natter and a game of bingo. It was so good to be able to mix with members in a hall. Also it was good to have tea and coffee and after a long time being able to have soup again. It was a good evening enjoyed by all catching up with old friends and new ones. The local pub was doing take aways on Friday and it was so busy it ran out of fish. We had two visitors this weekend, one from Sussex and one from Yorkshire, we hope you both enjoyed the weekend with Essex.

Saturday it was a please yourself day and a lot of members went along to the church to see the display for Harvest Festival and to meet the vicar there who was very informative and extremely friendly. Lunchtime the pub was full with members going down. I think the publican looks forward to us visiting Pleshey because of the increase in trade over the weekend.

Saturday evening over to the hall again where we were all treated to plated cheese and biscuits, pickle and tomatoes. This was prepared by Barbara, Sue and Tina and we would like to thank them for the enormous amount of wrapped cheese and biscuits. Coffee and tea was also on offer. We had a game of musical bingo and Malcolm the birthday boy had a lucky weekend because he won the bingo on Saturday and the musical bingo on Sunday. Raffle tickets were sold and the raffle drawn and a good evening was had by all.

Sunday was a lovely day again, our Chairman's waffle was at 11 o'clock and Bob, our chairman, thanked everyone for coming and also welcomed the two visitors and hoped to see them again. We were lucky with the weather, let's hope it continues. John By the time you read this we should have a new committee. We went from Pleshey to Park Dean Resorts with a couple of other members before heading onto Grange Farm for three nights. We were all parked together in the same field, but we had a number of units having to double up on electric due to some points out of use. >> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 31

GROUP NEWS Friday saw a number of members going to the local social club. Saturday the sun was out, and many members went into Walton on the Naze either by bus or train. In the afternoon we managed to have a game of bingo and also our raffle, with many donations from members. Bob did his usual chit chat and thanked new members and visitors from Sussex, Chiltern and Yorkshire for attending. We also welcomed back after his accident Bill and Mo. In the evening a few members had takeaway Chinese, whilst others went along again to the local social club, some even spent time together in their Quest popups.

On Sunday a number of members went for lunch at the various resturants or a local walk. Bob Upcoming TCs: 5-7 November at Bradwell Village Hall, Bradwell on Sea. 19-21 November at Chelmer Valley School, Chelmsford. Starts 6pm. 3-5 December is our Christmas Party at Chelmer Valley School, Chelmsford. Starts 6pm. Please bring your own food for your table. 30 December-2 January is our New Year Party at Bradwell Village Hall, Bradwell on Sea. All rallies are bookable.

KENT Temporary Campsite 3-5 September, Fir Tree Farm, Rhodes Minis. We had nine vans at this fabulous new to us site. For those that like peace and quiet, this site was a delight. Excellent walking could be had on both flat and varied terrain. For those that liked a gentle walk and cafe The Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary Cafe was a pleasant walk and the food was good.

For those that preferred a more challenging walk, a pub could be found two miles away across country and again the food was very good.

Thank you Jeanne and Mick for hosting this rally and providing a very challenging quiz. Thank you also for organising the table top sale. Thank you also to everyone who took part either by selling or purchasing with contributions going to the club charity, Sussex, Surrey, Kent Air Ambulance.

Please remember to visit our Facebook page, Kent Group of the Motor Caravanners’ Club or kentgroupmcc. weebly.com for the latest updates and further information. If you are aware of someone who does not have internet access, please consider calling them to keep them updated.

Upcoming TCs: 10-12 December please join us for our Christmas Party at Greatstone Primary School. For those members booked for our Christmas party, please do not park near the school while waiting for the rally to start, as this would create massive traffic problems for the school, parents and ourselves. Please do not arrive before the rally start time. 30 December- 2 January celebrate New Year with us at Oasis Academy, Sheerness.

32 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Lancashire group - Greaves Farm

LANCASHIRE The first TC in September was at a new venue, Greaves Farm, Cabus adjacent to the Lancaster canal. There were 21 units, one East Midlands, one Severn Valley, one Yorkshire and 18 Lancashire. An attendee describes the setting as “most enjoyable”. Photographs I have seen show a lovely setting with lots to see and watch plus pleasant walks. Members enjoyed bingo on Friday and Take Your Pick plus Lisa K’s quiz on Saturday.

The second TC in September was at Warton Cricket Club, Nr Carnforth (where the film Brief Encounter was made). Only 13 units attended, all Lancashire Group members. (Unfortunately many regulars were at Lincoln for the last Warner’s Motorhome Show of the year.)

Fridays entertainment was Allan’s bingo and a quiz which was won by Allan and Barbara’s team.

Saturday’s fun started with the Macmillan Coffee Morning which raised £84. Thanks to all who contributed in any way. For the evening entertainment Allan and Jack presented Take Your Pick. There were at least five volunteer singers plus a dance which involved muscle movements demonstrated by Jeff. Plus, of course, good music from Dean. The committee and helpers did a great job! Oh! A little bird told me that Beattie won the Bonus Ball as well as nearly a clean sweep on every other game. Your temporary scribe, Alma Upcoming TCs: 12-14 November at Hoghton Village Hall, PR5 0SG. Starts 2pm. Bookable. 26-28 November at Canberra Club BB2 7LF. Starts 2pm.

MOTORCYCLE 2-6 September, MCG Extravaganza at Kemble Airfield.

Wow! That was a great rally – 169 vans were guided onto site by a very friendly bunch of guys from the Motorbike group.

That evening we went into the marquee for a 'welcome speech' from the MCG chairman. This was followed by a The Chase-type quiz! We got into teams of

up to six people and we joined up with another table. We were given the answers, but had to decide which was the answer. Not as easy as it sounds. It got us talking though and we stayed with our group all weekend. A great way to meet people.

On Friday there was a coach trip to Swindon and 25 bikes went on a ride out to the REME museum. We all went into the marquee again that evening for the band.

A great night of dancing and getting together again.

After a lay in on Saturday we went over to the Dog Show. There were seven categories including waggiest tail, most handsome dog and dog and owner lookalike.

There were loads of entries and very funny to watch, especially the dog owner who stuck on extra large eyebrows to match the dog's ones. In the afternoon we set up our stall on the Table Top sale. There was a great assortment of tables selling knitted items, jigsaws, motorbike gear and loads more.

Later that day, we joined 19 other bikers on a fast ride out to Birdlip View Point and Barrow Wake. We got back just in time to get into our fancy dress outfits and join in the fun in the marquee. There was a great assortment of outfits including a crowd from the Peaky Blinders family, clowns, bees and nuns. The band had us all up dancing again. Prizes were given for best fancy dress and the raffle was drawn.

Sunday brought us back together for a coffee morning. Then some went off to Bath on the coach, whilst the motorbikers went out on a treasure hunt in the local area. After lunch we played boules and some tried the Oxfordshire game of Aunt Sally, where we had to throw large pieces of wood like rolling pins, underarm at a wooden dolly. The aim was to knock the dolly off its stand. Many did manage this but I definitely need more practice. Our final evening in the marquee started with bingo and another night of music and dancing. It was a great weekend and we had a lot of fun together again at long last.

Check out the gallery on the MCG website to see photos of this great weekend and other events.

NENE VALLEY Thirty vans arrived for our meet at the Cranford Vintage Rally and Steam Fayre. Our thanks to the stewards Pat and Paul, with some help from Tony and Kathleen, for running the rally. The weather was mainly sunny, the only rain was on the morning of departure day. We were delighted to welcome vans from nine other Groups, and members were able to enjoy the sights, sounds and sometimes smoke from this very busy event. Bags of goodies, from lots of stalls, arrived back on site on a regular basis. Nene Valley would like to thank everybody for their support in making this such a friendly and cheerful rally. Tony

Upcoming TCs: 5-7 November at The Cock at Broom, 23 High Street, Broom, Beds SG18 9NA. 2pm start. £12 pupn. 2-6 December at Barnstones C&C Park, Main Street, Great Bourton OX17 1QU. Starts 2pm. £12 pupn (incl. electric) + £1pp rally fee. Christmas TC. There are a few places left – please book with Kathleen on 07792 353803 for place and Christmas menu.

NORTHERN COUNTIES Hi everyone. By the time you are reading this, we will have had our AGM and will report on this in next month’s news.

Our second re-arranged THS at Stanhope's Unthank Park was again hosted by Dave and Janet Hird and had 23 motorhomes attending. There were 19 from Northern Counties, one Yorkshire, one Lancashire, one Chiltern and one East Midlands. The Sears family from East Midlands had re-joined us on their way home from Northumberland, having previously attended our Runswick Bay and Great Ayton rallies. A walk was organised by Dave Hird which was well attended, and Val Elliot and Brian Higgins celebrated their birthdays over the weekend. We had the use of the room at Stanhope and it was nice to have a socially distanced catch-up with members inside in the warm for a change.

Alnwick Rugby Club THS was hosted by Bill and Ellen Hanby and we had 20 motorhomes attend, 16 from Northern Counties, two Yorkshire, one Lancashire and one from Scotland. We were glad to welcome back to our group a previous long-standing member, Eric Catherwood, whose attendance at Alnwick was his first rally since re-joining the MCC. Most members visited Alnwick over the weekend and some members attended an open-air night-time film in the castle grounds.

A windy Beadnell THS was attended by 24 motorhomes, 20 Northern Counties, one from S&W Wales, one from Lancashire and two from Anglia and was hosted by Kevin Pratt and Sue Cole, who had again saved a rally from being cancelled by offering to host. It was nice to see Henry and Dot Valks again, who hadn't been to a rally in nearly a year. Most members went into Beadnell and Seahouses over the weekend but there were no takers for a boat trip over to the Farne Islands due to the windy conditions.

Next year’s rallies are now listed on the Group’s Facebook page, we have some fabulous venues so please consider hosting a rally next year as without volunteer hosts we simply cannot run them. Paula

N. IRELAND Temporary Campsite at Portadown RFC, 17-19 September – After some inclement weather during the week we all started to arrive at the Portadown Rugby >> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 33

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GROUP NEWS Football Club at 3pm. The sun removed its mask and insured we now arrived in glorious sunshine. Part of the hosting team, Norman Willis and Martin Murphy, began parking the vans whilst their better halves Cynthia and Winifred respectively offered a warm and hearty welcome at the check-in.

Now as most of us know this particular meeting normally coincides with Portadowns' Country Comes to Town festival, but unfortunately, like so many other things this had to be cancelled due to this terrible covid virus.

Forty vans arrived on Friday afternoon and into the evening and soon the chairs were out and refreshments being partaken of. It was a glorious evening and I think most, if not all of the country's problems, indeed world's problems, were debated and to a large extent sorted out around numerous groups dotted around the site.

Pity world leaders weren't in attendance. The Rugby Club had a quiz night running in the club house from 7.30pm and they kindly issued an invitation to any of our members who would be interested. Quite a few attended and took part and they certainly did not let our side down.

Saturday morning was again a really beautiful day giving everyone the opportunity to lounge in the sunshine, shop, some took the opportunity to avail of the cycle path along the Newry Canal, two actually went the full distance, 40 miles there and back to Newry. Others just took it easy and watched the rugby matches and young players training. It was a delight to see so many youngsters out on the pitches preparing to be our future Jonny Sextons or Rory Bests. We do accuse them of sitting with thumbs on computer games. Not this lot.

Two more vans arrived on Saturday giving us a total of 42 vans which, and this gives me great pleasure to say, included five new sets of members which I will list in no particular order: Robert and Sharon McKee; Robert and Denise McCrory; Norman and Sarah McKee David McFadden and Ms Olena Kalinina and last but by no means least, Mr and Mrs Simon Todd. To further add to this wonderful array of new faces we also were able to welcome visitors Mr and Mrs Mainwarring from the Avon Group. I hope you both enjoyed your visit and if so spread the word.

The club was open for food and drink in the evening and unfortunately a mishap in the kitchen did cause a bit of concern which is just best forgotten. However we were given a room where we could have a chat and listen to some music provided by DJs Gary Little and Norman Willis. The quiz was in two parts, the winners were Noel Hanna and George Craig.

A very successful event, again thanks to Norman, Cynthia, Martin, Winifred and photographer on the day Yvonne Little. Photos in gallery. We look forward to seeing you all at Magherafelt. Enda & Flo Carolan Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt, 1-3 October.

36 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Sperrin College was the venue this week for our outing, our lovely hosts were Cynthia and Norman Willis and Winnie and Martin Murphy. We had 27 vans out and were joined by two new members, William and Adeline McClenaghan. The winners of the quiz were Flo Carolyn and Robert McCrory. Congratulations on three birthdays: Robbie Hewitt, Ida Elliott and Billy Cameron.

The usual catch up happened on Friday night, but now the nights are starting to fall away it would be nice to have the comfort of a hall again, hopefully this will happen sooner rather than later.

Saturday morning was a bit damp, but it didn’t dampen the shoppers spirits, they were out and about in full force. Magherafelt is a nice wee shopping town and even has a shopping centre. Eleanor and Victor McFadden

NWM&NW After following a long and winding driveway flanked by some magnificent trees we finally parked in the moat of Eccleshall Castle, our rally venue. A lovely location steeped in history. It's no longer a castle but an impressive, fortified manor house and only a short walk into town.

While Mike and Linda went on a magical mystery tour to check on a new venue, others sampled the many local eateries and watering holes in town or ventured out on bus trips to Stone and Stafford. Fans of geo-caching went in search of some challenging locations. Back on site new members Brian and Janet Kinsella and Elaine and Jon Beck were welcomed along with visitors from East Midlands, South and West Wales and Yorkshire.

Saturday evening, wrapped up against the chill, members enjoyed the alfresco bingo by torchlight. New members and visitors did well but Maria Hill was the big winner of the night with a line and a house.

Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Carter-Motley for allowing us to use the venue.

Glebe Farm, near Congleton, was another interesting location with good views towards Mow Cop and many walks in the area. Astbury village was celebrating a belated May Day in September (covid delay). On Saturday, a brass band led the parade and, then, the May King (equal opportunities) was crowned in the local church. Further activities took place on the field with maypole dancing, a dog show, go cart racing and a range of stalls; usual things for a garden fete. The various farm and craft shops were well supported, so there was plenty to keep everyone busy during a slightly damp weekend.

I think the local pub did well too. A photographic group with some birds of prey were around the farm on Sunday.

In all a very pleasant time was had by all. Thank you to those who came and supported the rally.

All venues must be pre-booked until 2022. When

booking a venue please supply your name, membership number, group, vehicle registration number and contact number. Look on our website www.nwmandnw.org.uk or Facebook for booking and further updates. If, after booking, you can not attend please let us know so the place can be offered to someone else.

Upcoming TCs: 12-14 November at Wistanstow Village Hall, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 8DQ. To book ring Mike and Linda 01785 282233. 3-5 December is our Festive Meet at Minsterley Parish Hall, Minsterley, Shrewsbury, SY50 0EH. Please book with Eileen 01902 743089 between 6pm and 9pm, email ellen_harvey@ sky.com or use the booking form on our website.

30 December -2 January is our New Year Rally at Cockshutt Millennium Hall, Shrewsbury Road, Cockshutt, Ellesmere, SY12 0JE. Please book this rally with Sue 07974 681428.

SCOTTISH Hello fellow members hope you are all well. Sorry for the short newsletter I have been caught on the hop away from home. I am currently in Rosehearty hastily putting this news together from memory. Our last meet at Culzean Castle was a great success with 16 units attending. We had five visitors: Lynn and Ian Lories, John Ternent and Ian Graham all from Northern Counties, also Pat and Malcolm Collins from Yorkshire, Les and Pat Clive from East Midlands. We also had the club secretary Ron Harris and Alison Byrne attending. Ron, named the one, tried his best to beat Bill Christie the Jamie dodger and myself, the dam buster, at boules. He tried in vain but a good sport trying his hand at Viking Kubb without any success again. When Ron returns to Scotland we have said we may give him a help next time . Haste you all back, members enjoyed the estate and visits to the castle. Regards, Squeezebox

SW PENINSULA

07722 885018

Thanks to Sandy and Ian for hosting an enjoyable event at Wadebridge. We had 16 vans including one visiting van from West Country.

Thursday evening saw everyone gathering to a very social event led by Sandy in which we are still awaiting to discover how “Cauliflower Cheese” works! Friday saw a group of us walking into Wadebridge across the fields led by Bob and Margaret, people then enjoyed browsing the shops and lunch before making their way back to the site. A sizeable group visited the on site bar in the evening for an enjoyable drink. Saturday saw many members cycling to Padstow, with some catching buses outside the site to visit places further afield.

We gathered in the evening to have a quiz, not our usual men’s vs women’s but east vs west as we were

seated in a circle next to friends. West won by a short margin. Sunday saw just seven vans remaining to enjoy afternoon tea and biscuits and a few card games. A site that everyone agreed was worth returning to.

Our second event at the beginning of October was hosted by Pete and Cathy at Bundu with 15 vans attending. All who attended arrived at a sunny site.

There was much catching up by some who had not managed to see each other though the summer events and groups went off cycling or walking along the Granite Way to Oakhampton or Lydford. Unfortunately the weather hit and Saturday saw many staying in vans with a few brave individuals venturing to catch the bus to Tavistock. Sunday morning saw our coffee morning and raffle being held in the Pump and Pedal, with everyone managing to have a good chat and much laughter. A large group braved the heavy showers to walk to The Highwayman Inn for a well-earned drink before walking back in yet more wet. Despite the inclement weather everyone had an enjoyable weekend catching up with old friends and meeting new.

We still have spaces available at our New Year Event at Trevarrian, with EHU, evening entertainment, heated swimming pool and ten pin bowling. Bookings are still via the website as the site has only allowed us a set number of pitches.

S&W WALES 26-31 August, Aberystwyth RFC. It’s always good to go back to Aberystwyth with all the town has to offer. The rugby club did not take any bookings from outsiders over the weekend so we had the club to ourselves which made security easy as we were able to keep the gate locked, and also plenty of space to spread out. A short walk takes you into the shopping area and on to the promenade. The weather was quite kind to us which makes a seaside venue all the more enjoyable and the town was busy for the August bank holiday weekend.

Hosts Jane, Nina, Geoff and Ibrie welcomed 50 vans to the rally which included first timers Stuart Charlie Ruck, Rhian and David Watts, Keith Carter, Rosie and Mike Sinclair, Sandra and Ernie Widley. The visitors were the Rogers family, Bridget Gallagher and family, John Horton and Margaret and Mike Bratton.

As the weather was reasonably good we managed to sit out on Thursday evening for a meet, greet and catch up. The rugby club opened the bar for the other evenings and offered breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings and Sunday lunch.

The bus terminus is a short walk away with a good variety of destinations to choose from so some members took the opportunity to see a bit more of the area.

10-13 September, Hereford Rowing Club. It was very wet when our hosts Peter & Pauline with first>> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 37

GROUP NEWS time host Kath and Peter welcomed 27 vans to this popular riverside site. However, the heavy showers soon passed and the rest of the weekend was fine and warm enabling many to sit out until late.

There were visitors from Severn Valley, Kirsty and Richard, who won the lucky van prize, with several members rallying for the first time since the lockdowns.

It is a short walk to the centre of the historic city of Hereford with its amazing cathedral, such beautiful old buildings and many narrow alleyways and streets to explore. On Saturday there was also a busy Saturday market to enjoy.

There was a buffet breakfast available in the very smart clubhouse and many socialised there on Saturday evening. On Sunday there was a well attended coffee morning and raffle where everyone enjoyed freshly baked scones with homemade damson Sussex group

38 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

jam; thank you to Kath for her hard work.

23-26 September, Pembrey Country Park. It was the last weekend of summer as hosts Moira and Hywel with first time hosts Penny and Paul welcomed 29 vans to the Archery Field at this huge country park. It was good to see several first timers and returned members Edith and Stuart, Evan Morris and John Lewis with visitors Peter and Marion Gray (SWP) and Keith and Rosemary Wilson (West Country). Special thanks to the hosts for overcoming misunderstanding with the site booking.

On the Saturday morning we had a Macmillan Coffee Morning with delicious cakes made and donated by members, followed by a hilarious food quiz with Penny. Thanks to the generosity of our members £146.50 was raised for this worthwhile charity. The remainder of the day everyone was able to view some visiting vintage steam vehicles, ride the vintage double

decker bus around the park, take the bike trail or walk to the huge sandy beach where something strange had happened at sea. The tideline was heavily littered with huge unusual jellyfish, which was even reported in the national media.

The Sunday coffee morning and raffle finished a lovely weekend; the lucky van prize went to Pauline and Peter Green.

Upcoming TCs: 26-28 November at Rhiwbina School is CANCELLED due to building work. 10-12 December at Baskerville Hall HR3 5LE. Fabulous venue check our website for details. Bookable. Starts 12noon. 30 December-3 January is New Year Party at Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly, SA17 4UL. Starts 12noon.

SUSSEX Our new venue at Wild Heart Hill Campsite proved to be a small but friendly meet. Marilyn and Dave organised a fire pit with fondue and marshmallows which everyone enjoyed. Marilyn is trying to organise another summer meeting at this 'chill out' site for 2022.

We were shocked to have to cancel our rally at Tillingbourne. Only six 'vans had booked which didn't make it financially viable. It was a very late decision to cancel, but after our Facebook and email reminders didn't bring any further bookings the decision had to be made. Remember that only your attendance at rallies make them worth while, and all Rally Officers will tell you – it's not easy to organise them at the moment, so lots of effort on their behalf makes the cancellation so very disappointing. During the winter when we are reliant on hard standing – mostly schools – we need your attendance to carry on.

The fuel crisis did nothing for us all during the first weeks of October! The elements keep coming! But some of us continue to persevere with our camping out, even if it is on our friends' drives or paying for campsites to meet up with our MCC friends.

Our rally at The Barn saw 15 'vans arrive to be greeted by Linda and Michael (who was getting over shingles!). A generous raffle was well received and (in between the rain showers!) coffee morning with enough cake consumed for two coffee mornings was enjoyed by everyone.

Well done to all those who managed to get to the Trade Shows and volunteer help on the MCC Stand during September and October.

We look look forward to seeing you all soon. Carole Upcoming TCs: 12-14 November at Rodburgh School, Godalming. GU8 5BZ. Starts: 6pm. Hosts: Stan and Marge. 17-19 December is our Christmas Party at St Richards School, Bexhill. Starts: 6pm. Professional entertainment. Seasonal fun. Book via : linda. reading51@yahoo.co.uk. 30 December-2 January is

West Country group an invite from Kent to join their New Year's Eve party at Oasis Academy, Sheerness ME12 2BE. Book via: kent@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. 8 January is a Day Meet at Dial Post Village Hall RH13 8NJ. 1.30pm-5pm.

WEST COUNTRY The West Country Group had their AGM on the 9th October at Riverside CP at South Molton, North Devon.

A good turn out of 27 vans attended.

The committee was voted on unanimously by the members. We sadly said goodbye to Ian Hickman who has been our treasurer for many years and has agreed to stay on as a committee member, with his wealth of experience with the Club. We welcomed the new treasurer Angela Wolfe who is looking forward to taking on the role. Two other members, Sam and Tim Snell, were voted on as committee members. They recently joined West Country group and are looking forward to hosting next year.

Our chairman Bob Bawden was able to present a cheque for the princely sum of £2,543.56p to Dr Robin Buckland from the Children's Holiday Foundation North Devon. Dr Simon Buckland gave us a very touching talk on the wonderful work the charity do in helping to give the children with serious illnesses or disabilities a holiday to remember. He said that all the money raised goes to the children and the volunteers all fund themselves to take the children away.

All the members had a great time enjoying the good weather and excellent food in the Riverside restaurant.

A reminder that the Christmas dinner and entertainment will be held at Riverside CP from 3-5 December this year. Please note the money for the meeting and dinner is to be paid by 1st November.

Cheques or cash to be paid the rally officers. If you have >> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 39

GROUP NEWS paid a £10 deposit the outstanding amount is £72.

Please let Jim or Jenny Tenn-Bokkel know if you are not able to come. Address to send cheques is Little Barchem, Raleigh Road, Barnstaple, North Devon EX31 4HY.

WEST WESSEX All Covid guidelines will still be strictly applied.

We look forward to giving a warm welcome to visitors from other groups.

Norden Farm, nr Corfe Castle, 4-11 September.

A welcome week in the countryside to enjoy the delights of a working farm complete with a flock of geese, an on patrol strutting peacock, a large hen coop with many varieties of chickens, and the occasional whiff of a realistic farmyard smell. We were camping in the donkey field but thankfully they were in a field well away from us as they do make a racket in the early morning.

Our host was Dawn Bartlam supported by Ali, very well organised with the pitches all allocated to get the best of the sun, plenty of it as well. Vans from Avon (one), Sussex (three) and West Wessex (11) were due to arrive during the week.

One evening Dawn had organised a fire pit around

which we gathered for an opportunity to meet old and new friends. Roger Clarke (Avon) kindly set up some background music and with the roaring log fire blazing away a very convivial evening was had by all. As some were leaving early our hosts on the Tuesday gathered us together for sandwiches and cake followed by the chairman’s address and a raffle, very busy hosts, thanks to you both.

The delights of Dorset and the Purbeck region got us into the roving mood with trips made to Swanage, Wareham, Corfe, Poole, and beyond. Plenty of visitors around to enjoy themselves and get rid of the Covid blues. To sum up, great hosts, a good area, a fine site and lovely meals, what could be better? Dave Mc TCs to put in your diaries for November/December are as follows: 4-7 November at Weymouth Rugby Club, Monmouth Ave, Weymouth DT3 5HZ. Bookable via Andy & Gill 07746 058606 or gillyhorder@gmail. com. 2-5 December is our Christmas Party at Dinton Village Hall, Bratch Lane, Dinton SP3 5EB. Bookable via Andy & Gill 07746 058606 or gillyhorder@gmail.com.

AGM. 29 Decembe-2 January is our New Year Party at St Michael Middle School, Cole Hill Lane, Wimborne BH22 7AN. Bookable via Andy & Gill 077460 58606 or gillyhorder@gmail.com.

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OU T & A B OU T THIS MONTH WE VISIT...

SOMERSET

Escape

country

to the

One of the largest counties in the country, Somerset boasts a wide range of beautiful landscapes to explore this autumn. From Arthurian legends and well-known attractions like Cheddar Gorge and Wells Cathedral to hidden sandy beaches and country pubs offering the finest local cider, there’s something for everyone to discover here.

The Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop’s Palace

Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, this enchanting medieval palace is not only surrounded by a moat (complete with resident swans who ring a bell when they want food!), but also has a flagstone drawbridge and portcullis for the ultimate grand entrance. Visitors can walk through a number of rooms within the palace to gain an understanding of how past bishops used to live, as well as explore the Great Hall and private Chapel. Outside, there are 14 stunning acres of RHS Partner gardens to wander, which include the well pools from which the city takes its name. Little ones will enjoy the ‘Dragon’s Lair’ play area in the arboretum.

42 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

The Roman Bath

s

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Sat dramatically atop a wooded hill offering breath-taking views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel, the stunning Victorian country house of Dunster Castle has been the fortified home of the Luttrell family for 600 years. Inside you’ll find lavish interiors, including ornate plaster ceilings and a 17th century carved staircase. Outside there are terraced gardens with a collection of sub-tropical plants. At the entrance to the river gardens you’ll find the restored 18th century watermill. The watermill is fully operational – you can even buy the flour it produces.

Haynes International Motor Museum

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge

England’s biggest gorge offers up one of the country’s most iconic vistas and is well worth seeing for yourself. Nestled in the Mendip Hills, this world-famous gorge was created around a million years ago during the last Ice Age, when water from melting glaciers formed a river that carved into the limestone rock. At almost

400 feet deep and three miles long, it’s a truly spectacular sight.

Underground there are vast stalactite caverns, two of which are open to the public to tour.

These are also the site where Britain’s oldest complete skeleton was found in 1903 – dubbed ‘the Cheddar Man’, it was estimated to be 9,000 years old.

Dunster Castle

A must-visit for automobile enthusiasts, this living and working museum is one of the county’s largest indoor attractions and houses over 400 cars and bikes.

From the Dawn of Motoring to the new Williams F1 exhibition, there’s something for petrolheads of all ages. Whether Bentleys and Rolls Royces are your thing, or you prefer super cars like the Ferrari 360, you’re sure to find your favourite. Little ones are well catered for too, with fun exhibits showing them how a car works and activities such as Paint a Mini and brass rubbings.

The Roman Baths

One of the area’s most famous attractions, The Roman Baths sit on Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with gloriously warm water >> November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 43

OUT & ABOUT

Glastonbury Abbey

>> today. Marvel at the magnificent temple and bathing complex where Romans would bathe nearly 2,000 years ago and explore the museum, which tells more about the lives of those who lived and worked here, as well as housing an impressive collection of 17,000 Roman coins recently discovered in nearby Beau Street. Costumed characters are on hand to tell the stories of past inhabitants, so you might meet a Roman slave girl, stonemasons or a travelling merchant while you wander! Audio guides are also included in the admission price, so you can wander at your leisure before enjoying a bite to eat in the 18th-century Pump Room.

Known as the earliest Christian foundation in the country and the burial place of King Arthur, Glastonbury Abbey is a legendary place in more ways than one. There has been a church on the site for at least 1500 years, although there is evidence of even earlier occupation. Once the richest monastery in England, the abbey was suppressed in 1539 during King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Today it’s a tranquil site offering free tours and regular events such as concerts and exhibitions. A museum on site gives further information on the site’s history and showcases items from its life, while surrounding the abbey are 36 acres of beautiful parkland to wander.

Ham Hill Country Park

If you fancy somewhere for an autumnal stroll, you can’t do much better than Ham Hill Country Park.

Boasting 164-hectares surrounding the Iron Age hill fort from which the park takes its name, there are a number of trails to choose from, Ham Hill

many of which offer spectacular views over the South Somerset Moors, Exmoor and the Mendip Hills. Evidence has been uncovered that the hill fort here was one of the largest in the southwest and likely the centre of trade in the region. In later times, particularly during the Victorian era, the hill stone (known as Hamstone) was quarried extensively; the Houses of Parliament in London are fronted

44 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Shepton Mallet Prison

with Hamstone. The Prince of Wales Hotel sits atop the hill and is a wonderful stop for a lunch break.

Shepton Mallet Prison

This recently decommissioned Georgian jail offers informative guided tours and, for the brave, ghost tours. The prison’s rich history begins in 1646, where inmates were sentenced to hard labour. Following the second world war, it was used as a military prison and also for the storage of important historical documents, including the Domesday Book. Famous inmates include the Kray twins, and one inmate who still doesn’t appear to have left since the late 1700s. Tales of paranormal activity are frequent, with the most popular being that of the White Lady. Prison guards would complain of an icy wind blowing through A wing, along with shadowy figures and the smell of perfume. Tours promise an immersive experience, with little having changed here since the last prisoners left in 2013.

www.shutterstock.com/Lee_S_Smith

Glastonbury Abbey

01934 418617 Book online at: www.uphillwharf.co.uk

Halse Farm Caravan Park & Campsite

Spectacular views & walks • WiFi Clean, heated toilet block • 10 amp electric hook-ups • Chemical disposal point • Disabled facilities Laundrette • Children’s play area Gas exchange • Dogs welcome T: 01643 851259 mcc@halsefarm.co.uk

www.halsefarm.co.uk

Here at Uphill Wharf Campsite and Marine Centre you will find well-kept level pitches with wonderful views of our salt water marine lake and the area that surrounds this friendly site.

Shower & toilet blocks • Chemical waste facs Hardstandings & elec hook-up • Open all year Dogs welcome • Free WiFi • Close to shops, pubs, a restaurant and 200m from the beach

A special little riverside nook that’s very close to Bath.

We’re open all year and have all the facilities you’ll need.

We even welcome dogs!

www.bathcaravanpark.com | 01225 424301

S LT U Y D L A ON

Phippins Farm

TOURING CARAVAN PARK AND COTTAGE

Phippins Farm, 17th Century, non working farm on the edge of Somerset Levels, near Burnham on Sea

A unique woodland touring site in South Somerset close to the Devon and Dorset borders, just 20 mins from Lyme Regis and the Jurassic coast. Level pitches with electric, family friendly, dog friendly, and firepit friendly with an on-site shop selling local produce.

Call us 01460 65079 www.alpinegrovetouringpark.com

Level, well drained orchard site beside the River Brue.

Pubs are within easy walking/cycling distance.

Peaceful base for touring Somerset and West Country.

16 amp EHU, heated toilet block, showers, dog walking, bus stop, river fishing, gym facilities.

Call Tim 07802 786560 www.phippinsfarm.co.uk

Fishing and holidaying in dog friendly tranquil surroundings, perfect for families.

Set within the Somerset/Quantock Hills countryside and close to the coast.

01278 732135 www.burtonsprings.co.uk burtonsprings@yahoo.co.uk Burton, Bridgwater, TA5 1QB

A small and friendly campsite set in the heart of the glorious Blackdown Hills Seasonal and touring pitches Open all year • Dog friendly Beautiful walks and cycling routes Small on-site shop • Country pub nearby We buy and sell caravans

01823 421515 www.hollybushpark.com Culmhead, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7EA

Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park Exclusively for adults • Pets welcome Open all year • Booking essential

bath chew valley .co.uk November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 45

OUT & ABOUT

Cotswolds En route to Somerset from the north? Or just looking for an easy day trip nearby? This Cotswolds driving route is perfect for extending your trip and taking in the largest AONB in both England and Wales.

Blenheim Palace

Distance: 57.3 miles

Driving time: 1 hour 40 mins

The route Your route will begin along the A44, and follow the road towards the north-eastern part of the Cotswolds.

Upon entering the Cotswolds area, you’ll first drive past the grounds of Blenheim Palace, which is a great place to visit at the start of your journey. The Palace is a World Heritage Site, and famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, as well as featuring in a few well-known films such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Spectre, and The Avengers. Why not try and work your way around the Marlborough Hedge Maze too – although you may want to set aside some extra time for that one!

Your drive will continue along the A44, before you’ll take a left turn on the B4437. There’s a petrol station on the corner here which could be a good place to fill up along your route. The drive is a scenic one, with

Recommended travel time: 1 day

Known for: The quaint villages and idyllic market towns of the Cotswolds make this one of the most scenic driving routes in the country. There aren’t any tricky roads to watch out for along the way and, although it can get slightly narrow in places, the route is pleasant and straightforward.

From Charlbury, your luscious green fields on route will continue along either side of you, and the B4437 until you an arrow-straight reach the right turn road leading you for Pudlincote Lane directly towards and head towards the small village the small village of Stonesfield. of Churchill. Here, You’ll find the road will move a number from a B-road to a of quaint country lane, so from countryside villages this point it becomes and towns along your Stow-on-the-Wold slightly narrower – be aware way; from Stonesfield, of any blind bends and oncoming your route will take you through vehicles. Once you reach Churchill, the centre of Fawler, then up to you may want to stop off and visit the town of Charlbury. The roads the Churchill and Sarsden Heritage between each location are fairly easy Centre, which tells the history of a to navigate, with scenery to enjoy ‘lost’ village that burned down in a on either side of the road. If you’re fire in 1684. feeling peckish, stop off at one Stow-on-the-Wold is another of the inns at Charlbury for some great place to stop during your traditional pub food. For history drive, with a car park near the main enthusiasts, Ascot d’Oilly Castle is square. The town has a beautifully located just under 5 miles away from historic market square, plenty of the centre of Charlbury.

46 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

>>

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OUT & ABOUT cafes, restaurants and small shops to browse through.

Your drive will then continue southward on the A429. The road here is easy to navigate and quite scenic in itself, with a beautiful canopy of trees overhead. Just over 4 miles away, you’ll approach Bourton-on-the-Water, which is home to the highly rated Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection.

The museum promises a great visit for those who enjoy motoring history, and features a look through the motoring timeline of the 20th century. You can also visit the famous Model Village, which is only a stone’s throw from the museum.

From Bourton-on-the-Water, continue your drive on the A429 towards Perrott’s Brook. The 14-mile stretch between both locations is very straight, with serene countryside views. Once you turn right towards Perrott’s Brook, however, the road

Bourton-on-Water model village

becomes slightly narrower. If you fancy parking up and stretching your legs, you could stop at Cerney House Gardens, a beautiful 3.5 acre walled garden which is open to the public every day of the week. Just a short distance away, you may also want to stop off at Cirencester, home to the Corinium Museum.

Your route will finish in the idyllic village of Amberley. If you’d like a bite to eat at the end of your drive, The Amberley Inn is a local favourite,

offering an award-winning menu with produce sourced from local farms. Amberley is also well-known for its golf course, which is only a minute or so from the end point of your route, and well worth a visit for any interested golfers.

Please note parts of this journey may not be suitable for motorhomes, please check route before departing.

This article was kindly supplied by Heritage Car Insurance, www heritagecarinsurance.co.uk

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Your holiday begins!

A family orientated site at the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Take a trip on the famous Swanage steam train to historical Corfe Castle, as we are only a 5 minute walk to Herston Halt station. Enjoy walks along the spectacular coastline and National Trust countryside or try bird watching, fishing, water sports or sandcastle building.

Make Herston your base for exploring all that Dorset has to offer.

OPEN ALL YEAR www.herstonyardsfarm.com 01929 422 932 office@herstonyardsfarm.com Herston Yards Farm, Washpond Lane, Swanage BH19 3DJ

Holiday Park at Ullswater

Park Foot is a family run Holiday Park set in magnificent scenery with just a 10-minute lakeside walk to Pooley Bridge village.

Electric hook-ups | Onsite shop, restaurant & takeaway | Direct access to lake | Beach | Laundrette | Sailing Modern Toilets & Showers | Children’s Play Area | Disabled access | Mountain bike hire | Water Points Tennis/Basketball/Football court | Fishing | Golf & swimming pool nearby | Dogs welcome | Pony trekking

www.parkfootullswater.co.uk 017684 86309 holidays@parkfootullswater.co.uk Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2NA November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 49

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Wrap up warmly and mull some red wine, now is the time to go winter cruising. By Frances & Michael Howorth

Winter warmers

T

here are those who tuck their motorcaravans away, settling them up snug and tightly over the winter months, and there are even some campsites and CLs who choose to do the same. Fortunately for those of us who keep our vehicles in commission the year round, there are many who do not, and that offers us the world of opportunity.

An increasing number of Club members are reporting that rather than decommissioning over winter, many are finding new and exciting ways to use their motorcaravans

when the leaves begin to fall and the evenings draw in. Making sure you can do the same is just a matter of proper preparation.

For many, the winter season offers a chance to visit and stay in places where, because of summertime crowds, parking is usually not possible. Take the simple pleasure of sitting in your motorcaravan beside the sea as an example. If ever we want to park on the sea front promenade in the height of summer we need to be on the road before dawn and parking up just as the sun pops up over the eastern horizon! Fast forward three or four months and it is easy to find a great spot on the sea front in the

“

Always partial to a glass of wine or two, we find that on occasions the opportunity to mull some red will present itself

middle of the morning. What makes that even more enjoyable is there are no queues at the fish and chip shop and surely there is no more simple a pleasure than eating a good takeaway lunch in the comfort of your own van with a cup of home brewed tea. Once fortified, you are ready for a bracing and sometimes blustery walk along the beach, secure in the knowledge that if it all gets a little chilly home is just around the corner.

Yes, we do change our seasonal inventory of carried stores. Off goes the shorts, T shirts and sandals and in their place, we load wet weather gear and a woolly jumper or two.

We change our lightweight bedding for something warmer but we also change other less obvious things before we hit the road in winter.

An electric fan heater is a must for when we are lucky enough to camp on a winter site that offers EHU, but the real luxury comes from the 13 amp timer plug which we set for 30 minutes before the wake up alarm.

That ensures we wake up to a toasty warm space. We always insulate the windscreen using a padded exterior >>

se e di l aWdiu M G di M

s e e la diu W G

F FF FOORREESS T T FF II EELLDDS S T HT EH EG GAATTEEW TO OW WAAL EL SE S WA AY Y T

Wake up to this unique rural area in the Heart of Wales. Our awardwinning site is perfectly situated as a base for adventures with access roadsrural through theinbreathtaking scenery. those Wakefantastic up to this unique area the Heart of Wales.For Our awardwho like toispitch up and situated stay put you'll bebase in the for middle of our 500-with winning site perfectly as a adventures acre farm; with woodland, waterfalls, open moorland, lakes and fantastic through breathtaking For those walksaccess to localroads pubs to explorethe straight from yourscenery. pitch. Dogs very who welcome. like to pitch Openup alland year.stay put you'll be in the middle of our 500-

acre farm; with woodland, waterfalls, open moorland, lakes and walks to local pubs towww.fforestfields.co.uk explore straight from your pitch. Dogs very welcome. Open all year.

www.fforestfields.co.uk

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 51

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

“

For many, the winter season offers a chance to visit and stay in places where, because of summertime crowds, parking is usually not possible.

www.shutterstock.com/RogerMechan

cover because that huge expanse of glass certainly knows how to wick away the onboard heat. Wearing a fleece jacket or jumper in the cooler evenings is a no brainer but remembering to take some warm slipper socks is one of the lessons experience has taught us. The floor of a motorcaravan loses its heat a lot quicker than the living room at home! Because it gets darker earlier, we always make sure we have extra flashlights and head torches on board during winter and because those same darker evenings mean we are not walking, hiking or biking quite so much, we make sure there are books to read and packs of cards to spread across the table before it's time to resort to the TV for entertainment.

Food glorious food

Winter means our onboard menu changes slightly. Out go our perineal favourites of salad, cheese, and cold meats and instead, we opt for bowls of pre-made goulash and stew.

Heating them up onboard raises the ambient temperature in the van and once eaten, provides the fuel to keep

Rutland Water Nature

our bodies warm (see our winter recipes on p61). Always partial to a glass of wine or two, we find that on occasions the opportunity to mull some red will present itself and, secure in the knowledge that we are parked up for the night and won’t be driving, we enjoy that as a seasonal variation. Throw in a mince pie or two and suddenly, your van takes on a winter character all of its own and helps dull the sound of the wind or rain that sometimes blights dear old blighty during the midwinter solstice.

Light my fire

Camping during the off season means we look for sites with different attributes. Those that

52 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Reserve

allow campfires get our attention and those that provide firepits around which we can sit become firm favourites. Wrapping up warmly, sitting by the fire watching the sparks and hearing the crackle of logs burning while telling stories to campfire friends as cheeks glow with the heat of the blaze is a great way to spend an evening. Add in marshmallows for toasting or a dram of the Scottish spirit and you have almost certainly got the makings of a party. And if the conversation dies for any reason, you are in the perfect place and frame of mind to practice some stargazing.

Open the year round, Rural Relaxing is a Leicestershire campsite >>

T: 01752 344 122

office@riversidecaravanpark.com www.riversidecaravanpark.com

Fully serviced pitches Holiday home hire Lakeside Glamping Licensed café

Call us on 01491 573419 swissfarmhenley.co.uk

Enjoy a relaxing holiday in the Oxfordshire countryside

Level pitches • Electric hook ups • Premier pitches • Toilet blocks • Free showers • Laundry and ironing room • Dish washing room • Seasonal bar, restaurant and takeaway • Seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool & children’s pool • Games and TV room • Outdoor childrens’ play area • Calor gas sales • Reception with shop area • Motorhome service point Leigham Manor Drive, Marsh Mills, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8LL

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01829 760544 • booking@elmcottage.co.uk

www.elmcottage.co.uk Little Budworth, Cheshire CW7 2QJ Give your vehicles instant grip on snow and ice We stock innovative chains – some are good on grass and mud as well as snow!

SOUTH WALES TOURING PARK Llangennech, Llanelli, SA14 8AX Tel 01554 820420 www.touringpark.wales

OPEN ALL YEAR Spikes-Spider ALPINE Pro – turn your tyres into tracks!

Web: roofbox.co.uk Call: 01539 621884

South Wales Touring Park /Llwynifan Farm is an adults only, 25 pitch touring park. We are one mile from junction 48 of the M4, centrally located to visit any attraction in South and West Wales. All our pitches are hardstanding with a view. There are spacious heated shower rooms, toilets, dish washing and laundry facilities.

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 53

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Charmouth beach, Dorset

that facilitates such activities. A rural, grassy, family-run campsite located opposite the local village cricket ground in Medbourne it certainly lives up to its name. With less than 20 pitches, the 2 acre site is rather quaint with some lovely

touches. There is an honesty box system so guests can enjoy small items to buy such as soft drinks, ice cream etc., and there are fire pits to borrow and bring back – they even stock logs should you not bring or collect your own. Campfires are also

welcome at Brigs Farm, an open all year site near Charmouth, close

by Lyme Regis in Dorset. On Friday nights the brick-built wood-fired pizza oven is fired up for homemade pizza night. Further north, located within 10 minutes of Rutland Water Nature Reserve on a slightly sloping meadow, Cuckoo Farm Campsite welcomes smaller campervans, while offering a laid back, pitch-whereyou-like attitude. Campfires are permitted in the firepits provided year round and farm-owners Roland and Rebecca are thoroughly encouraging of campfire cooking.

A well stocked on-site farm shop means you can buy their own fresh organic produce and keep it both wholesome and local.

Indoor Pursuits

Campfires are not the only attraction of wintertime touring.

The opportunity to visit tourist

Broadhembury Caravan Broadhembury Caravan oadhembury Caravan Caravan Broadhembury Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park &Camping Camping Park & Camping Park & Park & Camping Park

5 star family park and adults meadows • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced pitches 5 star graded separate family park and adults • 5Warm, spacious fully accessible facilities star graded separate family park and adults r graded separate family parkseparate andhardstandings adults meadows • Generous •adults Fully serviced 5 star graded family and adults 5meadows graded separate family parkpark and •star Family Babies’ bathroom • Park security •&Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced s • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced pitches•••Generous Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family meadows • Generous hardstandings • Fully serviced meadows hardstandings • Fully serviced Dog friendly • Many local& foopaths pitches • Warm, spacious showers toilets • Family Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family bathroom • Babies room • for Fully accessible facilities pitches • Warm, spacious showers & toilets • Family pitches • •Warm, showers & toilets • Family location exploring Kent bathroom •spacious Babies room • Fully accessible facilities m • Babies room •Excellent accessible facilities •bathroom Campers • Laundry room • Park security •Kitchen Babies room • Fully accessible facilities bathroom •Fully Babies room •campervan Fully accessible facilities • Very convenient & motorhome •Laundry Campersroom Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security ers Kitchen • • Park security • Excellent location exploring Kent • Campers Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security • Campers Kitchen • Laundry room • Park security parking in Ashford forfor shops, fast trains • Excellent location for exploring Kentto Excellent location for exploring Kent • Excellent location forelsewhere exploring • Excellent location forand exploring KentKent London, Canterbury in Kent.

T: 01233 620859 | www.broadhembury.co.uk 01233 620859 www.broadhembury.co.uk 33 620859 |T: www.broadhembury.co.uk T: T: 01233 620859 | www.broadhembury.co.uk 01233 620859 | |www.broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk l: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Email: holidaypark@broadhembury.co.uk Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NQ

Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NQ ane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent TN26 1NQ Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, KentKent TN26 1NQ1NQ Steeds Lane, Kingsnorth, Ashford, TN26

Ulwell, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3DG Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park is situated in the lovely “Isle of Purbeck” and nestles under the Purbeck Hills. The beautiful coastline is easily accessible, and the park is on the main bus route from Swanage to Bournemouth via the Sandbanks Chain Ferry. Corfe Castle and village are just some 5 miles by road Poole is an easy drive away.

The park has a friendly Village Inn serving excellent meals, an indoor heated swimming pool and a general shop, open in main season.

There are hard standings with electric, water and drainage hook-ups.

Booking for these pitches is essential at all school holiday periods.

There is a modern toilet and shower block and disabled facilities.

There are wash-up areas, chemical toilet disposal and launderettes.

t: 01929 422823 w: www.ulwellcottagepark.co.uk e: enq@ulwellcottagepark.co.uk 54 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

>>

Anchorage Caravan Park

Bagwell Farm TOURING PARK www.bagwellfarm.co.uk

Discover the Landscape Treasure the Memories Camping in Every Season

Tel 01305 782575 | Email mcc@bagwellfarm.co.uk Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

Hardstandings • H & C showers • Disabled room • Launderette Battery charger • Ice packs frozen • Elec hook-ups • Play area Shop • TV room • Hairdressers • Washing up • Family room Heated T/block • Bus stop • Nearby attractions

T: 07814 481088 E: info@wagtailcountrypark.co.uk www.wagtailcountrypark.co.uk

Brecon, Powys, LD3 0LD T: 01874 711246 W: www.anchoragecp.co.uk

Enjoy a relaxing visit to Wagtail Country Park Caravan & Motorhome Touring Park - Luxury Holiday Lodges to buy - Fishing Lake – Disabled access

Rutland Caravan and Camping

“A place to escape the hustle and bustle of today’s busy lifestyle”

In the beautiful county of Rutland...

s ult Ad only

01572 813520

info@rutlandcaravanandcamping.co.uk

Newnes

LUXURY LODGES & INDOOR SWIMMING POOL AVAILABLE

Ellesmere mere

Touring & Caravan Park

Silvercraigs Caravan Park 66_651_RunCottage_ADVURN22056.pgs 09.09.2014 14:44

FMG-Advent

Open all year

3 Heated showers/toilets 3 Disposal point 3 16 amp hook-ups 3 Dog friendly 3 Free WiFi 3 Playpark, shops, & 3 Laundry facilities attractions nearby

www.silvercraigs.net Reception: 01557 337068 E: silvercraigscaravanpark@gmail.com Silvercraigs Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4BH

*Six acre lawned & level dry site *Elevated & sheltered setting *New 4 Star toilets & showers with under-floor heating *Grass pitches *Electric & water hook-ups on every pitch *Grey Waste Water disposal *Chemical Disposal point

A peaceful & tranquil site *New fishing ponds & hot water dog shower *People over the age of 18 only

Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9HH www.thenewnes.co.uk Tel: 01691 624464 Email: info@thenewnes.co.uk

KINGSWOOD CARAVANS 01622 842096 Gravelly Bottom Road, ME17 3NU

Storage spaces available for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, boats, trailers etc.

Self-storage 20 foot shipping containers also available.

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 55

towns when traffic volumes are lower is another. We find that during the winter months there are more motorhome friendly spaces available in cark parks attached to tourist attractions such as stately homes, museums, and art galleries.

We have also noticed that during the winter when visitor levels are lower, the guides and hosts at such locations have more time to share with us. It’s a win win! We get to see more at our own pace and never feel as if we are being rushed from room to room. We enjoyed our tour of Hampton Court while pitched up at a site in Walton on Thames site. Located inside London’s orbital M25 motorway and only 15 miles from the capital, it is so peaceful you would never know you were so close to urbanisation – there is even a resident flock of parakeets. The area is great for outdoor pursuits, offering opportunities for hiking or biking along the riverbank watching

Hampton Court

the boats or as a gentle stroll, and it is close enough to London to enjoy seasonal shopping or theatre going.

So, forget the snow chains, there is no need of them to enjoy winter camping in the UK. All you have to do, is; remember to pack the spices for mulling red wine!

56 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

www.shutterstock.com/Nussar

OUT & ABOUT | WINTER TOURING

Freelance travel journalists Frances and Michael Howorth have been Club members since 2020. They tour in their own custom built campervan.

Converted from a LWB Fiat Ducato Maxi, Voyager is their pride and joy, come mobile office and home from home.

HOLIDAY PARK

n een ar r Opp yyeea O ll aall Sorry, dogs Sorry, nonodogs

Kingsbridge,Nr Nr Salcombe, Salcombe, TQ7 Kingsbridge, TQ74AF 4AF 01548 852723 / 07968 222008 01548 852723 / 07968 222008 www.parklandsite.co.uk www.parklandsite.co.uk enquiries@parklandsite.co.uk enquiries@parklandsite.co.uk

Superbly presented, fully serviced pitches provide the perfect base for exploring Cornwall, just a short drive from Newquay. The park offers touring pitches with hardstanding, water, electric and chemical/toilet waste outlet and parking for your tow car. If you are looking for an idyllic holiday park with fantastic countryside views and a restaurant on-site, get in touch today.

01872 510716 www.carvynick.co.uk Summercourt, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5AF

Campsite facilities: • Located in the Lake District National Park • Family & dog friendly site with amazing scenery • A stream runs through the site, great for kids!

• Fires allowed, if not encouraged!

Voted • Fantastic beaches and walks Runner Up on Channel 4 • Close to central lakes Cumbria’s The • Fabulous shower block Perfect Pitch • Dark Skies site • Open for hardstanding use all year round

BOOK ONLINE / CALL 07456 642 155

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BAYSTONE BANK FARM CAMPSITE & CUMBRIAN HEAVY HORSES

CUM

AAd d oOnn uulltts llyy s

Caravan, andGlamping Glamping Caravan, Camping Camping and ininthe heart of the South Hams the heart of the South Hams

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KE DISTR

IC T

Cumbrian Heavy Horses • Heavy Horse Riding on the campsite • Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch rare breed horses • Stunning scenery in which to ride • Riding to suit all abilities, from instructional hacks around our farmland to fell and beach riding experiences • BHS Approved riding school • Riding holidays and short breaks available • Call to book your heavy horse riding experience

/cumbrianheavyhorses contact annie 07769 588 565

baystonebankfarmcampsite.co.uk | Whicham Valley, Cumbria LA18 5LY November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 57

Tea break teasers See page 65 for solutions

Codeword

%

1

1

58 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

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.

Hard

Medium

Sudoku

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?

%

Quick Crossword

Across

9 Wiggler (9) 10 Eight singers (5) 11 Curtain calls (7) 12 Trap (7) 13 Debatable (13) 20 Equipment for the reproduction of very good sound (2-2) 21 Set apart (5) 22 Irish county (4) 23 Unpredictable (13) 32 Tolerate (7) 33 Sustain (7) 34 Awaken (5) 35 Appraising (9)

1 Gem (5) 2 Dealer in foodstuffs (6) 3 Winged child (6) 4 Sweet dessert (6) 5 Simple life form (6) 6 Dwarfed tree (6) 7 Capital of Canada (6) 8 Speak (5) 13 Publish (5) 14 Intense hatred (5) 15 Hire (5) 16 Island awarded the George Cross (5)

27 Wretchedness (6) 28 Son of one's brother or sister (6) 29 Very handsome young man (6) 30 E.g. the Romanovs (5) 31 Male deer (5)

Anagram Crossword Just like normal crosswords – except that each clue is an anagram of answer.

Across

17 A tenth part (5) 18 Celestial body (5) 19 Faithful (5) 24 General escape (6) 25 Maxed (6) 26 Make over (6)

Down

7 Abet (4) 8 Corseted (8) 9 Devote (6) 10 Pinot (3,2) 11 Chasing (7) 13 Stars (5) 14 Rites (5) 16 Natives (7) 20 Hires (5) 21 Disuse (6) 23 Ancients (8) 24 Meat (4)

Down

1 Create (6) 2 Afro (4) 3 Define (4,2) 4 Croat (5) 5 Stir wine (6,2) 6 Are men? (6) 12 Starship (8) 15 Nan hid (2,4) 17 Biased (6) 18 Not see (4,2) 19 On sea (2,3) 22 O E Ms (4)

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 59

Campsite Directory CAMPING & TOURING PARK IN THE GARDEN

OF ENGLAND

• Outstanding facilities • Hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and caravans • Riverside fishing (seasonal) • Grass and electric pitches • Family park/ childrens entertainment • Restaurants, cafes and pubs on site FROM JUST

£20

Camping Camping Los Los Gallardos Gallardos R.T.A: AL-4-04-0017

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

in in sunny sunny Almería, Almería, Spain Spain Europe’s Europe’s sunniest sunniest spot! spot!

www.CampingLosGallardos.com www.CampingLosGallardos.com www.CampingLosGallardos.com AAAfamily 22 campsite in familyrun runcategory category 2 campsite in family run category campsite in the the south of near AA peaceful the south of Spain near Mojácar.

A south of Spain Spain near Mojácar.

Mojácar. peaceful peacefulcampsite community campsite which community which boasts community campsite which boasts bowling bowling boasts bowling greens,and busy bar, full greens, busy restaurant greens, busy bar, bar, restaurant and shop, shop, full restaurant and shop, full services services including UK TV hookup and much services including UKhookup TV hookup much including UK TV andand much more. more. Full Full service service pitches pitches available. available. more. Full service pitches available.

PER PITCH/ NIGHT

01622 870838 www.hopfarm.co.uk

Call Call +(34) +(34) 950 950 528 528 324, 324, email email or or facebook facebook

Widdicombe Farm In the English Riviera

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

Glen Nevis Caravan Park

BEN NEVIS

YOUR PITCH?

glen-nevis.co.uk

holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk

01397 702191

Ashbourne | Derbyshire

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

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. We have 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. Wi-Fi. Grocery shop and laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking is advised for Bank/school holidays.

www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk enquiries@bankfarmleisure.co.uk Tel: 01792 390228 Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL

Highfield Farm Touring Park

www.bagwellfarm.co.uk

A friendly park near Weymouth on Dorset’s Jurassic Coastline

Tel 01305 782575 Email mcv@bagwellfarm.co.uk Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA

A quiet, beautiful touring park located just five miles from Cambridge.

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

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

7 DAY SPECIALS FOR OVER 50S

“Possibly the friendliest adult only caravan site in Suffolk” 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 E: office@riversidecaravanpark.com www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk

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

OUT & ABOUT | FOOD & DRINK

Winter

warmers

Get cosy and settle down with one of these delicious seasonal recipes after a day out exploring

Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot Serves 6 Ingredients 4 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra 1kg diced pork shoulder 20g butter, cubed, plus a little extra 4 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced 4 garlic cloves, crushed 3 tbsp plain flour 500ml dry cider 400ml chicken stock 2 bay leaves ½ small bunch parsley, finely chopped small bunch sage, leaves picked, 5 left whole, the rest chopped 200ml single cream 400g Maris Piper potatoes 400g sweet potatoes

PART 2

Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan with a little butter and fry half the leeks with a pinch of salt for 10 mins until tender. Add the garlic, fry for a minute, then stir in the flour.

Pour in the cider, a little at a time, stirring to pick up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Add the stock, bay leaves and seared pork, then simmer, halfcovered with a lid for 1-1½ hrs until the meat is just tender.

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Simmer uncovered for a

few minutes to reduce the sauce, if you need to – it shouldn’t be too liquid. Stir in the parsley, chopped sage, remaining leeks, and the cream, then season well.

Peel both types of potatoes and cut into slices 2mm thick. Alternate layers of potato and sweet potato in circles over the pie. Dot the cubed butter over the top and bake for 1-1½ hrs until the potato is tender.

Nestle in the sage leaves, brushed in a little oil, for the last 10 mins.

Rest for 10 mins before serving. >>

Method Heat half of the oil in a deep ovenproof casserole dish, and fry the pork pieces over a medium high heat in batches until seared all over, then transfer to a plate.

Add more oil to the pan, if you need to, while you’re cooking the batches. Once all the pork is seared, transfer to a plate and set aside.

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 61

OUT & ABOUT | FOOD & DRINK

One-pot sausage casserole with garlic breadcrumbs Serves 4 Ingredients 3 tbsp olive oil, plus an extra drizzle 8 large pork sausages 1 onion, finely sliced sprinkle of golden caster sugar 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp tomato purée ½ tsp smoked paprika 400g can chopped tomatoes 100ml red wine 2 bay leaves 400g can butter beans, drained For the crumb topping: 50g fresh breadcrumbs 2 garlic cloves, finely grated handful of parsley leaves, roughly chopped Method Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a shallow ovenproof casserole dish over a medium heat and gently fry the sausages for 5-8 mins, until brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Tip the onion into the pan and fry for 5-8 mins until beginning to turn golden. Drizzle in a little more oil if the onions start to stick. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for a minute before stirring in the vinegar, tomato purée and paprika to form a paste. Tip in the tomatoes, then pour the wine into the tomato can, swish it round, and add to the pan. Stir in the bay leaves and beans, then arrange the sausages on top so they’re halfsubmerged in the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then bake in the oven for 20 mins.

Meanwhile, make the crumb topping. Mix the breadcrumbs with the garlic and parsley, then season and stir in 1 tbsp oil. Scatter the topping over the casserole, then drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp oil and bake for 10 mins more until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Serve direct from the dish.

Creamy pumpkin pasta Serves 4 Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 500g pumpkin or squash, peeled and cut into roughly 3cm cubes 50-100ml whole milk 2 tbsp tomato purée 2 tbsp mascarpone 350g short pasta (rigatoni or penne works well) 40g grated parmesan or vegetarian alternative, plus extra to serve Method Heat the oil in a large, shallow, flameproof casserole or frying pan over a low-medium heat and fry the onion with a pinch of salt for 10-15 mins until softened and translucent.

62 MOTOR CARAVANNER November 2021

Add the garlic and fry for 1 min more. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, cook the pumpkin in a pan of boiling salted water for 1015 mins until tender when pierced with a cutlery knife. Drain and tip into a blender (or use a hand blender). Blitz with 50ml milk and the onions until completely smooth, gradually adding more milk until the mixture is thick enough to just coat the back of a spoon (you may not need all the milk). Tip into a large frying pan with the tomato purée and mascarpone, and bring to a simmer over a low heat.

Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, salted water following pack instructions. Drain, reserving a cupful of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with the pumpkin sauce, parmesan and 50-100ml of the reserved water to loosen. Season and scatter with extra parmesan.

The complete underslung collection GAStore

LPG GAS TANK - low carbon fuel content reduces emissions of CO2.

- Lower operating costs & increased safety.

- save time & space with external fitting & quick, easy fill-ups.

HEATAIR 4G air heater - fast heat up & fully automatic output modulation.

- Quiet night time operation.

- even & well-maintained heat distribution.

EXpanse EXpanse Water Heater - Save space with external fitting (internal option also available).

- Fast heat up, reheat & retention due to the pre-mixed burner.

- Increased control run on gas only, electric-only or both. combined.

for more information please CONtact us today

01425 486950 info@propexheatsource.co.uk www.propexheatsource.co.uk

SWIFT PARTS STOCKED

MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN HABITATION DOORS AVAILABLE 1,500 DOORS IN STOCK OVER 500 LOCKER DOORS IN STOCK, AVAILABLE IN ALL SIZES

DOOR CATCHES, SEALS, DOOR BINS ALSO IN STOCK ALL DOORS ARE POA PLEASE RING OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION

47485 external fit, stable R75 Silver frame, hull white panel 1675 x 540 (aperture size)

Left or right hand 1675 x 540, bin available, sold separately

Internal fit, stable, (split barn), silver frame, hull white panel, 1675 x 540 aperture, left or right hinge available

47412 int fit one piece R90 - Fixed window, TFP, blind 1675 x 540

1920 x 570 aperture, bin available, sold separately

Left hand hinge, appature (hole in motorhome) 1740 x 570, all in one, hull white

47417 int fit stable R90 - Fixed window, TFP, blind 1675 x 540

COACHMAN door with frame 1995x620

1850 x 570

Replacement Hobby entrance door 1755x580

46883 88 stable R75 - Plain stable door, silver frame, hull white panel 1675 x 540

Autosleeper etc Auto sleeper etc 1990x620 with frame habitation door & & mosquito net frame 1925x570

IN LEFT & RIGHT HAND, TO FIT BAILEY, ELDDIS, SWIFT, AUTO-TRAIL, LUNAR, COACHMAN, FLEETWOOD, AVONDALE, ABI & MORE

Contact us: 07860 449303 01482 868632 / 01482 880044 info@olearymotorhomes.co.uk www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk

Bazaar

Private sale advertisements panel. Retiring from motorhoming. Tel: 07500 966550 (Basingstoke)

SNOW CHAINS to suit 215/70-15 tyres, £50. MAXVIEW SATELLITE DISH ARM 8205012PC £30.

AWNING STRAP DOWN KIT £10.

Collect or can arrange delivery to mainland UK. Tel: 07903 468903 (Cambs) ONE 26” WHEEL TANDEM BIKE £100. ONE SET N410 SNOW CHAINS for 16” tyres, £40. Tel 07973 954523 (Bromsgrove) POLAR WINDSCREEN COVERS covers lower screen and vents, for Ducato 2015 onwards. £40. THULE RAINBLOCKER PANELS G2 307302 2.5m, end panel 307305 1.75m, 307306 2m front panels. All for Ducato van with Omnistor awning. £50 per

WANTED BESSACAR E749, SWIFT KON TIKI 659 OR LUNAR ROADSTER 900, or similar. Tag axle, rear bathroom, private purchase. Tel: 07842 462493 (Essex)

MOTORHOMES ELDDIS AUTOQUEST 115 2011, 2 berth Peugeot boxer, manual transmission, 2198cc diesel engine.

24,458 miles only, one owner, full service history, good condition inside and out, white maroon stripes. £29,500 ONO. Tel: 07582 360549

Members'private sale advertisements

Tea Break Teasers (from p 58)

Quick Crossword Across: 9 Earthworm, 10 Octet, 11 Encores, 12 Ensnare, 13 Problematical, 20 Hi-fi, 21 Allot, 22 Mayo, 23 Temperamental, 32 Stomach, 33 Support, 34 Rouse, 35 Surveying.

Down: 1 Jewel, 2 Grocer, 3 Cherub, 4 Mousse, 5 Amoeba, 6 Bonsai, 7 Ottawa, 8 Utter, 13 Print, 14 Odium, 15 Lease, 16 Malta, 17 Tithe, 18 Comet, 19 Loyal, 24 Exodus, 25 Peaked, 26 Rehash, 27 Misery, 28 Nephew, 29 Adonis, 30 Tsars, 31 Stags.

Anagram Crossword Across: 7 Beta, 8 Escorted, 9 Vetoed, 10 Opt in, 11 Cashing, 13 Tsars, 14 Tiers, 16 Vainest, 20 Heirs, 21 Issued, 23 Instance, 24 Mate Down: 1 Cetera, 2 Faro, 3 Feed in, 4 Actor, 5 Writes in, 6 Meaner, 12 Harpists, 15 In hand, 17 Abides, 18 Seen to, 19 As one, 22 Some

Codeword

ACCESSORIES

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

Name: Address:

Postcode: Telephone: Club membership number:

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FOR SALE

Please indicate whether your item is:

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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.

November 2021 MOTOR CARAVANNER 65

Classifieds

& SERVICING 6/01/2014 REPAIRS 12:48 Page 1

AW Motorhome Replacement Body Panel Specialists • Rear Bumpers • Corner Panels • Fairings • Shower trays/sinks • Side Skirts • Wheel Arches • Motorhome Body • Repairs & Remoulding

• Obsolete Panels • Insurance Quotes • Trims • Fast Service • Swift, Hymer, Ci, Rapido etc • Most Motorhomes • Competitive Prices • DIY & Trade

Email: awmarine@btinternet.com Phone: 01268 680606 www.motorhomebumpers.com The Marina, The Point, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7TJ

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.

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

Make this space work for you Call Danny on 01502 725862

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

MOT’s. repairs and servicing to all makes of Motorhomes Habitation Inspections carried out

RUBBER SEALS

NEW CATALOGUE ISSUE 16

M & D SERVICES (BRISTOL) LTD. Unit 1 Balaclava Road Industrial Estate (off Ridgeway Road) Fishponds, BRISTOL BS16 3LJ

SOLVE YOUR SEALING PROBLEMS MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

Tel: 0117 9651900 Fax: 0117 9650651 Email: tony@mdservicesltd.co.uk

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

01425 617722

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

MARINEINDUSTRIALCARAVANAUTOMOTIVE

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

REPAIRS & SERVICING

Motorhome insurance

£275 +

01422 396 742

Please mention ‘Motor Caravanner’

www.caravanguard.co.uk/mc

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

WANTED

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nc Es e t.

19 77

MERIDIAN MOTORHOMES

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 10 years old”

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

HOYLES

DENHOLME

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

We can come to you Cash, Bankers We canDraft comeortoBank you Transfer Cash,Contact BankersTim Draft or Bank Transfer Hoyle Anytime

Call 01502 725862 to advertise

01274 832836 07786 735544

WILKINS

MOTORCARAVANS

Established in the Cotswolds (Glos.) since 1970.

MOTORHOME HIRE www.meridianhire.com

01243 572672

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

info@meridianmotorhomes.com www.meridianmotorhomes.com

ALL MAKES AND MODELS CONSIDERED

UK’S BEST BUYER • INSTANT NO RISK BANK TRANSFER PRIOR TO COLLECTION • IMMEDIATE VALUATION COURTEOUS EFFICIENT SERVICE • FREE NATIONWIDE COLLECTION • OUTSTANDING FINANCE SETTLED Motorhome Sellers Advice Line Members.

01274 832836 •07786 735544 Contact Tim Hoyle Anytime

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

As a national leading multi branch retailer we appreciate the opportunity of buying your motorhome. If you choose to sell outright we will ensure you achieve the top price for your vehicle with recognition for extras fitted and careful ownership.

Call Rob Kirk or Andy Spencer NOW!

FREEPHONE 0800 652 4026 Check out our customer testimonials on the website:

www.m-d-g.co.uk

Open 7 days a week.

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

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

SmarTrack Vehicle Tracking

Protect your motorhome or caravan with the latest S7 and S5 approved vehicle tracking technology fromSmarTrack Over 89 Thousand vehicles* were stolen over the past year.

Confirming that a vehicle is stolen every 5 minutes in the UK It’s wise to protect your vehicle the best way you can.

Monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

International Roaming

Insurance Approved

Free Android/Apple App

Battery Disconnect and Low Battery Alerts

Geofence Technology

Flexible Subscriptions

Repatriations Network

Contact Max Vehicle Security: 0800 276 1476 sales@maxvehiclesecurity.com

*statistics from www.statista.com for April 2020 - April 2021